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By J. B. F. Champlin

The continuing development of the nuclear industry in the United States requires a program of waste disposal that insures against the release of large amounts of radioactivity to the environment. This paper describes research on one proposed means of disposal of this waste, that of injection into geologic formations at depth. Nuclear production plant wastes were simulated and injected into samples of sedimentary rock obtained from outcrops, quarries, and deep wells. Changes in the chemical and physical characteristics of the rocks caused by the interaction of ions and suspended particles in the waste solutions with the cementing material and claylike particles in the rock are discussed. Laboratory tests show that nuclear wastes can be injected into many natural porous, permeable geologic formations. Injectivity can be maintained over a longer period by monitoring the ionic balance and particle-size distribution of waste streams. The combination of permeability and porosity with low cation-retention capacity, as exhibited by most sandstones, would satisfy the engineering requirements for the subsurface disposal of nuclear waste. Shales and clays with their low permeability and high cation-retention capacity would make excellent confining formations. The amount of cation retained by sedimentary rocks increases with increasing valence or concentration of the cation or decreasing brine concentration. The use of rock cores as model reservoirs had proved successful in determining some of the parameters that need to be considered in full-scale field disposal of wastes.

Jan 1, 1967

By N. S. Dalal, Xianglin Shi

"Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements provide direct evidence for the involvement of Cr(V) in the reduction of Cr(VI)· by NAD(P)H. Addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O 2) to NAD(P)H-Cr(VI) reaction mixtures suppresses the Cr(V) signal and generates hydroxyl (·OH) radicals (as detected via spin trapping), suggesting that Cr(V) reacts with H2O 2 to generate the ·OH radicals. Reaction between H2O 2 and a Cr(V)·glutathione complex, and between H2O 2 and several Cr(V)-carboxylato complexes also produces ·OH radicals. These results suggest that Cr(V) complexes catalyze the generation of ·OH radicals from H2O 2, and that ·OH radicals might play a significant role in the mechanism of Cr(VI) cytotoxicity. KEY WORDS: ESR. spin trapping, Cr(VI) reduction, Cr(V), hydrogen peroxide, free radicals.INTRODUCTIONThis communication reports an ESR spin trapping detection of hydroxyl ( OH) radicals.in reactions between some Cr(V) complexes containing biologically important ligands and hydrogen peroxide (H2O 2 ). This work was undertaken because while the reduction of Cr(VI) to lower oxidation states has been suggested as a key step in the mechanism of Cr(VI) toxicity, the reaction· mechanism is not yet clear. 1 Mutagencity has been well documented for Cr(VI) via various bacterial assays, while Cr(III) has been shown not to be mutagenic.2 • 3 Since it has been reported that compounds containing Cr(VI) do not react with isolated DNA,4 the reduction of Cr(VI) by other cellular constituents has been thought to be important in the mechanism of Cr(VI) induced DNA alteration.1·4 • 5 For cellular systems earlier studies include those on the reduction of C~(VI) by microsomes,6-8 rat liver DT-diaphorase,9 and aldehyde oxidase. 10 Regarding the reduction mechanism, Jennette used ESR spectroscopy to show that a long-lived Cr(V) complex is formed as an intermediate in the microsomal reduction of Cr(VI) in the presence of NADPH.8 She postulated that Cr(V) is the ""ultimate"" carcinogenic form of chromium compounds. This conclusion has led to many further investigations of the formation of Cr(V) in the reduction of Cr(VI) under biologically relevant conditions.11 - 19 More recently, however, it has been suggested that oxygen-derived radicals generated during the Cr(VI) reduction are the species responsible for the DNA alteration.20.2• To the best of our knowledge, however, no information is available on the generation of such radicals in the reduction of Cr(VI) under biologically relevant conditions, except some preliminary results on the glutathionyl (GS·) radical formation in the reduction of Cr(VI) by glutathione (GSH). 11 - 19 We, therefore, undertook a systematic investigation of the reaction of Cr(VI) with NAD(P)H, GSH, ix-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and H2O 2 • NADPH was chosen as a model reductant because of its ubiquitous existence inside the cells, its critical role in the enzymatic Cr(VI) reduction,1·6-9 its representation of important cellular Cr(VI) reductants, and its ability to reduce other metal ions.22 GSH was chosen as another model Cr(VI) reductant because GSH also exists inside cells, it represents another important category of cellular Cr(VI) reductants, the thiols, and it also plays an important role in the Cr(VI) toxicity .1• 1 ""- 19.i3.i4 For further clarification, we also studied the reaction of Cr(VI) with several '1'.-hydroxycarboxylic acids in the presence of H2O 2 since these acids are definitively known to reduce Cr(VJ) to form stable, isolable Cr(V).25 .2 6 The results obtained indicate that Cr(V) complexes, produced in the reduction of Cr(VJ) by cellular reductants, react with H2 O 2 to generate ·OH radicals, which might be the initiators of primary events in Cr(VI) carcinogenicity."

Jan 1, 1990

By R. Wiebe

During a recent investigation the authors were interested in determining: (1.) How many points were necessary to locate the deviation curve for copper-constantan thermocouples within an accuracy of about 0.05° C., used in connection with the "standard" thermocouple of L. H. Adams. (2.) Whether copper-constantan thermocouples showing considerable deviations from the "standard' were consistent throughout their calibration. (3.) How reliable the extrapolated portion is - that is, the interval between -183 and -220° C. of the "standard" thermocouple. It seems that a calibration between 0 and -193° C. can be made within the stated accuracy by determining experimentally the e.m.f. of the particular couple at -78.50°, the normal sublimation point of carbon dioxide, and at -182.97°, the normal boiling point of oxygen. Substituting the values found for the two fixed points in the simple quadratic. Equation

Jan 1, 1931

By W. J. Fene, R. D. Currie

The value of protective clothing in the prevention of injuries has long been recognized in many of the leading industries , but the adoption of the idea into mine safety programs is comparatively new . Once started , however , the idea has grown rapidly and the results already obtained by mining companies have shown that it is fundamentally sound . Both coal and metal mining companies are rapidly adopting these protective measures , and since 1924 many mines have become well equipped with eye , head , and foot protection . At the present time approximately 70 percent of the employees in the anthracite mines of Pennsylvania are provided with safety hats . At many metal mines all employees are provided with safety hats, shoes , and goggles . The Pennsylvania mining law provides that all shaft · workers in anthracite mines shall wear protective hats . In According to a study³ made of the nature of 3,485 temporary injuries and of the parts of the body of underground coal mine employees most exposed to occupational hazards , the head and face were injured 665 times , the hands 856 times , and the feet 565 times . Of 2,555 temporary injuries in metal mines , the head and face received 484 , the hands 788 , and the feet 357 . a similar study4 made by a coal -mining company for the year 1928 , of 556 injuries the scalp received 9 , the skull. 4 , the eyes 47 , the hands 62 , the thumbs 21 , the fingers 141 , the ankle , the feet 51 , and the toes 35 . Probably most of these injuries could have been prevented by suitable protective clothing and equipment . This study also revealed that at least one injury occurred

Jun 1, 1933

By D. S. Burgess

A commercially available Halon 1301 extinguisher has been evaluated as part of an explosion-suppression system for use in coal mines. Studies were made both of the dispersion pattern of the Halon 1301 at an initial pressure of 280 psig, and of the efficacy of this suppressant against 9.5 percent methane-air flames. These flames were quenched successfully only when the suppressant was applied before the fireball diameter exceeded 18 inches.

Jan 1, 1971

By Florence L. Feicht, H. H. Schrenk, Carlton E. Brown

This report describes the dropping - mercury electrode , its use in analysis , and the procedure of the Health Division of the Bureau of Mines in determining lead , cadmium , and zinc . The dropping - mercury electrode or polarograph is an electrolytic device , one electrode of which consists of mercury issuing in small drops from a capillary tube . Such electrodes have been in existence for more than 50 years, but they were not used for analytical purposes until about 1922.6/ Developments since have been rapid , especially in Czechoslovakia , Germany , Italy, and Japan and more recently in the United States . A recent bibliography / contains references to, 825 articles issued from 1903 through 1940. In 1939 Kolthoff and Lingane presented the first comprehensive critical review, in English , of the device and its use in analysis . They have recently issued a book on the same subject. Similar information also is included in a recent book10/ by Kolthoff and Laitinen . Much of the information in this and the two following sections on this device and its use in analysis was obtained from these three publications . The use of the dropping - mercury electrode in analysis is based upon the fact that the kind and amount of electro - reducible and electro - oxidizable constituents in solution can be determined from the current -voltage relationships revealed by this electrode or electrolytic device .

May 1, 1942

By R. Wiebe

During a recent investigation the authors were interested in determining: (1) How many points were necessary to locate the deviation curve for copper-constantan thermocouples within an accuracy of about 0.05° C., used in connection with the, "standard" thermocouple of L. H. Adams (2) Whether copper-constantan thermocouples showing considerable deviations from the "standard" were consistent throughout their calibration. (3) How reliable the extrapolated portion is - that is, the interval between -183 and -220° C. of the "standard" thermocouple.

Jan 1, 1931

By N. H. Darton

In mining coal in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania the general custom has been to leave a large percentage of the coal in place as pillars to support the roof. Evidently any practice that involves partial waste of an important mineral resource is bound to be discarded. It is well recognized that one method of obviating probable waste is to fill the workings with cheap or worthless materials, a process extensively employed in the anthracite and some European mines. At present many of the collieries in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania are utilizing refuse from the old culm banks, which formerly were prominent features in the landscape, and are flushing the fine waste underground so that pillars may be reduced in size or removed. As a result the banks are now disappearing and soon will be gone. The fine culm from the breakers and rock from the mines will continue to be available, but the volume of these materials is insufficient to replace any considerable proportion of the coal removed. The next stage of progress suggested is the use of sand. Fortunately there are available large deposits of this material, much of which can be handled by dredges and pumps. This report is issued by the Bureau of Mines in the interest of safer and more efficient mining methods. I ts purpose is to describe the sand deposits in the northern anthracite coal field in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties, Pa, Much of the information available is presented in the map, Plate I. Field studies, mostly preliminary, were made in the summer of 1911 to determine the distribution, amount, and character of the larger deposits. It was not thought desirable to make a detailed examination of the region because when the coal companies decide to utilize the sand their engineers will make precise surveys and drill test holes. In preparing the map the various coal companies were consulted; they contributed a large number of facts, especially as to the deposits in the buried valley of the Susquehanna between Pittston and Nan- ticoke, where nearly 1,000 test holes have been bored. The results of these borings were placed at the author's disposal, and have been utilized in drawing the boundaries given in the wide valley area and its extensions up Lackawanna River and NewportCreek. Wyoming Valley contains deposits of sand that are 100 feet thick over a wide area, 200 feet thick in places, and over 300 feet thick in the deep old channel south of Plymouth.

Jan 1, 1913

By E. J. Gleim

In the mining of coal the trend is toward more and more mechanization. This increased use of machinery to replace hand labor is assuming many new forms and presents a constantly changing aspect. Safety engineers must be alert if the many electrical problems resulting from these new installations are to be handled safely. Some of these problems present possible electrical hazards that may be overlooked by the safety engineer unless they are called to his attention by one who has made a special study of the conditions. The foregoing is especially true of conveyor systems of mining. The terms "conveyor systems" and "conveyor mining" as used in this paper refer to those systems in which various types of conveyors are employed to transport coal away from the working place. In some mines this means complete elimination of track, cars, and locomotives. In others it means that conveyors take the coal from the working place to a convenient loading point, from which transportation is completed by cars and locomotives.

Jan 1, 1941

By Gerald W. Elger

The Federal Bureau of Mines developed a modification in the conventional Kroll process for preparing high - purity hafnium metal . This modification involved the partial replacement of magnesium by sodium in the batch reduction of purified hafnium tetrachloride to sponge metal . The raw tetrachloride was purified either by thermal degassing of the volatile contaminants to the atmosphere or by fused- salt treatment . In the fused- salt treatment , the tetrachloride was contacted with molten alkali chlorides to remove the impurities . The reaction byproducts were removed from the metal by heat treatment in an evacuated furnace . The metal sponge was consolidated by melting into buttons or ingots , which were analyzed for impurities . The purity of the metal prepared by the modified process is superior to that of the metal produced by the conventional method . The hafnium metal was comparable to crystal - bar hafnium except for the oxygen content , despite the abnormally high impurity concentrations in the raw tetrachloride . Several ingots were successfully cold - rolled to sheet .

Jul 1, 1960

By E. C. Lane

"In a previous paper the Bureau of Mines. 3/ presented in condensed tabular form all analyses of Texas crude oils made by the Bureau up to March 193K. This previous report states;The first Al well in Texas was drilled near Oil Springs, Nacogdoches County, in 1863-67. However, the first oil field of major importance in the State was discovered at Corsicana,Navarro County, in 1895. Since that time the petroleum industry try in the State has spread and grown until today petroleum from Texas is an important commodity in world petroleum markets.Since March 1939 samples of Texas crude oils from many new fields, and some older fields not covered in the previous report, nave been analyzed. Those analyses arc reported in the present paper. The annual production by years from 1896 to 1940, inclusive, taken from the figures in the Bureau of Mines Minerals Yearbook, are given in table 1. Production for 1896-1940, inclusive, totals 6,579,715,000 barrels.Various authors reported upon developments and production in the Texas fields in the Transactions of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, Petroleum Division, for 1941. 4/"

Apr 1, 1943

By H. F. Yancey

Although a general relationship exists between the two criteria used to measure sharpness of separation -error area and probable error -they sometimes give quite different appraisals of a particular washing operation. Error area takes into account how the entire raw coal was treated, whereas probable error reflects only how the material of intermediate density was separated, ignoring completely the recovery of clean coal and the rejection of heavy impurity. Error area is thus more reliable for general use. In heavy-medium cleaning, sharpness of separation decreases with increase in separating density, but ordinarily the change is not great enough to affect the yield and ash content of washed coal measurably. Therefore, distribution curves for heavy-medium units can be transposed from one separating density to another, at least in the range of separating densities ordinarily used in the United States.

Jan 1, 1955

By G. R. Hopkins, E. M. SEELEY

According to reports received by the Bureau of Mines, Department of Commerce, as of Jamary 1, 1930, there were 1,035 natural-gasoline plants in the United States, with a total daily capacity of 10,516,000 gallons. (These data do not include one small plant in Alaska.) The last similar survey, that of Jamary 1, 1928, showed a total of 1,155 plants of 8,048,000 gallons daily capa- city. This in two years time the number of plants has decreased by 120, but the total capacity has increased 2,468,000 gallons or 31 per cent. This is roughly equivalent to the gain in production over the same periodi Over half of the increase in total capacity was registered in California, where the development of flush oil production having a comparatively high gas-oil ratio in such fields as Santa Fe Springs led to construction of some new plants and material enlargement of others. Of the total plants, 999 were operating on Jamary 1, 1930, and 36 were shut down. This compares with 1,060 operating and 95 shut down two years ago, which indicates a tendency to dismantle plants as soon as they become obsolete or umrofitable. The total daily capacity of the plants operating on Jamiary 1, 1930, amounted to 10,278,000 gallons, or 98 per cent of the total, leaving only 238,000 gallons, or 2 per cent, for the shut-down plants. This contrasts with the refining industry, which usually has 5 per cent of its total capacity idle; the difference is due to the relative ease with which a refiner can secure a crude supply as against the difficulty the natural gasoline manufacturer has in reestablishing his gas connections. During 1929 the average total daily capacity of the operating plants was 9,899,000 gallons, while the average daily production amounted to 6,015,000 gallons. This indicates that the plants operated during 1929 at 61 per cent of their capacity. Although over 60 plants were dismantled in Oklahoma during 1929 the State continued to rank first in total mumber. California was second in mumber of plants with 165, and was one of the few States that showed a gain since the

Jul 1, 1930

By A. W. Deurbrouck

Five preparation plants employing concentrating tables for washing 3/8- inch to 0 raw coal were tested. Two of the plants were washing Pittsburgh-bed coal, two were washing Pocahontas-bed coal, and one was washing Elkhorn-bed coal. Samples of the feed to and products from the tables were collected over the normal operating shift. These samples were analyzed, and complete performance criteria were determined. The results of this study show that the concentrating table is an effective fine-coal cleaner even when operating at 40 percent over the recommended 10 tons per hour feed rate. Recovery efficiencies for the 3/8-inch to 200- mesh size fraction ranged from 97.3 to 99.3 percent; maximum yield errors and ash errors were 2.4 and 1.0 percent, respectively; probable errors ranged from 0.074 to 0.115 specific gravity units and error areas from 52 to 73 square centimeters. The amount of minus 200-mesh material in the water used for feed water and dressing water to the table had no significant effect on the sharpness of the separation achieved but did have an effect on the ash content of the clean- coal product. In the one plant studied, the substitution of fresh water for plant circulating water reduced the ash content of the clean coal by about 6 percentage points.

Jan 1, 1963

By L. C. IlsLey, E. J. Gleim, F. CRAVEN

Electrical apparatus and circuits began to be used in mines about 50 years ago. A search of the literature on mining reveals that in 1882, umping was being done by electricity in some aines of England. One account tells of a small electric locomotive being used in 1882 "to drive eight corves loaded with coal" in a mine near Dresden. In an account of his visit to some English mines, en American in 1892 mentions that he saw underground electric signals, lights, pumps, hoists, and one revolving- cutter-bar 19wall mining machine,. Among the carl electrical installa- tions in the United States was an electric locomotive in the Lykens Valley Coal Co. mine at Lykens Valley, Pa., in 1887. In 1889 the Sperry electric coal digger was being tried out. Tarce mining machines were placed in the Prospect mine, East Palestine, Ohio, in 1890. An electrical pumping plant was put in oneration during 1892 in the Woodward mine of the Delaware, Lacka- rahma & Western Railroad Co. Thus we Almost coincident with the proposed use of this new servant in under- ground workings, came the thought of making it safe in gassy mines. find an account of a design for a protected stationary electric mine lamp proposed by Edison in 1831. Enclosed-type motors rere developed in the United States and shiped to English collieries about 1903. From those early beginnings there has been continuous progress until to-day one finds hundreds of pieces of specially designed electrical apparatus distributed in American coal mines and in mines of nearly all important coal-producing countries. Along with introduction of this equipment grew the idea of the necessi- ty of government aid, in standardization. In most coal-mining countries to- day the governments either directly or indirectly have a considerable in- fluence in guiding the design of electrical equipment intended for use in Pasay mine

Jan 1, 1933

By D. Harrington, C. W. Owings

The mining industry is gradually realizing that safety education and safety inspection are economic factors that may not be overlooked as a means of reducing operating costs . Many mine operators , however , have failed to realize the benefits of safety , and the efforts of the more progressive mining companies are offset by the carelessness of neighboring companies when the accident records of a community or a State or the nation as a whole are considered . This tendency is indicated by the data collected by the safety division of the United States Bureau of Mines . During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1930 , relatively definite information: was secureä concerning 34 mine explosions , 24 mine fires , and 29 miscellaneous accidents ; these accidents are by no means all of the explosions , fires , and miscellaneous accidents which occurred in the mines of the United States during the period; but the data on the fires and explosions constitute a record of all of those types of accidents that were called specifically to the attention of the safety division , and the miscellaneous accidents include those on which definite , detailed data were obtained by the safety division .

Jan 1, 1931

By M. J. Ferrante

A process was investigated for preparing Specification-grade nickel (containing less than 1 percent cobalt) by stripping it electrolytically from a nickel sulfate-boric acid solution and using the stripped electrolyte for the preferential dissolution of nickel from basic carbonates of nickel and cobalt. The basic carbonates were produced at the plant at Nicaro, Cuba, owned by the U.S. Government. Determination of the optimum conditions for deposition of Specification-grade nickel indicated that the upper limit of cobalt concentration was 0.1 gram per liter. The pH, temperature, and concentrations of nickel and boric acid in the electrolyte were not critical. An aluminum cathode and two lead anodes were used at a cathode current density of 1.2 amperes per square decimeter.

Jan 1, 1959

By A. T. Harris

Ground quartzite, known in the industry as amorphous silica, is produced from a quartzite deposit near Honey Brook, Pa., by George F. Pettinos, Inc., of Bala-Cynwyd, Pa. The quartzite is mined by the open pit method and processed in a mill at the mine. The operation regularly produces five standard grades of sand and one grade of crushed stone; however, the company accepts special orders and will produce material to meet the customer's specifications. Beneficiation (chiefly crushing and screening) is controlled by laboratory screen tests on samples taken during preparation of the sand. The chief uses of the sand are for foundry operations, furnace lining, concrete aggregate, and Other specialized uses. The quartzite in this deposit is of uniform composition and does not require control by chemical analysis. However, for special purposes, analysis will be furnished.

Jan 1, 1965

By A. T. Harris

Ground quartzite, known in the industry as amorphous silica, is produced from a quartzite deposit near Honey Brook, Pa., by George F. Pettinos, Inc., of Bala-Cynwyd, Pa. The quartzite is mined by the open pit method and processed in a mill at the mine. The operation regularly produces five standard grades of sand and one grade of crushed stone; however, the company accepts special orders and will produce material to meet the customer's specifications. Beneficiation (chiefly crushing and screening) is controlled by laboratory screen tests on samples taken during preparation of the sand. The chief uses of the sand are for foundry operations, furnace lining, concrete aggregate, and other specialized uses. The quartzite in this deposit is of uniform composition and does not require control by chemical analysis. However, for special purposes, analysis will be furnished.

Jan 1, 1965

By J. P. May

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report identifies and evaluates factors responsible for dump-point accidents involving mobile mining equipment. Information regarding the occurrence and severity of the accidents, the industries affected, the types of equipment involved, the primary and contributing causes, and pertinent Federal regulations is included. The aim of this report is to provide information that will aid mine operators in the recognition of hazards associated with mobile equipment operation near the dump points of stockpiles and waste dumps.

Jan 1, 1990