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By James M. Spear

The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a mineral survey of the Domeland Addition (5207) and Woodpecker (5206) RARE II areas during the summer of 1979. These study areas were examined to determine the presence or absence of mineral resources and reserves and where possible, to estimate values. The study areas are 9 air mi northeast of Kernville, California, and encompass 47,400 acres of primarily granitic rocks of the Sierra Nevada batholith with some scattered exposures of older metasedimentary, volcanic, and metavolcanic rocks. These other rock units partially surround the exposed batholith in the Domeland Wilderness and consist mostly of late Paleozoic quartzites, mica schists, marbles, and meta-volcanics, Mesozoic quartz diorite and gabbro intrusives, and local Tertiary basalt and andesite flows.

Jan 1, 1981

By Stephen R. Iverson

The U.S. Bureau of Mines made an economic appraisal of the Buttermilk study area, Inyo County, California in October 1980. Results of surveys indicate no potential for metallic, non-metallic, or energy resources in the area. However, glacial till covering most of the area prevented bedrock examinations by the appraisal teams or earlier prospectors. No mining claims are known to be in the area. INTRODUCTION Present Studies The U.S. Bureau of Mines, Western Field Operations Center, searched county mining claim records and other data available concerning mineral deposits, claims, leases, production, and mining activity in the area. The Bureau conducted field work in October 1980 searching for prospects and claim locations. Fourteen reconnaissance lode and placer samples taken from the area were analyzed for gold, silver, and tungsten; a spectrographic analysis also was run on selected samples.

Jan 1, 1981

By C. H. Kats, E. G. Meiter, J. J. Bloomfield

"INTRODUCTION.Street manholes for underground power and signal circuits, and for sewers vary in size from small openings that a workman can enter, to large central vaults. As the gas hazards in manholes are similar to those in mines, the mine safety committee of the Bureau of Mines was asked whether the miners' flame safety lamp is a practicable device for indicating inflammable gases in manholes.The coal miner detects firedamp (methane or CH4) with his flame safety lamp by observing the luminous can or the increased length of flame that appears when 1.5 per cent or more of the combustible gas is present. The lamp flame also warns him of lack of oxygen by going out when the oxygen becomes less than 16 to L7 per cent. A tentative rule regarding the proposed use of safety lamps at manholes has been suggested previously as follows: ""Testing for gas: Do not enter manholes until you have .assured yourself that the manholes are free from dangerous gases, by testing with an approved safety lamp, by ventilation, or by other adequate methods."" The Bureau's committee recommended that miners' flame safety lamps are not suitable,testing in manholes because hydrogen gas may be formed therein. The flame safety lamps approved by the Bureau of Mines for use in aseous mines are safe in presence of methane and while not tested against the members of the paraffin hydrocarbon series (CnH2n+2) higher than methane they been have been used therein; the lamps should not be used in hydrogen or acetylene they can initiate explosions in presence of these gases."

Oct 1, 1925

THE Synthetic Liquid Fuels Act (30 U.S.C., 321-325, and amendments) became law April 5, 1944, and a period of intensive research and development in this field was begun by the Federal Bureau of Mines. As part of this program, bulletins were published on pressure hydrogenation,3 the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis,4 and nil stifle.5 The. Bureau also has published a short bibliography on coal gasification,6 mostly of a theoretical nature. Because anal gasification is prerequisite to either the Fischer-Tropsch or coal-hydrogenation processes, publishing this sizable collection of technical information in this form Will Ire valuable. The material will he presented in three parts. as follows I. United Stares Patents. II. United Kingdom, Australian, Canadian, and South African Patents. III. Other Foreign Patents. Part I appeared in early 1960. Part II follows.

Jan 1, 1962

By H. M. Smith

The production of oil during the early development of new oil fields is usually accompanied by large quantities of natural gas. Since in most fields gas under pressure is the main source of the energy causing the oil to move through the sands into the wells and thence to the surface, coincident production of natural gas will continue as long as present-day producing methods are used. Generally the use of this gas is restricted, since markets are not readily available. Consequently, a large portion of the gas produced is often wasted by being blown into the air. The magnitude of gas waste is well brought out in the following statement by Miller: Only a few outstanding examples need be cited to show the enormous production of gas that accompanies the discovery of new sources. In April, 1927, the Ventura field produced approximately 210,000,000 cubic feet of gas a day; and during the summer of 1927 Alamitos Heights reached a peak gas production of 102,000,000 cubic feet a day; on December 1, 1928, as a result of the summer's deeper drilling in the Long Beach field, surplus gas production amounted to 125,000,000 cubic feet a day. It is estimated that in January, 1929, the Santa Fe Springs field will have a daily gas production of 387,000,000 cubic feet from the recently discovered Buckbee oil zone. Of this amount 274,000,000 cubic feet a day will be the surplus above the amount required for field and plant fuel, taken out by utility corporations, and that used in repressuring the Meyer sand which lies above the Buckbee zone. Another example of the waste of large volumes of gas is in the Turner Valley field of Canada, 6 where 250,000,000 cubic feet of gas is being burned daily in flambeaus, as there is no present outlet except at prohibitive cost.

Jan 1, 1931

By P. G. Guest

Many of the gases and vapors used in anesthesia form explosive mixtures with oxygen or air. Sources of ignition for these mixtures always have existed, in operating and anesthetizing areas. When ether was first introduced, candles and gas-lights and coal stoves caused fires and mild explosions of the vapor-air mixtures. Today the chief causes of ignition are electrical. Fires and explosions are still much too frequent; and, because many of the mixtures are rich in oxygen, the explosions sometimes are very violent. Obvious sources of ignition, such as electric-power sparks and arcs in open motors, switches, and receptacles, as well as exposed incandescent wires and hot plates, usually are recognized by hospital personnel and corrected. A source of ignition that is not so obvious to many is static electricity. Until quite recently the presence of this hazard in a large majority of anesthetizing areas was not even suspected. However, numerous explosions -many of them fatal to patients -have been attributed, with good reason, to sparks from static electricity. In this paper the authors present facts to show the prevalence of static electricity in the average hospital anesthetizing area, and the degree to which this easily developed electrical form of energy constitutes an explosion hazard. An effort is made throughout to explain how static electricity behaves, why it is a hazard, and why certain safety measures are needed and recommended. Following the introduction and a short general discussion of static electricity, which incorporates a glossary of pertinent electrical terms, an account is given of inspections and tests made in a number of hospitals. This account includes many suggestions that should be useful to any person who plans to make similar inspections and tests. However, a comparison of materials and equipment used with those described in the report will reveal, in many cases, the potential dangers and obviate the necessity for tests. The hospital work was supplemented by considerable laboratory research designed to determine the spark energies required to ignite anesthetic-gas mixtures and the exact amount of time involved in developing the usual static charges. The results of this research are reported and the implications examined. The paper concludes with a general discussion of static and related hazards in anesthetizing areas and of the most urgent preventative measures.

Jan 1, 1952

By Martin D. Conyac

A mineral resource survey of rock types and geologic structures indicates that the Mt. Henry RARE II area has low potential for the discovery of metallic minerals. Potential for coal and geothermal resources is negligible. Essentially, the Mt. Henry RARE II area has had no claim-staking activity, nor has any mine been developed in it. SETTING Size and Location The 23,000-acre (9,308 ha) "1t. Henry RARE II area (No. 1-666) lies within the Kootenai National Forest approximately 36 mi (58 km) north of Libby, Montana, in the Purcell Mountain; of Lincoln County. Irregularly shaped, the area measures roughly 5-1/2 mi (8.9 km) north-south by 8 mi (12.9 km) Past-west, and lies about 1-1/2 mi (7.2 km) south of the Canadian border.

Jan 1, 1982

By F. D. Wang

This report presents a structural-mesh-generating computer program for the two-dimensional finite-clement method of mine structural analysis of single and multiple openings in nonhomogeneous rock mass. This program greatly reduces the amount of input data required and the chances of error which otherwise are large owing to the large amounts of data and the complex mesh involved. The program description, a user's guide, example problems, and program listing are included.

Jan 1, 1971

By C. A. Herbert

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1932, there were 27 fatalities in the coal mines of Indiana. Four of this number occurred in small mines employing less than 10 men, over which the State Inspection Department has no jurisdiction. In addition to these coal mine fatalities, an explosives accident in a clay mine resulted fatally to one man. Tables 1 and 2, which follow, list the fatalities as to cause and occupation. Table 1. - Fatal accidents by cause, fiscal year ended September 30, 1932 [ ]

Jan 1, 1933

By W. H. Strickland, R. H. King

Ultrasonic ranging sensors are inexpensive, have no moving parts, have no lenses to clean, are normally small and unobtrusive, and can measure distances through moderate amounts of dust, smoke, and humidity, so they are well suited to underground mines. In the work reported here, conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, researchers tested ultrasonic ranging sensors for their abiity to define rib line features for computer-aided navigation of underground mine mobile equipment. The investigation began with laboratory tests of field of view, angle of incidence, intersensor variation, and ranging accuracy of the individual rangers in a ring array produced by Denning Robotics of Wilmington, MA. The results showed that the sensors have good accuracy and low variability. Additional experiments at AMAX's Henderson Mine showed the sensors could accurately and reliably measure the distance to mine features, including convex and concave corners and rib intersections. The results showed that when used properly, the ranger data are accurate enough for reliable mine vehicle navigation When used incorrectly, ultrasonic rangers do not provide the anticipated data. Therefore, this report explains the principles of ultrasonic range measurement, describes the ranger's strengths and weaknesses, and explains proper ranger use and data analysis.

Jan 1, 1993

Prier to the date of this contract, Ocean Energy had developed and demonstrated a high efficiency fluorescent caplamp which operated from a standard 4 volt miner's caplamp battery. This unit produced about five times the light output of the standard incandescent miner's caplamp. The Company believed that the major market for this unique caplamp was in the industrial and municipal applications. Because of the additional safety requirements for coal mining use, and in conjunction with the much smaller market in the mining industry, the additional expense and difficulty of modifying this caplamp to comply with the Federal and State coal mine regulations were not considered at that time. Recognizing the potential of this lamp for improving illumination conditions for underground coal mining, the US Bureau of Mines contracted with Ocean Energy to make the required modifications to this lamp to bring it into compliance with the Federal and State of Pennsylvania regulations, and thereby, make this lamp available to the anthracite and bituminous coal mining industry. At the outset of the contract, the injection molds for the caplamp housing were being completed, and only prototype, hand fabricated, units were available for tests. The Bureau evaluated these prototype units and formulated a performance specification for the miner's version. Light level and distribution, weight, size, angle of tilt, and operating duration were all specified. In addition, it was required that the caplamp be com¬patible with existin charging equipment at the mines and that the final design be in full compliance with MESA Schedule 6D and he ultimately approved by MESA, Approval and Testing, as well as by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Deep Mine Safety. The scope of this contract covered the modifications required to achieve these objectives. It was agreed by the Bureau that all rights to the lamp, including design, material combinations, circuitry, etc. would remain with Ocean Energy. The charger/adapter system and components, which were developed under contract funds, are disclosed hero and become public knowledge and property. Patent applications have been filed by Ocean Energy to protect the mechanical and electrical design aspects of the lamp. It should be noted that this report contains details, designs and data which may be covered by one or more Ocean Energy patent applications, and disclosure herein is made only to provide better understanding of the contract results.

Jan 1, 1975

By David J. Hoadley

This report describes the development and underground operation of a semi-automatic, raise climber, Man and Supply Hoist System designed for stope access in underground metal and nonmetal mines. Demonstrated capabilities of the system include a 4000-lb payload capacity, control from the traveling cage and from up to five remote stations, operating in vertical or inclined raises 5 ft in diameter and up to 300 ft in length and a travel speed of 50 ft/min. The 'system has the capability of operating in crooked raises because the conveyance climbs two stationary wire ropes suspended down the raise. The drive unit is electrically powered with power and control signals supplied to the drive unit through an armored cable also suspended down the raise. The system has been designed for portability, ease of installation and minimum raise development. The system can be installed by two men in five shifts. The hoist has been demonstrated successfully in two underground applications. The first demonstration was in a 5-ft diam, 60 deg inclined raise over a 2-month period. The second demonstration utilized a vertical 5-ft diam borehole to access a blast-hole stoping area. The system successfully provided two shift-a-day service over a 7-month duration demonstration. This report provides a detailed description of the hoist design and its demonstrated performance in two mine applications.

Jan 1, 1981

By W. F. Dietrich

1. On St. Thomas and St. Croix, and possibly also on St. John, low-quality red-burning clays probably can be developed to provide the major part of the raw materials for structural clay products and earthenware pottery. 2. The potential sales volume for structural clay products is too small to sustain a plant in the Virgin Islands to manufacture such products in competition with Puerto Rico; however, handmade patio tile might be produced successfully. 3. The market for pottery utility wares in the Virgin Islands is too small to justify a plant devoted solely to the production of such wares; but it may be feasible to evolve a diversified community activity to make jugs, pots, casseroles, bowls, charcoal burners, patio tile, and other items.

Jan 1, 1955

By Eugene O. Binyon

"Belt and shaker conveyors, used singly or as combined units, have for many years been an integral part of many coal-mine haulage systems. The belt conveyor has also been used extensively as a main haulage unit in open-pit iron-ore mines of the Lake Superior district, particularly on the Mesabi Range. Few underground metal mines, however, either in the ferrous or non-ferrous branches of the mining industry, use the conveyors exclusively or even extensively for underground haulage. At present, only five iron-ore mines in the entire Lake Superior district have belt- or shaker-conveyor installations of any significant size. Of these mines, three are in the Crystal Falls-Iron River district of Michigan on the Menominee Range, one is on the Marquette Range near Ishpeming, Mich., and one is on the Mesabi Range near Keewatin, Minn.Results of the studies of tackless haulage in the Lake Superior district will not permit the establishment of any formula to prove or disprove the advantages of belt or shaker systems at all underground mines. The studies do show that trackless haulage can be used to advantage where the proper conditions exist. Advantages are particularly apparent when development can be planned sufficiently in advance of exploitation to permit installation of belts or shakers as part of the development program and where the systems are extended to include haulage in stopes as well as main entries.During the winter of 1947-48, the Bureau undertook a study of all of the underground ore conveying systems known to be in operation in the Lake Superior district for the purpose of making available to the entire mining industry the technologic data developed in the area. Because conditions that led to the installation of the belt and shaker conveying systems were often a function of the character of the deposit or the method of mining, a brief description of those conditions is included in this report.After a preliminary investigation into the extent to which trackless conveyors were employed in the district, it was found that a detailed study at five bites would result in fair appraisal of that method of haulage in the underground iron-ore mines.Each of the five significant installations is described separately in this report. In one instance, however, company policy does not permit identification of the mine wherein the conveying is done. In that instance the operation is designated as mine ""A"".Unless otherwise specified, all tonnage figures quoted herein are gross.The cooperation of officials of all of the companies operating underground mines in the Lake Superior district permitted successful completion of preliminary studies of mining practices and conveying systems.Special acknowledgment is made to R. D. Satterley, general superintendent, and to operating staffs of the Sherwood and Morris mines of the Inland Steel Co. The assistance given by W. D. Whitman, assistant superintendent, and Douglas Tippett, mine captain at the Morris mine, and P. D. Pearson, superintendent, R. O. Marsten, engineer, and W. Johnson, mine captain, at the Sherwood mine, is acknowledged."

Oct 1, 1949

Protect mine rescuers from heat-induced stress that drastically cuts their endurance and saps their strength. Approach To prevent exhaustion caused by thermal stress, a rescuer can wear a liquid-cooled hood and vest which absorbs heat, thereby reducing the heat-induced strain on the rescuer's heart and circulatory system. How It Works Liquid coolant is continuously circulated through a self-contained system in which the coolant is chilled by a heat sink on the wearer's belt. The coolant, which is a mixture of alcohol and water, is pumped from the heat sink to bladders inside the hood and vest where it absorbs body heat. After absorbing heat In the hood and vest areas, the coolant returns to the heat sink where it is rechilled by passing through a tube coiled around a steel can containing a block of ice. To adjust the temperature of coolant leaving the heat sink unit, a valve can be operated by the wearer, causing part of the flow to bypass the coil. A small pump and a rechargeable battery are also part of the assembly.

Jan 1, 1979

By Douglas F. Scott

Zinc, silver, copper, and tungsten are the principal minerals in Dardanelles RARE II area (No. 4982). Zinc with associated silver and copper occurs in a persistent shear zone in metasedimentary rocks and in a massive sulfide vein; tungsten occurs as disseminated scheelite in a tactite zone along a metasedimentary-intrusive rock contact. Since 1883, approximately 100 lode mining claims have been recorded, mainly it the eastern portion of area No. 4982 (fig. 1). Extensive workings on the Alhambra Prospect indicate past production; however, no records were found for the prospect. At the Alpine Mine, 500 tons of tungsten ore had been mined before 1943 (Hopson, 1943, p. 1) and possibly 1,000 tons of tungsten ore mined by 1947 (Benson, 194/, pp. 2).

Jan 1, 1982

On June 20, 1972, Ocean Energy was awarded Contract No. H0220055, entitled Portable Task Luminaire System Development. Initially, this was a 12 month program consisting of three phases: Phase I -- Design of the Luminaire System and Battery Chargers, Phase II -- Fabrication of Prototype Units, Phase III -- Fabrication of Production Prototype Units and Battery Chargers. In addition to developing the Portable Task Luminaire System, however, this contract was amended a number of times in the course of the program to include the development of a Low Coal Portable Task Luminaire, a Rib Mounted Luminaire System, and a Machine Mounted Luminaire System, all based upon the same high frequency fluorescent lighting and safety technologies involved in the Portable Task Luminaire. This report covers the activities of this program as amended, and includes the development and fabrication of all of the systems. This report constitutes the final fulfillment of the contract.

Jan 1, 1974

By Kenneth H. Johnston

This report describes an in situ combustion project and three waterflood projects in Allen, Anderson, and Wilson Counties, Kansas, that will be visited during the 1964 annual tour of the Kansas-Oklahoma Waterflood Association. Among the unique features of the projects are the movement of heavy crude oil through the reservoir and into the wellbore with energy furnished by burning a portion of the crude oil therein. Another feature is the simultaneous injection of C02 and water, through separate tubing into input wells during early development, to increase injectivity at moderate pressures, Discussion of individual projects includes information on their early history, source and treatment of injection fluids, oil production-decline curves, and the results of water injection on oil production.

Jan 1, 1964

By W. H. Pomroy

This report describes research by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to design and in-mine test a rapid response pneumatic fire detection system for multilevel metal mines. The relative merits of pneumatic detection are discussed in the context of typical multilevel mine layouts and environments. The Bureau's prototype system is described, with emphasis on design features that counter commonly experienced and/or perceived operating problems with pneumatic detection systems. Finally, the results of a 3-year in-mine performance evaluation of the prototype system are discussed.

Jan 1, 1990

By B. J. Moore

This publication contains routine analyses and related source data for 528 natural gas samples from 21 States collected during calendar year 1965 as part of a continuous survey of the United States for occurrences of helium in natural gas. This survey has been conducted by the' Bureau of Mines since 1917. The analysis published herein were made by mass spectrometer and a special helium analysis apparatus, which are described in Bureau of Mines Bulletins 4863 and 576.4

Jan 1, 1966