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By Russell Griffin

The current state of the art of fire and smoke detection technology is reviewed from the standpoint of suitability for use in under- ground metal and nonmetal mines. Detection modes, fire signatures, and environmental considerations are included. Preliminary results of long- term, in-mine tests are presented.

By H. B. Hill

Virtually from the date of its discovery in December 1928 the Oklahoma City oil and gas field, Oklahoma County, Okla., has attracted national and international attention. The history of the field has been associated closely with rules and regulations pertaining to production control and proration practices. Early development was rapid, and Oklahoma City soon attained the distinction of being the first major field in which the producing wells were over a mile in depth. Before the structural features of the reservoir had been disclosed every outpost well was considered a "wildcat", so complex appeared the underground geology, The wells not only were deep and the reservoir pressures high, but the production from the early wells was a high A.P.I. gravity oil, accompanied by large volumes of gas. Several "blow-outs" and fired occurred during the early development, and the close proximity of these now unusual events to a large city gave the field much publicity, both local and national. Later, when its production threatened to demoralize the market for oil and its products, the Oklahoma City field again attracted wide publicity. The then little understood geology of the underground reservoir and the diversity of ownership of the land overlying the producing structure made orderly development and production difficult to enforce. Proration was enforced with difficulty., and the, rate of production from the field continued to increase until, on August 4, 1931, martial law was declared in all prorated fields of the State, and most of the wells in the Oklahoma City field wore shut n. On October 9, 1931, permission was granted t o reopen and prod e the wells in the Oklahoma City field. The order permitting production of the wells provided that during the period beginning October 10 and extending to October 20, 1931, all wells in the field that hid not produced more oil than specified under the earlier proration orders and that had been shut in for the required 55-day period were permitted to produce 5 percent of their last potential during that 10-day period. On November 7, 1931, the Corporation Commission of Oklahoma issued an order which divided the Oklahoma City field into the Wilcox, Arbuckle, and Lower Simpson zones for proration purposes. Wells producing from the Wilcox zone were allowed to produce 4 1/2 percent of their potential5/ from November 1, 1931, to January 1, 1932; Arbuckle limestone wells were allowed to produce 250 barrels of oil daily; and Simpson sandstone wells which had a potential of over 2,000 barrels per day or which made 3 percent or more water were allowed to produce 200 barrels of oil per day.

Jan 1, 1937

By James Westfield

Bureau of Mines activities for safety and health in the mineral industries were reorganized during the fiscal year to provide direct supervision by the Assistant Director -Health and Safety. On December 19, 1954, the field offices conducting these activities were designated as district health and safety offices reporting to the Assistant Director. The functions of determining the causes of accidents and injuries in the mineral industries and recommending measures to eliminate them were continued, with satisfactory results in improved safety records. The inspection of coal mines and enforcement of the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act of 1952 were conducted as directed by the Congress, and safety conditions in the mines were notably improved. One coal-mine explosion classed as a major disaster occurred during the year. The causes of that explosion and means for preventing a recurrence were still under investigation because of the extreme difficulty in recovering several portions of the mine. Basic research on the nature of certain hazards and ways of eliminating them is continued. Training of individual workmen and supervisors in this knowledge is a major part of the work.

Jan 1, 1956

By Thomas O. Meyer

Laboratory test results are presented for the determination of elastic modulus made with the NX borehole jack. Determinations were made in massive pieces of aluminum so as to satisfy conditions of linear elasticity, homogeneity, and isotropy. Results indicate a large discrepancy (approximately 200 percent) betwen material modulus as determined by laboratory block-loading tests and that indicated by the jack under relatively ideal circumstances. Effects due to interface friction, finite block size, incomplete plate-bore contact, and other factors were examined and found not to be significant. Finite element results indicate that assumed loading conditions for the jack differ from those actually occurring, at least in materials of high elastic modulus (approximately 10 million psi), such as quartzite.

Jan 1, 1974

By W. P. Diamond

The direct method test was developed for general mine safety applications by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in the early 1970's to measure the gas content of coal samples obtained from the relatively shallow depths of eastern U.S. coal mines. Over time, applications for gas content data evolved which required increasingly accurate desorption values. It became evident that some of the inherent weaknesses in the original direct method test could best be addressed by abandoning the water displacement based desorbed gas volume measurements. The ideal gas law based modified direct method (MDM) and associated desorbed gas volume measurement apparatus was developed to provide the most accurate desorption values possible for rock samples obtained from any gas-bearing strata. The MDM has a number of significant advantages, including: (1) increased accuracy, especially for low gas content samples, (2) a test apparatus with an integral sampling port to facilitate the collection of uncontaminated gas samples, (3) an inherent head space effect correction in the periodic MDM desorbed gas volume calculations, (4) measurement of positive and negative desorbed gas volumes, (5) elimination of differential gas solubility effects as a source of error inherent in the water displacement methods, and (6) a compact and rugged test apparatus that along with the elimination of the ?glassware? required for the water displacement methods, facilitates its use in the field.

Jan 1, 2008

By R. G. Warncke

In the 1953 National First-Aid and Mine Rescue Contest, 58 teams from 9 States participated, 14 teams from 6 States in mine rescue and 47 teams from 9 States in first aid. Three of the teams were combination teams in that the same team participated in both the mine rescue and first-aid contests. The States represented and the number of teams from each State are shown in table 1. [ ] The contest was conducted in accordance with the general rules prepared by the Rules Committee and approved by the General Committee of the National First-Aid and Mine Rescue Committee.

Jan 1, 1955

By Chas. G. Maier

The absence of plants on the Pacific coast for the reduction of iron ores usually is attributed to the fuel situation there. Thus, the bulletin of the. State Division of Mines for 1933, entitled "California Mineral Production," says: "There are considerable deposits of iron ore known in California, notably in Shasta, Mad era, Placer, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties, but production has so far been limited for lack of an economic supply of coking coal." It has been estimated that the six major steel plants of the Pacific coast have an annual ingot capacity of 600,000 tons. The present need for tin plate averages 300,000 tons yearly for California alone, of which some 12 percent is manufactured locally. If the consump¬tion of other iron and steel products in 1929 may be taken as an approximate, estimate of the normal requirement for such products, it may be estimated further that, 65,000 to 75,000 tons each of cast-iron pipe and steel reinforcing bars and 300,000 to 400,000 tons of structural shapes and plates will be required annually in California.

Jan 1, 1936

By G. L. Oldright

The Metallurgical Branch of the Bureau of Mines, as a part of its duties under the Organic Act, works to prevent wastes in industry and to disuse inmate information on the fundamentals of metallurgical processes. During the war, the necessity of large production was increasingly emphasized. Such duties necessitate from time to time the study of units of full commercial size, the operation of which is beyond the facilities of the Branch. When developments have reached this stage; work has been continued in cooperative agreements with operating companies that have been willing to contribute the use of their plants and staffs and to allow the publication of the results obtained for the common good of the industry.

Jan 1, 1948

By Rudolf E. Greuer

This report contains the practical application of a computer program for the simulation of ventilation systems under the influence of mine fires and other emergencies on five hardrock mines. The introduction describes the need for such a program, its basic features, and the range of its applicability which is mainly a function of the available ventilation data. The second chapter discusses program modifications, whose necessity or desirability was, during the application, discovered. The following five chapters, which comprise the major portion of the report, give the detailed description of the program application on the five mines. For every one of the selected mines, the ventilation system, the source of the used ventilation data and their preparation for computer simulations are outlined. Based on data for the airflow distribution solely, fumes concentrations in the mines are calculated for several assumed fire locations. Based on data for airflow and pressure distributions, ventilation disturbances caused by fires as well as the resulting fumes concentrations and temperatures are determined. The consequences for escape routes and the possible means to keep them free of fumes are discussed. To investigate the capabilities of the program, other contaminant sources and other potentially dangerous ventilation factors, like fan failures and changed surface temperatures, are simulated also. The results of the calculations have been entered into ventilation plans which makes them easier to scrutinize. All significant computer printouts have been attached.

Jan 1, 1981

By Sean Gallagher, Thomas G. Bobick, William S. Marras

Twelve healthy, experienced underground cool miners performed lifting capacity tests in stooped and kneeling postures using a modified psychophysical procedure. Subjects adjusted weight in a lifting box to the maximum they could handle without undue fatigue in an asymmetric lifting task. Lifting periods were 20 min in duration and the frequency was 10 lifts/min. Tests were performed under a 48-in. roof that restricted the subject&apos;s posture. Psychophysical. physiological, and biomechanical dependent measures included the maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL), heart rate (HR), rate of oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation volume rate (VF), respiratory exchange ratio (R), and integrated electromyography (EMG) of eight trunk muscles. Results indicated that the MAWL was significantly lower when kneeling than when stooped (p < 0.05), Furthermore, metabolic demands were greater in terms of HR (p < 0.005) mid VO2 (p < 0.05) when kneeling. Left and tight erectores spinae muscles exhibited increased EMG activity- in the kneeling posture (p < 0.001). It was concluded that psychophysical lifting capacity is decreased, while the metabolic stress and internal load on the spine are increased, in the kneeling posture. Results of this Bureau of Mines study indicate that it may be advisable to reduce the weight of materials that are handled repetitively in the kneeling posture.

During the period 1979 thru 1982, Multi Mineral Corporation conducted a mining research program at the United States Department of the Interior&apos;s Bureau of Mines Oil Shale Mining Environmental Research Facility in the Central Piceance Creek Basin, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The program consisted of mining, environmental and geotechnical research data and the results are described in this report.

Jan 1, 1983

By Warren M. Mahan

A rotary kiln process was developed by the Federal Bureau of Mines to produce consistently an iron product containing 3 to 7 percent nickel. Cuban laterite and serpentine ores were smelted in a gas-fired batch-rotary kiln) 5 feet in diameter and 9 feet long. The metal contained 2 to 4 percent carbon, with little or no silicon, and could be produced on a large scale with modest capital investment. A total of 121 tests was run using this procedure. The tests were conducted with a maximum temperature of 2,625° F., using linings of firebrick containing 40 to 70 percent alumina. Slags in the kiln were acid to neutral. The material in each batch passed through three stages: (1) Sponge metal, (2) carburization, and (3) balling and meltdown. Half the tests were made while firing the kiln with atmospheric-temperature air; the remainder were fired with preheated air. Tests showed that preheated air decreased fuel requirements, dust losses, and reducing agent, and increased the capacity of the kiln.

Jan 1, 1960

This report, the second in an annual series, summarizes information on latest technological developments and advances, and identifies trends in mining and metallurgy based on a review of activities in the minerals industry in 1971. Exploration and mining data obtained from an annual canvass are presented for 1971 and are compared with similar data obtained over the past decade.

Jan 1, 1973

By Robert L. de Beauchamp

The Bureau of Mines designed a chlorination apparatus to prepare CrCl2 free of CrCl3 by the direct reaction of chlorine and chromium. Equipment and procedures were developed for routine preparation of 25-pound batch quantities of anhydrous CrCl2. Calcium, iron, nickel, and silicon impurities were in the 0.01 to 0.05 percent range, and all other impurities were below 0.01 percent.

Jan 1, 1968

By Mohan K. Wali

This report, the first in a series of 13 reports, provides a summary of 11 major topics on which individual reports have been prepared. These major topics are: (a) Nature of coal mine spoils, topsoils, and unmined soils; (b) influence of macro- and microclimate on (c) plant production on spoils and topsoils; (d) prediction of aboveground biomass from plant cover; (c) mineral composition of plants; (f) controlled environment studies on plant growth response; (g) microbial communities (h) water chemistry and organism diversity of catchbasins; (i) vegetation and soil development on abandoned, and (j) topsoiled sites; and (k) viability and diversity of seed bank. Based on these investigations, general conclusions and some recommendations are presented.

Jan 1, 1982

By Ronald P. Hollenbeck

The value of mineral production in Alabama reached a new high of more than $246 million. 4 percent above the previous record established in 1964. New high values were reported for bentonite, portland cement, fire day, kaolin, miscellaneous clay, lime, crushed limestone, crushed marble, mica. salt, and sand and gravel. Among the States, Alabama ranked second in the production of bauxite and scrap mica and third in the production of native asphalt. The mineral industry of Alabama was dominated by the mining and processing of coal and Slone, the manufacturing of cement, and the production of crude petroleum, which together comprised 85 percent of the total value of mineral output, compared with 84 percent in 1964. The iron ore industry continued to decline. Coal production continued to increase, resulting in the State&apos;s coal-mining best year since 1948.

Jan 1, 1967

By M. John Brodie

This report reviews the regulatory environment as it pertains to waste rock management and disposal from mining operations, excluding coal and placer gold operations, in the \irate of Alaska. It is based on the EPA&apos;s staff position on an effective program to regulate mining waste as presented in the May, 1990 Strawman II document. The unique conditions which occur in pans of the state, including a fragile environment, high seismicity and permafrost, are identified. The special waste management practices which are necessitated by these conditions are delineated. The report provides a detailed outline of the current technologies that are suitable for designing, constructing, operating and closing a waste rock facility to meet environmental protection objectives. Cost implications to the mining industry of potential regulatory actions, such as the degree of groundwater protection, are examined.

Jan 1, 1992

By R. D. Saltsman

This report is in fulfillment of Contract No. H023001.5 awarded to Bituminous Coal Research, Inc., on November 15, 1972. The scope of the work under this contract was to perform a two-phase survey for the purpose of determining the status of work in the following specific areas of industry needs under the Technology Transfer Program and to increase industry&apos;s awareness of research efforts under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 6f (P.L. 91-173): 1. Research and development of respirable dust sampling instruments which will more accurately collect the respirable Cuss as defined by the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. 2. Development of a better means of control of respirable dust and float dust.

Jan 1, 1973

By Donald R. Corson

The effects of adding varying amounts of type I portland cement to hydraulic backfill are described. Six different fill materials, each with three cement contents, were tested to determine which fill properties have the most significant effect on cemented strength. Two strength prediction equations, based on the physical and mineralogical properties of the fills, were formulated, and these accounted for 96 and 99 percent of the variability of the data. Results of both unconfined compression and triaxial tests of cemented fills are given, and the effects of moist curing and fill densification on the 7-day strength are discussed. Permeability test data are given, and the decreased permeability due to cement content and curing time is shown graphically. A discussion of the limited evaluation of other potential stabilization additives (expansive cement, fly ash, sodium silicate, gypsum, and asphalt) is included in an appendix.

Jan 1, 1970

By R. R. Sayers

Mine operators and managers for a number of years have known that the maintenance of health among the workers has an appreciable financial value, In order to maintain the health, it has been found ne cessery to imow; 1. The health hazards existing in the industry as a whole and the specific hazard in the individual mine. 2. The physical condition of applicants for employment as well as that of the old employees. This can be determined only by systematic physical examination of all applicants and of regular employees at intervals of at least once a year thereafter. 3. All cases of sickness that occur among the workers. No operator or manager, or personnel, medical, or safety organization can control or prevent sickness without knowing where, when, and under what conditions the sickness actually occurs. In order to obtain information as to the hazards of industry, investigations have been and are being made of the effects of the condi- tions both in the field under usual working practices and in the laboratory. In the field several factors are generally present which affect the health. The effect of these factors may be determined by studying each of them separately in the laboratory. However, both the field and the laboratory studies are limited in value in that such studies usually have been made over a comparatively short period. While we have some information as to their immediate effect, we do not know to what extent extreme heat, humidity, the presence of dust or other health hazards are the cause of disability. Mortality statistics are probably the most easily available indices as to the hazards of industry. As an example, a study of such statistics among coal miners of Indiana shows a marked increase in the death rate in 1918.

Mar 1, 1923