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By Larry G. Stolarczyk

This report deals with information regarding a new Medium Frequency (MF) Wireless Communication System for underground mines. This new telecommunication system works on low loss electromagnetic wave propagation modes which allow it to provide quality radio communications almost anywhere in a mine. Tests show the MF system can provide improved safety and managerial control, increased productivity, better organizational team-work and reduced maintenance cost; furthermore, MF's unique design allows for easy installation at a minimum cost. This paper covers the following: 1) MF design plan, 2) Overview of mine radio communications systems, 3) Preparations needed for designing an MF system, 4) MF equipment, 5) MF installation, 6) MF design considerations, 7) MF design specifications, and 8) Recommendations dealing with MF system. Experiments in four mines are illustrated to demonstrate the success and viability of the MF system. The mines range from small (500 tons/day) to large (67,000 tons/day) capacity and represent several different mining methods. The MF Wireless Communication System represents an advancement in mining communication and the groundwork for other advanced mine systems.

Jan 1, 1984

By W. B. Berwald

[Accurate ~cusirc::ie t of euusu.rface r,resw rus £Uld tee:: ?er:~t:,res in producin+ oil and as wells is one of tine ast iy,ulortant steps ever t,.s:en to place the rprwctice of retroleum ,-iroduction on an exact scientific basis. i'reerures and teial.or-tures in a -petrolcuia r4:, rvoir. have a rn..r..ed influence over the o:wvement of oil and ~c s both within the. reservoir and t~:rou,=Ii the various-size "flow otrin;;u" of proLucin,; wells to tine surface. Knovrled: ?c of theso fc,.ctgrs form a Laois for cny attei:ant to [.,-~ly eciantific j:cthods to the solution or analysio of mc.nj proble;ae encountered in the production of oil and 1c_c, Without a.ccur:tc mcaaurx,ients of reosures r:.nd tcn::paratuxes within the rocervoit and -well 'flo-,r strinL:s" tae aI,licution of w.ny proved enbinecrin and scientific princiy-,loo is on %,]

Jan 1, 1935

"M bed, Matanuska valley, Alaska, coal carbonizingproperties B 510M spectral lines, low-energy, study RI 5538Mab shaft, Leadvile district, Colo., investigation RI .1518Maberry process, for aluminum chloride TP 321"

Jan 1, 1960

By J. A. Jr. Carpenter

Expanding world economic prosperity, probable peaking of conventional petroleum production in the coming decades and environmental concerns require efforts to increase the efficiency of, and the development of alternatives to, petroleum-based fuels used in automotive transportation. In January 2002, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and the U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) of the "Big Three" traditionally-USA-based automakers, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors, formed the Freedom Cooperative Automotive Research (FreedomCAR) Partnership to fund high-risk, high-payoff research into advanced automotive technologies with the potential for eventually lowering the USA's nearly complete (95%) dependence on petroleum, 55% imported, for its transportation fuels. FreedomCAR replaced the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) which existed from 1993 to 2001. In January 2003, the energy-supply industry joined with the FreedomCAR Partnership forming the FreedomCAR and Fuel Initiative (FC&FI) to develop the technologies needed for the mass production of fuel-cell vehicles using hydrogen as fuel and the infrastructure needed to deliver the hydrogen to the consumer. The goal is to enable the automotive and energy-supply industries to make commercialization decisions in 2015 on large-scale introduction of such vehicles and on developing the infrastructure beginning in 2020. In addition to work on fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure, the FC&FI conducts research on technologies with the potential for nearer-term energy efficiency and environmental benefits, such as new engine concepts, lightweight materials, and engine-electric hybrid propulsion systems. Lightweighting is seen as crucial for shorter and for longer term benefits because hybrid and fuel-cell powertrains are expected, at least in the early stages of adoption, to be heavier and more costly per unit of power than the standard internal-combustion, gasoline- or diesel-fueled powertrains they replace. Research and development (R&D) on casting of aluminum automotive components were major parts of the PNGV and R&D on casting of magnesium automotive components have been and are so under FreedomCAR. This presentation will review those efforts.

Jan 1, 2006

By S. K. Schwartz

"This paper describes the general layout of the environmental monitoring scheme at Devco 's No. 26 Colliery, including wall face ventilation, fan performance and methane drainage, and then goes on to discuss the sensors, the outstation layout, the surf ace control room and the protection of the system.IntroductionCape Breton coal mines have been pioneers in the use of the latest technology in mining coal on this continent. To mention just one example, continuous methane monitoring at the coal face was started in 1976 and the idea of automatically stopping the face conveyor during high gas levels using the face signalling system was conceived and developed by CBDC engineers.With the introduction of remote environmental monitoring, No. 26 Colliery will be the first underground coal mine in Canada and possibly in North America to have computer-based comprehensive environmental monitoring.Traditionally, surveillance of the mine environment has been based mainly on periodic checks by portable or hand-held monitors. Although this method proved adequate, it has some limitations, namely:1) restricted 'number of observations and samples;2) relatively long time between taking measurements and availability of results for assessment.With remote monitoring, the above limitations are overcome because (a) monitoring is continuous and (b) monitored data are updated quickly (typically 5-7 sec.). Remote monitoring also provides a centralized 'information center' at the surface from where the entire mine environment can be monitored. Details of modes in which data can be displayed and features available at the location will be discussed later in the paper."

Jan 1, 1982

By J. Venter

The history of firedamp is the same as that of coal: The initial stage was the accumulation of vegetation, which was converted into peat under certain local conditions, then lignite, bituminous coal, and finally anthracite. These deposits ceased to increase owing to inundation that deposited earthy sediment, sometimes as much as several tens of meters (several tens of yards). The vegetable matter, whether it was covered with sediment or not, began to ferment. The basic organic components of the vegetable matter are: Cellulose, lignin, and wax and resin in varying proportions, according to the different kinds of vegetable matter. There are, in addition, some impurities, generally mineral.

Jan 1, 1953

By K. E. Barnes

"The “Jameson Cell” flotation cell was developed at Mount Isa Mines in the late 1980’s to address deficiencies in our flotation column installations. Early base metal installations had a variable record. The test work and trials showed they made an improvement metallurgically when operated correctly, but performance of the early installations was hindered by a range of operational and maintenance issues. The installations needed to be more robust, and we needed a better understanding of how to successfully integrate the cells into the plant flow sheet.During the 1990’s, Jameson Cells had great success in coal fines flotation and organic removal in SXEW applications, and became the standard in these applications in Australia. These installations improved the cell design and materials of construction and the cell flow sheet design, to make it low wear with self-regulating control, producing good performance with little operator input.These improvements have enabled a fresh look at the use of Jameson Cells in base metals. Recent new installations have shown significant benefits in “hybrid” circuits, that combine the best features of both Jameson Cells and conventional flotation cells, achieving better overall circuit performance in a smaller footprint than either technology could do by itself.Case studies of successful base metal applications are discussed, using size-by-size mineralogical performance to explain the improved circuit performance. The new methods of flow sheet test work design are also described."

Jan 1, 2006

By Thomas L. Starks

Surface soil/spoil Samples (0-10 cm) from experimental test sites in western North Dakota were aseptically collected during August 1975 and each month (May through September) during 1076 and 1977. Selected samples were Cultured in a defined inorganic medium and after six weeks the algae were identified. Chlorophyll u content of the soil/spoil was used as a measure of the algal abundance. Soil physical-chemical properties, species variety and abundance were statistically analyzed. All test sites revealed distinct soil algal communities and demonstrated a successional trend as evidenced by significant increase, in species variety and bionmass over time. Some soil factors, calcium, copper, and phosphorus affected species variety and abundance at more than one situ. Others were important at specific sites; silicon and aluminum at the South Beulah test site; manganese sodium and zinc at the North Beulah test site No. 1 and boron, cadmium and magnesium at the North Beulah test site No. 2. Topsoiled areas had higher species varieties and abundances when compared with control areas, as did plots treated with amendments such as leonardite and fertilizer Generally.

Jan 1, 1982

By Corby G. Anderson

Antimony has been utilized by mankind for thousands of years. However, due to recent environmental concerns, antimony is often considered to be an impurity element, Since antimnoy is commonly found in precious metal refractory ore bodies, extraction is essential. The Sunshine Mine in Kellogg, Idaho has recovered antimony from its precious metal tetrahedrite deposits since the 1940's. A plant was initially constructed as a primary antimony source during World War II. This facility also decreased the downstream smelting penalty for the silver copper-lead concentrate and provided an industrial commodity from a potential environmental nuisance.' This paper describes the Sunshine antimony processing- facility. Specifically, the relevant process chemistries involved in concentrate leaching, metal electrowinning, and sodium antimonate production will be discussed. In addition, ongoing areas of research to improve unit operations and treatments implemented to meet environmental' discharge requirements will be covered.

Jan 1, 1992

By William J. Douglas

This document describes the development of a conventional mining equipment data base, and an approach for conducting industrial engineering studies of arbitrary mining systems employing network techniques. Data was acquired through underground time studies. Each member of a four-man field team was assigned to a specific machine during each shift for which observations were conducted. Using digital wrist watches and networks describing the man-machine interactions, all events occurring luring the course of each shift were recorded on cassette tapes. The tapes were transcribed, coded, keypunched, and validated using computerized editing techniques. The resulting data files were processed to provide statistics relating to activity durations and event frequencies. The results were used to evaluate operator, machine, and system performance for each section which was observed. Equipment, reliability, and maintainability analyses were conducted using the industrial engineering data files in conjunction with historical information collected at the mine site.

Jan 1, 1976

The goal of the Bureau of Mines diesel engine research program is to reduce exhaust emissions and minimize the risk of fires and explosions caused by the use of diesel- powered equipment in underground mines. This program has led to a fundamental understanding of the problems and to solutions that allow diesel equipment to be used safely and effectively. This volume contains reports of the presentations made at the Bureau Technology Transfer Seminar on Diesels in Underground &fines given in Louisville, KY, and Denver, CO, on April 21 and April 23, 1987. It also contains three reports of related research, not presented at the seminar, which highlight the significant achievements of a joint US.-Canadian research program on diesel emission control technology for underground mines. Topics covered in this volume include discussions of industrial hygiene problems associated with the use of diesels, accident statistics, fire and explosion control systems, measurement of diesel pollutants, emission control techniques including engine maintenance, fuel additives, diesel particulate filters, and ventilation of diesel sections. An alternative to diesel power, the hydrogen-powered mine vehicle, is also described.

Jan 1, 1987

By R. Luchese de Moraes, J. A. Matthews, C. Feliciano Bruzual

The role of biomass char in blast furnaces has been re-examined by scientists worldwide, as a feasible option to reduce the carbon intensity of ironmaking. This contribution makes a technical and economic analysis of the ferro gusa industry in Brazil, with the last 172 charcoal-Blast Furnaces operating in the world. A key strategic question is presented: what is the current status and future prospects of biomass use in Blast Furnaces? Findings provide significant implications to metallurgists: while ferro gusa from charcoal is regarded as carbon neutral iron with low impurities, there are limiting factors that hinder the further proliferation of charcoal-BFs: biomass generation requires vast extensions of arable land and aggregates have low production capacity. Additionally, most of the charcoal is presently generated in beehive kilns with low yields. These elements combined make charcoal-hot metal expensive in price. With respect to the future prospects of biomass, the injection of small biochar particles through the PCI rigs in BFs (here coined Bio-PCI) and iron ore sintering may offer a practical alternative to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions in the ironmaking process.

Jan 1, 2015

By Doris M. Hyde

The Government of Belize maintained strict control over spending in 1982 as a means of protecting its import-dependent economy against the effects of a general worldwide recession. The modest economic performance was not expected to differ substantially from the $152 million2 gross national product (GNP) estimated for 1981. Exports and reexports were expected to decline in 1982, partly as a result of the Mexican peso devaluation. Imports were also expected to decline slightly in 1982, but the overall trade deficit was projected some-what higher than the $44 million experienced in 1981. On September 21, 1982, Belize became an independent state. As a result, the new Government became eligible for assistance from international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Belize's independence from its former status as a colony of Great Britain was marred somewhat by the unsettled territorial dispute between Great Britain and Guatemala. Guatemala declared Belize was a part of Guatemala and. therefore. refused to recognize it as an independent state. Negotations between Great Britain and Guatemala continued without resolution.

Jan 1, 1984

By C. W. Van Law

WE have just heard a very able presentation, by Mr. J. C. Cameron, on the subject of Recent Trends in Labour Relations, as they exist today in Canada (l). With minor changes, what he said applies equally to the situation in the United States. Direct negotiation between employer and employee on a man-to-man basis, wherein good faith and mutual esteem was at least sometimes a factor, has almost entirely given way to a mass struggle in which each side is represented by highly trained specialists in a new jurisprudence, built up on vote-getting labour laws, decisions in analogous cases by Boards whose members may have had very little personal acquaintance with the specific case, etc., etc. Membership in a labour union has become almost an essential requisite to a job; once in, the individual workman loses his identity and dares not act on his own initiative or even express any idea not handed him by his Union head. An honest workman cannot turn in an honest day's work, because his Union will not allow him. Leadership in the Unions has become so powerful an instrument, both politically and monetarily, that Union policies are drafted primarily to build up that power, and may have little relation to the equities of the individual case. ?While both sides still render lip-service to the doctrine that Capital and Labour can advance best by co-operation to mutual benefit, that doctrine has in effect given way to as bitter and as legalistic a struggle as any in our civil courts. There are many reasons to believe that we are, industrially, in a situation much like the European situation from 1935 to 1939; an impending war to the death with 'appeasement' as the only, unavailing, policy

Jan 1, 1945

By Borje Bjorkvall

At LKAB's plants in Lappland, Sweden, sintered pellets are manu-factured according to three different industrial processes, viz. shaft furnace at Malmberget, straight-grate at Kiruna and grate-kiln at Svappavaara. At present the total annual capacity amounts to 4.7 million tons. However, since it has been decided to erect a new straight-grate plant (2.5 million tons) at Malmberget, and because of the decision to extend and rebuild the existing plants, it is estimated that the annual capacity will be increased to somewhat over 8 million tons by 1973. The great majority of the pellets produced is exported. They are thus reloaded several times and generally speaking roughly handled, resulting in larger or smaller product losses on arrival at the point of use. It is there-fore of great economical interest to have a good control over the transport strength of the pellets by appropriate quality testing at the point of production. In addition to good transport strength, further demands are ob-viously made on pellets destined for blast furnace operation. The blast furnace burden must maintain a good permeability for the gas. The pellets must thus have a favourable size distribution and must not be so weakened by reduction that they disintegrate under the stresses and clog the blast furnace shaft. Furthermore, the burden must have good reducibility. An increase of the rate of reduction can obviously mean increased blast furnace capacity and reduced coke consumption. In order to optimise the properties of the pellets in these respects, the producer must also be thoroughly familiar with their behaviour during reduction, particularly as the customer's interest in the reduction properties of the pellets' has increased over the last few years. Up to now the only quality demands the customer has made have generally had to do with the cold strength and the screen analysis. Thus a quality control of in addition to good transport strength, further demands are obviously made on pellets destined for blast furnace operation. The blast furnace burden must maintain a good permeability for the gas. The pellets must thus have a favourable size distribution and must not be so weakened by reduction that they disintegrate under the stresses and clog the blast furnace shaft. Furthermore, the burden must have good reducibility. An increase of the rate of reduction can obviously mean increased blast furnace capacity and reduced coke consumption. In order to optimise the properties of the pellets in these respects, the producer must also be thoroughly familiar with their behaviour during reduction, particularly as the customer's interest in the reduction properties of the pellets' has increased over the last few years. Up to now the only quality demands the customer has made have generally had to do with the cold strength and the screen analysis. Thus a quality control of

Jan 1, 1972

By C. H. Larsen

A 9-month study of the uses of wire rope associated with U. S. underground coal mining is reported. Rope applications are broken down into hoisting and nonhoisting applications where "hoisting" refers to transport in vertical and inclined shafts. The former receives the greatest emphasis since it represents the most critical rope application from the stand-point of production and safety. The discussion of hoisting practice includes aspects related to the mine operators as well as those related to the equipment builders and wire rope manufacturers. U. S. state and Federal laws regulating hoisting and wire rope use are also presented and discussed. Canadian and other foreign hoisting practice and laws are included. The state of the art in electromagnetic nondestructive inspection of hoist ropes is presented. Capabilities and use of one Canadian electromagnetic device are discussed in great detail. Conclusions are drawn regarding the present state of wire rope and hoisting technology in U. S. coal mines. Recommendations are made for improving rope practice, in general, and hoisting, in particular, consistent with greater safety.

Jan 1, 1971

By Open-Hearth Steel

I received a telegram yesterday from Mr. J. H. Nead saying that he regretted circumstances had come up which prevent his attending the meeting, but that arrangements have been made and Mr. T. S. Washburn, of Inland Steel, will act as the Co-Chairman in his stead. We are sorry, of course, that he cannot be here at this conference. We have, therefore, asked Mr. James J. Bowden, chief metallurgist of Republic Steel Corporation, Cleveland, to act as Chairman and Mr. Tom Washburn to act as Co-Chairman. I will turn the meeting over to these gentlemen at this time.

Jan 1, 1940

The accompanying supply/demand flow diagrams and 10-year tables for mineral and fuel commodities present essential data required by government, industry, and others to formulate policies and programs that can help assure an adequate and continuing supply of mineral raw materials. The 10-year data base terminates with 1973 figures because adequate world information was not available beyond that date. Moreover, 1974 was an anomalous year with respect to prices, supply, and demand for many commodities. The selected mineral supply/demand tables and flow diagrams comprise but one "output" from the massive body of "information and data collected and com-piled by the Bureau of Mines on a continuing basis covering mineral production consumption, prices, shipments, imports, exports, and stocks, as well as industry activities in all States and abroad.

Jan 1, 1975

For the first time in its history the Institute will hold a meeting in the State of Arizona. A few years ago Arizona stood third in the copper-producing districts of the United States. Since that time, with the development of porphyry mines, the output has gone up with great rapidity until it not only is the leading district, but its output at the present time is at the rate of nearly double the Montana output, which now stands second in the list. In connection with this .development, most interesting departures have been made in methods -of mining, concentration and smelting. Principles of mining and metallurgy of the greatest interest will be covered by papers which will' appear in the Bulletin and be presented at Technical Sessions, while ample opportunity will be afforded for those who go to the meeting to see all the points of interest .to them. In addition, members will be well rewarded by the marvelous natural features to be seen on the trip, including 'the petrified forests, the cliff dwellings on the Apache Trail and the Grand Canyon of Arizona. It is planned to start the special train from New York, but members and guests may join the special at other points en route as indicated by the following schedule: ITINERARY . , Thursday, September 14th Lv New York, Grand Central Terminal.. ............... 5.30 p. m. Dinner in dining car a la carte New England Members via B. & A. R. R. . Lv Boston. ............. (Regular train). ............. 2.00 p. m. Lv Worcester. ........... (Regular train). ............. 3.12 p. m. , Lv Springfield. ........... (Regular train). ............. 4.37 p. m. Dinner in Dining Car a la carte Ar Albany.. ......... .New York Central R. R.. ....... 7.45 p. m. Lv Albany .......................................... 9.00p.m. Lv Schenectady.. .................................... 9.32 p. m. Lv Utica ............................................ 11.08~.

Jan 8, 1916

By Jennifer A. Slatnick

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), once universally accepted as ideal compounds for use in cooling and refrigeration, in foam production, and in cleaning electronic components, are being phased out and eventually banned under extensive international agreements because the chlorine in CFC's is thought to deplete the Earth's ozone layer. The industry has responded with the introduction of alternatives in the form of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's), which contain no chlorine, and with hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC's), which fill an intermediate gap in the replacement of CFC's. As a result of the elimination of chlorine in the HFC's and the reduction of it in the HCFC's, these alternatives contain more fluorine than the CFC's do. Other nonfluorocarbon substitutes, known as not-in-kind alternatives, contain no fluorine at all. As a result, the fluorspar mining industry, which is the source of fluorine in fluorocarbons through intermediate hydrofluoric acid, is being affected. Concern for this impact has led the U.S. Bureau of Mines to employ its capabilities to analyze various scenarios in the evolution of CFC replacements and substitutes to determine their effect on fluorspar mining. This report utilizes a network flow model to examine the effects of proposed replacements for CFC's, in terms of fluorine content, on fluorspar operations worldwide and on hydrofluoric acid plants in North America and Europe.

Jan 1, 1994