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By G. S. Rice, R. V. Wheeler

"FOREWORDThe cooperative mine safety research program was carried on successfully in the year 1930 in a manner similar to that described in the report for 1929It is believed that the results of such fundamental work as is being done are unquestionably of great benefit in their application in coal-mining operations, in the saving of life and health of minera. The research result compared and checked by investigations in the two organizations, and further by large-scale tests, as in the Experimental Mine, give confidence to mine operators, miners and State mining officials in the findings of the various researches.The annual report of the contact officers of the United. States Bureau of Mines and the British Safety in Mines Research Board to the Director of the Bureau and the Chairman of the Board respectively, follows:Annual Reports for 1930 To: The Director, Bureau of Mines.The Chairman, Safety in Mines Research Board."

Sep 1, 1931

By Wesley A. Grosh

The Vest nickel prospect, in Floyd County, Va., was discovered about 25 years ago. Limited exploration of the deposit had indicated some appreciable nickel mineralization in the sulfide ore. The property was examined on March 9, 1943, by an engineer of the Bureau of Mines in company with C. W. Vest, owner of the property. A limited exploration program was recommended. Two holes totaling 320 feet were diamond-drilled in January 1944. Drilling indicated the sulfides are sparsely disseminated. The only nickel values of interest were at the old prospect shaft.

Jan 1, 1949

By D. J. Judy, D. J. Rabovsky, W. H. Pailes, V. Castranova, K. Van Dyke, J. Rabovsky, N. A. Sapola, M. McPeek

"Platelet activating factor (PAF) can be released from pneumocytes following exposure to occupational dust (Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 135:83, 1987). In addition, PAF has been shown to induce pulmonary inflammation, edema, and bronchoconstriction (Hosp. Prac. 19, 67, 1983). This investigation reports the effects of PAF on the properties of three types of cells found in the lung. PAF (1-100, K1/2 = 2.5 pH) caused depolarization of neutrophils as well as generation of chemiluminescence and secretion of hydrogen peroxide. These responses were dependent on the presence of extracellular sodium. However, PAF did not alter oxygen consumption of neutrophils. Although PAF (10 uM) caused depolarization of alveolar macrophages, no stimulation of chemiluminestence, superoxide secretion, or oxygen consumption was observed. However, PAF (10 uM). did potentiate chemiluminescence and superoxide secretion in response to zymosan (2 mg/ml) by 55% and 36%, respectively. In addition, PAF (10-90 uM) caused aggregation of alveolar macrophages. PAF (2-10 uM) also caused depolarization of type II cells, but did not affect membrane integrity or oxygen consumption. However, PAF (10-18 PM) enhanced the activities of two distinct forms of cytochrome P-450 in type II cells and caused aggregation of type II cells at PAF doses above 18 uM. These data indicate that PAF can affect the secretory activity of pulmonary phagocytes and the ability• of type II cells to detoxify foreign compounds (Bureau of Mines Grant - G1175142).INTRODUCTIONPlatelet activating factor (PAF) is a glycerophospholipid (1-0-alkyl-2-acetylsn-glycerol-3-phosphoryl choline) which has been shown to Mediate a broad range of biological activities (1-3). Its pulmonary actions include contraction of pulmonary tissue (4), secretion of leukotrienes from leukocytes (5), airway constriction (6), pulmonary edema (7), and enhanced migration of neutrophils into the airspaces of the lungs (8,9).PAF can be released from several different cell types, such as, basophils, neutrophils and alveolar macrophages, in response to a variety of particulates or membrane stimulants which include zymosan, calcium ionophore, phorbol esters, chemotactic agents, and endotoxin (10-13). Therefore, PAP may play an important role in the development of pneumoconioses by mediating pulmonary responses of lung cells to a variety of occupational dusts. To investigate this possibility, we determined the effects of PAF on several physiological parameters of neutrophils, alveolar macrophages, and alveolar type II epithelial cells."

Jan 1, 1988

By P. H. Floyd

Laboratory test work has shown that the Germania ferberite-scheelite ore can be concentrated to an acceptable grade. A ferberite concentrate assaying 66.9 percent tungstic oxide was made, with a recovery of 75.4 percent. A second concentrate of ferberite and scheelite was made assaying 54.2 percent tungstic oxide. Final beneficiation of combined rougher gravity concentrates was accomplished by roasting, magnetic separation, sulfide flotation, and retabling, to give a final ferberite-scheelite concentrate of 66.2 percent tungstic oxide, with a 91.1-percent recovery. INTRODUCTION This presentation covers the results of laboratory beneficiation tests conducted on tungsten ore from the Germania Consolidated Mines, Inc., by the Bureau of Mines Mineral Dressing Section, Northwest Electrodevelopment Laboratory, Albany, Oreg. This mining property is near Fruitland, on the southern edge of the Spokane Indian Reservation, Stevens County, Wash. The Germania district produced tungsten concentrates before and after World War I; interest is being renewed in the district because of the metal shortage.

Jan 1, 1954

By William J. Wuest

The technical analysis of parameters that can influence roof and rib reinforcement is important to the operation of safe and profitable underground mines. One such parameter, studied in this U.S. Bureau of Mines investigation, is the effect of time on untensioned, resin-grouted bolt anchorage characteristics. A group of seventy-three 4-ft-long bolts with three different grout column lengths were I installed in a stable coal mine roof. The bolts were then subjected to standardized pull tests at various intervals throughout a 37-month period. For each test, load-deformation data were reduced to determine axial stiffness and yield point. The magnitudes of these two anchorage characteristics at the time of installation were compared with results from subsequent pull tests to determine if anchorage capacity deteriorated. Bolts with 18-in grout columns were studied over 9 months, and no measurable loss occurred. Bolts with 48-and 24-in grout columns were studied over 37 months and also exhibited no measurable loss.

Jan 1, 2010

By Marting J. Gavin

The twentieth century has often been spoken of as the age of petroleum, and from many viewpoints it can be justly considered so. Certainly the petroleum industry is one of enormous importance to this country, industrially, financially, and economically. The United States, however, at present producing over 60 per cent of the world's total output of petroleum, is not producing petroleum at a sufficient rate to provide for its own domestic, consumption. For several years this country has been importing increasing quantities of crude and partly refined oils from Mexico, and has been drawing heavily on domestic stocks of petroleum. Production in the United States is increasing, but it is not increasing at the same average rate as domestic consumption, nor is it probable that in the future domestic production will increase sufficiently to satisfy the demands of domestic consumption, but on the contrary, in the opinion of those best qualified to know, the peak in the curve of domestic production of crude petroleum will be reached in a comparatively few years, whereas the consumption of petroleum and its product will increase at a continually growing rate. This country, then, must turn, and as the increasing imports from Mexico indicate, is turning to other sources than the crude petroleum, produced in this country to make up the deficit between domestic production and domestic consumption of petroleum and its products,

Jun 1, 1920

By H. E. Powell

A series of alkyl-dithiocarbamic acid amine salts was prepared and tested as collector for slimed lead minerals contained in the waste material from a commercial lead ore concentrator. The reagents, members of a homologous series differing only in the number of alkyl radicals in their structure, were prepared by reacting stoichiometric amounts of primary amines and carbon disulfide in a cold alcohol solution. Subsequent purification was by recrystallization from absolute ethyl alcohol solution. Evaluation was through froth flotation of a mill tailing containing 0.2 percent lead. Results show that maximum recovery (38 percent) was obtained with the reagent containing 8 alkyl radicals, but that maximum rougher concentrate grade (4.8 percent) was obtained with the reagents of intermediate number of radicals.

Jan 1, 1962

By Kenneth M. Earl

In its investigation of deposits of strategic minerals, the Bureau of Mines did some development drilling at the New Galena Deposit in an endeavor to find an additional source of supply of lead. In Bucks County, lead and zinc minerals have been found in shales over a largo area west and northwest of Doylestown. Considerable mining has been done in the vicinity of New Galena on the North Branch of Noshaminy Creek, 3 miles northwest of Doylestown. It has not been possible to obtain a satisfactory history of the New Galena mine, as there is much disagreement in statements. Most of the mining was done in open pits. Two shafts were sunk to shallow depth; one of these became part of the main pit' which is 256 foot long, 50 to 75 feet wide, and 20 to 44 feet deep. Small pits 8 to 10 foot square wore sunk on the ore zone, which extends some 1450 feet to the southwest. The rock containing the minerals is either black or gray shale. The gray material closely resembles limestone. The following minerals have been reported from the mine: quartz, ankerite, calcite, galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and bornite. Some of the galena has yielded 10 to 15 ounces of silver and 10 cents in gold per ton. The average grade of the ore as mined is not known. To investigate the downward extension of the ore shoot, the Bureau drilled two holes aggregating 373.9 feet, No additional ore was developed by this work.

Jan 1, 1950

By Robert J. Hundhausen

This paper describes the methods and costs of sinking a 2-compartment shaft at the Hope mine, Clark Fork, Idaho. The Hope mine is owned by the Hope Silver-Lead Mines, Inc. Albert E. Nash, of Clark Fork, is president and manager.

Jan 1, 1948

By B. J. Scheiner

The Federal Bureau of Mines has successfully demonstrated an electrooxidation-solvent extraction-carbon adsorption process for recovering molybdenum and rhenium from offgrade concentrates. The flow sequence consists of dissolution of metal values by electrooxidation, liquid-solid separation by thickening, acidification and chlorate ion removal by sulfur dioxide treatment, solvent extraction to concentrate the molybdenum and rhenium, separation of molybdenum and rhenium by carbon adsorption, and metal recovery by crystallization. Molybdenum and rhenium were recovered as ammonium paramolybdate and ammonium perrhenate. Electrolysis of brine-concentrate pulps to generate a hypochlorite oxidizing agent in situ resulted in the dissolution of 98.9 and 99.1 pct of the molybdenum and rhenium, respectively, at an energy consumption of 13.7 kwhr/lb of molybdenum extracted.

Jan 1, 1976

By Richard J. Mainiero, James Q. Wheeler, Lewis H. Kopera, Yael Miron

The research reported here was part of the effort to evaluate the safety of a process to recover TNT from MK-9 depth bombs by the autoclave melt out process. In this process the depth bombs are heated to 121°C so that the TNT will melt and run into a vat. Unfortunately, asphalt lining the inside surface of the bomb also melts and flows out with the TNT. It is not known what effect the asphalt contamination and the higher than normal process temperatures (12°C) would have on the sensitivity of the TNT. Testing was conducted on molten TNT and molten TNT contaminated with 2 pct asphalt at 90, 100, 110, 120, 125, and 130°C. In the liquid drop test apparatus with a 2 kg weight, the molten TNT yielded a 50 pct probability of initiation at a drop height of 6.5 cm at 110°C,decreasing to 4.5 cm at 130°C. Asphalt-contaminated TNT was somewhat less impact sensitive than pure TNT at temperatures of 110 to 125°C, but became more sensitive at 130°C; 50 pct probability of initiation at a drop height of 7.8 cm at 110°C, decreasing to 3.3cm at 130°C. In the card gap test, the molten TNT detonated at high velocity for a gap of 0.25 inches at 90 to 125°C and detonated at high velocity for a gap of 0.5 inches at 130°C. For gaps of 0.5 to 3 inches at 90 to 125°C and 0.75 inches to 3 inches at 130°C, the TNT did not detonate at high velocity but produced a violent explosion that caused significant damage to the test fixture. For gaps of 4 inches the TNT did not react. In the gap test there was no significant difference between the pure and asphalt-contaminated TNT. The thermal analysis test results showed that when asphalt is present in TNT, it greatly accelerates the exothermic decomposition of TNT, starting at temperatures near 200°C. The research demonstrated that asphalt-contamination of recovered TNT does not appear to have a significant effect on TNT shock sensitivity, but does adversely affect impact and thermal sensitivity. The results also showed that molten TNT seems to be more shock sensitive than previously suspected. It appears that at relatively low shock stimulus levels, the molten TNT may be undergoing a low velocity detonation, wherein the shock wave traveling through the gap test pipe cavitates the molten TNT, greatly increasing its sensitivity.

By L. A. Neumeier

Sound experimental ingots of zinc alloys for use as rolling slabs were cast with a specially constructed, semicontinuous casting machine. Nominal alloy compositions of Zn-1.0 percent Cu, Zn-0.12 and 0.36 percent Ti, and Zn-1.0 percent Cu-0.03 to 0.36 percent Ti were cast. This Bureau of Mines study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of the casting procedure for providing stock for rolling into sheet. Microscopic examination of ingot sections revealed structures in which grain size varied from the outer to center ingot zones. Columnar grains present in the center zone of the Zn-1.0 percent Cu ingot were absent in the titanium-containing ingots. The ingots with titanium displayed a finer grain size and eutectic structure in the center ingot zone than in the outer zone; the transition in grain size between the two zones was quite abrupt in some ingots. The overall grain size of the titanium-containing ingots was finer than that of alloys cast by more conventional methods. Chemical analysis revealed that compositional segregation is not a significant factor in the formation of the ingot structure. Microstructural studies of small ingots of similar alloys solidified at slow, fast, and intermediate rates confirmed that the ingot structure in the semicontinuous-cast ingots is related to cooling rate, which is, in turn, related to the particular casting machine design and the influx of cooling water on the withdrawing ingots. Microstructures of thin sheet hot-rolled from slabs of the semicontinuous-cast ingots demonstrated that the ingot structure does not preclude the rolling of sheet having a uniform microstructure. Results of hardness surveys of the semicontinuous-cast ingots demonstrated that copper and titanium exert essentially additive hardening effects in these cast alloys.

Jan 1, 1968

By H. P. LeVan

The Bureau of Mines has developed a technically feasible continuous single-stage leaching and thickening system for extracting manganese from umber by a sulfuric acid-ferrous sulfate process; the cocurrent leaching and thickening system proved simpler to operate and control than the countercurrent leaching and thickening system developed earlier" Related tests investigated the use of a centrifuge to replace thickeners for separating the product liquor from are residues and compared several chemical agents for removing iron from the pregnant manganese leach solutions. Results of Some exploratory autoclaving tests are also given.

Jan 1, 1972

By G. R. Hopkins

"The average heat requirement per barrel of crude refined in the United States rose from 579,000 B. t. u. in 1940 to 584,000 B. t. u. in 1941. This marked the second successive year in which there was an apparent loss in fuel efficiency at refineries. This ""loss"" took place despite an increase in crude runs, which used to be an invariable indicator of a lower average.Probably the chief factor in the increased heat requirement in 1941 was the gain in the over-all gasoline yield from 43.1 percent in 1940 to 44.2 percent in 1941. Possibly another important factor was the further use of obsolete equipment to increase throughput.The refiners used more of all kinds of fuel excapt coke in 1941 than in 1940. However, the only fuels which increased materially in relative importance were refinery gas, which contributed 51.6 percent of the total heat units in 1941 compared with 50.7 percent in 1940, and natural gas, the share of which rose from 17.1 percent in 1940 to 18.0 percent in 1941. The changes in the percentages for the other fuels were as follows: Oil decreased from 25.7 to 24.1 percent; acid sludge fell from 2.7 to 2.5; coal remained at 3.4 percent; and coke (including steam) fell from 0.5 to 0.4 percent.New records for fuel efficiency were set in all three of the districts east of the Mississippi, namely, East Coast, Appalachian, and Indiana, Illi¬nois, etc. All the ether districts reported higher average fuel requirements in 1941, except the Louisiana Gulf and Arkansas-Louisiana inland.Since the year of the first statistics, the refiners have steadily increased their purchases of electricity. In 1941 total purchases were 1,862,996,000 kilowatt-hours, or 11 percent more than in 1940."

Apr 1, 1943

By C. W. Smith

The Bureau of Mines conducted laboratory-scale beneficiation tests on a sample of corundum gneiss from Montana to devise a method for beneficiating corundum for use as a substitute for refractory-grade bauxite. A flotation process utilizing petroleum sulfonate as the collector in an acid circuit was devised. Results showed that two flotation schemes each produced a concentrate exceeding the national stockpile specifications for calcined bauxite. From a feed containing 28 pct corundum concentrates containing up to 92.5 pct alumina (A1203) were produced with a corundum recovery of 78.5 pct.

Jan 1, 1987

By Philip G. Freeman

The growth-promoting properties of coal-derived humus were tested by a variety of bioassay methods. Humate materials used included leonardite, a form of naturally oxidized lignite, and humic acids extracted from leonardite. It was found that the greatest effects were evident when water-soluble humic acid was applied to excised root tips. No significant short-term effect was noted when water-soluble humic acid was applied to stem or coleoptile sections. Root initiation was promoted in bean stems when high concentrations of coal-derived humate were applied. Gross weight of tomato plants was increased by up to 40 percent when coal-derived humates were added in concentrations of 101 to 104 ppm to the nutrient in a hydroponic growth test of 6 weeks' duration. It is concluded that coal-derived humate promotes the uptake of minerals, specifically iron, by serving as a metal chelate.

Jan 1, 1968

By C. R. Stephan, N. B. Greninger, S. J. Luzik

The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted explosion tests on various full-scale cementitious bulkheads used in abandoned mine areas to evaluate the ability of the bulkheads to withstand gas explosion over-pressures of 20 psig. Tests were performed on 120-ft2 solid-concrete-block seals of varying thicknesses and designs. Of the seven solid-concrete-block seals tested, only the standard-type seal, having a 16-in thickness, keyed at the floor and ribs, all joints mortared, wedged at the roof, and a center pilaster, maintained its integrity when subjected to a 20-psig pressure wave. After being subjected to repeated explosions, the standard seal only showed a small hairline crack and had an air leakage of 87 ft3/min at a pressure differential of 1 in H2O. Tests were performed on cementitious foam seals of varying thicknesses and compressive strengths. Explosion tests have shown that 200-psi strength, 4- and 8-ft-thick seals can withstand a 20-psig pressure wave. At a pressure differential of 1 in H20, no air leakage was detected through the 200-psi, 8-ft-thick foam seal.

Jan 1, 1991

By Robert C. Hickman

In its search for strategic minerals, the Bureau of Mines investigated the Rutherford Mine property in Amelia County, Va. The property was visited by F. W. Horton, mining engineer, and Margaret Fuller Boos, mineral technologist, of the Bureau of Mines, in company with Eugene Dawson, of the War Production Board, on July 16-11, 1943. An exploration program by the Bureau was recommended, and work was started on July 28, 1943, and continued until September 16, 1943. A total of 1,250 feet was diamond drilled in 5 holes on the property.

Jan 1, 1950

By G. V. Sullivan

The Bureau of Mines conducted preliminary beneficiation studies of a gold-bearing graphitic schist from Blue Hill, Tallapoosa County, Ala. The average analysis of the material was 0.08 oz/ton gold. Tabling of minus 35-mesh material recovered 83 to 94 percent of the gold at grades of 6.925 to 2.165 oz/ton, respectively. A combination of jigging and tabling resulted in a concentrate assaying 24.3 oz/ton gold and contained 87 percent of the total gold. Treatment of the material by jigging, tabling, and amalgamation recovered 86.5 percent of the gold.

Jan 1, 1969

By Ludwig Schmidt

Investigations conducted by the Bureau of Dines pertaining to the reduction of evaporation losses of petroleum have shown that such losses may be reduced 70 to 80 per cent by the use of vapor-tight tanks equipped with vacuum and pressure relief valves, and vapor-tight thief hitches. Additional studies have shown that it is often economical to supplement this type of construction with other measures that will reduce evaporation losses still further. Water-cooling systems, insulation, and light colored paints are the measures most often used in connection with vapor-tight tanks. Painting with light colored paints probably is employed in the greater number of cases. On account of the cost of insulation, or of installing water cooling systems, the use of these methods are restricted to tanks containing gasoline or crude petroleum with a very large content of low-boiling fractions. The effect of cooling systems has been discussed in a previous report.2 In choosing paints for tanks many factors must be considered. Probably the three most important are cost, protective value, and color. Many companies have adopted a standard color for all of their tanks in this way they reduce the initial cost of paint by buying in large quantities. The tank farms of such companies usually have a neat appearance, resulting from the uniform painting of all tanks. This procedure also has advertising value. Unfortunately, most of the paints used to protect steel are of the darker colors, usually red or black. These colors accelerate the rate of evaporation. Several companies have solved this difficulty by using a dark colored metal-protective paint as a primer coat, and a paint of any desired color for the final coat. Special metal-protective primers to be used under light-colored cover coats have been placed on the market by several paint manufacturing companies.

Jan 1, 1925