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By Alan J. Fejes

As part of its mine subsidence research program, the Bureau of Mines and the American Electric Power Co. cooperated on a study, conducted at the Price River Coal Co. No. 3 Mine, directed toward developing the capability to estimate the surface subsidence resulting from longwall mining in a geologic, topographic, and mining environment common to coalfields in the Western United States. Subsidence was monitored at the No. 3 Mine over two adjacent longwall panels. The subsidence study area was reduced when the two planned panels were reduced in length because of equipment failure and a mine fire. Subsidence was measured for 21 months. Subsidence continued for 6 months after mining had been completed. A maximum of 2.2 ft of subsidence occurred over the two longwall panels mined at an overburden depth ranging from 300 to 1,500 ft.

Jan 1, 1986

By O. M. Schaus

The following is a description of the methods employed at the Eureka-Asteroid mine, which is situated on the Gogebic range, at Ramsey, Mich. The mime is operated by the Castile Mining Co. under the direction of Oglebay Norton & Co. This paper has been prepared in accordance with an outline furbished by the United States Bureau of Mines, and in one of a series, on mining methods and costs covering the principal minim operations throughout the United States. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author acknowledges the assistance of the mining organization of the Castile Mining Co. in the preparation of this paper.

Jan 1, 1930

By Edward W. Parsons

The explosive-anchored rockbolt was field tested in six mines where rock conditions varied from incompetent shale or mudstone through fairly soft sand-stone to firm sandy shales. The purpose of the testing was to document, under a wide variety of conditions and in comparison to other rockbolt anchors, the quality of the anchorage produced by the explosive-anchored bolt. In addition, the length, strength, and design of the explosive charge necessary to produce positive anchorage up to the yield strength of the weakest component of the bolt were determined. A l4-inch length beaded explosive charge was found to be suitable, in general, in relatively weak strata, and the length can be reduced in more competent strata. Of the 127 explosive?-anchored bolts tested, 118 bolts produced an evaluated anchorage in excess of 17,000 pounds. Only 4 of 43 expansion-shell bolts and 4 of 14 wedge bolts produced anchorage this good. In preliminary tests, properly coupled explosive-anchored bolts did not ignite an explosive gas mixture. Some minor phases included in the investigation were as follows: (1) effect of explosive-anchored rockbolt on surrounding rock; (2) effect of time on anchored bolts based on torque tests; (3) effect of submersion in water on rockbolt anchorage; (4) pull tests to higher loads; and (5) ignition tests.

Jan 1, 1965

By Eric R. Bauer

The magnitude and rate of advance of an inmine coal squeeze was deter-mined by measuring roof-to-floor convergence on a regular basis. A dial-gage tube extensometer was used to collect data. Using these measurements) Bureau of Mines employees drew contour maps and graphs to show the direction and rate of squeezing. Information on the rate of squeeze advance was used to determine whether steps should be taken to prevent roof and/or floor movement from closing an entire section of the mine and if alteration of mining plans was necessary to prevent further squeeze development. Data analysis revealed that the squeeze was decelerating; thus there was no need to strengthen support in the areas of the mine that were studied. Mining plans were altered, however, as a result of the findings of this investigation.

Jan 1, 1981

By E. H. Denny

In discussing safety in Colorado metal mines there are two important points for metal -mining men to consider , namely , the direct and indirect cost of accidents and the possibility and means of preventing accidents . For statistics on Colorado metal - mine accidents , reference has been made to published reports of the United States Bureau of Mines on metal- mine accidents from 1919 to 1927. This period was considered because only with the year 1919 are complete figures on nonfatal accidents available and because these years represent postwar activities ; 1927 is the last year for which the U. S. Bureau of Mines has published accident statistics . During the nine -year period 1919 to 1927 , inclusive , 153 metal miners were killed by mine accidents in Colorado and 5,035 miners suffered lost - time injuries . The accidentfrequency rate of number killed per 1,000 300- day workers for this nine - year period was 4.68 as compared with the general average of 3.26 for all the metal mines of the United States for the same period . In other words , the fatality rate in the metal mines of Colorado for this nine- year period averaged 40 per cent higher than that of the metal- mining industry in the United States generally . In 1924 and 1926 the Colorado metal mines had a better accident record than the average of those of the United States , but 1927 was a bad accident year and the State Bureau of Mines figures for 1928 and 1929 showing respectively 18 and 23 men killed in and about the metal mines indicate a continuing relatively high death rate from accident . The cost of accidents to the miner for the period 1919 to 1927 can be estimated from the accident figures just given . The United States Bureau of Mines as well as other authorities assess 6,000 days lost time for every fatality and every permanent total disability . These authorities have also agreed that a permanent partial disability costs 800 days lost time to the worker over his working lifetime , that lost time injuries of less than 14 days average about 6 days lost time and lost time injuries not involving permanent disability but having loss of more than 14 days average 32 days lost time . On this basis the Colorado metal miners have suffered in nine years a gross loss of 1,214,146 days , or , at $5 per day , $6,070,730 . The miner receives about one -ninth of this amount in compensation so that the net loss to the metal miner in Colorado for this nine - year period was about $5,400,000 .

May 1, 1930

By I. L. Nichols

Volatilization of cesium from pollucite ore was investigated as an initial step in the production of purified cesium metal or cesium salts. High recovery of cesium and rubidium as chloride sublimates was accomplished by 2-hour roasts in a tube furnace using charges containing 1 part ore, 2 parts limestone, and 0.23 part calcium chloride. Recoveries of cesium in the sublimate product were 89.1, 92.9, and 95.2 pct, respectively, using 1,100° C and vacuum, 1,250° C with an air sweep, and 1,250° C without an air sweep. Most of the lithium, sodium, and potassium sublimed with the cesium and rubidium, but virtually none of the calcium, aluminum, and silicon in the charges was volatilized.

Jan 1, 1966

By F. D. Cannon

"In metal and nonmetallic mineral mines during the 15-year period 1911 to 1925, 30.17 per cent of all fatalities and 16.57 per cent of all injuries were caused by falls of rock or ore from the back or roof or from the wail; 1.24 per cent of the fatalities and 11.05 per cent of the injuries were caused by rock or ore while loading at the working face; 6.66 per cent of the .fatalities and 2.49 per cent of the injuries resulted from men falling down 3 chute, winze, raise, or stope; and run of ore from chute or pocket caused 1.48 per cent of the fatalities and 1.93 per cent of the injuries.3 Hence, accidents due to falls of men and material caused. 39.55 per cent of the fatalities and 34.05 per cent of the injuries in these mines. Accident prevention can best be assisted by each company's preserving complete records of accidents classified according to cause and rate per thousand or 10,000 shifts. A systematic method of recording accidents and the employment of graphs or charts will be helpful to the company safety department in analyzing the cruses of accidents. The purpose of this publication is to analyze data on accidents caused by falls of men and material in metal -mines of the United States, and to suggest methods of preventing or reducing such accidents."

Jun 1, 1929

By R. Blickensderfer

Several thin film absorber stacks with spectrally selective characteristics were developed by the Bureau of Mines. The stacks consisted of a silicon thick film or a zirconium compound thin film on a reflective thin film of silver. The zirconium absorber films, with the general formula ZrCxOyNz, were prepared by reactively sputtering zirconium or zirconium carbide in argon with small amounts of oxygen, nitrogen, or both, or by oxidizing zirconium films in air. A few similar types of films were prepared from titanium. The short-wave absorptance over the solar spectrum, a(s), and thermal emittance at 600 K, e(600 K), of the solar absorber stacks were calculated from room-temperature reflectance data. The values of a(s) ranged from 0.47 to 0.93, e(600 K) from 0.49 to 0.034, and the ratio a(s)/e(600 K) from 1.7 to 34. The specimen with the best combination of properties, a ZrNx-Ag stack, had a solar absorptance a(s) of 0.85 and a ratio, a(s)/e(600 K), of 24. The effect of film thickness and composition on spectral selectivity was determined. An emissometer for measuring normal total emittance up to 800 K and a method for determining a (s), e(T) (hemispherical), and a(s)/e(T) using simulated solar radiation are described. A calorimetric method for measuring a(s) and e(T) (hemispherical) at elevated temperature is also described. Measurements made on several specimens agreed favorably with calculated values.

Jan 1, 1976

By McHenry Mosier

The diamond-drill method was tried at the site selected for driving a 5- by 6 -foot air shaft at the east end of the Bellefonte mine . This method of sinking consisted , first , of drilling a 5-3/4 -inch-diameter cut hole from the surface , then drilling parallel 1.5 - inch ( EX ) holes around it at appropriate distances for a balanced blasting round . The cut hole was not charged with explosive but served as a relief chamber for the incipient expansion of the ground broken by. blasting the surrounding 1.5 - inch holes . The length of each hole was 236 feet , which was the finished depth of the shaft . The nature of the work in the air shaft was largely experimental , and many difficulties arising from the lack of special equipment and proper technique for precise alinement of the drill holes caused expensive delays before they could be overcome . Drilling the 5-3 /4 - inch hole , which was impeded by frequent core blocks in the core barrel , required 10 shifts . average advance per shift for an EX hole was about 150 feet . The The holes were charged and fired from the surface . The length of the section blasted in one cycle was 10 feet . Blasting progressed from the bottom of the shaft upward . The broken stone dropped into a chute , from which it was drawn into cars on the haulage level . The Bellefonte mine is an underground limestone mine.3/ The primary objective in undertaking the research on shaft sinking by diamond drilling was to perfect a method for driving connections between levels of the mine .

Oct 1, 1948

By W. H. Young

The thickness of the coal seam is one of the more important items influencing the productivity and general overall efficiency of operation of a coal mine. The average thickness of coal seams mined in the United States has changed very little in the past 40 years. The first measurement of thickness of bituminous coal and lignite seams was made for 1920, when the average thickness was 5.3 feet.2 The average thickness for later years was as follows: 1945, 5.4 feet; 1950, 5.3 feet; 1955, 5.2 feet; 1960, 5.3 feet; and 1965, 5.2 feet.3 Table 1 includes data on number and production of bituminous coal and lignite mines classified by 1-foot intervals of seam thickness mined in 1920, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, and 1965. Though bituminous coal and lignite are mined today from seams of exceedingly variable thickness--less than 2 feet to more than 50 feet--a large majority of the production, 62 percent in 1965, came from seams 3 to 6 feet thick. This is not surprising since the coal seam of moderate thickness presents the least mining difficulties.

Jan 1, 1967

By Frederick W. Lee

List of contributing editors of Geophysical Abstracts:

Sep 1, 1932

By F. E. Armstrong

A program with the objective of developing a fast, accurate instrumental method of analyzing mine dust for incombustible content has been underway in the Bureau of Mines for several years. Several prototype instruments making use of a gamma-ray backscatter technique have resulted. Although extensive laboratory testing has shown that these instruments are accurate under laboratory conditions, only extensive field testing will prove their ultimate practicality and usefulness. This report shows that under most conditions these devices are at least as accurate as the volumetric method and much faster in use. Other data obtained during the same study concerning mine dust are presented; these concern moisture content, sample bulk density distribution, and some particle size distribution information.

Jan 1, 1973

By H. W. St. Clair

This study of the rate of evaporation of zinc was undertaken as a part, of a general investigation on refining mixtures of metals resulting from melting reclaimed scrap. One of the methods by which the more volatile metals, such as zinc, magnesium, and cadmium, may be separated is by distillation. Distillation may be carried out at lower temperatures if it is done in an evacuated enclosure. The immediate purpose of the present investigation was to determine accurately the effect of temperature, pressure, and other factors on the rate of evaporation of zinc.

Jan 1, 1950

By R. H. Dickson

This paper, which describes the milling practice of the Verde Central Mines, Inc., is one of a series on milling methods and costs being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Verde Central concentrator is located in Walnut Gulch, about 1 mile west of Jerome, Ariz., and on the Jerome-Prescott highway. It is about 1,000 feet distant from the main shaft of the Verde Central mine and treats ore from this mine only. The mill is connected with the main shaft of the mine by a 24-inch gave railway, over which the ore is hauled in 5-cubic yard capacity, rocker, side-dump cars, by a 3-ton Brookville gasoline locomotive.

Jan 1, 1931

By A. J. Forney

A high-Btu gas was made at the Bruceton, Pa., laboratories of the Bureau of Mines to demonstrate the feasibility of using the gas as a nonpolluting fuel for automobiles. The pilot plants at Bruceton were revised to combine the processes of coal gasification, gas purification, and catalytic methanation in one overall system. Tests in the Bureau's test automobiles at Bartlesville, Okla., showed the Synthane gas was less polluting than natural gas.

Jan 1, 1972

By BUREAU OF MINES

PLATINUM

Feb 1, 1922

By Kung-Lee Wang

This Bureau of Mines study illustrates the economic significance of the Florida phosphate industry to the State and to the Nation. Environmental considerations related to phosphate industry activity are discussed briefly. Based on forecasts of Florida phosphate production in 1975, and using 1972 dollars, regional and national output value, income, and employment created by the phosphate industry were estimated for 1975. State and Federal government tax revenues generated by the phosphate industry, are also measured. Further, the concentrated impact of the phosphate industry on certain Florida areas and on regional industries is examined. Finally, the phosphate industry's importance to the U.S. balance of payments, U.S. agricultural production, and the Frasch sulfur industry is considered, in addition to byproduct fluorine, and potential byproduct uranium from fertilizer manufacturing.

Jan 1, 1974

By W. J. Fene

It is often desired to obtain samples of air in places where collection by ordinary methods is not feasible, as in shafts amore means of descent or ascent are not provided, in sewer manholes, in gas or water wells, in empty oil tanks, and in sealed areas in mines. Heretofore, when such sampling was required, it was necessary to utilize the aspirating method, which was not always satisfactory; and to obtain samples of air in deep shafts, it was necessary to use long sections of rubber tubing, which was not always available. DESCRIPTION OF NEW DEVICE A new method or "device" employs a common snap-type mousetrap to break the neck of a vacuum tube at the place where it is desired to collect the sample (see fig. 1). A mousetrap is mounted on one end of a block of wood 11-3/4 by 3 by 3/4 inches in such camper that a lead weight attached to the trigger hall spring the trap when the device is given a sharp jerk. A vacuum tube is placed on the other end of the block and held in place by a strong rubber band. A strip of corrugated rubber is placed on each side of the grooved block to prevent the tube from clipping when the sample is taken. An adjustable shoulder, provided with a rubber cap, is pieced se that the neck of the vacuum tube will rest on it. The shoulder is made adjustable to accommodate various sizes of tubas and to keep the neck of the tube from breaking tee far back from the point. A metal handle is fastened to one end of the block, with a hole in the end through which the brass wire used for lowering the device is tied. The device is enclosed by a strong wire-gauge covering, hinged on one side and so arranged that it can be locked shut on the other side. This covering prevent: breaking of the tube while it is being lowered or raised in a shaft or other place. Brass wire of not less than 22 gage should be used for lowering the device. A detailed drawing of the device is shown in figure 2.

Jan 1, 1940

By A. R. Mumford

During the course of an investigation conducted by the fuel section of the Bureau of Mines , on a hand- fired return- tubular boiler plant , it was found that the average cost of fuel to produce 1,000 lb. of steam was $ 0.5287 . Tests conducted after some simple changes had been made in the furnaces , and in the control of the boilers , showed the previous high cost of fuel per 1,000 lb. of steam could be reduced to the reasonable figure of $0.3540 , or the equivalent of over 30 per cent saving in fuel cost .

Mar 1, 1923

By Jack R. Woodyard

Scientists at the U.S. Bureau of Mines are studying iron aluminides as possible substitutes for stainless steels to reduce the Nation's dependence on imported strategic and critical materials. In a Bureau investigation on the mechanical properties of Fe-28Al, it was found that the material's machining properties were significantly improved at slow tool and feed speeds. Machining techniques normally used for brittle materials failed or were costly. Further experiments using a 5-in (12.7-cm) mill cutter with carbide inserts, operating dry at minimum machining speeds, produced visually smooth sample surfaces with no tool damage. As a result of these experiments and a review of published data on hydrogen embrittlement of iron aluminide under tension, non-water-based (e.g., sulfur-based) lubricants were chosen for production machining. Four-flute, 3/4-in (19-mm) carbide end mills were used at slow speed under lubrication. This latter procedure reduced tool wear and breakage by a factor of 2. Machined surfaces and specimen cross sections were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy to detect microcracking. Tensile tests gave the expected yield and ultimate strengths, indicating that no degradation by low-speed machining occurred. This study extends this work to show that the alloy can be machined at higher speeds using high-speed steel end mills, and that water-soluble cutting oil is a suitable lubricant and coolant.

Jan 1, 2010