Search Documents

By S. H. Ash

THE MAGNITUDE of the anthracite industry's drainage problem in the Lackawanna River drainage area is realized when it is known that in 1948 the 27 pumping plants in this region pumped over 48 billion gallons of water to the surface from the mines in the Lackawanna Basin of the Northern field. This is almost 92,000 gallons per minute pumped against an average hydrostatic head of over 300 feet for that year. By comparison, Lake Wallenpaupack, the largest artificial body of water lying wholly in Pennsylvania, contains 71 billion gallons of water in its 24-square-mile area: the volume of water pumped from the mines in the Lackawanna Basin during 1948 was approximately 68 percent of that impounded in Lake Wallenpaupack. The Lackawanna. River and its tributaries drain a troughlike area of 345 square miles. The synclinal axis of this trough lies within the coal measures. All surface drainage into the valley must traverse some part of the coal measures. On the basis of 45.03 inches of rainfall recorded by the Scranton station of the United States Weather Bureau for 1948, the runoff from the Lackawanna River drainage area during that period was 135 billion gallons, approximately three times the volume of water pumped by all mine pumping plants in the Lackawanna. Basin of the Northern field during 1948. In other, words because of the pervious condition of the strata overlying the mine workings, approximately one-third of the total runoff in the Lackawanna River drainage area becomes mine water. This report, reveals that less than 7 percent of the 72 miles of pervious stream beds examined between Archbald and Pittston have been unproved.

Jan 1, 1952

By Stanley A. Feitler

This Bureau of Mines report deals principally with the resources and economic aspects of feldspar in the United States east of the Mississippi River. Although in a strict sense, all phases of the feldspar industry affect its economic structure, emphasis in this study is on supply, demand, and marketing. Although feldspar was originally mined for use in the manufacture of pottery and other ceramics, the glass industry, which began to use feldspar in the mid-1920's, now consumes more than half of the annual output. Most mining is open cut, and the methods used are similar to those used in mining crushed b stone. Excess plant capacity has been chronic, and production is usually about 30 percent of capacity fur the industry as a whole. Since 1947, feldspar consumption has grown more slowly than the average for all U.S. industry. This has fostered intense competition, especially for the glass market. Prices have not kept pace with inflation, and profits are small. The trend of consumption through 1970 for glass feldspar is expected to be upward; less rapid in consumption of ceramic feldspar is anticipated.

Jan 1, 1967

By John B. Knaebel

This paper, describing the milling operations of the St. Joseph Lead Co. at Balmat, N. Y., is one of a series of similar papers being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines on practice at various mills in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company also operates a mine end mill at Edwards, 12 miles northeast of Balmat. Mining practice in the district, as exemplified at the Edwards mine, is described in another information circular of the Bureau of Mines.3 The writer gratefully acknowledges the generous cooperation of the company officials which made this investigation possible, and wishes to thank R. J. Mechin, manager, P. W. Wolf, mill superintendent, and F. G. Kuehl, assistant mill superintendent, for their helpful assistance. Especial thanks are due J. S. Brown, geologist, for supplying information on the characteristics of the ore, and to C. F. Jackson, principal mining engineer, U. S. Bureau of Mines, for helpful suggestions.

Jan 1, 1932

By L. J. Kane

Applications are described of various methods for determining the weight concentration and physical properties of solid and liquid impurities of gases in connection with problems encountered in synthesis-gas production. Of special interest among these methods may be listed: 1. A method developed for determining, the weight concentration of solid and liquid impurities in. hot, crude synthesis gas containing a high concentration of moisture. 2. A method developed for the same purpose but for highly purified synthesis gas or atmospheric air. 3. A method for obtaining a uniform dispersion of dry duet or, a microscope slide for particle-size determination or other purposes.

Jan 1, 1954

By William M. Thornton

[Owing to the comparatively high freezing point of nitroglycerin (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 37, 38)3/ - 1.9° C. and 13.0° C. for the labile and stabile modifications, respectively, as determined by Hibbert (16) - manufacturers of dynamites have incorporated into the liquid portion of these composite explosives various substances capable of participating in an explosion, to depress the above-mentioned freezing point. Aromatic nitro-compounds, chiefly nitrobenzenes, nitrotoluenes, and nitronaphthalenes, have been used to a considerable extent (11), but such nitrosubstitution products have not proved altogether satisfactory, as has been shown clearly by Naoúm. (14). Consequently there has been a strong tendency in recent years to replace them with one or more of several nitric esters, among which the following (29, 35) have been prominent: Dinitrochlorhydrin (monochlorhydrin dinitrate); nitrosugars, for example, sucrose octanitrate (19); tetranitrodiglycerin (diglycerin tetranitrate); nitroglycol (ethyleneglycol dinitrate); and diethyleneglycol dinitrate (13, 46, 47). Of these, nitroglycol (33, 4l, 45, 48, 49, 65) is outstanding in importance. As the Bureau of fines is naturally interested in the analytical chemistry of the "explosive oils," it seemed desirable to bring together in this report the widely scattered experimental work covering the problem of differentiation that has appeared in various chemical and physicochemical publications.]

Jan 1, 1941

By T. C. Campbell

This Bureau of Mines publication presents an analysis of information related to the transportation of bituminous coal by unit trains and slurry pipelines. Even for short hauls from mines to markets, transport costs frequently account for between one-third and one-half of the delivered price of coal. Minimizing these costs has become an even more critical objective for hauls from the western mines than for hauls from farther east. Factors related to minimizing costs and transporting the western coal receive special attention. Although no general rule of preference is likely to be developed that can be applied to all shipments, both rail and pipeline service will be needed on an increasing scale. The study should provide useful background information and analysis for government and industry in approaching investment decisions in the mining and transportation industries.

Jan 1, 1975

By E. L. Garton

The Bureau of Mines for a number of years has been conducting an investigation of crude petroleum from producing fields in the United States and the Western Hemisphere and has published a series of reports on these fields. Analyses of crude-oil samples from many oil fields of Oklahoma are given in Bulletin 2913. Analyses of 21 representative crude oils from various producing zones of the Oklahoma City field are given in this report. A close study of the analyses reveals very few differences in the general characteristics and chemical properties of these oils.

Jan 1, 1932

By David Bendersky

The principal objectives of this study are to: (1) survey electrical practices in metal and non-metal mines, (2) survey electrical practices in metal and non-metal mills, (3) clarify the federal regulations governing electrical practices in metal and non-metal mines/mills, (4) analyze electrical accidents, and (5) make recommendations aimed at improvement of the safety of electrical practices in metal and non-metal mines. Information was obtained from literature searches, accident reports, visits to 27 mines and 12 mills, and discussions with knowledgeable industry and government people. The various electrical power systems and practices at the mines and mills visited are described. Similarities and differences based on the type of mining and the minerals being mined or milled are presented. The federal regulations governing metal/non-metal mine/mill electrical practices (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 30, Sections 55.12, 56.12, and 57.12) are presented and discussed. Explanations of each regulation are provided in an appendix. The attitudes of mine/mill operators towards the federal regulations are described. An analysis of the electrical accidents in metal/non-metal mines and mills during the period 1972-1978 is presented. Recommendations, including specific research and development activities, aimed at improvement of electrical safety in metal/non-metal mines are submitted.

Jan 1, 1980

By J. E. Pahlman

Spontaneous oxidation and combustion of sulfides and resultant fires are serious problems in underground mines. The Bureau of Mines has con-ducted fundamental thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) research to deter-mine the mechanisms and factors governing the rate of low-temperature pyrite oxidation, and to identify possible inhibitors to spontaneous oxidation and combustion. The mechanism of low-temperature pyrite oxidation was found to be topochemical, meaning that the oxidation process is controlled by the chemical reaction at the interface between pyrite (FeS2) and iron sulfate (FeS04)' An activation energy of 8.9 kcal/mol FeS2 was obtained for oxidation of minus 500-mesh pyrite in an atmosphere of 60 vol pct water vapor and 40 vol pct . Water-vapor content of the atmosphere was found to be the critical factor in the rate of spontaneous oxidation of pyrite, with a water-vapor content greater than 20 vol pct needed for accelerated oxidation. An atmosphere of pure oxygen resulted in negligible oxidation. The rate of pyrite oxidation is also greatly affected by the particle size of pyrite. Pyrite-oxidation rate increased drastically for particles less than 40 ~m. Room-temperature pyrophoric behavior was observed for freshly ground unoxidized pyrite (55 pct minus 5 ~m) upon exposure to air. Addition of water-adsorbing materials such as activated alumina (Alz03) decreased the rate of pyrite oxidation.

Jan 1, 1986

By E. A. Holbrook

The data in this bulletin were obtained during an investigation of screening practice by the University of Illinois engineering experiment station and the United States Bureau of Mines under a cooperative agreement between them and the State of Illinois Geological Survey Division. Earlier work on this subject includes a study of the general practice of coal preparation in Illinois, made in 1914 and published in 1916,1 and an investigation of Illinois coal-washing methods, results of which were published in 1912 in a bulletin 2 that contained complete information on the methods then in use for sizing washed coal. OBJECTS OF THE INVESTIGATION The present investigation was limited to a study of screening as applied in preparing mineral products with the expectation of obtaining more comprehensive information on screening machinery.

Jan 1, 1925

By Wilbert J. Huff

The work of the Explosives Division, Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1939, is described in the following pages. This paper is the fourth of a series of annual reports covering the activities of the division since July l, 1936.

Jan 1, 1940

According to industry representatives, U.S. producers were listing unalloyed 95.5 percent aluminum ingot in October at 53-57.5 cents per pound, but reportedly much is being priced at 53 cents. New York dealers raised their October positions by about 3 cents to 56-56.5 cents, mainly to cover spot supply shortages. London Metal Exchange 3-month forward contracts traded up in October from 52.3 to 57.3 cents per pound and closed at 56.4 cents. ASBESTOS The Jaquays Asbestos Corp. has announced the imminent closure of its mine and mill in Globe, Arizona. This is the last asbestos producer in the State having operated continuously, except during the early thirties, since 1914. Cost of compliance with environmental regulations was given as the reason for closure.

Jan 1, 1978

By Steven J. Page, John A. Organiscak

Laboratory crushing experiments were conducted on a range of low- to high-volatile bituminous coals to investigate the various factors influencing airborne respirable dust (ARD) generation. This research was conducted to identify the principles of ARD liberation from the coal product. Five U.S. bituminous coals were uniformly prepared and processed through a double roll crusher located in a low-velocity wind tunnel. Experimental factors studied included inherent coal seam constituents, coal grind ability, specific energy of crushing, product size characteristics, dust cloud electrostatic field, and specific ARD generated. The results of this investigation indicate that a combination of several factors are associated with ARD generation. One factor is the effect of coal rank, described by the inherent moist fuel ratio, on the product size characteristics, defined by Schuhmann size function parameters. Another key factor is the effect of air dry loss(ADL) moisture in the coal seam on the breakage-induced electrostatic field of airborne dust. The effect of these factors is that different percentages of <10-m coal particles are dispersed as ARD. A discussion of electrostatic field principles, coal ADL, and its effect on ARD generation is presented.

Jan 10, 1998

By Ernest A. Curth

A 3-month study in 1971 of the Essen Roof Support and Rock Mechanics Research Center&apos;s program of roof and support evaluation included 25 mine trips. German miners must adopt mining methods and environmental control measures involving methane drainage and water infusion to improve productivity under severe natural conditions. Pressing problems in ground control must be solved such as cavities in front and above the supports at longwall faces and excessive convergence in gate roads. The Center developed automatic data processing methods to quantify the results of roof and support surveys and to establish criteria. Another approach to ground control is the study of mine models. The Center&apos;s laboratory has the facilities to test elements of powered roof support and whole assembled units. Face automation and roof control by powered shields are novel developments that are under close scrutiny in the field as well as in the laboratory. Though the Essen Center&apos;s roof and support evaluation techniques are tailored to the needs of the coal mining industry of the Federal Republic of Germany under conditions vastly different from those in the United States, some application may be found here, for instance, monitoring faces and roadways and preventive maintenance of hydraulic systems.

Jan 1, 1974

By Stewart W. Towle

In 1989, the u.s. Bureau of Mines initiated a contract to gather engineering, operating, and environmental cost data for 1988 for 30 major foreign primary copper smelters in market economy countries. Data were collected for 29 of the designated smelters together with information on applicable environmental regulations. Materials balance data obtained were used with available data for the eight U.S. smelters to determine the approximate extent of copper smelter sulfur emission control in 1988. A broad characterization of the status of sulfur emission control regulation was made. The 37 U.S. and foreign smelters represented roughly 73.2% of world and 89.3% of market economy primary copper production in 1988. The 29 non-U.S. smelters attained 55.3% control of their input sulfur in 1988. Combined with the 90.4% control of U.S. smelters, an aggregate 63.4% sulfur control existed. Roughly 1,951,100 mt of sulfur was emitted from the 37 market economy smelters in 1988. Identifiable SO2 control regulations covered 72.4% of the 29 foreign smelters, representing 66.5% of smelting capacity. Including U.S. smelters, 78.4% of the major market economy smelters were regulated, representing 73.1 % of smelting capacity. Significant changes since 1988 that may increase sulfur emission control are noted.

Jan 1, 1993

By Timothy W. Beck

Roof bolter occupations in underground coal mines continue to experience overexposure to respirable dust. One potential source of dust in roof bolting operations is the exhaust from the roof bolter dust collection system. A wet exhaust conditioner (?water box?) has been developed to reduce dust emissions from the exhaust of the vacuum dust collection system on roof bolting machines. The exhaust conditioner consists of a muffler chamber and a water chamber with four internal partitions to direct airflow over the surface of the water. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a series of laboratory tests to assess the respirable dust capture ability of this device as compared to the standard exhaust muffler. To determine the dust collection efficiency, both devices were placed in the exhaust stream of a simulated roof bolter dust collection system. Gravimetric samplers were operated upstream and downstream of the exhaust conditioner and muffler to evaluate the ability to capture both respirable coal and limestone dust. Researchers observed a 41 percent reduction in dust concentrations for the water exhaust conditioner in the laboratory configuration. Significant levels of dust deposition in the sampling chambers may have contributed to this effective capture rate.

Jan 1, 2010

By D. J. Parker

The ease of ignition and violence of explosion of Utah coal dusts, together with the large volumes of methane given off in some of the mines of the State, made it imperative to abandon obsolete equipment and obviously hazardous practices for up-to-date equipment and safer methods of mining if reasonable progress wore to be attained in fire and explosion prevention. Although much can still be done to improve safety conditions in Utah coal mines, considerable progress has been made in the past 10 years. The fundamentals of such progress include increased use of permissible electrical equipment in gassy mines, closed lights, rock-dusting, more liberal use of water at the face, butter ventilation, permissible explosives fired electrically both within and without the mine, partial inhibition of blasting while the shift is in the mine, 100-percent first-aid training, increased supervision and inspection, and mass safety meetings.

Jan 1, 1935

By Arno C. Fieldner

Six years ago, I addressed the annual meeting of the American Society for Testing Materials on "Fuels of Today and Tomorrow."3/ Since then, our country has been drawn into another great war of veritably global extent, with unprecedented demands on fuels, foods, and materials in general. My purpose in this address is to review the changes in fuel supply and demand since 1937 and to give you my views on the outlook for the future. CONDITIONS IN. 1237 Daring 1936 the United States produced and consumed one-third of the world production of coal, two-thirds of the petroleum, and about 95 percent of the natural gas. Two-thirds of the oil produced in all countries since the discovery well was drilled in 1859 had come from American wells. With the exception of the three depression years 1931, 1932, and 1933, new oil reserves were being discovered since 1924 well in excess of our increasing rate of consumption. Discoveries of natural gas, likewise, were tremendous in volume, and this fuel was being transported to most parts of the country by pipe lines; some of them more than 1,000 miles long. We had all kinds of mineral fuels in abundance and at prices that did not stint anyone in the maximum utilization of the mechanical devices that were being developed on every hand. No one suspected that the time might come in a few years when, gasoline would be doled out to some of us at the rate of 1-1/2 gallons a week or that many of our fuel-oil furnaces would have to be converted to burn coal. Of course, these restrictions are due to unusual war conditions, such as lack of coastwise tanker transportation, unprecedented demand for aviation gasoline, and the shortage of rubber for automotive tires. However, these shortages do call our attention to the vital part of petroleum reserves in our country&apos;s future position among nations. Therefore, it is of special interest to review briefly the relations of recent supply and demand with respect to our various mineral fuels.

Jan 1, 1943

By R. L. Marek

The number of persons fatally injured in the California petroleum industry in 1932 was 24, a decrease of 6, or 20 percent from the number killed in 1931. The decrease in the number of fatalities occurring in 1932 caused the fatality curve of the California petroleum industry to reach its lowest point in 10 years. Changing conditions in the oil industry - reduced personnel, decreased active field development, and curtailed production - have undoubtedly caused a part of this decrease, but continued accident-prevention efforts by the industry have also contributed to the reduction in the number of fatalities for 1932. The Bureau of Mines has analyzed and reported annually the fatalities in the California petroleum industry for a period of 10 years. Figure 1 shows the trend of fatal accidents during that period. Fatality statistics for 1932 show that the drilling and producing, pipe line and transportation, and refining and natural gasoline divisions of the industry had fewer accidents in 1932 than in 1931, sales and marketing being the only division that showed an increase over 1931. The number of fatalities by divisions for 1931 and 1932, percent of total, and percentages of increase and decrease are given in Table 1.

Jan 1, 1933

By William H. King

The Mercur Dome mine is in the Camp Floyd mining district, Tooele County, Utah (fig. 1). The property lies between 6,000 and 8,000 feet altitude on the southwesterly slope of the Oquirrh Mountains, a short distance west of Mercur, the district settlement. Mining began in the Mercur area in 1870. Operations at the Mercur Dame mine were started in 1937 after several claims had been consolidated into one group. Preliminary examination of the ground by F. H. Gunnell, a Bureau of Mines engineer, disclosed the presence of vanadium in a carbonaceous shale horizon. Rocks near the Mercur Lame property are chiefly sediments of Carboniferous age, including the Madison and Deseret limestones. The main shaft penetrates the Deseret formation to a point a few feet above the 1,000-foot level where it enters the Madison limestone. The flat-lying vanadiferous shale horizon is exposed on the 1,000-foot level near the top of the Madison limestone. The Bureau of Mines development program, consisting of diamond drilling, auger hole drilling, and sampling, was planned to determine the extent and assay value of the vanadiferous bed. Seven diamond-drill holes totaling 300 feet were drilled from the 1,000-foot level of the mine. Eight hand auger holes were drilled in the back of the drift on this level (fig. 2). Assay determinations were made on 74 samples from the drill holes and supplemental channel samples and are tabulated in this report. The concluding section embodies results of metallurgical tests.

Jan 1, 1949