Search Documents

By D. T. Randall, H. W. Weeks

The burning of coal without smoke is a problem that concerns the Government directly because of the advantages of smokeless combustion both in public buildings and on naval vessels. In addition, smoke abatement is a factor in conserving the fuel resources of the United States. Hence, as part of its general investigation of the best methods of utilizing the coals of this country, the Bureau of Mines, which is in charge of the fuel-testing work formerly carried on by the United States Geological Survey, has made extended tests to determine the conditions necessary for the smokeless combustion of bituminous coal in boiler furnaces. Bulletin 39,a a preliminary report, treats the smoke problem from a theoretical point of view, detailing the steps that are being taken by . municipalities, manufacturers, and citizens to abate smoke, also showing the possibility of a clean city. The present bulletin not only shows that bituminous coals high in volatile matter can be burned without smoke, but also that large plants carrying loads that fluctuate widely, where boilers over banked fires must be put into service quickly and fires forced to the capacity of their units, can be operated without producing smoke that is objectionable. Proper equipment, efficient labor, and intelligent supervision are the necessary factors.

Jan 1, 1912

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1977, 12 companies operated 31 primary aluminum reduction plants, with 3 firms accounting for 65% of production capacity. Washington, Oregon, and Montana accounted for 31% of the total capacity; Gulf Coast States 23%, Northern States 26%, and other Southern States 20%. Based on estimated producer prices output of primary metal in 1977 Has valued at $4.6 billion. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered 'in the East Central United States. Of aluminum consuming industries in 1977, building accounted for about 25%; packaging 22%; transportation 21%; electrical 11%; consumer durables 9%; and other uses, 12%.

Jan 1, 1978

The STATE MINERAL SUMMARIES publication provides estimated data and summaries of mineral activities at the State level for 1991. Most of the estimates are based on nine months data. Individual State summaries are published separately as State Mineral Industry Surveys and copies can be obtained from the appropriate State mineral officer or Bureau field office specified in each State summary.

Jan 1, 1992

By Eleanor Abshire

This bibliography is the second in a series that covers the current technical literature relating to the metallurgy of zirconium. The rapid advance in zirconium technology makes it mandatory that abstracts be prepared and compiled as soon as possible to have maximum value; therefore, the information in this volume is not arranged chronologically. As a service to research and production groups, succeeding bibliographies will be issued as new acquisitions accumulate in the Zirconium Information Center sponsored by the Department of the Navy, Bureau of Ships and the Bureau of Mines at the Bureau's Northwest Electrodevelopment Laboratory, Albany, Oreg. The initial volume, Information Circular 7771, Bibliography of Zirconium, covering 969 abstracted reports and 645 United States and foreign patents, was published in April 1957.

Jan 1, 1958

Since early July, domestic producer listings in primary aluminum ingot have been at 53¢ per pound. Dealers, however, lowered their August quotes by 1.8¢-2¢ to 47.5¢-48¢ per pound. BITUMINOUS COAL AND LIGNITE -The wildcat strike of UMWA coal miners which began on June 23 in protest of cutbacks in medical benefits appears to have ended. According to the West Virginia Coal Association on September 7, 1977, all mines in West Virginia were back in operation on September 6 and again on September 7. The Kentucky Coal Association reported approximately 2,500 miners were on strike in eastern Kentucky on September 6, but there was full employment on September 7.

Jan 1, 1977

Duties on Lead Imports from Mexico. - On September 15, the President signed Proclamation 4792 suspending concessions formerly granted as of January 1 on red lead imported from Mexico. The Proclamation also increased the duty payable on litharge imported from Mexico from 3% ad valorem to 3.5% ad valorem, effective September 15. Appeal of Lead Standards. - The U.S. Court of Appeals for Washington, D.C., rejected petitions by the Lead Industries Assoc. and St. Joe Minerals Corp. for a review of standards promulgated by EPA and OSHA. The Lead Industries Assoc. reportedly will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on the basis of the "benzene" and "cotton dust" decisions. Scheduled implementation of standards will continue during the appeal.

Jan 1, 1980

By F. M. Boler

The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducts research at the Galena Mine, Wallace, ID, with the aim of mitigating the effects of rock bursting. Destress blasting is commonly used as a stress control technique at the mine. A digital seismic array and an array of borehole pressure cells (BPC's) had been installed near the site of a stope undergoing mining and periodic de stressing. The instrumentation was being monitored at the time of a destress blast of the 46-99 stope. No significant seismic events occurred coincident with the destress. However, the destress was followed by a 2 ½ -week period of increased seismic activity, including two damaging events on February 7, 1990, at 034500 (hour, minute, and second) and 122020 Pacific standard time. BPC measurements indicated coseismic ground pressure changes on the order of 200 to 300 kPa associated with the damaging events. Fault plane solutions and dislocation models established that stress changes induced by the event at 034500 may have been significant in promoting the occurrence of the event at 122020. Theoretical investigations suggest that applying knowledge of the existing stress field, an understanding of rock burst mechanics, and fracture mechanics principles can improve destress effectiveness.

Jan 1, 2010

Wildcat strikes in the Appalachian coal fields, primarily in West Virginia, have resulted in an estimated 4.5 million ton loss in coal production during July and through the first week in August. Since then, the strike intensified further, and on August 9, nearly all of West Virginia's 60,000 miners were off the job with another 10,000 miners on strike in eastern Kentucky. The Bureau of Mines estimates that West Virginia's coal output is currently (8/9) eight million tons below last year when the state produced 108 million tons. West Virginia, the Nation's second largest coal producer of coal behind Kentucky, has not failed to mine over 100 million tons a year since 1938. At the end of the second week in August, nearly all coal miners in West Virginia remained out. The strike is a protest against a cutback in union health and retirement benefits. An announcement June 23 about the United Mine Worker's health and retirement fund precipitated the strike, Fund directors said that because of inflation and production losses caused by earlier wildcat strikes and the severe winter, miners would have to pay the first $250 of hospital costs and 40 percent of doctor bills, up to $500 a year. Previously, the funds paid all hospital and doctor bills. According to the West Virginia Coal Association each day of the strike in West Virginia results in a loss of coal production of 500,000 tons, a loss of $3.8 million in miners wages and $1 million in contributions to the UMWA's health and retirement fund.

Jan 1, 1977

In 1970, the U. S. Bureau of Mines contracted with Theodore Barry and Associates, a management consulting firm, to perform a one-year industrial engineering study of working-face hazards in underground bituminous coal mines. The field data was accumulated from industrial engineering observations in fifty underground mines. Supporting data for the analysis was derived primarily from the Bureau's fatal accident reports for the years 1966 through 1970. This report, Industrial Engineering Study of Hazards Associated with Underground Coal Mine Production, consists of three main parts: 1) The Fatal Accident Reports Analysis, 2) The Industrial Engineering Analysis, and 3) Multiflow Process Charts and Standard Time Data. The Fatal Accident Reports Analysis (Volume I, Section II) is based upon individual USBM fatal accident reports for 1966-1970. These were read, coded and computerized in terms of 84 significant variables. Cross-tabulations of these variables have been used to identify major underground hazards and to quantify significant causal factors. A very strong relationship was found to exist between fatal accident occurrences and low task experience. This led to a recommendation for formalized training, certification and supervision programs for miners. Victim compliance with federal regulations, mine regulations and supervisor instructions was analyzed, indicating that supervisors provide the most crucial communication link to workers. Thus, every attempt should be made to ensure the competence of immediate supervisors in the industry. Analysis of roof fall variables revealed a fatal propensity on the part of the miners to work under unsupported roof or under support conditions that are marginal. The technical approach to the problem is to make it physically impossible for a miner to work under these conditions; the behavioral approach is to ensure adequate training and develop proper safety attitudes among the miners. The Fatal Accident Reports Analysis revealed a need for normalizing data to interpret the results more accurately.

Jan 1, 1971

Electric power curtailments resulting from the coal strike, required Noranda Aluminum, Inc. to shut down its 140,000 ton-per-year (tpy) primary aluminum smelter at New Madrid, Mo., and layoff 308 workers. Other primary aluminum production facilities affected by the coal strike included the Aluminum Company of America plant at Evansville, Ind. which shut down half of one potline; the Eastalco Aluminum Co., smelter at Frederick, Md., which cut production by 7 percent; and the National-Southwire Aluminum Co. plant at Hawesville, Ky. which cut production by 6 percent. Alumax, Inc. announced that construction had started on a 91,000 tpy potline at the Eastalco primary aluminum smelter. The new potline will be owned 65 percent by Alumax and 35 percent by Mitsui & Co. Ltd. Howmet Aluminum Corp., which currently owns 50 percent of the existing 176,000 tpy facility, has the option of becoming a 50 percent owner of the third potline in 1982. Construction of the new line was scheduled to be completed in 1980.

Jan 1, 1978

By David J. Hoadley

This report describes the development and limited testing of a semi-automatic, raise climber, Compact Service Hoist System designed for stope access in underground metal and nonmetal mines. Demonstrated capabilities of the system include a 1,000-lb payload capacity, control from the traveling cage and from up to three remote stations, operating in vertical or inclined raises 3 ft in diameter and up to 300 ft in length and a travel speed of 50 ft/min. The system has the capability of operating in crooked raises because the conveyance climbs two stationary wire ropes suspended down the raise. The drive unit is electrically powered with power and control signals supplied to the drive unit through an umbilical 'cable also suspended down the raise. The system has been designed for portability, ease of installation and minimum raise development. The hoist has been demonstrated successfully in an above ground test tower. This report provides a detailed description of the hoist design and its demonstrated performance to date.

Jan 1, 1985

By Robert C. Dyni

The Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the Solution Mining Research Institute conducted surface and subsurface investigations over five solution-mined salt cavities in the Hutchinson, KS, area. The purpose of these investigations was to determine the mechanisms that lead to the formation of sinkholes above collapsed solution cavities. Of the five salt-solution cavities investigated, four had collapsed and produced sinkholes prior to the time of the investigations; the fifth cavity was considered stable. Exploratory drilling and coring operations were conducted at all five sites; surface stability monitoring was conducted at three of them. The results of these studies indicate that excessive dissolution at the salt-shale contact of each collapsed cavity produced large, unsupported roof spans that ultimately exceeded the structural integrity of the overburden. The stable cavity was not exposed to excessive dissolution at the salt-shale contact; this limited the roof span and ensured a stable cavity. The data also show that surface settlement in the vicinity of the two surface-monitored sinkholes continued for approximately 7 years after the sinkholes formed, indicating that the rubble piles of the collapsed cavities were undergoing gradual consolidation.

Jan 1, 1986

By O. C. Garst

"The lightness and relatively high strength per unit weight of certain magnesium alloys have interested designing engineers for many years. Ever since the noted investigator Bunsen3/ first produced the element by electrolysis of the fused chloride in 1852, utilization of this light metal has been considered. Magnesium is widely distributed over the earth's surface in high-grade as well as low-grade deposits; it occupies eighth place in the list of elements arranged in order of their decreasing abundance, as there is 2.24 percent magnesium in the earth's lithosphere. Even though the element is distributed widely in the form of relatively insoluble: minerals and also as soluble salts in sea water and spring water, as well as being an indispensable constituent of plants and animals, the technology of magnesium was slow development. This slowness of development was first caused by confusion or the part of the early investigators who thought that magnesia, magnesite, magnetite, and the pyrolusite-type manganese ores were compounds of the same metal. At one time the metal that we now know as manganese was called magnesium, and magnesium was called either magnium or talcium. In addition to this coon, the chemical activity of the metal, especially at high temperatures, created problems that are still difficult to solve.With the advance of science in all branches, .methods for -he production of magnesium were developed. The methods first used for producing the element were: (1) reduction of magnesium salts with alkali metals,4/ (2) electrolysis of aqueous solutions of magnesium salts, and (3) electrolysis of fused magnesiun salts.The first attempts to produce magnesium by the carbothermal reduction of magnesia were failures as sufficient thermodynamic knowledge concerning the reversibility of the reaction between magnesia and carbon was not at hand. As the igneous electrolytic Method for making the element was more easily controlled than the others and. yielded more metal per unit of energy, considerable work was expended on the improvement of this process. The work in this field paralled that on the electroreduction of aluminum and the alkali metals. For several years the entire magnesium industry was dependent on this igneous electrolysis process for its supply of the metal, but as demand for the metal increased and more scientific knowledge was available, other processes were developed. Today magnesium is produced by the electrolysis of molton magnesium chloride electrolytes, the carbothermal reduction of magnesia, in arc furnaces followed by shock cooling of the furnace gases by a coin inert atmosphere, and the silicothermal reduction of calcined dolomite in stainless steel retorts."

Mar 1, 1946

By William W. Odell

In Europe and in certain other foreign countries studies have been made, extending over a period of years, relating to the winning of oil from oil shale. More work has been done in these countries than in the United States, for the reason that a supply of natural petroleum has not been so generally available there as here. Information has been obtained relating to present practices in these foreign lands in the development of a shale-oil industry. It is realized that in the past there has been very little inducement to invest capital in shale-oil enterprise in the United State's because the supply of petroleum has been plentiful; however, the time possibly is not far distant when the utilization of oil shale may be cons¬idered a desirable and financially sound venture, as it may be necessary before long to augment our supply of oil with that recovered by processing shale. The data presented herein portrays at least some of the thoughts of those engaged in obtaining oil from oil, shale in Europe, and they depict some of the results thus far obtained as well as certain plans for further efforts to win oil from shale; it is hoped that those who undertake the development of a shale-treating industry in this country will find useful information in this report.

Jan 1, 1946

By K. C. Dean

During the course of the investigation of manganese mineral occurrences in the western United States, the Bureau of Mines collected several lots of ore' from properties in the vicinity of Winkelman, Ariz. As none of the ores would be marketable directly, an investigation was made to determine their amenability to concentration by ore dressing. The Geronimo group of claims is in Pinal County, 8 miles west of Winkelman, Ariz. The manganese oxides occur as cementing material in ore zones of conglomerate. Representative samples of a 2-ton lot of ore cut from outcrops of two lenticular deposits were laboratory-tested. Two 1-ton samples from the Benningfield property were similar in physical characteristics but differed in grade. This claim is 11-1/2 miles south of Winkelman and about 1 mile west of the San Pedro River on the south side of Putman, Wash. The manganese minerals occurred as nodules and lenses, replacing limestone, in a capping over a dark, igneous dike. The North Star group consists of five claims on the west side of the San Pedro River 14 miles south of Winkelman. The ore consists of a low-grade, manganese oxide-calcite occurrence interspersed with stringers of higher-grade material and is present as filling in a fissure zone in porphyry. Two samples were obtained by the examining engineer; one sample represented run-of-mine material, the other represented ore from the vein that could be hand-sorted or selectively mined.

Jan 1, 1952

The U.S. economy continued to expand during 1986, although at the slowest pace since 1982 when the current business expansion began. Real gross national product (GNP) grew about 2.6%, slightly below 1985 growth but significantly below that of 1984. The continuing expansion was fueled predominantly by rising personal consumption expenditures as well as growing government purchases of goods and services. Fixed investment, although positive, failed to grow at the rate of the overall economy. The trade deficit, which increased more than 30% over the record 1985 level, continued to depress economic growth despite significant declines in the price of petroleum and the value of the dollar. On a more positive note, domestic employment continued to grow--increasing over 2 million from the 1985 level--and inflation and interest rates declined. The unemployment rate dropped slightly to 7.0%. Of direct importance to the minerals-producing industries, expenditures for consumer and producer durables as well as investment in residential construction each grew faster than the overall economy, but investment in nonresidential structures fell more than 10% from the 1985 level. The low level of real capital spending declined about 3% in 1986, following strong gains in 1985 and in 1984. Capital expenditures for new plant and equipment bottomed out in the second quarter and expanded in the third and fourth quarters. The decline in the first half of the year was partially attributed to uncertainty arising from the then-proposed tax bill. Also, there was little impetus for corporations to invest in new capacity since factories were operating at less than 80% of capacity during most of the year, in part because of continued competition from imports.

Jan 1, 1987

A compilation of papers presented at The Second WVU Conference on Coal Mine E1ectrotechnology in Morgantown, West Virginia on June 12 -14, 1974. Papers cover areas of electric power, electronic communications, detection and location of trapped miners, and electronic sensors and monitoring systems.

Jan 1, 1974

Throughout October, U.S. producers priced unalloyed 99.5 percent aluminum ingot at 53¢ per pound. Dealers, in last month's domestic market, were quoting unalloyed ingot at a range of 45.5¢-46.3¢ per pound. Costa Rica recently issued a proposal to Japanese aluminum smelters to participate in an integrated aluminum-refining project which would include bauxite development. The project reportedly would include a 600,000-kilowatt hydroelectric power station, a 600,000-metric-ton-per-year alumina plant, and a 300,000-ton-per-year primary aluminum smelter. Two U.S. firms--Aluminum Co. of Amerjca (Alcoa) and Martin Marietta Co.--and several European aluminum smelters are also said to be interested in taking part in this project. Alcoa conducted a feasibility study for the Costa Rican Government in 1970 and estimated the bauxite reserves to contain 150 million metric tons.

Jan 1, 1977

Norton Co., the world's largest producer of abrasives, is enlarging its proppant operation. Proppants are strong chemical particles used to wedge open rock formations in deep oil wells, thereby increasing the well flow rate, sometimes as much as tenfold. Norton" aluminum oxide-based proppant is rapidly displacing less durable materials. The company is building the world's largest proppant plant in Fort Smith, AR. ALUMINUM--See also REFRACTORIES The price of primary aluminum ingot was increased by several producers in July. Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp., and Revere Copper & Brass Inc. increased the price of primary aluminum to 63.0 cents per pound, effective July I. Reynolds Metal s Co., Anaconda Aluminum Co., Howmet Aluminum Corp., and Marti n Marietta Aluminum Inc. increased the price of 99.5% primary aluminum ingot to 63.0 cents per pound, effective July 5, The Aluminum Company of America increased the price of aluminum ingot to 62.5 cents per pound, effective July 9. The range of prices at the end of the month was 58.5 to 63.0 cents per pound.

Jan 1, 1979

By W. L. EGY, GEORGES. RICE, L. M. JONES, J. K. CLEMENT

This report has been prepared, not only for the purpose of recording the results of the first series of coal-dust tests conducted in the experimental mine of the Bureau of Mines, but also to place before the mining public a description of the mine and an account of the objects sought in its establishment. Soon after the organization of the technologic branch of the United States Geological Survey, J. A. Holmes, then chief of the branch, concluded that for the solution of various problems relating to the causes and prevention of mine explosions it would be best to carry on large-scale tests in a mine rather than in a surface gallery. The idea of utilizing the underground passage of a mine for making explosion experiments did not at' first meet with general approval among investigators in this country or abroad. Many thought a mine passage was not a proper place in which scientific tests could be conducted, as great difficulty in controlling conditions was expected. However, after all arguments for and against such an investigation had been carefully considered, plans for opening an experimental mine were definitely adopted by the Bureau of Mines in 1910, and an allotment of funds was made to carry out the project. The first endeavor was to find an existing mine suitable for the purpose, but the mines offered by owners were either worked out, were wet, had poor roofs, or presented complications of various kinds, so that it was finally decided to open a mine if a site could be obtained having natural conditions that would fill the various requirements. A most desirable location was found on property of the Pittsburgh Coal Co., near Bruceton, Pa. The president of this company, Mr. W. K. Field, the general manager, Mr. G. W. Schluederberg, and the chief engineer, Mr. E. J. Taylor, rendered every possible service in

Jan 1, 1913