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By C. K. Eilerts

Knowledge of the phase relations of the fluids that exist in the porous spaces of rocks constituting natural petroleum reservoirs and of the behavior of these fluids under various field conditions of operation is essential to the conservation of petroleum and natural gas and to their efficient recovery. The problem of determining whether these fluids axe in the liquid or gaseous state send of recognizing the transitions that may take place as the material in the reservoir is subjected to different conditions of pressure and temperature confronts many producers today, especially in certain fields. The subject has grown rapidly in importance since the discovery of and production from deeper reservoirs that have correspondingly higher pressures rind temperatures as compared with shallower

Jan 1, 1938

By M. B. Shirts

Numerous alternative processes have been proposed as being potentially more economical or less polluting than the traditional smelting of copper sulfide concentrates. One such process as recently developed in the laboratory by the Bureau of Mines is composed of a two-stage fluid-bed, oxidation-reduction roasting followed by ammoniacal leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning. A copper-leaching recovery of 97.4 percent was obtained, and electrolysis of the acid strip solution deposited metal assaying 99.99 percent copper. The roaster gases contain over 95 percent of the sulfur at a concentration of 12 percent which is better suited for acid making or elemental sulfur production than conventional smelter gas. When considering byproduct recovery, a preliminary estimate indicates copper production costs are com-parable to the conventional smelters.

Jan 1, 1975

By F. E. Brantley, D. A. Martin

Synthetic zeolites were tried as selective adsorbents for recovering sulfur dioxide from synthetic gases and gases produced from gypsum decomposition . Initial adsorption tests , using the synthetic gases , indicated that three of these compounds , having sulfur dioxide capacities of up to 29 grams per 100 grams of adsorbent , were satisfactory . Regeneration studies showed that over 90 pct of the sulfur dioxide desorbed from the loaded beds was of sufficient purity for direct liquefaction . However , all zeolites tested lost adsorptive capacity with repeated use . The zeolite determined to be the most promising in the preliminary synthetic gas tests was also evaluated for capability in adsorbing sulfur dioxide from gases produced by the thermal decomposition of gypsum . Despite small amounts of hydrogen sulfide in the gypsum decomposition offgas , good adsorption of sulfur dioxide was attained . The economic practicality of utilizing zeolites for sulfur dioxide removal from industrial gases was not evaluated , but the technical feasibility was demonstrated .

Jan 1, 1963

By T. D. Hackett

Multislice mining methods were analyzed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to determine their application to western United States thick coal seams; ground control, geology, and costs were considered. Multislice mining is used in widely varying seam conditions worldwide, including flat seams too thick to mine in a single pass, pitching thick seams, and seams containing a rock parting. Longwall multislice methods predominate, but room-and-pillar variants also exist. The initial use of the method in western seams is planned at a deep Colorado mine where a rock parting will be used to separate two slices mined by longwall. Ground control and spontaneous combustion are major hazards associated with multislice mining. A well-consolidated upper slice gob can reduce ground control problems and provide a seal against spontaneous combustion. Geologic analysis indicates that the consolidation of the gob depends on the composition of the upper slice roof, the presence of water, and sufficient overburden pressure. A geologically competent intermediate rock parting can also reduce ground control problems and seal against spontaneous combustion. To compete in western coal markets, the cost of multislice mining must be within the range of normal longwall costs. Analysis indicates that multislice operating costs should be within this range, and that multislice mining costs decrease as panel width increases. Relatively wide (600 to 800 ft) panels also provide increased coal recovery.

Jan 1, 1990

By R. V. Higgins, A. J. Leighton

A computer program has been devised to calculate the reservoir performance of water floods of complicated well - spacing patterns . The method and program have been tested by calculating the waterflood performance of fivespot patterns using oils of different viscosities and the performance calculations agreed closely with laboratory results . The program on a high - speed digital computer will process the performance prediction in about 1 minute , which is very rapid for a prediction using so much fluid mechanics and nonlinear geometry . The program has been presented in such a way that one may use it as given and save the time required to write and " debug " one of his own . gram processes a complex reservoir analysis , many of the complicated steps are explained in detail , both for the fluid mechanics and the directions for the computer . The subtle features that originally delayed the application of the program to unusual combinations of permeability and viscosity relationships are incorporated and explained

Jan 1, 1963

By P. M. Sullivan

Galvanizers' sal skimmings have been treated by two methods of leaching in attempts to produce preflux solutions suitable for use in galvanizing operations. Both water-leaching and acid-leaching procedures are effective, except in severely exhausted skimmings when water-leaching becomes impractical. A preliminary analysis of the skimmings is not required. Solutions in the recommended concentration range can be produced conveniently by control of pH, specific gravity, and chlorine content. A technician would require only a short period of training to be able to perform the operations described.

Jan 1, 1958

By T. A. Clancy

Since many new mineral processing systems under development can impose severe corrosive conditions on construction materials, the Bureau of Mines reviewed and assessed the literature on corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. Corrosive conditions were categorized as: (1) acids and aqueous solutions, (2) glass and slag/metal melts, and (3) gases. Information on the corrosion resistance of ceramic materials, generally, is disseminated by many sources, each of which is interested in specific corrosive environments. Based on this survey, it was noted that (I) the development of standardized tests is needed to study solution-type corrosion of ceramics, (2) slag/melt corrosion data are the most comprehensive of the available data, and (3) better definition of corrosion mechanisms In gaseous environments is needed.

Jan 1, 1980

By Franklin B. W. Woodbury

The Bureau of Mines, as part of its goal of helping maintain an adequate supply of minerals to meet national economic and strategic A needs, is evaluating alternative technologies to treat oxidized taconites. Since process control is an essential element in the application of these process technologies, research was performed on a prototype monitoring system utilizing a Californium-252 (252-Cf) neutron source and a thermal neutron capture-gamma ray spectra analysis method to measure the amount of iron and percent solids in process slurries. The prototype system was used to monitor the concentrate and tailing streams in a 900-lb/hr flotation pilot plant during continuous around-the-clock tests. The iron content of the process slurries was determined by measuring the total peak areas under the capture spectrum peaks at 7.626-7.632 MeV, the associated escape peaks at 7.136-7.122 and 6.626-6.612 MeV, and the iron doublets at 4.900 and 4.998 MeV. A potential method for determining the percent solids in process slurries using the 2.22 MeV hydrogen capture peak is discussed. Results of this work demonstrate a potential method for providing process control parameters using the data from thermal neutron capture-gamma ray reactions.

Jan 1, 1980

Note: This is a progress report and therefore not necessarily conclusive. Further data may result in conclusions somewhat different from those reported here. Crop Growing Season The monthly average temperatures, total precipitation, and evaporation for the demonstration mine are shown in Table 1. [ ]

Jan 1, 1980

By Robert L. Lagace

The purpose of the work reported herein was to investigate whether available telephone multiplexing equipment offered a means to rapidly upgrade the traffic-handling capacity of present mine telephone systems and provide for selective calling for safer and more efficient mine operation. Common sense was used to decide whether or not an item could be termed "available." Since conventional telephone gear is not designed to interface pager phones for example, existing shelf items would require adapters to compatibly interface these two types of gear for independent operation over the present single twisted pair used in mines. These and similar small items were allowed, but if a system required any extensive design work to adapt it for the mines, we ruled it "not available."

Jan 1, 1975

By John C. Feeley

The methods used and the funds available for the development and oper- ation of shall mines and the reopening of small abandoned mines frequently present problems that tax the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the mining engineer far beyond that required in the mass production from large deposits. The objective of this paper is to describe in considerable detail the means whereby engineers have solved local problems in reopening an abandoned mine at which equipment, facilities, and funds were limited... The Etowah Coal & Iron Co. Gadsden red-iron-ore mine at Gadsden, Ala., 18 of interest in this category since it is the only independent red-ore mine under active development in the State. All other red-ore mines in Alabama are owned or controlled by the large iron or steel companies. The The mine, located on the southwest end of Shinbone Ridge in the outskirts of Gadsden lies in an ares once productive. but now idle, for many years. ore is relatively highgrade compared with that in the Birmingham area, but the bed is thin and somewhat lenticular. The presence of a large blast furnace at Alabama City, 3 miles from Gadsden, and the growing scarcity of red-iron ore supplies for it offered inducements for reopening the mine in 1946. Up to the time this circular was prepared (1947) only a small quantity of ore (about 1,500 tons) has been produced and shipped to the furnace. A force of 14 men was employed in sinking the main slope and developing a third "lift" (a local term for level) 100 feet below the old mine workings.

May 1, 1949

By L. H. Adami, E. G. King

The heats of formation of four sulfides --MnS ( alabandite ) , FeS ( hexagonal pyrrhotite ) , ZnS ( wurtzite ) , and CdS ( greenockite ) -- were determined by hydrochloric acid solution calorimetry . The heats of formation from the metals and rhombic sulfur at 298.15 ° K are , respectively , -51.01 ± 0.19 , -23.81 ± 0.24 , -45.86 ± 0.20 , and -35.70 ± 0.30 kcal /mole . The corresponding free energies of formation were calculated from the heats of formation and the pertinent entropy values .

Jan 1, 1964

By Richard D. Miller

This publication contains routine analyses and related source data for 434 gas samples from 16 States. These samples were collected during calendar year 1961 as part of the continuous survey for the occurrence of helium in natural gas conducted by the Helium Activity of the Bureau of Mines. The analyses herein were made by mass spectrometer and Frost helium apparatus. The most important helium resource discovery made during 1961 was the Table Mesa field in San Juan County, N. Mex. This field, Which has an estimated recoverable helium reserve of 850 million cubic feet, is now supplying gas containing approximately 5.4 percent helium to the Bureau of Mines Navajo Helium Plant at Shiprock, N. Mex.

Jan 1, 1964

By Richard D. Miller

This publication contains routine analyses and related source data for 434 gas samples from 16 States. These samples were collected during calendar year 1961 as part of the continuous survey for the occurrence of helium in natural gas conducted by the Helium Activity of the Bureau of Mines. The analyses herein were made by mass spectrometer and Frost helium apparatus. The most important helium resource discovery made during 1961 was the Table Mesa field in San Juan County, N. Mex. This field, Which has an estimated recoverable helium reserve of 850 million cubic feet, is now supplying gas containing approximately 5.4 percent helium to the Bureau of Mines Navajo Helium Plant at Shiprock, N. Mex.

Jan 1, 1964

By H. S. Martin

This paper, describing the concentrating practices at the plants of the Utah Copper Co., is one of a series being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines in which the data are given in as nearly uniform c manner as possible. The Magna mill is 19 miles west of Salt Lake City on the routes of the Lincoln and Victory highways, and the Arthur plant is 1 mile west of the Magna mill. Both are on the main road west of the town of Magna and east of the town of Garfield.

Jan 1, 1931

By Joseph M. Singer

Having established that sodium chloride reduces the incendivity of explosives, the Bureau of Mines studied the effect of sodium nitrate in reducing ignition hazards. Gallery experiments showed that sodium nitrate reduced the incendivity of certain explosives to 8 percent natural gas in air but increased their incendivity to coal dust predispersed in air. Laboratory experiments using hot jets from explosions of stoichiometric mixtures of methane-oxygen-nitrogen showed that both sodium chloride and sodium nitrate reduced the incendivity to methane, to mixtures of coal dust and methane) and to coal dust. The difference between the gallery and laboratory results with respect to coal dust is attributed to temperature-time effects.

Jan 1, 1967

By Earle S. Burnett

Rotating piston deadweight gages have been used for many years for measurement of pressure to several hundred atmospheres. They have been calibrated by comparison of fluid pressures produced by various loads bearing on the piston bases, as measured by corresponding heights of balancing columns of mercury. When expressed in appropriate units, these ratios of column heights to piston loads are called piston constants. Experimental arrangements and procedures for their determination are presented in this paper, followed by a discussion of their significance and of their subsequent applications.

Jan 1, 1966

Although the technology involved in removing material from below the earth's surface has a long history, communication systems in underground workings are relatively new to the industry. Communication equipment did not begin appearing in underground mines until the early 1900's. Figure 1-1 shows a miner using a Western Electric standard telephone set for underground mines in 1913. These early phones were essentially the same as those used aboveground, except that they were enclosed in cast-iron boxes as protection against moisture, acid fumes, and gases.

Jan 1, 1984

By W. A. Stickney, J. W. Town

Studies on continuous - circuit leach - aluminum precipitation and leachelectrodeposition of mercury were made by the Bureau of Mines to determine optimum conditions and cost estimates for recovering mercury from mercury sulfide flotation concentrates . With 150 grams of sodium sulfide and 50 grams of sodium hydroxide per liter , from 98 to 99.8 percent of the mercury was extracted from flotation concentrates , with about 0.5 pound of sodium hydroxide used per pound of mercury produced . Precipitation of mercury from the caustic - sulfide solution with minus 8 - mesh aluminum shot required about 0.2 pound of aluminum per pound of mercury produced at a cost of $ 0.05 per pound of mercury . Electrodeposition cost with 7 mill power , based on 50 percent current efficiency , was below 2 mills per pound of metal deposited . Feed solutions ranged from 10 to 130 grams of mercury per liter , and current densities , from 2 to 70 amperes per square foot . The cost of open- pit mining 250 tons per day was estimated at $ 1.75 per ton , and flotation - leachingelectrodeposition of the ore , at $ 3.54 , resulting in a cutoff grade of about 0.1 percent mercury . The cost of underground mining 50 tons per day was estimated at $ 20.00 per ton , and the cost of milling the ore was estimated at $ 13.33 , which resulted in a cutoff grade of 0.6 percent mercury .

Jan 1, 1964

By L. C. IlsLey

The work of the electrical section of the Bureau of Mines may be considered to have had its beginning in April , 1909 , when H. H. Clark was , appointed electrical engineer in the U. S. Geological Survey. The first manuscript prepared by members of this section was Miners Circular 5, which was issued in October , 1911. During each succeeding year additional papers have been published dealing with questions relating to electrical safety. Since 1916 the electrical section has also conducted laboratory investigations on flame safety lamps and gas- detecting devices and has published reports relating thereto . The following selected list of publications covering safety studies and activities of the electrical section has been prepared for the convenience of those who wish to keep themselves advised concerning electrical safety matters . The list includes only such publications as are applicable to present-day prac tices .

Jul 1, 1930