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By K. F. Anderson

The increasing number of oil-productive reservoirs in the Ellenburger formation has emphasized the need for information pertaining to the hydrocarbon recoveries that may be obtained from such reservoirs. Most of the space available for accumulating hydrocarbons in the Ellenburger formation is derived from fractures, which makes it difficult to estimate reserves or probable recoveries. The Ellenburger reservoir in the Big Lake field was selected for study because it is one of the few near-depleted reservoirs in the area. The experience gained in operating and developing this reservoir has been and should continue to be a helpful guide to operators both in predicting recovery and establishing methods of development and operation In similar reservoirs. Development and production data were gathered from different sources. The writers have compiled and interpreted these data to estimate the ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons. In addition to the estimates of ultimate recovery, the report contains sample calculations and estimates of theoretical recovery based on different methods of operation. The calculations presented in this report indicate that the Ellenburger reservoir is 95 percent depleted and that the ultimate recovery of hydrocarbon liquid from the oil reservoir and gas cap combined will he 4-0 barrels per gross acre-foot of reservoir rock. An estimated 32 barrels of condensate per gross acre-foot of reservoir rock in the gas cap has been recovered, and the estimated ultimate recovery of crude oil will be 47 barrels per gross acre-.foot of rock in the crude-oil reservoir.

Jan 1, 1954

By Ott F. Heizer

This paper describing the mining practices at the mines of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Co., Inc., at Mill City, Nev., is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods, and costs in tie various mining districts of the United States. The author acknowledges the assistance of William C. Vanderburg, associate mining engineer, U. S. Bureau of Mines, in the preparation of this paper.

Jan 1, 1930

By P. T. Brooks

Semipilot scale tests were made to demonstrate a newly developed electrorefining process which could be extrapolated to commercial scale in producing high-purity nickel and cobalt from crude nickel metal and high-grade ferronickel. The new process comprises application of solvent extraction techniques to remove and separate cobalt and iron from nickel and the electrodeposition in diaphragm cells of pure nickel and cobalt from chloride-based purified electrolyte. Using water insoluble organic amines, the solvent extraction operations enabled production of commercial-sized nickel and cobalt cathodes of higher purity than that of commercial electrolytic metals. The solvent extraction operation for separation of cobalt from nickel was made simpler than the conventional method. Furthermore, the solvent. extraction operation for iron removal made possible the electrorefining of ferronickel without the prohibitive loss of nickel resulting from the method ordinarily used for iron removal.

Jan 1, 1970

By Mark Sheppard

[Considerable research work has been done on secondary crushing and coarse rued fine grinding, and the literature on the general subject of crushing contains many references to the work of investigators on the laws governing end the factors entering into the economical production of fine materials. However, little information on primary crushing in available. The literature deals mainly with problems and practices in ore dressing, end in this field the engineer or investigations is concerned largely with the production of fine material rind the unlocking of minerals in the ore. Under such conditions close control of screen sizes of primary-crusher products is a secondary consideration and has received very little attention. The growth and development of tae nonmetallic industries have drawn more attention to primary crushing. Many of these industries are interested is the production of a minimum amount of fines and a maximum amount of a coarse Product that meets certain definite size specifications, a condition entirely different from that in the field of ore dressing. Under such conditions tae proper type of primary-crushing equipment and a knowledge of the factors governing the operation of such equipment nest are essential to economical production of a satisfactory material.]

Jan 1, 1938

By Leonard Obert

This Bur of Mines investigation considers the deformational behavior (creep) of pillars made from three quasi-plastic rocks--salt, trona, and potash ore. The first phase of this study considers the design of a model pillar suitable for creep tests; in the second phase, six model pillars prepared from salt from two sources, from trona, and from potash ore. The pillars in each group were subjected to a different but constant axial stress, and the axial strain was measured for 1,000 hours.

Jan 1, 1965

By M. M. Fine

A laboratory mineral-dressing investigation of manganese ore from the Martin mine, Independence County, Ark., succeeded in recovering ferrograde manganese products. Sintered flotation concentrates analyzing 40.7 and 41.4 percent manganese at overall recoveries of 54.6 and 47.7 percent, respectively, were produced from preconcentrated feed, Preconcentration of the ore for flotation included treatment by magnetic separation and by a combination of magnetic separation and heavy-medium processing. The mineral-dressing study of the Martin mine rhodochrosite ore was part of a general program of the Bureau of Mines to develop domestic sources of strategic minerals, including manganese. Several such potential sources of manganese exist in the Batesville, Ark., district, one of which is represented by the Martin mine. Although the Martin mine area has not been delimited with respect to total reserve tonnage, it is considered to be one of the more important occurrences of manganese in the district. It is estimated that several 100,000 tons of manganese carbonate ore are present in this and similar properties.

Jan 1, 1954

By C. C. Stevenson, Thomas Varley

"The art of treating ores by the chloride volatilization process is still in the experimental stage. The process has not been sufficiently developed along chemical and metallurgical lines to state definitely just what place it will occupy in the metallurgical industry. The theory upon which the process operates has received the attention of prominent metallurgists for the past twenty years, and research and experimental work has been conducted by many investigators.Much of the experimental work done has never been published, and it seems that the accumulation of such results if made known would be an important aid to the further development of the process. The object of this paper is, therefore, to bring salient features of the process to the attention of the metallurgical industry, both for the purpose of furnishing information, and receiving from interested parties any comments which the reading of this article may suggest. A bulletin covering the work done at the Intermountain experiment station of the U. S. Bureau of Mines, situated at Salt Lake City, Utah, is in course of preparation.The chloridizing roast is usually accompanied by appreciable losses due, to the volatilization of the metals as chlorides during the roast, these losses often running as high as 30 per cent, depending upon the temperature, the character of the ores and the associated gangue material. It was not until 1891 that Croasdale, (Croasdale, Stuart, Engineering and Mining Journal, Aug. 29 1903) by observing this and stack deposits from the chloridizing roast, recognized the possibility of making volatilization a major instead of a minor feature of the roast. He then made tests on a large number of tires from different, localities, the result of which showed the, general application of the process. The main difficulty, as stated, by Croasdale, was the lack of a suitable means for recovering the fume from the furnace gasesIn 1913, Cottrell (See Mining and Scientific Press, March 29, 1913; alsoTrans. American Institute of Mining Engineering, September 1918. (Additional informa-tion is available from the owners, The Research Corporation of New lark, and Western Precipitation Co., .Los Angeles, Calif.), announced his invention of the electrostatic precipitator, which solved the problem of separating the solids from the furnace gases."

May 1, 1921

By Gene Asai

The Bureau of Mines investigated the caustic extraction of alumina and soda from retorted dawsonite-bearing oil shale, as part of a program to devise technology for treating alternative domestic sources of alumina for the production of aluminum metal. Colorado oil shale yielding 13 pct oil (35 gal/ton) and containing 12 wt-pct dawsonite (representing about 4 pct extractable alumina) was retorted to obtain oil-free (spent) shale Spent shale was leached with dilute NaOH to determine the effect of particle size, retorting temperature, leaching variables, and storage conditions on extraction of alumina and soda and dissolution of impurities. Maximum alumina and soda extractions were obtained by promptly leaching minus 28-mesh spent shale, obtained by retorting raw shale at about 5000 C, with 0.5N NaOH. Under these conditions, dissolution of impurities such as Ca, Fe, Ti, and P was low. Leaching tests were made on spent shale stored for periods of up to 30 days at 0° to 42° C and at 0 to 100 pct relative humidity (RH). These tests indicated that significant reductions in alumina extraction would occur if spent shale were stored in ambient Colorado air under naturally fluctuating temperature and humidity.

Jan 1, 1983

By D. S. Kingery

Owing to changes in State mining laws, the Maryland Bureau of Mines requires all mine foremen to have a thorough, practical knowledge of mine gases and the limitations and use of recognized gas-detecting devices. This requirement involves immediate training of second-grade mine foremen and aspirants to qualify them for certification under the new law. Cooperation of the Federal Bureau of Mines was requested, and a plan for training was discussed and adopted. The methods used in Maryland aroused unusual interest by participating individuals, and the final results were very satisfactory. Consequently, it is thought that this plan will be of interest and assistance to other organizations faced with the need for such training.

Jan 1, 1952

By B. W. Madsen

A modified transpiration apparatus was devised by the Bureau of Mines to permit rapid and accurate measure of the vapor transport and vapor diffusion coefficients of antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) and other compounds at temperatures to 1,045 K. The apparatus was equipped with dual condensers and valves to switch the flow of vapor in a fraction of a second from one condenser to the other, thus allowing short-interval sampling under equilibrium conditions. Reliability of the technique was established by measuring the vapor pressure of ZnC12 as a function of temperature and comparing the results with published data. As part of an investigation of the vapor concentrations and species of accessory element sulfides associated with copper and zinc smelting, the apparatus was used to measure the rate of vapor transport and diffusion coefficients of vapor over liquid Sb2S3 as a function of temperature between 870 and 1,045 K. The calculated vapor density was combined with published direct measurements of vapor pressure to calculate the average molecular weight of the gaseous species. Average molecular weight of the vapor in equilibrium with Sb2S3 ranged from 286 to 112 g/mol over the temperature range studied.

Jan 1, 1983

By J. R. Boyle

The Bureau of Mines developed cost estimates fur the disposal of phosphate rock washer slimes by pond settling, from a study of the method used at the International Minerals a Chemical Corp., Moralyn Phosphate Operations, Polk County, Fla. Data were obtained by basing phosphate production and slime generation statistics on plant capacity rather than on actual company records. Cost estimates, which were prepared as a guide in evaluating alternative disposal methods and in identifying needed areas of research, could be applicable to any Florida plant using the same disposal method. To conserve mineral resources and to improve environmental conditions, the Bureau recommends further research directed toward developing alternative methods of disposal, including the recovery of water and P205 values from the slimes.

Jan 1, 1969

By R. A. Bloomfield

This report summarizes Bureau of Mines contract research on the disposal of retorted oil shale. A data base has been developed describing the physical-chemical properties, geotechnical engineering properties, and natural cementation characteristics of spent shale. Results of field compaction tests and seepage pond tests are presented, along with results of a partially saturated finite element seepage model used to predict infiltration and seepage rates. Preliminary engineering analyses are presented for underground disposal systems, which include material transport methods, and for a surface disposal system, which includes stability analyses.

Jan 1, 1981

By Ronald S. Conti

Historically, underground mine rescue teams have received training only in the course of actual emergencies, or in simulated mine environments, usually on the surface, with placards to identify objects and hazards. Also, while U.S. Federal Regulations require all underground miners to walk escapeways and conduct fire drills every 90 days, this does not fully prepare them for the conditions that may be encountered in real escape situations, such as smoke filled entries. This paper describes technology and realistic training simulations that have been identified for the general workforce and mine emergency responders. Of all the technology evaluated by underground personnel, laser lights and lifelines were most beneficial in leading personnel to safety and out of the mine in smoke-filled passageways. These technological advancements can improve the state of readiness for rescue personnel and increase the chances of survival for personnel escaping from underground emergencies.

By T. A. Henrie

A technique was devised for measuring the rate of chemical reactions between reactive metals and molten-salt mixtures at high temperatures. The rate of the heterogeneous reaction between high-purity titanium metal and titanium trichloride in molten sodium chloride was determined. The reaction is surface-controlled, and the heat of activation is 8.29 kilocalories per mole TiC13. An active site or reaction nuclei is created by adsorbing a TiC13 molecule at the metal surface. Reaction of the second TiC13 species forms an activated complex that decomposes into three TiC12 molecules.

Jan 1, 1963

By Walter J. Frank

The purpose of the work covered by this contract is to develop a means of designing splice connectors which will significantly improve mine trailing cable splice performance. A brief discussion on splice problems is presented as an introductory means and substantiates the need for the development and test programs outlined in this report. Because of the empirical nature of this effort, time has been devoted to explaining the derivations of the test procedures used. Special attention is given to the splice flexing machine which served as the backbone of the test program. In order to familiarize persons with connector terminology, a section is devoted to a glossary of pertinent terms. Various types of cable joints are also defined. The major effort is a connector design parameter study. Utilizing the optimum parameters developed along with the suggested design procedure outlined in Appendix I should result in significantly improved splice performance and thus meet the objectives of this contract. A field test program was instituted for the purpose of insuring adaptability of connector design and associated installation tooling along with a field performance study. During the course of work, other significant factors affecting splice performance were uncovered. Although not covered by the scope of this contract, a brief discussion is presented for the purpose of stimulating interest in what is considered other fruitful areas for improved splice performance.

Jan 1, 1976

By Michael R. Yenchek

The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the performance of portable power cables under transient conditions. This research had a twofold purpose: (1) to define the thermal characteristics of electrically overloaded trailing cables, and (2) to conceptualize electrical protection for cables that allows maximum cable efficiency without diminishing electrical safety in underground mines. Several tasks were undertaken in support of these goals during the 3-year research effort. Overload tests ranging from 2 to 12 times rated ampacity were conducted in the Bureau's Mine Electrical Laboratory. Two thermal models of energized type G-GC trailing cables were constructed, one based on thermodynamic theory and the other using empirical data from previous Bureau load tests. The empirical model was then incorporated into an interactive computer program that can assist designers and approvers of mining machines in selecting the appropriate size trailing cable. This program can be the basis for a cable protection system that ensures that cables are not the source of fires, ignitions, burns, or explosions underground.

Jan 1, 2010

By Clarence Hall, CHARLES F. MUNROE

Of the common causes of the larger mine accidents, such as falls of roof and coal, gas and dust explosions, mine fires, and the misuse of explosives, all of which are often closely related, each must be studied and fought in a manner peculiar to itself. The last mentioned, the misuse of black powder and other explosives, is sometimes considered the least important of these causes of mine accidents; but its impor- tance is much greater than the statistics indicate, for the reason that the misuse of explosives is the true cause of many of the fatal mine fires, gas or dust explosions, and falls of roof that are credited to other causes. Both the quantity of explosives used and the number of purposes to which they are applied are increasing. They are now made at about 150 plants, in different parts of the United States, and the product of a single year is estimated at nearly 500,000,000 pounds. Nothing in all this material is a safe or "safety" explosive when in the hands of a careless or ignorant person; and this is true whether considered in connection with the shipment or the use of these explosives. In addition to the large losses of life and property resulting from an improper use of explosives in mining, the recent statistics of the railway bureau for the safe transportation of explo- sives have shown more than 400 persons killed or injured and over $3,000,000 worth of property destroyed by explosives in transit by rail. The fact that three years of cooperative effort under the wise supervision of this bureau has reduced these losses to almost nothing encourages the hope that similar cooperative effort may likewise greatly lessen losses of life and property from the use of explosives in mining. The additions to the large death roll of our mines make a recurring appeal to the public for fair treatment of the coal-mining industry, and to the miner and the manager that they join in every possible effort for greater safety. It may never be possible under conditions such as exist to-day to prevent mine accidents entirely. Little can be accomplished in that direction by either the operators or the miners working alone, but experience in all countries shows that

Jan 1, 1911

By Gerald W. Elger

This report describes development of the fusion-leach crystallization precipitation process for producing a hafnium content feed material for hafnium-zirconium separation plants. Mixtures of zircon, potassium silicofluoride, and potassium carbonate (or potassium chloride) were fused to prepare soluble potassium zirconium hexafluoride-potassium hafnium hexafluoride salts. High extraction of these salts was obtained by countercurrent leaching the fused material in dilute hydrofluoric acid. About one-half of the hafnium was recovered in hafnium-enriched mother liquor by cooling clarified lead: liquor to crystallize most of the zirconium salt. Additional hafnium was recovered from the primary crystals in a multiple dissolution-recrystallization step. Hafnium-enriched oxides having a hafnium-zirconium ratio of more than three times that of zircon were precipitated from the combined mother liquors. The hafnium and zirconium recoveries in the precipitate were 83 and 24 percent, respectively. About 71 percent of the zirconium and the remainder of the hafnium were recovered in potassium zirconium hexafluoride crystals of low-hafnium content.

Jan 1, 1966

By S. H. Ash

The paramount responsibility of Government is to protect the general welfare. One of the chief functions of the Bureau of Mines is to investigate and publicize methods of increasing safety and efficiency in mining operations. In an industrial civilization, energy resources constitute the foundation of a sound economic structure (14).4/ Coal is only one source of energy, but it provides more than half the energy consumed in the United States.

Jan 1, 1946

By Rustu S. Kalyoncu

Nonoxide ceramics with improved high-temperature properties could substitute for high-temperature alloys and reduce toe Nation's dependence on imports of Cr, Co, Ni, and Mn. To meet this objective, the Bureau of Mines conducted research to synthesize u1trafine reactive boron nitride (BN) powders BN powders were prepared at temperatures ranging from -75? to 750? C. Low-temperature reactions (-75? to 200? C) between boron halides and N compounds led to formation of e1emento-organic compounds that were thermally decomposed to u1trafine (approximately 100-to 150-A particle size) reactive BN powders. BN powders were also prepared through the reaction of a 10w-me1tinginorganic B compound (boric acid, borax) with an organic N compound (carbimide and thiocarbimide) in N2 and/or ammonia (NH3) atmospheres at temperatures between 500? and 750? C.

Jan 1, 1986