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When the Organic Act of 1910 established the Bureau of Mines within the Department of the Interior, the Bureau's programs involved only health and safety research and education, and fuels testing. As the Federal Government's primary agency for research in minerals, the Bureau has expanded its scientific and technological investigations to mining, processing mineral substances, eliminating occupational health and safety hazards in the mineral industries, economic development, and resource conservation. Today, Bureau activities cover a broad spectrum of programs for meeting the diverse (and sometimes conflicting) needs of mineral industries, government, and the public. In the 1960's, the Bureau initiated programs to resolve environmental problems associated with past mining and mineral processing. Dependence on foreign sources of raw materials critical to our national economy and competition from other countries for these world supplies stimulated the need to conserve and use with intelligence the Nation's minerals, metals, and materials.

Jan 1, 1978

By K. L. Paciorek

The primary objective of this final phase of Contract No. H0133004 was to provide a description of all experimental assemblies and procedures used throughout this project in such a detail as to permit duplication of the tests in any other laboratory. A further objective was to summarize and evaluate all results generated throughout the duration of this program and to tabulate all the materials and data in such a manner as to allow this report to be used as a reference index for specific compositions or groups of compositions regarding potential hazards arising from their use .in underground coal mining operations. The report also contains an updated survey of the literature on thermal oxidative degradation of compositions investigated under this contract.

Jan 1, 1978

By R. W. Watson

A belt-wearable self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) manufactured by the CSE Corp. and designated the "SR-1OO" was evaluated for safety in the underground mine environment by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The evaluation consisted of laboratory tests on the chemicals contained in the unit and field trials to simulate the mine environment. This report summarizes the test results and compares the results with those from earlier tests with chemical and compressed oxygen self-rescuers. It was concluded that the new SCSR did not pose any different or more severe hazards than the earlier units. In view of the mine-proven safety record of the SCSR's now in service, no reason could be found to disallow use of the belt-wearable unit.

Jan 1, 1991

By William C. Cooley

[Data from t.-raturs on each hydr,ne has been assembled on the- data sheets whichw6ed in this Appandin. Dai_iis are provl_ od for ::amines or hydraulic s-ctions in the USSR (TDPhw~s), 8 in ASR (Kuzbass) , 1i-gin i, 1 in 7in China, i in Japan, and l in C~n- i.Ata sheetsiov tion prepared for mines in New Zealah_~sddered very rele¬ vant, nor forf !aA of information. In aW,!~.F in : --- C=SR for tiara ShoeLS ara 1palAwdl satinieral mines have operac- ~ - re Manned about which very limited data exist as folloos:]

Jan 1, 1975

By William G. Pariseau

A small displacement-small strain finite element technique utilizing the constant strain triangle and incremental constitutive equations for elastic-plastic media that are nonhardening and obey a Coulomb yield condition has been applied to the analysis of gravity flow initiation in a V-shaped hopper containing a powder under lunar environmental conditions. Three methods of loading were examined. Of the three, the method of computing the initial state of stress in a filled hopper prior to drawdown by adding material to the hopper layer-by-layer is superior (as expected). Results of the analysis of a typical hopper problem show that the initial state of stress, the elastic moduli, and the strength parameters have an important influence on material response subsequent to the opening of the hopper outlet.

Jan 1, 1971

To provide cooler air to miners working in hot areas of mines, particularly new deep hardrock mines. Approach Air supplied to hot working areas of mines is cooled by passing it through a series of water sprays. How It Works Water nozzles mounted inside a section of ventilation tubing release cooling sprays of water into the air being blown through the tube. The prototype of the water spray cooler consists of six evenly spaced water sprays located inside a 10-ft. long section of 16-inch-diameter fiberglass ventilation tubing. See diagram. This section of rigid tubing is installed into one of the positive pressure ventilation tubing lines that conduct fresh air into working stopes. The intake manifold to the six water sprays is connected to the mine?s cool water line, and the water valve on the manifold is opened. Warm ventilation air being supplied to the stope passes through the water sprays, and is cooled by the lower temperature water.

Jan 1, 1979

By Sam S. Taylor

"INTRODUCTION This report deals with a comparatively simple application of some of the engineering principles involved in the evaluation, installation, and operation of air- or gas-injection projects and well-clean-out and repair methods to increase the producing rates of oil wells in partly depleted pools during the war. The methods suggested for developing gas-injection projects take into consideration that in general no new wells will be drilled because of wartime restrictions of equipment and manpower and that only existing wells and second-hand machinery will be used. Because air will be employed as the injection medium in secondary-recovery operations where natural gas is scarce and expensive, the disadvantages and hazards accompanying, its use are discussed. Engineering techniques recognized as best modern practice are discussed in relation to the effect of simple air-injection development of properties on postwar operations and Probable ultimate recovery of oil. The report is an introduction to where, when, why, and how an air-injection project should be installed and operated; it is not intended to be an engineering manual for technical guidance in the selection, development, and operation of simulative methods of oil recovery.The report is intended mainly for these thousands of operators in the Appalachian region owning a few wells prodding small quantities or oil daily. Many such operators are anxious to increase their production rates by simulative means and to rehabilitate their wells so that they will produce more oil to help win the war but, in general, are unfamiliar with secondary-recovery operations and cannot afford to hire technical assistance."

Sep 1, 1944

The wealth of a nation may be measured in many ways, but one of the most important is its natural resources, particularly its minerals. Minerals create the wealth upon which economic prosperity and defense preparedness rest. Managing mineral resources for the benefit of all Americans continues to be an important national goal. In its 78-year history the U.S. Bureau of Mines has established itself as the world's premier mineral information and research agency. Its authoritative, comprehensive data and pioneering research have contributed significantly to a strong U. S. mineral position in the world.

Jan 1, 1988

By Mark I. Copeland

The Bureau of Mines investigated the effect of up to 1 wt-pct of copper and silicon on the heat treatment response and hardness, tensile, and impact properties of hot-rolled medium-carbon steels. The steels were prepared by induction melting and fabricated into plates by forging and rolling. The tensile strength of 0.2-wt-pct carbon steels containing 0.3 wt-pct silicon was affected significantly by copper in both the hot-rolled and heat-treated (600° C) conditions, whereas the tensile strength of the 0.3-wt-pct carbon steels was less affected. A 600° C treatment was considered optimum as a post-rolling treatment to strengthen the steels by copper precipitation. Strengthening of 0.2-wt-pct carbon steels by silicon was reduced by increasing copper contents.. Optimum impact strengths occurred at about 0.3 wt-pct silicon in 0.2-wt-pct carbon steels containing 0.6 and 0.8 wt-pct copper. The impact strengths were lowest for 0.2-wt-pct carbon steels containing over 0.8 wt-pct copper and greater than 0.3 wt-pct silicon, especially in the heat-treated condition. Copper and silicon solutes and copper precipitates strengthened the steels. This effect was augmented slightly by strengthening through grain refinement by these solutes.

Jan 1, 1973

By K. L. Paciorek

The aim of this program was to develop a reliable and meaning-ful basts for assessing certain safety aspects, namely fire and, in particular, toxicity hazards of articles employed in underground coal mining operations. This investigation was centered on the thermal oxidative degradation of "pure" ingredients used specifically in the formulation of conveyor beltings. To achieve this goal all products formed on thermal oxidative degradation of the materials studied were analyzed, identified I and the amount of each individual species present was determined quantitatively on a weight of product per weight of material basis. The weight/weight data thus obtained can then be factorized to reflect the relative toxicity of each individual species present, using for example the Threshold Limit Values adopted by the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists, whereby an overall "toxicity index" can be arrived at which makes it possible to compare the different potential formulation components in a quantitative manner insofar as their "toxicity" is concerned. Furthermore, knowing the off-gassing characteristics of the commonly used additives I their contribution to the product mix obtained from actual belting can be postulated. Conversely, from the species obtained on thermal oxidative degradation of conveyor belts the type and to a degree the content of additives can be deduced. Based on the se data meaningful regulations governing the material selection for underground use can be developed. For these studies a quiescent system at 370°C was employed. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses were performed to supplement and extend the sealed system investigations and to provide information regarding thermal oxidative behavior under dynamic conditions.

Jan 1, 1975

By Kim M. Cornelius

Musculoskeletal injury is a term used to describe a wide range of soft tissue disorders which affect the nerves, tendons, and muscles. Common examples include lower back pain, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The majority of these injuries are not the result of sudden mishaps, but usually develop gradually from repeated wear and tear. Symptoms may first appear after weeks, months, or even years. Symptoms may result from many types of activities, performed at work or at home, and it is often difficult to attribute a single event. In fact, it is more common to identify the factors which may have contributed to the development of the condition. The terms repetitive strain injuries or cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) have been commonly used to refer to disorders that have occurred due to work related activities (Putz-Anderson, 1988; Fraser, 1989). Three main risk factors contribute to CTDs: force, repetition, and awkward postures. Any one or combination of these may contribute to the development of CTDs. Therefore, the design of equipment in conjunction with the required tasks should attempt to reduce these risk factors. Examining the layout of the work area to help identify tasks which may contribute to cumulative trauma is necessary. The following list(Putz-Anderson, 1988), describes ergonomic concerns that, overall, should be minimized at the work area:

Jan 1, 1997

Data released by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis show continued gradual change in the real GNP's rate of growth in 1984, which has eased from an annual growth rate of 10.1 percent in the first quarter lo 7.1 percent in the second quarter, and then to 2.7 percent in the third quarter. The automobile industry strike in the last half of September had only a small effect, estimated at less than a 0.1 percentage point reduction in the growth rate. Among the components that comprise the GNP, personal consumption and fixed investment grew at lower real rates in the third quarter than in the second quarter, while net exports decreased. Personal consumption expenditures increased $0.4 billion in the third quarter, compared with an increase of $20.1 billion in the second quarter. Nonresidential fixed investment increased $3.9 billion in the third quarter, compared with $9.6 billion in the second quarter. The other component of fixed investment--residential investment--increased from $60.8 billion in the second quarter to $61.2 billion in the third quarter. Real net exports of goods and services decreased $1 1.3 billion in the third quarter, compared with a $3.1 billion decrease in the second quarter. Although exports increased from an annual rate of $144.7 billion to $150.2 billion, imports increased much more, from an annual rate of $1 56.2. billion to $172.8 billion (table 1).

Jan 1, 1984

By Emory Smith

The Victorville cement plant of the Southwestern Portland Cement Co. is located about 1 mile from the city of Victorville, Calif. Two transcontinental railway systems, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and the Southern Pacific Railroad, afford shipped facilities. The plant is modern and well kept, as the officials, especially the higher operating officials, take pride in the appearance of the place. Dust has been practically eliminated by the installation of dust collectors and wet grinding. The plant has a rated capacity of 5,000 barrels of cement daily.

Jan 1, 1929

By W. L. Falke

The Bureau of Mines has developed a system that permits the "soft" soldering of aluminum and aluminum alloys with standard tin-lead solders. The method employs application of a thin nickel-copper-alloy coating to the substrate, which enables the tin-lead solders to wet readily and spread over the areas to be joined. With conventional technology, aluminum and aluminum alloys are extremely difficult to solder because tenacious surface oxide films prevent wetting. With the Bureau-developed method, the aluminum substrate is mechanically or chemically cleaned to facilitate bonding to a minute layer of zinc that is subsequently applied with an electroless zincate solution. The nickel-copper-alloy (30 to 70 pct Ni) coating is then applied electrolytically over the zinc, using immersion cell or brush-coating techniques. Development of acetate electrolytes has permitted deposition of the proper alloy coatings. The coated areas can then be readily joined with conventional tin-lead solders and fluxes. The joints so formed are ductile, strong, and relatively corrosion resistant, and exhibit strengths equivalent to those formed on copper and brass when the same solders and fluxes are used. The method has also been employed to soft-solder magnesium alloys.

Jan 1, 1983

WHY IS IT that smoke-abatement efforts do not bring more satisfactory results? The main reason is an incorrect estimate of the kind and size of the job. When an industrial community realizes that keeping the air clean is a project of similar magnitude to keeping streets clean, providing clean water, removing city waste, or guarding the moral atmosphere, then there maybe a real hope of success. We usually think of the project in too small terms. It is thought of as is the dog catcher or the boiler inspector--a matter of a man or two, a job or two, a small appropriation of variable and uncertain amount, to be abolished in a fit of economy and reestablished under pressure of a vigorous minority. Even so, it is surprising how much is obtained for the effort; but the community is rarely satisfied, for the job is bigger than it was conceived to be. Continuous, never-ceasing effort is required to clean up a smoky city. A few months of relaxation and the situation slips back some years of effort.

Jan 1, 1938

By H. C. Fowler

The social economy, or public interest, and national defense require wise development and efficient use of the oil and gas resources of the United States. In this development and use, and in the prevention of economic and physical waste of oil and gas, the objectives of the petroleum and natural-gas industries, the Government (Federal, State, and local), and the public are the same. Differences of viewpoint generally have originated in the failure of one of the triad to have a clear or complete understanding of the motives behind the activities of the other component groups or full knowledge of what each is trying to accomplish. The Unites States Bureau of Mines through its petroleum and natural-gas division makes technologic and scientific investigations pertaining to recovery,3 preparation, refining, and use of oil and natural gas with the view of reducing waste, increasing safety and efficiency and aiding economic development.

Jan 1, 1933

By David E. Van Dillen

The computer program described in this user's guide provides for the static, three-dimensional, linear and nonlinear analysis of structural and geological systems by the finite element method. The guide describes the capabilities and general features of the program and shows how input is prepared. A number of recent advances in finite element theory and computer technology are incorporated in the program. Nonlinear material properties are provided for, including isotropic, anisotropic, and time-dependent material properties, gravity loading, simulation of a sequence of excavation or construction, and a slip or joint element. The finite elements include beam, rod, axisymmetric and plane quadrilateral, hexahedron, thick shell, axisymmetric and plane joint, and a three-dimensional joint. The program also has an automatic mesh generator to minimize user input preparation for continuum finite element meshes.

Jan 1, 1981

By Charles Enzian, Donald F. MacDonald

It is a far cry from the small and uncertain mining efforts of 50 years ago to the splendidly equipped and solidly financed organiza- tions that now handle thousands of tons of ore per day. The old mining was largely speculative; the new is practically on a manu- facturing basis. In the old days of mining the aim was, chiefly, to find comparatively rich ore; modern practice looks more toward efficiency in mining and milling, so that vast tonnages of low-grade material may be worked at a profit. The old operators had faith and hoped for good returns; the new ascertain with a fair degree of precision what the available tonnage is, what the cost of mining and treating the ore will be, the time necessary to exhaust the deposit, the capital required, and the net profits to be made. The old mining was financed on a highly speculative basis, and the value of mining stock was largely controlled by the imaginations of the promoters and of the individual holders. In the new régime the financing of mines is often as conservative as the financing of manufactures or railroads, and the value of stock, quoted on the leading exchanges, is controlled by the carefully estimated profits in sight. Of course, with every legitimate industrial enterprise go certain business risks, and mining is not exempted from these. Then, too, valueless mining as well as valueless industrial stocks are sometimes offered for sale by the intentionally dishonest, or the ignorant. However, the prospective purchaser of a mine nowadays, if he is willing to pay for the services of reputable mining engineers, can obtain information on which to base an opinion as to the quality of his investment. The relatively recent development of cheap and efficient methods of mining and of ore dressing has given value to low-grade ore bodies that a few years ago were almost valueless. The iron mines of northern Minnesota have been fruitful in developing efficiency in mining methods, notably the open-cut methods in which steam shovels strip off the overburden and then load the ore directly into railroad trains for transport to the furnace. In 1907 open-cut mining was applied to the low-grade copper ores of Bingham, Utah, with splendid results, and since then it has won a most important place in the min- ing of large masses of low-grade ores in several other mining regions, especially at Santa Rita, N. Mex.

Jan 1, 1916

By W. G. Payne, A. C. Richardson, B. L. Gandrud

"INTRODUCTION The Connellsville mine of the Yolande Coal & Coke Co. is in the southwestern part of Jefferson County, Ala., about 30 miles southwest of Birmingham. The mine is on the Blue Creek bed, which is about 6 feet thick and dips at a angle of 18º. The bed is worked by the room-and-pillar method and is mined by both machine and hand methods. The Blue Creek bed at this point yields a high ash, low-volatile coal with excellent coking properties. Because of its exceptionally low volatile content and high coking strength, this coal is excellent for blending with Alabama coals of higher volatile content and weaker coking properties to form blends suitable for production of metallurgical coke.A sample of washed coal taken during this investigation gave the following analysis on an as received"" basis: Moisture, 8.3 per cent; volatile matter-, 20.2 per cent; ash, 8.0 per cent; fixed carbon, 63.5 per cent. The high ash content of this coal limits the quantity which can be utilized when low-ash coke is required. In the Birmingham district it is usually difficult to sell as coking coal a product that contains more than 8.0 per cent ash. To produce a. coal with this ash content at Connellsville presents a somewhat difficult washing problem. This paper gives the results of an investigation that was conducted by the Southern Experiment Station of the U. S. Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the University of Alabama and the Yolane Coal & Coke Co. for the purpose of determining the washing characteristics of the coal and the possibility of reducing its ash content on coal-washing tables.The practice at the Connellsville washery at the time of beginning this investigation was to crush the run-of-mine coal to pass a 1 1/2-inch round-hole screen and to treat the satire output on two primary, 3-compartment jigs. A. middling product was recovered from the primary jigs which was re-treated on a single-compartment rougher jig. This system yields a product of acceptable ash content, but the yield is low and the loss of good coal in the refuse is high."

Feb 1, 1933

By C. J. Wilhelm

Brine produced from subsurface formations may be employed successfully instead of fresh water as a flooding, medium in the secondary recovery of oil. The feasibility of this substitution has been proved in the shallow "shoestring" area of eastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma, where the supply of fresh water often is limited. In this procedure all brine produced with the oil is returned to the formation and thus is prevented from contaminating streams and fresh-water supplies. This report includes a detailed description of a "flood project" in eastern Kansas studied by the Bureau of Mines. In an attempt to determine whether brine, when handled properly, can be used as effectively as fresh water in flooding oil from partly depleted, formations, an analysis was made of all .own conditions that influence flooding.

Jan 1, 1941