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By M. E. Kundick, W. E. Dieter, L. Cohen

The major details of design and maintenance of a seamless stainless steel fume hood system , developed by the Bureau of Mines , are described and illustrated . Operating and housekeeping routines are outlined .

Jan 1, 1964

By R. H. Lien

The Bureau of Mines developed a flue gas desulfurization process as part of its goal of minimizing the undesirable environmental impacts associated with energy and mineral-processing plants. The modified citrate process involves absorption of sulfur dioxide (S02) in a buffered citric acid solution. The S02-loaded solution is regenerated by countercurrent contact with steam in a packed tower. The wet S02 product is then dried and can be liquefied or further processed to make sulfuric acid. Test data from process investigation unit studies are presented. Material balances, flowsheets, and cost estimates are given for recovering S02 from copper smelter reverberatory gas, lead smelter sintering machine tail gas, and power-plant stack gas. Operating cost estimates show the process will add $0.04 per pound of copper, $0.01 per pound of lead, and $0.015 per kwhr to the cost of the respective operations. These costs could be substantially reduced if a source of waste heat was avail-able to provide the process steam requirements.

Jan 1, 1982

By Dennis R. Dolinar, Lewis A. Martin

Cable bolt technology used by the U.S. coal industry was developed to a large extent in the 1990s. Today, these cable systems include both cable bolts and cable trusses to provide supplemental and secondary support in gate roads. This cable technology is significantly different than the cable systems in use in either U.S. hard-rock mines or Australian coal mines. Development of this technology was initiated and spurred by research efforts of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, and has continued under the health and safety programs of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It was also followed up by work of roof support manufacturers to create an essentially new support system. In this paper, the important support characteristics of both cable bolts and cable trusses are discussed. The design of cable systems and the basis for that design for tailgate and headgate situations are reviewed and explained. Case histories are presented on the application of these support systems based on experience gained at a number of in situ test sites.

Jan 10, 2000

By Fredrick L. Johnson

In 1986, at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied 25,640 acres of the 29,680-acre Devil?s Garden Lava Bed, 21,040 acres of the 28,660-acre Squaw Ridge Lava Bed, and 9,100 acres of the 12,600-acre Four Craters Lava Bed Wilderness Study Areas (OR-D01-D02, OR-001-003, and OR-001-022, respectively) in order to evaluate their identified mineral resources. The study areas are located in Lake County, OR, about 50 air miles southeast of Bend. No mineral resources were identified in the three study areas. The areas are almost entirely underlain by recent lava flows. Cinder cones occur in each of the areas; however, the best cinder occurrences are in the Four Craters Lava Bed study area. Slab lava, of facing stone quality, is scattered throughout the Devil?s Garden Lava Bed study area, and to a lesser extent, in the Squaw Ridge Lava Bed study area.

Jan 1, 1987

By C. O. Ruud, R. E. Siemens, D. Chandra

The mineralogical constitution of a lateritic ore dictates the type of metallurgical process that can be used to extract valuable metals such as nickel and cobalt . To provide needed mineralogical information on the interrelationships of the metals contained in domestic laterites , the Bureau of Mines awarded a grant to Denver Research Institute to study the transition - type , low - grade laterites found in northern California and southern Oregon . For comparison , limonitic - type laterites from New Caledonia and the Philippines were also studied . X-ray diffraction , electron microscopy , electron beam analysis , and conventional petrography were used to determine the mineralogical associations of nickel and cobalt in the laterites . Results showed that for both laterite types studied most of the nickel and minor amounts of cobalt are associated with the mineral geothite ( FeO ( OH ) ) . Most of the cobalt and minor amounts of nickel are associated with a mixed manganese oxide (wad ) mineral .

Jan 1, 1983

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

Fluidized - bed roasting was investigated as a means of decomposing gypsum and gypsum mixtures to produce a gas rich in sulfur dioxide and a lime or portland cement residue . Ninety- eight percent desulfurization of gypsum in a 10 - inch fluidized- bed reactor took 1.5 hours at an operating temperature between 1,200 ° and 1,225 ° C. A cement- type residue was obtained but had to be refired at 1,450 ° C before mortar prepared from it met the physical specifications for cement .

Jan 1, 1963

By John H. Thompson

Recent studies ** at the Pittsburgh Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines have revealed some interesting facts as to the probable behavior of steamed coke in the blast furnace . The literature on the chemistry of the blast furnace was tho roughly reviewed , and with this information in mind , the probable behavior of the coke sulphur in the blast furnace was deduced . Enough small - scale tests were conducted to furnish a check on most of the important deductions , and the conclusions derived therefrom accord with what is already known in regard to the forms of sulphur in coke , and fit in well with the general opinion concerning blast-furnace reactions .

Aug 1, 1923

Four catalytic converters for diesel exhaust systems were tested to determine their effectiveness in reducing the amount of harmful substances discharged into the air. Tests were conducted with four different catalytic converter designs, using two diesel engines as exhaust gas generators. (Of the four noble metal catalytic converters, three are commercially available.) Testing showed that the catalysts varied widely in oxidation efficiency at light to intermediate engine loads, but that all were very effective in reducing emissions of CO, HC, aldehydes, and odor intensity at heavy loads (engine operating modes resulting in high exhaust temperatures). Particulate loading, particulate size, and NOx emissions were generally unaffected by any of the catalysts. The catalysts had one ad-verse effect on exhaust quality--increased sulfate emissions. Because of the potential problem of sulfate emissions, the exclusive use of catalytic reactors for emissions reduction does not appear to be satisfactory. However, when used with a means for subsequent removal of sulfates, a catalyst can function as a key component in an emissions control system for diesel engines operated in underground mines.

Jan 1, 1978

By F. S. Crawford

Mining companies are usually held responsible for accidents occurring to the public around their operations . Safeguards are provided by progressive mining companies to prevent the public from getting into danger from wandering unattended about the properties . At abandoned operations , where little or no supervision can be maintained , persons are often injured through the negligence of the operator in leaving the property in unsafe condition . After a mine is abandoned or a lease is given up by a mining company , the responsibility for the safety of the property rests sometimes with the State to which the property ownership reverts or with the owner of the land ; either is usually quite unwilling to spend any money to remedy unsafe conditions due to the carelessness of the mining company . The land owner or the State , or both , should see that the work of leaving safe conditions behind is done by the operator before he abandons the mine or gives up the lease . Some of the worst hazards to the public at abandoned mines are from old test pits , abandoned shafts or tunnels , open pits , caved ground , and bodies of water in abandoned open pits . Hazards exist from some of these sources during the active operation of a mining property as well . In the early stages of mining operations test shafts are often sunk from 50 to 100 feet deep through the more or less loose material overlying bed rock . When these shafts are left unprotected , they are a serious danger for many years to come . In the course of time they become largely concealed by brush and grass , and thus are a deadfall to anyone who might happen to step into them . This condition will hold true for any part of the country, but to a much less degree where it is not necessary to sink through a great amount of cover . Many progressive operating companies have adopted the practice of filling in test pits after securing the information desired . Some nonresident landowners and exploration companies , however , have left such pits open , and it is extremely difficult for the mine inspector to get into communication with the owner . Frequently operating companies voluntarily fill test pits on adjacent property not

Jul 1, 1930

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 Lloyd A. Morley, Robert Stefanko

In the context of the following report, an hazardous location can be described as any industrial area in/which flammable or explosive gases, vapors, and dusts can be encountered. When electrical apparatus is used in such hazardous atmospheres, the chance of a dust or gas ignition is ever present. Consequently, in an effort to reduce the ignition hazard, several protection systems have been devised. Such systems are termed electrical hazard reduction techniques. The most widely accepted and used of these, the explosion-proof enclosure, is the principal subject of this report. However, other techniques are briefly mentioned. Hazard reduction techniques used in coal mine atmospheres (which can contain methane, coal dust, and air mixtures) are classified as Group I. The explosion-proof enclosure commonly used in mines is defined by the USBM Schedule 2G as a device that can contain internal explosions of methane-air mixtures without undergoing damage or excessive distortion and without an ignition of a surrounding methane-air mixture or discharge of flame. (100) Internationally, the definition remains the same except the words "discharge of flame" are not present. (4,5,31,42,52,76,102) The latter description often refers to flame-roof enclosure construction, but the terms "flameproof: and "explosion-proof" commonly have the same connotation. These enclosures which may not be vapor tight, are distinguished by heavy-wall cast or welded construction and bolted or threaded close fitting flanges. Explosion-proof enclosure techniques have been utilized in U.S.

Jan 1, 1974

By James M. Spear

The U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a mineral survey of the Black Butte RARE (I area during the summer of 1981. The study area encompasses 17,800 acres [27.8 sq mi (7,233 ha)] along the course of the Black Butte River, 13 mi (22 km) southeast of Covello, California. No mineral deposits were identified by the U.S. Bureau of Mines during this survey. Assay results of samples taken in this area indicate only trace amounts of manganese, chromium, and nickel. No radioactive or fluorescent minerals were detected. No oil and gas, coal, or geothermal leases have been recorded for the study area.

Jan 1, 1982

By Ivette E. Torres

The series summarizing the prices of the major nonferrous metals on the stock exchanges of the United States and the United Kingdom (London Metal Exchange) has been continued this year in tables 22 and 23. Time constraints have prohibited preparation of other price information that has appeared in this study in previous years. Users are urged to consult the 1993 U. S. Bureau of Mines publication Metal Prices in the United States through 1992, which gives an analysis of historical price series and trends, or the 1993 edition of Mineral Commodity Summaries for current U.S. prices on non fuel commodities, and to utilize U.S. Department of Energy sources for information on fuel material costs.

Jan 1, 1994

This publication summarizes the in-house and contract research projects programmed for fiscal year 1984 by the Bureau of Mines under its Conservation and Development activity. The document provides a mechanism for interested parties to gain insight into projects of the Bureau's Conservation and Development research program. The objective of the Conservation and Development Program is to provide the technological advances needed to stimulate the mining of domestic deposits containing critical, strategic, and other essential minerals in compliance with existing regulations and at costs sufficiently low to be competitive in world markets. Research efforts are directed toward improving the fundamental understanding of processes and procedures involved in the production of minerals. The overall goals will be accomplished by investigating alternative mining methods to increase domestic production of critical and strategic minerals from low-grade deposits; expanding the technology for the economic and efficient extraction of minerals consistent with cost-effective compliance with environmental regulations; and advancing the technologies needed to insure an adequate supply of coal.

Jan 1, 1984

By R. S. Conti

The US Bureau of Mines (USBM) has developed an inflatable feed-tube seal (IFTS) for high-expansion foam generators. The IFTS is a lightweight, portable, rectangular inflatable bag that can be used by firefighters to rapidly seal large openings, such as those in underground mines, and to simultaneously provide a feed-tube for a high- expansion foam generator. Thus allows fire-fighting foam to freely flow to the fire site and control or extinguish the fire. Studies indicated that a high-expansion foam plug will travel 183 m (600ft) down an entry with a 4.5% rise in elevation, before leakage of foam from around the inflatable partition.

By Emery Chilton, Charles Taylor, Mark Senk, Linda McWilliams

Three-axis ultrasonic anemometers are used to study airflow in the NIOSH ventilation gallery where ventilation in an underground mine is simulated. In this study, performance characteristics of this anemometer are evaluated and the effects of sensor orientation and sampler location on flow readings are examined. The study results provide guidelines for more effective use of the ultrasonic anemometers in the ventilation gallery.

By John W. Frey

This paper is one of a series of digests of foreign mining legislation and court decisions prepared in advance of a general report relative to the rights of American citizens to explore for minerals and to own and operate mines in various foreign countries. This interpretation of the laws of cw Zealand, as prepared by Dr. Frey the best available information in Washington, has been slightly amplified in accordance with suggestions transmitted through the courtesy of the Department of State by W. L. Lowrie, Consul General at Wellington.

Oct 1, 1929

By Samuel P. Harteis, Eric S. Weiss

The National Mining Association and the Mine Safety and Health Administration requested that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conduct full-scale evaluations of a recently developed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement technique for upgrading existing mine ventilation seals to withstand an explosion pressure of 50 psi or greater. The evaluation was conducted in the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory’s Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM) near Fairchance, PA. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine the blast resistance of the CFRP reinforcement technique, designed to increase the strength of two types of existing 20-psi-rated in situ mine ventilation seals. Two candidate ventilation seals were selected to represent the 20-psi alternative seal designs typical of those used in mines prior to July 2006. Installed within the LLEM were (1) a 4-ft-thick pumpable cementitious foam seal using material with a designed 150- to 200-psi average compressive strength at 28 days and (2) a 24-in-thick, low-density cementitious block seal with a center pilaster and keyed to the floor and ribs. The materials necessary for the CFRP reinforcement technique were then installed on the outby (active) side of each seal, and the seals were subjected to explosion overpressures. Both seals with the CFRP reinforcement retrofit successfully withstood explosion pressures of 60 psi or greater during the full-scale evaluations in the LLEM.

Jan 1, 2008

By Richard A. Winters

In 1985 at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied 9,400 acres of the 10,005-acre Duncan Creek Wilderness Study Area (ID-111-78) in order to evaluate the mineral resources. The study area is located in Owyhee County, 10, about 36 miles southwest from Bruneau, ID. No mining districts are in the study area, nor were any mines or claims recorded or found. The southern half of the area was covered by oil and gas lease applications, all of which were cancelled prior to June, 1985. No economic concentrations of minerals were found in the study area. INTRODUCTION This report describes the USBM (U.S. Bureau of Mines) portion of a cooperative study with the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) to evaluate mineral resources and potential of the Duncan Creek study area at the request of the BLM (U.S. Bureau of Land Management). The USBM examines individual mines, prospects, claims, and mineralized zones, and evaluates identified mineral and energy resources. The USGS evaluates potential for undiscovered resources based on areal geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveys. Results of the investigations will be used to help determine the suitability of the study area for inclusion into the National Wilderness Preservation System. Although the immediate goal of this and other USBM mineral surveys is to provide data for the President, Congress, government agencies, and the public for land-use decisions, the long-term objective is to ensure the Nation has an adequate and dependable supply of minerals at a reasonable cost.

Jan 1, 1986

By Richard A. Winters

In 1987, at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied the 334-acre Mountain Lakes Wilderness Study Area (OR-011-001) in order to evaluate its identified mineral resources. The study area is located in Klamath County about 15 miles northwest of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and is adjacent to the Mountain Lakes Wilderness. The area is underlain by Pliocene-age basaltic andesite. No mining districts are in the study area nor were any claims recorded or found. There are no oil and gas lease applications. There are no identified mineral resources in the study area. INTRODUCTION This report describes the USBM (U.S. Bureau of Mines) portion of a cooperative study with the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) to evaluate mineral resources and potential of the Mountain Lakes WSA (Wilderness Study Area), at the request of the BLM (U.S. Bureau of Land Management). The USBM examines individual mines, prospects, claims, and mineralized zones, and evaluates identified mineral and energy resources. The USGS evaluates potential for undiscovered resources based on areal geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveys. Results of the investigations will be used to help determine the suitability of the WSA for inclusion into the National Wilderness Preservation System. Although the immediate goal of this and other USBM mineral surveys is to provide data for the President, Congress, government agencies, and the public for land-use decisions, the long-term objective is to ensure the Nation has an adequate and dependable supply of minerals at reasonable cost.

Jan 1, 1988