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By Donald J. Ninteman

This Bureau of Mines publication is a literature study of the problem of spontaneous oxidation and combustion of sulfides in underground mines. It summarizes the present-day hazards, process mechanisms, and prevention and control techniques of this growing problem in underground mines. The iron sulfides generally have the greatest tendency to oxidize, particularly pyrrhotite. The presence of moisture and oxygen is essential for the oxidation reaction. Highly fractured sulfides, when found with timber or combustible refuse in slowly circulating air, pose the most serious fire hazard. Quenching with water is effective in quickly dealing with local hot spots, but ventilation at high flaw rates is the most effective and economical means for long-term prevention and control.

Jan 1, 1978

By Pedro Lilienfeld

This report describes a program whose objective was to develop, design, fabricate and laboratory-test two prototype instruments capable of real-time selective detection and measurement of airborne fibrous-shaped particles. The operation of this fibrous aerosol monitor (FAM) is based on the rotation imparted to the acicular particles by means of a rotating quadrupole electric field of the order of 3000 V/cm. This field induces a dipole charge separation on the fibers and aligns them with the applied field. The selective detection of the fibers is effected by synchronous detection of the resulting modulation of the light scattered from a continuous-wave helium-neon laser beam by the rotating particles. The theory of operation, design of the electric-optical detection configuration and the electronic signal processing method are discussed. By means of a scattering pulse sharpness discrimination technique, fibers whose length exceed a selectable value are detected and their number concentration digitally displayed. Counting times of 1 to 1000 minutes permit the measurement of fiber concentrations between 0.001 and about 30 cm-3. A concentration of the order of one fiber per cubic centimeter can be assessed within a relative standard deviation of 10 percent with a counting period of 10 minutes. The FAM is a portable, battery-powered instrument capable of operating continuously for about 4 hours between battery charges. Preliminary tests with crocidolite and crysotile asbestos as well as with glass fibers were performed in the laboratory and the results indicate good correlation with the standard NIOSH phase contrast microscopy filter counting method.

Jan 1, 1977

By George K. Schenck

This Bureau of Mines publication describes and evaluates a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) based end-use data system for minerals that is designed to link the demand for minerals to economic activity in commercial uses. The new data system is two-dimensional. The first dimension of technical product classes (TPC's) measures the consumption of minerals in major primary intermediate products. The second dimension measures the consumption of these TPC's in SIC end-use sectors in sufficient detail to identify the major determinants of demand for each TPC. Intercomodity comparisons are achieved at the level of SIC two-digit major groups. The methodology was developed so that all available sources of information from Government and industry can be utilized at minimum cost. This information will be supplemented with additional data to be obtained by modifying existing Bureau of Mines canvasses so as to elicit additional quantitative responses from mineral producers. The new data system is expected to improve significantly the ability to forecast demand for minerals, and provide an information base that would, for the first time ever, permit resolution of such questions as trends in substitution among materials and the intensity-of-use of materials in end-use sectors. For the 42 TPC?s identified in the report, data are available for the new system from current sources or, except for three TPC?s that require new canvasses, can be obtained by modification of existing Bureau canvasses.

Jan 1, 1982

By R. R. Lowery

This project was proposed to provide information on the hazards associated with arc melting of thorium. A general air-sampling analysis was made to determine the separation, concentration, and distribution of thorium daughter (decay) products throughout arc melting, machining, and forging processes of a thorium handling facility. The value of well coordinated health physics program is stressed in connection with potential health hazards and personnel protection. Building, equipment, and exhaust ventilation requirements for such a facility are discussed. Special handling methods are described for thorium. INTRODUCTION The Bureau of Mines at the Albany Metallurgy Research Center has been involved in handling the naturally radioactive metals, uranium and thorium, for several years. Cooperative work for the Atomic Energy Commission has been carried out with thorium metal, and as a result the concerned laboratories of the Center have accumulated experience on the hazards associated with this metal. This report details the radioactive hazards arising from the arc melting, machining, and forging of thorium.

Jan 1, 1962

By R. K. Koch

The vapor pressures of liquid titanium and liquid platinum were studied under the Bureau of Mines program for the determination of thermochemical data on the transition elements. Beating was done in a 2-kw electron-beam furnace with a water-cooled copper crucible to contain the melt. Temperature was measured with a disappearing-filament brightness pyrometer. The vapor pressure data for liquid titanium in the range 2,008° to 2,379° K are represented by the least-squares derived equation [log p (atm) = 6.268 - 22, T] Two series of determinations were made on liquid platinum. Results of the first series are expressed by the least-squares derived equation [log p (atm) = 8.240 - 30,460T] for the range 2,0860 to 2,4200 K. Results of the second series are expressed by the least-squares derived equation [log p (atm) = 7.795 - 29,580 T] in the range 2,045° to 2,442° K. Third-law evaluations of each series gave mean standard heats of sublimation of 112.4 kcal/mole, 133.3 kcal/mole, and 133.8 kcal/mole for titanium first series on platinum, and second series on platinum, respectively. Second-law heats of sublimation and equations for heats, free energies, and entropies of vaporization were obtained from sigma plots of each data set.

Jan 1, 1969

By F. D. DeVaney

The low-grade deposits of manganese ores along the Missouri River near Chamberlain, S. Dak., are known to contain one of the largest reserves of manganese in the United States. Manganese occurs as concretionary nodules ranging in size from 13 inches in their longest dimension to particles finer than 65-mesh. The nodules are embedded in soft, wet shale, which contains little manganese. The removal of nodules from the low-grade shale is a simple mechanical -problem; the question is primarily to determine the lowest-cost method of separation. This report purposes to present data acquired by experimenting with samples of the ore, which form a basis for suggesting methods of concentrating manganese nodules.

Jan 1, 1942

By F. D. DeVaney

The low-grade deposits of manganese ores along the Missouri River near Chamberlain, S. Dak., are known to contain one of the largest reserves of manganese in the United States. Manganese occurs as concretionary nodules ranging in size from 13 inches in their longest dimension to particles finer than 65-mesh. The nodules are embedded in soft, wet shale, which contains little manganese. The removal of nodules from the low-grade shale is a simple mechanical problem; the question is primarily to determine the lowest-cost method of separation. This report purposes to present data acquired by experimenting with samples of the ore, which form a basis for suggesting methods of concentrating manganese nodules.

Jan 1, 1942

By Terry R. Neumann

This document, prepared for the U.S. Bureau of Mines Regional Mineral Assessment Program, presents data pertinent to the mineral resource assessment of the Needles 1° x 2° map quadrangle (excluding the Arizona portion), located in the Mojave Desert southeastern California. The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) mineral survey of the quadrangle, conducted from 1991 to 1993, was done to provide the minerals data necessary to support effective land use planning and resource decision making. To this end, this report (1) inventories historic and current mining activity, (2) inventories identified resources, (3) provides an economic analysis; of identified mineral resources and estimates their feasibility for development, (4) delineates areas of exploration and development potential based on current geological, geochemical, and geophysical information, (5) supplies information on land status, transportation networks, power supplies, water availability, and regulations, and (6) analyzes socio-economic impacts of potential mining. The Needles quadrangle is in the Basin and Range province of the southwestern United Van. The area is underlain by a lithologically and structurally complex Proterozoic crystalline basement of gneiss and granite that is overlain by sparse, scattered outcrops of deformed and metamorphosed Late Proterozoic and Paleozoic sedimentary sequences. Mesozoic granitic plutons, particularly in the western half of the quadrangle, intruded the basement and sedimentary rocks, resulting in metamorphism and deformation responsible for the formation of high-grade gneisses and mylonitic rocks (core complex) in the eastern part of the quadrangle. Voluminous Tertiary volcanism unconformably overlie some older sequences. The structure of the area is dominated by Basin and Range extensional block faulting; in the eastern part of the area, block faulting is accompanied by widespread low-angle detachment faulting associated with core complex development.

Jan 1, 1993

By Howard W. Wainwright

This bibliography was compiled by the Bureau of Mines as part of an investigation into the possible utilization of low-temperature coal-tar bases. The bibliography consists of literature and patent references from about 1945 to 1961 and is divided into the following headings: Analysis and Composition; Production, Synthesis, Reactions, and Utilization; and Separation, Purification, and Properties. Although over 1,000 references are included, no attempt was made to insure a comprehensive survey. The literature and patent references are arranged alphabetically by author or patentee. When several publications have the same author they are listed in reverse order of age, with the newest first. An author index is included because secondary authors are not cross-indexed. In almost every instance, the entry is accompanied by a Chemical Abstracts reference for those interested in locating an abstract of the original paper.

Jan 1, 1962

By T. A. Klinefelter

KYANITE and the related minerals sillimanite, andalusite, dumortierite, and topaz are natural aluminum silicates that can be used in production of mullite (3A1203?2Si02), a superduty refractory material. Kyanite and sillimanite are the dominant ones because of their greater abundance. The only other kyanite-group mineral presently used for mullite production is andalusite. Mullite is not an absolutely essential material as other refractories can be used in the same heat range. However, it is a highly satisfactory one. It is the only compound of silica and alumina that is stable at high temperatures. It has low thermal expansion and is very resistant to corrosive melts and to thermal shock. For these reasons mullite refractories have a much longer life than standard fire-clay refractories under the same conditions. Worldwide, excluding U.S.S.R., the refractories industry consumes about 150-000 short tons annually of kyanite group minerals and synthetic mullite.

Jan 1, 1961

By Henry P. Chandler

[Diamond, because of its extreme hardness and abrasion resistance, has an important function in precision engineering and automation. With the increasing; requirements of modern production for fine tolerances, interchangeability, and speed, it has become even hors, important in spite of the supply of other abrasive and hard materials and of ultrasonic, electrospspark rued other substitute grinding methods world industry seems likely to absorb large quantities of diamond for industrial purposes. An increasing part of the world's needs will be supplied by manufactured diamond, which was introduced commercially by General Electric Co. in 1957. Use of diamond for glass cutting goes bark several centuries, mid diamond drilling of rock became important to the mining industry M the 1870's. Today, diamond drilling is the most extensively used method of exploring the world's ore reserves; diamond drills two also used to determine the nature of bedrock below the foundations of buildings, dams, and bridges. Diamond drill bits are now used extensively in the petroleum industry, and replacement or steel rock bits with diamond drill bits in hard rock formations has effected substantial savings.]

Jan 1, 1964

By Henry P. Chandler

[Diamond, because of its extreme hardness and abrasion resistance, has an important function in precision engineering and automation. With the increasing; requirements of modern production for fine tolerances, interchange-ability, and speed, it has become even more important. In spite of the supply of other abrasive and hard materials and of ultrasonic, electrospark rued other substitute grinding, methods, world industry seams likely to absorb large quantities of diamond for industrial purposes. An increasing part of the world's needs will be supplied by manufactured diamond, which was introduced commercially by General Electric Co. in 1957. Use of diamond for glass cutting roes bark several centuries, mid diamond drilling of rock became important to the mining industry M the 1870's. Today, diamond drilling is the most extensively used method of exploring the world's ore reserves; diamond drills two also used to determined the nature of bedrock below the foundations of buildings, dams, and bridges. Diamond drill bits are now used extensively in the petroleum industry, and replacement or steel rock bits with diamond drill bits in hard rock formations has affected substantial savings.]

Jan 1, 1964

The general nature of the special constructional features that are required to provide safety from explosion hazards on machines approved as permissible by the Bureau of Mines is fairly well known to mining men who are at all interested in safety. These requirements are outlined in the schedules, under the provisions of which the investigations of such machines are conducted. Also, the method of conducting inspections and. tests of such machines has been described in Bureau of Mines Bulletin 305, Inspection and Testing of Mine Type Electrical Equipment for Permissibility, published in 1929. A more detailed knowledge of the special safety features of a particular machine is often useful and sometimes essential for inspectors, safety engineers, maintenance men, and engineers in selecting machines for a particular application. Three bulletins that give information of this nature have been published by the bureau, viz., Bulletin 313, Permissible Storage-Battery Locomotives and Power Trucks. Bulletin 343, Permissible Coal-Handling Equipment. Bulletin 382, Permissible Coal-Cutting Equipment.

Jan 1, 1937

By John C. Holtz

Interest in the possibility of using Diesel6/ engines for haulage power in mining and tunneling is increasing in the United States, owning largely to the reported successful use of Diesel locomotives in European coal mines and to the comparatively recent development of automotive Diesel engines in this country. The extent of this interest has been evidenced to the Bureau of Mines by numerous requests for information as to the factors that must be considered if Diesel engines are to be used safely underground.

Jan 1, 1940

By John C. Holtz

Interest in the possibility of using Diesel6/ engines for haulage power in mining and tunneling is increasing in the United States, owing largely to the reported successful use of Diesel locomotives in European coal mines and to the comparatively recent development of automotive Diesel engines in this country. The extent of this interest has been evidenced to the Bureau of Mines by numerous requsts for information as to the factors that must be considered if Diesel engines are to be used safely underground.

Jan 1, 1940

By R. R. Falier, W. E. Rice

"PURPOSE OF REPORTThis paper presents the results of a series of tests made by the U. S. Bureau of Mines in cooperation with The Ohio State University Engineering Experiment Station as part of an investigation on the use of fuel in kilns.This report is preliminary and gives only enough of the test data to illustrate results and show the reasons for the successes and failures of the method of firing investigated; fuller details will be included in the final report.PERSONNEL FOR TESTSThe investigation is conducted under supervision of P. Nicholls, supervising fuel engineer, of the United States Bureau of Mines, and G. A. Bole, research professor, of The Ohio State University. These tests were made under direction of W. E. Rice, associate fuel engineer, assisted by R. R. Faller, assistant fuel engineer, of the United States Bureau of Mines; H. C. Harrison, senior research engineer (until October 1, 1930), C. R. Austin, senior research engineer (since October 1, 1930), and H. K. Van Sohoick, junior research engineer, of The Ohio State University. M. J. Rice, field engineer, represented the manufacturer of the stoker.PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATIONThe general aim of the investigation is to develop more economical methods of using fuel in kilns and to improve the over—all efficiency of the process of firing by methods that will produce ware of better quality. One phase of this investigation is the burning of coal on an automatic stoker to gain the advantages of control, constant rate of application of heat, and ability to burn cheaper coal than can be used in the hand—fired furnaces of kilns. It a stoker in to be used it is desirable that the coot of the installation should be low, the control of operation simple, and the distribution of heat in the kiln as good or better than with hand firing. These desiderata were sought in the stoker and furnaces that were used for the tests described herein. The tests were made to determine whether it is feasible to fire a large kiln with a single stoker, whether the use of a single furnace simplifies control, and whether the admission of all the hot gam at the center of the kiln will give symmetrical distribution of heat."

Aug 1, 1931

By Thomas O. Glover

Cameroon's mineral industry continued to be dominated by crude petroleum. The country's economic development depended on the production and export of crude oil. Oil output was estimated to be 56 million barrels in 1984 compared with 47 million barrels in 1983 and 39 million barrels in 1982. The country's only refinery processed approximately 16,000 barrels per day of crude oil in 1984, operating at slightly over 50% capacity. This volume, however, supplied the domestic need for motor fuel and heating oils. Cameroon's economy continued to expand despite problems and setbacks stemming from the attempted coup of April 6, 1984. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 1984 was 6.5%, the same rate as in 1983. Offshore crude petroleum production was the chief factor in the sustained economic growth. The country also maintained a relatively strong balance-of-payments position through oil exports. Investment, ranging up to 25% of the GDP, greatly contributed to sustained growth. The oil sector contributed approximately 14% to Cameroon's GDP in both 1983 and 1984.

Jan 1, 1986

By D. R. Flinn

A newly developed chemical conditioning technique, which greatly simplifies the preparation of plating baths for the electrodeposition of titanium diboride (TiB2) coatings, is described in this report. The new plating technique was used to prepare samples of titanium diboride (TiB2) coatings on three types of substrate materials. These samples were then evaluated in both low- and high-speed wear-test programs to determine the wear resistance, microhardness, and adhesion of the coatings. In general, it was found that the wear resistance of the coatings is independent of substrate. Scanning electron micrographs have shown that the coating wear surfaces are very smooth, suggesting slow and continuous removal of the coating during the wear test (that is, adhesive wear). Adhesion between the coating and all substrates was excellent. Microhardness results show that the TiB2 coating is harder than alumina, with a hardness value exceeding 5,000 kg/mm2 measured in one test. The results of the wear tests show that TiB2 coatings have relatively poor wear resistance compared with alumina in low-speed unlubricated sliding environments, but exhibit wear properties comparable with alumina in high-speed unlubricated sliding environments.

Jan 1, 1981

By Fred P. Giese

Southeastern reserves of titanium ores are large, widespread, and ample for anticipated demand. The leading titanium industries are mining and beneficiating sand deposits, principally in Florida, and manufacturing titanium pigments. Most of the mineral output is consumed by the producers themselves. In 1962, 20 percent of the national pigment capacity was in the Southeast.

Jan 1, 1964

By Bill M. Stewart

Since 1974, a large amount of data has been developed concerning the physical properties and stability characteristics of waste generated by the mining and preparation of bituminous coal. However, very little information has been developed on the properties and characteristics of anthracite waste. During this Bureau of Mines research project, coarse anthracite breaker refuse from five sites in eastern Pennsylvania was sampled and the physical properties, which indicate stability characteristics, were determined in the laboratory. Coarse anthracite breaker refuse is quite similar to coarse bituminous refuse in chemical and mineralogical composition. However, the physical properties of the anthracite waste materials tested are different from those of coarse bituminous refuse. For the coarse anthracite breaker refuse tested, the average maximum laboratory density is 113.2 lb/ft3, the average angle of internal friction (direct shear) and average cohesion are 30.2° and 2.6 psi, respectively, and the average permeability (four sites) is 1.24 x 10-2 cm/sec. Stability analyses were conducted on six theoretical anthracite waste embankments. These analyses show the effects on minimum safety factors of geometry, phreatic surface level, and physical properties.

Jan 1, 1983