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By R. Stefanko

The industrial hygiene and safety aspects with internal combustion engine in mining systems is truly interdisciplinary and encompasses many fields such as mine ventilation, exhaust gas and particulate analyses, mine atmospheric environment monitoring, mathematical modeling of generation, dilution and dispersion of pollutants in ventilation systems, and engine testing and approval. Mathematical models of the dilution and dispersion of diesel exhaust contaminants can be useful only if these models can be validated. In this research report, experiments that were specially designed for the above purpose are described. These experiments were conducted in the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Safety Research Coal Mine, in Bruceton, Pa. On the basis of this study, the data collected, and further review of available literature, it is concluded that mathematical models of dilution and dispersion are useful tools for mine ventilation planning. Additional objectives of this study about which conclusions and recommendations are reported here include: (a) evaluation of mine atmosphere contaminant monitoring systems; (b) optimum sampling site locations; (c) model sensitivity and error analyses; (d) computer coding of mathematical models; and (e) development of a diesel bibliography. While an extensive bibliography on diesels is provided in this report, Volume II of this final report has 511 references.

Jan 1, 1977

By H. O. McDonald

The Bureau of Mines reviewed the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) literature on the nonmetal binary and ternary compounds of the group IVB, VB, and VIB elements, with emphasis directed to the following nonmetals: B, C, N, O, and Si. This review examines each of these binary and selected ternary compounds of the group IVB, VB, and VIB elements as coatings and gives some of their preparative methods, uses, and properties. A total of 259 references were found for these compounds of the nine elements. This review was utilized in the Bureau's research to provide abrasion-, erosion-, and corrosion-resistant coatings in order to conserve critical metals and protect various metallic surfaces in metallurgical, mining, and energy conversion systems.

Jan 1, 1983

By Michael S. Wieland

This report investigates whether it is tractable and thereupon reasonable to remove the booster influences when ranking the toxic fumes of non-cap-sensitive mining explosives. The hazard potential is represented by relative fume toxicity RFT, the resultant influence computed from a formulated rule with a restricted set (tally) of fume components and multiplying constants. The RFT result is compared to the rule criterion that represents the worst case tolerable toxicity stipulated by regulations or otherwise. The typical nonstoichiometric booster composition can render notable unwanted influence on the RFT ranking results. Historically, the remedy was to shoot the booster separately and reduce the trial concentrations by the relevant subtractions. Unreal negative concentration results were noted on rare occasions, revealing the faulty nature of the reduction procedure. With thermodynamic reaction chemistry codes TDRC, on the other hand, the booster ingredients can be retained in or removed from the reactant tabulation, yielding reduction factors taken as the concentration ratios for the two circumstances. The underlying presumption regarding reduction factors is that the ratios of component concentrations with and without the booster ingredients when resolved theoretically ought to equal those rendered experimentally, when tractable. Upon rearranging the presumed relationship, the unadjusted fume concentrations divided by theoretical reduction factors yield the wanted readjusted fume concentrations, thereby removing the booster influence without generating unreal negative concentrations. The work principle from thermodynamics restricted by the constraint of zero-net interaction loss is utilized in conjunction with the TDRC to resolve the wanted (Z-state) fume spectrum. This circumvents the recognized difficulty with traditional hydrodynamic detonation theory that is related to the nonideal reaction characteristics of typical mining explosives. The tacit characteristic of the Z-state resolved from the non-trajectory work principle is that it can not be remedied or tampered with, unlike the traditional trajectory techniques where the reaction products can be readjusted by changing formula representations, nullifying specific reactions or otherwise manipulating the thermodynamic trajectory process. Though the work principle theory is an unfinished formulation, the Z-state results prove worthy enough for rendering trends and comparisons and reaching otherwise useful conclusions. Further refinements should yield more reliable fume spectra and indicate explosive composition readjustments that would reduce toxic effects within underground mines and the wider world environment.

By Abrasive Materials

Table 1.-Salient abrasive statistics in the United States [ ]

Jan 1, 1967

By M. C. Malamphy

A general description of the activities and results of bauxite investigation by the Bureau of Mines at its bauxite project in Saline and Pulaski Counties, Ark., has been given in Report of Investigations 4251. The factual data obtained during the project are reported in a series of Reports of Investigation beginning with No. 4251, of which this is the thirteenth. The data are accompanied by maps showing the location of holes drilled and the deposits developed. Each area upon which work was done is reported by half townships. Each bauxite deposit investigated was assigned a name and a number for ready reference and identification, and its location and name are shown on the appropriate half-township map. The description of each half township is followed by a description of each deposit developed in that half township. The 14 half-township maps and 77 detail maps of the bauxite deposits in this series of reports give the locations and numbers of all the holes drilled on the project, except the deep holes drilled to test the geophysical anomalies. The locations of those holes show on figure 13 in volume 1. The description of the deposits developed is followed by complete detailed logs of the drill holes. Many of the widely spaced exploratory holes did not discover bauxite of minable thickness and grade. The pertinent information obtained from the widely spaced exploratory drill holes has been summarized and tabulated and a table for each half township is given with the discussion covering that area.

Jan 1, 1948

By Ronald W. Stingelin

This study undertook the development and implementation of a methodology for estimating the impact of coal seam interaction on the eastern bituminous underground reserve base as published in USBM Information Circular 8655. The effects of previous mining in multiple coal seam areas on currently mined and reserve seams are predicted as a percentage coal loss by an engineering assessment model called the Coal Loss Calculation Model. The model utilizes twelve input variables easily derivable from mine maps or other existing data sources and calculates the effects of subsidence and high-stress due to remnant pillars in the previously mined seam. Extensive literature review resulted in the identification, definition, and quantification of the critical variables of seam interaction. Export opinion surveys were made of mining experts, MESA mine inspectors, and coal mine operators. Statistical analysis was used to establish the redundancy of the critical variables and to develop a total coal loss prediction algorithm. A regional analysis resulted in the production of a series of thematic maps on coal characteristics and distribution. A derivative map showing the areas of commonality within the eastern bituminous coal region served as the basis for implementation of the coal loss calculation model. The model was developed and tested using data from four coal mines in western Pennsylvania and southern West Virginia.

Jan 1, 1976

By Charles Fried

The Coal Mine Health and Safety Act passed by Congress in 1969, called for research to alleviate the occupational stresses and hazards of coal miners. Spurred by a series of recent mine disasters the Congress directed the Bureau of Mines to increase its attention to the welfare of miners and to develop better working conditions and personal equipment for use in the mines. As one of the early steps in carrying out the provisions of the Act, the Bureau of Mines commissioned the Behavioral Sciences Group at the National Bureau of Standards to conduct a survey of the state of the art in ergonomics (human factors) as it has been applied to mining.

Jan 1, 1972

By Almon F. Robertson

"INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARYThis is one of a series of reports describing investigations within the Missouri River Basin in Montana conducted by mining engineers of the Bureau of Mines, Minerals Division, Region II. The primary purpose of these investigations is to provide basic information to agencies of the Department of Interior and others concerned with the planning of power and other water developments in the basin. This report contains only such factual data as have been authorized for public distribution. Special precautions have been taken not to reveal any information or data that are considered confidential.The field investigations for this report were made during the summer of 1949. Virtually all known metallic mineral deposits in the county and same nonmetallic (industrial) mineral deposits were investigated. Most of the mines and prospects have been inactive for many years. The old underground workings generally are only partly accessible; many are entirely inaccessible. Most of the mining claims were located many years ago, and a considerable number were patented. Many claims were abandoned; others were relocated. Nimes and ownerships often have changed. Because of such conditions, much of the information on most of the mines and prospects necessarily has been obtained from available Federal and State publications, private geologists' and engineers' reports, and from owners and local residents.Metal mining in Cascade County, Mont., has been confined mainly to the silver-lead-zinc deposits in the Montana (Neihart) and Barker districts in the southeastern part of the county. The Neihart district has yielded by far the greater part of the county's metal output. The mines generally have been operated intermittently, largely because of fluctuating or low silver and base metal prices."

Feb 1, 1951

By W. P. Haynes

The Bureau of Mines has been studying a modified steam-iron process using coal-derived producer gas for making either hydrogen plus carbon monoxide or methane. To provide a guide for this experimental study, compositions of equilibrium product gases for the reaction of steam plus carbon dioxide with iron were calculated and are discussed in this report. The calculations, which are described in this report, are based on thermodynamic data in the literature and cover temperatures from 800° to 1,300° K., pressures from 1 to 30 atmospheres, and hydrogen-to-carbon atomic ratios in the gas of 4 to 12. The equilibrium gas compositions are discussed in regard to making hydro-gen, carbon monoxide, and methane in the oxidation step of the modified steam-iron process. From the viewpoint of thermodynamics alone, assuming the reactions reach equilibrium, the discussion considers the effects of temperature, pressure, and composition of feed gas upon the composition of the product gas, the degree of oxidation of the iron, and the possible deposition of carbon. The results indicated the following: (1) Nearly all the carbon can be converted to methane at low temperatures (800° to 900° K.) and high pressures (over 20 atmospheres); (2) to obtain high yields of synthesis gas, high temperatures are required. For example, at 30 atmospheres, a temperature over 1,200° K. is required to convert 60 percent of the steam plus carbon dioxide to hydrogen plus carbon monoxide. Lower temperatures may be used at lower pressures) (3) oxidation of the iron increases with increasing pressure and decreases with increasing temperature; and (4) process conditions favoring carbon deposition were found within the range of variables studied, but it is thermodynamically possible to operate the oxidation process with steam and carbon dioxide outside this range of carbon deposition.

Jan 1, 1961

By J. W. Thompson

"The Republic of Colombia on December 30, 1919, enacted a new petroleum law. The Act is expressly limited to mineral oil, natural gas, bitumen, wax and fossilized resin and to asphalt intended for export.The law is not only intended to encourage local investors, but to attract foreign capitalists for oil development. Provision is made for a special edition ion of the law in such languages as the Government may deem necessary to give it extensive circulation within the country and abroad. The published editions must contain the provisions of the law relating to alienship and naturalization.All public lands, or what are termed unclaimed lands, are open to flee prospecting for the purpose of discovering the deposits named in the law, A prospector must obtain from the Government a, license which binds him to deliver to the Government topographic plans of the lands prospected, together with reports of their prospective yielding capacity. This license does not vest the li¬censee with any preferential right for contracting or leasing and may be drawn by the Government at any time.If a discovery is made by a licensee of any of the deposits named and he desires to exploit the same, he must present a memorial or application to the Ministry of Public Works, stating:- (a) the location and municipal district in which deposit beds are found; (b) boundaries of the zone of exploitation, which shall not be more than 5,000 or less than 1,000 hectares; (c) the names and nationality of all persons for whom the lease is sought and the action and time within which,they propose to make the exploitation; (d) the name of the corporation and its legal representatives with their residences; (e) if an alien, he must state his willingness to comply with the law relative to alienship and naturalization; (f) agreement to abide by all of the provieions of the law with regard to Government supervision, payment of taxes, rate of lease and causes of forfeiture; (g) the rate of rent or royalty that the applicant offers to pay, together with any other circumstances that may make the proposed lease advantageous to the Nation."

Apr 1, 1920

By M. Kanda, W. D. Bensema, J. W. Adams

Two different techniques were used to make measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise in and above an operating coal mine, McElroy Mine, located near Moundsville, Nest Virginia. The electromagnetic environment created by 300 volt dc and 480 volt ac machinery was measured. In one technique noise was measured over the entire electromagnetic spectrum of interest for brief time periods. The noise was recorded using broadband analog magnetic tape. The noise data was later transformed to give spectral plots. In the other technique, noise amplitudes were recorded at several discrete frequencies for a sufficient length of time to provide amplitude probability distributions. The specific, measured results are given in a number of spectral plots and amplitude probability distribution plots.

Jan 6, 1974

By John D. Foulkes, David A. Curtis, Robert L. Lagace, John L. Rothery

An investigation is made of the feasibility of developing compact transmit antennas and/or other means to efficiently couple VLF to MF band radio energy between portable wireless communication units in coal mines. The completely wireless communication ranges between two portable radios equipped with practically-sized reference loop antennas in representative coal mine environments are estimated. Antenna technology is assessed with respect to transmit moment, range, intrinsic safety, battery and wearability requirements to deter- mine the most suitable antenna types for use by miners. It is concluded that air-core bandolier loop antennas, and perhaps ferrite-loaded loop antennas, having peak transmit moments of about 2.5 ampere-m5 will be the most effective antenna choices for portable units. This choice, however, will not allow the range goal of 1350 feet to be attained in mines having unfavorable signal attenuation and noise environments. Rectangular air-core loops are compared with grounded horizontal-wire and vertical-wire mode exciters for fixed station applications. The potential for significantly increasing the wireless communication range by inductively coupling to communications and power lines in a mine is evaluated and found to be considerable based on theoretical coupling equations. Lastly, the theoretical performance of a hybrid noise cancelling diversity receiving technique that utilizes both the electric and magnetic field components of the ambient noise to improve the receiver output signal-to-noise ratio under certain adverse conditions is estimated and shown to be favorable when the magnetic and electric field noise components are highly correlated.

Jan 1, 1977

By K. L. Williams

The Bureau of Mines tested a prototype tapered-element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) dust monitor for measuring respirable coal mine dust. The monitor uses the inertial behavior of a vibrating element to measure the mass of sampled dust. Tests were performed to determine variability, drift, the effect of humidity, placement of collection filter, and element orientation during analysis, and comparability with gravimetric measurements of respirable coal dust. Variability was about 1.6 µg. Over about 26 h at 46 pct relative humidity, drift was very slightly negative. When the relative humidity was increased to 78 pct, all units showed a total positive change less then 40 µg over about 70h. Filter placement variation on the tapered element resulting from in- consistent sizing of the filter mounting bases caused significant error (up to 0.2 mg). In practice, calibration of the system for each new filter will eliminate that error. Orientation of the element during analysis did not introduce significant error, but care is necessary when mounting the canister that houses the element to avoid damping oscillation of the element. Dust tests were performed in an aerosol chamber using coal dust. Measurements made by the TEOM dust monitor agreed to within 10 pct of simultaneous measurements by gravimetric personal samplers.

Jan 1, 1986

By Fred A. Williams

The cause of many deaths and extensive property damage in coal mines resulting from explosions and mine fires has been directly attributable to electric cable failures (including splice failures). The Federal Bureau of Mines data show that out of 355 underground coal mine fires investigated from July 1952 to January 1960, 103 (29 percent) were directly related to trailing cables. These cable failures resulted in the death of 7 men and injuries to 37 others. These potential hazards have become greater, obviously, through the widespread adoption of mechanized mining methods with electric-driven machinery powered through trailing cables according to Young,4 68.1 percent of the total bituminous and lignite production of the United States was mined underground in 1959. About 85 percent of this production was attained by mechanized loading methods. A large majority of the mines using the hand- loading methods also used equipment with trailing cables such as cutting machines, drills, and gathering locomotives. The problem of minimizing the loss of life, resources, and equipment from cable failures should be of concern to the management of all coal mines. It would be misleading to imply that no consideration has been given to the problem and its associated hazards. Through research cable manufacturers have endeavored to develop trailing cables that will withstand the severe service imposed by underground mining conditions. Technical research groups have undertaken studies for determining improved procedure and materials for field splices. Coal companies have instituted cable maintenance programs with a view toward the reduction of cable failures and consequent improvement in safety and efficiency of operations. Safety agencies are alert to unsatisfactory cable handling practices, poor workmanship in field splicing, mechanical

Jan 1, 1962

By Richard J. Leary

The inputs of capital and labor to support future iron ore production were developed by the Bureau of Mines from projections of iron demand and estimates of capital and labor requirements. Trends in technologic change and the organization of production were analyzed. Labor requirement schedules for iron ore mining and beneficiating were constructed from aggregate inter-temporal trends and 1970 cross-sectional analysis of mines and mills. A sup-ply schedule of the capital requirement for mine-mill-pellet plants was developed from U.S. and Canadian experience. The structure of demand for iron to the year 2000 was examined as well as the availability of resources. Projections of capital and labor requirements to 2000 were constructed under two international patterns of iron ore supply to the United States. The most likely model is for a continuation of the 70 percent United States-30 percent foreign shares, expanding at an average 2.0 percent growth rate to 2000, and supported by a cumulative gross capital investment of $3.8 billion constant 1967 dollars and a labor force in the United States of 29,800 by 2000. The information content of projections is discussed, and the possible effects of international forces on supply are considered. A generalized methodology for estimating capital and labor requirements in other mineral industries also is included.

Jan 1, 1975

By M. Kanda, W. D. Bensema, J. W. Adams

Two different techniques were used to make measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise in an operating hardrock mine, Grace Mine, located near Morgantown, Pennsylvania. Diesel-powered haulage equipment is used in this mine, and the electromagnetic noise environment it creates was measured to see how it differs from the environment created by electric-powered haulage equipment. One technique measures noise over the entire electromagnetic spectrum of interest for brief time periods. Data are recorded using broadband analog magnetic tape and are later transformed to give spectral plots. The other technique records noise amplitudes at several discrete frequencies for a sufficient amount of time to provide amplitude probability distributions. The specific measured results are given in a number of spectral plots and in amplitude probability distribution plots.

Jan 6, 1974

By J. R. Hoskins

A recent survey of 23 vein-type metal mining operations in several western states discloses that some of the more serious deficiencies in ventilation technology are associated with inordinately high levels of mine resistance. This problem has progressively increased over many years of operation (without adequate remedial action) as mines have become extended in depth. Where two shafts form the downcast and upcast airways of a relatively deep mine, the whole of the mine air volume must pass through each shaft in turn. Since at least one of these shafts contains hoisting equipment, structural members are necessary to support the rigid guides and shaft walls. These offer high aerodynamic resistance. In some deep mines, a single shaft of this nature may represent upwards of one-half of the total mine resistance. The second shaft, depending upon its design, may represent an additional one-third of the mine resistance. Therefore, the various working levels throughout the mine contribute only the small remaining amount of the total mine resistance.

Jan 1, 1972

By Manuel Gomez

A computerized moving average technique was developed to interpolate coal seam characteristics between sample points. The interpolative method coupled with multivariate regression analysis and simulation procedures was used to forecast coal properties not readily obtained from an analysis of drill core samples. Coal property forecasts were of two kinds: (1) specific mine property forecasts that are suitable for mine product control and yield a good approximation of the local variation along both the vertical and horizontal axes of the seam, and (2) regional estimates where much of the local seam variation is smoothed out, but the general trends are maintained. Forecasts of the volatile matter, ash, total sulfur, and the heating value for part of the Pittsburgh seam located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia were in good agreement with independent evaluation data. Spatial configuration for preparation characteristics, particularly, the effect of crushing on sulfur release, low-and high-temperature carbonization properties, the Hardgrove grindability index, the coal hardness index, gasification variables, and hydrogenation factors were constructed for the same area of the Pittsburgh seam. These forecasts may be developed from drill core data collected in the exploration phase of mining. The results, which may take the form of a series of maps, are useful to mining, chemical, and combustion engineers, to economists and mine managers, as well as to coal users for mine design, economic analyses, energy forecasts, utilization studies, mine product control, and environmental control and programming.

Jan 1, 1974

By Noel N. Moebs

The Bureau of Mines investigated severe coal mine roof support problems along a section of main entries in the Pittsburgh coalbed in southwestern Pennsylvania to identify the causative factors. The mine roof was examined in detail, and various sedimentary structures are described that contributed directly to irregular and unstable roof. Small-scale paleochannels, scours, and related slickensides were identified as the leading cause of bad roof, and isopach maps were prepared to illustrate a method whereby the presence of these structures could be inferred in advance of mining. Probably second in importance was the occurrence of relatively incompetent flaggy, poorly cemented sandstone, weakened by coal and micaceous laminea. No effect of in situ stresses on roof stability was detected.

Jan 1, 1977

By N. Kyriazi, W. Duerr, J. Shubilla, J. G. Kovac, J. Kravitz

A joint effort by the Bureau of Mines and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), U.S. Department of Labor, was undertaken to determine how well self-contained self-rescuers, deployed in accordance with Federal Regulations (30 CFK 75.1714), held up in the underground environment. This report presents findings regarding laboratory-tested breathing apparatus from the first year of a 5-yr program as well as other related findings. The SCSR's were tested on human subjects and on a breathing and metabolic simulator. These results indicate that the apparatus, if well-treated, perform as expected except for manufacturing defects or quality control problems, which are identified. However, when the apparatus are carried in and out of the mine every day and stored at the working section, they may suffer abuse that can be extreme. Physical signs of abuse, unless extremely obvious, frequently are not detected by the miners or the mine operators; this poses a danger to a potential user in case of emergency. Recommendations include improved training in inspection procedures.

Jan 1, 1986