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By Bobby B. Gillenwater

This report presents recommended guidelines and regulatory changes applicable to electrical installations in underground oil shale mines. These recommendations are based on information gathered from oil shale operators, government agencies, and other knowledgeable sources familiar with existing plans for mining systems and electrical installations, and on present understanding of the problems and hazards associated with oil shale mining. Additional discussions of specific electrical problems related to oil shale mining are also presented. These specific problems include: ? Ground fault current levels ? Permissible electric wheel motors ? Permissible batteries and electric starting systems ? Intrinsically safe instrumentation and applicability of existing test standards.

Jan 1, 1983

By T. O. Glover

The Bureau of Mines surveyed unit trainloading and storage installations in the midwestern, eastern, and southeastern coalfields. Nine individual operations were studied in detail as a representative cross section of unit train operations in these areas. Of the nine operations studied, three were in Illinois, two in Kentucky, and one each in West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Information was obtained from coal producers, coal sale agencies, railroads, construction and equipment companies, and power companies.

Jan 1, 1970

By Dennis McLaughin

This report contains a description of the contract activities performed by ENSCO, Inc. under contract No. H0178069. The purpose of this project was to enhance the Bureau of Mine?s Cableless Electronic Survey System use to aid in the drilling of long (approx. 2000 feet) boreholes in coal. This drilling is performed as part of the methane drainage program. The system that was ultimately developed was field tested 2nd demonstrated in actual in-mine drilling activities. The significance of this system as compared to previous drill survey systems is the fact that it surveys without having to be inserted and removed for each survey point. It is so designed that it can withstand the shock and vibration experience by the drill string during drilling. This means an increased productivity is now possible in that drill operators can determine drill bit positioning in a near real-time environment.

Jan 1, 1981

By J. L. Eakin, J. P. Powell

"The increased costs of exploration and drilling of new oil fields and the continued success of water flooding in nearly depleted oil fields have created a demand for information on the results obtained from individual projects. The Bureau of Mines has published several reports concerning water-flood activity in the Midcontinent area and at the request of the industry has continued to collect and disseminate this information. This report was written in response to these requests. It describes in detail the water-flooding projects in Anderson, Franklin, Linn, and Miami Counties, Kans., and includes methods of water treating and the results obtained. The production histories of each county and many water-flood projects are shown graphically from the date of the first development. Maps of most of the major projects, showing their status as of January 1, 1953 are presented also.The practice of injecting water to stimulate oil production was legalized in Kansas in 1935, and the first water-flooding project authorized in this four-county area was initiated by the Texas Co. in December 1935 in Linn County. Forty-nine projects2/ initiated in the area to January 1953 are estimated to have recovered approximately 10 million barrels of oil that would not have been produced by methods used previously. About 7,900 productive acres had been, or are, flooded by these projects, and approximately 136 million barrels of water had been injected.These four counties in the eastern Kansas shallow production area3/ were an important factor in the early history of the Kansas oil and gas industry. This position has been maintained from the very beginning through the early period of vacuum and air injection and into the era of water flooding. The location of the area and the relative position of the four counties and water-flooding areas in each are shown in figure 1.The first drilling for oil in this area in 1860 resulted from investigations of the existence, and use by the Indians, of so-called tar or oil springs. The first wells drilled were nonproductive, and the impending Civil War caused the search for oil to be discontinued. In 1884 a few shallow oil wells were drilled near Paola, and completion of several gas wells near that city led to subsequent drilling of an oil well, which was completed in June 1885, having an initial flow of 10 barrels of oil daily.In 1904 the original Paola gas field became a good oil-producing field. In 1905 the Rantoul field in Franklin and Miami Counties was opened; and drilling activity spread throughout the adjoining area, resulting in development of several shallow oil pools in Linn and Anderson Counties. The first ""shoestring"" pool in eastern Kansas to produce oil was probably the Paola or Pressonville shoestring, which was discovered in 1917. The rate of oil production from the area declined until 1919, when the Centerville shoestring pool was discovered. Discovery of the Colony gas field in 1921 was followed within a few months by drilling of the Garnett and Garnett and bush City shoestring pools. The Schermerhorn pool (now part of the Centerville field) s discovered in 1927, and the Kincaid shoestring pool was first drilled in 1931. The oil-production histories of the individual counties are discussed separately."

Jun 1, 1953

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

By Walter R. Storms

"The New Mexico potash exploration described herein was begun in February- 1944 by the Federal Bureau of Mines with the object of determining the amount of potash ore in the United States Potash Reserve in Eddy County, N. Mex., by exploring the deposit from the surface with vertical drill holes. The work was completed in October of the same year after 16 holes had been drilled on the reserve and in the immediate vicinity.The Potash Reserve is located in secs. 26, 27, 34, and 35, T. 20 S., R. 29 E., Eddy County, N. Mex., about 14 miles northeast of the city of Carlsbad. Drilling was done in secs. 26 and 35 of the reserve, in sec. 14 to the north, and secs. 25 and 36 to the east. All work was done on Government-owned, unleased land.The reserve may be reached from Carlsbad by traveling northeast by automobile for about 14 miles on paved U. S. Highway 62. This highway passes through the southern part of the reserve. Other parts may be reached by a State highway which passes along the eastern side of the area, then by poor dirt roads to various drilling sites. A branch of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad also passes across the southern part of the reserve en route from Carlsbad to the plant and mine of the Potash Co. of America, a few miles northeast of the Project and 22 miles from Carlsbad.Work on the project was greatly facilitated by the help of Ralph H. King, associate geologist, R. K. Bailey, geochemist, H. C. Spicer, geophysicist, Hope Bunker, junior geologist, and R. H Allport, district mining supervisor, all of the Federal Geological Survey; and Charles H. Johnson, who at that time was district engineer for New Mexico for the Mining Branch of the Bureau of Mines."

Apr 1, 1946

By R. R. Sayers

Although the attention of those interested in diseases peculiar to mining as teen focused recently on one duct disease - silicosis - other respiratory diseases may cause more suffering and economic loss. The increased incidence of these diseases usually is attributed to exposure to abnormal air conditions underground, such as sudden changes from high to low temperatures, excessive dust, and noxious gases. The principal respiratory diseases to which the mine is subject axe bronchitis, influenza and pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, anthracosilicosis, and. silicosis. Although the mortality statistics in some of the tables included in this paper are old they have been corroborated by later, lees complete data Bronchitis Bronchitis is en inflammation of the bronchial tubes due, among other causes, to the inhalation of irritants such as dusts (organic and inorganic). Occupations that entail exposure to atmospheres polluted, by irritating gases carry with them the risk of bronchitis. According to Collie (1), it cannot be distinguished clinically from bronchitis occurring among the general population, and its association with tae inhalation of dust or gases usually is unrecognized.

Jan 1, 1941

By Bureau of Mines Staff

Coal research and related activities in 1964 by the Bureau of Mines resulted in many advances in the production, preparation, and utilization of this valuable natural resource. Mining research during the year was marked by work on hydraulic mining, coalbed degasification, mine drainage control, mine sealing, strip-mine rehabilitation, and quenching of mine-refuse fires. Bureau research continued to produce information leading to increased safety in underground mining. Such research included roof and rib control via bolting and bonding, pressure monitoring of coal and mine rock during mining operations, and development of safety devices for detecting conditions leading to roof falls. Other safety work was continued on methane detectors, coal-dust suppression, and mine venti lation equipment and techniques. Mine explosion and explosives research, mine equipment and materials, safety rule modernization, and safety education and training of mine workmen were continued. Coal storage and preparation work in 1964 ranged from freezeproofing of lignite for rail shipment, through washability studies of coals and washing equipment, to research on new ways to remove ash and sulfur from coal. Electric power production, which ,accounts for a major portion of the market for coal, received further study. Unique power generation systems, inc luding coal-burning gas turbine and megnetohydrodynamic generators, were intensively investigated. Conventional power systems were improved through continuation of work on furnace performance, powerplant stack gas purification, and engineering and boiler water service.

Jun 1, 1965

By CHARLES L. WRIGHT

Coals may be divided into six classes-anthracite, semi anthracite, semibituminous, bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite. The first three cla~ can be distinguished by dHferences of composition, particularly the proportions of fixed carbon and the ratios of the fixed carbon to the volatile matter in the cools. The last three classes can be distinguished by di:fferences in physical character, chiefly in color and in manner of weathering. Lignite is brown, not black, and has generally a woody look, but it weathers in much the same way as subbituminous coals. On exposure to the air lignite slacks or crumbles. The lumps check and fall into small irregular pieces that exhibit a decided tendency to separate into extremely thin plates. Hence lignite deteriorates greatly during storage or long transportation. The most characteristic feature of the composition of lignite is a large percentage of moisture. '!his high moisture content reduces the fuel value of freshly mined lignite, and the partial evaporation of moisture, on expooure, causes th6 fuel to check and fall to pieces. Consequently, attempts to increase the efficiency of lignite as a fuel involve reducing its percentage of moisture and increasing its ability to endure storage and transportation. Both these results are accomplished by briquetting.

Jan 1, 1911

This report, 27th in a continuing series1, describes Bureau of Mines research and technologic work on coal and related investigations during 1962. While the brief discussion in each section of the report presents only the highlights of Bureau work during the year, details of many investigations can be found in publications cited in this text. Other work, reported here for the first time, will be covered in greater detail in later publications. Recent trends in coal research and technology both at home and abroad were reviewed in several publications2. Bureau research, as in the past3, continued to stress improved methods of mining, preparing, processing, and using coal. The program included a wide variety of applied and basic studies for developing information useful to the coal mining industry and the coal consumer while promoting wise conservation and utilization of our coal resources.

Jan 1, 1963

By W. D. Mcmillan

Important reserves of nickel ore occur in the Levies district in Oriente, Cuba. The area is mountainous and mostly covered by heavy vegetation. The ore bodies comprise surface tracts of nickeliferous laterite underlain with decomposed serpentine of ore grade. The Cuban Nickel Co., a wholly owned United States Government corporation, owns a plant for leaching the nickel from its ores at Nicaro, Oriente, Cuba, Between December 1943 and March 31, 1954, 5,902,225 short tons of ore was treated, with a recovery of 116,206,519 pounds of nickel (52,711 metric tons). In 1953, 1,330, 224 short tons of ore was mined and 27;"3,129 pounds of nickel produced. The Cuban Nickel Co. also owns a townsite, with the necessary facilities, mining equipment, and 11 miles of railroad. Ore for the plant has been produced from the Ocujal-San Juan claims on lends owned by the Nicaro Nickel Co., a sub¬sidiary of Freeport Sulphur Co. The Government enterprise is man-aged by the Nickel Processing Corp. The Cuban Nickel Co. has denounced mineral concessions and has purchased other claims from private owners.

Jan 1, 1955

By Frank B. Fulkerson

This is the second of two interrelated studies of waterborne transportation. The first study discussed transportation of mineral commodities on the inland waterways of the South-Central States.2 Together, the two surveys describe and analyze the flow of foreign and inland waterborne commerce of the gulf coast. All the principal mineral-industry imports and exports of the gulf coast are mentioned in the report, including metals, nonmetals, and mineral fuel products, The gulf coast foreign trade in mineral industry products was determined to be composed of a small number of commodities.

Jan 1, 1971

By Robert H. Peters

Groundfall accidents have been the leading cause of fatalities in the underground coal mining industry for many years. Statistics from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) indicate that approximately half of the victims of these fatal accidents were in an area where no devices had been installed to support the mine roof. This report was prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to provide guidance to operators of underground mines concerning the use of techniques that may help to keep miners from going under unsupported mine roof. The report is divided into two major sections. The first section reviews the findings from several areas of empirical research pertaining to strategies for convincing employees to avoid unsafe acts and/or adopt self-protective behaviors. The strategies are (1) incentives and feedback, (2) disciplinary actions, (3) training (primarily fear communications and behavioral modeling), and (4) nondirective techniques. This literature review has a broad focus and should be helpful in making decisions about how to encourage a wide variety of types of self-protective behaviors. The second major section of the report presents an analysis of each strategy's potential for keeping miners away from unsupported roof.

Jan 1, 1991

This report, 27th in a continuing series1, describes Bureau of Mines research and technologic work on coal and related investigations during 1962. While the brief discussion in each section of the report presents only the highlights of Bureau work during the year, details of many investigations can be found in publications cited in this text. Other work, reported here for the first time, will be covered in greater detail in later publications. Recent trends in coal research and technology both at home and abroad were reviewed in several publications2. Bureau research, as in the past3, continued to stress improved methods of mining, preparing, processing, and using coal. The program included a wide variety of applied and basic studies for developing information useful to the coal mining industry and the coal consumer while promoting wise conservation and utilization of our coal resources.

Jan 1, 1963

By Thomas G. Chapman

The four major steps in the production of marketable copper are mining, concentrating, smelting, and refining. In a few cases, however, leaching takes the place of concentrating, smelting, and refining, and in others ores are smelted without being concentrated. Copper ores have been milled since the early days of mining in the United States. Except in the Michigan district, most copper ores went direct to the smelter until the so-called porphyry mines were developed. At present, although considerable leaching and direct-smelting ores are produced, the bulk of the copper ore mined is concentrated. Improved methods of concentration have kept pace with the increased tonnages of ores milled.

Jan 1, 1936

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1982, 13 companies operated 30 primary aluminum reduction plants, with 3 firms accounting for 55% of production. Washington, Oregon, and Montana accounted for 34% of the production; Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Arkansas 18%; Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina 14%; other central and eastern States 34%. Based on published producer prices, output of primary metal in 1982 was valued at over $5.5 billion. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered in the East Central United States. Packaging accounted for an estimated 39% of domestic consumption in 1982, transportation 20%, building 14%, electrical 8%, consumer durables 8%, and other uses 11%.

Jan 1, 1983

This report is the 22d in a series summarizing Bureau of Mines research and technologic work on coal and related investigations.2 3/ A summary of work published during 1957 and of work in progress is presented. Details regarding the subjects treated in the publications may be found by referring to articles cited in the footnotes. The objective of the coal work of the Bureau of Mines is to obtain information that will lead to improved production and utilization of coal, thus conserving a most important national asset.4 5/ Though studies of mining methods and exploration of various coalfields ma; contribute directly to improved production, no less so does the work in health and safety. The many problems relating to chemical and physical properties of coal reflect the need for an understanding of these properties for the most effective use of coal in its various fields of application and for the development of new methods of processing coal. Studies of existing and proposed processes of combustion, carbonization, gasification and hydrogenation of coal are necessary for increased efficiency in its use. Engineering service provided by the Bureau is of direct value in the conservation program in preventing waste. Stations where the main coal activities of the Bureau are carried out are shown in the following list:

Jan 1, 1959

By Robert H. Peters

This report presents a literature review conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The review summarizes what has been learned from recent empirical studies of the relationship between mine safety and characteristics of miners, mine management, and mining companies. The review is based on literature published in the United States during the period from 1976 to 1988. In addition to summarizing the empirical findings, this report discusses the implications and limitations of these studies, and gives recommendations for improving mine safety. An annotated bibliography section appears in the appendix.

Jan 1, 2009

By Ben E. Lindsly

The recovery or partial recovery of the oil remaining in oil sands after the usual methods of production have become unprofitable is perhaps the greatest problem in the petroleum industry today. The amount of this oil remaining in the sand is variously estimated by those familiar with the subject to be 25 to 90 per cent of the original content.2 Lewis3 states, "The estimate of 80 to 90 per cent of the oil left underground does not seem incredible."

Jan 1, 1926

By Floyd G. Anderson

This report reviews and summarizes information on prevention and suppression of dust in mining, tunneling, and quarrying published in the United States from 1961 through 1967. Unpublished pertinent data developed or assembled by the Bureau of Mines during this period also are included.

Jan 1, 1969