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By E. D. Gardner

The Bureau of nines, in cooperation with the mining companies of the Southwest, is conducting an investigating to ascertain the safest and most economical explosives to use in metal mines, and to ascertain the best methods of blasting under various conditions. A part of this investigation has been a study of drilling and blasting drift rounds in metal mines. This paper covers one phase of work on drift rounds and discusses the methods of loading the individual holes of the rounds. The blasting tests, on which this paper is based, were made at the Copper queen Branch of the Phelps Dodge Corporation at Bisbee, Arizona.

Jan 1, 1927

By M. G. Cherniack, A. J. Brammer, D. R. Peterson

Over the past two decades, there have been significant reductions in industrial exposures to hand-arm vibration, especially when specific tools and work processes have been redesigned to incorporate anti-vibration and ergonomic principles. Nevertheless, Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) remains a significant occupational health problem as disease symptoms continue to occur even when vibration exposure levels believed to incur low risks have been reached2. This inconsistency may be related to the methodology that is typically used to estimate workday vibration exposure levels, involving laboratory and/or very short duration field measurements coupled with estimates of overall eight-hour tool operation times determined from brief observations of tool tasks and/or self-reported surveys. One solution is to use small, commercially-available, personal vibration dosimeters to calculate, record, and display long-duration vector sums and energy equivalents of vibration. However, since these devices are attached to the worker and require tool-mounted accelerometers, they are incompatible with the worker performing normal duties involving putting down or changing tools. In addition, these commercial systems do not allow for the characterization of the transmission of vibration to the hand such as monitoring the mechanical coupling between the hand and the tool handle (e.g., grip forces). O’Boyle and Griffin showed that variations in applied force can alter vibration transmission characteristics by 50% or more indicating that the measurement of grip force is essential for modeling vibration transmissibility and vibration exposures5. In summary, a need exists for the development of a method and device that will more accurately characterize workday-long vibration exposures. Methods A portable, light-weight, Vibration Exposure Monitor (VEM) system was developed to record user-specific tool-operating times, vibrations, and grip forces throughout all, or a representative part, of a workday. It monitors frequency weighted and unweighted accelerations from a palm-mounted uni-axial accelerometer (Model 352C22, PCB Piezotronics, Depew, NY) and calculates exposure levels using the root-mean-square (RMS) and higher power mean values, such as the root-mean-quad (RMQ) and the root-mean-oct (RMO). Grip forces are also monitored using a palm-mounted force sensor (Model 400, Interlink Electronics, Camarillo, CA) from which average grip force levels and exerted grip extrema are calculated. At the core of the VEM system is a commercially available, battery-powered microcomputer (Tattletale, Model 8v2, Onset Computer, Onset, MA) with one megabyte of memory and eight analog channels using 12-bit sampling at a single-channel maximum of 100 kHz. Analog signal processing (i.e., anti-aliasing, with cutoffs at 4 and 1250 Hz, and ISO 5349-13 frequency weighting) is accomplished using custom circuitry that is directly interfaced with the microcomputer. An embedded C-based protocol governs the data collection from each channel

Jan 6, 2006

By Lucien Eaton

This paper describing the mining practices at Mine No. 2 of the Marquette Range, Michigan is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods, and costs in the various minim; districts of the United States. The publication, of this information should be of interest to the industry at large and the exchange of ideas thereby made possible should be of economic value to operators in all harts of the country. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author is indebted to the superintendent, engineer, and mining captain of the property discussed in this paper for much of the information presented. The geological classification is taken from publications of the U. S. Geological purvey.

Jan 1, 1929

Develop rugged, cost-effective fire protection for hydraulic shovels and backhoes. Approach Automatic fire sensing and suppression systems were designed and built for use on hydraulic shovels and backhoes. How It Works A line-type temperature sensor is mounted in the machine's engine and hydraulic pump areas to detect the heat from a fire while it is still small and easy to control. Two systems were tested. In one, the inside of the sensor consists of two conductors separated by a ceramic material whose electrical resistance decreases with increases in temperature. When heated to a predetermined temperature) the control circuit responds to the resistance drop. In the second system, the detection element of the sensor is comprised of a thin metal tube containing a hydrogen charged metal hydride wire. The tube is sealed at one end and is connected to a sensitive pressure switch at the other end. When exposed to the heat from a fire, hydrogen gas released from the metal hydride wire actuates the pressure switch.

Jan 1, 1980

Provide reasonably priced, reliable fire protection for blasthole drills. Approach An automatic fire sensing and suppression system using both dry and gaseous chemicals was developed, and is more shock and vibration resistant than similar industrial fire protection systems. How It Works Temperature sensors mounted in the drill's machinery house, hydraulic room, operator cab, and transformer area detect the heat from a fire, and trigger a sequence of actions. The same fire fighting sequence can be initiated from manual alarm boxes in the cab, hydraulic room, or machinery house. Electrical power to the drill Is immediately cut off, and a horn sounds to warn the drilling crew. After a 40-second, built-in, delay to allow time for drill's ventilating fan to stop, gaseous and dry chemical fire extinguishing agents are piped to and released in various rooms of the drill. The gaseous extinguishing agent (Halon 1301) is released in the machinery house, hydraulic room, and operator cab where dry chemical clean-up from electrical panels and machinery would be difficult and costly. Dry chemical is piped to the transformer room at the rear of the machine. Location of the principal components of the system are shown in the drawing.

Jan 1, 1979

By Linda L. Chasko, Charles P. Lazzara, Ronald S. (deceased) Conti, William J. Wiehagen

Fire has long been a concern for underground mine workers. A mine fire can occur at any time and can result in a partial or total evacuation of mine personnel and the loss of lives. Fires can grow rapidly. Time is the critical element. Prompt detection, timely and accurate warnings to those potentially affected, and a proficient response by underground miners can have a tremendous impact on the social and economic consequence of a small underground fire. Fire preparedness and response have components of technology and people. These components can work synergistically to reduce the time it takes to bring the system back in balance. This report deals with the preparedness of miners to respond to underground mine fires. It is intended to aid the mining industry in understanding the various roles of emergency responders and the training techniques used to increase their skill levels. The report also presents a technology overview to assist in effective response to mine fires.

Jan 12, 2005

By James E. Mills

Coal, in the process of mining, transportation, and handling and on exposure to the weather, is subject to more or less disintegration. This disintegrated coal is usually called "slack" and amounts often to a considerable percentage of the lump coal produced in the mines. If this slack coal is wasted the loss so occasioned ranges from 5 to 50 per cent, or even more, of the total coal mined. It is therefore clear that the utilization of this waste slack coal becomes a serious economic consideration. When the coal is suitable for the production of coke, the utilization of the slack presents no difficulty, as it is in demand for that purpose. If the coal does not produce good coke, but cakes rather readily, the slack can be used for boiler purposes, as it fuses together more or less quickly, and burns on the furnace grate without great loss. Coal that cakes less readily can be burned on grates of special construc- tion. When so used it is more troublesome to handle, and the waste is greater than when lump coal is used. Consequently the price of much of the slack coal for fuel purposes ranges considerably lower than that of the lump coal from the same mine. The full value of this slack coal as fuel can be realized by first form- ing the coal into a coherent mass or briquet, such briquets, when of good quality, being equal to or of greater value than the original

Jan 1, 1911

By H. B. Brunot, L. C. IlsLey

The chief object of the Electrical Section of the United States Bureau of Mines is the study of causes and means of preventing accidents resulting from the use of electricity in mines . A large part of this work for the last 20 years has been the inspection and testing of mining equipment under the provisions of schedules which give the minimum requirements considered essential for the safety of equipment intended for use at or near the working faces of dusty or gassy mines . During the first few years of this work , particular attention was paid to the explosionproof features of the various accessories such as motors , controllers , and other parts . The knowledge of the essentials necessary for safe designs of enclosures has since been augmented by field experience and by data obtained in testing a large number and variety of designs . With our present knowledge it would seem that a disproportionate stress was placed on making the various enclosures explosionproof , but not enough thought was given to the danger from wiring and connections outside of explosionproof enclosures . The list of equipment that has met minimum requirements for safety and has been approved as permissible by the Bureau of Mines includes storage - battery locomotives , power trucks , drills , loading machines , conveyors , cutting machines , room hoists , pumps , concrete mixers , and rock-dusting machines . The wiring on some of the machines is comparatively simple and sometimes , except for the trailing cable , may be entirely within the explosionproof enclosures . In general , there is outside wiring between enclosures , and on the larger machines the wiring may be extensive and complicated . In considering the safety of wiring for mining machinery , attention must be given the severe service and unfavorable surroundings imposed by mining conditions . Some of the matters that require consideration are : ground . The lack of care of the exterior wiring to be expected in the average mine . The lack of adequate periodic inspection of the wiring . The absence of adequate facilities for satisfactory inspection and repairs under- The severe conditions of moisture , dirt , mechanical injury , and low voltage encountered in mining service .

Apr 1, 1931

By Michael A. Trevits

Mine fires can be especially perilous because toxic products can quickly spread well beyond the fire zone thereby exposing all underground miners to dangerous and deadly conditions. Since November 1998, there have been six major underground coal mine fires or explosions in the United States (Willow Creek (twice), Sanborn Creek, Loveridge No. 22, West Elk and the Jim Walter Resources No. 5 Mine). In each case, the entire mine or specific areas of the mine had to be sealed due to the build-up of dangerous gases and the fear of uncontrolled spread of the fire. Effective placement of mine seals can deprive a mine fire of oxygen and is often followed by water flooding or injection of inert gas into the affected area. When access to the fire zone is impossible because of safety reasons, airtight mine seals can be constructed, in the area of the fire, remotely from the surface through vertical boreholes. Remotely constructed mine seals are commonly made from cementitious material. Since these mine seals are typically erected blindly, it is difficult to determine if mine roof-to-floor and rib-to-rib closure has been obtained. This paper provides a review of the available materials and technology used to remotely construct mine seals through vertical boreholes.

Jan 1, 2002

By H. H. Schrenk

There are several well-recognized procedures for controlling exposure to hazardous atmospheres in industry. They include (a) substitution of less toxic material, (b) enclosure of processes, (c) wet methods, (d) local exhaust, (e) general ventilation, and (f) use of respiratory protective devices. In addition to their employment as a control measure in occupational exposures, respiratory protective devices also are essential in emergencies that may arise from failure or improper use of other control equipment. Respiratory protective devices usually are employed to supplement other methods of control, as temporary expedients, or when other methods are not readily applicable or practicable. It seems reasonable to assume, however, that where respirators are used consideration has been given to the factors involved and that the devices can provide satisfactory protection if used properly. Their use should not be arrived at simply by a process of elimination of other methods that are more difficult to apply.

Jan 1, 1943

By William H. Pomroy

Fires in underground metal and nonmetal mines pose a threat to the safety of underground miners and to the productive capacity of this Nation's mines. Contaminated air (smoke, carbon monoxide, and other products of combustion) is the primary life safety hazard created by a mine fire. The most reliable defense against the hazard posed by the rapid spread of contaminated air underground is early warning fire detection and rapid evacuation. This Bureau of Mines report describes the design and operation of four prototype early warning fire detection systems, for underground noncoal mines, presently undergoing prolonged in-mine testing by the Bureau. The systems are described within the context of the underground mine environment.

Jan 1, 1985

By Gene Asai

Properties obtained for columbium carbide-carbon castings ranging in car-bon content from 12 to 17 weight-percent were compared with those of hot-pressed composites of similar composition. The properties were oxidation resistance in static air between 500° and 700° C, linear thermal expansion between 20° and 2,400° C, electrical resistivity between 20° and 1,500° C; microhardness between 20° and 1,500° C, and modulus of rupture between 1,300° and 1,800° C. CbC-C castings differed markedly from hot-pressed material with respect to microstructure, electrical resistivity, and modulus of rupture, but behaved quite similarly with respect to oxidation resistance, thermal expansion, and hot hardness. In oxidation resistance, thermal expansion, and hot hardness both materials were independent of carbon content. Both castings and hot-pressed composites oxidize rapidly in air above 600° C, have thermal expansion coefficients very similar to columbium metal, and the logarithm of the hardness decreases linearly with increasing temperature. The microstructures of hot-pressed composites contained varying amounts of graphite in a CbC matrix but did not contain significant amounts of a eutectic structure present in all castings, nor did they contain graphite needles which were present in the hypereutectic castings. The higher electrical resistivity of hypereutectic castings over hypereutectic hot pressings was attributed to the presence of highly oriented graphite needles in the castings. The modulus of rupture of castings was 1-1/2 to 2 times that of hot-pressed composites. Both materials displayed bend ductility above 1,800° C.

Jan 1, 1971

By J. H. East, D. Harrington

Fires in metal mines have resulted in some of the worst disasters in American mining history insofar as loss of life is concerned. One fire caused the death of 163 miners and individual less spectacular fires have cost the lives of scores of workers. Metal mines are often very deep, and the men working on numerous levels far removed from direct communication with the surface. In many instances they cannot be warned quickly of an emergency or a mine fire by telephone or other usual method of communication, or by messenger, flashing lights, gongs, sirens, or whistles. Telephones are not paricularly effective as a means of warning unless placed at all strategic points and with attendants always on duty; though telephones well placed have a definite value in any well-pla.mied emergency procedure in mines of all kinds. Messengers are slow and men working in remote parts of a mine would not receive a warning quickly enough. Most metal mines are not electrically lighted, except at or adjacent to shaft stations and in principal haulageways, and this limits the effectiveness of flashing lights. Electric gongs and sirens or whistles have been tried as warning signals, but the sound is quickly deadened and does not travel upward into the stopes, especially those of an extensive volume. Shutting off the compressed air is by no means satisfactory as a warning, as not infrequently it is stopped accidently, so that it loses its value as an alarm. The introduction of water into compressed air lines is undesirable as a fire warning and necessitates considerable care, especially in deep mines; pressure-reducing valves must be provided to reduce pressure that otherwise would break connections or split the pipe. A quick, effective method of warning miners underground of the existence of an emergency requiring them to leave the mine immediately, such as a fire on the surface or underground, is provided by the introduction of stenches in the compressed-air lines. This method of warning is by no means experimental, inasmuch as it has been used successfully for many years in

Jul 1, 1943

By Alla D. Mah

The energies of combustion of zirconium carbide and hafnium carbide were measured by combustion calorimetry and the heats of combustion and formation. of zirconium carbide and hafnium carbide were derived . The results are-- ZrC AH298.15 ( combustion) = -308.60 ± 0.55 kcal /mole , AH298.15 ( formation) -47.0 ± 0.6 kcal /mole , AH298.15 = HfC (combustion ) = -306.08 ± 0.20 kcal/mole , AH298.15 ( formation) -52.3 ± 0.4 kcal /mole . = INTRODUCTION This report contains the results of calorimetric measurements to obtain the heats of formation of zirconium carbide ( ZrC) and hafnium carbide ( HfC) . The work was conducted as part of a Bureau of Mines program for determining the heats of formation of oxides , carbides , and nitrides by combustion calorimetry . Combustion calorimetry is one of the most precise calorimetric techniques . The chief obstacle to obtaining accurate heat of formation values for carbides , and the chief reason for the variation in the results of different investigators , is the lack of purity of the carbide samples . Corrections for impurities always involve assumptions which lead to uncertainties . In general , a large impurity correction is accompanied by a large uncertainty in the final result .

Jan 1, 1964

By J. B. Littlefield

The Greenburg-Smith impinger was developed at the Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the United States Public Health Service in 1922 in the course of an investigation of dust-sampling instruments available at that time. Although it is not used extensively outside of the United States, it is now soused in this country to collect samples for the determination of any dustiness, and most of the information correlating degree of dustiness with physiological effect has been obtained by the impinger method. The chief disadvantages in the use of the regular impinger, especially in mines and other places accessible with difficulty, are its bulk weight, and power requirements. It requires a source either of electricity or of compressed air, which necessitates connections and extension of existing supply lines to each sampling point; the only alternative is the use of a relatively large pump hand-operated with considerable effort.

Jan 1, 1937

By J. M. Stuve

Calorimetric determinations of the low-temperature heat capacities, standard enthalpy of formation, and high-temperature enthalpies were made of (Na20)4 ?Fe20,(c). The resulting values of entropy (S°), enthalpy of formation (?Hf°), and free energy of formation (?Gf°) at 298.15° K are 104.676 cal/deg mole, -656.2 ±.kcal/mole, and -603.4 A kcal/mole, respectively. Tabulations of Cp°, S°, - (G°-H°298)/T, H°-H°298, ?Hf°, ?Gf°, and log Kf are given to 1,200° K.

Jan 1, 1971

By G. R. Hopkins

"A new record in fuel efficiency at petroleum refineries was achieved in 1935, when an average of only 615,000 B. t. u. was needed to refine a barrel of crude oil, compared with an average of 638,000 B. t. u. in 1934 and 829,000 B. t. u. In 1925. (See fig. 1.)Refiners have made almost uninterrupted progress in firing efficiency during the last decade although much of this gain was brought about by improved technique and greater use of heat exchangers and pipe stills, the determining factor was the trend in crude runs to stills. Most plants can increase their crude throughput materially with but small increase in fuel consumption. Consequently, in years in which crude runs have increased substantially, average requirements have declined; but in years in which crude runs have decreased, the average has tended upward. This conclusion is confirmed by figure 1, which shows that there has been but one minor exception to this rule in the last 10 years.Technical progress in fuel efficiency may be illustrated by comparing crude runs and total B. t, u. consumed. Between 1925 and 1935 crude runs to stills increased 31 percent, but the total quantity of heat required did not increase; in fact, it declined slightly.The trend of modern still construction is from shell stills, in which a large body of oil is heated, to tube stills, in which the heat comes into much closer contact with the oil. In 1935 the total capacity of operating pipe stills increased about 4 percent; this increase, though small, probably was related to the gain in average efficiency.The Increased use of heat exchangers and their role as fuel savers have been discussed in previous reports of this series. It is sufficient to say that refiners with insufficient exchange capacity added as much in 1935 as their budgets would permit."

Jan 1, 1937

By J. M. Kuchta

The Bureau of Mines used laminar hot air jets of l/8- to 3/4-inch diam-eter to determine the hot gas ignition temperatures of various combustible vapor-air mixtures. The combustibles were n-hexane, n-octane, n-decane, a hydrocarbon jet fuel (JP-6), and an adipate ester aircraft engine oil (MIL-L- 7808). Minimum ignition temperatures occurred at a fuel to air weight ratio of about 0.5 and were not greatly sensitive to variations of fuel concentra¬tion. Moderate variations of jet velocity also had little influence on these ignition temperatures. However, these temperatures decreased with increase in heat source dimensions (jet diameter). The hot gas ignition temperatures of the combustibles were not necessarily much greater than corresponding autoignition and wire ignition temperatures when the size (,F the heat source and the ignition criterion were the same.

Jan 1, 1966

By W. D. Walker

This information circular is offered to the coal-mining industry for use as a guide in selecting, placing, and caring for fire-fighting equipment in coal mines. Its purpose is to suggest minimum requirements for fire protection underground, and it is presented with the hope that it will aid in establishing adequate standards that will provide reasonable protection against underground fires in coal mines. Potentially, a coal mine is a hazardous fire area. Coal itself is a combustible substance, easily ignited. In addition, large quantities of other combustible materials must be present in the area of operations; these include materials for roof support, track ties, doors, ventilation stoppings, lubricants, etc.

Jan 1, 1953

By Dean H. Ambrose

Computer programs are presented that provide mine electrical systems based on computer modeling for design and safety analysis suitable for large or small computer systems and handheld calculators. Bureau of Mines research has resulted in load-flow, fault, grounding, reliability, short-circuit, transient, and cable ampacity computer models that enable mine power system engineers to analyze their system or to design a system. This report describes the capabilities of the program.

Jan 1, 1984