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By R. S. Fowkes

A study was made by the Bureau of Mines of the penetration of selected granular materials in an unconfined state by wedge-shaped tools having dimensions comparable with the dimensions of the particles composing the materials. The output force for larger particles fluctuated radically. A custom-designed integrator was used to obtain work as a function of depth of penetration in the form of smooth curves. The influence of wedge angle, depth of penetration, penetration rate, entry angle, compaction state, and particle size on the force required and the work performed was ascertained. Empirical equations describing force and work as a function of penetration were obtained for each set of experiments.

Jan 1, 1973

By Rees D. Groves

The Bureau of Mines conducted research on reactions of copper sulfide minerals with chlorine in an aqueous system. Selected samples of covellite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, bornite, and pyrite were leached with aqueous chlorine solutions. The mineral samples were sized on to minus 100- plus 325-mesh, individually mixed with precleaned sand and leached in an enclosed percolation column. Each mineral was leached in stages to achieve about 90 percent mineral dissolution. The chlorine leaching solutions were produced by reacting sodium hypochlorite with hydrochloric acid within the closed system. The study showed that when the mineral dissolution was complete, the reaction products (copper, iron, and sulfur) were in their highest oxidation states and a stoichiometric amount of chlorine was consumed. Although elemental sulfur formed as an intermediate product, it was oxidized to sulfate during the leach.

Jan 1, 1973

By R. V. Higgins

As part of a study of application of the Buckley-Leverett method to an analysis of oil-reservoir performance covering a wide range of relative permeabilities and oil saturations, a method has been devised for quickly deter-mining average water saturation at breakthrough from relative permeability data. The base for the relative permeability used in the report is either the permeability to air or the effective permeability to oil at the irreducible water saturation. The permeability to air also was used because of the large backlog of air permeabilities available to reservoir engineers. The basic data were calculated by an electronic computer and are presented in a single graph from which the point of breakthrough may be obtained. In this study the water saturation at the beginning of the depletion is the connate or interstitial or irreducible water saturation. These water saturations are considered to be synonymous and to have a practical value.

Jan 1, 1960

By Robert H. Ridgway

Scrap iron and steel attracted attention during 1937 because of the unprecedented exports and the concomitant agitation in some quarters to prohibit the exportation of this essential raw material except on license by the President. This report does not attempt to analyze the statistics given in the light of the controversy over the limitation of scrap exports, but it is believed that students of this problem will find many essential basic data in the various tables presented herein. This paper presents the results of the third in the series of annual canvasses on the consumption of ferrous scrap and pig iron in the United States. The study was inaugurated in 1935 by the Bureau of Mines in response to requests from trade organizations and others for detailed

Jan 1, 1938

By Robert H. Ridgway

Scrap iron and steel attracted attention during 1937 because of the unprecedented exports and the concomitant agitation in some quarters to prohibit the exportation of this essential raw material except on license by the President. This report does not attempt to analyze the statistics given in the light of the controversy over the limitation of scrap exports, but it is believed that students of this problem will find many essential basic data in the various tables presented herein. This paper presents the results of the third in the series of annual canvasses on the consumption of ferrous scrap and pig iron in the United States. The study was inaugurated in 1935 by the Bureau of Mines in response to requests from trade organizations and others for detailed

Jan 1, 1938

By E. S. Leaver

The gold that is not recovered by a particular process is refractory to that process. A study to determine how the refractory gold is associated in the ore constituents usually indicates the needed improvement in the process or additional methods for bettering recovery. In preliminary work, segregation of the various minerals, gangue or impurities, and data showing the reactions of each in the recovery method readily confines the refractory gold to a certain part on which extensive research can be directed. In this dissecting plan, the microscope is an important aid in locating the refractory gold but should be supplemented by chemical tests. Each ore is an individual problem until the association of the gold has been determined. Knowing the problem through the interfering minerals or elements, the solution often is only the application of part of a former known practice as an auxiliary or additional feature. In the treatment plan for most gold ores, it has been the custom to try each of the usual recovery methods or combinations thereof, accepting the best results on a basis of the lowest cost. A better plan includes knowledge of the association of the gold and the various minerals from which it is to be recovered. This presents reasonable foresight into the problems that should be expected and permits some provision for avoiding probable difficulties. The preliminary work should include: Determination of the percentage of free gold with classification showing size of gold particles to be expected; determination of the percentage of gold associated with each mineral and whether it be freed from the mineral by crushing; and an analysis of representative samples of the ore to include other valuable minerals and the form in which they occur.

Jan 1, 1934

By F. M. Goodwin, John Campbell, G. W. Jones

"INTRODUCTION The investigation of the general hazards of combustible gases and vapors in manholes owned by the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. and the study of methods for eliminating these hazards, conducted by the Bureau of Mines, the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston, and the Boston Consolidated Gas Co. since 1929, was continued during 1933.From May and through December 1933 these tests were supplemented by a study of the manholes of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. The test crew was under the direct supervision of John Campbell, superintendent of the Special Service Department of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co., and F. M. Goodwin, vice president of the Boston Consol¬idated Gas Co.The procedure of sampling manhole atmospheres and of shipping the samples to Pittsburgh was the same as that used heretofore. In previous reports the relative explosibility of the samples was calculated by adding the percentages of the illuminants, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and ethane, dividing the total by 6.5, and multiplying by 100. Experience has shown that the factor 6.0 is more nearly correct; therefore, this has been used in calculating the relative explosibility of all the samples listed in appendix A and B of this report. If gasoline vapor is present a smaller factor must be used.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe cooperative investigation was arranged through the interest and effort of W. C. Bayliss, president of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston; W. C. Beckjord, vice president and general manager of the Boston Consolidated Gas Co., and A. C. Fieldner, chief engineer, Experiment Stations Division, United States Bureau of Mines. Thomas H. Haines, superintendent, Distribution Department of the Edison Electric Illuminating Co., cooperated heartily in furnishing both men and information for the work."

Oct 1, 1934

By Jalna R. Zatko

The Bureau of Mines has developed and constructed an apparatus that is capable of measuring concentrations of high-molecular-weight polymers in solution at 10 ppm and less. A means for determining low concentrations of polymeric solutions was devised that was independent of slight fluctuations in solvent quality in order to measure polymers in effluent prior to recycling of the recovered solution. The concentrations of polymers ore related to a measured pressure drop observed during turbulent flow of the solution. Low concentrations of polymers of ethylene oxide and acrylamide (frequently used as flocculants for clay waste systems) in aqueous and salt solutions have been successfully measured on the apparatus constructed by the Bureau.

Jan 1, 1981

By A. C. Fieldner

In preparing this paper, an attempt was made to obtain results of plant-scale carbonization tests on washed and unwashed coal from the same mine. A letter. in which the following questions were asked was sent to some 50 coke-oven superintendents and others who might be interested; "What is the influence of washing coal on: (1) The chemical and physical properties of coke, as for example, the size the amount of breeze, the fracture, strength, cell-structure, etc. (2) The quantity and quality of gas and by-products. (3) The capacity of the ovens. (4) The composition of the coal. "Your general opinion, as well as any specific data or results of tests, on this important subject will be arc greatly appreciated."

Jan 1, 1930

By Jeffrey H. Welsh

The Bureau of Mines studied the use of computerized, continuous, remote monitoring systems for safety from power system faults in underground coal mines. In this report the need to improve protection against power system faults is documented, and types of faults are identified. The relationship between mine safety regulations and computerized, continuous, remote monitoring is analyzed.

Jan 1, 1983

By R. V. Higgins, A. J. Leighton

A computer program has been devised to calculate the reservoir performance of water floods of complicated well - spacing patterns . The method and program have been tested by calculating the waterflood performance of fivespot patterns using oils of different viscosities and the performance calculations agreed closely with laboratory results . The program on a high - speed digital computer will process the performance prediction in about 1 minute , which is very rapid for a prediction using so much fluid mechanics and nonlinear geometry . The program has been presented in such a way that one may use it as given and save the time required to write and " debug " one of his own . gram processes a complex reservoir analysis , many of the complicated steps are explained in detail , both for the fluid mechanics and the directions for the computer . The subtle features that originally delayed the application of the program to unusual combinations of permeability and viscosity relationships are incorporated and explained

Jan 1, 1963

By James J. Dowd

The investigation to evaluate the reserves of coking coal in the United States suitable for the manufacture of metallurgical coke is being made by the Bureau of Mines in three parts: (1) To estimate known (measured plus indicated) recoverable reserves of all coking coal; (2) to upgrade marginal coals through effective preparation; and (3) to study the carbonizing properties of coals and coal blends not now widely used for metallurgical coke making. This is the fifth of a series of reports giving the results of studies by countless under part (1) of the investigation. (See appendix.) This report covers Westmoreland County, Pa., which comprises parts of New Kensington, Freeport, Elders Ridge, Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Latrobe, New Florence, Johnstown, Brownsville, Connellsville, Donegal, and Somerset quadrangles. (See fig. 1.) A short resume" of the chemical and carbonizing properties of the coals are included. Data on the coal beds in this county were obtained from mining companies, land companies, individual landowners, and other sources of authentic information. A base map for each bed in each quadrangle was made to the scale 1 inch equals 1,200 feet. Maps of mines, locations of drill holes, bed and total coal thicknesses, and the outcrop of the bed were plotted on the maps. With all available data plotted, isopach lines were drawn to limit areas of known unmined reserves in beds up to 14 inches thick, 14 to 28 inches thick, 28 to 42 inches thick, and over 42 inches thick. These areas of coal reserves also were divided into "measured" and "indicated" categories. All areas in each thickness range and in each category, mined-out areas, areas excluded from the estimate, and areas outside of the outcrop were measured by planimeter on the base maps. Estimates of total reserves 14 inches and more thick and maps for individual beds were prepared from these data.

Jan 1, 1951

By J. D. Davis

On May 15, 1936, Congress authorized the Bureau of Mines to conduct certain studies, experiments, and investigations of subbituminous coal and lignite .4/ Appropriations were made in July 1937, and since that date an active investigation has been underway to complete the provisions of the act. Part of the investigation has included a comprehensive survey of the known properties of the lower-rank non-coking coals, and provisions were made to obtain more data on certain varieties. In line with this plan, a typically subbituminous coal was selected for an extended series o tests in the standard Bureau of Mines-American Gas Association unit,5/ at the Central Experiment Station. This particular noncaking coal was the first one of its rank that ha& been tested in the apparatus; for this reason the results are of particular interest because the testing apparatus was originally designed for use in studying the coke- and gas-making properties of coking coals. The test as described below has been developed by the Bureau of Mines since 1927 through a cooperative agreement with the American Gas Association.6/ Ninety to 180 pounds of coal is heated in a circular retort, 13 to 18 inches in diameter, at wall. temperatures ranging from 540°C. to 1,110°C. in 100°C. steps. All products axe collected and measured; their physical and chemical properties axe then carefully determined to ascertain the gas- and coke-making properties of the coal.

Jan 1, 1939

By W. W. Adams

Reports received by the Bureau of Mines, Department of Commerce, from State mine inspectors, for November, 1930, showed that 219 men were killed in the coal mines of the United States during the month, an increase of 25 over the previous month and 33 over November, 1929. On the other hand the production of coal decreased, the output of 43,329,000 tons in November being 8,397,000 tons less than in October and 9,005,000 tons less than in November a year ago. The larger number of fatalities accompanied by a smaller output of coal resulted in a higher death rate4 per million tons in November than in the same month last year or in October, 1930. The November rate was 5.05, as compared with 3.55 for November, 1929 and 3.75 for October, 1930. The increase in the rate for the industry as a whole was chargeable entirely to bituminous mines,, as the anthracite mines had fewer fatalities in November than in either of the previous months to which reference has been made. Reports for bituminous mines alone 'allowed that accidents at class of mines resulted in a death rate of 5.12, based on 195 fatalities and a production of 38,122,000 tons. This rate indicated an increase of 55 per cent over the rate for October, of the same year, and 72 per cent over the rate for November, 1929. The October record was 146 fatalities and 44,150,000 tons, and that for November a year ago was 138 deaths and a production of 46,514,000 tons. Twenty-four deaths occurred at anthracite mines in November, 1970: the output of coal was 5,207,000 tons, hence the rate was 4.61 per million tons. During the corresponding month a year ago there were 48 deaths and 5,820,000 tons of coal produced, which indicated a death rate of 8.25. In October, 1930, the death rate was o.34; based on 48 deaths and 7,576,000 tons.

Jan 1, 1930

By John Neil, John Bli ard

Coke breeze consists of the smaller particles of coke formed by handling coke on and after removal from the ovens. Its value as F, fuel is less than that of the larger pieces, both because the smaller pieces contain more ash and therefore have a lower calorific value, and because a greater draft is required to burn it.The tests described below show its value as a fuel when mixed with bituminous coal and burned in a hand fired boiler of a size considerably greater than that used in an ordinary house. The results of these tests, however, can be used to give a fairly good indication of the value of coke breeze when burned with bituminous coal in a domestic furnace.All who fire a domestic furnace know that for only a comparatively short part of the day, and then only on a few days, is it necessary to open fully the ash, pit door and stack damper to get the required rate of combustion in the average furnace in the average house. It will be practical, therefore, during the greater part of the heating season, to fire coke breeze with the coal and use more of the available draftsFor domestic heating the coke breeze should be stored separately, and used when the draft is sufficient to burn it in mixture with bituminous coal, at the rate required to warm the house.Purpose of tests: The tests were carried out at the request of the Chamber of Commerce of Pittsburgh, Pa., in order to determine the steaming value of coke breeze as a fuel when mired with Pittsburgh coal and fired by hand, and to see whether the mixture when burnt would give off an objectionable quantity of make.

May 1, 1921

By H. J. Heinen

Excellent gold recovery was demonstrated in a laboratory-scale leaching test on waste material from an open-pit mine in northeastern Nevada. An injection system of leaching was applied in which the sodium cyanide solution was introduced into the interior of the dump at selected points. Dissolution of gold from the waste material, which assayed 0.06 ounce gold per ton, was readily achieved because the gold occurred as submicroscopic particles in a porous host rock. Gold recovery of 80 percent was obtained in 11 days from material crushed to 1 inch in size, and recovery was 90 percent after 21 days.

Jan 1, 1969

By D. F. Walsh

A study of damping capacity was made on a number of magnesium-base alloys, commercial types and experimental compositions. Hardness and tensile properties were determined, and the microstructure of each alloy was examined. Alloys of low yield strength, in general, possessed high damping ability. A correlation was established between damping capacity and composition.

Jan 1, 1962

By H. M. Thorne

Oil shale, a potential source of products presently obtained from petroleum, is found in many countries. The most extensive known deposits from the standpoint of potential shale oil in place are those in Brazil and the United States of America. Mining methods used for oil shale range from open-pit operations for shallow deposits to room-and-pillar and longwall techniques for deposits with thick overburdens. Oil shales from different sources vary greatly in the amounts and types of organic and inorganic constituents. By retorting, the organic material is converted to oil, gas, and coke. The largest percentages of oil are obtained from materials having the highest hydrogen content. Over 2,000 retorting systems have been patented, but only a few have been used industrially, and no single process seems best for all types of shales or economic conditions. Shale oils have different characteristics, depending on the source rock and method of retorting. They contain large quantities of olefinic hydrocarbons and more oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur derivatives of hydrocarbons than most petroleums. Consequently, petroleum refining methods usually must be modified for shale oil. This is particularly true in catalytic processing. Hydrogenation, even under mild conditions, improves shale-oil refinability. Several byproducts may be obtained from both the retorting and refining steps,

Jan 1, 1964

By Warren Hastings

This paper describes the methods and costs, in units of labor end materials, of sinking a 7 compartment vertical shaft 1,261 feet through a fractured, water-saturated formation. The shaft, designed for hoisting 2,500 tons a day, is at Friedensville, Lehigh County, Pa., approximately 6 miles south of Allentown and Bethlehem. It was sunk by the E. J. Longyear Co. under contract to the New Jersey Zinc Co. Preparation for shaft sinking W8A begun July 1, 1947, and sinking was completed August 18, 1952. A total of 604,858 man hours was required to sink the shaft.

Jan 1, 1954

By Albert F. Baker

Techniques were developed and circuitry was assembled for measuring the total and volume resistances to the flow of electric current through solid specimens of anthracite. The two-, three-, and four-terminal test methods demonstrated the extreme sensitivity of resistivity to differences in anthracite characteristics and showed response to changes resulting from variations in structure, temperature, and moisture content.

Jan 1, 1966