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By C. P. Lazzara, R. A. Franks, G. F. Friel, J. C. Edwards, J. J. Opferman

A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) mine fire detection re-search project was undertaken to evaluate multiple mine fire sensor types for nuisance alarm discrimination. The response of multiple fire sensor types to three small coal fire and three small conveyor belt fires in the presence of diesel emissions was evaluated in NIOSH’s Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) Safety Re-search Coal Mine (SRCM). An array of fire sensors which included an optical and ionization smoke sensor, a chemical cell CO sensor, and Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensors, was used to sample the diesel engine and fire source emissions. The mine fire detection experiments demonstrated the ability of a MOS sensor with a bimodal response to NOx and products-of-combustion (POC) to respond to the onset of smoldering combustion in the presence of CO and POC particulates from a diesel locomotive. As part of an in-mine evaluation in an operating coal mine, the MOS NOx responsive sensor and an ionization smoke sensor was demonstrated as a method to discriminate diesel emissions and cross-interference of H2 on a CO chemical cell fire sensor at a battery charging station. The reinforcement of mine fire sensor information with the use of multiple sensor types, such as an MOS sensor and ionization and optical smoke sensors, is shown to be important for nuisance alarm discrimination and early mine fire detection.

By Maria I. De Rosa

This report analyzes mine fires for all U.S. underground and surface coal mining categories by state and 2-year time periods during 1990-1999. Risk rate values are derived, and ignition source, methods of fire detection and suppression, and other variables are examined. The data were derived from Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) mine fire accident publications and verbal communications with mine personnel. The analysis will provide the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, MSHA, and the mining industry with a better understanding of the causes and hazards associated with mine fires and will form a basis for future fire research programs.

Jan 1, 2004

By Maria I. De Rosa

This report analyzes mobile equipment fires for all U.S. surface and underground coal and metal/nonmetal mining categories by state and 2 year time periods during 1990-1999. Risk rate values are derived, and ignition source, methods of fire detection and suppression, and other variables are examined. The data were derived from MSHA mine fire accident publications and verbal communications with mine personnel. The analyses will provide the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and the mining industry with a better understanding of the hazards associated with mobile equipment fires and will create a basis for future fire research programs.

Jan 1, 2004

By Dean H. Ambrose

This paper presents an approach for representing and analyzing random motions and hazardous events in a simulated three-dimensional workplace, providing designers and analysts with a new technique for evaluating operator-machine interaction hazards in virtual environments. Technical data in this paper is based upon a project striving to reduce workers' risks from being hit by underground mining machinery in a confined space. The project's methodology includes human factors design considerations, ergonomic modeling and simulation tools, laboratory validation, and collaboration with a mining equipment manufacturer. Hazardous conditions can be analyzed in virtual environments using collision detection. By simulating an operator's random behavior and machine's appendage velocity, researchers can accurately identify hazards, and use that information to form safe design parameters for mining equipment. Analysts must be discerning with the model and not read more from the databases than what the simulation model was designed to deliver. Simulations provided an interesting approach to data gathering in that there was no need for live subjects and logistics - test sites and costs associated with experiments-became insignificant. Collisions versus speed, operators' size, and risk behaviors proved the versatility found in the data obtained from the model. Preliminary results show that response time significantly affects the number of collisions experienced by the virtual subject. Also simulation data suggests that more mishaps occur with hand-on-boom-arm risk behavior.

By Andrew J. Fergus

A study of the flotation characteristics of columbium-tantalum minerals was made by contact-angle and microflotation methods, and the findings were confirmed by flotation of two natural ores. In the contact-angle study conditions for collection of columbite, pyrochlore, and tantalite were determined for (1) sodium oleate with a sulfonate; (2) sodium isooctyl phosphate; (3) a short-chain primary amine; (4) a long-chain primary amine; and (5) a quaternary amine. These conditions were confirmed in microflotation tests. Information about collector action on common gangue minerals was also obtained by these two methods. In batch flotation tests on a pyrochlore ore and a columbite ore, it was demonstrated that collectors selected on the basis of contact-angle and micro-flotation studies would float columbium minerals from a complex natural ore. However, multiple cleaner and scavenger flotation steps will be necessary to produce commercial concentrates. From a pyrochlore ore containing 0.54 percent Cb2O5, a 44.4 percent Cb2O5 concentrate was made containing 36.4 percent of the total Cb2O5. For a columbite are the corresponding values were: 4.35, 54.6, and 67.1 percent. During the batch flotation study, wetting agents were found to aid in the gangue-ore mineral separations.

Jan 1, 1968

By D. Harrington

Correct ventilation of underground workings whether in coal or in metal mines consists in establishing such control of air currents that the miners may work in safety, with maximum comfort and efficiency, and without impairment of health; also in controlling the air flow so that the mine workings may at ordinary times be kept reasonably free of harmful gases or dusts, and so that in time of emergency, as when a fire or an explosion occurs, there may with minimum delay be maintained as much or as little air flow as is desired throughout the mine in its entirety or in certain parts of the mine. Control of air flow is the essential point of any mine ventilating system, and is obtained only by the installation of mechanically operated fans, and other ventilating devices such as doors; overcasts, regulators, etc. Every mine, large or small, coal or metal, should from the outset be equipped with a fan. Much has been written about natural ventilation, and many claims have been made that in specific mines or parts of mines there is sufficient natural air flow. As a matter of fact, there are actually very few if any mines, coal or metal, where natural ventilation creates atmospheres anything like adequately safe or healthful for underground workers even at ordinary times or under ordinary. conditions; and at the time of a fire or an explosion mines depending upon natural ventilation are practically helpless, and are decidedly dangerous for the unfortunates forced to be in them either at the time of the disaster or afterwards when trying to handle conditions arising from the emergency.

Jan 1, 1929

By I. F. Avery

The productive capacity of natural gasoline and cycling plants in the United States on January 1, 1956, was 46.4 million gallons per day, according to the Bureau of Mines r biennial survey. This represented an increase of 7.5 million gallons per day during the 2-year period since the last survey. In the previous 2-year period, capacity had increased 4.8 million gallons per day. The total number of plants increased from 535 on January 1, 1954, to 600 on January 1, 1956. The number of operating plants increased from 521 to 571. The major increases in capacity took place in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, with the absorption-type plants continuing to account for most of the new construction. All types of plants showed construction gains with the exception of charcoal which showed no change.

Jan 1, 1957

By J. Wade Watkins

One potential peaceful application of nuclear explosives is stimulating the production of liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons from essentially nonproductive deposits of petroleum, natural gas, oil shale, and tar sands. Within the United States the appreciable difference between producible proved reserves and ultimate reserves and resources of hydrocarbon deposits is of such magnitude that much petroleum, natural gas, shale oil, and bitumen will not be produced unless significant technological progress is made in production techniques. The shattering effect of contained nuclear explosives and, to a lesser extent, the heat produced, have been considered as stimulative forces when the thickness, depth, and nature of such deposits permit considering the use of nuclear devices. Mechanical production problems would be less in an oil or gas reservoir than in an oil-shale or tar-sands deposit. Also, tar-sands resources in the United States may not be adequate to warrant serious consideration of applying nuclear-explosives stimulation. Gas reservoirs should present the least-radioactive-contamination problem. The technical feasibility of using nuclear explosives cannot be evaluated fully at present. Additional information is needed on the effects of pressure, heat, and radioactivity on the solids and fluids of hydrocarbon deposits, the nature and extent of induced fractures in different rock media, and the possibility of isolating and confining or removing radioactive contaminants. Final technical feasibility can only be determined by a field test. If technical feasibility is established, economic feasibility will depend upon the comparative cost of producing hydrocarbons by nuclear explosives and by conventional means. It is probable that an economic comparison would favor nuclear stimulation only where devices of relatively high yield could be used practicably and safely.

Jan 1, 1964

Reduce the number of conveyor-related accidents in the mining industry by providing recommendations for effective operation of conveyor belt cleaning systems. The Problem Troughed belt conveyors provide effective, and efficient materials transport and their use has increased throughout the mining industry. Carryback, the spillage that accumulates under the belt, is a problem even with belt cleaning systems installed. Mining personnel are exposed to safety and health hazard; as they attempt to clean up this spillage. Approach To investigate the influence of metal-segmented-blade belt cleaners on the amount of carryback spillage, the. Bureau identified and tested the following parameters: (1) amount of pressure applied to the cleaner blades, (2) friction between the blades and conveyor belt, and (3) wear rates of different metal blades. The test parameters were quantified by recording the amount of carryback material passing the metal cleaner blade, and the weight loss of the blades. The data collected were used to identify the following critic d operational parameters of a segmented-blade conveyor cleaner system: (1) the existence of an optimal operating pressure for the conveyor and cleaning systems and (2) elimination of recessed patterns on the working side of the conveyor belt.

Jan 1, 1989

By Thomas M. Barczak

Purchasing a new set of longwall shields requires a substantial investment. A poor shield design can lead to economic hardships, safety concerns for the mine workers, and closure of the mine. This paper addresses several key points that should be considered in the procurement process: (1) understanding your goals and the logic in selecting a higher capacity shield, (2) the importance of completing performance testing before production shield fabrication begins, (3) making sure performance testing is properly done, (4) measuring load(stress) development during performance testing, (5) testing a shield to failure, and (6) the value of buying extra shields. In addition, several challenges are proposed for consideration in future shield designs. These include (1) 100,000 life-cycle expectancy, (2) improved hydraulic diagnostic capability, (3) smart load control by optimizing setting pressures, (4) lubricated link joint design concepts, (5) composite material applications to reduce shield weight, (6) incorporating periodic weighting predictive algorithms into the data-processing software, (7) advanced component load measurement on two to three specially instrumented shields to detect loading in the structural components, and (8) constant set leg cylinder design.

Jan 10, 2000

By R. R. Backer

The Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with Washington Irrigation and Development Co. (WIDCO), evaluated the dewatering of fine coal-refuse slurry using chemicals and various types and combinations of drains in natural earth impoundments. About 40 lb of lime and 2 lb of polymer per ton of dry solids were mixed with the underflow from the preparation-plant thickener. Clear, free water was immediately liberated from the slurry. The percent solids by weight of the slurry increased from about 17 to 30 immediately, and after 5 days increased to 45 wt-pct. This indicates a threefold reduction in total volume after 5 days from 172 cu ft/ton solids originally to 56 cu ft/ton solids.

Jan 1, 1981

By Samuel B. Flagg

The Bureau of Mines is endeavoring to ascertain how mineral fuels in which the Government has a direct interest, by ownership or use, can be utilized with highest efficiency. For this reason the bureau has been, and is, carrying on investigations to ascertain the condi- tions of furnace construction and management that are necessary to insure the smokeless combustion of the different coals that are found in public lands or are purchased for Government ships and power plants. Another reason for the bureau undertaking these investigations is the need of better furnace management and a more careful selec- tion of fuel at many Government plants. There are Federal build- ings in hundreds of cities. The coals available at many of these cities differ greatly in quality, and the furnaces in some of the Fed- eral buildings were not designed for efficient utilization of the cheap- est available coal. Hence, some of the boiler plants smoke badly unless fed with low-volatile coal and have caused repeated com- plaints not only from neighboring property owners who have suffered damage, but from persons endeavoring to create a civic pride in clear air. In the course of its fuel investigations the bureau has noted the conditions governing fuel consumption in different cities and has studied the attempts made by these cities to abate smoke through the passage of ordinances imposing penalties on smoky stacks. Some results of that study are presented in this report. The most im- portant conclusion reached is that smoke abatement by ordinance can not hope to succeed unless supported by public sentiment and that a smoke ordinance should look to future prevention rather than to immediate prohibition. In other words, strict control of furnace construction offers much greater hope for smoke abatement than desultory imposition of severe penalties on the escape of "dense" or "black" smoke.

Jan 1, 1912

By Industrial Research Office

"The U.S. Bureau of Mines established on August 15, 1983, the Generic Mineral Technology Center for Respirable Dust within the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institutes (MRIs) at The Pennsylvania State University and West Virginia University in association with participating MRIs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Minnesota. The Center's research program has been developed with recognition of the stated objective of the Federal Mine Safety and Health laws which is to ""... permit each miner the opportunity to work underground during the period of his entire adult working life without incurring any disability from pneumoconiosis or any other occupation-related disease . . . ."" The Center's program is designed to permit an accelerated attack on the fundamental research problems for the control of respirable dust in mines.The primary goal of the Center is to reduce the incidence and severity of respirable dust disease through advancing the fundamental understanding of all aspects of respirable dust associated with mining and milling and the interaction of dust and lungs. The Generic Technology Center's research program explores these concerns with the objective of refining existing strategies and developing new respirable dust control techniques that are consistent with the fundamental dust-lung interaction processes that lead to mine worker disability. The work concentrates on: (1) control of dust generation; (2) dilution, dispersion and collection in mine airways; (3) characterization of dust particles; (4) interaction of dust and lungs; and (5) relationship of mine environment, geology, and seam characteristics to dust generation and mobility. The fundamental aspects of this work are applicable to the control of respirable dust problems in both hard rock mines and coal mines and to other dusts such as diesel-generated. The Center activities involve the training of engineers and scientists, graduate students and undergraduate students through their respective institutions, and the technology transfer to the industry. The Center also serves as the reference center for publications' in the respirable dust area.The Center is composed of faculty from the four universities/institutes listed above. The personnel, facilities and equipment that are available to the Center from these entities are diverse, complementary and comprehensive. More than fifty scientists, engineers; and medical personnel in the Center are engaged in respirable dust research. Additionally, the expertise and facilities of the NIOSH--Division of Respirable Disease Studies are available as a result of the existing relationship between NIOSH and West Virginia University.The breakdown of the dust research program into the five areas mentioned above recognizes the importance of an integrated fundamental research approach to the respirable dust problem compatible and complementary with the existing and ongoing U.S. Bureau of Mines activities. The specific projects in the research areas are a result of a careful evaluation of the past and ongoing research activities, the identification of areas where data and information are scarce, and awareness of the recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences Study on the Measurement and Control of Respirable Dust. Penn State is the administrative unit for the Center. Funding to date is nearly $6.5 million."

Aug 31, 1989

Objective To develop a passive, inexpensive technique for monitoring explosion overpressures within sealed areas in underground coalmines. Background From 1994 to 2000, seven explosions of methane and/or coal dust occurred within the worked-out, sealed areas (gobs) of underground U.S. coal mines. These explosions, believed to have been started by lightning, destroyed many seals and caused much damage external to the sealed area. One gob explosion went undetected until the mine operator reopened the sealed area and discovered the damage. Fortunately, these gob explosions did not cause any fatalities or injuries. Because lightning occurs in just about all mining areas, several questions arise. Could gob gas explosions be occurring in other sealed areas and going undetected? If so, what is the magnitude of the resulting explosion overpressures? The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) undertook a study to identify and evaluate passive measuring devices to monitor and quantify the overpressures associated with such explosions. This work was done in parallel with full-scale explosion experiments for evaluating the strength characteristics of seals used for isolating areas in underground coal mines. Approach Evaluation studies were done in PRL's 20-liter explosion test chamber and in the full-scale Experimental Mine at Lake Lynn Laboratory to evaluate the response and accuracy of various commercially available automobile tire pressure gauges to overpressures generated from gas and dust explosions. The first series of tests was done in the 20-liter chamber, which is used to study the explosibility and inerting of fuel dusts and gases. Data from the tire pressure gauge tests were compared to the pressure-time data obtained from the 20-liter chamber 's traditional electronic strain gauge pressure transducer recorded on a high-speed data acquisition system. To evaluate the tire pressure gauges, the valved inlet (tip) of the candidate pressure gauge was removed and the body of the gauge was cemented with epoxy into a 0.25-in pipe elbow and attached to the outside of the test chamber. A second series of tire gauge evaluation tests was done at Lake Lynn during explosion-resistance testing of seals used in underground coal mines. Full-scale seals (20 ft wide by 8 ft high)were constructed as one wall of a 2,000-ft3 chamber and exposed to a series of methane explosions. Average overpressures ranged from20 to 80 psi. The seals were built with various strength materials ranging from 7 to 48 in thick. The modified tire gauges are attached on the outside of the chamber to a 0.25-in NPT pipe that extends into the chamber (figure 1). The axis of the gauge is mounted at a right angle to the plane of the seal to minimize the coupling of any seal movement to the stem of the gauge that may cause inaccurate readings. The internal explosion pressure history is recorded with a strain gauge pressure transducer mounted inside the chamber. Methane is injected into the chamber, mixed with air, and ignited with an electric spark located at the geometric center of the chamber. Maximum explosion overpressures are recorded and compared with the tire gauge pressure.

Jun 1, 2001

To develop a quick, safe, and effective method that allows workers at mineral processing operations to clean their dust-soiled clothing periodically throughout the workday. Background Reducing workers' respirable dust exposure to silica and other harmful dusts and contaminants is an ongoing goal in the U.S. mining industry. One area of known worker exposure is from contaminated work clothes. A U.S. Bureau of Mines report documented a number of cases where a tenfold increase in a worker's dust exposure was measured from contaminated work clothes. In these cases, the dust emitted from clothing caused the worker's dust exposure to exceed the permissible exposure limit in less than 2 hours. The most effective way to eliminate this dust source is to have workers clean or change their work clothes. There are two federal regulations that impact the clothes-cleaning process. The first states that at no time shall compressed air be directed toward a person, but that when compressed air is used, then all necessary precautions shall be taken to protect persons from injury. The second regulation states that compressed air should only be used for cleaning purposes when it is less than 30 psi and used along with personal protective equipment. For the mining industry, by default, the only approved method to perform clothes cleaning is to have workers vacuum their clothes using a HEPA filter system. This is very difficult and time-consuming and, in most instances, not very effective. Most workers would prefer to use a single compressed air hose to blow dust from their work clothes. However, not only is this method prohibited by law, it usually creates a significant dust cloud in the work environment and contaminates coworkers.

May 1, 2005

By A. R. Taylor

Low-temperature heat capacities of cesium chloride (7° - 300° K) and cesium iodide (13° - 300°K) were measured with an adiabatic calorimeter. The heat-capacity measurements were analyzed graphically to determine smooth values of heat capacity, entropy, enthalpy function, and free-energy function at 10° K intervals and at 273.15° and 298.15° K.

Jan 1, 1963

In this Part, we have included copies of the flip charts and overhead projector viewgraphs used in the two briefings we conducted as part of this seismic detection and location task. The first one was an overview and problem definition briefing given to the seismic consultants on September 7, 1972. The second was a formal oral presentation of study results to technical staff members of the Pittsburgh Mining and Safety Research Center on November 21, 1972.

Jan 1, 1974

By J. Wade Watkins

One potential peaceful application of nuclear explosives is stimulating the production of liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons from essentially nonproductive deposits of petroleum, natural gas, oil shale, and tar sands. Within the United States the appreciable difference between producible proved reserves and ultimate reserves and resources of hydrocarbon deposits is of such magnitude that much petroleum, natural gas, shale oil, and bitumen will not be produced unless significant technological progress is made in production techniques. The shattering effect of contained nuclear explosives and, to a lesser extent, the heat produced, have been considered as stimulative forces when the thickness, depth, and nature of such deposits permit considering the use of nuclear devices. Mechanical production problems would be less in an oil or gas reservoir than in an oil-shale or tar-sands deposit. Also, tar-sands resources in the United States may not be adequate to warrant serious consideration of applying nuclear-explosives stimulation. Gas reservoirs should present the least- radioactive-contamination problem. The technical feasibility of using nuclear explosives cannot be evaluated fully at present. Additional information is needed on the effects of pressure, heat, and radioactivity on the solids and fluids of hydrocarbon deposits, the nature and extent of induced fractures in different rock media, and the possibility of isolating and confining or removing radioactive contaminants. Final technical feasibility can only be determined by a field test. If technical feasibility is established, economic feasibility will depend upon the comparative cost of producing hydrocarbons by nuclear explosives and by conventional means. It is probable that an economic comparison would favor nuclear stimulation only where devices of relatively high yield could be used practicably and safely.

Jan 1, 1964

By A. A. Campoli

Retreat pillar mining concentrates stresses on workings directly outby gob areas, which can result in coal mine bumps. The development of bump-control design criteria by the U.S. Bureau of Mines was furthered by data from a novel bump control mining method at the Olga Mine, McDowell County, WY. The pillar splitting, retreat mining system induced large pillar pressure increases and roof-to-floor con-vergence. Roof-to-floor convergence monitoring proved to be a valuable tool in evaluating the pillar splitting mining method and localized destressing techniques. Maximum strain energy storage in chain pillars appears to have occurred just prior to the first of four split cuts. At that point a 15-ft-wide, highly fractured perimeter confined the core of the 55-by 70-ft pillars, permitting the pillar core to support tremendous pressures. Splitting the chain pillars into two 17.5-by 70-ft wings removed the confinement load, resulting in pillar yield. Thus, the pillar splitting mining method successfully redistributed the weight of the roof away from the pillar line. Shot fire and auger drilling destressing techniques aug-mented the pillar splitting mining method by redistributing the weight of the roof.

Jan 1, 1989

By L. B. Berger

"Additions to List Published in Information Circular 7444 NEW APPROVALSThe following respiratory protective devices have been approved by the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, since Information Circular 7444 was issued (March 1948):Gas Masks Approved Under Schedules 14, 14A, 14B) 11+D, and 14E Type N: Universal Gas MasksUniversal gas masks with filters that afford respiratory protection against smoke from ordinary fires and limited respiratory protection against dusts, fumes, mists, and fogs but do not afford respiratory protection against the toxic smokes of warfare.Willson WUG-Nl universal gas mask. Approval BM-1443, issued to Willson Products, Inc., May 25, 1948.Bullard universal as mask. Extension of approval BM-1443, issued to E. D. Bullard Co., January 12, 19 9.Supplied-air Respirators Approved Under Schedules 19 and 19A Type C: Air-line Respirators4. METCO air-line respirator. Extension of approval BM-1920, issued to Metallizing Engineering Co., Inc., December 8, 1948.Type CE: Abrasive Blasting Helmets, Hoods, or Masks9. M.S.A. abrasive mask. Approval BM-1920, issued to Mine Safety Appliances Co., April 30, 1948."

Apr 1, 1949