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"Minimizing Particle Contamination During Generation of Fresh Dust for Inhalation Studies J. Abraham, MS, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, 1995Correlating Lung Crackle Using Holographic Interferometry Ali Afshari, MS, West Virginia University, 1989Effect of Bit Wear on Dust Generation Mudassar Ahmad, MS, West Virginia University, 1992 The Effect of Surfactants on Suppression of Non-Wettable Particles Ali Alaboyun, MS, Mineral Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 1989 Geochemical Characterization of Kerogens, Shales, and Coal Refuse Associated with Allegheny Formation of Cases of Northern West Virginia Dick Andre, MS, West Virginia University, 1987Size and Mass Characterization of Airborne Particulate Matter in Underground Coal Mines Using Diesel-Powered Equipment Indranil R. Bardhan, MEM Report, The Pennsylvania State University, 1992Size and Mass Characterization of Airborne Particulate Matter in Underground Coal Mines Using Diesel-Powered Equipment I. Bardhan, R. V. Ramani, and J.M. Mutmansky, Mining Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, Final Report to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, April, 1994Particle Concentrations in a Hazelton Inhalation Chamber Shahram Bavani, MS, West Virginia University, 1985Use and Potential of Lazer Holographic Interferometry and Subsidence Model- Study of an Underground Room and Pillar Mine Richard Begley, MS, West Virginia University, 1984Development of a Mechanistic Model for Prediction of Subsidence in a Longwall Mine Richard Begley, PhD, West Virginia University, 1990Redesign of Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor Steve Behm, MS, University of Minnesota, 1991Evaluation of a Two-Phase Spray System for Dust Suppression B. Belle, MS, The Pennsylvania State University, 1996Evaluation of a Two-Phase Spray System for Dust Suppression B. Belle and R.-V. Ramani, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, Final Report, September 9, 1996A Fracture Mechanics Study of Crack Propagation Mechanism in Coal: The Mechanics of Fine Fragment Formation Z.T. Bieniawski and R. Karl Zipf, Jr., Mining Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. Final Report, October l, 1988A Mathematical Model for the Prediction of Ambient Dust Concentrations in Mine Atmospheres R. Bhaskar, MS, Mining Engineering and Operations Research, The Pennsylvania State University, 1984Spatial and Temporal Behavior of Dust in Mines-Theoretical and Experimental Studies –R. Bhaskar, PhD, Mining Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 1987"

Jan 1, 1998

By R. V. Ramani, C. B. Manula, A. Owili-Eger

• MINE VENTILATION NETWORK PROBLEM (NATURAL SPLITTING; FIXED • QUANTITY BRANCHES; METHANE SIMULATION; NETWORK TOPOLOGY REVISION; • ABSOLUTE PRESSURE) • NFIXB = NO. OF FIXED QUANTITY BRANCHES • DD(I) = AIR QUANTITY ASSIGNED TO FIXED QUANTITY BRANCH I, IN KCFP • NFBPF = NO. OF FIXED QUANTITY BRANCHES PLUS FAN • NFBPFG = NO. OF FIXED QUANTITY BRANCHES PLUS FAN PLUS METHANE • EMISSION BRANCHES • NBWNVP = NO. OF BRANCHES WITH NATURAL.VENTILATION PRESSURE • NVP(I) = NATURAL VENTILATION PRESSURE ASSOCIATED WITH • THE I-TH BRANCH • NF = NUMBER OF FANS • NB = NUMBER OF BRANCHES • MAXIT = MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ITERATIONS • MAXJ = MAXIMUM NUMBER OF JUNCTIONS • NJ = NUMBER OF JUNCTIONS INVOLVED IN THE SOLUTION * NM = NUMBER OF MESHES • NP = NO. OF POINTS TO DESIGNATE FAN CHARACTERISTIC * Q = QUANTITY OF AIR FLOW IN KCFM • R = RESISTANCE OF AN AIRWAY • WIDTH = AIRWAY DIMENSION • LENGTH = AIRWAY DIMENSION • HEIGHT = AIRWAY DIMENSION • SUMNVP = SUMMATION OF NATURAL VENTILATION PRESSURE FOR ANY MESH • X (I) = QUANTITY OF AIR, IN KCFM, ASSOCIATED WITH THE I-TB POINT • ON A FAN CHARACTERISTIC • E = ERROR FOR CONVERGENCE • FF = FRICTION FACTOR • FX(I) = FAN PRESSURE, INS INCHES OF WATER GAGE, CORRESPONDING • • TO A QUANTITY X(I) • H = HEAD LOSS IN INCHES OF WATER GAGE • I = BRANCH NUMBER • J, J1, J2 = JUNCTION, J1 AND J2 ARE TWO NODES WHICH DEFINE A • BRANCH • KEY = NO. WHICH SIGNALS THE TYPE OF FAN CHARACTERISTIC TO BE • EXPECTED

Jan 1, 1975

Develop a user-friendly computer program that permits those interested in mine health and safety to access and analyze on a personal computer (PC) employment, production, and accident data for U.S. coal and metal-nonmetal mines. This software is being designed with a major focus on flexibility and case of use. The Mine Accident Decision Support System (MADSS) will be available for distribution in mid-1994. Currently, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) is seeking volunteers willing to pilot test a preliminary version of the software and to provide suggestions for its improvement. Background Since 1975, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has compiled large data bases of information about U.S. mines and the reportable accidents, injuries, and illnesses that have occurred in those mines. Employment and production data arc collected on a quarterly basis from each mine and accident information is collected on an incident -by-incident basis. The USBM has compiled estimated costs for each of these accidents using computer models. All of this information is potentially useful to mine health and safety researchers. However, it has been underutilized because it is stored in large mainframe data bases that arc inaccessible to many users and/or are cumbersome and difficult to use.

Jan 1, 1993

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines an independent contractor as "any person, partnership, corporation, subsidiary of a corporation, firm, association or other organization that contracts to perform services or construction at a mine." Contractors that perform specific types of work are required to report the number of employees who perform work at coal mines and at noncoal mines.

Jan 1, 2004

By A. B. Hooker

Nineteen of the installations were on rental contracts 1.L."'1der whtch the lamps belong to the lamp company and are rented by t.½em to the mine operatj.nt; company. · The other nine installations had been upon an O\Vnership-rental basis, by which the lamps had become the property of the renter at the end of 5 years. Five of t.11e rentec installations were en a special contract calling for a guaranteed light output. These contr2.cts were based upon certified . initial performance, with the provision that the lamps be replaced whenever periodic tests of fully charged lamps, taken at random from t..h.e charge racks, showed a light output of less than 80 percent of the certified performance.

Jan 1, 1942

By Fred N. Kissell

The new MSHA diesel rules have stone mine operators looking hard at pos¬sible upgrades to their ventilation systems. There are existing methods to reduce diesel engine emissions (MSHA, 2001)(Head, 2001b),but many operators will decide that a ventilation upgrade is necessary is well. NIOSH hay several stone mine ventilation projects underway, but in the meantime a good information resource is the work done by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in the 70's and 80's on ventilation for oil shale mines. The Bureau conducted this research because oil shale mines were projected to be gassy and would, therefore, require a lot of ventilation air. The focus of this oil shale work was on the use of jet tans for lace area ventilation, and on stoppings that would he low Lost and leak-tight. The work also considered changes in mine design to reduce the number and size of stoppings. The findings are still applica¬ble to stone mines.

Jan 1, 2002

"Reports are sometimes heard of one ill effects of pneumatic tools on the hands of workmen. In consequence of such reports, Dr. Francis M. Barnes, Jr., M..D. of St. Louis, Missouri, was retained by the operators to make an investigation of conditions in the Bedford, Indiana, region, and the result of this investigation was published the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association, Volume 16, February 1919. A brief review of this report may be of interest to all users of pneumatic tools, or operators of plants where such tools are employed.The investigation was made during December 1917, and involved an examination of general working conditions, and a careful physical examination of stoneworkers who had long used pneumatic tools. As the Bedford district is the most important structural limestone producing center in the country, the results of this investigation may be regarded as fairly conclusive as to the general effect of pneumatic tools on limestone workers."

Jan 1, 1920

By Gerald T. Homce

A system capable of monitoring a mine electrical power system to detect incipient electrical component failure could significantly improve power system safety and availability. The U.S. Bureau of Mines funded a contract with The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) to establish the theoretical and technical framework for such a system. This report briefly outlines the contract, reviewing related Bureau and Penn State work prior to its award, and describes support work carried out by the Bureau. The main focus of the report is on research efforts by Penn State and subsequent results. An existing algorithm for incipient-failure detection and classification was studied, and recommendations are made to improve its performance. In addition, mathematical models of cable-connected motor systems and deteriorating motors were developed and implemented on computers. These models and laboratory tests were used to study and document relationships between component deterioration and electrical terminal effects. The project was supported by the U.S. Navy and the nature of its interest in the application of failure prediction techniques is also included.

Jan 1, 1989

By P. C. Good

Work was done to determine conditions necessary for efficient electrodeposition of aluminum from fused chloride electrolytes. Aluminum was deposited from a molten chloride salt electrolyte over a temperature range of 150° to 750° C. At lower temperatures in a heat-resistant glass cell, aluminum was deposited on stainless steel and on aluminum cathodes. The deposit was recovered in the form of light, feathery dendrites that could not be consolidated. At 750° C, molten aluminum was deposited at cathode current efficiencies as high as 90 to 100 percent on titanium diboride cathodes and in molten aluminum cathodes. Nitride-bonded silicon carbide was the best cell material, although porcelain was also used. The electrolyte consisted of a mixture of sodium and potassium chlorides in 1 to 1 mole ratio, containing aluminum chloride in concentrations ranging from 2 to 30 weight-percent in cells holding up to 1,000 grams of electrolyte. Generally favorable results were attained in studies made at temperatures greater than the melting point of aluminum.

Jan 1, 1966

By James H. Russell

Several solid sorbents were compared for their effectiveness in removing sulfur dioxide from flue gases. The materials were tested for the rate of sorption and capacity at about 300° C, and rate of regeneration around 700° C in thin beds and in 4-inch-diameter fluidized beds. Rates of material loss were also estimated. The sorbents tested included three samples of alkalized alumina, two samples of sodium carbonate-impregnated alumina, and one proprietary sample of porous silica impregnated with copper and iron compounds. The results showed that all the alkalized aluminas had good sorption capacities and rates, required high temperature regeneration, and suffered excessive material loss; the sodium carbonate-impregnated aluminas (1) had high sorption rates but barely adequate capacities, (2) required high temperature regeneration, and (3) suffered excessive material losses; and the copper-iron impregnated silica suffered only slight material loss and could be regenerated at a relatively low temperature, but the sorption rate and capacity were too small. None of the sorbents met all the arbitrary performance criteria that follow: sorption rate constant of 1 min-1, sorption capacity of 0.1 g sulfur per g sorbent, regeneration rate constant of about 0.075 min-1 at a reasonable temperature, less than 0.07 pct per hour material loss during operation, and a chemical life of 500 cycles.

Jan 1, 1971

By Mark S. Stagg, Virgil J. Stachura, John W. Kopp, David E. Siskind

The Bureau of Mines studied airblast from surface mining to assess its damage and annoyance potential, and to determine safe levels and appropriate measurement techniques. Research results obtained from direct measurements of airblast-produced structure responses, damage, and analysis of instrument characteristics were combined with studies of sonic booms and human response to transient overpressures. Safe levels of airblast were found to be 134 dBL (0.1 Hz), 133 dBL (2 Hz), 129 dBL (6 Hz), and 105 dB C-slow. These four air- blast levels and measurement methods are equivalent in terms of structure response, and any one could be used as a safe-level criterion. Of the four methods, only the 0.1-Hz high-pass linear method accurately measures the total airblast energy present; however, the other three were found to adequately quantify the structure response and also represent techniques that are readily available to industry. Where a single airblast measuring system must be used, the 2-Hz linear peak response is the best overall compromise. The human response and annoyance problem from airblast is probably caused primarily by wall rattling and the resulting secondary noises. Although these will not entirely be precluded by the recommended levels, they are low enough to pre- clude damage to residential structures and any possible human injury over the long term.

Jan 1, 1965

By J. R. Allsup

In cooperation with the Division of Advanced Automotive Power Systems Development, Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Mines studied a conventional spark-ignition engine as a prime mover for use in a hybrid system. The study involved both steady-state and transient engine operation with ignition timing, air-fuel ratio, exhaust gas recirculation, oxidizing type catalytic converters, engine speed, and power output as variables. Data were obtained from two 1971 model 350-cubic-inch-displacement engines mounted on engine dynamometer stands. When the hybrid engine was operated with an oxidizing catalyst at power output levels required for a 4,000-lb curb weight hybrid vehicle, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions could be reduced to approximately 2.0 grams and 0.3 gram per brake horsepower-hour, respectively. With exhaust gas recirculation, oxides of nitrogen emission levels could be reduced to approximately 1.2 grams per brake horsepower-hour.

Jan 1, 1974

By R. V. Ramani, R. Stefanko, G. W. Luxbacher

A computer model of an existing mine ventilation system can be executed using data developed from ventilation survey results. This model can then be used to analyze and evaluate proposed modifications to the system. The acquisition of field measurements during a ventilation survey and the corresponding development of this information into computer input data have been discussed in detail in the preceding chapters. In this chapter, the data are used in computer-oriented analysis of the mine ventilation system. The PSU/MVS was selected for use because of its advanced capabilities. MINE DESCRIPTION The mine chosen for this application is located in Western Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh coal seam, having an average height of 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 ft, is mined under approximately 300 to 500 ft of cover. The mine preparation plant and shipping facilities are located at the seam outcrop along a river; mining has progressed from the outcrop to an area about 10 miles from the pit mouth so that there are extensive worked-out areas through which access is maintained to the current mining area. Coal haulage is by conveyor to an underground transfer point, located four miles from the pit mouth, and then by high speed rail haulage to the preparation plant. The rail haulage link is scheduled for replacement by a conveyor in the near future. Mining at the present time is limited to the room and pillar method using continuous miners. Longwall mining had been attempted in the past with only limited success; as a result, several panels originally laid out for longwall mining are currently being extracted by room and pillar work. The

Jan 1, 1977

Occupational illnesses are more difficult to identify than on-the-job injuries. Many illnesses related to occupational exposures may not be diagnosed until years after exposure; by that time, exposed workers may have changed jobs or left the workforce. Other approaches to identifying occupationally related illness are analysis of death certificate data (see chapter 2) and medical examination studies of workers known to have high exposures to hazardous agents. Figures 5-1, 5-3, 5-4, 5-6, 5-8, and 5-10 show, for each commodity, the percent of illness conditions reported to MSHA by nature of condition. Heart attacks that occurred on the job are reported without regard to work-relatedness. Figures 5-2, 5-5, 5-7, 5-9, and 5-11 show rates by year during 1986-1995 for selected conditions. Since there are many limitations on the accuracy of illness reporting, the frequencies and rates shown here should not be considered directly comparable across commodities. Figure 5-12 shows estimates for hearing loss by age among coal miners compared to a nonoccupationally noise-exposed population. These data come from a study by Franks [1996] of a group of audiograms obtained on coal miners by a commercial company. Using the NIOSH definition of hearing impairment, i.e., an average hearing threshold level for both ears that exceeds 25 dB at frequencies of 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 Hz, the figure shows that by age 30, more than 10% of miners suffer hearing impairment; by age 50, 90% of miners have hearing impairment. In contrast, only 10% of the nonoccupationally noise-exposed population suffer hearing impairment at age 51, and 50% of the nonoccupationally exposed population have hearing impairment at age 69. Figure 5-13 shows a similar analysis of commercial audiograms on male metal/nonmetal miners [Franks 1997]. At age 20, approximately 2% have hearing impairment using the NIOSH definition of hearing impairment described above. This increases to 7% at age 30, 25% at age 40, and 49% at age 50. In contrast, only 9% of the nonoccupationally noise-exposed comparison population have hearing impairment at age 50. Franks' analysis showed a different pattern for female metal/nonmetal miners; they developed hearing loss at the same rate as would be expected for a non-noise-exposed female population.

Jan 5, 2000

By Alan G. Mayton

The Bureau of Mines conducted a study to (1) determine from laboratory tests the feasibility of a photographic method for determining reflec-tances that may be applied to measuring in-mine mineral reflectances and (2) formulate a procedure for collecting and analyzing the data. The method uses a 35-mm camera with automatic flash and a gray-scale re-flectance standard to collect on film the reflectivity data in under-ground mineral mines. After the film is processed, the data on the photographic prints are analyzed in the laboratory with a photometer. Test results show the photographic method can provide values of reflec-tance to within ±5 pet of full scale (full scale = 100 pet). The method's usefulness for determining reflectivity values, within similar limits of absolute percent error at the lower end of the scale, however, has not been completely resolved by the study and consequently warrants further investigation. The method offers an acceptable means for collecting and analyzing reflectivity data for reflectivities at the higher end of the scale, i.e., 50 pet or above; it should be used with caution when reflectivity values are below 50 pet. Four films were evaluated; all gave relatively satisfactory results.

Jan 1, 1987

By R. Barany

The heats of the glass-crystal transformation of nepheline (Na0.7794K0.2206AlSiO4) and wollastonite (CaSiO3) and the heat of formation of nepheline at 298.15° K were determined by solution calorimetry. For the glass-crystal transformations, the heat values were -9.0 ± 0.3 kcal/mole for nepheline and -8.1 ± 0.2 kcal/mole for wollastonite. The heat of formation of nepheline was -34.8 ± 0.6 kcal/mole from the oxides and -501.0 ± 0.5 kcal/mole from the elements.

Jan 1, 1966

By Donald P. Tuchman, Robert P. Vinson, Steven J. Page

Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have long used stationary tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs®) in laboratory settings. They have served to assess the mass concentration of laboratory-generated particulates in experimental , dust chambers and they provide a reference method for comparison with other particulate- measuring instruments. Current NIOSH research is focused on further adapting TEOM technology as a wearable personal dust monitor (PDM) for coal mining occupations. This investigation's goal is to help identify, quantify, and provide means for resolving certain TEOM- related error. The present research investigated bias caused by thermal effects on filter assemblies. New filters used in the PDM for 8 h tests show an average positive bias of 25.5 pg, while similar tests of equivalent filters used in two 1400A model TEOMs show an average positive bias of 34.3 µg. The derived bias values allow correction of previously collected biased data. Also, pre- heating the filters for 24 h at 46° C shows significant bias reduction, with PDM pre-heated filters subsequently averaging -3.3 µg and 1400A TEOM filters averaging 5.9 µg. On a single-point comparison to gravimetric sampling, a 25.5 µg bias is only significant at low mass loadings. At 2.5 mg, this bias represents a negligible 1 % of the mass measurement. If ordinary linear regression is used, the bias is still insignificant. However, if the more valid weighted linear regression is used, it gives more weight to the smaller dependent variable values, which are more impacted by the bias. Consequently, what is 1% bias on a single high-mass value can translate into a larger bias percentage at high-mass values when performing a weighted regression on data that include a large number of low-mass values.

By J. M. Oestreich

Supercritical water (sew) Is being tested for commercial use 1n several organic extraction systems but little work has been done on the extraction of metals from minerals. This lack of information prompted Bureau of Hines (BOM) research into the sew treatment of minerals. As a result, this research project is intended to serve mainly as a starting point for further experimentation. A simple flow-through reactor was built out of high pressure tubing and used to treat minerals with SCU at 400? C and 3500 to 7000 psi. The research produced four main conclusions: (1) carbonates of copper, iron, and lead convert to oxides; (2) most iron minerals showed alteration to oxides with some iron dissolution; (3) valuable trace elements including nickel, chromium, and others leached to some extent from sea minerals along with some calcium, iron, silicon, and sulfur; and (4) treatment of sulfides extracted elemental sulfur and resulted in several alteration reactions, though with the exception of cinnabar and the iron bearing minerals, the metals in sulfides were mainly insoluble. Surface alterations on many of the minerals show significant changes have occurred in the minerals even when only minor extractions were detected. These surface effects may be very important when used in conjunction with flotation processes since the sew treatment may selectively enhance or suppress a mineral's floatability.

Jan 1, 1989

Only limited work has been reported in the literature about the use of latex in soil. Unisol 91 2,3 (a 9:l oil-latex emulsion made b International Synthetic Rubber Company) and Phil1ips Petroset4 geotechnic emulsions are surface soil stabilizers which penetrate a maximum of two inches, but do not reduce permeability. Diamond Alkali 5 found that styrene-butadiene rubber latex as a one percent latex-soil mixture reduced permeability to 0.7 from 21 feet per year under a head of twenty feet of brine. We have found no literature reference for use of latex as sealant at depth in the soil, although asphalt has been applied at depth using civil engineering methods6,7. Most of the materials investigated as soil sealants in the present work were latexes, although some studies were also conducted with a variety of inorganic and organic chemicals. Of the latexes tested, most were rubber but a few were plastic, e.g. polyvinyl chloride. Sealants examined in this investigation are listed individually in Table I with supplier, code number, and other pertinent information. The materials consisted of the following general classes with additional details as indicated: 1.Anionic latexes: a. styrene-butadiene copolymers and terpolymers (SBR) b. butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer (Paracrils®) c. polyvinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers (WC) d. ethylene-propylene terpolymer e. vinyl acetate homopolymers and copolymers (VA) f. acrylics (acrylate copolymers) g. 2-chlorobutadiene homopolymer (chloroprene) (prepared specially as cationic material coagulated by soil). 2. Water Soluble polymers: a. polyvinyl ether b. methylcellulose c. polyethyleneimines d. polyacrylic acid homopolymer e. copolymers and terpolymers with acrylic acid types (water soluble as sodium or ammonium salts) f. alginates g. monomers (for polymerization in soil, e.g. acrylamide)

Jan 1, 1972

By L. C. IlsLey

A specially recommended cable is a rubber-sheathed cable that has met the minimum performance requirements for cables as set forth in Schedule 20. The first in the series of recommended cables was listed September, 1930, by an ad- vance notice published as Information Circular 6375 which described the conditions under which the cable tests were made. Since that time six additional cables have met the test re- quirements and have been specially recommended. The complete list of specially recommended. cables is as follows: Specially recommended-cables Cable Symbol No. Hazacord No. 2 BM1 Stranding 19 x 7 Hazacord No. 3 BM2 do. Hazacord No. 4 BM3 do. Super-service No. 3 BM4 7 x 19 Super-service No. 2 Super-service No.. 4 BM5 do. BM6 do. Super-service No. 4 BM7 7x 7 Manufacturer Hazard Insulated Wire Works (division of the Okonite Co.) Do. Do. Rome Wire Company (division of the General Cable Corporation) Do. Do. Do. The cables listed were all twin (parallel duplex) cables having outer belts or cov- erings of approximately -inch high-grade rubber compound, and have the same general appear- ance and relative dimensions as the types of twin cables in general use. The cables were tested under conditions designed to show their approximate perform- ance under mine conditions. Only twin-type cables have met these test conditions. Although the recommended trailing cables are much better and safer for mine use than other cables and withstand being run over by a 7-ton car, they should not be considered as 100 per cent safe. The 7-ton car test represents the minimum limit requirement effective at present under Schedule 2-C, but the test car operates on a straight and level track, and thus does not represent the more severe conditions of mine use such as might result from uneven and curved tracks.

Mar 1, 1931