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By Clarence Hall, Spencer P. Howell

The tests and studies begun by the United States Geological Survey in the fall of 1908 with a view to lessening the accidents attending the use of explosives in coal mining are being continued by the Bureau of Mines at the Pittsburgh experiment station and in the field. One hundred and six applications for the testing of 209 different explo- sives had been received at the Pittsburgh station prior to March 1, 1913, and on that date 97 explosives that had passed the required tests were on the "permissible" list issued by the bureau. This bul- letin gives the results of tests of all permissible explosives tested between May 15, 1909, and March 1, 1913. Bulletin 15 entitled "Investigations of Explosives used in Coal Mines" contains the results of tests of 17 permissible explosives tested prior to May 15, 1909. A copy of the test requirements and the names of explosives on the per- missible list dated March 1, 1913, are appended to this bulletin. An explosive is considered permissible for use in coal mines when it is similar in all respects to the sample that passed the tests required by the bureau, and when it is used in accordance with the conditions prescribed. The physical tests reported in this bulletin were conducted by Messrs. H. F. Braddock, A. J. Strane, J. W. Koster, A. S. Crossfield, A. J. Hazlewood, A. B. Coates, and J. E. Tiffany at the Pittsburgh experiment station of the bureau. The act of Congress making appropriations for sundry civil ex- penses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1912, authorized the Secretary of the Interior to charge a fee covering the actual necessary expenses involved in making such tests by the Bureau of Mines as might be approved by him. After careful consideration had been given to the actual necessary expenses involved in the test- ing of explosives to determine their permissibility for use in coal mines, the sum of $150 was approved by the Secretary of the Interior as a reasonable charge for each complete official test. During the first year this law was in effect the fees collected amounted to more than $6,000.

Jan 1, 1913

By N. S. Dalal, X. Shi, V. Vallyathan

"Electron spin resonance (ESRJ spectrum of the hydroxyl (· OH) radical spin adduct with .the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrrolintt-N-oxide has been obtained in suspensions of freshly ground quartz particles. The concentration of the spin adduct (and hence of the • OH radicals) increases with the amount of grinding. The dust's potential for the generation of the· OH radicals is maximum when fresh (i.e., immediately after grinding) and decreases to 50% in about a day on storage in air. Studies involving metal chelates .indicate that the • OH radical formation involves mainly the silica surface and H20 rather than the Fenton reaction. The results suggest that hydroxyl radical reaction(s) could be important in the lipid peroxidation and fibrogenicity by quartz dust, particularly .in acute silicosis. INTRODUCTIONIn this paper we report on our electron spin resonance (ESR) detection of the formation of hydroxyl (·OH) radicals in aqueous suspensions of freshly crushed quartz particles. This work was undertaken with a view to find possible clues to the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of quartz-induced fibrogenicity, commonly known as silicosis. We noted that while silicosis is one of the major health hazards in coal and mineral industries, the mechanism by which the quartz particles exert their toxic action on cells and the process(es) by which these actions progress to fibrogenesis are still poorly ·understood (Reiser and Last, 1979; Singh and .Rahman, 1987). It is generally thought, nevertheless, that the action of quartz particles on the biological membranes is the starting point of the silicotic process (Parazzi et - al., 1968). A possible clue to the mechanism of the membrane damage by quartz particles, in terms of the role of oxygenated free radicals, is suggested by the following observations. A suspension of quartz particles in contact with alveolar macrophages has been reported (Gabor et al., 1975; Koike et al., 1982) to initiate an enhancement of lipid peroxidation, defined broadly as the oxidative deterioration of polyunsaturated components of lipids. Hydroxyl (· OH) radicals are known to be capable of peroxidation by abstracting hydrogen atoms from cell-membrane lipids (Halliwell and Gutteridge, 1985) and of initiating lipid peroxidation in lysosomal membranes. (Fong et al., 1973). Arong other lines, it is known that exposure of cell membranes, fatty acids, and unsaturated food oils to ionizing radiation, which generates· OH radicals, causes rapid peroxidation (Halliwell and Gutteridge, 1985). Thus • OH radicals (and also other oxygenated species such as Oi, 10 2, and H20 2) might be expected to play a role in the toxicity of quartz. Earlier studies of the aqueous chemistry of quartz suspensions have reported detection of H2O 2 (Kalbanev et al., 1980), implicating the formation of ·OH radicals as transient species. However, we are not aware of any report of the detection of • OH radicals in quartz reactions, and thus the present study was undertaken. Since it-is known that, because of their high reactivity (hence short lifetime) in aqueous media, the • OH radicals cannot be detected via ESR directly (Finkelstein et al., 1980; Buettner, 1982) we have used .ESR combined with the spin-trap methodology (Finkelstein et al., 1980) for studying the· OH formation. The results show that· OH radicals are indeed formed in aqueous suspensions of freshly ground quartz; thus pointing to ·a possible new clue to the cytotoxicity of freshly formed quartz particles and thereby to silica fibrogenicity."

Jan 1, 1988

By B. F. Naylor

"INTRODUCTION Investigation of the physical properties of electrolytic manganese and its alloys has constituted a part of the program of the Bureau of Mines for several years, and already extensive data have been reported. 3-14/ Heat-content measurements above 25° C. of pure manganese 15/ were completed recently at the Pacific Experiment Station of the Bureau, and the results obtained removed many of the inconsistencies in previously reported data. This paper reports heat-content data of seven manganese-copper alloys, varying in composition from 25 to 90 percent man-ganese. The alloys, obtained from the Salt Lake City Station, 16/ had been quenched from 850° C, and cold-worked. Without further heat treatment, heat-content measurements of each of these alloys were made at 100° or less temperature intervals from 450° to 850º C., as it was considered likely that any abnormal behavior of the specific heat would be found in this temperature range. Also, a portion of each alloy was heat-aged at given temperatures for periods of time thought sufficient to reach phase-equilibrium; then the heat-contents above 25° C. were determined at the aging temperatures. (Heat-aging was done at approximately 450°, 550°, 650°, 750°, and 850° C.)METHOD AND MATERIALSThe heat contents were determined by the ""drop"" method in a previously described apparatus. 17/ The calorimeter was cali-brated with electrical energy, measured in international joules, and the results were converted to the conventional thermochemical calorie by the relation, 1 cal. = 4.1833 int. joules."

Jan 1, 1946

By Webster S. Anderson

Bureau of Mines planer mining tests on the phosphate bed of the Douglas mine, near Drummond, Mont., indicated that a competent bed with a Mohs' scale hardness of 3 to 4 cannot be mined economically with the planer. Although planer mining was feasible where the bed was fractured enough for a 4-inch depth of cut to be consistently maintained, the depth of cut in the competent beds at the Douglas mine did not exceed 0.5 inch. Average production rates were 0.15 ton per minute and 9 tons per man-shift.

Jan 1, 1966

By Paul W. Jeran

This Bureau of Mines report has been prepared to provide a means whereby mineworkers without specific geologic training can recognize and record the existence of potentially hazardous geologic features encountered in coal mines. Each geologic feature described in this report has been implicated in roof failure. Through the recording of the observations of mineworkers, based on this report, a geologic map of mine workings and the associated ground control problems can be compiled. From such maps, the trends of changes and features can be determined and projected ahead of mining. The face crew can be alerted to a potential problem and what to look for as the face is advanced.

Jan 1, 1983

By William O. Vanderburg

This paper describing the mining practices at the Argonaut mine, Amador County, California, is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods, and costs in the various mining districts of the United States. The mining practices described are those used in exploiting the low-grade gold ores in the heavy and swelling ground that occurs on the Mother Lode belt. The author acknowledges the assistance of E. A. Stent, vice-president, James L. Fontenrose, cost clerk, Joseph Mohorovich, mine foreman, of the Argonaut mine, and of E. D. Gardner, supervising engineer, United States Bureau of Mines, Southwest Experiment Station, Tucson, Ariz.

Jan 1, 1930

By N. S. Dalal, X. Shi

"It has been recently suggested that the exceptionally high antitumor and antibacterial activity of natural fredericamycin A (FMA) is related to its ability to spontaneously generate the superoxide anion (02-) and hydroxyl (""OH) radicals in aerobic solutions [Hilton, B. D., Misra, R., & Zweier, J. L. (1986) Biochemistry 25, 5533]. With a view to understand the mechanistic details, attempts were made to reproduce earlier electron spin resonance (ESR) evidence for the oxygenated free radical formation in well-aerated solutions of natural FMA in dimethyl sulfoxide and dilute H 20 2• Little or no evidence was obtained for the formation of the 0 2- and methoxy (""OCH3) radicals, while the detected formation of the 'OH and methyl ('CH3) radicals was attributable largely to mechanisms not involving FMA. These results thus reopen the T question regarding the mechanism of its exceptionally high tumoricidal-bacteriocidal activity. This paper reports on an electron spin resonance (ESR) investigation of the formation of oxygenated free radicals in solutions of natural fredericamycin A (abbreviated as FMA) which has recently been reported to be a highly potent anti¬tumor antibiotic (Pandey et al., 1981; Warnick-Pickle et al., 1981). The impetus for this undertaking was provided by recent reports (Hilton et al., 1986; Stinson, 1986) suggesting that the strong tumoricidal activity with high therapeutic—toxic index of FMA was related to its ability for the spontaneous generation of superoxide anion (02-) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals. For example, the suggested mechanism for the formation of 02- by FMA was (Hilton et al., 1986)FMA-OH + O2 FMA-O + H+ + 02-Here FMA—OH is simply the FMA molecule emphasizing the —OH moiety which becomes FMA-O, the free radical rep¬resenting the oxidized form of the drug. While some other highly effective anticancer drugs in current clinical application, such as bleomycin, are also thought to exert their antitumor effects via the formation of reactive drug-based or oxygenated free radicals (Carmichael et al., 1985; Gianni et al., 1983), FMA was considered unique in that only in this case the free radical formation was thought to be spontaneous, rather than through a metal- or an enzyme-activated process (Hilton et al., 1986; Stinson, 1986). Thus it was suggested (Hilton et al., 1986; Stinson, 1986) that FMA could be the forerunner of a new class of anticancer drugs. However, we noted that while the hypothesis seemed plausible, the reported ESR spectral evidence appeared to be ambiguous. Because of the high significance of the earlier conclusions (Stinson, 1986), we undertook a systematic ESR study of the radical formation in FMA solutions, and as discussed below, our conclusions disagree with those reported earlier."

Jan 1, 1989

By H. B. Brunot

One of the many difficult problems that confront the present day coal-mine operator is the safeguarding of his employees and property from disasters such as fires, explosions, squeezes, and inundations. Those operators having gaseous or ev en dusty mines have a double responsibility resting upon them in this respect. The introduction of electrical machinery and appera tus in mining operations has been very rapid, and at the present time it is difficult to mention any kind of mining work in which electrical machinery is not used. This extended introduc- tion of electrical equipment has added not a little to the mine operators' safety problem, and it is the desire of the United States Bureau of Mines to aid the mine operator, and the inspection departments having jurisdiction, in solving their electrical safety problems. With this idea in mind, the Bureau has prepared and published schedules setting forth the qualities it considers essential to the safety of various classes of mining equipment, and the conditions under which it will test and give the stamp of its approval to satisfactory designs. Portable electric lamps of the permissible* type are almost universally used in gaseous mines, but the use of permissible electrical machinery has not been so widespread. Until recently the Bureau had issued approvals for only one class. of machinery involving the use of electric motors that is, permissible coal- cutting machines. However, the day is undoubtedly not far distant when the operator, who so desires, will be able to obtain a permissible room hoist, pump, or coal- loading outfit. During the year 1921 the first of a growing list of storage-battery locomotive approvals was granted by the Bureau, and it is with considerable satis- faction that the Bureau how announces the approval of a third class of motor equip- "merit- namely, slectric drills.

Jan 1, 1923

By M. J. Ankeny, J. J. Forbes

Several sets of questions and answers on the fundamentals of first aid to the injured, based on the Manual of First-Aid Instruction of the United States Bureau of Mines, are now in use in various parts of the United States. Persons experienced in first-aid instruction believe that a standardized set of questions and answers will assist materially in preparing men for examin- ations conducted by the Bureau for first-aid certificates. Inquiries as to whether a set of standardized questions and answers is available have been made frequently by those training men for the Bureau of Mines examination for certificates. It is believed that the following list of 171 questions and answers com- piled directly from the manual will be useful to company officials and em- ployees who are engaged in cooperative first-aid training to qualify for Bureau of Mines certificates. The list may also be used by field men of the Bureau in training instructors preparatory to a cooperative training campaign and in examining classes or individuals for first-aid certificates. The page references in parentheses refer to pages in the Manual of First-Aid Instruction.

Oct 1, 1935

By Charles Vaught, Belinda Sue Mills, Henry P. Cole, William J. Wiehagen

This study reports the results of a survey of organizations that used problem-solving simulation exercises to support mine health and safety training. The exercises are designed to teach judgment and decision-making skills within two broad domains: (1) how miners respond to mine emergencies (e.g., first aid, self-rescue, and escape) and (2) how miners integrate safety concepts within the context and performance of routine production work. The simulation exercises were distributed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration's National Mine Health and Safety Academy near Beckley, WV. The present study focused on those organizations that ordered the exercises from the Academy over a 2-year period (1995-96). Researchers assessed how the materials were used and trainer perceptions of the impact of these materials on annual mine health and safety training . A total of 147 organizations ordered the exercises over the 2-year period. Survey responses were obtained from 52 of these organizations. Sixty percent of the respondents rated the exercises as more useful than traditional instructional materials, 40% as equally useful, and 0% as less useful. Most trainers (79%) felt that the exercises help them to make better use of workers’ knowledge and experience during training. Many (71%)also reported that the simulations helped to improve the effectiveness of their instruction and promoted a problem-solving approach to their training. Fifty of the fifty-two respondents reported that they would like to have new simulations developed. A large majority showed a proactive interest in helping to develop and field test new exercises. Ninety-four percent of the trainers judged the exercises as a good value; 92% planned to order more simulations in the future. Based on this study, recommendations are offered for the continuation and expansion of simulation exercises as one method for occupational health and safety training.

Jan 1, 2001

By R. F. Abernethy

A chemical method of determining microgram quantities of arsenic in coal was investigated by the Bureau of Mines to supplement a semiquantitative spectrographic method of determining arsenic in coal ash. In accordance with a method recommended by the International Organization for Standardization, 1-gram samples of coal are decomposed by wet oxidation with boiling sulfuric acid (H2S04) and nitric acid (HN03) to remove the organic matter. After heating to fumes of SO3 to remove HN03, the arsenic is separated as arsine by the action of zinc in H2S04 solution. The arsine is absorbed in dilute iodine solution in which the arsenic is determined colorimetrically by the molybdenum-blue reaction. Two modifications of the method for obtaining the arsenic in solution, in addition to the wet oxidation method, give satisfactory results. The modifications are (1) furnace ashing with MgO added to the coal, followed by treatment with H2S04, and (2) extraction of arsenic from the coal by dilute HNO3 without ashing. Float-and sink-tests show that arsenic is associated mainly with mineral matter in the three coals examined. High-temperature ashing tests show that very little arsenic is volatilized from coal ash below 1,000° C, but it is virtually all removed from the ash at 1,300° C.

Jan 1, 1968

By William O. Vanderburg

This paper describing the practice at the Wolf Pongee concentrator at Federland, Colo., is one of a series on similar subjects being published by the United States Bureau of Mines. The author acknowledges the assistance of Loach, manager of the Wolf Tongue Mining Co., and of W. G. Roseborough, superintendent of the golf Tongue mill, in the preparation of this paper.

Jan 1, 1933

Lower costs associated with hands-on training in donning and using a CSE ,self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR). Background In June 1987, the Mine Safety and Heath Administration (MSHA) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring that all persons entering underground coal mines must be given bands-on SCSR training. The ETS will shortly be replaced by a new standard requiring this hands-on training. Bureau of Mines research has shown that the most effective means of delivering this training is to have the trainee go through a six-step training procedure while in a kneeling position. Once the miner has looped the neckstrap over his or her head, he or she completes the donning sequence in this order: 1) activate oxygen; 2) insert mouthpiece; 3) put on nose clips; 4) put on goggles; 5) adjust neck and waist straps; and 6) replace miner's cap and prepare to move out. This procedure is repeated until the miner demonstrates that he or she is proficient at the task.

Jan 1, 1988

By Lawrence Y. Marks

During the mineral survey of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and study areas by the author in 1971, 1973, 1974, and 1976 (Marks, 1978), the area designated Reservoir-North (RARE II No. H1-485) in January, 1979, (U.S. Forest Service, 1979) was examined, along with other lands adjacent to the earlier study areas. However, the 1978 open-file report covered only areas originally designated for study. The present report on Reservoir-North is based on earlier work. No work has been done in the area since 1976. Mineral Appraisal Reservoir-North RARE II area (No. H1-485) is in the Northern Disturbed Belt which has been identified as having high potential for natural gas accumulations and lesser potential for oil accumulations (Mudge, 1978). Oil and gas lease applications in the area, indicate interest by oil companies.

Jan 1, 1981

By G. S. Rice, H. P. Greenwald, H. C. Howarth

"Stoppings in coal mines serve, important and. vital functions, such as coursing the ventilating current, sealing off abandoned or dangerous workings, sealing fire areas, and separating mines at boundaries. Stoppings may hold back water, but normally that is not their function; their design is, or should be very different from that of a hydraulic dap which is designed to a definite load, often a very heavy one, from one direction over an indefinitely long period. Hence, a dam usually requires an arched structure to resist hydraulic pressure, and it must be massive to meet vertical stresses due to heavy ground pressure.Stoppings are designed primarily to resist a pressure applied laterally through air or gases. Their strength cannot be stated without specifying the direction of applied load. A stopping may be placed in stress by proof pressure subsequent to erection, through extraction of pillars in the vicinity which may act direct, or by squeezing the ribs or heaving the floor. These forces act more or less parallel to the faces of the stopping and may be very great but measures must be taken suitable to each case, and it is impossible to allow for these in general specifications other than to call for normally good construction. A stopping is principally designed to resist the action of forces at right angles to its face, such as the shocks of blasting, the pressure of gas from instantaneous violent out bursts such as have occurred in certain British Columbia coal mines, sudden compression of the air by great falls of roof in closed spaces, and at time pressures that accompany an explosion of either fire damp or coal dust or both. This paper deals with the tests of pressures of explosions only."

Sep 1, 1930

By Ann G. Kim

Samples of gas were obtained directly from the coalbed during drilling of horizontal and vertical boreholes in six different formations. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography for C1 to C5 hydrocarbons and for 02, H2, H2, He, and C02. Methane in the gas varied from 63 to 99 percent; carbon dioxide from 0.1 to 15 percent. The CH4 /CO2 ratio varied and showed no apparent correlation with age, rank, or bed. The majority of samples contained ethane, propane, and butane; hydrogen and helium were found in some samples. Oxygen and nitrogen were usually present, possibly as a result of air contamination. A more extensive sampling program would be necessary to establish relationship between the amount and composition of the gas in the coalbed and other factors.

Jan 1, 1973

By G. L. Fitzpatrick

Future applications of seismic holography to "seismically transparent phase objects," such as rock inclusions, fracture zones, liquid-filled cavities, etc., will require techniques to improve the poor image contrast generally characteristic of these objects. Although conventional phase-contrast enhancement techniques could be used, these methods involve additional optical elements such as quarter-wave spatial filters. Owing to the anticipated practical difficulties of properly alining such optical devices and properly locating poorly defined image planes and filter planes, this approach is not considered to be well-suited to the case of seismic holograms and their laser reconstructions. Results similar to those achieved with spatial filters may be obtained without filters by specially processing the seismic hologram data. The new process, which is an extension of Gabor's subtraction holography, achieves an improvement in contrast by an interferometric technique. The process involves adding a ?before" hologram without an object present to a 90° phase-shifted "after" hologram with the object present. Then, the combination is reconstructed with a laser or by computer. Not only is the image contrast improved in such processed holograms, but the images are also phase-contoured. In general, the latter feature is not to be expected when conventional phase-contrast enhancement techniques are employed. The new technique is experimentally verified by examining computer-generated synthetic seismic holograms rather than by examining actual seismic field data. However, results of this study are directly applicable to real seismic data and should prove useful in future applications of seismic holography.

Jan 1, 1973

By Jr. Driscoll

The thermoelectric properties of yttrium monoarsenide, yttrium monoanti-monide) and ternary materials from the Y-As-Se and Y-Sb-Te systems were investigated by the Bureau of Mines from room temperature to 1,000° C. The maximum calculated figure of merit for yttrium monoarsenide and yttrium monoantimonide was 2 x 10-5 ° C-1. YAs and YSb were semimetallic conductors with low Seebeck coefficients and electrical resistivities. The values of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity of the Y-As-Se and Y-Sb-Te materials were between those of the yttrium selenides and tellurides and of YAs and YSb, respectively. The maximum power factor calculated for the Y-As-Se materials was 2 X 10-5 watt/cm ° C2 which yielded an estimated figure of merit of 6 X 10-4 0 C-1. Most of the Y-As-Se compounds had high Seebeck coefficients and moderately low electrical resistivities. The Y-Sb-Te materials were degenerate semiconductors with power factors of 6 X 10-8 watt/cm ° C2.

Jan 1, 1967

By M. J. Kovalik

Illinois No.6, a high-volatile B coal of low fluidity, was blended with fluidized-bed char and coke breeze to improve the strength of the coke obtained from carbonizing this coal. Twenty-one tests, selected from those made in the small-scale Hanson carbonizer, were carbonized in the BM-AGA 13-inch-diameter, cylindrical retort, with a coal charge of about 90 pounds; the strength of the cokes was determined by the standard ASTM tumbler test. Using the same procedure, 10 tests were made with High Splint, a high-volatile A coal from Harlan County, Ky. Carbonization of the blends produced larger and stronger cokes than did the Illinois No.6 coal singly. The optimum blend contained 6 percent each of char and coke breeze. Further improvement in coke strength was realized by either preheating this blend prior to carbonization or by adding a small pro-portion of a premium blending coal. The former method could possibly eliminate the use of premium coking coals in blends with Illinois No. 6 coal to make an acceptable metallurgical coke. Except for no improvement in coke strength by preheating, results for High Splint coal showed behavior similar to that of the Illinois No.6 coal.

Jan 1, 1973

By H. E. Peterson

A study was undertaken by the Bureau of Mines to develop a simple, reliable test for field detection of selenium in rocks and soils. Two methods are described for qualitative detection of selenium, dependent upon its form of occurrence and the presence of interfering constituents in the sample. Both methods involve fusion of the sample in a test tube to form elemental selenium that will volatilize and condense as a red deposit on the cooler upper portion of the test tube. The methods are sensitive to 10 parts per million, (p.p.m.) equivalent to 0.001 percent, and can be made semiquantitative by using suitable standard samples. INTRODUCTION Although selenium is widely distributed in the United States, the known deposits are either so small or so low grade that they cannot be processed economically for selenium alone-4/ At present, commercial production is a byproduct of the smelting and refining of base-metal ores, particularly copper.5/ About 0.75 pound of selenium is recovered per ton of electrolytic copper, and small amounts are recovered by special treatment of assorted smelter dusts and fume products. Since selenium is a strategic metal in short supply, new sources are being sought by both Government and private interests.

Jan 1, 1957