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By R. J. Campbell

[The steady increase of aluminum production means a corresponding increase of carbon consumption in the alumina-reduction cells. Improved petroleum techniques constantly reduce the amount of byproduct petroleum-coke production. These, trends threaten the alumina-reduction works with possible shortages of carbon, which must be supplied from some other source. In anticipation of this shortages, an investigation into the possibility of using coal as an alternative source of carbon was begun at the Northwest Experiment Station of the Federal Bureau of Mines. The investigation lit has developed bench-scale methods that produce carbon of higher purity than is required by specifications for anode carbon. Additional work will b required to bring these processes to pilot-plant seals and to prove the suitability of the carbons, produced or aluminum-anode consumption.]

Jan 1, 1956

By Robert W. Geehan

A preliminary examination of the Dayton iron deposit was made in 1941 and 1942 by Paul E. Pesonen and O. H. Metzger, engineers of the Bureau of Nines. Trenching and sampling were recommended, to be followed by core drilling if favorable results were obtained. The Bureau of Mines conducted a project at the property from June to December 1942. The deposit is in sec. 6, T. 17 N., R. 23 E.; sec. 31, T. 18 N., R. 23 E.; sec. 36, T. 18 N., R. 22 E.; and sec. 1, T. 17 N., R. 22 E., M. D. B. & M., about 15 miles west of Lahontan Reservoir in Lyon and Storey Counties, Nev. It lies at an altitude of about 4,500 feet north of the Carson Plains, in the foothill section of mountains that rise to about 7,000 feet to the north of the property. The deposit may be reached by driving 12.5 miles northeast of Dayton over U. S. Highway 50, thence northerly 2.7 miles over a dirt road to the property. The climate is hot and dry in summer, with occasional thunderstorms some of cloudburst variety, and frequent high winds. Winters are usually moderate, with light snowfall and some subfreezing temperature.

Jan 1, 1949

By Eric S. Weiss

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted joint research to evaluate explosion blast effects on typical U.S. mine ventilation stoppings in the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory?s (PRL) Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM). An innovative Australian-designed brattice stop-ping was also evaluated. After mine explosion accidents, MSHA conducts investigations to determine the cause(s) as a means to prevent future occurrences. As part of these postexplosion investigations, the condition of underground stoppings, including the debris from damaged stoppings, is documented as evidence of the approximate strength and the direction of the explosion forces. The LLEM data showed that a typical dry-stacked and coated solid-concrete-block stopping survived a total explosion pressure of ~6.7 psi (~46 kPa) and was destroyed at a total explosion pressure of ~7.6 psi (~52 kPa). In comparison, a typical dry-stacked and coated hollow-core concrete block stopping survived a total explosion pressure of ~3.4?4.3 psi (~23?30 kPa) and was destroyed at a total explosion pressure of ~3.6?5.2 psi (~25?36 kPa), depending on the length of the pressure pulse and the value of the pressure-time integral. A typical steel panel stopping design survived a total explosion pressure of 0.8 psi (5.5 kPa) and failed at a total explosion pressure of 1.3 psi (9 kPa). The LLEM data also showed that an obstacle blocking the path of a pressure wave resulted in a higher reflected pressure at the obstacle. An 8-in (20-cm) thick wet-laid solid-concrete-block stopping coated on one side survived a total explosion pressure of ~26 psi (~180 kPa); this stopping was not tested to failure. A 6-in (15-cm) thick wet-laid solid-concrete-block stopping coated on one side survived a total explosion pressure of ~14 psi (~97 kPa) and was destroyed at a total explosion pressure of ~25 psi (~172 kPa). An innovative Australian woven cloth stopping survived an explosion pressure of 4.0 psi (27 kPa) and was destroyed at an explosion pressure of ~6.1 psi (~42 kPa). These results will help investigators determine the approximate explosion forces that destroy or damage stoppings during actual coal mine explosions.

Jan 1, 2008

By James L. Elder

The Bureau of Mines and the Alabama. Power Co. jointly conducted a first experiment in underground gasification of coal at Gorgas, Ala., during the fall and winter of 1946-47. This preliminary experiment showed that it was not difficult to maintain combustion of coal underground, and that coal in place could be completely gasified. It was noted that the high temperature developed by the gasification of coal in place brought about changes in overlying strata that appeared to be favorable to the process. The high temperatures caused the roof rock to become plastic, to expand, and to settle down on the mine floor directly behind the reacting coke face. These results were promising enough to warrant further investigation of the process. It was believed that if this action could be controlled properly with roofs of similar composition, it would tend to force the gas-making fluids underground against the coal faces. Plans for the second experiment were based in part on this favor-able roof action, and the successful operation of the planned initial straightline passages depended on this fact. Gorgas was chosen as the site for the second experiment for the following reasons: A tract of coal land of sufficient size was available and isolated from the main body of coal; the roof rock was similar in composition to that encountered in the first experiment; and the overlying strata were thick enough to eliminate some of the operating difficulties that had been encountered, In addition, power, water, and machine-shop facilities as well as an adequate supply of labor were available in this area, and the friendly cooperation of the Alabama Power Co. further recommended this site for the planned experiment.

Jan 1, 1951

By Bernard Lewis

During the past 10 years the technical investigations conducted by the Explosives Division of the Mine and Explosives Bureau of the Bureau of Mines have been described in a series of summarizing reports prepared by Wilbur I. Huff, consulting explosives chemist of the Bureau. These reports covered the…

Dec 1, 1947

By William F. Hahn

This project focused effort on three separate areas: demonstration of a low seam longwall illumination system, design of illumination systems for low coal auger miners, and an assessment of machine lighting systems for machinery used to mine low seam coal. Results indicated illumination systems can be purchased by the mine operators of low coal seams. These systems can be supplied with the equipment as a factory integrated system or can be retrofitted to the machine or longwall equipment.

Jan 1, 1982

By Khamis Y. Haramy

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report describes the use of Bureau-developed flat and cylindrical hydraulic borehole pressure cells. A brief description of the fabrication, installation, and pressurizing equipment is given and pressurizing procedures are discussed. Theories available on evaluation of data from the flat and cylindrical pressure cells and examples of data analysis and stress evaluation are also presented.

Jan 1, 1991

By David E. Siskind

The U.S. Bureau of Mines and the State of Indiana cooperated with AMAX Coal Co. and its consultants to determine the effects of coal mine overburden blasting on nearby pipelines. Five pressurized 76-m pipeline sections were installed on the Minnehaha Mine highwall near Sullivan, IN, for testing to failure. Four 17-to 51-cm-diameter welded steel pipes and one 22-cm PVC pipe were monitored for vibration, strain, and pressure for a period of 6 months while production blasting advanced up to the test pipeline field. In contrast to previous studies of small-scale, close-in blasting for construction, these tests involved overburden blasts of up to 950 kg per delay in 31-cm blastholes. Analyses found low pipe responses, strains, and calculated stresses from even large blasts. Ground vibrations of 120 to 250 mm/s produced worst case strains that were about 25 pct of the strains resulting from normal pipeline operations and calculated stresses of only about 10 to 18 pct of the ultimate tensile strength. No pressurization failures or permanent strains occurred even at vibration amplitudes of 600 mm/s.

Jan 1, 2010

By Herbert Cremer

The United States,-the largest nickel consumer in the world, produces virtually no nickel from domestic ores. Dependence upon outside nickel - sources and increasing strategic, importance of nickel focused the attention of the United States on deposits within its boundries. The most likely domestic sources of nickel are low-grade oxide and silicate deposits, such as the Cle Clum deposit, Kittitas County, Wash., and the Riddle deposit, Douglas County, Oreg. The Federal Bureau of Mines, Northwest Electrodevelopment Laboratory, Albany, Oreg. has been investigating electric smelting of low-grade oxide and silicate nickel ores. These smelting studies have been on selective reduction to produce low-carbon ferronickel. Selective reduction is based upon the relative reducibility of: nickel, iron, and chromium, in the order named, when the charge contains insufficient carbon or other reductants to reduce the entire quantity of these metals present in the ore.

Jan 1, 1954

By R. Lusignea

This report describes the development of a device for the nondestructive testing of resin grouted roof bolts by means of mechanical frequency response. Various alternative methods were evaluated and the mechanical frequency response method was selected. An interactive program of design, testing, and development culminating in the current prototype instrument demonstrated the capabilities of the method and suggested potential applications of the instrument. The resin bolt testing device utilizes a swept frequency dynamic compliance measurement in the 1 to 2 kHz range which is interpreted by an electronic signal processor to give a "GO" or "NO GO? readout. Field tests have shown that the device can reliably determine the bond quality of the front half of the bolt (nearest the roof surface). Tests were carried out on both experimentally installed bolts and typical mine bolts installed by a conventional bolting machine. The development program has led to recommendations for improvement of the prototype and future development work.

Jan 1, 1979

By Arnold O. Tanner

The domestic mining industry gained more strength in 1988 as the healthy comeback that became evident in 1987 continued and grew for many commodities. The increasing and more stable commodity prices, still predominantly in the metals sector, reinforced both the new ways of conducting business and the use of technological advancements in successfully lowering operating costs during the last 4 to 6 years. Some commodities and companies still struggled to survive, but increases in productivity and profits were becoming more common.

Jan 1, 1990

By Gordon E. Green

This report addresses remote monitoring of coal waste impoundments for stability. Existing automated geotechnical monitoring systems are described and reviewed along with details of instruments suitable for such systems. An impoundment in West Virginia which was in the construction stage was instrumented and monitored between July 1979 and may 1981. Sensors which measure surface and subsurface parameters including settlement, horizontal deflection, surface tilt, pore water pressure, seepage, pond level, and meteorological parameters were installed. Data from the 37 sensors were collected by on-site logger and transmitted by telephone to a central processing station in Seattle for recording and interpretation. Difficulties were encountered with telephone and powerline outages and malfunction of electronic units. Detailed descriptions of the design and performance of the system are provided along with evaluation and comparison with other systems. Recommendations for improving and expanding the capabilities of the monitoring system are given.

Jan 1, 1982

By Jack L. Henry

A laboratory and a pilot-plant-scale investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Mines to examine possible sources of nitride defects in the production of magnesium-reduced titanium sponge. The production of alpha-stabilized nitride inclusions in hot-rolled titanium plate from air contamination of sponge during its manufacture has been experimentally demonstrated. Magnesium-reduced sponge prepared from air-contaminated magnesium or when contaminated by an air leak during reduction, vacuum distillation, or inert gas sweep, shows very large variations in nitrogen content. Refractory nitrides, delta TiN and epsilon Ti2N have been identified in this sponge. The highest incidence of inclusions resulted from sponge that was reduced by air-contaminated magnesium and from sponge subjected to air contamination during the vacuum distillation cycle and during helium sweep. Air contamination of sponge during the reduction cycle was not nearly as effective in producing inclusions. Tests showed that color and texture may not be reliable criteria for locating defects during sponge inspection. Maintenance of good vacuum-tight integrity, filtration of molten magnesium prior to charging into the reduction retort, and mechanical attrition of sponge to pulverize and disperse nitrides are suggested as practices to lower inclusion incidence in commercial titanium ingots.

Jan 1, 1974

By David Schlain, C. B. Kenahan, F. X. McCawley

The electrodeposition of protective coatings of tungsten from a sodium and lithium borate - tungstate - tungstic oxide fused salt electrolyte was investigated . Soluble tungsten anodes were employed . Deposits were made on molybdenum , Carpenter 20 stainless steel , Inconel , and nickel . An atmosphere of argon was maintained around the electrolytic cell , and the electrolyte was stirred by rotating the cathode . Thick deposits of tungsten (up to 26 mils ) were made at a temperature of 900 ° C and cathode current densities of 0.3 to 0.4 ampere per square inch with high current efficiencies . The effects of variations in temperature , current density , electrolyte agitation , and tungstic oxide content of the electrolyte and of the presence of impurities such as moisture , air , iron , and nickel were investigated .

Jan 1, 1964

By Tom Retka

This three volume final report summarizes the activities and conclusions of this contract. The objective of the contract was to develop noise control modifications on a retrofit basis, for auger miner coal-cutting systems. Manuals were prepared to assist mine shop personnel in retrofitting the auger miner with these noise controls. Final Report Volume I - Details all vibration and acoustical tests conducted in development of the noise controls. Final Report Volume II - Noise Control Modification Manual for the Jeffrey 100-L Auger Miner describes the various noise control modifications to the auger miner, along with fabrication procedures, cost and vendor information. Final Report Volume III - Noise Control Modification Manual for the Jeffrey 94-l Bridge Conveyor describes the various noise control modifications to the bridge conveyor, along with fabrication procedures, cost and vendor information.

Jan 1, 1978

The Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 requires that each operator of a coal mine shall take accurate samples of the amount of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere to which each miner is exposed, a measure designed to prevent the development of coal workers' pneumoconiosis. This textbook manual is used in the training of personnel to operate respirable dust sampling devices and to conduct sampling programs. It contains the portions of the act applicable to respirable dust standards, the procedures to be followed to insure compliance with Federal regulations, and descriptions of sampling devices.

Jan 1, 1971

By O. M. Bishop

"INTRODUCTION Early in World War II, the Bureau of Mines realized that reserves of fluorspar ore at many mines in the southern Illinois fluorspar district were not being developed as rapidly as the old ones were being depleted. At some mines the measured and indicated ore reserves were almost entirely depleted, although geologic factors favored new discoveries. The Leo mine, which had not been worked since 1938, was among this group of mining. The Bureau of Mines, together with the Illinois Geological Survey examined the property, studied the mine records and,geologic factors in 1944, and agreed that exploratory drilling was warranted Funds were,obtained for the work in the fiscal year 1945, and drilling was done; between October 27, 1944, and June 15, 1945.The property was owned in fee simple by the Hllside Fluor Spar Mines at the time exploration was begun in October 1944. Subsequently, in 1945, the Inland Steel Co. acquired of the Hillside property."

Jan 1, 1947

By D. Randolph Berry

This manual was prepared to provide essential information to be used when critical decisions pertaining to mine fire recovery or other disaster situations become necessary. It is a state of the art report based upon technology and instruments developed, under a Bureau of Mines Research Contract. A detailed description of the development work and results of full-scale field testing is contained in the Technical Report, Vol. II, of USBM Contract Report H0122045, "Extinguishing Coal Mine Fires by Remote Scaling." Further research and development work has been programmed; consequently, a more complete manual providing detailed instructions and describing available instruments and equipment will be published. Those instruments and special equipment described in this manual must be considered prototype; methodology and applied technology will require special expertise. Consequently, any prospective application of this remote sealing technique will require assistance by the United States Bureau of Mines Research organization and experts from the contractor who developed the basic technology and instruments.

Jan 1, 1973

By R. S. Olsen

The Bureau of Mines is engaged in research to recover aluminum from kaolinitic clay and other nonbauxitic domestic resources. As part of this work, calcined Georgia kaolin was prepared by a process that prevents slime formation and makes the leached residues fast settling and easy to filter. The leaching reaction for calcined kaolinitic clay in a 5 pct stoichiometric excess of boiling 23-to 26-pct HCI was found to be zero order. Rate constants based on the weight-fraction of aluminum in the clay were found to be between 0.095 and 0.15 min-1 depending on feed preparation and leaching parameters. The mathematical relationships between aluminum extraction and time for both batch and continuous, stirred-tank operations were derived and verified experimentally.

Jan 1, 1983

By John M. Dale

Sulfur is a plentiful, low cost, unique material whose physical properties can be altered and employed in structural applications. This program was undertaken to develop an optimum sulfur based formulation for use as a coating to both seal and support mine walls. The initial effort in the program was devoted to a laboratory study of the physical and mechanical properties of a variety of sulfur base coatings that were specifically formulated for this application. Concurrent with formulation development, laboratory equipment and techniques were developed for spray applying the sulfur based coatings to the ceiling and walls of a structure that simulated the interior of a mine. Much of the formulation work was guided by the experiences encountered when attempting to spray the formulations overhead. One hundred parts of sulfur modified with 10 parts of talc, 3 parts of milled glass fiber, and 2 parts of dicyclopentadiene was found to be a fire retarded, low odor, low eye irritation, sprayable formulation for sealing and strengthening mini, walls. An invention disclosure on this formulation was submitted to the Bureau of Mines and a patent application was filed. Various mineral samples were obtained and adhesive strengths of the formulation to these samples in both the wet and dry state were measured. With the development of an attractive sulfur based coating material, attention was directed to the design, fabrication, and testing of a portable spray application unit so that coatings might be applied in the field to various rock surfaces and earth formations for further evaluation. The unit was fabricated in the Southwest Research Institute shop. Once operational, the unit's capabilities were field tested and demonstrated at three separate locations. Upon completion of the field testing, the unit was shipped to the Spokane Mining Research Center where Bureau personnel were instructed in the use of the unit.

Jan 1, 1972