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By W. A. Young

Bull Lake is one of several saline lakes situated a few miles north of Rawlins, Carbon County, Wyo. (figs. and 2).. The Bureau of Mines conducted preliminary investigations of sodium sulfate deposits in many of the lakes and performed detailed work on Bull Lake. This investigation consisted of drilling 11 vertical holes through salt beds using diamond core bits and Iwan-type auger bits. Bull Lake lies in a shallow, closed depression in loosely consolidated sand. The salt beds, ranging in thickness from 2.5 to 26 feet, occur above a thick bed of shale of upper Cretaceous age. The salts appear to have been deposited in the lake from surface and subsurface drainage. The source of salt is undoubtedly the enclosing sedimentary rock's exposed to the west of the basin. Sodium sulfate in the deposits probably is present as mirabilite or Glauber salt (Na2SO4-10H2O). Chief impurities in the deposits arc mud and sand. Other soluble salts present average approximately 1 percent combined. Cores from the 11 holes were analyzed in the Bureau of Mines laboratories at Salt Lake City. Drilling totaled 512 feet. Results of analyses are given in the appendix.

Jan 1, 1951

By O. C. Ralston

Natural or artificial manganese dioxide of a grade pure enough to be satisfactory as depolarizer for dry cells has never been available in large supply simultaneously with being available in desired quality . The Second World War called for more of it than ever . A supply of natural material from the Gold Coast was ample for the war and was not completely exhausted . Whereas the crystal form of the manganese oxide was not recognized as a matter of importance until the war came , it is now known that gamma MnO2 is a desirable form and that pyrolusite , once thought acceptable , is not the best mineral . The following paper is a translation of an internal company report filed at the Bitterfeld office of the I. G. Farbenindustrie A.G. by Dr. Peter Marx in 1933 , just a year after G. W. Nichols had published in the Transactions of the American Electrochemical Society a study of making anodic manganese dioxide from solutions of manganous sulfate . The I. G. experiments were made to confirm the American work and were also extended to a larger scale . Only chemical purity was considered , and no mention is made of crystal form . The report adds to the knowledge submitted by Nichols but has not been previously available to the general public . Believing it of value to the United States industry , a translation has been made .

May 1, 1948

By D. J. Parker, D. Harrington, L. H. Harrison

"INTRODUCTION The necessity for protection against the hazards of lightning manifests itself from time to time in the mining industry by reason of loss of life, damage to electrical equipment, fires in surface structures at mines, and accidents in the handling and use of explosives. This paper is intended to assemble, correlate, and present some of the salient points embodied in the available literature on the subject and at the same time give some factual data concerning instances of such loss of life and damage to property, with special application to the mining industry.The annual loss of life and destruction of property by lightning is considerable; the former may be prevented to a limited extent, though use of common sense as to exposure is required and not always followed; the latter can be prevented to a considerable degree. The manufacturers of electrical equipment, through improved types of lightning arresters, have done much toward the protection of electrical equipment, with consequent safeguarding of life and of property. Education based on unfortunate experiences has gone far to discourage the handling of explosives and blasting accessories during thunder storms, especially in open pits and quarries, and to a much smaller extent in underground workings. The lowly lightning rod plays an important role in the protection of certain types of buildings (especially isolated buildings), stacks, monuments, and other structures.LIGHTNING PHENOMENAIn 1751, Franklin proved that, lightning was simply a visible display of electricity - an extended spark; and until a generation ago little had been added to his exposition to define the various phases of the phenomenon. Matters pertaining to lightning are discussed in the following references:"

Apr 1, 1948

By H. F. Yancey

A relatively large proportion of the coal produced 1n the State of Washington, especially in the coking coal areas is of fine size; hence washing by means or coal-washing tables to reduce the ash content is commonly practiced. For this reason the program of research in coal washing conducted jointly by the U. S. Bureau of Mines and the College of Mines, University of Washington, has given special attention to the mechanism or the separation of coal from its impurities as effected by the coal-washing table with the object of increasing its efficiency. Previous work has evaluated the role of stratification the influence of size, specific gravity and respective shapes of particles in the feed, and the affect of hindered-settling classification of the feed prior to tabling.

Jan 1, 1931

By H. F. Yancey

A relatively large proportion of the coal produced in the state or Washington, especially in the coking coal areas is of fine size; hence washing by means of coal-washing tables to reduce the ash content is commonly practiced. For this reason the program of research in coal washing conducted jointly by the U. S. Bureau of mines and the College of Mines, University of Washington, has given special attention to the mechanism of the separation of coal from its impurities as affected by the coal-washing table with the object of

Jan 1, 1931

By McHenry Mosier

This paper constitutes the third progress report on a national survey of the use of detachable bits in metal mines. It presents comparative costs of drilling with conventional and detachable bits and describes the operating practice in rock drilling and the reconditioning of drill steel and bits at 10 mines not discussed in previous reports.3/ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report has been prepared with the assistance and cooperation of the officials and staff members at the mines visited. Costs and other data at individual mines were developed and furnished by the operators.

Jan 1, 1937

By P. D. Lindahl

[A cost/benefit analysis was conducted by comparing the industry cost to protective structures on low-coal face equipment with the benefits paid for injuries/fatalities considered preventable by the use of these structures. Th industry costs were based on estimates by OEM's and rebuild shops for install protective structures on new and rebuilt face equipment. The accident benefit was based on evaluations performed by the USBM Accident Cost Indicator Model. Industry wide population data were developed on low-coal face equipment and injuries/ fatalities preventable with protective structures. The results of the analysis are to be used as a tool by USBM in determining the feasibility of continuing development of cab and canopy technology for low-coal equipment.]

Jan 1, 1983

By Christopher J. Bise

The objectives for the research project, "Coal Mine Injury Analysis: A Model for Reduction Through Training," were to identify and develop a means to indicate deficiences in human performance, job skills, and/or knowledge at a given mine site that are amenable to alleviation through training or job redesign, and to provide ;I set of analytical tools and training resources that will enable mine training personnel to effectively incorporate the noted deficiencies into a personalized model training program. The findings of this research project are contained in Light separate volumes. Volume I represents the Executive Summary of the study and provides a broad overview of the project's individual areas of emphasis and deliverables. The additional eight volumes provide greater detail on the development of a Model Mine Training Program based upon Professional Database Analysis, Incident Reporting, Loss Control, Job Safety Analysis, Risk Assessment, Cost/Benefit Analysis, and Mine Safety Management.

Jan 1, 1993

By J. Sammarco

The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting mine illumination research to determine if light-emitting diode (LED) cap lamps can improve safety by reducing glare. Glare can impede a miner?s ability to see hazards and to safely perform their work. Another objective is to determine if a person?s age is a factor. This is important because the workforce is aging ? the average miner is now about 43 years old. Three cap lamps were used to evaluate glare: an incandescent cap lamp, a commercially available LED cap lamp and a NIOSH prototype LED cap lamp. Thirty NIOSH personnel from the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) served as test subjects. Three age groups were established with ten subjects in each group. Testing was conducted in the Mine Illumination Laboratory (MIL) of NIOSH PRL. The results indicate no statistically significant difference in discomfort glare among the incandescent and LED cap lamps. However, an analysis of variance for disability glare indicates that the LED cap lamps were superior for the older subjects. Disability glare scores for the oldest subject group improved 53.8% when using the NIOSH prototype LED cap lamp compared to the incandescent cap lamp and 36.5% compared to the commercial LED cap lamp. It ap­pears that, given the conditions of this study, LED cap lamps will not increase discomfort glare and can enable significant improvements in disability glare for older workers. It is also evident that not all LEDs are created equal. The disability glare improved the best for older workers when they used the NIOSH prototype LED cap lamp, which has a different spectral power distribution (SPD) (more short wavelength energy) than the commercial LED cap lamp. Therefore, for disability glare, the results suggest that the SPD is an important factor to consider in cap lamp design.

Jan 1, 2009

By Winthrop F. Watts

The U.S. Bureau of Mines evaluated the performance of a catalyzed diesel particulate filter (CDPF) and a CDPF combined with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) at two metal mines. This report describes the results from the two field evaluations. The CDPF-DOC was installed on a load-haul-dump (LHD) powered by a 175-kW, prechambered, turbocharged engine. This system reduced diesel particulate matter (DPM) concentrations by 71±28 pet, as determined by size-selective sampling with gravimetric analysis, and by 71±29 pet, as determined by respirable combustible dust (RCD) analysis at the vehicle operator's location. The CDPF was installed on a diesel-hydraulic, roof-bolting jumbo, powered by a 172-kW engine. The CDPF reduced DPM concentrations by 72±21 pet, as determined by size-selective sampling with gravimetric analysis, and by 62±25 pet, as determined by RCD analysis at the vehicle operator's location. Underground evaluation was more difficult because of frequent movement by the roof-bolting jumbo, variation in daily workload, tremendous fluctuation in ventilation airflow rates, and use of a high sulfur diesel fuel, which promotes the formation of sulfate particles, decreases filtration efficiency, and hastens the deterioration of the catalyst.

Jan 1, 2010

By Sarkis G. Ampian

Extraction of alumina was correlated with the sinter and leach products from the lime soda sinter process for anorthosite. The effect of composition and grain size of reactants, time and temperature of sintering, and techniques of sample preparation were investigated. Greater than 90 percent Al2O3 extractions were obtained from dry-mixed minus 200-mesh anorthosite sinter mixes having mole ratios of CaO/SiO2 = 1.8 and Na2O/Al2O3 = 0.8. These sinter mixes were briquetted at 15,000 psi and fired between 1,200° C and 1,320° C for 20 to 60 minutes. The sinter phases that contribute to low alumina recovery were determined by X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, and electron probe X-ray spectrography. The mechanism of the sintering reaction was investigated by high-temperature X-ray diffractometry. The contrast in the lime soda sinter process for clays and for anorthosites are discussed. Explanations and suggested solutions are presented for problems such as gelation and variable alumina recovery encountered by previous investigations.

Jan 1, 1967

By J. E. Schiller

The Bureau of Mines is investigating methods to treat waste water that contains cyanide. This report describes a new method that removes heavy metals and all forms of cyanide. In the first step, hydrogen peroxide and sodium thiosulfate are added at pH 7 to 9 in a 1:2 molar ratio to convert free and weakly complexed cyanide to nontoxic thiocyanate. Then steryldimethylbenzylammonium chloride is added to precipitate ferro-cyanide, and finally, ferric sulfate is added as a sweep floc and sequestrant for heavy metals. After the suspended solids settle, the water is polished by filtering. The water initially contained 1 to 5 mg/L Fe, 1 to 5 mg/L Cu, and 10 to 30 mg/L total cyanide; the level of each of these constituents was reduced to less than 0.02 mg/L.

Jan 1, 1983

By Ted A. Lewtas

The effectiveness of induction fans in ventilating dead headings was studied in the laboratory and underground. The following fan attachments were evaluated: a. Aerodynamic nozzle b. Various lengths of vent tube c. Honeycomb airflow straightener. Various fan locations were also tested. The following conclusions were reached: a. A nozzle on a fan located against the drift wall gives the greatest jet penetration distance. b. Air straighteners are ineffective in increasing jet penetration. c. Induction fans are ineffective in removing contaminants from dead headings without sufficient main ventilation flow.

Jan 1, 1980

By Norman A. Pace

This paper is one of a series being published by the Federal Bureau of Mines on methods and practices used in mining and preparing crushed stone for market. Performance, in terms of units of work or tons produced per machine and per operator man-hour, is given whenever that information can be obtained. Direct operating costs are useful for comparing different methods and are included, if available. In addition to describing equipment and methods used} the Bureau considered it desirable to discuss the engineering reasons for the choices that have been made. This paper is particularly concerned with operation of the Camak quarry and plant of the Weston-Brooker Co. The quarry and plant are near Cedar Rock, north of State Highway No. 80 and east of Middle Creek in Warren County, Ga., and about 40 miles west of Augusta. Rail access is by a spur line of the Georgia Railroad from Camak, 5 miles southwest. The main office of the company is at Cayce, S. C.

Jan 1, 1959

By G. W. Jones

[A survey of the Ii terature reJ.l....ting to iE;li tion temperatures of acet-ylene-air and acetylene-oxygen mixtures reveals rather '.'fide disagreement in the reported results. In SO!':1e instances the i ition temperatures of acet?-ylene-air mixtures were reported to be lower than those of acetylene-oTjgan mixtlU'es, which is contrary to experience 'tri th other combustibles. ':10 clea.r up some of t!le reported discrepancies, the authorn have icvestigated the igni tion temperatures of acetylene both in air anri oxygen, and their results are presented in this report.]

Jan 1, 1941

By John D. Foulkes

A study to categorize and characterize underground metal/non-metal mining operations from the viewpoint of telecommunication requirements and practices. The objectives were to: ? Gather and analyze data; ? Identify communication requirements; and ? Recommend systems for operational emergency and post-disaster telecommunications.

Jan 1, 1979

By G. M. Kintz

The data in this circular were taken from publications of the United States Bureau of Mines and published annual reports of the Wyoming State Inspector of Coal Mines. The tables included are complete only' with regard to major disasters; the Bureau of Mines considers a major disaster one in which 5 or more men are killed. However, minor disasters and gas ignitions recorded in these publications are included. It is known that a number of gas ignitions have occurred of which no record is available. This is one of a series of papers by the Bureau of Mines giving by States available data regarding coal-mine explosions. This information is published in condensed form in the belief that it may be of vale to mine operators in preventing future coal-mine explosions.

Jan 1, 1934

By Diane Schwegler-Berry, Vincent Castranova, Chang-geng Moe, Jane Y. C. Ma, Mark D. Moore, Joseph K. H. Ma, Carl J. Malanga, Ji-Hee Kane

"Effects of Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids on Alveolar Macrophages: Correlation between Binding Affinity. Inhibitory Potency and Antifibrotic Potential. CASTRANOVA, V., KANG, J-H., MA. J. K. H., Mo, C-H., MALANGA, L. J., MOORE M. D., SCHWEGLER-BERRY, D.. AND MA. J. Y. C. (1991). Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol 108, 242-252. The Chinese have conducted extensive studies concerning the medicinal properties of plant products. In this investigation the ability of three bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids to inhibit particle-induced activation of alveolar macrophages was evaluated and this inhibitory potential was correlated with the ability of those drugs to bind to membrane components. Tetrandrine. i.e.. an herbal medicine used as an antifibrotic agent in China, was a potent inhibitor of particle-stimulated oxygen consumption, superoxide release, and hydrogen peroxide secretion by alveolar macrophages. Tetrandrine also exhibited substantial binding affinity for membrane lipids and alveolar macrophages. In contrast, tubocurine, an analogue with little antifibrotic potential, exhibited low binding affinity and had little effect on macrophage activation. Methoxyadiantifoline, an alkaloid of unknown antifibrotic potential, exhibited inhibitory and binding properties similar to those of tetrandrine. The data indicate that a strong relationship exists between the antifibrotic potential of these alkaloids and their ability to bind to alveolar macrophages and inhibit particle-induced activation of these phagocytes. These drugs should serve as useful probes to evaluate the role of alveolar macrophages in pulmonary fibrosis. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.Chronic silicosis is a fibrotic disease resulting from occupational exposure to silica dust. It is manifested initially by an increase in the quantity of pulmonary surfactant (Dethloff et al., 1986). However, in later stages it is characterized by an increase in collagen formation and the development of concentric hyalinized nodular lesions in the lung (Ziskind et al., 1976). Although mechanisms for the progression of silicosis have not yet been completely defined, activation of alveolar macrophages by respirable silica particles is believed to play an important role in the etiology of this disease. Studies from our laboratory have shown that both in vitro and in vivo silica exposures result in a stimulation of macrophage release of reactive products capable of damaging the lung parenchyma (Castranova et al., 1990; Goodman et al., 1990). In addition, exposure of al¬veolar macrophages to silica results in the release of fibrogenic factors which enhance the proliferation of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen by these pneumocytes (Leibovich and Ross, 1976; Bitterman et al., 1982, 1983).The bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, which represent the largest group among the iso-quinoline compounds isolated from the plant kingdom, are known to exhibit a broad rangeof pharmacological activities. Tetrandrine, for example, an alkaloid isolated from the root of Stephania tetrandra, has been tested for its antitumor, antihypertensive, and antisilicotic effects (Kupchan and Atland, 1973; Zeng et al., 1985; Yu et al., 1983). It is currently used in China as a treatment for angina, hypertension, and silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis (Li et al., 1981). Several related bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as methoxyadiantifoline and tubocurine have also been evaluated for medicinal effects. Methoxyadiantifoline has been shown to exhibit effects on the cardiovascular system similar to those reported for tetrandrine (Jia et al., 1988). However, to date, the antifibrotic activity of methoxyadiantifoline has not been evaluated. In contrast to tetrandrine, tubocurine, a structural analogue of this drug, has been reported to be relatively ineffective against fibrosis (Mo et al., 1982)."

Mar 1, 1992

By R. Van A. Mills

Crude oils are capable of dissolving quantities of gas under pressure. This fact has been known for some time, but questions have arisen as to the effects of gas in solution upon the characteristics of the oil. Previous investigations4 show that gas in solution in an oil affects the viscosity and surface tension of the oil, but the effect's on the volume and A. P. I. gravity of the oil have not been known. The results given in this report show that there is a decided change both in volume and in the A. P. I. gravity of the oil due to the solution of the gas in the oil under pressure. As gas is dissolved, the volume of the oil and the A. P. I. gravity increase. The converse of this phenomenon is also true: if the gas is released from a saturated oil, there is a shrinkage in volume and a decrease in A.P.I. gravity due to the release of gas from solution. However, various oils show marked tendencies to retain a portion of the dissolved gas upon releasing the pressure to that of the atmosphere. This retained gas has an appreciable effect on the volume and A. P. I. gravity of the oil because the oil does not resume its initial volume or gravity while it retains dissolved gas. In a sense the oil has been "Freshened" and will not return to its original or weathered volume until it loses some of the lighter fractions. Wiggins5 has shown that a fresh oil decreases both in volume and in gravity because of the weathering of the lighter fractions while the oil is standing in storage tanks.

Jan 1, 1928

By Hillary W. St. Clair

This report gives the results of an experimental study of the progressive changes that occur in particle size and size distribution when a homogeneous and isotropic mineral is subjected to crushing by impact. The mineral used in the study was uniformly sized quartz, which was crushed in a simple drop¬-weight machine that applied impact energy up to about 100 kg-cm per g. Screen analyses of the crushed products were analyzed by the method of moments to determine the mean size, variance, skewness, and kurtosis. Analysis of the data from these experiments shows that the mean size of the crushed product is a function of the energy input and the initial size. The size distribution is functionally related to the degree of size reduction. As the mean particle size is decreased, at first there is a corresponding increase in the variance and decrease in the skewness, But, as size reduction is carried further, each tends eventually to approach a steady value, and the form of the size distribution becomes stable.

Jan 1, 1972