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By J. J. Forbes

The investigation of major and minor coal-mine disasters has been a routine function of the Bureau of Mines since its inception in 1910, and the facts obtained during such investigations have been used as a basis for determining the precautions that the personnel of many mines are observing to prevent similar occurrences, The Bureau has conducted extensive research on roof-control problems, but a comprehensive study of fatal roof-fall accidents was not attempted until February 10, 1950, when the policy of investigating all coal-mine fatalities was approved by Bureau of Mines Director James Boyd. The investigations are being conducted by Federal coal-mine inspectors functioning under the provisions of the Coal Mine Inspection and Investigation Act of May 1941, Public Law 49, and reports covering the investigations are distributed to management, the State mine inspection agency, and representatives of the mine workers organization having jurisdiction at the mine. SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF STUDY This study covers the Federal investigation of 263 of the 315 fatalities from falls of roof, face, or rib that were charged to the bituminous-coal industry during the calender year 1950. The number of roof-fall fatalities investigated is recorded by States in table 1.

Jan 1, 1951

By Harvard Eng

An industrial survey was made for the Missouri Basin Field Committee of the Department of the Interior to determine the type and quantity of water-borne mineral wastes and the water requirements of metal-processing industries in the basin in Kansas and western Missouri. Data are presented on metal-processing plants visited through June 30, 1959. Most of the plants were in the greater Kansas City area. This report is to be supplemented with a similar publication on other industries, including those producing sand and gravel, coal, petroleum, and chemicals. In 1958, 19 million pounds of waste materials was discharged from metal processing industries. Approximately 14 million pounds of this waste was in the form of ferrous sulfate, and 2 million pounds was ferric phosphate. Galvanizing, other hot dipping, and automotive industries contributed the greater part of iron compounds wasted; some of this waste occurred as sludge that was not discharged to water courses but was hauled to refuse dumps, podium was present in nearly all industrial wastes, and the total of more than 900,000 pounds constituted one of the larger material losses. Although small in quantity, electroplating and allied coating wastes contained metals that were expensive when originally purchased.

Jan 1, 1961

By David C. Oyler

The U.S. Bureau of Mines and the United States Steel Corporation evaluated the progress of methane drainage at the Oak Grove, AL, degasification pattern. Coalbed pressures were monitored between December 1981 and November 1985. Formation pressures, in the lower bench of the Mary Lee Coalbed, were reduced from 400 lbf/in2(ga) in 1977 to 50 lbf/in2(ga) in November 1985. Gas contents of coal cores obtained from monitor wells were compared with coalbed gas contents measured in 1976. Data indicated a 48- to 56-pct reduction within the pattern and a 29-pct reduction at a point 500 ft outside the pattern. The effect of the advance of a section of the Oak Grove Mine on changes in gas and water production rates in the pattern was evaluated. Gas production increases were noted in 12 wells; water production decreases were noted in 6. The times of initial influence indicate the presence of a zone of high permeability within the pattern. This zone correlates well in orientation and location with a fracture zone mined through at the mine. The existence of such fracture zones could have a significant effect on productivity of individual coalbed methane wells.

Jan 1, 1989

By Paul R. Coyle, Anthony T. Iannacchione

A close look at the Loyalhanna Limestone of southwestern Pennsylvania reveals a complex structural environment. Most exposures of the Loyalhanna occur along Chestnut Ridge and LaurelHill within the Allegheny Mountain Section of the Appalachian Plateaus Province. Because the Loyalhanna is rated as a super-pavement aggregate by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and because of its proximity to the population centers of southwestern Pennsylvania, the Loyalhanna has been extensively mined along these prominent anticlinal structures. Geologic and engineering analyses were performed using gas well and core logs, outcrop examinations, underground observations, and mine maps. Strata exposures from both outcrops and quarries were used to construct geologic maps, stereo net, and rose diagram projections so that the Loyalhanna’s structural environment could be understood better. Many of these structural conditions cause ground control problems at local quarries. These problems ranged from small-to-moderate sized rock falls associated with roof jointing to pillar failures associated with dipping discontinuities. Stresses ranged from tensional on structural domes where weathering dominates, to high levels of compression within structural saddles. A greater understanding of these characteristics is a prerequisite to develop engineering controls, such as improved mine layouts, pillar sizes, etc., that lessen miner exposure to these hazards.

By Compiled by Staff

"The Bureau of Mines was established in the public interest to conduct inquiries and scientific and technologic investigations concerning mining and the preparation, treatment, and utilization of mineral substances; to promote health and safety in the mineral industries; to conserve material resources and prevent their waste; to further economic development; to increase efficiency in the mining, metallurgical, quarrying, and other mineral industries; and to inquire into the economic conditions affecting those industries. The organic act of the Bureau, as amended by Congress and· approved February 25, 1913, made it the province, and duty of the Bureau of Mines to ""disseminate· information concerning these subjects in such manner as will best carry out the purposes of this Act.""In accordance with this directive, the Bureau reports the findings of its research and investigations in its own series of publications and also in articles that appear in scientific, technical, and trade journals; in proceedings of conventions and seminars; in reference books; and in other non Bureau publications. The number of these reports, the wide range of subjects they cover, and the variety of mediums in which they appear make the kind of list and index presented in this special publication both necessary and valuable. This issue of the Bureau of Mines List of Publications and Articles describes reports and articles published during the period January 1, 1990, to December 31,1991. It, supplements the 50-year list of Bureau publications issued from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 1960;1 the 50-year list of articles by Bureau authors published outside the Bureau from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 1960;2 and the 5-year lists of publications and articles from January 1, 1960, to December 31, 1964,3from January 1, 1965, to December 31, 1969,4 from January 1, 1970, to December 31, 1974,5 from January 1, 1975, to December 31,1979,6 from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1984,7 and from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 1989.8"

Jan 1, 1992

By I. O. Salyer

This research was conducted with the objective of suppressing the respirable dust in coal mines by foam application. A formulation was developed for making a water-based, high-expansion, and limited stability foam. A horizontal boring machine was used as a laboratory coal mining model for generating coal dust. A modified laboratory foam generator was built. Foam was applied directly to the point at which dust was being formed by the cutter of the boring machine working against a block of coal. Coal dust was sampled with an impinger and analyzed for the particle count and particle size distribution. Coal dust suppression test results on freshly generated dust have demonstrated very clearly that in laboratory scale experiments over 90% of the respirable coal dust can be suppressed by foam. These tests were run when initial coal du t concentrations were 10 and 70 million particles per cubic foot (mppcf).

Jan 1, 1970

By B. D. Sartwell

The formation of alloyed regions near the surface of metals using ion implantation is being investigated by the Bureau of Mines as a means of providing corrosion resistance using much smaller amounts of the strategic alloying metals. Two ion implantation systems that can implant low-energy chromium, nickel, or aluminum ions into low-cost substrate materials such as iron or carbon steel have been designed and constructed. The development of the ion source, ion beam acceleration stage, mass analysis system, and target chamber are described in detail. The ion-implanted alloys have been characterized using proton-induced x-ray emission to give the total number of atoms implanted and to determine the extent of any surface contamination introduced by the ion implantation process. Research conducted at other laboratories on metallurgical applications of ion implantation is given.

Jan 1, 1980

By Craig M. Jensen

A laboratory assessment of prompt and delayed neutron activation analysis with 252Cf and 14MeV neutron sources, for use as an in-situ method of determining low-level copper concentration has been performed. A simulated borehole using porphyry ore was constructed and varying copper concentrations were simulated using copper rods. Prompt neutron activation analysis experiments were consistant with earlier work and do not appear to be feasible fur copper concentration of 1.5% or less. Delayed neutron activation analysis experiments indicate that copper ore concentrations of less than 0.1% are detectable using either the 511-KeV gamma-ray of copper-64 or the 1039-KeV gamma-ray of copper-66, with high resolution detectors such as Ge (Li) or intrinsic germanium.

Jan 1, 1977

Design and test a high-production coal mining machine that generates less respirable dust. Background Current coal cutting systems generate excessive amounts of airborne respirable dust and fines during the mining process. Dust control technologies, including dust dilution by ventilation and suppression by water sprays, are not always able to reduce dust levels sufficiently. The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has designed a cutting system that reduces respirable dust generated by the cutting action of the drum. This cutting system, based on geometric principles developed in the 1500's, makes use of a constant depth, linear cut to remove coal at deeper cut depths and at lower rotary speeds than a conventional rotary drum. A comparison of the linear and rotary cut paths is shown in figure 1. Approach A full-scale prototype of the linear cutting concept was valuated under laboratory conditions to determine its performance relative to standard rotary drums. Results of these evaluations show production of fewer fines, or more uniform product size, a significant reduction in the amount of airborne dust, and reduced torque and power requirements (figure 2). On the basis of these results, a contract effort was undertaken by McCracken and Associates of Bristol, TN, to design a linear cutting head for underground testing.

Jan 1, 1995

By Harold Bailie

The purpose of this Bureau of Mines report is to furnish information on mining practices applied to flat-bedded fluorspar deposits in southern Illinois. It presents new and improved operating procedures and specialized techniques applicable to deposits of this type. All of the operating mines of the Ozark-Mahoning Co. in this area have been opened by vertical shafts which connect with levels consisting of haul-age ways, stopes, and loading stations. The stoping practice used locally called room and pillar, is open stoping with pillars left at different distances and diameters. To facilitate haulage and drainage, the mines are worked from openings turned off the main haulage drift on a grade to conform with the dip of the ore beds. The ore is predominantly fluorspar with smaller amounts of galena and sphalerite that contain traces of cadmium and germanium. The principal gangue minerals are limestone, calcite, shale, barite, and sandstone. The rock hardness ranges from relatively soft shale to hard, abrasive sandstone.

Jan 1, 1960

By Edward G. Cunney

Track in underground bituminous coal mines was investigated, and technology was taken from other industries in order to obtain information on conditions that impair the safety and efficiency of the track and to develop guidelines and useful information on the construction, inspection and maintenance of mine track. Volume 1 contains information on the investigations, observed track conditions, useful technology from railroads and other industries, derivations of track condition descriptors and recommended limits, conclusions, and recommendations. Volume 2, Guidelines, contains recommended standards and practices for mine track. It includes the relation of track conditions to safe speeds; descriptions and limits for measurable track features such as gage; descriptions of conditions for track components that are normally not measurable, such as subbase soils; construction requirements and techniques, inspection requirements and methods; and methods for managing and performing track maintenance work. As a research product, it does not repeat the summary or derivations. Volume 3, Inspection Handbook, summarizes recommended standards and procedures from Volume 2 and provides related information for' ready reference by inspectors in the mines. As a research product to be used in mines, it does not repeat the summary, derivations or references.

Jan 1, 1977

By Manuel Gomez

A computerized, interpolative mapping technique based on the moving average method was shown to be adequate to estimate the between-drill-hole values of coal-seam variables. The forecasting of the spatial distribution of coal properties along the seam was of three kinds: (1) Estimation of the variable of interest on a regional basis from widely spaced sample points, (2) prediction of coal properties for product control from closely spaced data, and (3) prediction of coal properties for specified benches, or layers of the coal seam, from closely spaced sample points. Estimates obtained with the computerized, interpolative mapping procedure were useful in the delineation of seam thickness, elevation, and overburden and in the estimation of sulfur and ash concentrations during the early phases of exploration. This grid interpolation technique was found adequate to adjust between-drill-hole values for trends resulting from the combined effect of several variables on a measured response. This information, coupled with statistical and geologic data that can be obtained in the exploration phase of mining, enlarges the information base available for coal-mine development planning, energy forecasts, and environmental control associated with fossil fuel power generation.

Jan 1, 1972

By Stephen D. Cramer

The solubility of methane, carbon dioxide, and oxygen was measured in brines at temperatures from 0° to 300° as part of Federal Bureau of Mines research on the corrosion of metals in high-temperature geothermal and mineral processing environments. Solubilities were measured by the technique of extracting pure gas, dissolved at pressures where Henry's law was applicable, from known volumes of brine. The results were smoothed with respect to temperature. The solubility, expressed in terms of the Henry's law constant, reaches a maximum at temperatures ranging from 60° to 100° C for methane and oxygen, and from 160° to 170° C for carbon dioxide. The Henry's law constant increases, that is, gases are salted out of the brines, in the presence of dissolved salts. Salting-out coefficients are strongly dependent upon temperature. The temperature dependence of the Henry's law constant for geothermal brines is different from that for sodium chloride brines owing to the more complex chemistry of the geothermal brines. The solubility of oxygen and carbon dioxide in brines exposed to air saturated with water vapor and at a total pressure of 760 mm Hg is reported for temperatures from 0° C to the normal boiling point.

Jan 1, 1982

By G. Nuñez, M. A. Pathak, A. A. Afshari, C. F. Stanley

"To help evaluate the vibration patterns of an excised lung, a method is developed to determine which parts of the surface of an excised lung are responding to acoustic excitation via the trachea. Holographic interferometry, a very' sensitive technique ·that can measure movements of a few microns, is used to detect the lung surface movements.The intact lung and heart are excised from Long· Evans male rats weighing 250 gm. A tube is inserted into the trachea and connected via a funnel to a 3 inch cone speaker. The assembly is positioned in the holographic unit and excited at frequencies up to 10,000 Hz. The holographic unit contains an acousto-optic shutter used with a 0.5 watt Argon laser.The resulting reconstructed holograms contain interference fringes that are indicated of lung surface vibration.INTRODUCTIONA 1986 report by the U.S. National Committee on Biomechanics [1] describes diseases of the lung as a major national health problem. One of the recommendations of the report is for continued study of the mechanical properties of lung tissue. As an example, the report cites at least three areas that would benefit from a better understanding of the vibratory patterns or the lung."

Jan 1, 1989

By B. J. Scheiner

Extraction of molybdenum from molybdenite ore by an electrolytic oxidation procedure was investigated by the Bureau o f Mines. Various parameters affecting molybdenum extraction, such as salt concentration, temperature, treatment rate, current density, and particle size, were studied. Molybdenum extraction of 95.2 percent was achieved on a laboratory scale from an ore containing 0.35 percent molybdenite. Corresponding power consumption was 24 kwhr per pound of molybdenum extracted with a base consumption of 4.5 pounds of sodium carbonate. Laboratory and pilot plant experiments are in progress on low-grade molybdenum concentrates containing rhenium and copper. Preliminary results indicate that molybdenum extractions in the 90- to 99-percent range and rhenium extractions of 93 to 99 percent can he obtained without appreciable oxidation of associated copper minerals.

Jan 1, 1972

By W. J. Wenger

Analytical, geographical, and geological data on 67 samples of crude oils from Utah are presented, along with some correlations and interpretations. Most of the, geologic formations that produce oil in other areas are also productive in Utah; and as in many other locations, the Permian, Pennsylvanian, and Mississippian formations account for the major amount of the total oil produced in the State. Some anomalies and unusual phenomena are noted. Although most Utah oils are low in sulfur, a sample containing the highest percentage of sulfur ever recorded by the Bureau of Mines is among the oils discussed in this paper. Most of the oil from the major producing formations in Utah is low in sulfur; the same formations produce high-sulfur oils in adjoining Rocky Mountain States. Some Utah oils are both waxy and asphaltic, an unusual combination of characteristics. Correlation index curves for some oils are shown suggesting compositional differences in oils from different producing formations. Production statistics trace the rapid rise of oil production in the State after the first commercial discovery in 1947 and indicate a decline in amounts produced since 1959, the year of peak production in Utah.

Jan 1, 1971

By D. G. Puglio

This Bureau of Mines study covers 25 underground mines that were active in the Upper and Lower Freeport and Lower Kittanning coalbeds in 1976. The coal ranges from low to medium volatile in rank; its primary use is for steam generation. Seven mines emit more than 100,000 cfd of methane gas; those mines are the deepest and largest producers. The methane gas content of three core samples of the Lower Kittanning coalbed was estimated by the direct method. A sample from a depth of 320 feet contained 0.5 cu cm of gas per gram, at 620 feet there was 0.8 cu cm of gas per gram, and at 1,060 feet there was 11 cu cm of gas per gram. These results suggest that methane control problems will be encountered in the future as deeper coal is mined.

Jan 1, 1979

By R. E. Morgan, Barkleym J. F.

"INTRODUCTION Wood burned for commercial heat and power usually is waste material from some manufacturing process. The amount of it reaches substantial proportions. It is estimated that over 50 percent of the timber cut for lumber becomes ""waste"" in the process - sawdust, shavings, trimmings, slabs, and bark. Woodworking manufacturing processes also produce much waste. The incentive to use this waste has resulted in much development of wood-burning equipment to produce heat and power. To answer general inquiries received by the Bureau, this publication covering developments along these lines was written. There is included a bibliography of additional information on the subject.COMPOSITION AND BURNING CHARACTERISTICS OF WOODThe approximate composition of moisture-free wood is, in even figures:PercentHydrogen 6Carbon 49Oxygen 44Ash 1Total 100This composition corresponds to about C6H1005. Moisture is essentially always associated with wood. Green wood contains approximately 30 to 50 percent moisture; air-dried or seasoned wood contains 15 to 25 percent and kiln-dried about 8 percent. Exposed to the weather, wood absorbs and gives off moisture depending on weather conditions and water contact.""Dry"" wood ignites relatively quickly and readily gives off volatile matter when heated. Long flames and smoke easily occur during burning. The burning action is substantially retarded, however, by appreciable moisture content; ignition is more difficult. When the moisture content is more than about 70 percent, an auxiliary fuel is required to maintain combustion. One of the main factors in the problem of the satisfactory and smokeless combustion of wood is its moisture content."

Sep 1, 1950

By J. G. Stuart, A. W. Cipkins, R. H. Thompson

Preliminary safe distances for blasting wiring from typical electromagnetic sources are presented. The distances are for underground coal mines and electromagnetic sources in the frequency range below 10 MHz. The distances are based on measurements performed at 3 locations in each of 3 coal mines. The measurement apparatus, measurement procedure, measurement results and the rationale used in the calculation of the safe distances are all described. The safe distances presented are dependent on the measurement results and their interpretation. More measurements are clearly necessary to establish the validity of the suggested distances.

Jan 1, 1985

By M. A. Lucas

The Bureau of Mines has developed a computerized mathematical model to predict the distribution of accessory elements throughout a metallurgical process. The model can be used to determine process conditions that effect better accessory element control consistent with continued high primary metal recovery. The model presented is specific for determining the bismuth distribution in lead smelting but can be adapted to most extractive metallurgical processes. Thermodynamic, kinetic, and process parameters form the base for the model. Its logic and structure are described in detail.

Jan 1, 1983