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By Pamela J. Watson

A novel technique has been employed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to determine the zeta potential of particles for a far-reaching series of material types in a wide variety of baseline waters, both alone and with many different chemical additives. The materials tested ranged from naturally occurring Sioux Quartzite and Tennessee marble to commercially produced magnesium oxide bricks. The waters tested ranged from ultrapure distilled, deionized water to municipal tap water and mine-site water. The chemical solutions tested included inorganic additives, such as aluminum chloride (AICI3) and sodium chloride (NaCl); organic additives, such as dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB); and nonionic polymers, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO). The results of precise zeta potential determinations have application in a large number of laboratory studies as well as in various mining and processing operations.

Jan 1, 1989

By G. L. Oldright

"The various districts in the United States where complex lead-zinc ores occur are too well known to require description, there being hardly a mining State with any large amount of ores of either metal that is free from this problem. This paper briefly presents developments in the volatilization process, as applied to the treatment of such ores, since the data in Bureau of Mines Bulletin 211** were published. In that bulletin, among the many types of ore treated, examples are given of the treatment of lead-zinc ores by the chloride volatilization process for the separation of lead. An outline of the general process, with views of the rotary kiln, ore feeder, firing system (these three features resemble closely those of cement-kiln practice), dust chambers, and a Cottrell precipitator to remove the fume from the gas, are also shown in that bulletin, to which the reader is referred for the results obtained, and for practical details of operation. The small initial cost of a volatilization plant, and its adaptability for use in isolated districts were emphasized.In general, it was found that when an intensely oxidizing atmosphere was maintained in the furnace, a good lead-zinc separation could be made. Therefore, a heavy sulphide ore would have to be preroasted, and enough air would have to be admitted to obtain complete combustion of whatever fuel might be used.The work done by private companies and the bureau since the data for Bulletin 211 were obtained, indicates that the ores most immediately amenable to treatment by volatilization are of two types. The first is an oxidzed lead. silrer ore whose variable lime content makes it impractical to chloridize the ore for acidulated brine leaching, and whose base metal content makes treatment by cyanidattion unfeasible, The second type is the lead-zinc ore mentioned above, and is the one on which data are available for publication at present. This article Chows what ores of this latter type are amenable to treatment by volatilization, by giving briefly some of the more important physical and chemical properties an ore should preferably possess. Several examples are given from both laboratory experimental work, and from practice in the field, showing various phases of the volatilization process."

Nov 1, 1923

By R. S. Fowkes

A study was made by the Bureau of Mines of the penetration of selected granular materials in an unconfined state by wedge-shaped tools having dimensions comparable with the dimensions of the particles composing the materials. The output force for larger particles fluctuated radically. A custom-designed integrator was used to obtain work as a function of depth of penetration in the form of smooth curves. The influence of wedge angle, depth of penetration, penetration rate, entry angle, compaction state, and particle size on the force required and the work performed was ascertained. Empirical equations describing force and work as a function of penetration were obtained for each set of experiments.

Jan 1, 1973

By M. L. Skow

Large tonnages of the manganese ores found in Aroostook County, Maine, are refractory to conventional mineral-dressing techniques and to the common chemical- extraction procedures. The Maple Mountain-Hovey Mountain ores are typical of this type. Because the most promising method of recovering the manganese from these ores has been a chloridizing roast in which the ground ore is in contact with gaseous hydrogen chloride, preliminary batch tests were made with a fluidized bed. On the basis of these tests, it was concluded that fluidization, with careful control of operating conditions, could be employed for this cloridization and warrants further study. Selective volatilization of the iron at 600° C. was unsuccessful. An operating temperature of approximately 950° C. was necessary for a practicable rate of volatilization of manganese chloride. Hydrogen chloride contents of 10 to 100 percent of the fluidized gas gave essentially equivalent manganese recoveries with an 80- minute retention time, For shorter periods reaction was more complete with the higher hydrogen chloride concentrations. At the 80-minute retention period the lower hydrogen chloride concentrations volatilized somewhat less iron and also improved the physical operation of the process. Fluidization gave results superior to comparable tests on chloridization in a fixed bed.

Jan 1, 1956

By Steven G. Grannes

This U.S. Bureau of Mines report summarizes Federal mandatory belt conveyor automatic fire suppression system installation requirements and inspection procedures, identifies system failure modes observed during in-mine investigations, and suggests system design and maintenance upgrades which, if implemented, would result in an improvement in overall system reliability. This report is a compilation of recommendations based on discussions with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors, review of manufacturer's literature, discussions with mine personnel, and research investigations of automatic fire suppression system performance in the laboratory and in mines. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements for installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire suppression systems should be regarded as minimum standards.

Jan 1, 1990

By Adrian J. Mathias

This report presents the results of an investigation of a mine production-scheduling model and a critical path analysis for long-range mine planning. An example is given to illustrate how these techniques might be used to plan long-range development and production scheduling for a large underground mine. The model, based on estimated ore block grades and tonnages, and on designed mine development layout, simulates mining of ore blocks in a sequence necessary to fulfill mill requirements for ore tonnage and grade evaluation within pre-established system restrictions. Simulated production schedules are obtained as output from the model. These production schedules are then incorporated into a critical path analysis to determine the sequence for the long-range development work so as to fulfill the production schedules and thereby meet the ore grade and tonnage requirements of the mill.

Jan 1, 1967

By K. C. Dean

The Bureau of Mines, following passage of the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, was authorized to conduct research on methods for utilizing, stabilizing, or reclaiming mineral wastes. This report summarizes laboratory research conducted by the Bureau and cooperative field studies made with the mineral industry to reduce the environmental impacts of air and water pollution deriving from mineral wastes. Utilization research showed that both dry-press and steam-cured building bricks and ceramic tile could be made from copper mill tailings and other discarded mineral wastes. Sponge iron was produced from steel mill and amination industry wastes, and valuable mineral products were extracted from such diverse sources as flue dusts and uranium tailings. Mineral wastes were combined with agricultural and/or sewage wastes to make artificial soils that have the potential of resolving several disposal problems by production of a useful commodity. Physical, chemical, and vegetative stabilization methods were evaluated, singly and in combination, for reclamation potential on copper, uranium, lead-zinc, and asbestos tailings. Suitable methods were developed in the laboratory for overcoming major adverse conditions of these wastes such as salinity, heavy metal toxicity, acidity, basicity, lack of nutrients and organics, and unstable surfaces. Field testing of these methods was performed on a variety of mineral wastes. Costs for the various stabilization and utilization-procedures developed were also determined.

Jan 1, 1986

By T. C. Wesson

The need for elemental-analysis information on coal mine dust for use in health and safety research prompted this study by the Bureau of Mines. Neutron-activation and X-ray fluorescent techniques were used to obtain five-element analysis (silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, and magnesium) on 444 samples from 68 coal mines in 10 States. From these analyses, the average composition of the dust in coal mines was determined. The contribution of the primary dusting material (limestone dust) to the makeup of coal mines was shown. Regional differences in mine-dust composition were indicated.

Jan 1, 1974

By V. A. Danielson

The Bureau of Mines examined sources, consumption, and movement of iron and steel scrap in the southeastern States--Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Officials of the scrap-processing and scrap-consuming industries were interviewed, data was obtained from the published literature, and a canvass was made by the Bureau of scrap consumers. The Southeast generated excess scrap which was shipped to domestic and foreign consumers in about equal proportion. Total 1963 demand in the Southeast was 3,336,000 net tons, of which purchased scrap was 75 percent, foreign exports 13 percent, and domestic exports 12 percent. Alabama, with 47 percent of the purchased scrap consumption in 1963, was the most important scrap-consuming State, and Kentucky, with 34 percent, was the second most important one. Southeast demand was 4.8 per-cent of the total U.S. demand. Projected 1980 consumption is 8,340,000 tons. Scrap prices showed a slight downward trend for the period 1953-63, although gross consumption increased slightly. A significant trend in processing scrap in the Southeast is the preparation of smaller bundles or "briquettes" weighing from 75 to 150 pounds, which are easier for consumers to handle and inspect. Another significant development is the "shredding" of automobile scrap which produces a dense, clean scrap especially desirable for use in electric furnaces.

Jan 1, 1967

By Glen C. Ware

The Bureau of Mines determined the factors involved in the corrosion of starting sheets used in the production of electrolytic zinc with the ultimate purpose of adapting zinc starting sheets to commercial practice . Under present practice , zinc is electrodeposited on aluminum cathodes and subsequently stripped for melting . The use of zinc instead of aluminum would eliminate the need to strip the deposit , thereby reducing the cost of handling and melting it , but zinc has not been suitable because it was too vulnerable to the corrosive attack of the electrolyte . Serious attack was found to be limited to the areas of the cathodes situated immediately above the surface of the electrolyte and to re - entrant corners . It was possible to avoid solution - level corrosion by immersing the starting sheets completely , exposing only a relatively heavy suspension member to solution - level attack . Zinc starting sheets could be made as reliable as aluminum and could be continued in residence for periods up to 39 days . Periods as long as a week were feasible under conditions similar to those found in commercial practice . A test of zirconium as a starting - sheet material showed that it promoted corrosion of the deposit to a lesser extent than aluminum and that the deposit adhered less tenaciously . These two properties lend themselves to the development of ways to strip deposits mechanically from zirconium starting sheets . Titanium was unsuitable for use as a starting - sheet material .

Jan 1, 1963

By Marvin E. Lane

This paper , which describes the mining methods and practices at the Hayden Creek lead mine of St. Joseph Lead Co. in southeast Missouri , is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining methods , practices , and costs in various mining districts of the United States . The Hayden Creek mine is in the W 1/2 sec . 7 , T. 36 N. , R. 4 E. , St. Francois County , Mo. , about 1 mile southwest of the town of Frankclay ( fig . 1) . The mine is on the west edge of the mining district known as the Lead Belt . However , neither the ore body nor the underground workings are connected with those of any other mine in the district . In contrast with most operations in the district , underground haulage is entirely trackless , and nearly complete delineation of the large , well -defined ore body by drilling permitted comprehensive planning of development and mining in advance of shaft sinking . The ore differs in character and occurrence from that of the main ore deposits in the Lead Belt in that the lead mineral , galena , occurs in the dolomitic matrix enclosing granite boulders instead of in dolomite limestone .

Apr 1, 1957

By Wilson Blake

This report presents the results of a 7-year Bureau of Mines program to review, revise, and make an effective engineering tool of the microseismic method of determining the stability of rock structures. The program consisted of developing new microseismic equipment and data analysis techniques and extensive field investigations to demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of the broad-band microseismic method. The guidelines for choosing the components of a microseismic system are presented along with approximate cost figures. Different microseismic systems are discussed, including completely automated systems. Procedures for conducting microseismic investigations and analyzing microseismic data are discussed in detail. Field situations which show the full value of the microseismic technique as an engineering tool are described.

Jan 1, 1974

By Charles D. Litton

A new prototype ionization-attachment fire detector was developed by the Bureau of Mines for detecting combustion-generated submicrometer particulates. It is much more sensitive than the conventional ionization smoke detector, and it has the following added features: 1. A primary charging current of unipolar air ions is generated by a gold-coated, radioactive center electrode of a cylindrical diode. 2. Submicrometer particulates are flowed axially through the unipolar cloud where they acquire charge. The charged particles impinge upon a third electrode, located downstream, resulting in a current which is directly proportional to the particulate concentration. 3. Additional electrodes analyze the particulates in terms of their mobility and thus determine their size distribution. 4. A filter and cyclone assembly protect the ionization chamber against ambient dust. An analysis of conventional ionization smoke detector performance is also presented in terms of source strength, chamber geometry, and applied potential.

Jan 1, 1977

By JOEL H. SWARTZ

During a series of resistivity measurements carried out in 1929 and 1930 a number of questions arose concerning the effect of topography on the character of the curves and the depths attained , the ratio of true depth to certain radii interpreted as representing depth , etc. To answer these questions it was decided to undertake a series of experimental investigations on artificial strata . It is the purpose of the present paper to present the results of the studies thus undertaken .

Feb 1, 1931

By J. D. Davis

THE CARBONIZING properties of Chilton-bed coal from Lorado No. 5 mine, HE Logan County, W. Va., were determined by Bureau of Mines-American Gas Association tests at 600°, 700°, 800°, 900°, and 1,000° C. and by expansion tests. Chemical analyses, agglutinating and plasticity tests, and low- and high-temperature assays also were included in the investigation. Blends with low-volatile Pocahontas No. 3 coal were carbonized at. 900° C. The Chilton coal bed lies in the Kanawha, or Upper Pottsville formation of the Pennsylvanian system; the estimated original reserves are nearly 3.2 billion tons. The bed was 39/1 to 57 inches thick in the Lorado No. 5 mine, and the coal was 38 to 57 inches thick. The carbonization sample contained 62.6 percent fixed carbon on the dry, mineral-matter-free, basis, and the heating value on the moist, mineral-matter-free basis was 15,190 B. t. u. per pound; it therefore ranks as high-volatile A bituminous. It contained 1.8 percent moisture, 35.2 percent volatile matter, 57.9 percent fixed carbon, 5.1 percent ash, and 0.7 percent sulfur, as carbonized. The sulfur was largely organic, and the ash softened at 2,630° F. The agglutinating value determined on a silicon carbide-coal mixture of 15:1 was 6.8. In the Gieseler test the coal softened at 327° C., fused at 407° C., attained a maximum fluidity of 5,730 dial divisions per minute at 435° C., and solidified at 487° C. Maximum resistance in the Davis plastometer was 45.5 pound-inches.

Jan 1, 1951

By Michael E. Henderson

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (BOM) constructed the Hydraulic Transport Research Facility (HTRF) to investigate the hydraulic parameters relating to the transport of coarse coal. To achieve these goals in a timely and efficient manner, the Bureau contracted to Boeing Services International, Inc. (BSI) the responsibility of operating the HTRF and providing technical support. This data report is a summary of the testing and data results for the period from 6 September to 9 September 1983. The testing covered herein is for coarse 2-in by 0 (minus 50 mm) Pittsburgh Seam run-of-mine (ROM) coal in a 12-in (300 mm) pipeline, at velocities ranging from 8 to 16 ft/s (2.4 to 4.9 m/s) and at concentrations ranging from 15 to 50 pct.

Jan 1, 1985

By T. J. Ballard, Austin B. Clayton

"INTRODUCTION The Conrad Hill mine was first opened as a gold mine about 1832 and has been operated at various times since then.The Bureau of Mines, as part of the strategic minerals program, mapped and sampled the accessible mine workings.The: work failed to reveal appreciable copper values or evidence of additional ore deposits.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSIn its program of investigation of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources to the and that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy. The Mining Division, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, does the actual investigative work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Division, Oliver C. Ralston, chief, analyzes samples and makes beneficiation tests.The field work embodied in this report was under the direction of Austin B. Clayton. The final report was prepared by T. J. Ballard uncle,- the general supervision of Mitchell H. Kline, chief, Raleigh, N. C., Branch, Mining Division. Analyses of samples and beneficiation tests were made by the Metallurgical Division. ACCESS AND OWNERSHIPThe property is 6 miles southeast of Lexington, N. C., and can be reached by U. S. Highway 64, turning off at Hedrick Grove Church, and is 1 mile north from the highway on the county road. The mine is in Davidson County at approximately 35° 47' latitude and 80° 10' longitude (fig. 1).The property comprises 471 acres and is owned (1943) by the McKeeMining Co., 512 Fifth Avenue, New York City. The property was optioned to Woodrow McKay of Lexington, N. C., in 1943, who in turn subleased the property to the Robert G. Lassiter interests of Raleigh, N. C."

May 1, 1948

By Charles T. Chislaghi

An economical, remotely operated (automated), temporary roof support (ATRS) has been developed by the Bureau of Mines for use on a single, fixed-head roof-bolting machine (squirmer) that operates in low coal seams (less than 42 in thick). The ATRS eliminates the need for squirmer operators and helpers to go under unsupported roof to set or remove temporary support prior to or during the roof-bolting cycle--a task that annually accounts for approximately 20 pct of all roof fall fatalities. The ATRS can be adapted to any squirmer used in the U.S. low coal fields. A prototype ATRS was field-tested at Imperial Colliery Co.?s Mine No. 20 in Eskdale, W. Va. The Mine No. 20 amended roof- control plan, which requires the use of the Bureau?s ATRS as temporary support during face bolting, has been approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), U.S. Department of Labor.

Jan 1, 1982

By John P. Powell

The increasing demands for petroleum and its products and the steadily increasing cost of discovering and developing new oil fields are factors that emphasize the importance of increasing the recovery of oil from known petroleum reserves. Water flooding is a valuable conservation measure, not only preventing premature abandonment of stripper leases but also reviving interest in many areas previously abandoned. The use of water flooding as a means for recovering additional oil from partly depleted oil-bearing formations was first tried in Oklahoma in 1931. Early water-flooding operations were confined to the area of shallow Bartlesville-sand formations in Nowata and Rogers Counties, where many of the projects were outstandingly successful. The results of these operations stimulated activities in other pools in Oklahoma, and by the end of 1949 water flooding had been tried in 25 of the 49 oil-producing counties in the State (fig. 1). Approximately 33 million barrels of oil, or 1,806 barrels per acre, had been recovered by December 31, 1949, from 18,221 productive acres included in the 162 active and abandoned projects in Oklahoma by injection of approximately 449 million barrels of water.

Jan 1, 1951

By R. H. Fewkes

New information on possible resource value of sea floor manganese nodule deposits in the eastern North Pacific has been obtained by study of records and collections of the 1972 Sea Scope Expedition. Nodule abundance (percent of sea floor covered) varies greatly, to judge from bottom photographs from 8 stations and data from other sources. All estimates considered reliable are plotted on a map of the region. Similar maps show the average content of Ni, Cu, Mn, and Co at 89 stations from which 3 or more nodules were analyzed. Variations in nodule metal content at each station are shown graphically in an appendix, where data on nodule sizes are also given. Results of new analyses of 420 nodules from 93 stations, for Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Co, and Zn, are listed in another appendix. Relatively high Ni+Cu content is restricted chiefly to four groups of stations in the equatorial region, where group averages are 1.86, 1.99, 2.47, and 2255 weight percent. These and a few other areas may warrant more exploration. It is hoped that this report will stimulate new interest in North Pacific nodule deposits and that the maps and quantitative data will aid future exploration.

Jan 1, 1981