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This manual is for use by mine operating personnel and vehicle manufacturers in the selection and proper use of automatic fire protection systems for underground metal and non-metal mining vehicles. Most of the currently available systems are manually operated, dry chemical fire suppression systems. When properly designed, installed, and maintained these systems have proven to be effective both in fire suppression and in withstanding the rugged mine environment. Portable fire extinguishers and manually actuated systems have provided adequate protection for most of the reported fire incidents. However, there have also been incidents where injuries and property losses would not have occurred if the vehicle had been protected with an automatic fire protection system. The need for reliable automatic systems exists when the operator is not present, especially when the vehicle engine is running without the operator in the cab; and also in cases where the operator leaves the vehicle to fight a small fire with a portable and is then forced to abandon the vehicle because the small fire becomes uncontrollable. In the later cases manual systems on the vehicle are never actuated. Although these incidents have been relatively few in number in the past, the increasing use of mobile diesel powered equipment and the related importance of personnel safety, high costs of the mining vehicles, and high cost of down time warrant consideration of automatic fire protection systems. The fire history data and the design concept discussed in this manual were developed under the Bureau of Mines Contract H0252038 which is part of the government's mining research safety program. The purpose of the contract was to develop a low cost, reliable, prototype automatic fire control system for underground vehicles. The industry needs were determined through an extensive mine visitation program, and the prototype system was demonstrated on a vehicle in an underground mine fire test. The system developed under this contract was specifically designed for a load-haul-dump. However, the design concept is applicable to the full general class of mobile underground mining equipment.

Jan 1, 2011

By A. L. Engel

[This report presents results of investigations of problems assigned as ore-testing projects to the Ore-Dressing Section, Metallurgical Division, of the Bureau of Mines at the Mississippi Valley Experiment Station in Rolla, Mo., during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1940.]

Jan 1, 1941

By D. H. Carlson

The U.S. Bureau of Mines and Michigan Technological University (MTU) are collaborating to develop an apparatus for measuring diesel tailpipe emissions in underground mines. A tailpipe emissions measurement apparatus (EMA) is described that dilutes diesel exhaust and measures the concentrations of diesel particulate matter (DPM), CO, CO2, NO, and NO2 at known dilution ratios. The EMA was evaluated by side-by-side comparison of its measurements with those by laboratory-grade instruments. Concentrations of CO and CO2 measured by the EMA were usually within ± 14 pct of concentrations measured by laboratory-grade instruments for CO and ±20 pct for CO2. EMA¬ measured DPM concentrations were, on average, 29 pct lower than those measured by laboratory-grade instruments, with the differences being fairly consistent. The CO and CO2 differences are related to the method of calculating the EMA's dilution ratio, and the difference in DPM concentrations is attributed to thermophoretic and/or condensation losses related to the EMA's unheated sample probe. Preliminary analysis of data obtained with a heated sampling probe and modifications in the sampling procedures have indicated reduced variability in DPM and in the calculated dilution ratios.

Jan 1, 2010

By N. A. C. Smith, D. D. Stark

"Sulphur is apparently a normal Constituent of crude petroleum, but in most crudes is present in percentages of less than one-half of one per cent. Some crudes, however, contain more, and occurrences have been reported of heavy asphaltic oils with as much as five per cent of sulphur.Occurrences of Sulpher-bearing CrudesIn North America, the fields rest of the Mississippi River are almost entirely free from sulphur oils, the time oil from Northern Ohio and Indiana, and the Potrolia crude in Ontario, being practically the only ones which contain sulohur in amounts over 0.5. per cent. In the Mid-Continent district the production of high sulphur crude in general is small and unim¬portant. The two main excentions are the Healdton field in Oklahoma and the El Dorado field in Arkansas, both of which produce oils with considerable sulphur content. In the Wyoming field, one sand, the Ember Sandstone, pro¬duces a crude of high sulphur content, and it is probable that this crude rill be of considerable importance as production increases. At present, however, very little crude is produced from this formation. In the Gulf Coast conditions are irregular, some crudes being low in sulphur and others comparatively high. The same is largely true of California. The crudes of Mexico contain notable amounts of sulphur, and as they have been of great commercial importance in this country, a typical sample of light Mexican crude was selected for the present study. It is probable that the results obtained poly also (but to a lesser degree) to other sulphur-bearing oils. An analysis of this crude will be found in Table 3, also analyses of other typical sulphur-bearing crudes from different sections of the United States."

Mar 1, 1924

By James C. Cawley

The Bureau of Mines conducted an investigation to statistically determine the mean current or voltage for resistive, inductive, and capaci-tive circuits that would cause spark ignitions in 8.3% methane-air, 5.3% propane-air, and 7.8% ethylene-air mixtures. Each mean ignition current or voltage was determined on the basis of 100 trials. Each trial consisted of 400 revolutions, 200 in each polarity, at 80 rpm of the standard breakf1ash apparatus. In general, spark ignition curves published in UL 913 for resistive and inductive circuits represent approximately the mean current values determined in this study, while published capacitive circuit values in methane are considerably less than the mean voltage values from this study, especially for a capacitance of less than 100 ~F. For resistive and inductive circuits, spark ignitions were obtained at currents con-siderably below those in the published curves, but this study was not optimized to find minimum ignition values. This report defines "safety factor" as applied to intrinsic safety testing as the energy ratio of the mean values of ignition current or voltage for two test gases. The safety factors presented in this report are not constant with voltage or current and, therefore, are not recommended for use.

Jan 1, 1986

By J. M. Mutmansky, C. Lee

"This paper outlines some of the work associated with a research study into the relationship between the characteristics of coal mine dust and the incidence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). The project involves study of the chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characteristics of the dust. Early stages of the study have dealt primarily with the size analysis and elemental composition of airborne dust in continuous miner sections. This paper outlines the procedures and findings of the elemental analysis portion of the study.Most of the previous elemental analyses of coal were made available in the quest for information on the combustibility of coal dust or on causal agents and prevalence of CWP. However, no extensive studies have been performed to date, primarily due to the limitations of the analytical methods. A review of the analytical methods for elemental characterization of coal and coal dust particles is presented. TI1e comparisons are made based on the sample mass required, the sample preparation required, the destructivity of the test, and the capability of providing an easy multi-element analysis. The reasons for selecting the proton-induced x-ray emission spectroscopy (PIXE) method are outlined.The PIXE method was applied to both the airborne coal mine dust and channel samples collected from seven continuous miner sections in six different mines. Channel samples of the coal, roof and floor were collected and analyzed. Airborne dust sampling was performed using multi-stage cascade impactors and permissible 2.0 I/min pumps. Sampler locations were fixed in the sections with respect to the continuous miner and roof bolter or with respect to the intake and return airways. Sampling times varied from 45 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the dust concentration.The statistical analysis of the resulting elemental data is presented. Of particular importance are the analyses of the variation of elemental composition with size and the variation in elemental composition over the working section. One interesting finding is outlined showing the multivariate statistical analysis of the trace elements and its implications in the identification of the dust sources. The paper concludes with an analysis of the ramifications of the elemental data to related medical studies."

Mar 1, 1989

By C. H. Fisher

[Many methods of analyzing tar oils for their tar acid and base content have bun employed in connection with both academic and. industrial investigations. Most of these analytical procedures are based on the diminution in volume caused by extraction with alkali and mineral acids (contraction method), although other methods haves been employed.4/ In many instances the adoption of an analytical method was not preceded by adequate study, and, as a consequence, the literature, on this subject is conspicuous for its contradictory claims and recommendations. It has bin shown in the, case of certain synthetic solutions5/ that large errors may result if the analysis is carried out by simple extraction with alkali and mineral acids.]

Jan 1, 1936

By Peter K. Mathison

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed a hydrologic monitoring system for in situ leaching operations. This system records and displays flow and pressure information from sensors located in leachant injection and recovery wells. Continuous monitoring of hydrologic conditions is important during leaching operations because hydrologic factors such as aquifer permeability, solution injection rates, injection pressure, and solution recovery rates interact and change over time. This hydrologic monitoring system has been tested in an underground setting at the Cyprus Casa Grande copper mine. The system consists of hardware and computer software components and includes two Bureau-developed software applications. This publication describes the implementation of the hydrologic monitoring system and the software developed at the Bureau in support of in situ leaching research.

Jan 1, 1994

By Mary S. Esfandiary

U.S. scientists attempting to maintain continuous surveillance of scientific information are confronted with two acute problems: The steady, even spectacular; increase in the volume of such information and the fact that much of it is published in unfamiliar foreign languages, According to the National Science Foundation, almost one-third of the world's scientific literature is published in languages that are read by less than 5 percent of U.S. scientists. Most scientists in the United States must rely on abstract journals and translations to obtain information on developments in research and investigations conducted in the non-English-speaking countries. However, there are problems involved in procuring suitable abstracts and translations and in obtaining such information as cheaply and rapidly as possible.

Jan 1, 1961

By A. E. Schwaneke

Plans and specifications are given for constructing a quartz composite oscillator designed to measure internal friction in metals and alloys . The characteristics of the system are listed , and detailed procedures for its operation are explained . Typical measurements on manganese - copper alloy , on single - crystal magnesium , and on polycrystalline magnesium are shown to illustrate applications of the system .

Jan 1, 1964

By Sidney Katell

This study presents the economics of the hot-carbonate purification process for removing C02. It considers three variations of the process in order to meet the design specifications, which call for a feed-gas flow of 10 million standard cubic feet per hour (std.c.f.h.) with C02 inlet concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 percent and exit C02 values of 5, 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.1 percent. Inlet pressure and temperature are 350 pounds per square inch [e] (p.s.i.g.) and 300° F., respectively. Estimated capital and operating costs are shown in the following to tabulations: [ ]

Jan 1, 1960

By Richard L. Fowler

Study and development of sensing techniques and sensors were performed to aid shuttle car drivers in detecting obstacles and in guiding the car along the face haulage route. Microwave, acoustic, and optical sensing techniques were considered as part of the feasibility study for obstacle detection. Various guidance techniques, including wire-following and rib-ranging were investigated. Active optical sensing was selected for obstacle detection to obtain the beam coverage and sharp angular cutoff characteristics required within the packaging limitations defined by the shuttle car configuration. Rib-ranging guidance was selected to achieve a completely self-contained shuttle car system which responds to the existing mine geometry without need for wires, stripes, or other path defining devices. Extensive hybrid computer simulation runs were performed to evaluate various guidance techniques during the feasibility study. Subsequent simulation runs were performed to establish parameter values for the rib-ranging guidance system. The obstacle detection and guidance system was designed, fabricated and installed on a standard shuttle car. The system satisfied all applicable permissibility requirements of Schedule 2G. An experimental permit was issued to Bendix for operation in an underground coal mine. System evaluation tests were performed first above ground at the Bendix Research Laboratories. The simulation model was validated by these runs. Final testing was performed underground in an operating mine with an experienced shuttle car driver. All sensors successfully demonstrated the predicted performance capability during underground face haulage tests. Dust did not impair system performance and lens cleaning was not required during working shifts. Further development is required to achieve the desired obstacle detection performance. Closed loop steering control with manual override is recommended for the lateral guidance system. The guidance system should be an invaluable aid to low-coal shuttle car drivers where continuous mining machines are utilized.

Jan 1, 1973

By Stephen A. Hare, O&apos

Powder metallurgy processing of commercial Raney nickel powders was examined. The typical angular particle shape, in conjuction with aluminum present in a eutectic phase, facilitated interlocking leading to excellent green strength after compaction. Density and porosity as influenced by the compacting pressure were studied over the range of 37.5 to 207 meganewton per square meter (MN/m2). Sintering in an inert atmosphere from 575° to 850° C caused a volume increase which is attributed to a solid state reaction between Al and Ni2Al3 phases. The reaction is 3Al + Ni2Al3 ? 2NiA13. A thermal pretreatment of 70 hours at 700° C was required to prevent this reaction from occurring during sintering. Density and porosity as a function of compacting pressure and sintering temperature were determined after a thermal pretreatment of the powder.

Jan 1, 1976

By Denis Dwyer

[This paper describing mining, treatment methods, and costs at Plant No. 1 of the Western Indiana, Gravel Co. at Lafayette, Ind., is one of a series on gravel and sand mining being prepared for and published by the U. S. Bureau of Mines. These papers are designed to disseminate technical information regarding the methods used. The cost tabulations represent operating expenditures only and not total costs. It is recognized that publication of total costs might in many instances cause embarrassment to individual producers, as well as to industry as a whole. On the other hand, operating costs are essential to e technical discussion and study of the methods employed, The attention of the reader is specifically called to this differentiation in order that no Misunderstanding of the scope of the cost tabulations shall ensue.]

Jan 1, 1933

By Dayton C. Bolin

This paper is one of a series being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines describing quarrying methods and costs at stone quarries throughout the United States. These papers are designed to disseminate technical information regarding the methods used. The cost tabulations represent operating expenditures only and not total production costs. It is recognized that publication of total production costs might in many instances cause embarrassment to individual producers as well as to the industry as a whole. On the other hand, operating costs are essential to the technical discussion and study of the methods employed. The attention of the reader is specifically called to this differentiation in order that no misunderstanding of the scrope of the cost tabulations shall ensue. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance of J. R. Thoenen, mining engineer, United States Bureau of Mines, in the preparation of this paper. Acknowledgment is also made to E. R. Lederer, vice president in charge of the company's operations, through whose kindness the preparation of this paper was made possible. E. T. Eubank, superintendent of the quarry, and J. A. Hodges, quarry foremen, gave much of their time to this work. The cost data were compiled by the company's chief clerk, J. von Carlowitz.

Jan 1, 1931

By J. H. Rose

This paper describing the milling practice at the Magma Copper Co., Superior, Ariz., is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on milling methods and costs in the various mining districts throughout the United States. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors wish to acknowledge their indebtedness to William Koerner, general manager of the Magma Copper Co., for permission to prepare this article; to J. S. Garrott, former mill superintendent, for the historical facts; and to Walter Cooksley, general foreman, for his assistance in obtaining the data.

Jan 1, 1930

The Technology Transfer Seminar on Mine Communications held on March 21-22, 1973, at the Pittsburgh Mining and Safety Research Center, Bruceton, Pa., presented information about recently developed equipment, instruments, and techniques for use in mine communications systems. All of the basic ideas presented in the fine seminar are operational in the Bureau of Mines Safety Research Mine in Bruceton.

Jan 1, 1974

By R. Barany

The heats of formation of seven substances were determined by solution calorimetry. At 298.15° K, the heat of formation of lithium sulfate from lithium, rhombic sulfur, and oxygen was -343.1 ± 0.7 kcal/mole, and the heat of formation of lithium sulfate monohydrate from lithium, rhombic sulfur, oxy-gen, and hydrogen was -414.3 ± 0.7 kcal/mo1e. For the silicates, the heats of formation at 298.15° K from the elements were kaliophilite, -503.8 ± 0.5 kcal/mole; leucite, -721.6 ± 0,8 kcal/mole; eucryptite, -505,2 ± 0.6 kcal/mole; alpha-spodumene, -727.9 ± 0.9 kcal/mole; and beta-spodumene, -721.1 ± 0.9 kcal/mole. The corresponding heats of formation at 298.15° K from the constituent oxides were kaliophilite, -42.7 ± 1.1 kca1/mole; leucite, -42.8 ± 1.1 kcal/mole; eucryptite, -16.1 ± 0.7 kcal/mole; alpha-spodumene, -21.0 ± 0.7 kcal/mo1e; and beta-spodumene, -14.3 ± 0.7 kcal/mo1e.

Jan 1, 1966

By Gerald W. Elger

This report compares the quality of zirconium metal prepared by batch reduction of zirconium tetrachloride by (1) sodium, (2) magnesium, and (3) mixtures of sodium and magnesium. Criteria for quality are based on chemical analyses and hardness testing of zirconium arc-melted from sponge. The best quality zirconium with respect to low oxygen content and hardness numbers was prepared by reaction of zirconium tetrachloride with a mixture of sodium and magnesium. It was found that this reaction could be successfully carried out by two methods: (1) addition of sodium and magnesium before the initial reaction and (2) periodic injection of sodium during reaction of zirconium tetrachloride with magnesium. The largest quantity of metal was found to be recovered from experiments in which a mixture of sodium and magnesium was used. Magnesium appeared to be a better reductant than sodium because magnesium-reduced zirconium contained less oxygen and exhibited lower hardness numbers than sodium-reduced metal.

Jan 1, 1962

By F. W. Wood

A program of research was conducted by the Bureau of Mines to investigate anomalies in electrical-discharge behavior during consumable-electrode arc melting of titanium and to study the effects of these irregularities on arc-furnace explosions. A major effort was devoted to an experimental survey of arc behavior and a qualitative definition of discharge phenomena.3/ An important conclusion was that the "glow" of industrial arc-melting terminology is not a glow discharge but a skittering arc in a displaced position. The conditions that permit displaced skittering were tentatively defined. The displaced skittering arcs tended to damage melting crucibles in two ways, and details of possible mechanisms leading to crucible rupture and explosive reactions have been proposed accordingly. However, no acceptable means of preventing crucible damage was discovered.

Jan 1, 1961