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By Jack Wasserman, Don Wasserman, Gretchen Hinton, Logan Mullinix, Shekar Khanal

Human testing has always been a needed way to provide information on the effects of vehicle vibration, however, the manner of testing has not reflected the real situations of driver’s hands on a steering wheel and a seat with back support and driving tasks. The typical system have used a standard sinusoidal excitation rather than the typical types of road – truck excitations The new truck driver training simulators provide the combination of road roughness, speed effects, cab environment and individual tasks. The system has a full six axis simulation potential. The simulators have the protection of the individual by a combination of two ways for the individual to stop the motion as well as an operator with visual capability who can stop the testing. The closed simulator, shown in Figure 1, has the potential for providing motion during the operation.

Jan 6, 2006

By Horace M. Lawrence, Edmund S. Leaver

"The sulphidizing filming of minerals in oxide ores as a preliminary treatment to aid their recovery by flotation is known practice. In this work the use of barium polysulphide does not appear to have been considered. A study of the properties of barium lead to the following comparative investigation of the sulphides and polysulphides of the alkaline and alkaline-earth metals. It is thought that barium polysulphide may prove to be a more satisfactory sulphidizing reagent than others now in use under conditions that favor the cheaper barium reagent.For the investigation two fairly typical oxidized ores of copper and lead were selected. The copper ore came from the Big Indian Mine in southeastern Utah, and assayed 3.8% Cu; the copper was present in a sandstone gangue mainly as the carbonates, malachite and azurite, with less than 0.2% as sulphides, or silicate. The lead ore is from the Tintic Standard mine in the Tintic district, Utah. It is typical of the oxidized lead-silver ores of that district; the lead is present in an oxidised form in a siliceous gangue, much: Uncolored by ferric oxide. The sample assayed 5.15% Pb and 11.3 oz. Ag.In addition to the results obtained in this investigation, there are included some results secured by Mr. J. B. Lain, consulting metallurgist of Reno, Nevada, on a sample of ore from the Chino Copper Co. The ore assayed about 1.7% Cu, of which about 0.25% was nonsuiphide."

Aug 1, 1925

By Joseph Cervik, Gerald L. Finfinger

The Bureau of Mines conducted an experimental degasification project in Island Creek Coal Co.'s Virginia Pocahontas No. 5 mine. Methane from the over- lying Pocahontas No. 4 coalbed was entering mine workings in the Pocahontas No. 3 coalbed through fractures in the roof rock. Small-diameter (1-5/8-inch) holes were drilled into the overlying coalbed to reduce the gas pressure and intercept methane flows, which were piped to the surface through an under- ground 6-inch-diam steel pipeline. The total methane flow rate from the vertical holes averaged 150,000 ft3/day for the first month. Methane flows into the mine were reduced by 47 pct, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of this form of degasification in reducing ventilation requirements and providing a safer working environment.

Jan 1, 1979

By Wing G. Agnew, John A. Johnson

"INTRODUCTION This paper is one of a series being published by the Bureau of Mines pertaining to an investigation on the use of stemming in metal mines now being conducted at the Mount Weather Testing Adit. Its purpose is to compare the amount of dust and gases produced as a result of blasting charges of dynamite (1) in drill holes, (2) in bombs, and (3) in mud-cap or adobe shots.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSValuable assistance and advice on stemming were given by members of the staff at the Bureau of Mines, as acknowledged in previous publications. 4/TEST PROCEDUREThe results used for comparison in this report are from dust and gas samples taken after blasting (1) four regular test rounds with no stemming, (2) five bomb shots, and (3) two mud-cap or adobe shots."

Dec 1, 1942

By R. V. Ramani, K. V. K. Prasad

"Solution of most engineering problems requires, in addition to vast ·numerical calculations, substantial use of practical judgement and expertise. With advances in applied mathematics and computer technology, the numerical aspects of problem solution have reached a considerable level of maturity; However; it is only .recently that approaches like the expert systems methodology have been developed to ·incorporate the Judgemental aspects as well. For rapid development and prototying of expert systems, expert system building tools or ""shells"" have become widely available. For the expert system developer, identification of the key characteristics of the problem domain and selection of the right expert system tool are of crucial importance. In this paper, the important attributes required in an expert system shell for use in the development or a mine ventilation planning expert system are discussed. These attributes are general in that most engineering problems in mining would have these requirements. Also, the results of an exercise undertaken to evaluate commercially available shells for application to mining engineering problems are presented.INRODUCTIONExpert systems (ES) are interactive computer programs which use high quality specialized knowledge in some narrow problem domain to solve complex problems in that domain. These complex problems lack structured and/or standard ways of solution and involve substantial use of subjective and experience based knowledge. One of the first expert systems was MYCIN, developed in 1974, in which subjective and heuristic knowledge of expert physicians was used to diagnose infectious diseases and provide antimicrobial therapy (Buchanan arid Shortliffe, 1984). Since MYCIN, expert systems applications have appeared in other areas such as mineral prospecting (Gaschnig, 1982), configuration of computers (McDermott, 1982) and structural engineering (Bennett and Englemore, 1979)."

Jan 1, 1989

By Charles D. Litton

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the responses of a prototype smoke detector and a commercially available photoelectric smoke detector to smoke particles generated from various combustion sources. The prototype smoke detector combines optical scattering measurements with ionization chamber measurements in order to reduce/eliminate nuisance alarms due to the presence of airborne dusts or diesel exhaust particles. The commercially available smoke detector is designed for use in harsh environments where airborne dust represents a major problem due to both nuisance alarms and detector contamination. In the experiments, the responses of the two detectors were measured when exposed to smoke particles from the exhaust of a diesel engine and from a variety of fire sources, including wood, coal, styrene butadiene rubber, and No. 2 diesel fuel. For the solid fuels, data were obtained for both smoldering and flaming combustions. This report describes the experiments, their results, and the use of these results as they apply to early-warning fire sensors capable of the rapid and reliable detection of fires in atmospheres that may or may not be contaminated by either airborne dust or the products produced from diesel engines.

Jan 1, 2008

By H. R. Babitzke

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the potential of columbium-hafnium alloys as structural materials for use at elevated temperatures. The work described in this report was conducted to determine the properties of columbium-hafnium alloys and to select the more promising ones for further improvement. Properties determined in this report were machinability, hardness, workability, tensile strength, and oxidation resistance. Ten ingots, ranging from 100 percent columbium to 70 atomic-percent hafnium, were prepared and subjected to tests. The test results showed that the alloys with 33 and 50 atomic-percent hafnium were superior in workability, strength, and oxidation resistance. For the alloy series tested, the strength and hardness values increased with the increasing hafnium content. Maximum values were reached with 50 atomic-percent hafnium. The oxidation resistance was poorest at the 1 atomic-percent hafnium level but improved with increasing hafnium content through 70 atomic-percent. Eight of the ten ingots were fabricable at room temperature. The two remaining ingots, those with 5 and 10 atomic-percent hafnium, required hot-working.

Jan 1, 1962

By Charles W. Huggins

The Bureau of Mines investigated palygorskite, a natural asbestiform material, to accumulate knowledge that might serve as a foundation for future synthesis of a similar material. Unit cell, chemical analysis, DTA, TGA, optical constants, and electron microscopy data were obtained. Selected palygorskite samples of bettor than 97-percent purity were used to obtain this information. Chemical analysis revealed the following formula: (OH2)4 (OH)2 Ca0.01Fe0.02K0 .c3Mg2.10A12.00Si7.93020.3.91 H2O. The optical constants for sodium light are a = 1.522; S = 1.530; ?=1.533; biaxially (-). The following orthorhomibic unit cell constants were determined: ao = 12.690 A, Z = 2, bo = 17.857 A, Dx = 2.327. co = 5.207 A, Identical diffraction patterns resulted from the three palygorskite samples that were studied. X-ray, chemical, DTA, TGA, and optical data were compared with literature values for similar fibrous materials. X-ray diffraction lines were indexed. Several electron micrographs were made to compare the structures of palygorskite and attapulgite with that of chrysotile. The micrographs revealed extremely short laths for attapulgite, very long flexible laths for palygorskite, and tubular structure for chrysotile.

Jan 1, 1962

Improve the health and safety of underground mine workers by finding ways of keeping them away from unsupported areas of the mine. Background Roof falls have been the leading cause of fatal accidents in the underground coal mining industry. During 1985-89, 92 coal miners were killed by falls of roof and rib, with more than 4,000 miners injured. According to accident investigation reports from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, 47% of the victims of these fatal roof fall accidents were in the area of unsupported roof al the time they were killed. There is an urgent need to find out why miners go under unsupported roof and to devise strategies for preventing this unsafe behavior. Approach To discover what can be done to prevent miners from going under unsupported roof, confidential interviews were conducted with 297 miners who work in the face crews of 6 different coal mines. The interview topics included company policies and actions regarding going under unsupported roof, how foremen react to people who go under unsupported roof, circumstances likely to cause some people to go under unsupported roof and how to prevent these situations, and observations concerning those who go under unsupported root.

Jan 1, 1991

By Edward Thomas

In 1947 the Bureau of Mines, as an accident-prevention measure, decided to advocate the adoption of roof bolting (suspension roof supports) in coal mines where it appeared to be applicable. Subsequent experience has disclosed that the applicability of this support is more general than was first suspected; moreover, comparison of the accident records of mines before and after adoption of the roof-bolting method shows results that more than justify the effort and funds expended. The industry has responded enthusiastically, because roof bolting proved to be not only an accident-prevention measure but also one to increase productive efficiency. In some instances this increase in the productivity of men and machines has been almost incredible and has led many mining men to conclude that through some hocus-pocus they can now cast aside many or all of the time-proven rule of good mining practice. If this tendency is not counteracted, it could easily result in an increase of roof-fall accidents, which may outweigh the benefits of roof bolting and discredit an innovation in roof control that shows great promise of materially reducing our mining accidents. From an economic standpoint it may represent the margin between profit and loss in many mining operations. The purpose of this manuscript is not to propose an inflexible code or set of rules but to summarize the experience to date as a guide for those who have the responsibility for the installation and inspection of roof bolts. This experience consists of approximately 250 investigations of roof failure in which roof bolting was involved either directly or indirectly. It should be pointed out that many of these failures were controlled, occurring during experimental periods, and comparatively few of the accidental failures actually resulted in personal injury, yet a significant number represented potential hazards.

Jan 1, 1951

By C. E. Saxon, F. E. Cash

"Adequate lighting for all mining operations would unquestionably tend to promote both safety and efficiency; this would be true not only for men but also for the animals that man impresses into service in mines. The Markeeta Coal Co. and the Alabama Fuel & Iron Co. both operating mines in Alabama, have found that equipping mine mules with portable electric lights is more efficient, much more humane, and far more safe for both men and animals then the more or less usual method of forcing the animal to do its work essentially in darkness.This report is intended to give the mining industry data, that will aid in trying to bring about safe and efficient operation of mines.The authors desire to thank Charles F. DeBardeleben, president, Fred R. Bell, general manager, Hewett Smith, C. H. Shepherd, and R. A. Sensing, superintendents for the Alabama Fuel & Iron Co.; and Charles F. DeBardeleben, Jr., president, and H. M. House, superintendent for the Markeeta Coal Co., for their cooperation in furnishing the data for this paper.The eight mines operated by the Alabama Fuel & Iron Co. and one operated by the Markeeta Coal Co. in Jefferson and St. Clair Counties, Ala., are the only mines in Alabama where mules are provided with portable electric lights, and there are few if any mines in other States in which this system is in use.These two companies are convinced that equipping all mine mules with good lights decreases underground haulage cost by animals by prolonging the useful life of the animals, increasing their efficiency, lessening haulage wrecks and delays on haulage, and increasing production. Last but not least of the advantages would be the more humane treatment of the animals.The nine mines are developed by slopes along the dip of the coal bed, with double-room entries on 200- to 300-foot centers turned right and left off the slopes and with approximately 1 per cent grade in favor of the loads. Rooms are driven up or diagonally up the pitch from these entries.A surface hoist delivers the empties from the surface to the entry sidetracks at the slope and pulls the loads to the surface. From these sidetracks, mules pull one to four wooden cars, each of which holds 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 tons of coal, deliver the empties to the rooms and entry faces, and pull the loads to the slope sidetracks. The mule haul varies from 100 to 3,000 feet; there are no locomotives or trolley wires in any of these nine mines, seven of which are rated as gassy and two as nongassy by the Alabama state Mining Department."

May 1, 1933

By F. C. Turin, K. M. Cornelius

1. INTRODUCTION Underground mining in the USA has undergone significant change in the past 20 years. Two key elements have been increased mechanization and a more educated work force in spite of these changes, many jobs continue to be labor-intensive and repetitive in nature. They entail tasks that, performed over time, can take a toll on the soft tissues and joints. The problem may be compounded by an aging mining workforce. In 1996 the mean age of the coal mining work force was 45 years and the median total years of experience was 20 (NMA 1998). As a person ages, the body resilience to chronic wear and. tear is reduced, which may cause a worker to pay an increasingly higher health price for performing the same task. Mining companies, like many others, are becoming more aware of cumulative effects to the worker as reports of these types of injuries rise. . Conducting a job analysis is an important step when considering a job redesign or modification to reduce worker cumulative trauma exposure. A basic approach to job analysis is to examine the types of aches and pains reported, the tasks performed, and work site conditions. The US Bureau of Mines (USBM) conducted an evaluation of roof-bolting tasks performed at an underground coal mine concerned about early warning signs of cumulative trauma. This evaluation will comprise the primary focus of this chapter. The approach used for the roof-bolting race study may be applicable to other work environments. 2. FUNDAMENTALS OF CUMULATIVE TRAUMA EXPOSURE Musculoskeletal injury is a term used to describe a wide range of soft tissue disorders that affect the nerves, tendons and muscles. Common examples include lower back pain, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The majority of these injuries are not the result of sudden mishaps, but usually develop gradually from repeated wear and tear. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but can take weeks, months or even years. Symptoms may result from many types of activities, performed at work or at home, and it is often difficult to attribute there to a single event. In fact, it is more common to identify factors that may have contributed to the development of the condition. The terms repetitive strain injuries or cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) have been commonly used to refer to disorders that have occurred due to work-related activities. Three main risk factors contribute to CTD: force, repetition and awkward postures. Any one or combination of these may contribute to the development of CTD. Therefore, the design of equipment in conjunction with the required tasks should be evaluated when attempting to reduce these risk factors. Examining the layout of the work area to help identify tasks which may contribute to cumulative trauma is necessary. The following list (Putz-Anderson 1988), describes ergonomics concerns that, overall, should be minimized at the work area: • Crowding or cramping the worker: a work area layout may unnecessarily constrain movements of the worker. • Twisting or turning: placement of tools and materials may require the worker to twist the spine to fulfill the requirements of the job. • Repeated reaching motions: the layout of the work area may require the worker to lean to reach and grasp the necessary tools and controls. • Misalignment of body parts: the arrangement of the work area may require the worker to frequently have one shoulder higher than the other or have the neck or spine bent to one side. While many of these concerns are a function of equipment design and environmental conditions, making workers aware of these issues may help them to adapt their work habits to reduce risk of injury. Additionally, this information is useful when conducting an ergonomic evaluation of a work area and associated tasks. 3. UNDERGROUND MINING ENVIRONMENT The underground mining environment is a unique challenge. It is more difficult to develop controls for an underground mine site as compared with a factory setting where equipment and facilities can be more easily designed to reduce worker force, posture and repetitive exposures. In an underground mine, workers are required to perform labor-intensive tasks that often cannot be avoided due to environment constraints. The dynamic nature of the environment does not allow easy implementation of mechanical assists to reduce force exposure. Many of the tasks performed by workers are repetitive. Restrictive work areas due to low ceiling height, low lighting levels and large pieces of equipment cause workers to perform these tasks in postures that are not desirable. Designers of underground mining equipment can control how a machine will function, but not the environment in which it will be used, Hazards in an underground mine cannot be completely removed by redesigning the system. There are many hazards and information sources that must be continually monitored by workers including their position in relation to large pieces of mobile equipment and unpredictable geological anomalies. Thus, immediate dangers may take priority over awareness of ergonomic considerations while performing a job. 4. CASE STUDY OF UNDERGROUND ROOF BOLTING 4.1. Roof Bolting and Cumulative Trauma Exposure In an underground coalmine, after an area is mined it is necessary to support the roof to keep it from collapsing. Since 1950, the primary method for supporting the mine roof has been installation of roof bolts. Long bolts installed into the roof compress the layers of strata achieving a uniformly distributed support anchorage. Roof bolts, typically 6-8 feet long, are installed by workers using large roof-bolting machines. There are different types of machines

By Daniel D. Sweeney

The United States coal mining industry has traditionally experienced difficulty in controlling dust levels below the occupational exposure limit. While improvements in face ventilation and water spray nozzles have decreased dust exposures, approximately eight percent of experienced coal miners are still developing Coal Worker?s Pneumoconiosis. This investigation tested the feasibility of enhancing existing engineering dust controls by mounting a simple barrier on a longwall shearer that separated the operators from the cutting drums. The barrier was constructed and tested above ground at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Pittsburgh Research Laboratory longwall gallery test facility. A 96-percent reduction of respirable dust occurred at the headgate sampling position when tested at 2.4 m/sec (480 ft/min). The average dust level decreased from 39 mg/m3 to 1.5 mg/m3 by utilizing the barrier.

Jan 1, 2009

By Leonard Obert

This report describes an inexpensive triaxial equipment for testing 2-1 / 8- , 4- , and 5-5 / 8 - inch - diameter rock cylinders subjected to loading conditions comparable to those encountered in underground mining . Only minimal specimen preparation is required . The maximum axial load that can be applied is 250,000 lb , which corresponds to an axial stress of 70,000 psi for the 2-1 /8- inch- diameter specimen . The maximum radial pressure that can be applied is the same for each specimen diameter ; namely , 10,000 psi . The mechanical parts in this equipment are relatively easy to machine and fabricate . The cost of all parts , including the 250,000- lb hydraulic press but not including labor costs , was approximately $ 1,000 .

Jan 1, 1963

By Michael S. Wieland

The work-principle from thermodynamics was used to formulate a model for predicting toxic fumes from mining explosives in underground chamber tests, where rapid turbulent combustion within the surrounding air noticeably changes the resulting concentrations. Two model constants were required to help characterize the reaction zone undergoing rapid chemical transformations in conjunction with heat transfer and work output: a stoichiometry mixing fraction and a reaction-quenching temperature. Rudimentary theory with an unsteady uniform concentration gradient was taken to characterize the combustion zone, yielding 75% for the mixing fraction. Four quenching temperature trends were resolved and compared to test results of ammonium nitrate compositions with different fuel-oil percentages (ANFO). The quenching temperature 2345 K was the optimum choice for fitting the two major components of fume toxicity: carbon monoxide (CO) and total nitrogen oxides (NOx). The resulting two-constant model was used to generate comparisons for test results of ANFO compositions with additives. Though respectable fits were usually found, charge formulations which reacted weakly could not be resolved numerically. The work-principle model yields toxic concentrations for a range of charge formulations, making it a useful tool for investigating the potential hazard of released fumes and reducing the risk of unwanted incidents. Keywords: Toxicity; Fumes; Explosives

By C. E. Jordan

Domestic cobalt resources are relatively large, but low grade. The full potential for cobalt production from domestic sources is at least 19.4 million lb of cobalt per year exclusive of offshore resources. A summary of the cobalt processing technologies for the major domestic resources is presented in this Bureau of Mines report. The processing technologies for the Blackbird, Madison Nine, Duluth Gabbro, iron ore pyrite, laterites, and manganese sea nodules are nearly complete, but the economics are not favorable. Research on these resources should be limited to approaches that promise to cut the total processing costs by at least 50 pct. The most promising sources of cobalt are the spent copper leach solutions and siegenite from the Missouri lead ores. Research on cobalt processing from these two sources needs to be completed.

Jan 1, 1988

By Robert A. Jankowski

The U.S. Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the mining industry, has identified and demonstrated the effectiveness of several improved face ventilation techniques for longwall mining systems. These include the following: identifying improved techniques for measuring face ventilation parameters on longwall sections, installing curtains at the intake end of the longwall face to maximize usage of the primary airflow, identifying optimum face airflow rates for maximizing dilution effects, and coursing the primary face intake from tailgate to headgate to minimize outby airflow contamination. Application of these techniques throughout the mining industry should reduce the health hazard associated with excessive exposure to respirable coal mine dust.

Jan 1, 1993

By H. H. Schrenk, L. B. Berger

"INTRODUCTION The Bureau of Mines frequently receives requests for information and advice regarding the equipment necessary for establishing laboratories for the analysis of mine atmospheres. Such requests are made by mining companies, State mining departments, and other agencies concerned with the safety of mining operations. In many instances it is desired to install a complete laboratory, which will necessitate purchase of suitable gas-analysis apparatus and all the minor but important accessory equipment needed to carry on this type of work. Although publications that describe methods and techniques applicable to the analysis of mine atmospheres are available, it is not within the scope of such publications to give detailed information on laboratory equipment or design. Persons unfamiliar with laboratory practices and gas-analysis procedures may find it difficult to decide upon the proper equipment for their particular needs and to itemize the various accessories that must be obtained to set up a complete laboratory.The purpose of this circular is to discuss the different types of equipment that may be used in the analysis of mine atmospheres, with particular regard to the application and limitations of each type. Information on the various accessory equipment needed in a laboratory for the analysis of mine atmospheres is given also, and suggestions on laboratory design are included. As much of the necessary equipment may be obtained from laboratory supply houses, the information should aid in arriving at estimates of the cost of proposed laboratories.The procedures involved in the analysis of mine atmospheres are not described; such information is contained in publications referred to in this circular."

Feb 1, 1948

By A. B. Hooker, L. C. IlsLey

The greatest hazard of early mining was from explosions of methane ignited by open lights . With the advent of safety lamps and forced ventilation this hazard was greatly reduced until the application of electricity to modern mining not only multiplied the sources of gas ignition but the accompanying , machines and haulage systems increased the amount of explosive dust , through which a methane explosion is more liable to become a major mine disaster , and thus greatly furthered the need of adequate ventilation to keep down the concentrations of methane . Adequate ventilation is still the best preventive of such explosions . However , even with a well laid out and controlled ventilating system the amount of air passing through entries and rooms is liable to vary within wide limits because of open doors , falls of rock , or other accidental causes . The percentages of methane under normal conditions should therefore be kept so small that they will not be increased to explosive proportions by short interruptions in ventilation . Mine ventilation and methane detection are inseparable safety precautions . The increasing importance of ventilation necessitates more accurato determinations of the methane concentrations throughout the mines . This paper discusses in detail some of the steps in the development of methane detection and specially notes the more accurate detectors now available . One of the earliest means of detecting methane was by a candle . About 1835 , John Buddle , Sr. , a noted mining man of his period , when questioned by a Parliamentary Committee as to the safety of using candles , replied :

Jun 1, 1933

Enhance the critical skill of hazard recognition among miners by providing quality training that can help jot performance and lead to a higher degree of safety in the workplace. Background In mining, as in many other occupations, the safety of the worker depends on his or her ability to recognize hazards in the workplace. Some of the information needed by the miner for recognizing potential areas of danger is available in the form of visual cues found throughout the mine. One aspect of the dynamic mine environment it which the task of hazard recognition is critical for al workers is that of ground control. Regardless of job responsibilities, every worker is continuously exposed to roof rib, and floor hazards. Fatality injury data for the "underground coal" segment of the mining industry continue to show that about half of all fatalities are due to falls of ground each year. It is hypothesized that some of these accident, can be prevented if miners are better able to recognize visual cues that forewarn of potential roof and rib problems.

Jan 1, 1992