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By A. J. Farstad

Characteristics of metal/non metal mines were evaluated to determine the suitability of applying the U.S. Bureau of Mines electromagnetic location system to the problem of locating trapped mines in metal/non metal mines. Statistical distributions of mine depths and overburden conductivities show that the existing USBM EM system is inadequate for most metal/non metal mines. Alternate approaches to trapped miner location in deep mines were identified and subsequent field tests were conducted at six (6) mines to evaluate their feasibility. The approach considered to be the most promising is one which utilizes the existing manpack transmitting system, modified slightly for a dual frequency output, in conjunction with a sophisticated signal processing receiver on the surface. The main advantage of staying with a "through the earth" approach is that the underground equipment can be kept simple, easily maintained, light-weight and inexpensive.

Jan 1, 1979

By A. E. Raddatz

The Federal Bureau of Mines, as part of its goal to minimize undesirable environmental impacts associated with mineral processing, has investigated a soda-smelting technique for processing ilmenite into pig iron and a titanium slag that is suitable for a feed to a sulfate-process titania pigment plant. By this procedure, the generation of ferrous sulfate waste and its associated disposal problem is obviated. Molten titania slag was quenched, water leached, and filtered to yield a sodium titanate intermediate product containing about 70 wt-pct Ti02, 1 wt-pct Fe, and 20 wt-pct Na20. This intermediate product, high-soda titanate (HST), was mixed with H2S04, calcined, quenched, and water leached to produce a low-soda titanate (LST) product that contained only 2 wt-pct Na20. Both the HST and LST were evaluated as feed materials for preparing titania by the sulfate process. About 95 pct of the Ti02 was extracted from HST and LST by digestion in concentrated or 50-wt-pct-H2S204 solutions. About 95 pct of the solubilized Ti02 was subsequently recovered from the titanyl sulfate solutions by hydrolysis. Barren solutions from hydrolysis, containing about 26-wt-pct H2S04, were upgraded by vacuum-thermal evaporation or electrodialysis. The regenerated acid solutions were used to digest additional HST and LST.

Jan 1, 1979

By Beatrice L. Lukens, David Schlain, John D. Prater

"The electrolytic manganese process developed by the Bureau of Mines4/ and now in use in the commercial plant of the Electromanganese Corp. at Knoxville, Tenn., and in the Bureau of Mines pilot plant5/ at Boulder City, Nev., involves the electrolysis of a solution of manganese sulfate and ammonium sulfate in a diaphragm-type cell. Metallic manganese is deposited on the cathodes, and sulfuric acid is produced at the anodes.. The spent electrolyte contains, in addition to the sulfuric acid, approximately 30 percent of the manganese and most of the ammonium sulfate originally present in the feed solution. This spent solution is used to leach fresh ore that has previously been given a reducing roast. The resulting leach liquor is purified and returned to the cell.Since the presence of small amounts of certain impurities in the electrolyte may be very detrimental to the electrodeposition of manganese, the purification of feed solution is a very important step in the process. According to the purification method6/ now in use in the Bureau of Mines pilot plant at Boulder city, Nev., cobalt, nickel, iron, arsenic, lead, copper, etc., are removed by precipitation as sulfides at a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Residual sulfides and colloidal material are removed from the resulting solution by ferric hydroxide formed by adding a small amount of iron sulfate and passing air through the solution. Feed solution purified in this way contains less than 1/2 mg.-per liter-of such impurities as arsenic, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, etc., and is pure enough to give consistently excellent manganese deposits.Although this purification scheme has given satisfactory results at the Boulder City pilot plant knowledge of the specific effects of various impurities would be valuable. Such information would be useful in diagnosing the causes of cell room operating difficulties, and might aid in the recognition and correction of impurity difficulties arising from the use of new ores.. The purpose of this investigation was therefore, to study the effects of various concentrations of some common impurities.Since the effects of some impurities may not be apparent during short deposition periods and since harmful impurities often cause erratic results rather than consistently poor ones, it was believed that conclusions concerning the effects of impurities should be based upon the results of a fairly large number of 20- to 24-hour tests. Because of the time required for such tests, it was necessary to limit the scope of the work to a few of the more common impurities."

May 1, 1946

This is the fourth in a series of reports on properties of commercial motor fuels, made in accordance with a cooperative agreement between the Cooperative Fuel Research (C.F.R.) Committee and the Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior. The first report gave data on motor gasolines sold during the winter of 1935-363/. The second report gave the same data? for motor gasolines sold during the summer of 19364/. The third report of the series gave the same data for motor gasolines sold during the winter of 1936-375/. This report covers 63 brands of gasoline represented by 1,136 samples excluding the Pacific Coast. Those from the Pacific Coast were averaged by the Pacific Coast technical group before being submitted and are published exactly as they were submitted. In some areas reports were received from five or six companies on the same brands of gasoline, whereas in other areas only one company reported on a brand. Thus, it can be seen that some of the data are more representative than others.

Jan 1, 1937

This is the fourth in a series of reports on properties of commercial motor fuels, made in accordance with a cooperative agreement between the Cooperative Fuel Research (C.F.R.) Committee and the Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior. The first report gave data on motor gasolines sold during the winter of 1935-363/. The second report gave the same data for motor gasolines sold during the summer of 19363/. The third report of the seriis gave the same data for motor gasolines sold during the winter of 1936-375/. This report covers 63 brands of gasoline represented by 1,136 samples excluding the Pacific Coast. Those from the Pacific Coast were averaged by the Pacific Coast technical group before being submitted and are published exactly as they were submitted. In some areas reports were received from five or six companies on the same brands of gasoline, whereas in other areas only one company reported on a brand. Thus, it can be seen that some of the data are more representative that others.

Jan 1, 1937

By John J. Henn

An economic evaluation was made of the Bureau of Mines incinerator residue separation process to update the one published in 1971 to a mid-1.974 cost basis. This evaluation includes a modification of the glass-recovery operation used In the original plant design as well as a unit to bale the ferrous scrap product before shipment. Products from the plant are ferrous metal, aluminum and copper-zinc scrap, and a mixed-color glass cullet. The estimated capital and operating costs for four plant sizes are as follows : [ ] The operating costs do not include credits for recovered metals and glass.

Jan 1, 1975

In 2006, a total of 280 metal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).1 Metal mines were the smallest mining commodity sector, comprising 1.9% of all mining operations. ? Gold mines comprised 46.8% (n=131) of all metal mining operations. Other common types of metal mines were copper ore (n=34; 12.1%), and iron ore (n=33; 11.8%). Nevada had the largest number of metal mines (n=53; 18.9%), followed by Alaska (n=31; 11.1%).

Sep 1, 2008

By Charles B. Carpenter

[The Bureau of Mines selected Anahuac for a petroleum-engineering study because it is one of the notable fields of the Gulf Coast region. It is outstanding because the producing for is very thick; every modern technique of drilling' and development has been applied; complete records of all operations,, including detailed subsurface information have been kept; the field has been developed systematically; and every effort has been made to utilize the reservoir energy efficiently Data and information pertaining to the development anal operation were collected, compiled, and studied by the writers as if the field were under single ownership. The chief aim-of the stud,, was to increase the accuracy of the existing methods of estimating reserves by applying all the data collected during the modern development of an oil-field, These scientific aids include coring; electric logging; micropaleontology determinations of porosity, permeability of oil-bearing sands, and their connate water content; subsurface sampling of the reservoir oil; and depth-pressure measurements. Because the reservoir structure in the Anahuac field is extremely complex, special attention was given to methods of calculating the reservoir volume.]

Jan 1, 1941

By Charles B. Carpenter

[The Bureau of Mines selected Anahuac for a petroleum-engineering study because it is one of the notable fields of the Gulf Coast region. It is outstanding because the producing formation is very thick; ever modern technique of drilling' and development has been applied; complete records of all operations,, including detailed subsurface information have been kept; the field has ,been developed systematically; and every effort has been made to utilize the reservoir energy efficiently. Data and information pertaining to the development anal operation were collected, compiled, and studied by the writers as if the field were under single ownership. The chief aim of the study was to increase the accuracy of the existing methods of estimating reserves by applying all the data collected during the modern development of an oil field, These scientific aids include coring; electric logging; micropaleontology determinations of porosity, permeability of oil-bearing sands, and their connate water content; subsurface sampling of the reservoir oil; and depth-pressure measurements. Because the reservoir structure in the Anahuac field is extremely complex, special attention was given to methods of calculating the reservoir volume.]

Jan 1, 1941

By Richard Mainiero

In any construction project involving explosives, care must be taken to protect workers from carbon monoxide (CO) generated by blasting operations. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness and death by asphyxiation. In general, the first symptoms include headache, fatigue and lightheadedness. At higher exposures to CO, skin flushing, rapid heart rate, and lowered blood pressure occur. At ever, higher exposure levels, decreased attention span is followed by nausea, vomiting, unpaired coordination, fainting, coma, convulsions and, finally, death. The detonation of explosives in blasting operations generates a range of toxic fumes, but CO is the most insidious because it is colorless, odor less, and is long lasting, since it is not readily removed try reaction with ground water, soil or rock. Additionally CO is generated in relatively large quantities compared to other toxic: fumes. CO may continue to seep out of blasted material long after the odor commonly associated with detonated explosives has dissipated. It is never safe to assume as confined space in the vicinity of a blast is clear of toxic fumes. CO may be present even if the area looks Clear and many hours have passed since the last blast.

Jan 1, 2000

By Janine Pierce, Robert Larson, Christine Raasch

The vibration and impact environment for crew members on locomotives has been investigated in a series of studies conducted by Exponent Failure Analysis Associates (Exponent) beginning in 1990. Locomotive cab vibration and impact levels were measured on a variety of locomotive models operating over many different track sections across the Union Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and CONRAIL systems. The comfort and health implications of exposure to the measured locomotive vibration levels were evaluated by comparison with the human vibration exposure boundaries given in the International Standards Organization (ISO) standard 2631-1:1997, the British Standard 6841:1987, European Union (EU) Directive 2002/44/EC, measurements made by Exponent on various commercial and recreational vehicles, and vibration exposure measurement data found in the literature. Methods Initially, vibration levels experienced by locomotive crews were measured and recorded at incremental speeds covering the range of normal train operation. In 2003, a method of measuring the vibration exposure continuously by means of a digital recorder was developed, allowing the vibration level over the entire run or crew shift to be analyzed. For each seating location measured, acceleration was recorded on the seat surface beneath the ischial tuberosities (pelvis) of the seated crew member and on the cab floor directly under the seat. At each of the locations, triaxial accelerometers were used to measure the vibration along the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes. Since the vibration environment varies throughout the route, and locomotive vibration levels have been found to be primarily speed dependent, a speed sensor was used to continuously measure the speed of the train. To evaluate the recorded vibrations levels, the data was divided into two-minute segments, which were each processed per the 1997 ISO standard for weighted RMS vibration levels and Vibration Dose Values (VDV). Additionally, PSDs and 1/3 Octave RMS values were calculated to determine the frequency content of the vibration. For each two-minute segment, the average speed of the locomotive was calculated to allow for correlation with the recorded vibration exposure values. The resulting exposure values for the entire run were calculated by combining the data from all of the two-minute segments. Since introducing the continuous method of recording acceleration, 23 seating locations have been recorded on 11 locomotives traveling 11 different routes across various parts of the United States. One of the routes was a shift of ‘yard work’, traveling back and forth in a rail yard coupling train cars together. Results A guide to interpreting weighted acceleration values with respect to health is given in Annex B of the 1997 ISO standard. A health guidance caution zone is defined to indicate the

Jan 6, 2006

By A. J. Farstad

Electromagnetic location tests were conducted by Westinghouse Georesearch Laboratory under the sponsorship of the U. S. Bureau of Mines at the Galena Mine in Northwest Idaho. The objectives of these tests were to evaluate the performance in deep hardrock mines of an electromagnetic location system previously developed for the U. S. Bureau of Mines for use in coal mines. Tests were performed using long wire transmitting antennas as well as horizontal and vertical transmitting loops at depths from 3000 feet to 4300 feet (995 metres to 1311 metres). Surface measurements were made of magnetic field strengths, field strength patterns, and background noise, These measurements were compared with theoretical predictions for a homogeneous ground conductivity consistent with this particular geologic region. The results of the Galena Mine tests show conclusively that light-weight portable electromagnetic transmitters can be effectively utilized to provide uplink communications and location information in deep hardrock mines. Typical metal mines such as Galena utilize deep vertical shafts for mine access and haulage and these shafts produce signal enhancement at the surface from underground electromagnetic transmitters by as much as 30 dB. The results also show that horizontal wire configuration can serve as an effective alternative to the magnetic dipole antenna as a rescue transmitting antennaa and can be used when the required area is not available for deployment of a loop antenna. In spite of the electromagnetic coupling effects observed in the vicinity of the shafts, the location accuracy obtained still provided useful information on the general location of the transmitting sources involved. The horizontal wire location accuracy was within 46 metres, while the vertical magnetic dipole and the horizontal magnetic dipole accuracies were within 152 metres and 110 metres respectively at a 915 metre depth.

Jan 1, 1973

By C. H. Riggs

This petroleum-engineering study of the Healdton oil field in Carter County, Okla., describes the geology and production history of that field and estimates the oil reserves that could be produced by efficient secondary-recovery methods. The Healdton field, in western Carter County approximately 20 miles west of Ardmore, Okla., was discovered in 1913 and was one of the early important oil-producing areas in the State. Although the volume of oil recovered from the Healdton sands has been comparatively high, studies show that a large reserve remains in the pressure-depleted sand, which can be recovered by efficient water-flood operations. In making this study of the Healdton-sand reservoir, the writers utilized many data already available in company and Government offices. Most of the fluid samples were collected by Bureau of Mines personnel and analyzed in the Bureau's laboratories at Bartlesville, Okla.; but other data, including logs, core analyses, and production records, were obtained from outside sources. These data were examined critically but were not verified, and possible errors in the original data may be reflected in the conclusions. In this study, attempts were made to consider only those aspects of the available information that would contribute to a clear and concise engineering report on the Healdton-sand reservoir. Other phases of the data, as well as those concerning associated reservoirs, were eliminated from consideration as being irrelevant to the particular problem. Cores and drill cuttings of the Healdton sands were analyzed and studied to determine the nature of the reservoir rocks. Analyses of samples of produced oil, water, and gas were studied to fix the different types, the limits of their occurrence, and the suitability of different waters for injection into the Healdton sands. Records of oil, gas, and water produced and of gas and water injected were studied to interpret the production behavior of the field and of certain individual leases. Theoretical calculations were made to predict the probable water-flood behavior and oil recovery, at constant water-injection rates, for individual sands on two leases.

Jan 1, 1953

By N. L. Wimmler

"INTRODUCTION The Southern Cross district in Deer Lodge County, Mont., has been chiefly a gold producer. Most of the production has come from gold-bearing hematite-limonite ores. Some of these ores were mined and shipped to smelters for use as flux in smelting copper ores. A magnetite deposit in the Pomeroy property, containing no gold or other economic nonferrous minerals, was mined from 1921 to 1923, the ore being shipped to smelters for flux.The iron-bearing deposits in the Southern Cross area were examined by Bureau of Nines engineers/ on June 28, 1943, and October 14, 1943. As a result, a Bureau exploration project was recommended; it was conducted during 1944. A magnetometer survey was first made of the magnetite-bearing area at and in the vicinity of the Pomeroy property. Exploration by diamond core drilling was then conducted within this area, and in the Southern Cross and Hold Fast properties. The cyanide tailings dump at the Hold Fast mill was sampled by auger drilling.This report presents the data obtained by the Bureau of Mines exploration."

Dec 1, 1946

By J. W. Miller

Depletion of coals most suitable for metallurgical fuel has made necessary a general survey of coking coal reserves in the United States. These investigations were begunn 1948 at the joint request of the Munitions Board, Department of Defense, and a number of coal companies. This report, which is one in a series, by counties, describes the preparation characteristics of the coals of Harlan County, Ky. From these data it is possible to determine: (a) Which coals, either as mined or after beneficiation by conventional preparation, are chemically suitable under present standards for producing metallurgical coke, (b) Which coals require special and more intensive treatment in preparation than is now practiced; and (c) Which coals cannot be considered to be potential sources of metallurgical fuel regardless of preparation.

Jan 1, 1955

By John R. Bradley

The object of this paper is to survey and analyze the bearing of economic nationalism, competitive sources of energy, and technologic developments on international trade in coal with especial reference to the competitive position of the leading coal-exporting countries in the Italian market, the largest in the Mediterranean region, and the Brazilian market, the second largest in Latin America. The political, economic, and financial disturbances caused mainly by the World War have resulted in an amazing situation. Especially since 1930 have conditions been complicated.

Jan 1, 1936

Endless lines at service station gasoline pumps, limited travel at reduced speeds, thermostats set at an uncozy sixty-eight degrees in the dead of winter-these are but a few of the inconveniences and discomforts that awakened Americans to a realization that our domestic minerals resources, traditionally taken for granted, are not boundless. We begin to accept and practice principles of conservation, yet we are aware that this alone cannot appreciably forestall the inevitable depletion of our minerals, metals, and fossil fuels-resources critical to our Nation's economy. The key to warding off shortages is the development of technology that will insure a continuing, adequate supply of minerals and energy from reliable sources at the lowest possible costs to society and the environment. The mission of the Bureau of Mines is to develop this improved technology. Established in 1910, the Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior is the Federal Government's primary research arm in the minerals and fossil fuels fields. In addition to its research role, the Bureau keeps the Government informed of the Nation's mineral posture. The Bureau also seeks to stimulate private industry, through the awarding of grants and contracts, to produce minerals and fuels at a rate compatible with the country's increasing demands.

Jan 1, 1974

By T. L. Turner, Daniel T. Rogers

As part of a program to investigate technology for the extraction of studied HNO3 alumina from abundant domestic ores , the Bureau of Mines leaching of calcined Georgia kaolinitic clay . In this investigation , iron impurities were removed from the aluminum nitrate pregnant leach liquor by solvent extraction , and the purified liquor was evaporated to prepare a suitably concentrated crystallizer feed liquor . Aluminum nitrate nonahydrate was crystallized from the liquor to separate the aluminum from undesirable trace elements and excess water . Continuous crystallization at 40 ° C in a pilot plant vacuum evaporative unit was performed for 5 days to observe the effects of impurity buildup under minimum bleed- stream conditions . Liquor feed rate was 26 lb/h and AAll (( NNOO33 )) 33..99HH22O0 ((AANNNN)) crystal production rate was 17 lb/h . Fe 203 and Cr203 were not effectively separated from the crystals , and P205 , MgO , and K20 impurities must be removed by recrystallization . Other impurities did not excessively contaminate the crystals . Washing the crystals with water or aqueous HNO3 gave an equivalent increase in crystal purity levels by displacing mother liquor . Theoretical equations , applicable to any continuous evaporative crystallization of developed to produce material balances for engineering ANN , were applications .

Jan 1, 1965

This study was conducted to determine the effects of a machine-mounted scrubber and water sprays on face methane levels. Testing was conducted in the NIOSH ventilation test gallery which was designed to simulate a full-scale mine entry. In the test entry, a model mining machine, equipped with water sprays and a simulated dust scrubber, was located at the face of a 20-ft box cut. Blowing ventilation was provided using a curtain with a 40-ft setback distance. Methane released from a pipe manifold located inby the mining machine was monitored at six locations that were 1 ft outby the pipe manifold. Tests were first conducted to evaluate the effects of using sprays and scrubber separately on face methane levels. Additional tests were conducted to determine how a scrubber used with various water spray systems would affect face methane levels. The use of either sprays or scrubber reduced face methane levels significantly. The combined use of sprays with the scrubber further reduced face methane levels a small amount. Primarily the sprays affected methane levels by changing airflow distribution close to the face.

By Martyn F. Roetter

The objectives of the work described in this report are to determine the communications requirements and need for communications, both for voice and control, on longwalls, and to make recommendations for longwall communications equipment and systems. These recommendations are designed to guide the future development of longwall communications. Information necessary for the accomplishment of this work has been gathered by a series of visits to longwall mines and discussions with longwall mine operators, as well as with suppliers of longwall communications and mining equipment and with Bureau of Mines personnel. In addition, it has proven possible, through personal interviews and literature evaluation, to gain an understanding of the experience and attitudes towards longwall communications in countries where longwall mining is far more widespread than in the U.S., namely the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Belgium.

Jan 1, 1976