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By N. E. Hanna

An investigation was made of pressure pulses produced by unconfined explosive blasts in underground openings. Four tests were made with TNT or modified amatol charges ranging in weight from 60 to 2,000 pounds; each test involved either single or multiple charges. Pressure-time profiles were obtained using mechanical self-recording pressure gages. The cube-root scaling law for peak pressure was found to be valid within about 1 tunnel diameter; at greater distances, the pressures obtained along direct paths were generally higher than this scaling law would indicate.

Jan 1, 1968

By Walter W. Fisher

A study of copper cementation on iron was initiated to determine the effect that deposited copper has upon subsequent cementation. A microscopic investigation of cementation on an iron surface showed that cupric ion precipitates predominately on a growing copper deposit attached to the iron surface. A kinetic study of the cementation process in a revolving drum showed that the cementation rate is enhanced by the copper deposit attached to the iron surface and by the discrete copper particles of a cement copper slurry. The kinetic study also indicated that the character of the deposit is affected by the major anion in the solution. The cementation process is visualized to occur as a series of electrochemical cells in which cupric ion precipitates on copper dendrites attached to the iron surface.

Jan 1, 1973

By Gary L. Stecklein

This final report delineates the findings of the test programs, simulations, and analyses performed to determine the requirements for the effective application of berms and guardrails as truck restraint systems for elevated mine roadways. Included arts criterion for effective vehicle restraint for guardrail applications and recommendations for berm applications based on scale model tests and computer simulations. Full scale haulage vehicle-berm interaction field tests were performed to correlate the results of these model tests and computer simulations. Recommendations for the construction of berms were made on the basis of tests of berm bearing strength, response of the vehicle to different berms, and predictions based on the obtained correlation

Jan 1, 1981

By Michael Schmitz, John A. Organiscak

ABSTRACT: A method (patent pending) has been developed to determine the quality of environmental cab filtration systems. This method utilizes specially configured filter cartridges to remove carbon dioxide from the ambient air with the environmental cab’s air filtration system. A real-time gas monitor is placed inside an unoccupied cab with the filtration system running to time decay the carbon dioxide to its lowest concentration or equilibrium level. The outside carbon dioxide concentration level can be measured concurrently with another gas monitor or with the same inside cab gas monitor during a representative period before and after the inside sampling is conducted. Cab filtration system leakage is comparatively deduced from the difference between the special cartridge filter efficiency and overall cab efficiency. Laboratory trials have illustrated that desirable high efficiency test filter configurations (greater than 99 % efficiency) can be devised, but have air quantity and test time limitations. These trials also demonstrated that CO2 penetration was reflective of controlled air leaks around a high efficiency filter under equilibrium conditions. This report examines the elements of this patent pending method.

By M. C. Irani

The Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Mine Safety Appliances Co., has developed a continuous-recording methanometer utilizing a catalytic combustion detector. The methanometer, which is presently operating at 22 exhaust fans at 14 mines in the Eastern coalfields, is reliable and simple to install, operate, and maintain. The instrument and the details of its installation and calibration are described. Analytical data obtained by infrared spectrophotometer and gas chromatograph are presented to substantiate its re liability.

Jan 1, 1974

By Wilbur I. Duvall

This report presents experimental data on crater formation in four rock types. From an analysis of these data a general theory of rock breakage by explosives is deduced. This theory accounts for most of the rock breakage and other phenomena that occur when a concentrated charge is detonated in a drill hole near a free surface. From instrumented crater tests and high-speed motion pictures of the explosions, various experimental checks on the deduced theory of rock breakage are made. The general mechanism of rock breakage by explosives as described in this report is outlined briefly below. The detonation of the explosive charge creates a high gas pressure in the charge hole, which in turn generates a compressive strain pulse in the surrounding rock. This compressive strain pulse travels outward in all directions from the charge hole. Near the charge hole the amplitude of this strain pulse is sufficient to cause crushing of the rock. However, as the strain pulse travels outward its amplitude decays rapidly until no further crushing of the rock is possible. The compressive strain pulse continues to travel outward until it is reflected by a free surface. Upon reflection the compressive strain pulse becomes a tensile strain pulse. As the strength of rock in tension is much less than in compression, the reflected tensile strain pulse is able to break the rock in tension, progressing from the free surface back toward the shot point. In other words, the rock is pulled apart, not pushed apart.

Jan 1, 1957

By J. R. Thoenen

[For several years the Bureau of Mines conducted tests on ground vibration t emanating from quarry blasting in an effort to determine an index of destruction for different types of structures. Results of these studies have been published in four Bureau of Mines Reports of Invitations as well as in several articles in the trade and technical press.5/ The first paper (3)6/ discussed the subject in general and gave results s of a few blasting records. Some tentative theories also were advanced. The second paper (4) discussed results s of records made from blasting in a number of quarries.]

Jan 1, 1940

By J. R. Thoenen

[For several years the Bureau of Mines has conducted tests on ground vibration emanating from quarry blasting in an effort to determine Fin index of destruction for different types of structures. Results of these studies have been published in four Bureau of Mines Reports of Investigations as well as in several articles in the trade and technical press.5/ The first paper (3)6/ discussed the subject in general and gave results s of a few blasting records. Some tentative theories also were advanced. The second paper (4) discussed results s of records made from blasting in a number of quarries.]

Jan 1, 1940

By Roger E. Burleigh

In June, 1989, the U.S. Bureau of Mines, undertook a 9-day evaluation of the tin resource potential of the Sleitat Mountain tin deposit. Significant tin-tungsten mineralization is associated with quartz-topaz-white mica-tourmaline greisen alteration of a multi-unit, 57 Ma, peraluminous, granite stock which intrudes Cretaceous Kuskokwim Group flysch deposits. The granite comprises marginal biotite-, intermediate biotite-muscovite-, and central zinnwaldite-granite units, interpreted as a zoned alteration system. Major vein mineralization is confined to two east-west-trending zones of steeply oriented tabular lenses of greisen interleaved with mildly altered granite. Cassiterite is the dominant ore mineral while arsenopyrite, loellingite, wolframite, pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and bismuth-oxides are present in minor to trace amounts. The north and south greisen zones are estimated to contain an inferred resource of 128 to 212 million lbs Sn in 28.6 million st of mineralized rock. An 1,800-lb representative bulk sample contained 0.37% Sn, 0.04% W and 17 ppm Ag and is considered an average grade estimate for the deposit. Drill testing by Cominco Alaska Exploration indicates that substantial widths of high-grade tin mineralization are included within the lower grade disseminated mineralization. Depth of deposit erosion is substantial and there exists a high probability for placer tin deposits.

Jan 1, 1991

By D. D. Runnells

This study focused on the chemical reactions between uranium tailings fluids and cores of subjacent bedrock from the site of the Cotter Corporation uranium mill at Canon City, Colorado. Actual and synthetic tailings fluids were forced through cores of bedrock. The pH of the effluent solutions was the dominant control on the behavior of dissolved species in solution. The pH depended on the presence or absence of calcite cement in the rocks. Calcite neutralized acidic raffinates and caused the precipitation of iron, manganese, aluminum, and possibly uranium. Chloride, sulfate, and sodium were not retarded upon passage through the cores, and sulfate and chloride should be useful as tracers of escaping tailings fluids. Zinc, copper, cobalt, nickel, uranium, and vanadium exhibited high mobility under acidic conditions and were strongly retarded at elevated pH. Calcium was released due to dissolution of calcite and ion-exchange. Magnesium was not retarded in concentrated solutions, but showed moderate retardation in dilute fluids. Potassium and ammonium both showed early retardation followed by breakthrough and mobility. The behavior of molybdenum was strongly dependent on pH, with retardation at low pH and mobility at elevated pH. Selenium was highly mobile under all conditions. Selenium should be a better tracer than molybdenum for many situations. Precipitation of carnotite appears to control the solubility of uranium and, possibly, vanadium. With the exception of the precipitation of aluminum and silica, all reactions were rapid.

Jan 1, 1983

By David R. Jessey

Water pollution problems associated with surface metal/nonmetal mines throughout the United States were assessed. Three major problems were identified: acid mine drainage (AMD), toxic concentrations of heavy metals and excessive sedimentation. Several factors affect the type and amount of pollutants generated at a mine site. Among these are hydrologic regime, geology, mineralogy, topography, climate, size of the mineralized area and mining method. Nine surface mines situated in distinctly different settings were visited and their pollution problems studied. These mines were located in Morenci, Arizona; Hayden, Arizona; Sauharita, Arizona; Cobalt, Idaho; Spruce Pine, North Carolina; Iron Mountain, California; Butte, Montana; Fernwood, Idaho; and DeLamar, Idaho-Oregon. A detailed evaluation of the pollution problems at the Morenci mine indicated that a diversion system and treatment pint would be the most effective means of abatement for the existing water quality problems. Based on the study of the Morenci mine and three other porphyry copper mines with differing problems a water management plan was conceived for a new source copper mine. A companion Appendix Volume containing detailed reports on the mine site visits is on file at the US Bureau of Mines Spokane Research Center.

Jan 1, 1981

By R. E. Hershey

1. Reserves were estimated for three coal beds: Lantana, Sewanee, and Richland. 2. Known measured and indicated reserves for all beds, based on a minimum thickness of 14 inches and on 1,800 tons per acre-foot of coal in place, are estimated at 34 million short tons as of Januray 1, 1954. Of this total, 15 million short tons represents coal 28 inches and more thick. Areas in the beds were omitted from the estimate because available data relative to the bed characteristics were insufficient to permit making an estimate conforming with the definitions of measured and indicated coal adopted for this study. Should future drilling or development prove reserves in these areas, such reserves should be added to the total estimated reserves determined by this investigation.

Jan 1, 1956

By Bing W. Jong

A bench-scale evaluation of coal and coal waste materials as aggregate materials for use in longwall mine supports was undertaken as part of the Bureau of Mines Health and Safety program on ground control. Performance data were obtained on portland cement concretes (PCC) prepared with coal and coal wastes as aggregate materials. The effects of high-early-strength accelerators on strength and creep and of superplasticizers on strength properties of PCC formulated with coal and coal waste were investigated. Concrete formulated with a high-early-strength accelerator and coal and coal waste has 20 and 40 pet greater compressive strength, respectively, than the control samples without admixture. A concrete formulated with coal waste and the high-early-strength accelerator, using four bags of cement per cubic yard and a water-cement ratio of 1.0, had the lowest creep value of all the coal- and coal-waste-formulated PCC's tested.

Jan 1, 1983

By William H. Holley

Thirteen additional preservative/fire retardant systems were applied to Ponderosa pine and evaluated for flammability both before and after water leaching. The more promising four systems were given a thorough evaluation for flame spread, toxic gas and smoke density levels, resistance to decay, and compressive strength. The most promising system on the basis of history of usage in the mine, ease of application and low cost as well as overall performance is the Fyreprufe/ACC Albi 107A/ 144 combination. A survey of inspection tools and instruments, identified equipment which could be assembled into an inspection kit for use in determining the extent of decay and/ or impregnant retention levels in mine timber. A literature search identified those high fire hazard areas found in a typical mine. Timber and other wooden structures used in such areas should be treated with an acceptable fire retardant system. A survey of insurance companies revealed that the use of such treated timber in the mines would probably have little or no impact on the rate structure.

Jan 1, 1980

By Jerry E. Olson

In 1984, the U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a mineral survey of the Pahute Peak Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (NV-020-621), which covers 57,529 acres in Humboldt County, NV. About 90 percent of the WSA is underlain by Tertiary volcanic and shallow intrusive rocks. Of the remainder, metasedimentary rocks of unknown age are in contact with Cretaceous intrusive rocks in the northwest corner of the WSA. The entire WSA is within an upthrown fault block of the Basin and Range physiographic province. Portions of the WSA, especially south of Pahute Peak (Big Mountain), may be part of an eroded caldera structure. No mines or evidence of major exploration were identified within the WSA. Workings in Copper Canyon, claim blocks along the northwest boundary, and zones of anomalous character as defined by the Bureau of Land Management were examined. No mineral resources were identified, but sample results indicate three significantly mineralized sites, one with indications for zinc skarns in Copppr Canyon, another favorable for precious metals 2 miles south of Copper Canyon, and another area near the northwest boundary with geologic conditions characteristic of molybdenum deposits. Further investigation of these sites is warranted. Petrified wood is present in small amounts near the west central range front.

Jan 1, 1986

By Hideo Ando, Yuka Satou, Tatsuya Ishitake

Whole-body vibration occurs when the body is supported on a surface which is vibrating. Occupational exposures to whole-body vibration mainly occurs in the transportation industry, but also in association with other industrial process. Epidemiological studies have frequently indicated an elevated health risk for the spine in workers exposed to whole-body vibration. With regarding to train or bus operators, a fall of drivers’ wakefulness level because of fatigue is often pointed out. This decrease in wakefulness results in an increase of the occurrence of accidents. However, a study of how whole-body vibration affects people's level of wakefulness has not been done. To test the hypothesis that exposure to whole-body vibration has a certain effects on level of wakefulness, the change of a subjective wakefulness level and changes of electroencephalogram (EEG) were observed under experimental exposure to short-term whole-body vibration. Methods Subjects are ten healthy male university students, with an average age of 20.7 ± 1.8 years old, and they are all nonsmokers. Using the equipment (CV-300, AKASHI) of whole-body vibration generator, we consider an exposure environment of actual driver work, so that set the frequency and the acceleration level as 10 Hz and 0.6ms-2 r.m.s.. The subjects were exposed to whole-body vibration in the seated position and exposure time was fixed for 12 minutes. Subjective wakefulness level was evaluated using the questionnaire of VASS (Visual Analog Sleepiness Scale) and KSS (The Kwansei Gakuin Sleepiness Scale). For the electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement, it was equipped with the electrodes based on the International ten-twenty electrode system (C3-A2, O1-A2, O2-A1). EEG activity in the alpha frequency band (8 – 12 Hz) is one of the most typical physiological indicator which represent the transition from wakefulness to sleepiness. AAT (Alpha Attenuation Test) which repeats three times each opened and closed eye for 1 minute was performed in a seating position with directions of the researcher in the beginning, in the middle and in the end of exposure to whole-body vibration. For analysis, power spectral analysis was conducted over the last 6 min of EEG, and wakefulness levels were defined as the ratio of mean alpha power during eyes closed versus eyes opened. The laboratory was kept at room temperature (21 ± 1.0 degrees C), humidity was 50 ± 5%, noise level was 63.6 dB (A) eq, and illumination 510 lx. Each experiment was started around 10:00 am to minimize the effect of biorhythm.

Jan 6, 2006

This publication summarizes, for potential contractors and other interested parties, the research, development, and demonstration contract projects programed by the Bureau of Mines for fiscal year 1982 (October 1, 1980 -September 30, 1981) under its Minerals Health and Safety Technology program. Contingencies may require that a significant port ion of the program be deferred into fiscal year 1983. The objective of these projects is to provide an ordered and sequenced series of advances toward the Bureau's overall goal of providing the systems technology required to create a healthier and safer working environment for the Nation's mining and minerals processing workers.

Jan 1, 1981

By Laurance L. Oden

The Bureau of Mines is developing melting data for binary combinations of the alkaline earth fluorides and yttria to facilitate the formulation of slag composition. Liquidus and solidus temperatures and solid solubilities were determined for the BaF2-Y203 system, and the information is presented as the phase diagram. The phase diagram was constructed from data obtained by ceramography, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis of specimens encapsulated in small molybdenum ampoules. The data indicate a simple eutectic system with maximum terminal solid solubilities of less than 1 mole pct. The eutectic temperature is 1,343° C, and the composition of the eutectic is less than 1 mole pct Y203.

Jan 1, 1970

By W. D. Kaiser

Recent legislation and expected future legislation is aimed at reducing the dust levels developed in underground coal mines. Several techniques for reducing dust levels are being evaluated. One of these is the modification of cutting parameters such as feed rates, cutting speeds, and pick configurations in order to reduce the amount of dust generated. In order to evaluate the feasibility of modifying cutting parameters to reduce dust, the Bureau of Mines commissioned Battelle to construct a small scale mining machine which could be used for evaluating the effects of those changes in cutting parameters. Specific features of this machine were that it should be highly instrumented to measure various cutting parameters, should have a wide range of feed and speed controls, and it should be possible to vary the pick configurations and geometries on the machine. In addition, it was desired that this machine should have cutting capabilities which greatly exceed present coal mining practice and also that the unit should be small enough and portable enough that it could be taken into and out of operating coal mines with a minimum of interference with the normal coal mine operations. The first step in constructing a machine to meet these requirements was to determine the cutting forces and approximate sizes of components which would be required to cut at the speeds and feeds specified by the Bureau of Mines. Initial calculations using; published data on cutting forces indicated that cutting forces in the neighborhood of 5,000 lbs and power levels of approximately 30 horsepower would be adequate for the application. However, further data developed during the course of the project indicated that when low efficiency picks are used, cutting forces and powers can be two to three times as high as these initially estimated values. After several design iterations, a design was chosen in which the cutting head was driven by four hydraulic motors which were part of a hydrostatic transmission which, in turn,

Jan 1, 1973

By G. S. Scott

In the course of the Bureau of Mines investigation relative to the causes, behavior, and control f anthracite-mine fires, attention was directed toward the correlation between the temperature of oxidation and the gaseous oxidation products in the range of temperatures between 100° and 350°C4/ These tests, made on a high-grade anthracite to determine the amount of oxygen consumed and the amounts of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane evolved when air was passed through samples of the anthracite at various elevated temperatures, showed that the gases evolved and their relative proportions vary with temperature, constitute a means for determining the probable temperature of the anthracite, and thus permit detection of incipient heating before a dangerous fire hazard exists. As the relationships mentioned are affected somewhat by the amount of previous oxidation of the coal, it was deemed desirable to know to what extent they might vary owing to this cause. It was also considered desirable to have a means for estimating the extent of oxidation from the gas analysis, as this would permit a more accurate estimate of probable temperature. Finally, it seemed desirable to know how much the composition of coal might vary over an extended period of oxidation, since this was previously suggested5/ as a possible means for estimating the probable maximum oxidation temperature to which a sample of coal had been subjected.

Jan 1, 1940