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By R. H. Nafziger

Bureau of Mines research has shown that very low-sulfur pressure vessel steels with improved mechanical properties can be prepared by two melting processes. Four pressure vessel steels having sulfur contents ranging from 0.0008 to 0.0040 wt-pct, were produced by the electric-arc furnace or by the electroslag processes. Calcium carbide was used as a desulfurizer in the electricarc furnace. Fluxes containing at least 40 wt-pct CaO provided sufficient desulfurization during electroslag remelting. Element recoveries were higher for electroslag remelting than for metal melted in the electric-arc furnace. Bar rolled from electroslag-remelted ingots generally possessed higher tensile strengths and ductility than bar rolled from it t melted in the electric-arc furnace. Charpy V-Notch upper shelf energies were also improved as a result of electroslag remelting. The primary failure mode during impact testing was was microvoid coalescence. Sulfide inclusions were minimal, especially in the electroslag-remelted material.

Jan 1, 1979

By D. L. Soreck

The hazards to the public posed by abandoned mine shafts are well documented. As private development encroaches on previously mined areas, the potential for fatalities and serious injuries from abandoned mine shafts increases. The U.S. Bureau of Mines has conducted research into cellular concrete as a material for sealing these openings. The current work involves testing the characteristics of cellular concrete before and after it had been pumped or dropped from different heights into a simulated mine shaft. Cellular concrete was pumped vertically up to and subsequently dropped from heights of 18 and 37 m into concrete forms. Wet density measurements were made at multiple sampling points in the test circuit. Air content determinations and uniaxial compressive strength testing were conducted. Research results showed significant loss in air content and changes in the characteristics of cellular concrete during pumping or dropping from various heights. Recommendations on effective use of cellular concrete for sealing abandoned mine shafts are made.

Jan 1, 2010

By Jr. Reistle

The tests reported in this paper were made in the East Texas field in the summer and fall of 1932 as a part of the Bureau of Mines study of the operation of flowing wells and reservoir performance; and to determine, if possible, the minimum reservoir pressure necessary to produce the wells in this field by natural flow through different sizes of flow strings. The minimum reservoir pressure that would be required to Maintain natural flow through 2 1/2-inch tubing was determined experimentally for the existing energy conditions in the East Texas field. With the present available data, however, it is impossible to predict accurately or to determine by calculation the necessary energy requirements for maintaining the vertical flow of oil and gas mixtures under all conditions. Although some valuable data were obtained which seem to have application to the solution of problems involving vertical flow, this important research of the petroleum industry is so involved that more study of the complicating factors influencing the flow of oil-gas mixtures through vertical pipes is required.

Jan 1, 1933

By L. B. Pankratz

Heat contents, measured above 298.15° K, and derived entropy increments are presented in tabular and equation form for the two crystalline forms of zinc sulfide (sphalerite and wurtzite) and for four solid solutions of iron and zinc sulfides having the compositions Zno.,,6Fe0.302S, Zno.750Fe0.250S, Zno.650Fe0.3505, and Zno.498Feo.502S.

Jan 1, 1965

By Marvin W. Wilson

The Federal Bureau of Mines has conducted laboratory experiments simulating underground gasification of coal to study the feasibility and mechanism of the process and determine the chemical and physical characteristics of a coal-bed during gasification. Laboratory and small-scale field experiments also were made to investigate the properties of coal and other factors affecting the electrolinking-carbonization method of preparing a path through a coalbed before gasification. Laboratory experiments simulating underground gasification of coal: Experiments with a laboratory retort indicated that bituminous-coal deposits could be gasified in place to produce a combustible gas.

Jan 1, 1960

By JeffreyS. Vipperman, Daniel R. Babich, EricR. Bauer

In response to the continuing problem of noise induced hearing loss NIHL among mine workers, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH has conducted numerous noise surveys in coal preparation plants. The research, consisting of worker dose monitoring, task observations, and equipment noise profiling, was completed in eight separate preparation plants. Worker dose monitoring was conducted for three shifts in most cases. Workers experiencing higher than allowable doses were task-observed for one full shift to correlate dose to noise source(s). Finally, noise levels on all floors, and in lunchrooms and control rooms, were characterized. Results indicate that only workers who routinely spend a significant portion of their shift in the plants (away from the control rooms) are susceptible to overexposure from noise. Certain pieces of equipment (screens, centrifuges, sieve bends) are the loudest primary noise sources responsible for the worker noise exposures.

By G. L. Oldright

In the first paper of this series (R. 1. 4333) on the cooperative work with the Eagle-Pitcher Mining & Smelting Co., changes in the nature of the sinter feed were measured by corresponding changes in the retorting temperatures necessary to distill zinc at the best rates; the firing schedules summarized such changes. In this paper, third of the series, are noted same of the changes in practice that were brought about by the need to treat more fused, glassy, and "hard" sinter, as the operators qualify it. Losses of uncondensed zinc were increased by adding zinc-bearing materials from which? the zinc was readily distillable to hard sinter requiring higher-temperatures for zinc distillation. The rates of zinc distillation were increased by grinding the fuel finer; there were few benefits and loss of dust on grinding the sinter finer, unless the fine ?coal and fine sinter were brought into contact by pelletizing, and the pellets made but little dust.

Jan 1, 1948

By R. H. Nafziger

Owing to the growth of alloy steel production and its influence on tramp element levels when recycled, foundries have expressed concern regarding the quality of scrap used to prepare iron castings. Reliable and current information was unavailable on the amount of tramp elements contained in iron castings over time. Accordingly, the U.S. Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the American Foundrymen's Society (AFS), analyzed cast iron samples from participating foundries throughout the United States on a quarterly basis to ascertain possible trends. Each sample was analyzed for 28 elements to determine if changes had occurred as a function of several input variables. This bulletin describes the research and presents analytical results and evaluations over a 5-3/4-year period from January 1981 to September 1986. Results show that iron casting compositions are changing with respect to a few tramp elements such as arsenic, cobalt, chromium, tin, and zinc over the period. Changes in charge compositions probably are responsible. Significant variations between zones also were observed with aluminum, arsenic, cobalt, chromium, copper, and manganese.

Jan 1, 1990

By L. J. Defferding

This report documents the work performed by Battelle-Northwest and its sub-contractors in Phase I of a project to develop a cross pit conveyor system for the Bureau of Mines. The conveyor system description includes details of the conceptual design as well as system and component specifications. The selection of primary and back-up sites for system demonstration is discussed. Maneuvers and operating sequences required for mining the selected demonstration site are described and illustrated in detail. Economic viability of the cross pit conveyor system was analyzed by estimating the cost of overburden removal per ton of coal using the Battelle-designed concept and comparing these costs to the cost of an available state-of-the-art 30-yd3 dragline operation. Testing and trade-off studies conducted are documented and the results presented. Alternate designs considered in developing the selected cross pit concept are included for completeness. Based on the evaluation of the selected concept, it was concluded that the cross pit conveyor system proposed by Battelle is a technically and economically feasible overburden handling method with a good potential to improve western coal mining efficiency.

Jan 1, 1976

This report, 27th in a continuing series1, describes Bureau of Mines research and technologic work on coal and related investigations during 1962. While the brief discussion in each section of the report presents only the highlights of Bureau work during the year, details of many investigations can be found in publications cited in this text. Other work, reported here for the first time, will be covered in greater detail in later publications. Recent trends in coal research and technology both at home and abroad were reviewed in several publications2. Bureau research, as in the past3, continued to stress improved methods of mining, preparing, processing, and using coal. The program included a wide variety of applied and basic studies for developing information useful to the coal mining industry and the coal consumer while promoting wise conservation and utilization of our coal resources.

Jan 1, 1963

By Steven W. Schmauch

The U.S. Bureau of Hines conducted e mineral resource survey of approximately 232,000 acres in part of the Humboldt National Forest, Nevada, during 1989. About 7S percent of the study area was covered with mining claims. About 1,800 samples were collected end analyzed for 16 elements. Geologic structure, including thrust faults, is the most important factor in the localization of mineral deposits in the study area. The Independence mine (formerly Jerritt Canyon), Big Springs, and Wood Gulch are the most well known active properties, all developed on large, low-grade, disseminated gold deposits. These deposits have produced almost 3 million ounces of gold and are known to contain more than 8 million ounces of gold. At least 10 barite deposits in the south end of the range have had significant past production and contain 0.2 million tons of resources. Numerous precious and base metal targets have been identified and in some cases quantified during this study.

Jan 1, 1992

By S. S. Cole, C. E. Wood, T. L. Joseph

"INTRODUCTION Iron ore containing titanium was first used in blast furnaces over a century ago. It is well known that TiO2 is a slag-forming material that will increase the amount of slag produced by the usual gangue materials, silica and alumina. Increase in the volume of slag due to the presence of TiO2 and a lack of information concerning its effect on the properties of the slag have prevented the general use of titaniferous ore. Also rather com¬mon belief among furnace operators that the bottom of the furnace builds up when ores containing TiO2 are smelted has militated against the use of titaniferous ore. This building up of the hearth has been attributed to the formation of copper-colored crystals of titanium cyanonitride, which have been observed in the salamanders of blast furnaces. Until recently the availability of nontitaniferous iron ore has left little incentive to use ore containing titanium.The presence of vanadium in certain deposits of titaniferous magnetite in New York State has created new interest in problems connected with the use of titanium-bearing ore. It appears that most of the vanadium in this ore can be recovered in pig iron, which can be blown in a converter to produce a slag containing vanadium in amounts suitable for the production of ferrovanadium.The Titanium Division of the National Lead Co. recently erected a largo mill to treat ore from Sanford Hill, in Essex County, New York, about 50 miles west of Port Henry. The ore deposit was acquired from the MacIntyre Iron Co. and is often referred to as Sanford ore. It is one of the largest deposits of Iron-bearing material to be found east of the Lake Superior region and is being mined by open-pit methods."

Jan 1, 1943

By Ernest J. Conway

This report presents engineering drawings for six material handling devices for underground coal mines. The devices were designed under a U.S. Bureau of Mines program to reduce injuries from material handling during mine and equipment maintenance. The six devices are (1) scoop-mounted 1411: boom, (2) swing-arm boom, (3) heavy-component lift-transport, (4) mine mud cart, (5) container-workstation vehicle, and (6) timber car. Each device is described briefly, and recommendations are made concerning the design of new devices.

Jan 1, 1989

By W. E. Cassan, W. L. Eaton, James Westfield, W. M. Romisher, Karl Hughes, S. H. Ash

"INTRODUCTION Funds were made available to the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior, for anthracite investigations during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1945. One of the approved projects was to conduct inquiries and scientific and technologic investigations having a bearing on the anthradite mine-flood problem. The investigative work done from July 1,1944, to June 30, 1946, is described in previous reports (5, 8, 10, 24, 28). 6/Purpose of Report The purpose of this report is to describe the investigative work conucted by the Anthracite Food-Prevention Section, Safety Branch, Bureau of Mines, during the period July 1, 1946, to June 30, 1947,Scope of WorkInvestigative work during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1947, was conducted under the direction of D. Harrington, chief, Health and Safety Division, and S. H. Ash, chief, Safety Branch, Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C.The broad objective of the investigative work was to obtain factual day on: 1. Anthracite reserves of Pennsylvania.2. Underground water pools.3. Barrier pillars.4. The ""buried valley"" of the Susquehanna River.5. Infiltration of surface water into underground mine workings.The above-mentioned investigations are being continued during the fiscal year July 1, 1947, to Juno 30, 1948.In addition to the investigative work covered in this report, Ash end Eaton presented a paper on barrier pillars, which proposes a method for designing barrier pillars and has been Published by the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers (5);"

Apr 1, 1948

By Thomas M. Nasiatka

This report briefly describes the present state of the art and the technological highlights of tunneling from its inception to the present. The discussion is concerned primarily with tunnels driven through relatively competent rock for mine development and various civil purposes. In addition to pinpointing the major technological breakthroughs in tunneling, this report indicates their general effect on the speed of tunneling. The tunneling speeds are based upon data from approximately 80 tunnels listed in the appendix. These data include length; cross section shape and dimension; type of rock; tunneling method; method of breaking, loading, and transporting the rock; average linear progress rate; and cost in values during the period of construction. Most of the tunnels described have diameters of 15 to 30 feet.

Jan 1, 1968

By William K. Cunningham

The investigation described in this report was begun as part of the Bureau of Mines progress to develop acid processes for the extraction of alumina from low-grade bauxite and. clays. A domestic shortage of high-grade bauxite sui table for treatment by the Bayer process became acute as a result of' World War II; an intensive search for a practical acid process using lower-grade alumina-bearing raw materials was therefore warranted. The laboratory development was described in a preceding Bureau of Mines publication wherein the basic theory for the design and erection of a pilot plant maybe found. A 2-ton-per-day continuous pilot plant was constructed and successfully operated at College Park, Md., which demonstrated conclusively the chemical and mechanical feasibility of a solvent purification process for aluminum sulfate. The estimated production cost of $38.64 indicates that under present market conditions the process would not be economically feasible.

Jan 1, 1948

By F. F. Netzeband

This report relates to the sulfur industry of seven States--Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas--and is part of a national study of the sulfur industry by the Bureau of Mines. Markets as used 1n this report are divided into two components for individual analysis--(1) supplier markets which include regional Frasch and byproduct sulfur producers and (2) consumer markets which include processors and manufacturers requiring sulfur in their operations. The term sulfur as used in this report includes brimstone, native sulfur, elemental sulfur, or sulfur equivalents.

Jan 1, 1964

By Kenneth M. Smith

"The kaolin deposits of Aiken County, South Carolina (fig. 1), have been worked continuously since 1852. It has been long known that the deposits contain a high percentage of alumina and that large reserves exist. These facts led to the early selection of this area for examination in the search by the Bureau of Mines for high-alumina clays. An exploratory program was started by the Bureau, and drilling was carried on from June 27, 1942, to October 31, 1942.The kaolin-bearing district occupies an area approximately 25 miles long and 11 miles wide, running northeast, with its center at Aiken, S. C. (fig. 1). Within this district, a triangular area bounded by Horse Creek, Silver Bluff Road, and Hamburg Road was roughly prospected by boring 43 machine and 12 hand holes. As a result of the data obtained, a final smaller area was chosen for more systematic prospecting. This area is bounded by Pine Log, Tewkesbury, Silver Bluff, and Craig Sawmill Roads and covers about 4,000 acres.Mineral exploration agreements covering 11,272 acres were signed by 35 property owners, and 11,956 feet was drilled in 200 holes on these properties.The Bureau of Mines exploration work in the district has indicated 19,514,000 short tons of kaolin, of which approximately 10,000,000 tons would average over 35 percent alumina.The tonnages and grades of kaolin developed by this exploration are tabulated below.All grades of this kaolin average approximately 2 percent Fe203 and 1.5 percent Ti02.This project was under the general supervision of J. R. Thoenen, supervising engineer, Non-Metals Mining Section of the Mining Division, Bureau of Mines, until July 1942. The -project was then under the general supervision of E. J. Lintner and later Rowe McCrae, consecutively district engineers for Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. The final report was prepared, under the general supervision of V..J. Lynch, chief, Raleigh Branch, Mining Division, by William A. Beck from the original report by the author.Acknowledgment is made for the wholehearted cooperation and assistance given to the Bureau of Mines by the various operating companies in the district. Particular thanks are due Theodore Henderson, general manager; North American Clay Co., Wilbur Driver, general manager, and Howard Driver, assistant general manager, The Huber Clay Co.; H. W. Smith, president, The South Carolina Clay Co.; and J. Richard Parker, president, J. R. Parker Clay Co., all of Bath S. C.; J. B. Howard, Jr., superintendent/ the Immaculate Kaolin Co., Langley, S. C.; Richard Jones, president, National Kaolin Co., and William Winans, president, The Southern Clay Co., both of Aiken, S. C.; and W. S. Burkalter, Warrensville, S. C.Acknowledgment is also due the Metallurgical Division for analytical determinations and to James J. Page of the Federal Geological Survey for his aid in mapping and logging the holes.The first known use of kaolin from this district was by the Bath Pottery Co., which began mining an outcrop in Horse Creek Valley, near Bath, in 1852.. In 1867, R. McNamee, of New York City, acquired this pit and continued mining. This first mine is still known as the McNamee, and from its operation grew the present kaolin industry of South Carolina."

Dec 1, 1949

By William F. Hahn

The Bureau of Mines recognized the problems encountered in low seam mining illumination systems. It was determined that the best way of implementing an illumination system is to integrate the design during the design and fabrication of new machinery at the factory. The purpose of this program was to integrate an approved lighting system in a low seam battery powered scoop and evaluate its performance. This report documents the work performed on this program and the results obtained.

Jan 1, 1980

By K. T. Menzies

Over 1500 literature citations related to diesel exhaust sampling and analysis were obtained as a result of both computer and manual searches of nine data bases. Abstracts and hard copies of relevant citations were reviewed and those considered appropriate for evaluation were included in a bibliography. Based on the literature collected, available sampling and analysis methods for the following diesel exhaust contaminants were evaluated: CO, CO2, NO, NO2, Hydrocarbons, Particulates, PNA, S04, Oxygenates Emphasis was given to both laboratory and field methods for these species. Methods were evaluated on the basis of sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy and reliability and a selected list of preferred methods was developed for each compound/ class. The selected methods were additionally evaluated through communication with current investigators. Sampling and analysis methods for all compounds except CO and CO2 were observed to have some unreliability. Recommendations were made for future research to develop, improve, and validate methods.

Jan 1, 1979