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By Charles Trotter

AN instrument has recently been developed for determining the inclination and azimuthal direction of boreholes. This instrument is known as the Tro-Pari Instrument and is the invention of C. Trotter and G. Pajari of Sudbury, Ontario. DESCRIPTION The instrument is characterized by a unit mounted in gimbals and provided with a clockwork mechanism to clamp a compass to indicate azimuthal direction and simultaneously to clamp the unit in its plumb position to indicate inclination (Fig I). By means of a timing ring suitably calibrated in 5-min divisions, the unit may be set to lock after a lapse of time sufficient to allow the placing of the instrument at the desired point in the drill hole where readings are to be taken. The maximum time lapse obtainable with the instrument designed for use in EX or AX size holes is 1 hr 30 min which is considered to be ample time to lower to the greatest depths that may be drilled with this size of equipment. Larger sizes could be developed for larger diameter holes such as BX and NX sizes or the larger oil-well sizes and a correspondingly greater time lapse could be provided for. Up to the present time only the EX-AX size has been built. OPERATION Assuming a borehole is to be surveyed at 1000-ft depth and assuming it will take 30 min to lower the instrument to this depth, the timing ring is rotated through seven divisions which represent a time lapse of 35 min (5-min leeway) and is then returned to its zero position. This operation imparts energy to a spring which drives the clockwork mechanism. Simultaneously the compass needle is freed to swing to its magnetic north-south position and the encased mechanism is freed to hang plumb within a semicircular portion of the frame which is graduated in degrees after the fashion of a protractor. This semicircular protractor portion has a V-shaped notch at each degree division of its inner periphery. The instrument, now in its free position, is inserted in a bronze container made to suit the size of hole to be surveyed (Fig 2). Soft rubber washers are provided within the container to prevent undue shock. The container is connected to the drill rods with three 5-ft lengths of brass or aluminum alloy rods separating it from the steel rods in order to prevent distortion of the magnetic field. The assembly is then lowered to the desired point where readings are to be taken and is allowed to remain at rest until a period of time has elapsed slightly in excess of the time for which the timing ring was set. In the example cited above, when the 35 min has elapsed the compass needle is locked in its north-south position and the protractor locking pin is extruded and locks in the V notch opposite its plumb position. The device may now be removed from the borehole and it will remain in this locked position in spite of jarring or shak-

Jan 1, 1947

By Charles Trotter

An instrument has recently been developed for determining the inclination and azimuthal direction of boreholes. This instrument is known as the Tro-Pari Instrument and is the invention of C. Trotter and G. Pajari of Sudbury, Ontario. Description The instrument is characterized by a unit mounted in gimbals and provided with a clockwork mechanism to clamp a compass to indicate azimuthal direction and simultaneously to clamp the unit in its plumb position to indicate inclination (Fig I). By means of a timing ring suitably calibrated in 5-min divisions, the unit may be set to lock after a lapse of time sufficient to allow the placing of the instrument at the desired point in the drill hole where readings are to be taken. The maximum time Lapse obtainable with the instrument designed for use in EX or AX size holes is I hr 30 min which is considered to be ample time to lower to the greatest depths that may be drilled with this size of equipment. Larger sizes could be developed for larger diameter holes such as BX and NX sizes or the larger oil-well sizes and a correspondingly greater time lapse could be provided for. Up to the present time only the EX-AX size has been built. Operation Assuming a borehole is to be surveyed at 1000-ft depth and assuming it will take 30 min to lower the instrument to this depth, the timing ring is rotated through seven divisions which represent a time lapse of 35 min (5-min leeway) and is then returned to its zero position. This operation imparts energy to a spring which drives the clockwork mechanism. Simultaneously the compass needle is freed to swing to its magnetic north-south position and the encased mechanism is freed to hang plumb within a semicircular portion of the frame which is graduated in degrees after the fashion of a protractor. This semicircular protractor portion has a V-shaped notch at each degree division of its inner periphery. The instrument, now in its free position, is inserted in a bronze container made to suit the size of hole to be surveyed (Fig 2). Soft rubber washers are provided within the container to prevent undue shock. The container is connected to the drill rods with three 5-ft lengths of brass or aluminum alloy rods separating it from the steel rods in order to prevent distortion of the magnetic field. The assembly is then lowered to the desired point where readings are to be taken and is allowed to remain at rest until a period of time has elapsed slightly in excess of the time for which the timing ring was set. In the example cited above, when the 35 min has elapsed the compass needle is locked in its north-south position and the protractor locking pin is extruded and locks in the V notch opposite its plumb position. The device may now be removed from the borehole and it will remain in this locked position in spite of jarring or shak-

Jan 1, 1949

By D. Perry, G. W. Binkley, G. K. Dumbauld, F. A. Brooks

A new cementing technique has been developed which is particularly applicable to permanent-type well completion operations. The technique makes use of the accelerating effect of calcium chloride on setting time and strength development of cement cake deposited in squeeze cementing. An unique feature is that the accelerator is applied after the unaccelera-ted cement slurry has been squeezed and the excess has been reversed from the well. Laboratory data on the accelerating effect of calcium chloride applied to the fi1ter cakes of three low-water-loss cementing compositions demorzstrate that the procedure results in relatively rapid development of strength and impermeability of the cement cake. Simulated squeeze-ceinenting tests made in the laboratory likewise corroborated the practicality of the procedure. The laboratory tests showed that a newly developed oil-emulsion cemerzting composition is more susceptible to acceleration of set than are modified cements containing high percentages of bentonite. The acceleration procedure has been used successfully in field operations. INTRODUCTION Nature of Problem In squeeze-cementing operations, a substantial amount of time is consumed in waiting on the cement to develop strength after it has been squeezed into the well. Frequently, an interval of 18 to 24 hours or longer is required for the development of strength sufficient to prevent failure of the cement during subsequent operations in the well. Reduction of this waiting-on-cement time offers appreciable savings both in time and in money. A particular type of squeeze-cementing operation to which an increasing amount of attention has been given is encountered in permanent-type well completion operations wherein perforations are to be squeezed off1. In this procedure, it is customary to pump the cement slurry down the tubing and out into the perforated section through a retractable extension pipe. Squeeze pressure is then applied, which forces the cement slurry into the perforations and causes the build up of a compact filter cake of cement within the perforations. The excess slurry remaining in the hole is then removed by reverse circulation. The extension pipe is then retracted, and, if a new interval is to be perforated, a perforating gun is run through the tubing. The newly perforated interval may then be tested by swabbing. In such operations, it has been customary to allow approximately 20 hours or so for hardening of the cement squeezed into the perforations. This time interval is usually measured from the time that the cement is reversed out of the hole to the time that subsequent swabbing is started. If the cement has not developed strength at the commencement of swabbing, the pressure differential caused by swabbing results in failure of the squeeze job. At the time that the work described in this report was initiated, particular consideration was given to the reduction of waiting-on-cement time in squeeze cementing by the permanent-type completion technique. Consequently, much of the experimental work was directed to this specific objective, though the process which was developed for acceleration of strength development has possible application in other than permanent-type completion operations. Method of Attack Although quick-setting cements

Jan 1, 1957

By Richard A. Kesler, W. Michael Reed

Grindability or resistance to fine comminution is the fundamental issue involved in the application and sizing of grinding mills. Over the years, many theories for determining the amount of energy required for size reduction to a specified fineness have been proposed. The first published theory, introduced by P. R. von Rittinger in 1867, stated that the energy required for crushing or grinding is proportional to the increase in surface area produced. The surface area of a ton of particles of diameter (d) is proportional to (1/d), therefore the work input per ton for particles of diameter (d) would be proportional to (1/d). The second significant theory is that of F. Kick published in 1885. Kick said that the work required is proportional to the reduction in volume of the particles concerned. If (f) is the diameter of the feed particles and (p) is the diameter of the product particles, the work input relationship would be: [W =Ioq(f/p) 9] The "Third Theory" of F.C. Bond, introduced in 1951, states that the work required is proportional to the length of the new crack tips produced in particle breakage during crushing or grinding and equals work represented by the product minus that represented by the feed. This takes the form: [W=]

Jan 1, 1982

By J. H. East, E. R. Maize

INTRODUCTION PROBABLY no other type of equipment is now being introduced into American underground mines about which less is known and about which there is more misinformation than the Diesel mine locomotive. Any equipment installed underground brings with it hazards that were not present before, and it is the purpose of this paper to show that Diesel-powered equipment can be used with safety in underground mining if certain feasible but very important precautions are taken. Diesel locomotives are not new in underground mining, since they have been used successfully in European mines for at least 19 years, but their use in American mines is exceedingly limited; so far as is known, only five Diesel mine locomotives are operating at present in United States mines. Diesel locomotives were permitted underground in Great Britain for the first time in 1939, and the rapid increase in the number in use in those mines, testifies to their safety and efficiency. More than 1300 Diesel mine locomotives are in use in European mines, according to the latest statistics; these locomotives are employed in coal, iron, lead-zinc and mercury mines. So far as is known, the Diesel mine locomotive has not yet caused an explosion or mine fire, and has not been the cause of any fatalities from toxic gases in the mines in which it has been used. ADJUSTMENTS OF DIESEL ENGINES FOR UNDERGROUND USE A Diesel engine adjusted to work in an underground mine should not be confused with the same engine adjusted for use outside the mine. Adjustment of the air:fuel ratio for engines that are used on the surface is intended to give the maximum fuel economy, and little or no attention is given to the chemical composition of the exhaust gas produced. Many such engines are poorly adjusted and perhaps poorly maintained, with the result that the engine emits smoke in quantity as well as the disagreeable odor familiarly associated with Diesel engines. The air:fuel ratio in the case of Diesel engines operated on the surface is generally around 15:1; that is, 15 lb of air to burn 1 lb of fuel. Diesel engines adjusted to work underground usually have an air:fuel ratio of about 20:I, as at this ratio the minimum quantity of toxic gases is given off in the engine exhaust. Diesel engines operated underground must be maintained in better condition than similar engines used on the surface; otherwise, the smoke emitted in the exhaust becomes objectionable if not unendurable. Practically normal air is required for safe operation of Diesel engines underground or in confined places; failure to provide virtually normal air for Diesel engine operation is almost certain to result in trouble. Bureau of Mines engineers have determined that the air in which a Diesel operates in confined places should contain less than 1/2 pct of carbon dioxide and at least 20 pct of

Jan 1, 1947

By Walter Rose

It is the purpose of this note to call attention to the circumstance complicating the attainment of uniform gas-liquid distributions in multi-phase flow systems, and especially in those of the so-called Hassler type.' Although the complication arises directly as a consequence of gas compressibility and the dependence of fluid distributions on interfacial curvature phenomena, little reference to the problem has yet appeared in the literature.' In fact, it is only the paper of Geffen et al.3 which gives any experimental evidence that a problem exists. On the other hand, previous authorsl,4,5 have made the tacit, albeit fallaceous assumption that uniform gas-liquid distributions automatically are established in linear flow systems by the expedient of maintaining the pressure gradients equal in the flowing gas and liquid phases. Such a device, it can be shown, will succeed only if the immiscible fluids are both equally compressible or both essentially non-compressible. Another necessary condition required before uniform fluid-fluid distributions can be achieved is that the porous matrix is isotropic. Uniform fluid saturation distribution conditions obtain in isotropic media only when the curvature of each interface of contact between wetting and non-wetting fluids is everywhere the same throughout the interspaces. This is a necessary condition which follows from the consideration that variation in interfacial curvature gives rise to finite capillary pressure gradients and therefore to variation in the saturation distribution. That this is not a sufficient condition follows from the consideration that hysteric possibilities allow for different saturations even though the capillary pressure gradient is zero. In any event, it will- be recalled that it is the intent in the Hassler scheme of relative permeability determination' to obtain initially (by the capillary pressure drainage or imhibition process) uniform conditions of fluid distribution in the core sample, and then to maintain this uniformity during mixture flow so that the resultant fluid mobilities which are calculated will refer to steady-state transfer under fixed conditions of uniform saturation. If the flowing fluids are incompressible, it is recognized that employment of the same value of the pressure gradient in each fluid will result in maintenance of the initially obtained condition of zero capillary pressure gradient. On the other hand, the consequence of gas compressibility is that the gradient in the gas pressure varies from point to point in the flowing stream. and since the pressure gradient in an incompressible liquid is constant it is thus impossible to maintain zero capillary pressure gradient during the simultaneous flow of gas-liquid mixtures. Therefore, one would expect to observe a variation in the gas-liquid saturation in the directions of the capillary pressure gradients, depending in magnitude on the particular way saturation changed with capillary pressure. In order to formulate the manner gas compressibility effects prevent the attainment of uniform gas-liquid distributions during mixture flow, consider a linear flow system of unit length. As noted, it is necessary to assume an isotropic medium (viz. one where permeability is independent of position and direction). One then can arbitrarily set the pressure

Jan 1, 1951

By Walter Rose

It is the purpose of this note to call attention to the circumstance complicating the attainment of uniform gas-liquid distributions in multi-phase flow systems, and especially in those of the so-called Hassler type.' Although the complication arises directly as a consequence of gas compressibility and the dependence of fluid distributions on interfacial curvature phenomena, little reference to the problem has yet appeared in the literature.' In fact, it is only the paper of Geffen et al.3 which gives any experimental evidence that a problem exists. On the other hand, previous authorsl,4,5 have made the tacit, albeit fallaceous assumption that uniform gas-liquid distributions automatically are established in linear flow systems by the expedient of maintaining the pressure gradients equal in the flowing gas and liquid phases. Such a device, it can be shown, will succeed only if the immiscible fluids are both equally compressible or both essentially non-compressible. Another necessary condition required before uniform fluid-fluid distributions can be achieved is that the porous matrix is isotropic. Uniform fluid saturation distribution conditions obtain in isotropic media only when the curvature of each interface of contact between wetting and non-wetting fluids is everywhere the same throughout the interspaces. This is a necessary condition which follows from the consideration that variation in interfacial curvature gives rise to finite capillary pressure gradients and therefore to variation in the saturation distribution. That this is not a sufficient condition follows from the consideration that hysteric possibilities allow for different saturations even though the capillary pressure gradient is zero. In any event, it will- be recalled that it is the intent in the Hassler scheme of relative permeability determination' to obtain initially (by the capillary pressure drainage or imhibition process) uniform conditions of fluid distribution in the core sample, and then to maintain this uniformity during mixture flow so that the resultant fluid mobilities which are calculated will refer to steady-state transfer under fixed conditions of uniform saturation. If the flowing fluids are incompressible, it is recognized that employment of the same value of the pressure gradient in each fluid will result in maintenance of the initially obtained condition of zero capillary pressure gradient. On the other hand, the consequence of gas compressibility is that the gradient in the gas pressure varies from point to point in the flowing stream. and since the pressure gradient in an incompressible liquid is constant it is thus impossible to maintain zero capillary pressure gradient during the simultaneous flow of gas-liquid mixtures. Therefore, one would expect to observe a variation in the gas-liquid saturation in the directions of the capillary pressure gradients, depending in magnitude on the particular way saturation changed with capillary pressure. In order to formulate the manner gas compressibility effects prevent the attainment of uniform gas-liquid distributions during mixture flow, consider a linear flow system of unit length. As noted, it is necessary to assume an isotropic medium (viz. one where permeability is independent of position and direction). One then can arbitrarily set the pressure

Jan 1, 1951

By Tuncel M. Yegulalp, Malcolm T. Wane

In general, many problems relating to the exploitation of mineral deposits are probabilistic in nature. This derives from the fact that the geologic universe is inherently random. Probability theory and statistics have been found useful for forecasting the behavior of natural events that occur in the geologic universe. The objective of this paper is to outline the application of the theory of extremes to this forecasting problem. Consider the design of an underground structure or the design of a rock slope. The initial step is the formulation of the various possible structural actions which result from the geometry of the layout. For a given structural model, various intensities of behavior are possible depending upon the load, deformation, and material characteristic spectra, respectively. Of popular interest to mining people is the failure behavior or condition. A necessary feature of the analysis is the rupture strength of the material. Information on the rupture strength is derived from testing either in situ or in the laboratory and the usual outcome is a variation in the test results. This variation is overcome by constructing a frequency distribution of rupture strengths, and then determining a measure of central tendency and variability. The main feature of interest in the analysis is the failure characteristic and its percentage chance of occurrence. Hence, one is naturally led to examine those areas of a distribution curve which are termed the tails. The statistical concepts which can most efficiently handle such areas are contained within extreme value statistics.

Jan 8, 1969

By Walter L. Maxson, Fred C. Bond

THIS paper is a continuation of two earlier papers, l, 2 and presents new data on the grindability of various ores and other materials-the results of several years of intermittent research work on the nature of grinding and interpretation of test results. It is divided into five parts: 1. The tabulated results of several hundred grindability tests on a wide variety of ores. 2. A method of correcting screen analyses and calculating from them the surface and other properties. 3. A description of a new method of measuring the "surface energy" of an ore by pendulum impact tests. 4. Test results. 5. A general discussion of the test results and their application to grinding problems. 1. GRINDABILITY OF VARIOUS ORES This part is a continuation of the paper listed as reference No. 1. The method of testing is described in detail in that paper. The sample to be tested is crushed to all through 6 mesh in rolls set at x6-in. opening in closed circuit with a screen. Of this sample 700 C.C. is ground dry in a laboratory ball mill under constant conditions of mill speed and ball charge in closed circuit with a screen of the desired size at 250 per cent circulating load. The mill is cylindrical, 12 by 12 in., and rotates at 70 r.p.m. It contains a charge of 285 iron balls weighing 20,125 grams and ranging from 1 ½ to ¾ in. in diameter. Each test is continued for a sufficient number of periods to establish equilibrium at 250 per cent circulating load, or until the composition of the circulating load is constant for successive periods. Tests are conducted at the mesh size to which the ore is to be ground in practice, and the results are expressed as the net production in grams of screen undersize per revolution of the mill. This is designated as the

Jan 1, 1938

By Fred C. Bond and

This paper is a continuation of two earlier papers,12 and presents new data on the grindability of various ores and other materials—the results of several years of intermittent research work on the nature of grinding and interpretation of test results. It is divided into five parts: 1. The tabulated results of several hundred grindability tests on a wide variety of ores. 2. A method of correcting screen analyses and calculating from them the surface and other properties. 3. A description of a new method of measuring the "surface energy" of an ore by pendulum impact tests. 4. Test results. 5. A general discussion of the test results and their application to grinding problems. 1. GRindability of Various Ores This part is a continuation of the paper listed as reference No. 1. The method of testing is described in detail in that paper. The sample to be tested is crushed to all through 6 mesh in rolls set at 1/16-in. opening in closed circuit with a screen. Of this sample 700 C.C. is ground dry in a laboratory ball mill under constant conditions of mill speed and ball charge in closed circuit with a screen of the desired size at 250 per cent circulating load. The mill is cylindrical, 12 by 12 in., and rotates at 70 r.p.m. It contains a charge of 285 iron balls weighing 20,125 grams and ranging from 1½ to ¾ in. in diameter. Each test is continued for a sufficient number of periods to establish equilibrium at 250 per cent circulating load, or until the composition of the circulating load is constant for successive periods. Tests are conducted at the mesh size to which the ore is to be ground in practice, and the results are expressed as the net production in grams of screen undersize per revolution of the mill. This is designated as the

Jan 1, 1939

By Fred C. Bond and

This paper is a continuation of two earlier papers,12 and presents new data on the grindability of various ores and other materials—the results of several years of intermittent research work on the nature of grinding and interpretation of test results. It is divided into five parts: 1. The tabulated results of several hundred grindability tests on a wide variety of ores. 2. A method of correcting screen analyses and calculating from them the surface and other properties. 3. A description of a new method of measuring the "surface energy" of an ore by pendulum impact tests. 4. Test results. 5. A general discussion of the test results and their application to grinding problems. 1. GRindability of Various Ores This part is a continuation of the paper listed as reference No. 1. The method of testing is described in detail in that paper. The sample to be tested is crushed to all through 6 mesh in rolls set at 1/16-in. opening in closed circuit with a screen. Of this sample 700 C.C. is ground dry in a laboratory ball mill under constant conditions of mill speed and ball charge in closed circuit with a screen of the desired size at 250 per cent circulating load. The mill is cylindrical, 12 by 12 in., and rotates at 70 r.p.m. It contains a charge of 285 iron balls weighing 20,125 grams and ranging from 1½ to ¾ in. in diameter. Each test is continued for a sufficient number of periods to establish equilibrium at 250 per cent circulating load, or until the composition of the circulating load is constant for successive periods. Tests are conducted at the mesh size to which the ore is to be ground in practice, and the results are expressed as the net production in grams of screen undersize per revolution of the mill. This is designated as the

Jan 1, 1939

By C. F. Mabery

So far as the elementary composition of petroleum is known, it may be briefly stated. Petroleum consists principally of a few series of hydrocarbons, with admixtures of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen derivatives in comparatively minute proportions, which may be regarded as impurities to be removed in the preparation of commercial products. But as each series is represented by many homologs, in the aggregate, crude petroleum is an extremely complex mixture of hydrocarbons and their derivatives. In part, these hydrocarbons individually conform in structure to the system of synthetic hydrocarbons whose structure is well defined and represented by the typical series CnH2n, + 2, C.H2n, the series CnH2n,-2, CnH2,-a, the members of which have not been sufficiently studied to establish their structure, and the series CnHz,e composed of the aromatic group, benzene and its homologs. Hydrocarbons of greater density contained in the portions of petroleum that cannot be distilled without decomposition doubtless have less hydrogen than is represented by these formulas. Since to every hydrocarbon there is a definite temperature, even in vacuum, at which its constituent carbon and hydrogen atoms fall apart, and since for the heavier bodies this temperature is not much above 360" C. in vacuum, it is evident that some other method than distillation must be devised for their separation if anything further is to be learned concerning their individual constitution. Classification of Petroleums There is such a wide variation in the composition of petroleum from Merent fields, it would seem possible to make a classification on this basis were it not that no single variety is entirely free from hydrocarbons contained in others. Such a classification has been suggested of the exceptionally pure Pennsylvania petroleum, the sulfur oil from Trenton limestone and other sources, the California oil with its large amount of nitrogen (quinoline) derivatives, and the Russian oil, composed chiefly of the naphthene hydrocarbons.' A commercial distinction is made

Jan 1, 1921

By Charles E. Johnston

By substituting photoelectric automatic car loading for mechanically induced hydraulic automatic loading and by protecting the process against operational failures, the engineering staff at International Minerals & Chemical Corp.'s Carlsbad potash mine has developed a reliable loading process that operates without an attendant. The photoelectric control, developed primarily because of frequent failures in the hydraulic control system, has not changed the basic loading operation and physical layout. Mine-run ore ranging in size from minus 200 mesh to 30-in. lumps is dumped onto a conveyor belt which discharges into a so-called "flop gate chute" which in turn, feeds the ore into six-ton capacity mine cars. Each car is filled progressively by moving the entire trip forward. When a car is filled 12 in. above its rim, the direction of flow into the car is reversed 180º and filling of the next car back is begun while the entire trip is moved forward again. Once the next car is properly spotted under the front chute, the flow is again directed to the forward position.

Jan 9, 1962

By A. F. Nylander, J. H. Jensen

Magnesium, in its combined forms, is the sixth most abundant element and the third most abundant metal in the earth's crust, but it is so reactive that it is never found in nature in the elemental state. As part of the rock-forming minerals like magnesite, dolomite, olivine, and serpentine, it is combined in virtually insoluble forms. As part of soluble minerals like kainite (KC1 MgS04 - 3H20), leonite (K2S0, MgSO, 4H20), langbeinite (K,SO, 2MgS04), and carnallite (KC1 . MgCl? 6H20), it is found in evaporite deposits, generally of marine origin, deep within the earth's crust. Since these minerals are soluble, they are found only in deposits protected from the percolation and leaching action of ground waters by an insoluble and impermeable mantle. Usually this mantle is from several hundred to many thousands of feet thick. Finally, as a solute in marine-like brines, magnesium is common in surface and subterranean waters throughout the world. The oceans, which contain 0.13% Mg, illustrate the inexhaustible nature of the reserve. The recovery of magnesium from the rock-forming minerals, usually by thermal decomposition, and from dilute brines such as sea water by precipitation with lime, are frequent industrial practices. But the recovery of magnesium as magnesium chloride from evaporites or natural brines of concentration greater than sea water has been of little industrial significance for economic and technological reasons. The present US capacity is preponderantly based on the sea-water magnesia process with thermal reduction capacity in second place. No present magnesium capacity is dependent on recovery from the stronger natural brines. But projected capacity, although still weighted in favor of the sea-water magnesia process, is partly based on the recovery of magnesium chloride as a byproduct of potash operations.

Jan 11, 1964

By J. H. East, E. R. Maize

Probably no other type of equipment is now being introduced into American underground mines about which less is known and about which there is more misinformation than the Diesel mine locomotive. Any equipment installed underground brings with it hazards that were not present before, and it is the purpose of this paper to show that Diesel-powered equipment can be used with safety in underground mining if certain feasible but very important precautions are taken. Diesel locomotives are not new in underground mining, since they have been used successfully in European mines for at least 19 years, but their use in American mines is exceedingly limited; so far as is known, only five Diesel mine locomotives are operating at present in United States mines. Diesel locomotives were permitted underground in Great Britain for the first time in 1939, and the rapid increase in the number in use in those mines testifies to their safety and efficiency. More than 1300 Diesel mine locomotives are in use in European mines, according to the latest statistics; these locomotives are employed in coal, iron, lead-zinc and mercury mines. SO far as is known, the Diesel mine locomotive has not yet caused an explosion or mine fire, and has not been the cause of any fatalities from toxic gases in the mines in which it has been used. Adjustments of Diesel Engines foR Underground Use A Diesel engine adjusted to work in an underground mine should not be confused with the same engine adjusted for use outside the mine. Adjustment of the air:fuel ratio for engines that are used on the surface is intended to give the maximum fuel economy, and little or no attention is given to the chemical composition of the exhaust gas produced. Many such engines are poorly adjusted and perhaps poorly maintained, with the result that the engine emits smoke in quantity as well as the disagreeable odor familiarly associated with Diesel engines. The air:fuel ratio in the case of Diesel engines operated on the surface is generally around 15:1; that is, 15 lb of air to burn I lb of fuel. Diesel engines adjusted to work underground usually have an air:fuel ratio of about 20:1, as at this ratio the minimum quantity of toxic gases is given off in the engine exhaust. Diesel engines operated underground must be maintained in better condition than similar engines used on the surface; otherwise, the smoke emitted in the exhaust becomes objectionable if not unendurable. Practically normal air is required for safe operation of Diesel engines underground or in confined places; failure to provide virtually normal air for Diesel engine operation is almost certain to result in trouble. Bureau of Mines engineers have determined that the air in which a Dicsel Operates hi confined places should contain less than % pct of carbon dioxide and at least 20 pct of

Jan 1, 1949

By Frank Firmstone

In a paper read at the meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1875,* I showed that as a result of changing from open-topped to close-topped furnaces at the Glendon Iron Works, there had been a decided falling off in regularity of working, which we attributed to the very different distribution of the materials in the new method of filling. Subsequent experience has, on the whole, confirmed the opinions then expressed, and in 1881 we decided to try the modification of the Langen charger, shown on the accompanying drawings, thinking by its use to approximate to the distribution obtained by dumping the barrows at six equidistant points in the circumference of the open-topped furnaces. The top of the furnace is closed by a ring-shaped " bell," as we still call it, the outside of which is cylindrical and rests by the turned lower edge on the bored seat of a " loose ring," supported by the lower part of the hopper. The inside of the bell is an inverted frustrum of a cone, the central opening in which is closed by a cylindrical plug, which is prolonged into a pipe to carry off the gas.? This center-plug is connected by rods and chains to sectors on the ends of a forked lever, to the other end of which is attached, by a wire rope, the piston-rod of the blast-cylinder used in opening the top. The rods connected to the center-plug pass loosely through the apexes of triangular frames, to the other angles of which the bell is attached; it thus being suspended by four points when the top is open. When the materials are dumped out of the barrows into the hopper, a part is thrown over the crest of the bell into the space between it

Jan 1, 1885

By G. P. Chatterjee

HARDNESS is one of the most common properties of metals and alloys but is one of the most difficult to define or express in terms of the fundamental units. In the Brinell or Vicker's hardness test, the hardness number N is defined as N = L/A where L is the load in kilograms and A is the area in mm'. This does not necessarily imply that a pressure of N kilograms per mm2 actually acts on the specimen.' It is essential that for a true comparison of hardness values the angle of indentation be kept constant,' a which is not done in the Brinell test. For this and other reasons, the Brinell hardness value is not based on a satisfactory physical concept.' The concept of hardness based on the work done per unit volume of indentation3-6 offers a simple and scientific definition. An attempt has been made here to develop this concept (at constant angle) and to compare the values so obtained with the Bhn for different metals and alloys. In Fig. 1 a vertical load L is applied to a compara- tively hard ball of diameter D creating an indentation of diameter 6 and depth h on the specimen S. The work done, W, is then given by W = So Ldh. [I] Since L is not independent of h, Honda and Takahasip and Matsumura" assumed different functions leading to equations which do not apply equallye to a wide variety of metals and alloys. A better relation is obtained from Meyer's Law L = ad" [2] where A and n are constants depending on the nature of the material but independent of the ball diameter D. From Fig. 1 it is obvious that h = R(l — cosq) and d = 2R sin 8.

Jan 1, 1957

By J. F. Crouch

INTRODUCTION Roll front uranium has unique geologic characteristics (L,) which require specialized mining procedures. Roll front uranium occurs in arkosic sandstones with the ore zone typically less than 100 feet in thickness with up to 400 feet of overburden. The areal extent of ore is often a few thousand acres. Within the ore zone, ore grade material occurs in C and S shaped rolls, which are a few feet in width and height but may run laterally for several hundred feet. Since the total mine plan may include mining all ore, a roll front uranium mine may cover a few thousand acres. For both economic and environmental reasons, a roll front deposit is mined as a series of phases or sub-pits (3, 4) as illustrated in Figure 1. A typical sub-pit is 400 to 500 feet across. Sub-pit 1 is stripped initially and the overburden is spoiled on the surface. Depending on haul distance and overburden characteristics, stripping is done with trucks and shovels (or front-end loaders) or scrapers. When ore is encountered in sub-pit 1, mining begins, and the stripping equipment is moved to sub-pit 2, with sub-pit 2 overburden also being spoiled on the surface. When ore is encountered in sub- pit 2, sub-pit 1 mining should ideally be complete so the mining equipment can move to sub-pit 2 and sub-pit 3 overburden can be spoiled in the mined out sub-pit 1 area. Ore is mined selectively in a series of 12 to 24 inch cuts by a 2-1/2 yard backhoe on the basis of radiometric probing. For effective drainage, ditches must be maintained on the boundary of sub-pits, and mining lifts are kept as level as possible, with the orebody slightly elevated as part of general good mining practice. Waste removal in the ore zone is done by self- loading scrapers near the orebodies and by push-pull or push loaded scrapers away from the orebodies. Each self-loading scraper cut is

Jan 1, 1983

By Jed H. Mosgrove

Ventilation is the method of producing, conducting, and distributing a constant current of fresh air through mine workings and returning the impure air to the outside atmosphere. Without ventilation no operations are possible in an underground mine. Therefore it is the most important single phase of mining, one on which everything else depends. A good ventilation system, therefore, must be correctly designed, properly conducted as the workings advance, and continually checked to make sure it is functioning correctly. Good air is essential for men to comfortably and safely perform their work. It is also essential to dilute, render harmless, and sweep the mine of any explosive fumes and the gases that are released in varying degrees by all coal seams and the rock strata in which they are contained. GENERAL The body of air that is being moved through the mine, known as the ventilating current, must have a definite way to enter and leave the mine. In other words, there must be a definite intake and return. The main consideration is to get the proper amount of good quality air to the working faces where it is needed. Inasmuch as the mine is divided into sections with interconnecting corridors, known as entries, it is necessary that there be a proper means of conducting the air to the proper points. As a simple explanation of a mine, consider a long tube and think of it in terms of a mine entry ill which the air must pass. The tube must have at least two openings before air can travel through it and this is the same for coal mine entries. The problem in ventilation is to find some means that will cause the air in the tube to flow from one end to the other. The only possible way to do this is to cause greater pressure at one end of the tube than at the other. Air at the end with the greatest pressure would then, of course, flow to the en which has the least pressure. Mine

Jan 1, 1973

By S. Skowronski

OvErpolEd copper, as commonly defined,- is copper which has been excessively reduced during the poling period of the refining process. Owing to its porosity, such coppcr is unfit for commercial purposes. The cause of this phenomenon is undoubtedly the lack of oxides in the copper, yet this does not completely explain it. Refined copper of the same "pitch" and "set" varies considerably in oxygen contents, and analyses of overpoled bars also show similar wide differences; moreover, it is possible to melt copper in 'crucibles so as to obtain bars that are practically free from oxygen although they show a "tough pitch" and "level set" surface. Frederick Johnson advances the following theory: The regulation of the quantity of oxygen in copper is the keynote of all copper refining. It is the presence of a well defined proportion of oxygen in the form of cuprous oxide, forming a copper-cuprous oxide eutectic, which enablcs copper to be cast free from blowholes. It seems that when oxygen is present, other gases are less soluble in molten copper; when oxygen is absent, or is present in insufficient quantity, the copper dissolves other gases, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which are insoluble in the copper when solid, and, being rejected during the process of solidification, causes internal porosity and external ridges and excrescences.1 The "level set" of wire bars, etc., is entirely the result of a compromise between the occluded gases and cuprous oxide. With excess of the former the metal would be "overpitch" and spongy, while an excess of the latter would result in the metal being "underpitch" and brittle.2 The result of the absorption and subsequent expulsion of reducing gases, carbon monoxide and hydrogen,' and the effect of this action on the overpoling of copper are in dispute; the literature on the subject is full of contradictory statements and will continue to be so until better analytical methods have been developed. Sulfur, however, is tangible. The refiner can see it in his button sample and consequently attributes to it any trouble that may happen during the melting of the copper.

Jan 1, 1919