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By Paul Wellman

A computer program is presented that may be used to calculate the bare equipment cost of the major processing units for any hot potassium carbonate gas purification system. The program is designed such that, with only minor modifications, it could be used with a variety of computer systems.

Jan 1, 1968

By Heithecker R. E.

In June 1933 the Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the State of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce,, published a report of the gas reserves in the Oklahoma City oil field3/ based upon data as of October 1932, at which time there were 43 classified gas wells in the field, The estimates were obtained by the ?porosity-area" method. There are two general methods of estimating natural-gas reserves. The porosity-area method, as used by Hill and Rawlins, is used when a gas field is comparatively new but after enough drilling has been done to determine the average thickness, porosity, and areal extent of the producing horizon. The "pressure-volume? method of estimating gas reserves, the method used in this report, may be used after a sufficient volume of gas has bean withdrawn from the reservoir to cause an appreciable decline in reservoir pressure.

Jan 1, 1937

By G. R. Hopkins, E. M. SEELEY

The number of natural-gasoline plants has shown a consistent decline in recent years, but the total capacity has increased steadily. The number of completed plants, as determined by a survey as of January 1, 1932, amounted to 959. Previous surveys of January 1, 1928 and 1930 showed 1,155 and 1,035 plants, respectively. Of the total plants on January 1, 1932, 859 were operating and 100 were shut down, compared with 999 operating and 36 shut down on January 1, 1930. The material gain in the number of inoperative plants in the last two years was probably due to the severe decline in prices of 1931. The low prices of 1931, which were approximately 40 per cent below 1930, made it virtually impossible for the majority of the independent plants, or plants not owned by a large integrated company, to operate at a profit. Accordingly, the majority of the plants removed from the list in 1930 and 1931 were owned by companies which were engaged solely in the manufacture of natural gasoline. The total daily capacity of the plants on January 1, 1932, amounted to 11,387,000 gallons, an increase of 871,000 gallons, or 8 per cent, in the two years 1930 and 1931. That the total capacity of the plants has increased while the number of plants has declined is due to the fact that nearly all the plants constructed in the last five years have been large plants. During 1931 the average total daily capacity of the operating plants was approximately 10,600,000 gallons, while the average daily production amounted to 4,944,000 gallons. This indicates that the plants operated during 1931 at 47 per cent of their capacity, compared with 58 per cent in 1930 and 61 per cent in 1929. Although more plants have been dismantled in Oklahoma in recent years than in any other State, it continues to rank first in number of plants. On January 1, 1932, there were 238 plants in Oklahoma, compared with 145 plants

Jun 1, 1932

By R. L. Brown

This report is the 18th in a series summarizing Bureau of Mines research and technologic work on coal and related investigations. The previous 17 reports have covered fiscal years, but this report covers not only the fiscal year from July 1, 1952, to June 30, 1953, but also July through December 1953, to bring the report to a calendar-year basis. Most of the material in this report relates to publications issued during the reporting period, Some work is mentioned briefly on which publications have not yet been issued or on which data are riot expected to be published, for security or other reasons, and in a few instances publications issues before the reporting period but not included in the previous report are mentioned.3/ Further details on the published work described herein may be found by referring to the publications cited in the footnotes. During the reporting period, the Bureau directed its research and technologic work on coal toward developing end encouraging increased conservation and more efficient use of our mineral fuel resources through more efficient and safer mining methods and improved methods of preparing and utilizing these fuels. Some significant advances, particularly in coal-mine safety, mining methods, and development and utilization of low-rank coma have been made.

Jan 1, 1954

By R. E. Heithecker

In June 1933 the Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the State of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, published a report of the gas at reserves in the Oklahoma City oil field3/ based upon data as of October 1932, at which time there were 43 classified gas wells in the field, The estimates were obtained by the ?porosity-area" method. There are two general methods of estimating natural-gas reserves. The porosity-area method, as used by Hill and Rawlins, is used when a gas field is comparatively new but after enough drilling has been done to determine the average thickness, porosity, and areal extent of the producing horizon. The "pressure-volume? method of estimating gas reserves, the method used in this report, nay be used after a sufficient volume of gas has bean withdrawn from the reservoir to cause an appreciable decline in reservoir pressure.

Jan 1, 1937

By M. J. Beus, B. Stewart, S. Iverson

Synopsis U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) accidents statistics have identified ore-pass hazards as a significant safety problem in U.S. underground metal mines. The statistics show that nearly 75% of injuries are directly or indirectly related to pulling or freeing of ore-pass chutes, the use of hand tools in ore passes, fails of broken rock in ore passes and structural failures of chutes or gates and ore-pass walls. Researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are investigating hazards in and around ore passes in hard rock mines. Risk assessment methods, such as fault-tree analysis, have been employed to identify the most probable causes of orepass failures, define research priorities and analyse the factors that result in malfunctioning and unsafe ore passes. Static and dynamic loads are being measured in a laboratory setting with the use of a reduced-scale orepass mock-up. Field tests are being initiated in mine ore passes to determine static and dynamic loads. Data from the test ore passes are being compared with data from the mine to characterize true system behaviour. Computer modelling with the use of closed-form solutions, finite-element analyses and a newly developed particle flow code predicts static and dynamic leads from the flow and the impact of ore and waste in the ore pass. Preliminary results indicate that dynamic impacts from ore and waste rock might be considerably greater than expected. The total static load is substantially less than is typically used fur the structural design of chute and gate support members. It is suggested that damping factors, normal and shear stiffness and mass frictional characteristics have a significant effect on particle flow and resulting impact loads. This is being verified with the use of results from laboratory tests, field tests and particle flow analyses. Ore passes are vertical or steeply inclined openings in a rock mass through which ore and waste are transported and where they mar also be stored. A typical underground mining system is shown in Fig. 1. The arrows indicate the locations of ore passes and loading pockets and their relative configurations. The control of material flow is potentially one of the most hazardous operations in underground mining. According to MSHA data. most of the ore pass-related accidents in the U.S.A. are associated with the loading-unloading cycle and removal of blockages from ore passes. In particular, attempts to free ore hang-ups have resulted in multiple fatalities. The hazards are obvious; there is uncertainty as to when the ore will break loose and miners are unable to escape falling rock to a safe location. Although ore passes and chutes and gate systems for underground metal and non-metal mines roust meet the requirements specified in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Parts 57 and 75, recent structural failures of ore-pass linings and gates have underlined the lack of adequate ore-pass design standards available to both MSHA enforcement staff and mine engineers. Because of the importance of an ore pass to the safe operation of a mine design criteria need to be assessed and new guidelines developed. Researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the Nationals Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are investigating hazards in and around ore passes in hard rock mines and studying design criteria for ore passes. The near-term goal is to conduct laboratory and field experiments and computer modelling to evaluate the ore-pass design criteria currently used. Literature searches, field site

By Alexander May

The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted studies to determine if phosphate slag stockpiles at Tennessee Valley Authority's National Fertilizer Development Center were hazardous materials. The stockpiles were not hazardous materials as determined by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extraction procedure (EP) toxicity test. Radium-226 concentration was 28.7 pCi/g in slag and 2.1 pCi/g in background material. Radium-226 was not leached from the slag. Fluoride concentration was 3.87 pct in slag, 0.18 pct in subsurface material under slag, and 0.08 pct in the background. Slag material permeability was 1.65 x 10-3 cm/s, and subsurface material permeability was 3.24 x 10-6 cm/s. Rain water, trapped in a depression on top of the east slag stockpile, became seepage water at the base of the stockpile. Concentrations of EPA toxic elements in seepage water were much less than concentrations from an EPA EP toxicity test on the slag. Twelve elements-Na, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, AI, and P-had higher concentrations in seepage water than in rain water on top of the slag stockpiles, or in creek water adjacent to stockpile bases, indicating that they were leached from slag stockpiles.

Jan 1, 1990

By G. L. Oldright, J. D. Sullivan, W. E. Keck

"An apparatus and procedure developed in the laboratory of the South-west Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines are capable not only of determining the rate and volume of penetration of solutions into porous materials but also of determining the total volume of voids within particles of porous material, and the density. The method is applicable to ores, bricks, concretes, tiles, filter bottoms, or other porous materials of this nature. As will be made clear in the descriptive matter to follow, the method measures (a) the volume of voids within the porous materials and is not concerned with the interstitial space between the particles.Porous materials usually contain some large voids and also pores that are capillary in nature. To measure the total volume of voids in a sample it is necessary to replace the gas or gases within the voids with some liquid of known density. The large cavities can be filled quite readily, but under ordinary conditions a long time may be required to fill capillary pores. As many porous materials are of a decomposable nature it is necessary to evacuate the porous materials and then submerge them in a liquid of known density to bring about saturation in a short time. Then by the use of a hydrostatic balance the volume of porous material (solid itself) can be determined. To determine the volume of porous material plus voids it is necessary to coat the sample with some material, such s paraffin, which will prevent solution from entering the voids; then, by means of a hydrostatic balance, the volume of porous material plus voids is determined and by subtracting that of the porous material from this the volume of voids is ascertained. The rate of penetration of solutions can be determined either (a) by measuring the change in weight as the sample becomes saturated when immersed ni a liquid of know density, or (b) by measuring the volume of liquid penetrating with a dilatometer. In either instance, due to the fact that some penetration takes place as soon as the sample comes in contact with solution and before a reading can be taken, the sample must be paraffined to determine the total volume of penetration. Since many porous materials partly decompose and disintegrate in liquids the rate and volume of penetration can better be measured by dilatometer than by the change in weight, as saturation takes place when immersed in a liquid. The details of procedure for determining (a) total volume of voids, and (b) rate and volume of penetration are given in this paper."

Oct 1, 1930

By M. M. Fine

Research on the solid-fuel reduction of Knob Lake iron or was conducted to upgrade lean and high-grade ores and recover metallized products suitable for ironmaking or steelmaking. The program included bench-scale tests plus a number of continuous campaigns in a 34-inch by 36-foot rotary kiln. In the laboratory, metallizations in excess of 90 percent were achieved by reduction of crushed ore with lignite at 950° C. Subsequent grinding (to minus 200 mesh) and wet magnetic separation yielded concentrates analyzing less than 3.0 percent SiO2 and more than 90 percent Fe. Virtually complete recovery of the iron occurred. During early continuous tests the crushed ore created a serious ringing in the kiln which was solved by balling the fines with bentonite. Unfortunately, at this temperature (950° C) the bentonite militates against the concentratability of the metallized product. For example, a run on direct-shipping ore produced concentrates of 89.5 percent Fe and 4.5 percent SiO2. At 500° C the adverse effect of bentonite disappeared and concentrates of 88.4 Fe and only 2.5 percent SiO2 resulted. However, with comparable feed r Los, the metallization dropped to 73 percent.

Jan 1, 1969

By H. H. Schrenk, W. P. Yant, F. A. Patty

"INTRODUCTION In accordance with the outline of investigation described in a previous report 5 of the Bureau of Mines dealing with the use of acrolein for detecting leakage of methyl chloride from unit--type refrigerating systems, the work has been extended to include an investigation of its use in a multiple system, This report gives the results of analysis of samples of the gas from representative units of a multiple system charged with methyl chloride containing approximately 0.9 per cent acrolein by volume, The results furnish a basis for estimating the Warning that would be given in event of leakage. The properties and warning intensity of acrolein have been described in a previous report. 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThis investigation was made at the combined request-of Several Inc., Manufacturers of refrigerating, appliances, and the Roeasler Hasslacher Chemical Co., manufacturers of methyl chloride. Acknowledgment is given to R. M. Major, ,chief chemist of the former firm for arranging the experimental site and equipment; to Arthur O. Haseeneall, owner of the apartment building where the investigation was conducted, for his courtesy in permitting the investigation; and to R. R. Sayers, chief surgeon, Bureau of Mines, and surgeon., U. S. Public Health Service, for suggestions and advice."

Sep 1, 1930

By Launa G. Mallett, Kathleen M. Kowalski, Michael J. Brnich

The characteristics of leaders under the duress of an emergency are important in the development of emergency planning, training, and in the management of an actual emergency. Knowledge of human behavior is an important component in the formation of emergency strategies. The U.S. Bureau of Mines analyzed the leadership behavior in three underground mine fire escapes. The subjects described their escapes during open-ended interviews. Data were coded according to: (1) evidence of leadership behavior, (2) evidence of lack of leadership behavior, and (3) characteristics of the individual in each group who led the subjects out of the mines. This paper discusses the profile of six individual leadership characteristics which emerged from the data.

By R. O. Dannenberg

The Bureau of Mines conducted laboratory investigations with the objective of developing an alternative process for recovering cobalt and copper from complex sulfide concentrates. Processes currently used depend largely upon precipitation techniques to remove impurities and recover cobalt from sulfate liquors prepared by oxidative pressure leaching of the sulfide concentrates. The Bureau conducted bench-scale research on a process for treating cobaltite concentrates, comprising (1) oxidative pressure leaching, (2) jarosite precipitation followed by H202 oxidation and pH control to remove iron and arsenic, (3) copper solvent extraction with a mixed hydroxyoxime-amine extractant, (4) copper electrowinning from recirculating acidic strip liquor, (5) selective cobalt extraction from copper solvent extraction raffinate with a phosphinic acid extractant, and (6) electrowinning of cobalt from a recirculating weak acid strip liquor. Overall cobalt and copper recoveries were 91.7 and 84.1 pct, respectively. Electrowon products assayed 99.8 pct Co and 99.89 pct Cu.

Jan 1, 1987

By David L. Shuck

This report was prepared for the Bureau of Mines to describe the current methods of design, construction, and development of wells for in situ leaching of uranium. The discussion includes the alternatives for well design drilling equipment and fluids, grout formulation and emplacement, well integrity testing and repair, and well development and stimulation. Current practice in these areas was determined through interviews with eight operators of commercial scale in situ facilities and is also discussed. Based on this information plus the authors' experience, recommendations are made regarding well design, construction, and development tor in situ leaching.

Jan 1, 1982

By Leonard P. Vitt

This report details the work done to provide the U.S. Bureau of Mines with a customized Wireless Ground Monitor Wireless Ground Monitor was modified as follows: 1. A voltage regulator was added to prevent false trips with line voltage variations. 2. A Ground Wire Trap was designed to eliminate problems with parallel paths and provide spark suppression. 3. A three phase filter was designed to reduce 60 Hz leakage current. 4. A portable tester was designed to permit complete test of installed systems. 5. The design was modified to insure trip with an open ground wire in the event of a failure of any one semi-conductor component.

Jan 1, 1976

By M. A. Trevits, T. A. Gray, L. M. Crayne, P. Glogowski

Mine seals can he remotely constructed in underground coal mines through vertical boreholes when direct access to a fire is impossible or considered to he too dangerous. This method has great merit because the boreholes can be drilled to specific mine areas, and the seals can be positioned close to a fire zone. The technology however can be largely ineffective if the constructed seals do not provide of effective barriers to airflow or if they cannot he used to impound water and other inert materials. Unfortunately, no viable alternatives exists to sealing the entire mine to the ground surface. Full-scale remote mine seal construction research is being conducted at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Lake Lynn Laboratory (LLL). Under this effort. Howard Concrete Pumping Company and GAI Consultants Inc. have joined forces to evaluate a potentially significant improvement to the current state of the art. This paper covers the development o f novel technology or rewrote mine seal construction, the evaluation of rite materials used, the construction practice and the Fellow-up testing.

By Ronald S. Conti

This paper describes technology and training that has been identified for underground emergency responders. Historically, underground mine rescue teams have only received training in the course of actual emergencies, or in simulated mine environments, usually on the surface, with placards to identify objects and hazards. Also, while U.S. Federal Regulations require all underground miners to walk escapeways and conduct fie drills every 90 days in a smoke-free environment, this does not fully prepare them for the conditions that will be encountered in real escape situations. Therefore, it is extremely important that miners are provided with adequate technology and that training simulations are conducted in a realistic manner. A series of mine rescue training and mine emergency response development (MERD) exercises, and in-mine smoke training was developed, conducted, and evaluated by state and company teams, and by National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) personnel. The training exercises were held at NIOSH's Lake Lynn Laboratory (LLL) and operating mines during the past several years. This training resulted in improved technology and training for mine rescue teams, fire brigades, first responders, and miners in general. For example, existing technologies were identified to help responders during exploration and recovery operations. These included various chemical light shapes, strobe lights, light vests, and laser pointers to identify team members. Most of these devices may be used to mark underground areas and certain mine materials. Strobe lights were used for mapping out escapeways and lasers were used to negotiate travel through smoke. Thermal imaging systems allow rescue personnel to see in darkness and through dense smoke, and allows the user to easily locate missing or trapped personnel and heated areas. A hands-free communication system showed potential for enhanced communications between team members, the fresh air base, and command center. A new team lighted-lifeline allows for flexibility in movements of team members during routine tasks and allows them to easily find their fixed position on the lifeline. Of all the technology evaluated by underground personnel, laser lights and lifelines were most beneficial in leading personnel to safety and out of the mine in smoke-filled passageways. A positive-pressure inflatable escape device (IED)/airlock, was used to isolate the "hazardous" environment from fresh air and allow rescue team members to traverse through. An inflatable feed- tube partition that can rapidly block large openings such as underground passageways or tunnels and simultaneously provide a feed-tube for high-expansion foam generators was also deployed during the simulations. These technological advancements have improved the state of readiness for rescue personnel and have increased the chances of survival for all personnel escaping from underground emergencies.

By William H. King

Preliminary examination of the Virgin River manganese deposit was made by C. H. Johnson, Bureau of Mines engineer, in March 1941. During, April and May 8 trenches were dug, a 48-foot inclined shaft was sunk, and 719 linear feet of channel samples were cut. McKelvey and Wiese, of the Federal Geological Survey, completed mapping the deposit, including the entire area of overlying formations comprising the point of land between the outcrop and Lake Mead. The geologic maps, maps, and ore estimates resulting from these examinations formed the basis for a preliminary report by C. H. Johnson, who recommended further exploration by diamond drilling.

Jan 1, 1949

By Jerry W. Stengel

The Bureau of Mines subjected two manufacturers' chemical oxygen (K02) self-rescue breathing apparatus to a series of laboratory environmental treatments designed to simulate various conditions in underground coal mines. The environmental treatments consisted of extremes of temperature, shock, and vibration. The tests were designed to be used as predictors of the ability of the self-rescuers to survive those environmental insults with no degradation in their protection to the wearer. Based on the severity of the treatments, simulating conditions more severe than offered by the mining environment, the two apparatus tested should be able to withstand the abuse offered by the mining environment and still function as intended in an emergency. Correlation of these tests with results of long-term field evaluations is needed to provide confidence in the laboratory tests as predictors.

Jan 1, 1982

By Zsuzsanna Zborovszky

Study of the energy transfer from an inductive circuit to the discharge under the conditions of the minimum discharge voltage being smaller than the source voltage. Analysis of the effect of the electrode separation speed on the duration and maximum power amplitude of the discharge. Recommendation for optimal electrode setting. Experimental data on the variation of maximum discharge power required for ignition as a function of volumetric gas content for methane-air and propane-air mixtures. Experimental determination of the ignition limit for discharges derived from a 24, 15, 10 and 6v inductive-resistive circuit in 8.3% methane-air mixture by using the PTB breakflash with Cd disc and W wires, and also with Cu disc and BeCu wires. Method for calculating ignition limits for other source voltages.

Jan 1, 1978

This chapter summarizes data on crude mineral production for the United States, its island possessions, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Included also are tables that show the principal mineral commodities exported from and imported into the United States, and that compare world and U.S. mineral production. The detailed data from which these tables were derived are contained in the individual commodity chapters of volume I and in the State chapters of volume II of this edition of the Minerals Yearbook. Although crude mineral production may be measured at 'any of several stages of extraction and processing, the stage of measurement used In this chapter is what is normally termed "mine output." It usually refers to minerals or ores in the form in which they are first extracted from the ground, but customarily includes the product of auxiliary processing at or near the mines.

Jan 1, 1977