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This manual is for use by mine operating personnel and vehicle manufacturers in the selection and proper use of automatic fire protection systems for underground metal and non-metal mining vehicles. Most of the currently available systems are manually operated, dry chemical fire suppression systems. When properly designed, installed, and maintained these systems have proven to be effective both in fire suppression and in withstanding the rugged mine environment. Portable fire extinguishers and manually actuated systems have provided adequate protection for most of the reported fire incidents. However, there have also been incidents where injuries and property losses would not have occurred if the vehicle had been protected with an automatic fire protection system. The need for reliable automatic systems exists when the operator is not present, especially when the vehicle engine is running without the operator in the cab; and also in cases where the operator leaves the vehicle to fight a small fire with a portable and is then forced to abandon the vehicle because the small fire becomes uncontrollable. In the later cases manual systems on the vehicle are never actuated. Although these incidents have been relatively few in number in the past, the increasing use of mobile diesel powered equipment and the related importance of personnel safety, high costs of the mining vehicles, and high cost of down time warrant consideration of automatic fire protection systems. The fire history data and the design concept discussed in this manual were developed under the Bureau of Mines Contract H0252038 which is part of the government's mining research safety program. The purpose of the contract was to develop a low cost, reliable, prototype automatic fire control system for underground vehicles. The industry needs were determined through an extensive mine visitation program, and the prototype system was demonstrated on a vehicle in an underground mine fire test. The system developed under this contract was specifically designed for a load-haul-dump. However, the design concept is applicable to the full general class of mobile underground mining equipment.

Jan 1, 2011

By Nicholas Kyriazi

The Bureau of Mines subjected three commercial compressed-oxygen self-contained self-rescuers to a series of laboratory treatments designed to simulate various environmental conditions in underground coal mines. The environmental treatments consisted of extremes of temperature and of shock and vibration. The tests were designed to predict the ability of the self-rescuers to withstand those environmental stresses without causing a decrease in wearer protection. A critical concern was internal damage to an apparatus that would cause it to malfunction or seriously degrade its performance without any obvious external signs. The Bureau has previously tested chemical oxygen self-contained self-rescuers in a similar research program. Although the three compressed-oxygen units are not as sturdy as the chemical oxygen self-rescuers tested previously, they performed reliably after treatments on treadmill tests with human subjects and on machine tests using a breathing and metabolic simulator. Serious damage was caused by both the heat treat-ment of 71° C (venting of the 02 bottle in most cases), and in the shock treatment (breaking open of the case and dislodging of the components). When physical damage is obvious, a complete refurbishing of the damaged self-rescuer is recommended.

Jan 1, 1983

By Thomas K. Matson

The coal reserve base in the Western United States is presented for coalbeds amenable to extraction by underground mining methods. The Federal Bureau of Mines has abstracted data on the quality and quantity of coal resources/reserves from numerous State and Federal publications and modified such data as necessary to allow computer storage and retrieval. Tonnages are compiled by State, county, coalbed, and rank, and allotted to sulfur categories by statistical apportionment. The coal reserve base in those States west of the Mississippi River, amenable to underground mining, is estimated to be approximately 131 billion tons. Of this total, about 30.8 billion tons are bituminous coal, 100.2 billion tons are subbituminous coal, and 126.4 million tons are anthracite. Lignite is not considered for underground mining in this report. Included in this report is a glossary of terms applicable to a classification system for coal resources and reserves as jointly defined by the Bureau of Mines and U.S. Geological Survey. The purpose of this system is to provide for direct comparison or compilation of various resource/reserve data.

Jan 1, 1975

By R. H. Fernald

In 1900, as far as available records show, there were only two producer-gas power installations in the United States. In June, 1915, the number probably exceeded 1,000. Of this number, some 84.5 per cent comprised small plants using anthracite, and only about 15 per cent of the total number utilized bituminous coal and lignite. In addition to these, two plants used wood, and three or four used oil. In the main, however, the larger sized units are operating on bituminous coal and lignite.

Jan 1, 1916

By R. H. Fernald

In 1900, as far as available records show, there were only two producer-gas power installations in the United States. In June, 1915, the number probably exceeded 1,000. Of this number, some 84.5 per cent comprised small plants using anthracite, and only about 15 per cent of the total number utilized bituminous coal and lignite. In addition to these, two plants used wood, and three or four used oil. In the main, however, the larger sized units are operating on bituminous coal and lignite. During the early years of these plants little success was anticipated from the use of bituminous coals and lignites, but in 1904 and 1905 it was fully demonstrated at the Government testing station at St. Louis that these fuels could be utilized to excellent advantage. However, although many producer-gas plants in daily operation are using bituminous coal and lignite, many power-plant men are still skeptical regarding the successful commercial use of these fuels.

Jan 1, 1916

By Joanne L. Johnston

Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines have developed a new technique for bonding strain gauges to rock bolts. These instrumented bolts are used to determine load at intervals along the length of the bolt so that reliable, consistent measurements for the design of support systems can be obtained. In this Information Circular, this technique is described in detail and should result in improved miner safety in underground mines.

Jan 1, 1993

The Bureau of Mines is responsible for a broad spectrum of programs for meeting the diverse and changing mineral resource needs of the Nation. These programs are managed by the Director and two Deputy Directors, who formulate general policy and program direction from the Washington, D.C., headquarters. Bureau program activities are classified into two major functions, minerals research and minerals information and analysis. A senior advisory staff, consisting of the Chief Staff Officer and Chief Scientist, provides advice and consultation to the Director on a wide range of scientific and technical matters and acts on behalf of the Director to maintain liaison with other government agencies, both foreign and domestic, mineral industries, and professional societies. The Minerals Research Directorate Technological research and development in minerals have long been cornerstones of the Bureau of Mines. The Minerals Research Directorate performs this work. Re-search functions cover the extraction, processing, use, reuse, and disposal of mineral materials; the reduction of health and safety hazards in mining and processing; and minimizing undesirable environmental effects. The production, conservation, sale, and distribution of helium is also conducted under the Research Directorate.

Jan 1, 1981

By Jeffrey S. Newman

This report presents a summary of the results of a four-phase program conducted for the Bureau of Mines to evaluate underground mine fire detection systems. In addition, Phase IV is presented in detail. The major accomplishments of this program are: 1) quantification and prediction of the distribution of fire products in a mine pas¬sageway; 2) quantification of "equivalent protection" by fire detectors as contained in Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations; 3) definition of detection criteria; 4) design of a detector test program for determining detector spacing requirements; 5) design, construction, operation, and calibration of a fire test apparatus for evaluating mine fire detectors; 6) quantification of several mine fire sources; 7) evaluation of several fire detector types including heat, CO and CO2 gas, and ionization smoke detectors; 8) development of generalized spacing criteria for mine fire detectors; and 9) development of performance specifications. Reports for Phases I through III are included in Appendices.

Jan 1, 1984

By Harry H. Ku

In December 1975, a report entitled "An Evaluation of the Accuracy of the Coal Mine Dust Sampling Program Administered by the Department of Interior" [1] was prepared by the Analytical Chemistry Division of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), in response to a request by Senator Harrison A. Williams. Chairman, Committee on Labor and Public Welfare. The report attempted to evaluate the adequacy of (1) the personal sampler unit used to measure the coal dust concentration in the mines, (2) the procedures used by the Department of Interior (DOI) to analyze the dust samples obtained from mine operators, and (3) any recent studies made by the Department or private industry concerning the coal dust sampling equipment. Recommendations in the report of NBS included continued research efforts by the appropriate organization to correct the personal sampler deficiencies and to consider the use of area or stationary samplers as a supplement to the personal samplers. Concurrent with the NBS report cited above, the General Accounting Office (GAO) also issued a report in December, 1975 [2], suggesting that improvements are still needed in coal mine dust sampling programs and procedures relating to penalty assessments and collections. Among recommendations made by GAO, the following paragraph specifically called for actions by the agencies involved:

Jan 1, 1979

By Philip B. Grote

The deep ocean mining industry is in a pre-commercialization stage of development. In the context of a proper legal/regulatory regime, deep ocean mining system design, site survey, and operation technologies are capable of rapid evolution. The report recommends that the regulatory framework develop in parallel with the industry and presents a rationale for implementing this approach. The Government has several interests in deep ocean mining technology: (1) as a potential regulator, sound regulations should be based on an understanding of the technology; (2) as a potential monitor, survey technologies are relevant; and (3) as an estimator of strategic minerals supplies, it is important to understand the technology which allows economic access to deep ocean minerals. Thus, the major portion of the report presents an in-depth review of systems design, operations, and survey equipment and techniques.

Jan 1, 1979

This publication summarizes, for potential contractors and other interested parties, the research, development, and demonstration contract projects programed by the Bureau of Mines for fiscal year 1980 (October 1, 1979 - September 30, 1980) under its Minerals Health and Safety Research program. The objective of these projects is to provide an ordered and sequenced series of advances toward the Bureau's overall goal of providing the system technology required to create a healthier and safer working environment for the Nation's mining and minerals processing workers.

Jan 1, 1980

By William H. Pomroy

This report describes Bureau of Mines research that led to the design, prototype fabrication, and successful proof-of-concept testing of an improved stench fire-warning system for underground noncoal mines. Stench systems are the most widely used means of warning driers in underground noncoal mines of fires or other emergencies. A stench system alerts miners that an emergency condition exists by injecting an odorant into the mine air. Although stench warning systems have been used successfully for over 60 yr, present systems suffer several serious shortcomings, including odorant toxicity, unreliability of warnings, widely varying stench concentrations, and others. In 1980, the Bureau began a research program to upgrade the stench warning system. The resultant system overcomes the deficiencies of existing systems by substituting tetrahydrothiophene for the commonly used ethyl mercaptan stench odorant, and through the use of a specially designed stench injector. The improved injector reliably meters stench fluid into either ventilation-air or compressed-air streams at a precisely controlled rate. Prototype hardware has been fabricated and proof-of-concept tested under bath laboratory and in-mine conditions.

Jan 1, 1985

By Robert T. Beckman

The results of a preliminary investigation of compressive strength versus length-diameter (L/D) ratios of potash specimens and the statistical treatment of the data are summarized in this report. The purpose of the study was to evaluate a laboratory method for obtaining estimates of the strength of potash pillars during robbing operations. The specific objectives of this preliminary investigation were to test the method and the reliability (confidence limits) of the data, and to determine the number of additional specimens necessary for given confidence limits. The specimens were taken from three sites at two mines in New Mexico. The statistical analyses included the determination of the confidence limits for the data and the number of additional specimens necessary to obtain confidence limits of ±500 and 100 psi. The testing method was found acceptable, and estimates of the comprehensive strength, within 1500 psi, could be obtained by testing about 110 additional specimens from the three sites. The compressive strength of the specimens tested fits an empirical equation of the type

Dec 1, 1963

By W. H. Tomlinson

Although the thoughts and efforts of the great majority of people in many parts of the world are today directed toward killing each other, the purpose of this paper is to discuss means of conserving human life. In a world of turmoil and strife, we find time to discuss and make plans to achieve our objective -prevention of the "sacrifice" of life through avoidable accidents. The word" sacrifice" is used here advisedly, as one meaning of the word given in the 1942 edition of Funk and Wagnalls New Dictionary of the English Language is "the act of giving up some desired or valued object for the sake of *** future good." As everyone agrees that life is man's most priceless possession, one wonders if past sacrifices have been in vain. It appears that life is cheap in America; it is cheap because some of the industrialists are too much concerned with making a profit to devote much time and thought to conserving human life; it is cheap because some labor leaders apparently are interested solely in personal power and prestige; it is cheap because a great many workmen fail or refuse to cooperate energetically with the various organizations interested ill; their safety and welfare; it is of little value because, individually and collectively, we are indifferent to our responsibilities toward our fellow men.

Jan 1, 1944

By E. C. Fitch

This report discusses fire-resistant hydraulic fluid safety from three different directions. First, results of a survey prepared for the Fire Resistant Hydraulics Journal by the staff of the Fluid Power Research Center are analyzed. Second, operational limitations of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids are examined. Finally, laws and standards of various foreign countries are investigated. Three conclusions are derived from a close study of fire-resistant hydraulic fluid safety from these three directions. First, a significant number of experts in the fluid power industry are no in agreement about aspects of fire-resistant hydraulic fluid fire-resistance and toxicity. This indicates a need for more in depth research. Second, the use of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids involves a compromise between the decreased fire hazards and increased toxicity and machine incompatibility problems. Finlly, major foreign governmental agencies have thorough laws and standards concerning fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. These laws and standards may provide a solid framework for further international research into fire-resistant hydraulic fluid safety.

Jan 1, 1979

To improve the reliability of the Bureau developed bore-hole gage now widely used to determine the absolute state of stress in rock. Approach Use the knowledge gained by extensive field tests to design a more rugged and reliable Instrument using lighter and stronger materials. How It Works The original gage consisted of a stainless steel cylinder 1-3/8 Inches In diameter and 10-1/2 inches long. The new gage is made from titanium. This lighter material reduces the weight of the gage by 43 percent, which enhances the gage placement and depth of overcoring in vertical up? holes. For added strength, the titanium case and placement end are now threaded to the gage body instead of using screw fasteners. Three pairs of strain gaged transducers are positioned to measure the diametral deformation of a 1-1/2 diameter borehole at 60-degree intervals around the Inner surface of the borehole. Each transducer consists of a beryllium copper cantilever with a strain gage cemented on each side. These transducers are secured Into the gage body by a tapered shank for minimal creep. The transducers opposite each other are wired together to form a 4-arm external bridge circuit. A pair of transducers is referred to as a component. Any deformation of the borehole, which occurs during overcoring, is detected by pistons which translate the motion to the components. Each

Jan 1, 1982

By S. J. Hussey

This Bureau of Mines report presents a discussion of the statistical approach to the design of experiments and indicates, by concrete examples, how and when statistical design is essential for obtaining meaningful data with a minimum number of experiments. Every research worker plans his work and designs his experiments in a manner which, based on his experience, seems most rational to him and which he believes will produce the information essential for resolving the problems. If the results obtained are open to multiple interpretations and are not of definitive reliability, the failure of the experiment design to produce the desired information may be due to several causes, These include faulty judgment in selecting the factors to be tested, ignoring the importance of interaction between factors, failure to adequately control test variables, and assuming that meaningful trends in the results can be identified without comparison to a predetermined experimental error. An experienced researcher probably will deduce from the nature of the data obtained that the design is faulty and may by trial and error ultimately arrive at the correct solution to the problem. Statistical methods of planning research minimize the chance of faulty experiment design, embody concrete procedures for testing the validity and reliability of the test data and for indicating mandatory changes in the design, and enable the researcher to obtain meaningful information with the least number of tests.

Jan 1, 1963

By H. H. Schrenk

One phase of Bureau of Mines work in health and safety is promotion of the use of safe, satisfactory, and reliable respiratory protective devices. To insure that such devices will be. available, the Bureau has established schedules of minimum requirements for oxygen breathing apparatus,3/ gas masks,/ supplied-air respirators (hose masks, air-line, respirators, and abrasive blasting helmets, hoods, or masks),5/ and dispersoid (dust, fume, and mist)

Jan 1, 1943

By J. O. Merritt

The primary objective of this research program was to recommend ranges of minimum luminance for safety in underground metal and nonmetal mining. Visual tasks critical to safety were identified and rank-ordered. Realistic, full-scale, dynamic task simulations encompassing the most important visual components of the critical tasks were installed in a large simulated workspace. Five trained observers performed the six simulated mining tasks under varying levels of luminance. Over 13,000 measurements of visual task performance were used in developing minimum luminance recommendations for the on-foot underground worker and the mobile equipment operator.

Jan 1, 1983

By August J. Kwitowski

This report presents the results of a joint Bureau of Mines-U.S. Department of Energy project that evaluated a newly developed low-coal mining system: the 4M miniminer system. The evaluation took place from April through October 1981 and determined potential health, safety, and productivity factors for the mining system using the surface test facilities at Bruceton, PA. The planning, testing, results of testing, and a summary evaluation of the 4M miniminer system are included in the report. The miniminer system was found to be a very good concept with future potential for safe, healthful, and economic production in thin-seam mining. The mining system was also judged to have considerable potential for use in some coal seams that are presently considered unminable by other existing mining equipment. The preproduction, prototype version of the miniminer system that was tested suffered from several safety and production problems. These problems are also described, along with suggested remedies.

Jan 1, 1989