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By R. B. Anderson

SULFUR poisoning of iron catalysts in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was investigated at the Bureau of Mines, because synthesis gas produced from coal contains sulfur compounds. Tests of two typical iron catalysts with synthesis gas containing known concentrations of H2S were made to determine catalyst life as a function of sulfur concentration to ascertain the type of gas purification required. Fixed beds of activated steel turnings and a fused iron oxide catalyst were investigated in sulfur poisoning tests at 21.4 atmospheres with IH2+100 gas containing 6.9, 23, or 69 mg S as H2S per cubic meter (0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 gr per 100 cu. ft.). In tests of reduced catalysts at constant temperatures, more than 80 percent of the activity was lost when 0.5 mg S/g Fe was introduced. Poisoning of nitrided or carbided fused iron oxide catalysts to a given extent required more than twice as much sulfur than for the corresponding reduced catalyst. When the synthesis temperature was increased to compensate for loss in activity, tests of the fused iron oxide catalysts at constant productivity could be continued for 19 to 98 days. The tests were terminated by clogging of the reactor, presumably caused by carbon deposition. One objective of the present work was to determine if synthesis gas, purified by the Bureau of Mines' hot-potassium carbonate process for removing H2S, OOS, and CO2, is suitable for synthesis on iron catalysts. The sulfur content of the gas purified by tills process is in the range of concentrations used in the present work. In constant-productivity tests of nitrided fused iron oxide catalysts with synthesis gas containing 6.9 mg S/m3, catalyst lives are nearly long enough for serious consideration of tills mode of operation. However, factors relating to selectivity and stability of the catalyst indicate that this type of operation is impractical for a commercial process. On this basis additional gas purification, such as iron oxide boxes following a hot potassium carbonate scrubber, is desirable.

Jan 1, 1965

By R. Barany

The heats of formation of seven substances were determined by solution calorimetry. At 298.15° K, the heat of formation of lithium sulfate from lithium, rhombic sulfur, and oxygen was -343.1 ± 0.7 kcal/mole, and the heat of formation of lithium sulfate monohydrate from lithium, rhombic sulfur, oxy-gen, and hydrogen was -414.3 ± 0.7 kcal/mo1e. For the silicates, the heats of formation at 298.15° K from the elements were kaliophilite, -503.8 ± 0.5 kcal/mole; leucite, -721.6 ± 0,8 kcal/mole; eucryptite, -505,2 ± 0.6 kcal/mole; alpha-spodumene, -727.9 ± 0.9 kcal/mole; and beta-spodumene, -721.1 ± 0.9 kcal/mole. The corresponding heats of formation at 298.15° K from the constituent oxides were kaliophilite, -42.7 ± 1.1 kca1/mole; leucite, -42.8 ± 1.1 kcal/mole; eucryptite, -16.1 ± 0.7 kcal/mole; alpha-spodumene, -21.0 ± 0.7 kcal/mo1e; and beta-spodumene, -14.3 ± 0.7 kcal/mo1e.

Jan 1, 1966

By J. Bruce Clemmer

[Gypsum is one of the mo .. t iJf.l)ortant nonmp.tal1.ic T!1inerals, as is indicat-? ed by the fact that tlle Uni ted states cO!1sUl:Ied p, roximn..tely 3,500,000 tons of natura.l and calcinecl e::,j;-psum in 1937. The b\.'.ilr:.in.; traces \"fe.ro the largest users and required 2,520,000 tons of calcine for the r-roductiop. of plaster,]

Jan 1, 1941

By Arne Landsberg

Accessory metals, although valuable resources, present possible environmental concern in the smelting of base metals. The Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, has undertaken research to define the chemistry involving these metals. Arsenic in copper smelting is the first to be investigated. Roasting, the first step in many copper smelters, was chosen for initial investigation because of the potential for arsenic removal in this primary process. Simple, static-bed, vaporization experiments were devised to obtain the data in this study. Ancillary transpiration and mass spectrometry were also used to delineate conditions necessary for arsenic volatilization from a roaster feed. For nearly complete arsenic removal, a temperature of 650°-700° C, a reducing atmosphere including carbon monoxide, and a source of sulfur were found to be essential.

Jan 1, 1980

By Donna L. Anderson

This information circular documents the status of a laser-based guidance system to track and control the tramming maneuvers of a continuous mining machine. The work is part of a multiple project effort at the U.S. Bureau of Mines to develop technology for computer-assisted mining systems. The system includes stationary offboard laser-scanning sensors that report the angular coordinates of retroreflective targets on the mining machine. A microcomputer system processes the angular coordinates, determines position and heading, handles requests for data, and controls tram maneuvers of a continuous mining machine. This report describes the hardware for the sensor and computer systems and the software algorithms for continuous miner position and heading determination, closed-loop tramming, and data request handling. Improvements made to the system since previous documentation include the rewriting of the software on a stand-alone real-time microcomputer system, the implementation of real-time programming techniques, the use of a new version of the laser sensor, and the design and development of explosion-proof enclosures for the lasers and corresponding power supply.

Jan 1, 1991

By B. W. Gandrud

This is the first report published by the Bureau of Mines on washability characteristics of coal from beds in Tennessee. It is based principally upon screen-sizing and float-and-sink tests of raw coal from a bed on the Cumberland Plateau. Stripping operations were undertaken recently on this bed by the Cumberland Collieries, Inc., near Chalybeate,Van Buren County, Tenn. The bed has not been definitely correlated, but it may be an extension of the Sewanee bed, which has been mined extensively in the Tracy City district to the south-vest and at points near Dunlap and Pikeville to the southeast and east. It was spoken of by officials of the Cumberland Collieries as the Sewanee bed at the time of sampling for this study. In a letter dated October 16, 1948, W. D. Hardeman, geologist of the Department of Conservation, Nashville, Tenn., states: "The stripping operations of the Cumberland Collieries near the old postoffice at Chalybeate are, I am fairly certain, in the upper part of the Whitwell shale, which carries the Sewanee coal. This coal may be a stray seam, but it probably can be correlated with the Sewanee coal, which is mined farther east. "There are no detailed geologic maps or reports covering the area, and this opinion is based on what was observed in visiting the strip mines in that general vicinity." The laboratory work upon which this report is based was done at the Southern Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior, in cooperation with the University of Alabama and the Cumberland Collieries, Inc.

Jan 1, 1949

By M. E. Volin

To extend or delimit the known ore reserves of the Black Wonder manganese de-posit, the Bureau of Mines undertook an exploration project consisting of trenching, underground excavation, long-hole drilling, and sampling. The mineralization is spread over 6 square miles containing numerous small individual manganese deposits. There has been only small production from some of these deposits; however, simultaneous operations from many such small deposits could contribute considerably to the production from the district. A custom mill to treat oxide ore for battery use was built near Patterson in 1942 by the General Dry Batteries Co., Inc. It operated during World War II and was removed in 1944 when the manganese mines ceased operation. Except for some small experimental shipments, there has been no activity in the district since that time.

Jan 1, 1956

By Robert H. Peters

How can employees be stopped from engaging in unsafe work practices? It is often easier to prevent employees from performing unsafe acts through manipulations of the work environment than through various training or motivational programs. Therefore, it is important that accident prevention programs seek to identify the reasons for the unsafe behavior and to redesign tasks and the work environment (e.g., tools, equipment, physical surroundings) in order to remove employees from sources of harm and to prevent situations from arising that would prompt them to perform unsafe acts. Unfortunately, in the mining industry the work environment is often innately hazardous, rapidly changing, and difficult to predict, making it very difficult, perhaps impossible, to fully protect the employee by environmental manipulations. Therefore, it is important that effective methods be identified for influencing mine employees to work safely. Various strategies have been used to convince employees to avoid unsafe acts and/or adopt self protective behaviors. The intent of this article is to provide guidance to mine operators concerning the use of four techniques for influencing mine employees to work safely: (1) employee surveys, (2) incentives, (3) fear communications, and (4) disciplinary actions.

By R. W. Van Dolah, N. E. Hanna, F. C. Gibson

Measures that were taken to eliminate noise resulting from explosives work at the Bureau of Mines facility at Bruceton , Pa . , are described . A method for monitoring sound transmission characteristics of the atmosphere and control of the explosives testing is presented as a noise control measure that offered partial relief during the period in which the modifications were made . Design details of the replacement gallery , used for permissibility testing of explosives , and the modifications of four types of bombproofs are given . Operation of the closed facilities are completely satisfactory , and the noise problem has been entirely eliminated .

Jan 1, 1964

By A. E. Schwaneke

Plans and specifications are given for constructing a quartz composite oscillator designed to measure internal friction in metals and alloys . The characteristics of the system are listed , and detailed procedures for its operation are explained . Typical measurements on manganese - copper alloy , on single - crystal magnesium , and on polycrystalline magnesium are shown to illustrate applications of the system .

Jan 1, 1964

By Wing G. Agnew

The first six Reports of Investigations in this series , pertaining to the investigation of stemming at the Mount Weather Testing Adit, dealt with ( 1 ) the dust produced by blasting , ( 2) the effect of stemming upon gases generated by blasting , ( 3 ) the relative advantages and disadvantages of different types of stemming and no stemming when used with 60 - percent ammonia gelatin dynamite , (4) the length of stemming material through which a primer will fire and detonate a charge of dynamite , ( 5) comparison of dust and gases produced when blasting charges of dynamite in drill holes , bombs, and mud - cap shots , and ( 6 ) the relative advantages and disadvantages of different types of stemming and no stemming when used with 40 - percent ammonia gelatin dynamite .

Oct 1, 1943

By G. W. Birge, D. E. Wolfson, J. H. Lynch

Fourteen coal samples representing the Flag , Fire Clay , Whitesburg , Amburgy , Upper Elkhorn No. 3 , Upper Elkhorn No. 2 , Upper Elkhorn No. 1 , and Lower Elkhorn beds in Letcher County , Ky . , were carbonized by the Bureau of Mines - American Gas Association ( BM- AGA ) method , and yields of products and physical properties of cokes were determined . The samples tested were high- volatile A bituminous in rank , with dry , mineral - matter- free fixed - carbon contents ranging from 55.3 to 62.2 percent . Five of the samples , as received , were chemically unsuitable for metallurgical use because of excessive ash and/ or sulfur content . Generally , strength indexes of the cokes were low and all of the coals would require blending with higher rank coal to obtain satisfactory blast furnace fuel .

Jan 1, 1964

By S. L. Windes

For a number of years, the Bureau of Mines conducted tests on various types of structures to determine the effect of seismic vibrations emanating from quarry blasting in an effort to determine an index of damage . Associated with these tests , occasional records were made of the characteristics of. the air blast or concussion from the explosions . Although the importance of the air - blast problem was recognized , the equipment was not designed for air -blast measurements , nor was the early research program concerned with the problem . After the ground - vibration tests had been completed , attention was turned to study of the air blast and its effect . The air - blast problem in reference to quarry and mine blasting may be divided conveniently into three phases : (1 ) Determination of the fundamental characteristics of the air blast , such as the pressure - time relationship , speed of propagation, attenuation , and the like ; ( 2) effect of blasting conditions on these air -blast characteristics ; and ( 3) determination of the conditions necessary for damage to structures . The initial step was the development of microphones suitable for recording the anticipated blast pressures. Such microphones were designed and built during 1940 , and described in technical detail for publication ( 2)3/. Briefly, the microphone adopted was a small, plate - diaphragm condenser type . The recording was through special transducer amplifiers with low -frequency response to zero cycles per second and a Duddell - type oscillograph of special design .

Feb 1, 1942

By William O. Vanderburg

Tis paper describing the mining practices at the Cold Springs mine of the Wolf Tongue Lining Co. at Nederland, Colo., is one of a series of similar papers prepared by the Fureau of kines on mining practices, methods, and costs at various mines in the United States. The writer acknowledges the assistance of William Leach and William T. Todd, manager and mine superintendent of the Wolf Tongue Mining Co., respectively, in the preparation of this paper.

Dec 1, 1932

By D. J. Parker

This report is based on data collected in and about the Liberty mine of the Liberty Fuel Co. by D. J. Parker and W. W. Kessler on December 13 and 14, 1933. An important phase of an examination to determine the general condition of a mine with respect to safety is the collection of dust samples from rock- dusted areas. Definite conclusions, based on intelligent interpretation of the analyses of such samples, can be reached only when the general condition of the mine is known. A similar examination and report were made on this property in January 1930 by D. J. Parker and R. I. C. Manning. Since that time much has been done by the management to improve safety conditions in this mine. The changes made will be noted in the course of this report. The mine is in Spring Canyon at Latuda, Carbon County, Utah, and is served by a branch line of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad about 7 miles long and connecting to the main line near Helper, Utah. The writer desires to express his sincere appreciation for the many courtesies and helpful cooperation extended by Superintendent George Schultz and Mine Foreman F. W. Koelling.

Nov 1, 1934

By George S. Rice

The major purpose of this bulletin, as indicated in the preface by Dr. John W. Finch, Director of the Bureau of Mines, is to give a critical review of the coal-mining methods used in the principal producing countries of Europe, to describe the reasons underlying the adoption of these methods, and to contrast them with coal-mining methods employed in the United States. The report includes discussions of various subjects intimately related to coal mining, such as geology of the principal coal fields; production and resources of the several countries; mine safety and health research; Government mining regulations; mine inspection and rescue procedure; safety lamps; fixed lighting methods under-ground; testing electric motors, mining machines, and mining explosives for permissibility; and special mining hazards, such as explosions of gas and coal dust, mine fires, instantaneous gas outbursts, ground movement and surface subsidence, and bumps. Commercial, economic, and labor problems of European coal mining, including miners' output, wages, and social-insurance schemes, as well as cost of mining, prices of coal, etc., are briefly described. It will be noted that data on most subjects are not given for Russia, which has become an important coal-producing country, owing to the lack of reliable published information concerning Russian coal mining.

Jan 1, 1939

By Edward L. McHugh, Stanley M. Miller, Jeffrey K. Whyatt

The point estimation method can be applied to the safety factor (SF) equation for any specified rock slope failure mode (such as plane shear, step path, or wedge) to obtain reliable estimates of the mean and standard deviation of the SF probability distribution. A gamma probability density function is recommended for modeling this probability distribution, because it allows only for positive values and is flexible enough to provide symmetrical shapes and right-skewed, exponential-type shapes for the SF distribution. The mean and standard deviation define this distribution, which then can be integrated numerically from 0 to 1 to obtain the probability of sliding, PS (portion of the SF distribution where SF < 1.0). The overall probability of failure, PF, for the potential slope failure mass is the joint probability that the rock discontinuities are long enough to allow kinematic failure (PL) and that sliding occurs along the rock discontinuities (PS); that is, PF = PSPL. This method for estimating the probability of sliding is extremely efficient computationally, and thus, expedites slope stability simulation routines used by NIOSH software to stochastically describe rock slope behavior and assist the engineer in designing catch benches for large rock slopes. Enhanced bench design translates into increased operational efficiency and safer working conditions in open pit mines and quarries.

By Lloyd A. Morley

This final report concludes the documentation under Grant G0155003 and details research not covered under foregoing report volumes. The first chapter lists all other reports. The following chapters are divided into three major research tasks: Continuous Safety Monitoring Systems, Battery and Battery-charging Safety, and Mine Power System Transients. The monitoring chapter discusses the prediction of power-system failures. The battery chapter details work on battery-box stresses, battery chargers, and the elimination of electrocutions. The final chapter covers transient instrumentation, distribution transients sources and suppression, and utilization transients on mine power systems.

Jan 1, 1981

"U.S. Bureau of Mines Publications and Articles, 1994 with Subject and Author Index Compiled by Office of Public Information U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) Department of the InteriorINTRODUCTIONThe U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) was established in 1910 to conduct inquiries and scientific and technological investigations on mining and the preparation, treatment, and use of mineral substances; to promote health and safety in the mineral industries; to conserve material resources; to promote economic development; to increase efficiency in the mining, metallurgical, quarrying, and other mineral industries; and to inquire into the economic conditions affecting those industries. The organic act of the Bureau, as amended by Congress and approved February 25, 1913, made it the province and duty of the Bureau of Mines to ""disseminate information concerning these subjects in such manner as will best carry out the purpose of this Act.""In accordance with this directive, USBM reports the findings of its research and investigations in its own series of publications and also in articles that appear in scientific, technical, and trade journals; in proceedings of conventions and seminars; in reference books; and in other non-USBM publications. This edition describes reports and articles published during calendar year 1994. It supplements the 50-year list of Bureau publications issued from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 1960; 1 the 50-year list of articles by Bureau authors published outside the Bureau from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 1960; 2 andthe 5-year lists of publications and articlesfrom January 1, 1960, to December 31, 1964,3from January 1, 1965, to December 31, 1969,4from January 1,1970, to December 31,1974,5from January 1,1975, to December 31,1979,6from January 1,1980, to December 31,1984/and from January 1, 1985, to December 31,1989.8"

May 1, 1995

By C. H. Riggs

This petroleum-engineering study of the Healdton oil field in Carter County, Okla., describes the geology and production history of that field and estimates the oil reserves that could be produced by efficient secondary-recovery methods. The Healdton field, in western Carter County approximately 20 miles west of Ardmore, Okla., was discovered in 1913 and was one of the early important oil-producing areas in the State. Although the volume of oil recovered from the Healdton sands has been comparatively high, studies show that a large reserve remains in the pressure-depleted sand, which can be recovered by efficient water-flood operations. In making this study of the Healdton-sand reservoir, the writers utilized many data already available in company and Government offices. Most of the fluid samples were collected by Bureau of Mines personnel and analyzed in the Bureau&apos;s laboratories at Bartlesville, Okla.; but other data, including logs, core analyses, and production records, were obtained from outside sources. These data were examined critically but were not verified, and possible errors in the original data may be reflected in the conclusions. In this study, attempts were made to consider only those aspects of the available information that would contribute to a clear and concise engineering report on the Healdton-sand reservoir. Other phases of the data, as well as those concerning associated reservoirs, were eliminated from consideration as being irrelevant to the particular problem. Cores and drill cuttings of the Healdton sands were analyzed and studied to determine the nature of the reservoir rocks. Analyses of samples of produced oil, water, and gas were studied to fix the different types, the limits of their occurrence, and the suitability of different waters for injection into the Healdton sands. Records of oil, gas, and water produced and of gas and water injected were studied to interpret the production behavior of the field and of certain individual leases. Theoretical calculations were made to predict the probable water-flood behavior and oil recovery, at constant water-injection rates, for individual sands on two leases.

Jan 1, 1953