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By R. J. Leary

The Bureau of Mines experimental blast furnace was blown with oxygen-enriched blast in combination with natural gas injected at the tuyeres. The air blast was augmented with oxygen to form an enriched blast containing 24,8 pct oxygen, and tests were run at natural gas injection rates of 4.5, 6.0, and 8.3 pct of the air blast. Similar enrichment to 26.8 pct oxygen was tested at natural gas rates of 7.2, 9.1, and 11,0 pct of the air blast. At intermediate proportions of natural gas to oxygen, (1) the fuel rate and the replacement ratio of coke by natural gas were unaffected by oxygen injections and (2) the productivity increased about 4 pct for each I pct oxygen added to the blast. The higher proportions of natural gas to oxygen were less efficient; in return for a lower coke rate, the fuel rate increased and productivity declined. A deficiency in reducing gas imposed a limit upon lower than normal proportions of natural gas to oxygen. Beyond this limit the formation of reducing gas was insufficient to support the rate of metal production. When this condition was encountered, the coke rate requirement for specification iron was abnormally high and production fell off badly. Adiabatic flame temperature is discussed as a means for proportioning oxygen and natural gas additions.

Jan 1, 1967

By James R. Boyle

The value of Alabama's nonfuel mineral production in 1983 was $361.3 million, an increase of $61.9 million over that of 1982. The increase reversed a downward trend that started in 1980 and established a new record high for value of nonfuel minerals in the State. Output of most nonfuel minerals increased to some degree with unit value increases creating the record-high value year. Cement, clays, lime, sand and gravel, and crushed stone were the major commodities produced in Alabama. Alabama led the Nation in the production of crushed marble; was second in bauxite; fourth in ferroalloys, dimension marble, common clay, and fire clay; fifth in bentonite and kaolin; and sixth in masonry cement and lime.

Jan 1, 1985

By O. C. Blade

"INTRODUCTION This report on the properties of aviation gasolines and aviation jet fuels produced in the United States during 1952 was mode under a co¬operative agreement between the American Petroleum Institute and the Bureau of Mines of the United States Department of the Interior.Analytical data are presented for 94 samples of aviation gasoline which include for the first time in this series of reports, data on five samples of grade 108/135 aviation fuel. Data also are given for 34 samples of aviation jet fuel. The analyses were made on samples typical of the manufacturers' production in their laboratories and the results sub¬mitted to the Bureau of Mines for compilation. The products of 20 manufacturers of aviation gasolines and of 16 producers of aviation jet fuels are represented.SUMMARYA comparison of certain properties of the commercial aviation gasolines produced in the United States during 1950, 1951, and 1952 is presented in table 1, the 1952 data being average values from tables 3 through 7 of the present report. Trends in certain characteristics of these fuels may be seen in figures 1 through 5 which also indicate the minimum and maximum values. As may be observed, the properties of commercial aviation gasolines have not varied greatly during recent years. A list of aviation-fuel survey reports published by the Bureau of Mines is given on page 7.Table 2 presents a summary of data from table 8 and compares properties of aviation jet fuels of 1952 with summarized data on jet fuels of October 1951."

May 1, 1953

By R. K. Koch

The Bureau of Mines produced several series of titanium castings in order to investigate the feasibility of producing commercial-grade titanium castings in bentonite-bonded olivine or zircon sand molds. The use of these molds for titanium casting was investigated as a possible alternative to the industrially used rammed graphite process. Parameters investigated were mold mixtures, mulling, gating, venting, drying, and mold washing. The investigators found that castings with superior ductility and fatigue life, compared with rammed graphite castings, could be made by fume-free pro-cesses in molds bonded by western bentonite, using either olivine or zircon sand. Zircon molds were satisfactory for both light-and heavy-sectioned castings. However, olivine molds were suitable only for light-sectioned castings because the mold-metal reaction became excessive during the pouring of heavy-sectioned castings.

Jan 1, 1981

By Robert L. Lappi

Eight interburden handling concepts are developed for multiple seam area mine stripping operations in central and western United States. They are based on data gathered and analyzed during field surveys, literature reviews and visits to state regulatory agencies in five states. It is concluded that improvement of reclamation practices through selective interburden handling techniques is possible at lower operating costs than currently incurred. Specific multiple seam mining systems are discussed in this report.

Jan 1, 1980

By Herbert H. Einstein

Rock mass deformability is commonly predicted using correlations with RQD or other indices of rock mass quality, or by extrapolation from large in-situ tests. Based on the probabilistic description of rock masses empirically developed in Part I a new approach was attempted in modeling for predictions of deformability. This approach decomposes the rock mass into spatially variable joints described by probability distributions, and intact rock blocks. Stiffnesses and elastic parameters are associated with the joints and intact blocks respectively, and deformations built up by adding the contributions of each. This model allows relaxation of many of the simplistic geometric assumptions which constrain parallel attempts to model deformation in rock masses. The model has been applied to four standard cases in order to test its results against previously existing models, and to check whether it replicates empirical correlations. When joints are taken as parallel, common empirical correlations are closely approximated by the model output. However, the closeness to empirical correlation breaks down when variability of the jointing geometry is increased.

Jan 1, 1979

By Paul L. Russell

This property has been examined several times in the last few years , and findings have been reported . In the fall of 1942 , the author supervised sampling both lode and placer deposits . The ore was beneficiated , and the results obtained are incorporated in this report . stia The Morgan Group , which comprises seven unpatented mining claims and the Black Cat placer claims , was purchased by the Manganese Products Corp. from H. D. Hill of Hatch , N. Mex . , and Dr. A. C. White of Hot Springs , N. Mex . Arthur L. McRowe , 876 27th Avenue , San Francisco , is president of the corporation , and David Fewer, 824 Times Building, Long Beach, is treasurer . J. T. Murray is in charge of operations .

Feb 1, 1947

By W. F. RITTMAN, E. W. Dean

This report presents the results of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Mines for the purpose of assisting in the establishment of a satisfactory standard method for the analytical distillation of petroleum, a problem of great importance to the petroleum industry. Experiments were performed for the purpose of studying the charac- teristics of methods typical of those in use; comparative studies were made of the efficiencies of the principal types of fractionation ap- paratus available to the petroleum chemist; and the characteristics of a type of apparatus that the results of the experiments seemed to indicate was best adapted to the purpose were investigated in detail. Also, some experiments were made to determine the effect of cracking as a factor in the analytical distillation of petroleum in still heads.

Jan 1, 1916

By E. W. Dean

A previous report of the Bureau of Mines* has supplied data for the physical and chemical properties of samples of crude petroleum produced in the eastern fields of the United States. It was issued as a preliminary chapter of a bulletin which is to cover the results of a survey of the entire country. The present report is a second preliminary chapter including figures that are available for the producing fields of the Rocky Mountain district. Work is being continued. with a series of samples from the States of Kansas and Oklahoma which will be described in a third preliminary chapter, to appear at a subsequent date. Acknowledgments. The obtaining of samples was rendered possible through the courtesy of representatives of a number of producing and refining companies operating in the Rocky Mountain district. The Bureau hereby acknowledges its appreciation of the hearty spirit of cooperation that was universally encountered.

Jan 1, 1921

By William J. Krisko

This contract final report summarizes the design, fabrication and testing of canopy air curtain devices under Bureau of Mines Contract H0232067. The canopy air curtain device is designed to reduce the level of respirable dust exposure to a continuous mining machine operator while having a minimum effect on operator safety, mobility and comfort and being compatible with mining equipment. This contract was devoted to the development of a device which utilizes an invisible curtain of air to envelope a mining machine operator's breathing zone with filtered air to provide respiratory protection. Various concepts were evaluated by means of laboratory tests. One concept was selected and was tested on various mining machines at underground sites by means of MSA personal samplers. The canopy air curtain was found to be effective. The percent reductions over the ambient dust concentrations were about 30 to 75 percent depending on the amount of time the operator spent under the air curtain. At one test site, the device enabled the mining machine to operate within compliance. Donaldson Company is presently working on the commercial production of the device.

Jan 1, 1975

Reduce injury to people or damage to equipment when a scheduled production blast is detonated. Approach The essential elements of an effective blast area security system were identified through case studies of five mining operations where the blast area guarding practices were considered to be superior to those generally found in the industry. These elements were used in making recommendations for improved blast area safeguarding practices. Background The blast area security system is a means by which the mine operator prevents injury to people or damage to equipment when blasting is performed. Analysis of blasting accidents showed that most blasting accidents occur during scheduled blasting and are due to inadequate blast-site security. Factors contributing to the system's breakdown are failure to clear the blast zone, inadequate guarding. and failure of personnel to follow instructions, retreat to a safe location, and/or take adequate cover. Mine personnel, visitors and even trespassers can inadvertently wander into a blasting zone unless proper procedures exist to ensure that all personnel are cleared from the blast zone and kept safely away until after blasting IS completed. Statistics show that the blaster is the miner most frequently injured In these accidents.

Jan 1, 1986

New GSP Trade Status Approved.--President Carter, by Executive Order effective March 30, has approved Generalized System of Preference treatment for imports of nonferrous metal products and other imports from Ecuador, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Venezuela. As of May 2, Afghanistan and Ethiopia will be taken off GSP status. Under the Generalized System of Preferences, certain imports from developing countries are provided duty-free treatment. A country can lose its GSP status if its shipments of the product exceed $41.9 million or more than 50% of total U.S. imports during the preceding year. However, the President can waive the 50% rule in cases where total U.S. imports of an item in 1979 were less than $1 million. Certain nonferrous imports from Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Zambia are already covered by GSP. Hearings April 10 on International Tin Agreement.--The Fifth International Tin Agreement of which the United States is a signatory, which entered into force on July 1, 1976, will expire on June 30, 1981. A negotiating conference for a Sixth International Tin Agreement will be held under auspices of the United Nations at Geneva from April 14 to May 16, 1980.

Jan 1, 1980

This report was limited to a search of available literature on under- ground methods to combat acid water pollution. From this review it is evident that very little work has been done in this specific area. It is also evident that there are specific areas of mining engineering and mining related hydrology and geology that need further research efforts to solve the many water problems. They are: (A) Composition, variation and availability for oxidation of sulfur in strata. (B) Rate of oxidation of sulfuritic materials. (C) In situ limestone and its influence on underground acid drainage. (D) Structural, stratigraphic and hydrologic character of old mining areas as a basis to make decisions about adjacent new mining areas. (E) Operational changes in mining methods to prevent pollution. (F) Sealants for underground coating to exclude water from contact with pyrite to inhibit formation of the contaminants. Such a program has been initiated on refuse piles. The prime purpose of this report is to investigate those practices which have been used to regulate or control water accumulation and prevent harmful mine drainage. A supplemental purpose is to indicate those areas which need further research to prevent underground mine water pollution.

Jan 1, 1970

By Carroll W. DeKock

Thermodynamic data for selected metal sulfates were critically evaluated and compiled as part of the Bureau of Mines program to provide a scientific base for use in developing new technology and predicting the feasibility of new processes. Values for Cp°, S°, H° - H°298, - (G° - H°298)/T, ?RC, ?Gf°, and log Kf as functions of temperature are given in tabular form. Thermodynamic data were compiled for Ag2SO4, A12(504)3, A12(S04)3?6H20, BaSO4, BeSO4, BeSO4?2H2O, BeSO4?4H20, CaSO4, CaSO4?1/2H20, CaSO4?2H2O, CdSO4, CdSO4?H20, CdS04?8/3H20, 2CdO?CdSO4, Cs2SO4, In2(S04)3, K2504, KA1(S04)2, KA1(S04)2?12H20, Li2SO4, L12SO4?H20, MgSO4, MgSO4?H2O, MgSO4?2H20, MgS04?4H20, MgS04?6H2O, MgS04?7H2O, Na2SO4, Na2S04?7H20, Na2SO4?10H20, (NH4)2SO4, NH4A1(S04)2, NH4A1(S04)2?12H20, PbSO4, Rb2SO4, T12SO4, and Zr(S04)2.

Jan 1, 1986

By Jerry E. Olson

In 1986, at the request Of the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Mines studied the central portion, encompassing 20,727 acres of the 32,261-acre Badlands Wilderness Study Area (OR-005-021) in order to evaluate its identified mineral resources. The study area is located in Crook and Deschutes Counties, OR, about 12 miles east from Bend. No mineral resources were identified. The area studied is underlain by Tertiary and Quaternary basalt flows which are largely covered by a veneer of sand and silt. No mines, prospects, or mineralized areas occur within or near the study area, but some sand and gravel has been removed from alluvial deposits at the east and west sides of the area. Slab lava of marketable grade and quantity was not found in the study area. None of the study area is of current interest for geothermal resources, but the eastern third of the wilderness study area is leased (1984) for oil and gas.

Jan 1, 1987

Tennessee is the largest federal program state in the nation, with 62 active surface and underground coal mines. Tennessee's coal resources lie in 22 coal seams in 22 counties. Twelve seams are being mined at this time. Mining in the northern counties is primarily in steep slope areas in the Cumberland Mountains. The relatively flat terrain associated with the Cumberland Plateau makes area-rnining the most common production method in Tennessee's southern counties. The State of Tennessee gained primacy August 10,1982, when its regulatory program was conditionally approved, subject to the correction of certain deficiencies. On May 16,1984, the Tennessee General Assembly repealed most of the Tennessee Coal Surface Mining Law of 1980, effective October 1, 1984. With this action, withdrawal of the state regulatory program was formalized, and on October 1,1984, the Office of Surface Mining's Knoxville Field Office became the regulatory authority. Tennessee is not eligible to receive funds for an abandoned mine reclamation program because it does not have an approved regulatory program. Accordingly, the Tennessee Abandoned Mine Lands Program does not receive federal AML grants. Since 1984, AML projects have been completed under cooperative agreements between OSM and the state; emergency projects are completed by the Office of Surface Mining.

Jan 1, 1992

By H. F. Weaver

The 18th National First-Aid and Mine Rescue Contest was held in the Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New Vork, October 5, 6, and 7, 1959. The meet was sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Mines and the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association, in cooperation with State mine inspection agencies, management and labor of the mineral extractive industries, and other safety minded groups. The Arrangements Committee, as authorized by the General Committee, made a11 the necessary arrangements for conducting the 1959 contest. Members of the Arrangements Committee were: Harry Gandy, Jr. (chairman), National Coal Association; James B. Benson, Southern Coal Producers' Association; Charles Ferguson, United Mine Workers of America; George C. Trevorrow, Bituminous Coal Operators' Association; and James Westfield, Federal Bureau of Mines.

Jan 1, 1960

By V. C. Petersen

The titanium-rich end of the titanium-germanium system was investigated by x-ray and metallographic methods and verified by resistivity and dilatometer measurements. A constitution diagram is proposed. The titanium-rich portion of the phase diagram is characterized by eutectic and peritectic reactions. The eutectic composition is 19 percent germanium, and the eutectic temperature 1,360° C. The peritectic reaction occurs at 905° C. and 4 percent germanium. Germanium is soluble in alpha titanium to a maximum of 4 percent at 905° C. and in beta titanium to a maximum of 12.5 percent at 1,360° C. Both limits of solubility decrease with decreasing temperatures. Although substantial quantities of germanium are soluble in beta titanium, beta is not retained on quenching. The beta phase probably transforms to alpha by a martensitic reaction.

Jan 1, 1957

By Donald W. Mitchell, John Nagy

Observations made on coking of coal, deposition of soot, dust transport, flame, violence, and related phenomena following experimental coal-dust explosions are summarized. Data are given on gas explosion pressure, flame length, flame velocity, and variation of these parameters with concentration. Conclusions from these observations are useful in preventing similar occurrences in operating mines and serve as a guide in improving safety.

Dec 1, 1963

By Lee J. Raabe

A specialized loading system for tensile and fatigue testing of wire rope was constructed and installed in the U.S. Bureau of Mine Wire Rope Test Facility in Bruceton, Pennsylvania. The computer-controlled closed-loop servo-hydraulic test system which can apply up to 800,000 pounds of force on the rope while stretching it up to 30 inches will be used in the development and verification of hoist rope retirement criteria for ropes in the 1 to 2 ½ in. diameter range. Characteristics and capabilities of the system are discussed.

Jan 1, 1984