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By E. C. Lane

"INTRODUCTION The first important discovery of petroleum in New Mexico was near Dayton, Eddy County, where the Brown well was drilled in 1909, and small quantities of oil were produced. In 1911 and 1912 wells were drilled in McKinley County, but commercial production did not begin until the discovery of the Hogback field, San Juan County, in 1922. The discovery well in the Artesia field, Eddy County, drilled in 1923, gave impetus to active drilling in many areas. Since 1924 New Mexico has produced petroleum in commercial quantities and since 1930 the State has joined the ranks of the big produc¬ing States, being sixth or seventh in total production in recent years.Production by years. 1924 to 1940, inclusive, taken from annual figures in Bureau of Mines Minerals Yearbook, are given in table 1. The total production shown is 274,331,000 barrels. Andreas 3/ has published production figures for the year 1940 and a resume of all production to the end of 1940. Data from his report are presented in table 2 for each field sampled. The cumulative production, as given by Andreas, is 270,618,575 barrels."

Aug 1, 1942

By E. D. Gardner

During the summer of 1935 a plan was proposed by which the Government should establish custom sampling plants for gold and silver ores in the mining districts of the West, where the construction of such plants would be justified as an unemployment relief measure. It was known that in many districts prospectors and small operators had small lots of smelting ore that could not be marketed for lack of sufficient capital to get out enough ore at a time to make carload shipments to distant smelters. Moreover, considerable ore of milling grade was available in many districts in which there were no custom milling facilities. It was felt that. accurate sampling and the classification and consolidation of small lots of ore produced from prospects and small mines, with quick cash returns to the shippers on a nonprofit basis, would stimulate the working of small gold and silver properties: Idle mines would be put to work, and there was a possibility that some of the prospects could be developed into regularly producing mines. Each sampling plant was to be centrally located so as to serve the greatest possible number of mines and prospects. Wherever possible, the plants were to be built on a railroad, is ore of smelting grade accumulated, it was to be shipped to a smelter in carload lots. Where a plant was not on a railroad, smelting ore was to be trucked to the railroad after being sampled.

Jan 1, 1936

By E. D. Gardner

An explosion occurred in a high-pressure compressed-air line in October, 1930, at an Arizona copper mine. The explosion was unusual, and nothing had teor. noted by the plant operators to indicate the possibility of such an occurrence. It is necessar The air is The mining company uses compressed-air locomotives to haul about 4,500 tons of ore per day from the stopos to the pockets at two hoisting shafts. The ore cars hold five tons each, and are pulled in trains of 30 cars. to charge the locomotive with compressed air at both ends of the trip. conveyed from the compressors at the surface to the distributing points unier roun in special high-pressure four inch steel pipe that was tested to withstand 2500 pounds per square inch before being installed. The air is delivered to the loco- motives at a pressure of 1000 pounds per square inch. There are no receivers in the system. The air for running the locomotives is compressed by one three-stage and two four-stage compressors which have capacities of 600 and 300 cubic feet per minute, respectively. These machines are operated by electric power, and are in an end of the main compressor building in which air is compressed to supply the air drills in the mine. Whenever the demand decreases, as at the noon hour, one or more of the Compressors are shut down. On this particular occasion, at the end of the noon hour, one of the operators was approaching the high-pressure compressors to start the two smaller machines that were not running, when the explosion took place under the floor a few fost ahead of him. The man was mocked down and received some superficial cuts and bruises, but was not seriously injured. The floor was torn , the side of the building blown out, and holes imo cited in the roof some twenty feet above. The explosion was immediately followed by a fire which was quickly put out by the plant operators with hand fire extinguishers. At the time of the explosion the 600 cubic foot compressor was running alone, and the pressure in the system at the machine registered 1040 pounds por square inch. On examination it was found that two 6-fout sections of pipe, about tan feet apart, were completely ruptured into twisted fragments; the rest of the pipe line, apparently, was not injured. The destroyed sections were in that part of the pipe near the large compressor and above the connection from the two smaller machines. It is not definitely mom what caused the explosion. Explosions in other compressed-air systems have taken place, and, although of rare occurrence, have caused loss of life. Such explosions are not confined to high-pressure installations and several have occurred at plants compressing air te one hundred pounds per square inch, or less. plosions of this nature are not to be confused with the rupturing of compressor cylinders from excessive air pressure caused by the discharge valve being closed.

Feb 1, 1921

By John P. Conway

This Bureau of Mines investigation was undertaken to determine the feasibility of lock-bolt support in Tertiary-gravel material. Pull tests were performed on five types of rock-bolt anchors to determine their optimum anchorage capacity. Four of these anchors are commercially available; the fifth, an explosive-anchor bolt, was developed by the Bureau of Mines. To increase anchorage capacity, epoxy grout was used with several of the commercial types of bolt. Tests showed that sufficient anchorage could be obtained by employing epoxy-resin grout with the commercially available wedge bolt, or by using the explosive-anchor bolt. Also estimated are bolt spacing and cost of a rock-bolt support system.

Jan 1, 1971

By E. G. Noble

The effects of hydrogen chloride (HCI) concentration and temperature on the solubility and hydration state of the alkali chlorides LiCI, NaCI, and KCI and the alkaline-earth chlorides, MgCI2, and CaCl2 were investigated by the Bureau of Mines. Saturated aqueous solutions of the chlorides were sparged with HCI gas at temperatures of 20°, 40°, and 60° C. Increased HCI concentration caused decreased salt solubility be-cause of the common ion effect. Aqueous solubilities for the chlorides of Ca, Li, Mg, K, and Na ranged from 42.6, 45.2, 35.2, 25.5, and 26.1 pct, respectively, at 20° C to 56.9, 49.4, 37.6, 31.0, and 27.0 pct, re-spectively, at 60° C. In solutions sparged to HCI saturation, solubili-ties for these chlorides ranged from 22.4, 26.5, 3.0, 1.3, and 0.05 pct, respectively, at 20° C to 53.2, 48.8, 28.3, 2.6, and 0.8 pct, respec-tively, at 60° C. The solubilities of LiCI and CaCl2 in HCI solution were high because HCI solubility is low in these solutions. The chlo-ride salts of Ca, Li, and Mg formed hydrates, which depended on tempera-ture and HCI concentration. Monohydrates for LiCI, tetrahydrates and hexahydrates for MgCI2, and dihydrates, tetrahydrates, and hexahydrates for CaCl2 were obtained.

Jan 1, 1985

By David C. Oyler, Hakan Gurgenli, Gregory M. Molinda

Historically, miners have known that roof rocks originally composed largely of mud were prone to slaking and deterioration when exposed to water and humidity. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) records show that roof falls are more prevalent in summer and late fall. Field data shows higher bolt loads and increased room convergence in summer months. Laboratory data shows that very high internal pressures can be generated by significant strain in clay-rich rocks. In summer months humidities ranging from 70-100% can cause rock strains up to 7%, and rock pressures of 14,000 psi, more than enough to break apart weak shales and fireclays. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted wet/dry immersion cycling of clay-rich rocks. Results show that the rocks most prone to moisture deterioration are fireclays, claystones, and sandy shales, all of which have disrupted bedding. Of the 7 mudrocks with a weatherability index above 40%, none showed consistent fissile bedding. Black shales were surprisingly resistant to wet/dry water immersion cycling. Generally, mixed rocks (stackrock), typically susceptible to horizontal stress, are more resistant to moisture-deterioration. Mine roof rocks tested with moisture sensitivity ratings above 50% (moisture sensitivity index ranges from 0-100 with 100 being the most sensitive) all came from mines which had roof skin problems and used supplemental support to prevent rock fall injuries. Some roof rocks showed lateral variability of moisture sensitivity values, suggesting the need for more samples in highly varying roof rocks. Swelling strains of mudrocks showed that almost all of the swelling occurred in the first 24 hours after immersion. The wet/dry immersion cycling test used provides an accurate, quick and inexpensive method for estimating the moisture sensitivity of mudrocks. With this information mine operators can begin to anticipate hazardous ground and prepare appropriate roof support.

By Bernard Porter, E. A. Brown

Electrical conductivities and densities of the LiF- UF , LiF- ThF4 , NaF - C1F4 , and NaF - ThF systems were measured as functions of composition and temperature . The specific conductance and density varied linearly with temperature . Molar and equivalent volumes , as well as heats of activation for conductance , were calculated from the experimental data . At 1,000 ° C , the molar volumes ranged from 16 to 40 cubic centimeters per mole and the specific conductance ranged from 9.8 to 2.5 per ohm- centimeter as the actinide metal fluoride concentration changed from 0 to 60 mole - percent . Heats of activation for conductance were 3 to 7 kcal per mole . The data are interpreted on the basis of a semilattice model for the melts .

Jan 1, 1964

By R. J. Gajan

As part of its research program on secondary metal refining, the Federal Bureau of Mines has developed a fast method for determining aluminum, iron, copper, cadmium, and lead in zinc-base alloys. The new method is intended for use by trained technicians in laboratories with inexpensive equipment. It can be used either in the analytical laboratories of the many small plants that are characteristic of the secondary metals industry or in laboratories engaged in basic research to improve refining processes. A complete analysis for the foregoing elements can be made in less than 3 hours from a single sample in solution. The method is especially helpful when a small amount of sample is available. Aluminum and iron are determined spectrophotometrically and the other elements polarographically. The new method is now being used for control analysis in metallurgical research, and the results compare favorably with previously used spectrographic methods. Luke and Braun4/ described a photometric method for the determination of aluminum in zinc diecasting alloys in which the aluminum was complexed with Aluminon reagent (ammonium salt of aurintricarboxylic acid), forming a red lake. An adaptation of this method was used for determining aluminum. Beers law is obeyed between 0.01 and 0.06 milligram of aluminum.

Jan 1, 1961

By H. J. Heinen

The Bureau of Mines, investigated a cyanidation-carbon adsorption technique for extracting gold from arsenopyrite concentrates. Agitation leach experiments were conducted on 85-pct-minus-35-mesh gravity concentrates containing 21.8 oz gold and 6.4 oz silver per ton. Results obtained in leaching the concentrates showed that 96.9 pct gold and 90.7 pct silver extraction could be achieved in 96 hours of agitation. Gold and silver were recovered from the resulting pregnant solution by exposure to granular activated carbon in a countercurrent system. Carbon loadings of 2,556 oz of gold and 502 oz of silver per ton were achieved. These loadings are significantly higher than heretofore thought practical.

Jan 1, 1980

By P. L. Woolf

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the use of a formcoke as the total fuel in the Bureau of Mines experimental blast furnace. The formcoke performed very satisfactorily, and comparisons made with a metallurgical coke showed that the performance with the formcoke was somewhat superior under the experimental conditions used.

Jan 1, 1966

[Determine how subsidence resulting from underground coal mining affects surface structures, and evaluate the usefulness s of the tiltmeter for monitoring foundation movement. Approach The Bureau of Mines is studying foundation response to mine subsidence in order to determine how subsidence-induced ground movements affect foundations in place directly above the mint. These investigations are essential if economic mitigation and repair techniques are to be made. In addition, commercially available tiltmeter are being evaluated (or use as a cost-effective monitoring technique. To study foundation response and to evaluate the tiltmeter system, full-scale model foundations were constructed, instrumented, and monitored for three years. Vertical and horizontal displacements, tilt magnitudes and directions, and observed damages were recorded. Displacements were compared with measured lilt to determine if the tiltmeter was tracking foundation response to subsidence, The Bureau developed a computer software package to aid in the reduction and analysis of the tiltmeter data.]

Jan 1, 1988

By J. B. Gayle

Coke-pushing difficulties have been the subject of much controversy but relatively little scientific investigation. Nevertheless, continuing pushing difficulties can greatly decrease the life of a coke oven and should therefore be considered in the selection of the blend and operating conditions used for coke production. The present Federal Bureau of Mines investigation was undertaken to correlate results of previous investigators and to supplement these results to the limited extent practical by us of an experimental slot-type oven. To this end, pushing pressures have been determined routinely for Tuscaloosa oven tests conducted during the past 10 years. Nevertheless, the accumulated information remains incomplete in many respects, and in view of the recognized inadequacies of the data, publication is now undertaken only because of the scarcity of published information on this important problem and the discontinuation of carbonization studies with this oven.

Jan 1, 1961

By Joan T. May

The Federal Bureau of Mines investigated the potential for recovering aluminum from copper-dump leach liquors by use of single-contact ion-exchange technology. A strongly acidic ion-exchange resin was used to extract aluminum from a typical dump leach liquor and from synthetic leach liquors. Aluminum was stripped from resin with a HS04 or NaCl solution. Bench-scale experiments indicate that a single-contact ion exchange is technically feasible, but that the process is limited by the relatively low loading capacity of the resin and the excessive amount of stripping agent required. A further limitation is that significant amounts of magnesium and iron are loaded and stripped along with the aluminum.

Jan 1, 1976

A construction material based on plasticized sulfur and mineral aggregate, that is superior in corrosion resistance and strength to portland cement concrete. The material can be used in the chemical, metallurgical, and fertilizer industries, and will also provide an attractive market for by-product sulfur resulting from compliance with pollution regulations. How It Is Made Sulfur concrete is thermoplastic material. Plasticized sulfur is mixed with sand and gravel aggregate heated to 375-400° F. The sulfur melts and acts as the binder or cement. The sulfur concrete is poured hot and sets at a temperature of 200° F. Full strength is attained in a few hours, compared to several days for portland cement concretes. Sulfur concrete even pours and sets in freezing weather. Although unmodified sulfur with aggregate will produce a sulfur concrete with good initial properties, it undergoes crystallographic modifications, and deteriorates with time, particularly when exposed to moisture or freeze-thaw conditions. The Bureau of Mines has developed plasticizers which, when reacted with the sulfur, give sulfur concretes with excellent moisture and freeze-thaw resistance. The plasticizers are based on mixtures of dicyclopentadlene (DCPD) and ollgomers of cyclopentadiene. About 5 percent by weight of the plasticizers is reacted with molten sui fur for several hours. The sulfur cement can be used directly or allowed to solidify for easier handling and storage.

Jan 1, 1981

By J. F. Papp

The microstructures of a CF2Br2-inhibited methane flame and its uninhibited analog have been determined using molecular beam-mass spectrometry. The slightly lean flames were stabilized on a cooled porous plug burner at reduced pressure. Composition profiles of stable, intermediate, and radical species and temperature profiles were obtained. Comparisons of the uninhibited and inhibited flame profiles revealed the following inhibition effects; a shift of the primary reaction zone to higher temperatures, a higher maximum flame temperature, an increase in the CH3 concentration, and a reduction in the H2CO, H, 0, and OH concentrations. Kinetic analyses of the data yielded rate coefficients at flame temperatures for the reactions H + CH4 ? CH3 + H2, H + O2 ? OH + O, CO + OH ? CO2 + H, and CH3 + O ? H2CO + H. CF2Br2 is judged to decay by thermal decomposition and abstraction reactions.

Jan 1, 1981

By D. K. Deardorff

The purpose of this work was to investigate the hafnium-carbon phase diagram. Alloys used to study this system were prepared from high-purity components by both consumable-and nonconsumable-electrode arc melting. Data for the diagram were obtained on the alloys by metallography, optical pyrometry, thermal analysis, heat treatment, and X-ray diffraction. The data indicate that a carbide compound occurs over considerable range of composition, and that one of each of the following types of reactions occurs in the hafnium-carbon system: Peritectoid, peritectic, and eutectic. The maximum melting temperature of hafnium carbide is 3,840° C at 49 to 50 atomic percent carbon, and the composition range of hafnium carbide at temperatures of 2,150° to 2,380° C is from 37.0 to 48.5 atomic percent carbon. The hafnium a-S transformation temperature is raised on alloying with carbon from 1,750° to 1,890° C, where a peritectoid reaction isotherm occurs. Alloying hafnium with carbon increases the hafnium melting temperature from 2,190° to 2,250° C, at which temperature a peritectic reaction occurs. Hafnium carbide and carbon react at 3,055° C to form a eutectic of 68.3 atomic percent carbon.

Jan 1, 1967

By R. V. Higgins

A numerical method is presented to calculate the pressure distribution in a petroleum reservoir that has irregular boundaries. The computer program is straightforward and requires minimal data preparation. The method can also be used to determine pressure distribution in many other types of underground reservoirs. In this method, the grid solution of the fluid-flow equations in a reservoir that has regular boundaries (previously published) was expanded to handle irregular boundaries. The computer program locates grid points at the irregular boundaries. The method of mirror images is then used to form a special stencil to determine the pressure at each of these points. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the method for virtually any reservoir configuration.

Jan 1, 1972

By Fred D. Wright

The objectives of this research were: 1. to determine the stability relationships of coal mine roof rocks which are cut by fractures or intersecting joints with and without roof bolts, under various sets of conditions including horizontal formation pressures, inclination and coefficient of friction of joints, bolt loads, roof spans and rock properties; and 2. to develop criteria for the design of roof bolt sys terns for such roofs. The problem was studied by mathematical finite element models and by laboratory models. From the results of the mathematical and laboratory models, equations were derived to express the relationships listed above for cracked, single-layered roof beams and design tables for such beams are included. The analysis was then extended to include multi-layered cracked beams reinforced by roof bolts and a method for analyzing and designing bolting patterns for such roof rocks is presented.

Jan 1, 1974

By O. C. Blade

This report on the properties of aviation gasolines and aviation jet fuels produced in the United States during 1956 was made under a cooperative agreement between the American Petroleum Institute and the Bureau of Mines of the United States Department of the Interior. Analytical data are presented for 120 samples of aviation gasoline and for 38 samples of aviation jet fuel. The analyses were made on samples typical of the manufacturers' 1956 production in their laboratories and the results submitted to the Bureau of Mines for compilation. The products of 20 manufacturers of aviation gasolines and of 17 producers of aviation jet fuels are represented.

Jan 1, 1957

By Robert H. Merrill

A method of determining the strength of a mine roof layer in place is described in this report. The method was tested on a limestone roof layer 50 feet wide, 100 feet long, and 20 inches thick. In place measurements were accomplished by introducing air under pressure into a separation between the layer and the overlying roof, and as pressure was increased, the corresponding strain and deflection of the roof layer were measured until the roof failed. The ultimate strength of the roof agreed with the tensile strength of the roof rock (modulus of rupture) as determined in the laboratory; the modulus of elasticity as measured in place did not agree with the laboratory-determined values; the deflection and tensile strain in the layer in place showed good agreement with the theory of a body-loaded beam clamped at both ends. This procedure for determining the strength of a mine-roof layer is safer and less costly than successively widening a roof to failure. For example, it would have been necessary to mine the room to a width of 114 feet and a length of 228 feet to produce failure in this roof layer. The method is not necessarily limited to limestone; any thinly bedded rock type can be tested by this procedure when there is an open parting over the mined area.

Jan 1, 1958