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By Koehler Stout

Previous work done by the authors of this report indicates that hydraulically-placed backfill can be strengthened several fold by various placement methods. Sunshine mill tailings were tested by these placement methods and strength increases up to thirty times were achieved over the ordinary placement methods. A computer simulation study of the test stope in the Sunshine Mine showed that a high-modulus fill absorbs up to 27% of normal stresses versus 7% for "normal" fill while reducing maximum convergence 28% versus 8% for "normal" fill. Although high-modulus fill was not placed in the test stope during this contract, various instrumentation was purchased, designed and built to record necessary data in the stope. Stress gauges were placed in the pillars and recorded data corresponded quite closely with theoretical projections.

Jan 1, 1983

By S. H. E. Phillips

This report describes the initial feasibility, the development and the field demonstration of a system for shaft sinking employing a high energy mechanical impact rock breaker and a compatible muck disposal system. The increased shaft sinking rates, decreased costs and improved safety conditions obtainable by the elimination of the less efficient conventional drill-blast-muck cycles are discussed. Four shaft sinking concepts utilizing the impact rock breaker in various shaft configurations are developed and the field demonstration in a rectangular shaft is described. The progress achieved, the problems and their remedies and the proposed modifications to improve the machine are described.

Jan 1, 1978

By H. W. Gillett, E. L. Mack

Prior to 1911 the literature on melting brass by electricity consisted entirely-save for some suggestions made in patent literature but not actually worked out-of a few observations by farseeing men ' on the theoretical advantages of melting brass and other nonferrous alloys in electric furnaces. Roeber was the first to see and clearly state the possible advantages of the electric furnace in brass melting. The same factors tha.t make it desirable to manufacture special steels in the electric furnace rather than in crucibles, he declared, apply to brass as well. He pointed out the possibility of using larger melting units, of eliminating crucible cost, of readily controlling the purity of the product. and of nearly eliminating the loss of zinc. "The replacement of the • old crucible process is sure to come," he said; "perhaps it will come in two years, but it will, necessarily, in ten years .... The inevitable advance along this industrial line will have great influence in the metal world and will also provide, in large cities, a new kind of load for the central station." The years 1905 to 1910 may be termed the purely theoretical period of the development of the electric brass furnace, though the Conley furnace was tried out e:xperimenta.lly about 1910 and a few heats were made in an induction furnace. 2 In December, 1911, the American Chemical Society held a symposium on mineral wastes, at which Bassett s discussed the zinc· losses that attend making brass in fuel-fired furnaces.

Jan 1, 1922

By Timothy D. Stark

Blasters are usually strictly liable for injury or damage caused by flyrock (trespassory invasion) and blast-induced vibrations (non-trespassory invasion). The application of strict liability to non-trespassory invasions has resulted in significant litigation that has hampered the use of blasting and the blasting industry. Stark (2002) proposes that blasters should not be held strictly liable for non-trespassory invasions but should be liable only if their conduct is proven to be negligent. This change in legal standard was proposed because improvements in blasting technology over the last thirty years allow blasting to be conducted without substantial risk of harm to property and thus the amount of harm imposed by a blast can be related to the level of care exercised by the blaster. It is anticipated that negligence standard will reduce the amount of litigation because a plaintiff will have a greater burden to overcome. To facilitate the acceptance of negligence standard by a court of law, this paper illustrates the application of the negligence and strict tort liability frameworks using actual cases in which a decision was rendered. It is evident from these cases that some of the successful claims under the strict liability framework would not have been successful, and probably not litigated, under a negligence framework, which could result in substantial cost savings to the blasting industry and consumers.

Jan 1, 2004

By BUREAU OF MINES

This report is submitted in accordance with provisions of the Synthetic Liquid Fuels Act of April 5, 1944 (30 U. S. C. 321-325, as amended), which require that: "The Secretary of the Interior shall render to Congress on or before the first day of January of each year a report on all operations under this Act." Owing to the broad scope of the content and the diversity of interests represented, the Annual Report for 1954 has been divided into two separate publications. Each is being published by the Bureau of Mines as a Report of Investigations, and the respective titles follow: R. I. 5118, Part I - R. I. 5119, Part II - 011 From Coal. 011 From 011 Shale. The introduction, identical in both reports, summarizes research progress in 1954 under the entire Synthetic Liquid Fuels program. A free copy of either publication may be obtained by writing to the Bureau of Mines, Publications Distribution Sec- tion, 4800 Forbes Street, Pittsburgh 13, Pa. The R. I. number and title of the publication desired should be indicated.

Mar 1, 1955

By BUREAU OF MINES

This report is submitted in accordance with provisions of the Synthetic Liquid Fuels Act of April 5, 1944 (30 U. S. C. 321-325, as amended), which require that: "The Secretary of the Interior shall render to Congress on or before the first day of January of each year a report on all operations under this Act." Owing to the broad scope of the content and the diversity of interests represented, the Annual Report for 1954 has been divided into two separate publications. Each is being published by the Bureau of Mines as a Report of Investigations, and the respective titles follow: R. I. 5118, Part I - R. I. 5119, Part II - 011 From Coal. 011 From 011 Shale. The introduction, identical in both reports, summarizes research progress in 1954 under the entire Synthetic Liquid Fuels program. A free copy of either publication may be obtained by writing to the Bureau of Mines, Publications Distribution Sec- tion, 4800 Forbes Street, Pittsburgh 13, Pa. The R. I. number and title of the publication desired should be indicated.

Mar 1, 1955

By P. M. Daling

The objectives of this study were to examine a representative cross section of formal safety analysis techniques developed for the nuclear and aerospace industries, to recommend those methods that would be suitable for application to the mining industry, and to include those methods in a user's manual. Volume II of this report, the user's manual, describes several methods that were determined to be immediately transferrable to the mining industry. The handbook gives detailed instructions on appropriate application and utilization of the methods. Other techniques will require further development before they can be effectively transferred to the mining industry.

Jan 1, 2006

By BRETTMANN TRACY

Jan 1, 2000

By Jan Zwarcendyk

This study is primarily directed toward providing an understanding of the economic complexities associated with subsidence damage on the surface resulting from underground mining. Some of the pertinent theories on the physical stresses involved are reviewed, and both remedial measures and relevant laws in various countries are discussed. Part I (Chapters 1-3) is an historical overview of various aspects of subsidence problems (theoretical, remedial, and legal) during pre-World War I, between World Wars, and post-World War II, respectively. Part II (Chapters 4-9) presents a comprehensive analysis of the economic aspects of subsidence in relation to the following mining alternatives: (a) carrying out the lowest cost mining method without regard for any surface subsidence, (b) special mining techniques, (c) partial mining, (d) full recovery with stowing, and (e) sterilization or leaving the mineral unmined beneath selected areas. These alternatives are evaluated in terms of their measurable expenses.

Jan 1, 1971

By Harlan A. Walker

This paper on the mines of El Potosi Mining Co. is one of a series being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods, and costs in the various mining districts of North America. Grateful acknowledgment is made of the helpful suggestions and criticisms offered by the management, together with the assistance of the mining staff in preparing maps and drawings and of C. L. Thornburg, mine geologist, in preparing the section on geology.

Jan 1, 1934

By R. N. Johnson

This report is a summary of the work performed for the Bureau of Mines to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of a movable in-pit crusher combined with conveyors to substantially reduce or eliminate truck or train haulage in large open-pit non-fuel mineral mines. The report includes an introduction and summary of previous work, an analysis of movable crusher system components, a description of the selected system, a review of possible movable crusher system applications, and finally requirements for future work to bring about the general availability of such systems. It was clear from the program that there is a real need for movable in-pit crushers.

Jan 1, 1982

A working understanding of present coal mine communications equipment and its usage is an essential prerequisite to the determination of future communications systems needs. As a means of gaining this understanding, a field survey program was planned and implemented. The plan formulated called for obtaining both qualitative and quantitative data from three main areas of interest: the types, physical condition, and performance characteristics of equipment presently used in the sample of mines to be visited; the relationship present communications has to safety and productivity; and the practical, future communications needs as derived through interviews with present mine management. In compliance with the original plan, the type and physical condition of equipment in use was found through at-mine interviews of personnel responsible for installation and maintenance. Further evaluation was made through the review of equipment instruction books and maintenance manuals and through in-mine inspection of communications equipment and signal distribution networks. The performance characteristics were determined through listening to conversations and noise levels and by talk-testing from randomly selected stations throughout each mine. System operation was evaluated by asking communication system users their opinions and by noting any difficulties personnel had using the systems.

Jan 1, 1974

Coal research and related activities in 1964 by the Bureau of Mines resulted in many advances in the production, preparation, and utilization of this valuable natural resource. Mining research during the year was marked by work on hydraulic mining, coalbed degasification, mine drainage control, mine sealing, strip-mine rehabilitation, and quenching of mine-refuse fires. Bureau research continued to produce information leading to increased safety in underground mining. Such research included roof and rib control via bolting and bonding, pressure monitoring of coal and mine rock during mining operations, and development of safety devices for detecting conditions leading to roof falls. Other safety work was continued on methane detectors, coal-dust suppression, and mine ventilation equipment and techniques. Mine explosion and explosives research, mine equipment and materials, safety rule modernization, and safety education and training of mine workmen were continued. Coal storage and preparation work in 1964 ranged from freezeproofing of lignite for rail shipment, through washability studies of coals and washing equipment, to research on new ways to remove ash and sulfur from coal. Electric power production, which accounts for a major portion of the market for coal, received further study. Unique power generation systems, including coal-burning gas turbine and megnetohydrodynamic generators, were intensively investigated. Conventional power systems were improved through continuation of work on furnace performance, powerplant stack gas purification, and engineering and boiler water service.

Jan 1, 1965

The papers contained herein summarize results of various recent Bureau of Mines investigations in the area of mine power distribution systems. They are based on information from Bureau personnel, contractors and grantees, and Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration. Conclusions drawn from a series of parameter measurements on mine power systems, taken over a 3-year span, are presented. Personnel and equipment hazards due to faults on isolated, solidly grounded, and resistance grounded three-phase systems are discussed. Two papers cover dc applications of circuit breakers, including a novel protection scheme for trolley lines. The methods of suppressing induced arcing currents and voltages in a-c machines are evaluated. An evaluation program for ground monitors is described. Acceptance test procedures and the importance of various paparameters for trailing cable splice are covered. A number of techniques for locating faults in trailing cables are described.

Jan 1, 1975

By Robert J. Tuchman

This report presents the origins of the Bureau of Mines and the evolution of the Pittsburgh Research Center from its inception to its present form. Areas of major research emphasis over the years, as well as administrative reorganizations, are discussed.

Jan 1, 1998

By CLARENCE G. SMITH

Prior to the actual development of an oil property it is difficult to determine the quantity of oil under the property and the rate at which this oil can be brought to the surface-factors that determine the ultimate value of the property. Consequently, there has been much confusion in devising accounting systems that, during the entire life of a property, will show costs and profits from which the producer can determine whether his property is being worked at a profit or otherwise. The Bureau of Mines publishes this report in recognition of a distinct need for a simple treatise on accounting methods adapted to the peculiarities of the petroleum industry. Probably many companies operating oil wells are not fully acquainted with details important to the welfare of their business, because their account books fail to furnish them with exact and adequate data. With the accountant rests the responsibility of providing the management with reports setting forth the details of the business expressed in fitting terms as well as in dollars and cents. These reports are a means whereby efficiency may be maintained, waste prevented, oil obtained and sold, and money suitably reinvested. They also enable a concern to study the progress of its business in order to conserve to the utmost the possible benefits from an exhaustible deposit of mineral wealth. When managements realize the extent of the waste at their properties more attention will be given to the character of the accountancy records. Herein are presented descriptions and discussions of balance sheets, profit-and-loss statements, and bookkeeping methods peculiarly adapted to the oil business. As far as possible, technical phrases have been omitted in order that those not familiar with accounting terms may be able to follow the subject matter. The systems of keeping books outlined in Chapter X have all been found practical. For brevity as well as clearness the major part of the work refers to the company operating only one property.

Jan 1, 1917

By Karl J. C. Harries

Mineral Agreements and Royalties

Jan 1, 2003

By William Bergeson

"BACKGROUND As of December 2015, there are roughly 475 road tunnels within the United States according to the most recent national tunnel inventory data compiled by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); whereas, there are more than 615,000 highway bridges on public roads. The FHWA estimates that tunnels represent nearly 100 miles of Interstates, State routes, and local routes. Tunnels are part of the national transportation infrastructure and represent a significant financial investment for the owner and, hence, the tax payers. Tunnels, that are not properly maintained, usually require more extensive repairs and consume more resources. Tunnels must provide safe, reliable, and effective transportation even as these structures age and deteriorate. Furthermore, tunnels generally remain in service for extended periods of time due to their very high construction costs. For example, many tunnels were constructed decades ago during two historic periods of highway system expansion; the first period correlated with the era of public works programs linked to the Great Depression of the 1930-40s; and the second period of expansion occurred with the building of the interstate highway system in the 1950-60s. As such, these tunnels are fast approaching 60 to 80 years old. Congress enacted the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which was signed by the President on July 6, 2012. This legislation followed a fatal tunnel incident on July 10, 2006 and a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report1 that noted the importance of conducting regular tunnel inspections. MAP-21 authorized the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to develop a mandatory inspection program for all tunnels on all public roadways (Bergeson and Ernst 2015): To help safeguard tunnel users and to ensure reliable levels of service, the FHWA developed the National Tunnel Inspection Program (NTIP), which is comprised of the National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS), the Tunnel Operations Maintenance Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual, the Specifications for National Tunnel Inventory (SNTI), and the Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE). The data collected from the program will be stored in a National Tunnel Inventory (NTI) database. A comprehensive and refresher training program was also developed to help qualify and certify key tunnel inspection personnel to include the program manager and team leader."

Jan 1, 2016

By W. R. Herrera

A research effort was conducted to present or develop methodology for evaluating candidate potting materials intended for use in explosion-proof enclosures. The primary purpose was to develop acceptance guidelines based on arc decomposition products. Acceptance criteria can be based on: ? Inherent thermo-chemophysical, mechanical and electrical properties; ? Arc decomposition products: ? Nature of volatile products produced, e.g., flammability, explosivity, synergistic effects on existing environment in the enclosure, toxicity; ? Quantity produced as a function of arc power and duration; ? Acceleration aging tests to evaluate breakdown under electrical stress.

Jan 1, 1982

By N. Romani, R. Provost

"Commissioning of a circulating dry scrubber plant was recently completed at an existing facility, in order to treat the sulphur dioxide off-gas emitted from rotary kilns. Proper planning of the different commissioning stages and staffing an integrated team are the most important factors required for a successful plant start-up. A strong operational readiness plan must be in place as early as the start of construction in order to ensure a smooth transition from commissioning to operations. Plant performance can meet or exceed performance criteria within the required timeframe if the proper group dynamic and good communication is established between construction, commissioning and operations teams.INTRODUCTIONCommissioning of a circulating dry scrubber (CDS) plant was recently completed at an existing facility in Quebec, Canada. The CDS plant treats the sulphur dioxide off-gas emitted from rotary kilns in order to meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements. This installation enables the existing facility to reduce their sulphur emissions by over 90%.The CDS ProcessA general overview of the CDS process is presented in Figure 1 below. The combined, de-dusted off-gas from multiple kilns is sent to the CDS, which acts as an entrained fluid bed, where the gas is contacted with a water mist, re-circulated solids and hydrated lime. The SO2 from the gas stream and the available calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) from the hydrated lime dissolve in the water and react to ultimately form calcium sulphites and gypsum. The solid residue (referred to as CDS residue), is the primary byproductof the process.Fresh hydrated lime and CDS residue is captured by the dust collection system and is re-circulated to the CDS via a fluidised transport system. Clean off-gas passes through the dust-collection system and is then sent to the atmosphere by a single exhaust fan.The CDS residue purged from the system is combined with the dust collected from the kiln offgas system and this mixture is wetted in the already exiting agglomeration system, to minimize dust generation during handling, and then sent to disposal."

Jan 1, 2016