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By Karl-Heinz Frohne

This report presents the findings of a study of a portion of the Clover-Rush Run oilfield located in Roane County, W. Va. The study was made to investigate the possibilities of secondary oil recovery in the Big Injun sandstone underlying the William Kaufman lease. Reservoir properties, original reserves, and primary oil recovery are also presented. The investigation is based on a core analysis and related laboratory tests, well records, field production data, and subsurface information from the Kaufman property. A theoretical primary oil recovery of 9.7 percent of original oil in place is predicted for the reservoir. A waterflood performance prediction of a hypothetical pilot area was made by use of a computer. The prediction showed that, based on laboratory oil water relative permeability curves, the water-injection time needed to initiate oil production is excessive and that the stabilized water-injection and corresponding oil-production rates are very low. This precludes waterflooding the reservoir on an economic basis. A prediction for secondary oil recovery by gas injection was attempted but could not be completed because essential reservoir data were not available. In July 1965, the lease operator initiated, and is currently conducting, a gas-injection program, but there had been no increase in oil production up to November 1966.

Jan 1, 1967

By E. J. Lintner

This paper is one of a series being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines describing cloy reining, crushing, and grinding methods and costs at various operations throughout the United States. These Toners are designed to disseminate technical information regarding methods used. The cost tabulations represent local operating expenditures only and not total production casts. Although the publication of total production cants might not be advisable in sore instances, yet a knowledge of operating costs is essential to the technical discussion end study of the methods employed. The attention of the reader is specifically coiled to this differentiation in order that no misunderstanding of the scope of the cost tabulations shall ensue. The following report deals specifically with the methods employed by the Clay City Fire Co., Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas County, Ohio.

Jan 1, 1936

By Hal D. Peterson

In research sponsored by the Bureau of Mines, a technique was developed for simulation of heap leaching on uranium ores. The equipment used for this simulation consisted of 2-ft-diam columns, constructed in sections, such that ores as coarse as minus 4-in could be treated in bed depths ranging from 8 to 18 ft with test condition variations. The technique consisted of the separate steps of ore preparation, column loading, charge wetting, leaching, washing, and residue recovery. For the ores studied, sulfuric acid was found to be generally superior to alkaline lixiviants. The rate of uranium extraction by acid leaching proved" to be primarily a function of percolation rate, alkalinity of the ores and oxidant requirements of the ores. Column leaching was closely comparable to field-scale heap leaching in terms of uranium extraction rate and recovery results. Acid and oxidant requirements were lower for the field-scale operation. All column tests, as well as the field-scaly heap, achieved in excess of 96-pct uranium extraction on a Bear Creek, Wyoming ore.

Jan 1, 1985

By Roy E. Peterson

The Bureau of Mines conducted an investigation to produce metallized pellets from domestic iron ore superconcentrates using lignite and subbituminous coal as reductants. Feed materials for the metallizing process consisted of commercially indurated iron oxide pellets and green pellets prepared from upgraded domestic concentrates with graphite or limestone as internal additives. Durability of the green pellets during metallization was investigated in tests conducted in a 7-inch-ID rotating drum furnace. Test results indicated that the major cause of pellet disintegration with the concentrates used was the tumbling action during reduction rather than forces generated within the pellets. In larger scale tests made in a 34-inch-ID by 35-foot-long kiln, the previously indurated pellets were metallized with lignite at 1,030° C with little disintegration. A 96-percent level of metallization was obtained in pellets having an average compressive strength of 420 lb. In subsequent, similar tests using green pellets containing graphite or limestone, pellet disintegration was more severe, with 10 to 40 percent of the feed being lost as dust. The surviving pellets had metallizations ranging from 88.3 to 94.4 percent and compressive strengths ranging from 60 to 68 lb.

Jan 1, 1976

By G. S. Rice

[This paper describes preliminary tests at the Bureau's Experimental Mine to determine, under conditions that may prevail ira bituminous coal-mine heading, how small a quantity of fire damp may bring coal-dust into suspension and ignite to it. The results show that the explosion of as little as 150 cubic feet of an explosive mixture of gas and air containing 9 per cent natural gas may start a disastrous explosion Of coal-dust. This is a very small volume, of gas, to cause such a result. Let us suppose that this amount of exclusive mixture, was at the face of an entry which was 10 feet wide and the face was overcut to a depth of 6 foot and an upper layer of coal 2 1/2 feet thick had been removed, the recess so made would save a volume of 150 cubic feet. Furthermore, only 13 cubic feet of pure methane is needed in this volume to produce this 9 per cent explosive mixture.]

Jan 1, 1930

By Frank A. Peters

The Bayer process treating Jamaican bauxite was evaluated from an economic standpoint, using standard estimating methods and published data, to present a reference point for cost estimates for nonbauxite alumina processes. The estimated operating cost for a plant producing 1,000 tons of alumina a day is $47.96 per ton of alumina when charging $8 per ton for bauxite and $2.30 per hour for direct labor. The estimated fixed capital cost is $46 million.

Jan 1, 1966

By A. L. Engel

This report is a compilation of results of preliminary concentration tests of nine manganese-ore samples in 1953-1954. Three samples were from Nevada and the other six from California. These samples represent marginal or low-grade ores from deposits that have been mined selectively in the past. The present interest lies chiefly in the possibilities of concentration of the remaining low-grade ores for economical exploitation. The treatment methods included gravity concentration and flotation in most cases. Results were sometimes unsatisfactory, particularly when the ore was too fine grained for liberation of the minerals within economical grinding range. The contaminating gangue minerals, such as quartz and iron oxides, were locked with the manganese to an extent that prevented separation of high-grade concentrates with satisfactory recovery. In cases where fairly good concentrates were made, it was at the expense of recovery, a condition typical of low-grade ores.

Jan 1, 1955

By James F. Devine

This Bureau of Mines report describes tests conducted at three sites to determine if, and to what extent, a vertical presplit fracture plane placed between a blast point and detection point will reduce vibration levels. Statistical analyses indicate that the presplit fracture plane did not reduce the vibration level.

Jan 1, 1965

By Gary A. Kingston

Chromium resources in the United States are estimated at 1.8 million tons of recoverable chromium contained in 22.5 million tons of chromite-bearing material. Additional resource is presumed existent in large, but as yet undetermined, quantities of material containing less than 10 percent Cr203. No domestic resources are being mined presently (1969). Excluding transportation charges to domestic consuming areas, the total 1.8 million tons of chromim is estimated to be available, in ore or concentrate, at costs up to $0.64 per pound; 63 percent of the total is available under $0.11 per pound; and 38 percent under $0.08 per pound. It is judged that transportation from the resource areas to the existing market centers would add nearly $0.05 to the cost of a pound of chromium contained in ore or concentrate. Technically effective beneficiation methods have been developed for much of the known domestic resource, and further development might reduce costs of processing these materials. However, at present, domestic chromium resources are noncompetitive with foreign sources.

Jan 1, 1970

By Thomas J. Peters

The King Mountain study area is centered about 120 air km northwest of Blackfoot, and 30 air km north of Arco, Idaho. The study area makes up the southern one-third of the northwest-trending Lost River Range--the highest mountain range in Idaho. The area is predominantly underlain by Paleozoic-age marine limestone and lesser dolostone, with a relatively small inlier of silica-rich, Ordovician-age quartzite. There are vast, unquantified resources of these industrial minerals present; however, special markets need to be developed for these resources which are near enough for transportation costs to be competitive. Five prospects were found in the study area; however, only one, the Elbow quartz silica prospect, contains resources and current claims. There has been no mineral production in the study area.

Jan 1, 1993

By K. E. Stanfield

Asphalts from. Wyoming "black oils" are being studied at the Petroleum Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines at Laramie, Wyo., in cooperation with the University of Wyoming. These black oils are characterized by their high-asphalt, high-sulphur, and low-gasoline content and are difficult to refine by present methods into high-octane motor fuels, burning oils, and lubricants. Accordingly, their principal use, at present, is for the manufacture of road oil and asphalt. The present production of black oil could be increased to meet a greater demand. During 1937 the daily production of these crude oils in Wyoming was slightly over 13,000 barrels, while, the estimated potential production from existing wells was 56,000 barrels.

Jan 1, 1939

By H. H. Schrenk, L. B. Berger, W. P. Yant, F. A. Patty

"The use of small such as canaries and white mice, for detecting carbon monoxide depends primarily on the fact that the volume of respiration of these animals in proportion to their volume of blood is much higher than for man. Accordingly, when animals and men are simultaneously exposed to a given concentration of carbon monoxide the animals will absorb it more rapidly and attain serious poisoning in less time than men. Prom a practical viewpoint the use of the animals depends on the margin of time between observable symptoms in them and serious poisoning in man, during which man can return to fresh air or use respiratory protection. It should be remembered, however, that during the time the animal is incurring a detectable degree of poisoning, man is also absorbing some carbon monoxide, and the margin of time is not very wide. Experience with canaries has shown that an occasional specimen may have a tolerance above the average of the species and fail to exhibit symptoms before man incurs a very discomforting and possibly a serious degree of poisoning.It is also well known that physical activity increases the demand for oxygen by the body, and the respiratory exchange and circulation of the blood are increased to meet the demand. This sets up a vicious condition if carbon monoxide is present in the air because the rate of absorption of carbon monoxide is not only increased by the increase in respiration and circulation, but the absorption of carbon monoxide decreases the capacity of the blood for carrying oxygen at a time when the demand is high. These facts, together with the increase in respiration and circulation which attend excitement, underlie the caution to be calm and to walk slowly and to reduce physical exertion to a minimum when exposed to carbon monoxide. For these same reasons, when using animals for detecting carbon monoxide it is endeavored to keep them active, thereby tending to increase the response of the birds and widen the time between observable effects in the birds and effects in the man. As rule canaries are kept fairly active through fright at the unnatural surroundings and in their endeavor to remain on the perch of the cage when carried into the atmosphere to be examined. They also experience an excitement stage with oncoming carbon monoxide poisoning. Sometimes, however, especially if the air is cold, they tend to be inactive and quiet. Ordinary mice and white mice become inactive with use and also with oncoming poisoning. They huddle in the corner or the cage, and thereby not only reduce their sensitivity but make it difficult to observe signs of poisoning."

Oct 1, 1930

By Richard W. Lewis, Lloyd Carpenter

The objective of the investigation was to determine spectrochemically 19 elements in the general range of 0.5 to 1,000 ppm in high - purity hafnium and its compounds . Samples were converted thermally to hafnium dioxide , mixed with buffer - carrier - internal standards , and excited by a dc arc . Spectra were recorded on photographic plates . Transmittance values were recorded densitometrically and converted to relative - intensity ratios . Four groups of standards were used to establish analytical curves from which the concentrations of impurities were obtained . Average precision of the method was 14.2 percent relative standard deviation , and relative error was 4.2 percent .

Jan 1, 1964

By Andrew Allan

During recent years underground production for the Pennsylvania anthracite region has reached the lowest output per man per day figure of the last decade and a half. This fact, combined with increased unit costs for labor and material, has forced the market price of anthracite ever higher. Over the years the mines have become deeper, and haulage distances have increased, thus adding to the mining costs. The industry now recognizes the need for new mining techniques to offset increasing costs. The Federal Bureau of Mines, through its Anthracite Research Laboratory, is engaged in a program of underground-mining research in cooperation with anthracite-producing companies to aid in reestablishing the economy of the region by introducing methods and/ or machines that will reduce underground-mining costs and, at the same time, enhance the safety of the workmen.

Jan 1, 1953

By Christopher C. Jobes

Computer-assisted control of a mining machine can place the operator in a safe, remote location. A guidance system aids remote positioning of a mining machine by determining its position and heading. The mechanical position and heading system (MPHS) is one of several guidance systems being developed at the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The MPHS uses linear position transducers (LPT's) to provide navigation information during face maneuvers. This report presents an overview of the MPHS theory and implementation, including recent design modifications made for more successful underground testing. This report also presents the experimental setup and procedure for the underground test. The test showed that the MPHS provides reliable and accurate results and can, therefore, provide useful guidance information for face navigation.

Jan 1, 1992

By D. Harrington

Misuse of explosives and heedless disregard of well-known safety rules covering the use of commercial explosives cause many avoidable accidents resulting in the death or maiming of men who can ill be spared by already undermanned industry at present, and who cannot be spared by their families at any tire. Blasting accidents, when not fatal, are usually serious; the past and present needless loss of life and maiming of men from this cause are appalling and types of waste that can and should be virtually eliminated. Dead, crippled, and maimed men are distinct losses to society as well as to industry, and compensation payments for such accidents represent only a portion of the financial loss, because the value of their lost potential production can only be surmised. By their very nature, explosives are dangerous to handle, otherwise they would not perform the services for which they are used; all men on a blasting crew are subjected to the results of the carelessness of any one member, and in many instances the misuse of explosives by one person has killed scores of fellow workers. Inexperienced men should be assigned to blasting operations only under the close supervision of men well-experienced in the work and familiar with its inherent hazards. Men should be selected for blasting crews that are known to be careful, willing to follow instructions, cool-headed, and unlikely to become excited in an emergency; they should be instructed in the safe handling of explosives in accordance with the safety rules established by the explosives -manufacturing companies or the safety codes of the various industrial organizations. Unfortunately, American industry has never adopted a uniform code for the safe handling of explosives; however, many mining companies have made rules that will eliminate most unsafe practices if established safe procedure is followed carefully. The Bureau of Mines has issued numerous pamphlets giving information on the causes of accidents due to explosives in the mining industry and indicating the ways in which a good proportion of those accidents can be avoided.

Jan 1, 1943

"Correlatina Lung Crackle Usina Holographic lnterf erometryAli Afshari, MS, West Virginia University, 1989The Effect or Surfactants on Suppression of Non-Wettable ParticlesAli Alaboyun, MS, Mineral Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 1989Geochemical Characterization of Kerogem, ShaJes, and Coal .Refme ~ted with Allegheny Fonnationof Cases of Northern West VirginiaDick Andre, MS, West Virginia University, 1987Particle Concentrations in a Hazelton Inhalation ChamberShahram Bavani, MS, West Virginia University, 1985Use and Potential of Luer Holographic Interferometry and Subsidence Model Study of an Underground.Room and Pillar MineRichard Begley, MS, West Virginia University, 1984Development of a Mechanistic Model for Prediction of Subsidence in a Longwall MineRichard Begley, PhD, West Virginia University, 1990.Redesign of Micro-Orifice Unifonn Deposit ImpactorSteve Behm, MS, University of Minnesota, 1991A Fracture Mechanics Study of Crack Propagation Mechanism in Coal: The Mechanics of Fine FragmentFonnationZ. T. Bieniawski and R. Karl Zipf, Jr., Mining Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA. Final Report, October 1, 1988A Mathematical Model for the Prediction of Ambient Dust Concentrations in Mine AtmospheresR. Bhaskar, MS, Mining Engineering and Operations Research, The Pennsylvania State University, 1984Spatial and Temporal Behavior of Dust in Mines-Theoretical and Experimental StudiesR. Bhaskar, PhD, Mining Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 1987Experimental Studies of Dispersion and Deposition of Fane Particles in a Wind Tunnel and Mine AirwayKlaus Bode, MS, Mining Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 1991Perf'onnance of the High Yield Technology PM - 100 - Particle 11ux MonitorRobert Caldow, MS, University of Minnesota, 1987Development of Improved Methods for Monitoring and Control of Diesel Particulate in an Underground CoalMineD. H. Carlson, B. C. Cornilsen, P. L. Loyselk, X. Shan and J. H. Johnson, Michigan Technological University,Houghton, Ml. Final Report, June 15, 1991"

Mar 1, 1992

By Rodney D. Rosenkranz

Energy consumption in domes tic copper production has increased nearly 60 percent in the last 10 years, reaching approximately 175 trillion Btu in 1973. Energy required to produce 1 pound of copper rose from nearly 41,000 Btu in 1963 to nearly 50,000 Btu in 1973. Production from lower grade ores and strict pollution control regulations have contributed to this increase. Each stage of copper production has been analyzed to determine total energy consumed, energy mix required, cost of the energy, and recent or proposed changes in operations which may affect the consumption of energy by the copper industry. Data have been gathered from a recent Bureau of Mines canvass of the industry, from visits to copper operations, and from conversations with copper industry officials.

Jan 1, 1976

By P. A. Cox

Guidelines are provided for the design of explosion-proof electrical enclosures that will meet MSHA certification requirements according to Part 18, Title 30, of the Code of Federal Regulations, and fulfill their intended service underground. The guide covers only those aspects of design which affect enclosure strength, ruggedness, endurance and flame path, i. e., the enclosure ability to properly contain an internal explosion. Internal static and explosion pressures, external impact and thermal heating load are treated as well as the proper selection of materials and welding procedures.

Jan 1, 1985

By Arnold P. Pipilen

In a study of the principal factors affecting the transport of coal-water mixtures through a centrifugal pump and a pipeline, the interrelation between solids concentration, velocity, and pressure drop was established for a bituminous lump coal (minus 2 inch) in concentrations up to 48 weight-percent. An optimum concentration was found to exist for maximum capacity of a given pipe-line, and for minimum energy requirements per ton of coal. Coal size degradation by particle fracture took place in the pump; abrasion and attrition to form fines took place in both pump and line. A novel system of studying flow of solid-liquid mixtures in pipelines by the determination of relative sound intensities was developed.

Jan 1, 1966