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By Donna lynne Anderson

This report documents the status of a laser-based underground guidance system for tracking and controlling the movements of underground mobile mining equipment. This research is part of a multiple project effort at the U.S. Bureau of Mines to increase mine safety and efficiency by developing technology for computer-assisted mining. Guidance systems, which can track and control the movements of underground mining equipment, are essential during computer-assisted mining operations. A continuous mining machine at the Bureau's surface test facility served as the test-bed for initial development and experimentation of this guidance system. Subsequently, a continuous mining machine in an underground mine served as the platform for in-mine experimentation. The first section of this report includes details of the laser sensors, communication network, and computer hardware. The next section includes experimental results, which show the system capable of accurately tracking and controlling the tram maneuvers of a continuous miner underground. The final section discusses conclusions and recommendations.

Jan 1, 2010

By Lucia Kuizon

Results of the U.S. Bureau of Mines' survey of mineral resources in the Cuyama RARE II study area indicate there is no potential for metallic minerals and low potential for the development of gypsum resources. There are no producing or developing mines within the study area. The Santa Barbara Canyon Prospect contains 30,000 tons (27,000 t) of subeconmic gyspum resources, the Wagon Road Prospect 276,000 tons (250,000 t), and the Brush Fence Canyon 61,000 tons (55,000 t). Most of the resource in the Brush Fence Canyon Prospect is outside the area. Gypsum was not observed at the Cuyama River deposit. Present gypsum and gypsite requirements are being met by larger deposits closer to major markets. INTRODUCTION Location (USGS) Present and Previous Studies (to be combined with USGS section) The Bureau of Mines reviewed literature and mining claim records for the study area. A field examination of known mineral properties was made in October 1980; it included mapping and sampling of prospects to evaluate the economic potential of mineral resources.

Jan 1, 1981

By W. P. Diamond

It is estimated that more than 1 trillion cubic feet of methane is contained within the coals of the Mary Lee group in Jefferson, eastern Tuscaloosa, and southern Walker Counties, Ala. Most of this methane will be encountered by mining. Coals of the Mary Lee group are presently being mined at depths exceeding 1,000 feet and will in the near future be mined at even greater depths, where the problem of methane gas affecting the mining operations will be acute. It is calculated that approximately 90 pct of the methane is at depths greater than 1,000 feet, and over half of the gas is contained within only 12 pct of the study area which is under more than 1,500 feet of over-burden. Degasification in advance of mining will increase mine safety, reduce ventilation expenditures, increase productivity, provide an additional energy source, and make it possible to mine parts of deep coalbeds that probably could not otherwise be mined.

Jan 1, 1976

By Kenneth G. Broadhead

Four applications of radiotracer techniques in metallurgical research are described: (1) In electrowinning tungsten from scheelite, molybdenum 99 was used to detemine the molybdenum concentration of the fused alkali-phosphate bath and the electrowon tungsten; (2) an attempt to detemine the solubility of tagged ceric oxide in molten CeF3-BaF2-LiF was unsuccessful, but a high rate of cerium ion exchange was observed; (3) iron 59 was added to cerium during casting and used to follow the migration of iron during solid state electrolysis; (4) radiotracers were used in developing special analytical techniques applicable to high-purity rare-earth metals produced by molten salt electrolysis.

Jan 1, 1963

By Robert J. Hundhausen, GEORGE M. GRISMER

This circular describes the methods and costs of deepening the Silver Summit three-compartment shaft in the Coeur d'Alene mining region of Idaho. A noteworthy rate of advance was achieved at this operation by the successful use of a mechanical shaft-mucking machine. The Silver Summit mine is 1 mile west from the town of Osburn, Idaho, via U. S. Highway 10. The adit-level portal of the mine is on the south slope of the Coeur d'Alene River Valley at an altitude of 2,700 feet. The Silver Summit shaft is 6,000 feet from the portal. In past years this shaft had been sunk from the adit level to a depth of 1,500 feet. During 1946 the Polaris Mining Co, deepened it to 3,095 feet. The work was done under a co- operative development agreement between the Silver Summit Mining Co. and the Polaris Mining Co.

Jan 1, 1948

By E. M. SEELEY, F. S. LOTT

The total capacity of the natural-gasoline industry to produce light hydrocarbon products increased to 21,322,000 gallons ( 507,670 barrels ) daily on January 1 , 1948 , from 17,928,000 gallons ( 426,860 barrels ) daily on January 1 , 1946. Expansion of the industry in the first two post -war years , 1946 end 1947 , thus averaged 9 percent annually , compared with 6 percent annually in the last two war years , 1944 and 1945 . The number of cycle plants increased only from 37 to 39 in the years 1946 and 1947 , and total capacity of these plants gained 21 percent to 5,857,000 gallons de ily on January 1 , 1948 , represent ing 27.5 percent of the total capacity of the industry , compared with 27.0 percent on January 1 , 1946. All other plants decreased in number in the two-year period from 589 to 510 on January 1 , 1948 , but their total daily capacity increased 18 percent to 15,465,000 gallons . The daily capacity of the average plant in the industry was enlarged from 28,600 gallons on January 1 , 1946 , to 38,800 gallons on January 1 , 1948 , continuing the long -established trend to producing units of greater size and efficiency . The average cycle plant capacity increased from 131,000 gallons daily to 150,200 gallons daily on the same dates as the average capacity of all other natural -gasoline plants increased from 22,200 gallons to 30,300 gallons . Owing to the elimination of small , obsolescent plants in Illinois , Oklahoma , and Pennsylvania , these States experienced the greatest reductions in numbers of plants in 1946 and 1947. In Oklahoma and Texas , several consolidations of two or more plants into a single operating unit were reported . Louisiana and Mississippi were the only States in which the number of plants increased , but daily capacity to produce light products was larger in eleven States on January 1 , 1948, than two years earlier . Added facilities in California and Texas accounted for 41 and 36 percent , respectively, of the national gain in capacity .

Sep 1, 1948

By H. D. Hess

This report describes in detail a unique occurrence of fersmite, (Ca, Ce, Na) (Cb, Ti, Fe, Al)2 (0, OH, F)6, which occurs as small anhedral inclusions and intergrowths with a tantalum-free columbite found in the metamorphic complexes of Ravalli County, Mont. Chemical and crystallographic data along with the physical and optical properties agree in general with those given in the original description of fersmite from the Ural Mountains of Russia. X-ray diffraction data not given in the original description and more specific optical data have been determined. The Montana fersmite, now established as the second occurrence of this rare calcium-columbate mineral, was discovered during a routine Bureau of Mines mineralogical examination of a prospector's sample.

Jan 1, 1960

By Alla D. Mah

The work described in this report is part of a Bureau of Mines research program for obtaining heats of formation of inorganic oxides, carbides, and nitrides by combustion calorimetry. The heats of combustion of molybdenum subnitride (Mo2N) and chromium subnitride (Cr2N) were measured. The data were combined with previous determinations of the heats of formation of molybdenum trioxide and chromium sesquioxide to obtain the heats of formation of the two subnitrides from the elements at 298.15° K. The corresponding free energies of formation were estimated. The heat data were compared with those of nine previously studied nitrides.

Jan 1, 1960

By E. V. Cilento, K. A. DiGregorio, R. C. Lantz

"An electro-optical method was used to quantify superoxide (SO) release from single rat pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) exposed in vitro to respirable quartz and kaolin dusts and in vivo to quartz. Release was determined by measuring the reduction of nitroblue tdrazolium (NBT) to a diformazan precipitate at 550 nm from video-recorded images of individual cells. In vitro exposure to 0.025 or 0.05 mg/ml kaolin for 40 minutes resulted in no significant differences in either the total diformazan produced (max) or the maximum rate of diformazan production (R)./n vitro exposure to 0.025 mg/ml c1uartz decreased max 38 percent while no significant change was found using 0.05 mg/ml. However, R was decreased 31 percent and 24 percent for the low and high dose, respectively. In contrast, PAM obtained from animals exposed in vivo to quartz dust for two or four weeks in inhalation chambers exhibited increased production of diformazan. However, only PAM analyzed three days post-exposure showed significant increases, while PAM from animals sacrificed ten or 31 days post-exposure were not significantly different from control. The combined in vitro and in vivo quartz results might suggest that there is an initital acute response to exposure that decreases the ability of PAM to produce SO, followed by recruitment of production of PAM with increased SO producing capability. It appears that removal of animals from the source of exposure permits PAM to return to control levels of SO production by31 days. Whether this would be true for chronic exposure remains to be elucidated.IntroductionPulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) protect the lungs by phagocytizing foreign debris and bacteria.(1) This process involves ingestion as well as destruction of foreign matter. Phagocytosis usually is accompanied by a respiratory burst which increases cellular oxygen consumption leading to the release of highly reactive oxygen metabolites.(2) These agents have been implicated in the killing of bacteria by phagocytes, but they have also been shown to be toxic and,have been linked to cancer, emphysema, arthritis, diabetes, and other diseases.(3) Toxic effects may be a result of 1) an abnormally low production of metabolites, resulting in damage to lung tissue by the respired bacteria and/or dusts; or 2) an abnormally high production resulting in direct damage to lung tissue by metabolites themselves."

Mar 1, 1989

By Phillip W. Holland

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed a mass spectrometer method for determining helium in the parts-per-million to 10% range to an accuracy of ± 1%. The method employs a mass spectrometer, an inlet system utilizing a chromatographic gas-sampling valve, and an activated coconut charcoal trap cooled with liquid nitrogen. Gravimetrically prepared standards of helium in nitrogen were used to demonstrate the linearity of the method over the concentration range of 10 ppm to 10.66% helium.

Jan 1, 2010

By Robert E. Barieau

General expressions for evaluating practically all the thermodynamic properties of a fluid from a single equation of state are derived. Most of the formulas are expressed in terms of the compressibility factor, with this factor being an explicit function of the temperature and the molal density. Similar expressions are given using reduced variables.

Jan 1, 1967

By Peter G. Kovalchik

To compare the viability of the new fuse wire arc test (FWAT) as a substitute for the comparative tracking index (CTI) for determining surface resistance to electrical tracking, the Bureau of Mines constructed a fuse wire arc tester and undertook a detailed testing program for testing insulating materials used on explosion-proof enclosures. This report describes the Bureau's apparatus, the two methods (CTI and FWAT), and the results of the Bureau's testing, showing comparisons of the FWAT with the CTI. Results showed strong correlation between the two methods, as all specimens tested that had CTI ratings of 400 V ac rms and above passed the 10-test sequence with the FWAT, whereas all specimens with lower CTI ratings failed, with the number of tests to failure corresponding roughly to the descending CTI rating order.

Jan 1, 1987

By W. D. Ryan

The American public has at all times been prone to discuss important questions that call for consideration and adjustment. Debatable subjects upon which sides may be taken always receive unusual prominence, but other questions equally important may be neglected. The real "paramount issue," calling for remedial action, is the ever-increasing number of deaths caused by preventable accidents. This matter demands the attention of the entire American people; the importance of accident prevention can not be overemphasized, and in many phases of American life, especially among the mining and allied industries, far too little real attention has been given the importance of conserving life and limb by accident prevention. ACCIDENTS COMPARED TO WAR AS A CAUSE OF DEATH Harry T. Hoffman, Wyoming labor commissioner, writes the following: It is one of the peculiar complexes of this rapidly moving age that we all stand aghast at the horrors of war and view with appar- ent indifference the greater havoc of industrial peace. Did you ever stop to think that approximately twice as many people were killed by accidents in the United States in 1929, as there were American soldiers killed in the entire period of the World War? Every employer and every worker should be thoroughly aroused over the tremendous toll levied against industrial forces by accidents which are largely preventable and develop a faith in safety efforts that will fire them with a zeal as pronounced as that of their religion or their patriotism. Let us remember safety-first to the end that the workman shall live to enjoy the fruits of his labor; that his mother shall have the comfort of his arm in her age; that his wife shall not be untimely a widow; that his children shall have a father; that crip- ples and helpless wrecks who were strong men shall no longer be a by-product of industry.

Apr 1, 1931

By C. J. Walker, J. S. Miller

This work was done in an attempt to find a simple solution to the problem of simultaneously changing terminal rate and terminal pressure under conditions of unsteady - state flow in porous media . Although the original aim was not realized , a method for encasing a sandstone core that would permit high - pressure ( 200 to 980 psi ) flow tests and the use of electronic equipment to measure pressures at points along the core during unsteady - state gas depletion was found to be feasible . The sandstone core used in this study was from the Bandera formation of Pennsylvanian age , Redfield , Kans . The core , cylindrical in shape with a 3.5 - inch diameter and 6- foot length , had a porosity of 15 percent and a permeability of 9 millidarcys .

Jan 1, 1963

By D. E. Shanks

As part of its program to lessen dependence on foreign bauxite as the Nation's primary source of cell-grade alumina, the Bureau of Mines is investigating sulfuric acid (H2S04) leaching procedures for the recovery of alumina from domestic aluminous materials. The successful application of a H2S04 leaching process depends on the recovery of the aluminum values in an easily washed and filtered form, containing a minimum of water to be driven off in the subsequent calcination step. This goal was met by the high-temperature hydrolysis of simulated aluminum sulfate [A12(S04)3] leach liquor. Crystalline, insoluble aluminum hydroxy sulfate [A1(OH)S04], which had a water-to-alumina mole ratio of 1:1, was produced. Eighty-six percent of a solution containing 127 g of A12(S04)3 per liter and 76 pct of a solution containing 336 g of A12(S04)3 per liter were hydrolyzed to insoluble aluminum hydroxy sulfate by autoclaving for 1 hr at 320° C and rapidly quenching to room temperature. Higher operating temperatures were precluded by corrosion of the autoclave. The yield of aluminum in the hydrolysis product increased with increasing hydrolysis temperature and decreasing A12(S04)3 concentration.

Jan 1, 1981

By George J. Conroy

Techniques for locating trailing-cable faults are discussed, particularly those techniques suitable for use in underground coal mines, which have been the subjects of Bureau of Mines research. The discussion concerns precautions and suggestions for locating faults, rather than detailed descriptions of apparatus.

Jan 1, 1979

By Maria I. De Rosa

This report analyzes mobile equipment fires for all U.S. surface and underground coal and metal/nonmetal mining categories by state and 2 year time periods during 1990-1999. Risk rate values are derived, and ignition source, methods of fire detection and suppression, and other variables are examined. The data were derived from MSHA mine fire accident publications and verbal communications with mine personnel. The analyses will provide the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and the mining industry with a better understanding of the hazards associated with mobile equipment fires and will create a basis for future fire research programs.

Jan 1, 2004

Measure tattling in cemented backfill when installation of bore-hole extensometers is not feasible. Problem To evaluate the amount of load that backfill carries during pillar recovery, information about how much the backfill settles after placement is often required. However, the composition of some backfills makes them difficult to drill and the installation of borehole extensometers almost impossible. Approach Bureau researchers have developed a vertical fill extensometer that can be cast in place as a stope is being filled. It consists of a baseplate, sections of steel pipe enclosed in loosely coupled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, and a top anchor assembly that contains a displacement transducer (fig. 1).

Jan 1, 1990

By H. Kenneth Sacks

The Bureau of Mines has developed hardware for electromagnetic (EM) detection and location of miners trapped in underground coal mines. This report describes a technique for using the developed equipment for locating uncased boreholes underground. Results of several field and laboratory experiments are described.

Jan 1, 1978

Reduce the dust levels to which jacksetters and helpers on auger mining sections are exposed by identifying viable, effective methods for control-ling respirable dust on these sections. Approach The Bureau of Mines con-ducted laboratory tests and respirable dust surveys to identify the factors that distinguish clean auger mining operations from dusty ones. Study Results Results of the Bureau's study revealed that ventilation is the most important element of auger mining dust control. The four must important venitilation parameters are airflow, curtain configuration, curtain setback, and curtain installation.

Jan 1, 1988