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By R. V. Ramani, R. Stefanko, G. W. Luxbacher

This report was prepared by The Pennsylvania State University under USBM Contract No. H0133040. The contract was initiated under the technical direction of PMSRC, with Mr. Edward D. Thimons acting as the technical project officer. Mr. Frank Naughton was the contract administrator for the Bureau of Mines. This report is a summary of the work recently completed as part of this contract during the period June 30, 1973,to June 30, 1977. This report was submitted by the authors on August 31, 1977.

Jan 1, 1977

By R. Larry Grayson, Douglas F. Scott

Data on health-related illnesses and disease in the mining industry are scarce, and information on rates and costs is not readily available. Substantial amounts of research are being directed to addressing these issues, including work at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) mining health and safety laboratories in Spokane and Pitts-burgh. This paper briefly discusses the current status of some miner health-related issues, including those involving coal dust, silica dust, diesel particulate matter, asbestos, noise, lead, welding fumes, and skin disorders, as well as research and other activities aimed at protecting miners from occupational illnesses and disease.

By George T. Faust

The Southern Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior, in cooperation with the University of Alabama, is investigating the various types of clays to be found in the Southern States. In connection with this work, the petrographic laboratory is called

Jan 1, 1940

By Rudolf E. Greuer, Linneas W. Laage, Xinton Chang

The PC version of the program MFIRE contains many improvements and enhancements previously unavailable for the modeling of mine ventilation networks and the interaction of fires with mine ventilation Transient-state simulation with dynamic modifications of the ventilation system and mine, the fire, and resulting POC transport and ventilation alterations are accommodated with MFIRE. MFIRE is more flexible and provides more error checking, and more informational messages about prob¬lems with input files than its predecessor, the MTU-BOM code The desirable features of the MTU-BOM code such as calculation and identification of recirculation, the air to rock heat exchange, and the basing of calculations on mass flow rates have been retained. MFIRE is useful for the planning and analysis of ven¬tilation networks, simulation for emergency planning, and the evaluation of fire detector layout Inquiries relating to this program should be directed to the Bureau of Mines, Twin Cities Research Center, 5629 Minnehaha Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Jan 1, 1990

By W. R. Reed

Dust dispersion modeling is a subject that has had a large amount of research activity. Much of the research has focused on large-scale global or regional dispersion models. Other models have been created for industry-specific purposes. Furthermore, some of the past research has focused on dust dispersion modeling in the mining industry. This report presents the various dust dispersion models that have been developed specifically for the mining industry. The report first gives a brief background of the regulatory environment that helped to promote development of such models. It then presents an overview of the mathematical concepts used in this dispersion modeling. Finally, each of the various models developed for the mining industry are described, along with their associated mathematical algorithms and any field validation conducted on the different models.

Jan 9, 2005

By Ernest W. Loya

A method for preparing gravimetric primary standards of helium in the parts per trillion range has been developed by the Bureau of Mines. The standards are used to calibrate a specially modified mass spectrometer used in determining the abundance of helium-3 and helium-4 in geochemical samples and of helium-3 in isotopically purified helium-4. The desired gas standards are prepared in 5-kg metal cylinders filled to 1,800 psia. Relative errors of less than 1 pct have been attained in the parts per trillion range using a successive dilution technique.

Jan 1, 1982

By A. D. Mah

Thermodynamic data on compounds of arsenic and sulfur were critically evaluated by the Bureau of Mines. Changes of standard enthalpy and Gibbs energy, and logarithms of the equilibrium constants were tabulated as a function of temperature for reactions involving these compounds.

Jan 1, 1982

By Jack Wasserman, Don Wasserman, Gretchen Hinton, Logan Mullinix, Shekar Khanal

Human testing has always been a needed way to provide information on the effects of vehicle vibration, however, the manner of testing has not reflected the real situations of driver’s hands on a steering wheel and a seat with back support and driving tasks. The typical system have used a standard sinusoidal excitation rather than the typical types of road – truck excitations The new truck driver training simulators provide the combination of road roughness, speed effects, cab environment and individual tasks. The system has a full six axis simulation potential. The simulators have the protection of the individual by a combination of two ways for the individual to stop the motion as well as an operator with visual capability who can stop the testing. The closed simulator, shown in Figure 1, has the potential for providing motion during the operation.

Jan 6, 2006

By Rudolf E. Greuer, Linneas W. Laage, Xinton Chang

All output is saved in the file MFIRE OUT m the di¬rectory and on the disk containing the program The file can be inspected with a text processor and sent to a print¬er, if needed CONTENTS OF OUTPUT FILE The comment lines, reference temperature, air densi¬ty, a table of the units of measure for the results, and the average values are shown at the beginning of MFIRE OUT All input data will be shown in the output file if LOUT on Control line number 1 is _<-1 For each contamination source, a new branch will automatically be setup The new airway and junction ID numbers will not interfere with the original numbering scheme of the data file Next are the results of the selected simulation(s) in the following order network balancing, network balancing considering temperatures, transient-state modeling, and altered equilibrium due to fire and distribution of the contaminants. Depending upon the contents of the data file, and the simulation selected, attention, warning, and error message will be shown at locations where calculations resulted in unusual conditions

Jan 1, 1990

By Roy F. Abernethy

This report describes a method developed by the Bureau of Mines for the determination of beryllium in coal ash. Samples are put into solution by standard wet chemical procedures. Interfering elements are complexed with Na2EDTA, and the beryllium is separated by extraction of its acetyl acetone complex with chloroform or carbon tetrachloride. Final determination is made with Beryllon II.

Jan 1, 1970

By M. Beus, R. Iverson, A. Dreschler, V. Scott

This paper describes research to improve safety during transport of ore and waste in underground mines. Field tests are underway in mines in Idaho and Montana. Strains measured on structural support members in an ore pass provided information about total forces acting on the structure as material was dumped into it. Results show that measured static loads were considerably less than actual total weight of the material dumped and that dynamic loads were subject to many factors, such as effects of blasting to remove hang-ups. Comparisons of measurements and computer results using a particle flow code indicated that several difficulties remain before achieving realistic determinations and models of the dynamic effects of particle flow in ort: passes and impact loads on the gates. Impact loads were overestimated in computer analyses as compared to loads measured in field tests. An alternative design approach based on softening the chute and control gate assembly is being proposed.

By Mathew P. Oommen, Jeffrey L. Kohler

Computer-aided loadflow and fault analyses of mine power systems are routinely conducted to ascertain system performance and also to provide information to assist in the protection and coordination of these systems. Three-winding transformers are frequently encountered in mining applications, typically at continuous miner and longwall sections where there exists a need for dual utilization voltages. These transformers are often modeled as a three-bus system neglecting the secondary to tertiary winding impedance and the effect of base changes. This paper analyzes the impact of more accurate transformer models on voltages and fault currents which are realized from loadflow and fault studies of mine power systems.

By T. E. Marshall, D. R. Dolinar, T. M. Barczak, T. P. Mucho

Over a portion of the older limestone mine workings at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory, a mining health and safety research facility, a large sinkhole formed caused in part by the intersection of several tightly spaced joint sets and unusual weather conditions. The anticipated propagation of the associated roof failures threatened to encroach upon a portion of the facility’s secondary escapeway. To protect the escapeway, two cribs walls and over 80 cable bolts were installed. In addition, extensometers were installed to monitor roof movement in the escapeway. However, a large roof fall associated with the propagating roof failures in the sinkhole area partially destroyed one crib wall where the adjacent escapeway was not reinforced by cable bolts. Recent roof movement information indicates that this area is still active. Based on these measurements, steps have been taken to stabilize this portion of the escapeway. This paper discusses roof monitoring, the roof movement, the large roof fall, propagation of the roof failures, and the recent support measures undertaken to stabilize the escapeway.

By Launa Mallett

This paper introduces a method for teaching workers to communicate necessary information when giving or receiving emergency warning messages. Research has shown that when an emergency occurs, people may not get the information they need to take appropriate action. Interviews conducted with 48 underground coal miners who had escaped mine fires revealed that the warning information provided was inadequate. In some cases, sufficient information was not provided to the endangered miners. At other times, miners failed to ask for information they needed to plan and execute effective escapes. Researchers from the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory have been studying the content of emergency warning messages and have developed an emergency communication protocol. A training intervention that presents the protocol and related mental cues is being evaluated for effectiveness in improving the content of emergency messages. In this paper the protocol is presented and the training package described. The evaluation procedures and a summary of the analyses conducted to-date are also provided. The training package was developed for use with underground coal miners, but could easily be modified for emergency communications training in other settings.

Jan 1, 2000

To determine the effectiveness of multiple types of fire sensors for early and reliable mine fire detection. Background The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has evaluated the effectiveness of multiple types of fire sensors for early mine fire detection and nuisance signal discrimination. Reliable early fire detection in underground mine can be hindered by false fire alarms produced by carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke particulate emissions from diesel equipment, welding, and metal-burning activities. Another false fire alarm source is the cross-interference of hydrogen (H2) produced by battery-charging operations with a CO sensor&apos;s chemical cell. Workers can learn to ignore repetitious "false" alarms associated with these emissions. This jeopardizes their safety in the event of a mine fire.

Sep 1, 2002

By Launa G. Mallett, Charles Vaught, Kathleen M. Kowalski, Charles D. Litton, Michael J. Brnich, Ronald S. Conti, Henry P. Cole, William J. Wiehagen

How do people behave when they are trying to get out of a fire? Are escape activities different in each incident, or will most actions be predictable across events? Do persons make the same sorts of decisions whether they are responding as individuals or as group members? Because the social costs of fire-related deaths and injuries are likely to continue to rise, societal pressure for greater safety will also undoubtedly increase. There are, therefore, compelling reasons to further our understanding of action in fires. If human behavior in fire is studied scientifically and predicted according to some well-defined principles, the benefits will be significant. Design engineers could incorporate real-world findings into their plans. Equipment manufacturers could gain from insights into how their technology is actually used in fire emergencies. Safety personnel would have a better appreciation of what constitutes adequate evacuation procedures. Trainers could upgrade the content of their courses that teach escape skills. The result would be an overall improvement in the quality of fire preparedness and safety.

Jan 1, 2000

By A. Dale Marcy, Pamela L. Drake

Workers who perform routine welding tasks are potentially exposed to fume that may contain manganese. Manganese may cause respiratory problems and is implicated in causing the occurrence of Parkinson-like symptoms. In this study, a field colorimetric method for extracting and measuring manganese in welding fume was developed. The method uses ultrasonic extraction with an acidic hydrogen peroxide solution to extract welding fume collected on polyvinyl chloride filters. Commercially available pre-packaged reagents are used to produce a colored solution, created by a reaction of manganese(II) with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol. Absorbance measurements are then made using a portable spectrophotometer. The method detection limit and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 5.2 mg filter-1 and 17 mg filter-1, respectively, with a dynamic range up to 400 mg filter-1. When the results are above the LOQ for the colorimetric method, the manganese masses are equivalent to those measured by the International Organization for Standardization Method 15202-2, which employs a strong acid digestion and analysis using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry.

By Joseph E. Chilton, Robert J. Timko, Charles D. Taylor

No regular monitoring of methane is required in areas of gassy coal mines outby the mining face. Methane ignitions that have occurred in mine outby areas indicate the need to provide better protection to workers. Handheld methane monitors are now used by some miners to make periodic measurements of methane at the working face. The IYONI II gas detector which is incorporated into a miner’s cap lamp and worn on a miner’s helmet can continuously provide an alarm signal whenever methane levels exceed a set level. Tests were conducted to evaluate the performance characteristics of this methane detector by measuring response times with methane gas supplied through a calibration fixture or adaptor. Other response time tests were performed with the detector in an environmental test box. Performance was also evaluated in a full scale test gallery where face methane emission and underground ventilation were simulated. Procedures for calibration by response time measurement of the IYONI II detector have been developed. In limited testing, the IYONI II detector was found to reliably detect the presence of 1 percent by volume methane.

This chapter defines light as a type of energy, and tells how different features of light are measured. It 1s important to understand the units of light measurement because they are used throughout the rest of the book. But more Important, this will help you to understand the "regs" and how to get the best out of the lighting you have available! By the time you complete this chapter, you should know what candle-power, foot-candle, and foot-lambert refer to, and you will also be able to tell why the helmet that the new miner wears appears orange to human eyes. Light that you "see" is really radiant energy that hits the retina of the eye. Radiant energy moves out from a light source much like a series of bullets from a number of machine guns being fired at the same time in all directions.

Jan 1, 1976

By Jr. Dubaniewicz, Gregory M. Green, Kenneth L. Cashdollar

Laser-based instruments are used in areas where coal dust ignition presents a safety hazard. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory ~NIOSH, PRL! is conducting a study to help determine when an optical beam may be considered a potential ignition source in underground coal mines or coal storage facilities. Researchers conducted experiments to determine threshold igniting powers for Pittsburgh seam bituminous coal dust clouds using an 803 nm continuous wave laser. For fine sized coal dust dispersed in air, concentrations ranging from 600 to 2000 g/m3 were the most easily ignited. A heated layer of coal dust that deposited on the fiber tip during dispersion ignited the dust clouds. Minimum observed igniting powers for laser beams delivered by 200, 400, and 800 mm core fiber optic cables and directed into coal dust clouds were 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 W, respectively. Threshold igniting power was proportional to beam diameter, and threshold igniting power density decreased with larger fiber diameters. Ignition delay times averaged 0.6 s and did not vary significantly with laser power under initially turbulent test conditions and with flammable targets. Comparisons are made with the results of other researchers.