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By L. E. Cardwell

This publication contains routine analyses and related source data for 299 natural gas samples from 22 States and three foreign countries. All of the samples were collected during calendar year 1972 as part of a continuous survey of the free world for occurrences of helium in natural gas. This survey has been conducted in the United States by the Bureau of Mines since 1917. In late 1965, the survey was expanded to include foreign gasfields. The analyses published herein were made by mass spectrometer and a special helium analysis apparatus, which are described in Bureau of Mines Bulletins 4863 and 576.4 Fourteen previous publications have presented the results of 9,902 gas analyses prior to 1972. The first three, Bulletins 486,5 576,6 and 617,7 contain analyses and related source data on 5,218 gas samples collected from

Jan 1, 1973

By H. F. Yancey

Traditionally the Pacific Northwest has relied on hydroelectric power, which has been both abundant and cheap. However, comparatively few hydroelectric sites capable of providing low-cost power remain, therefore the need for supplemental thermal generation, perhaps within the next decade, is generally recognized. Based on the present cost and availability of competing fuels, coal seems to be the logical choice for projected thermal power plants. Power companies and public utilities have become interested in establishing reserves of coal for future use. One deposit explored in 1958-59 lies in southern Thurston and northern Lewis Counties, Wash., near Centralia. Drilling, totaling 22,700 feet, proved the existence of 70 million tons of strippable coal--an ample reserve for the projected power plant. The coal, like most others and particularly those of Washington and Oregon, when mined in full seam section by mechanical methods, would require cleaning to make it suitable for use. The amount and nature of the impurities in this coal dictated a thorough investigation of its cleaning characteristics to establish economic factors and to insure proper preparation-plant design. Therefore, arrangements were made through a cooperative agreement to conduct such work at the Seattle Coal Research Laboratory of the Bureau of Mines. This report describes that investigation. The results are of interest primarily in connection with the utilization of this particular deposit, but some of the information developed is applicable to other deposits of low-rank coals in the West, because the impurities in these coals differ greatly in behavior from those generally associated with the higher rank coals of the Appalachian field.

Jan 1, 1961

By Stephen W. Lambert

The Bureau of Mines examined the wellbore of a vertical gas drainage well in the Mary Lee coalbed to determine the results of specific completion procedures in coal. A jet-slotting tool was used to cut four vertical slots through the casing about 1 ft below the coalbed. Even though stimulation treatment pressure was excessive, hydraulically induced channels were contained entirely within the target coal zone. Sand-filled, induced channels were horizontal, inclined, and vertical, and were propagated in directions similar to bedding planes, rock joint, and coal cleat directions measured in the mine. Variable gas flow rates, recorded during the productive life of the well, were attributed to chronic downhole pump malfunction and the slotted casing below the production zone.

Jan 1, 1978

Ohio has an estimated 46 billion tons of coal beneath 12,000 square miles of the eastern third of the state. Recoverable coal reserves within this vast area are estimated at 21 billion tons, 3.2 billion tons of which have been mined since 1800. Ohio is the eleventh-largest coal- producing state in the nation and ranks third nationally in coal consumption. Coal resources in Ohio lie in as many as 60 identifiable coal seams along the northwestern flank of the Appalachian coal basin. Except where interrupted by minor faults and erosional discontinuities, these rocks dip gently and uniformly to the east, simplifying the mining methods needed to extract the coal. Fourteen of Ohio's 60 coal seams are considered to be important, although only a small number of seams are currently being mined. Ohio first enacted a surface coal mining law in 1948, requiring in part a $100 per acre reclamation bond. Ohio progressively strengthened its surface mining law in 1949, 1955, 1959, 1961, 1965,1972,1975,1978, and 1981. At the time of its enactment, Ohio's 1972 mining law was one of the most stringent in the country. This law also created a state coal severance tax of four cents per ton to be used for abandoned mine land reclamation. Ohio received primacy to regulate the surface coal mining operations within the state August 16,1982. Its Abandoned Mine Land Program was approved on the same date.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. R. Soule

"The fluorspar deposits in the Gallinas Mining District, Lincoln County, New Mexico, were examined early in February and again in April 1943 by the Bureau of Mines because of the possible importance of newly discovered deposits and of old mine workings showing fluorite-bearing material. There &re many of these deposits spread over a considerable area, and it appeared that exploration might indicate sufficient reserves to support a local mill that could contribute to the supply of fluorspar needed for war purposes. Accordingly, the Bureau initiated an exploratory program in June 1943, which was completed in August 1944.H. E. Rothrock, Roy Earhart, R. G. Smalley, and V. C. Kelly, geologists of the Federal Geological Survey, began mapping and studying the district in May 1943 and continued this work throughout the Bureau's exploration.David J. Stauffer, district ranger, U. S. Forest Service, and several claim owners assisted in the examinations and subsequent exploration.The fluorspar deposits in the Gallinas Mountains are reached by an unpaved forest road, which, leaves U. S. Highway 54 half a mile south of Gallinas station. The road runs due west for 3 miles, then turns due north just beyond the first cattleguard. This north branch is followed for 2 miles to a second cattleguard. There a left branch extends northwest up Red Cloud Canyon to the Red Cloud, and. All. American deposits; the right branch continues north for 2.miles past the Wade Porter ranch, to another left branch, which goes almost 2 miles west to the Hoosier Group deposits. The remaining deposits are reached by trail from either the Hoosier Group or, more easily, from the Red Cloud claim (fig. 1).The Hoosier Group is in sec. l9,, T.. 1S.,1 R. 12 E.; all of the other known ore occurrences are in secs. 13, 14, and 23 to 27, inclusive, T. IS., R. 11 E. All of the deposits are in the Lincoln National Forest and within the limits of a State game refuge. The nearest railroad loading point is Gallinas, Station on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Corona, the next station north of Gallinas, is a Mile or two farther from the deposits.Minor supplied, telegraph, telephone, freight, and express service, and limited living accommodations, Are, obtainable at Corona, 10 to 15 miles from the deposits of Carrizozo, N. Mex., 50 miles south."

Apr 1, 1946

In the interest of safety in mining, the Bureau of Mines recommends: 1. That cages or skips used for hoisting or lowering men in vertical and steeply inclined shafts shall be provided with safety catches designed to prevent falling of the cage or skip if the hoisting rope or other connections break; and 2. That cars used. for hoisting or lowering men with ropes in slopes shall be provided with arresting devices, other than ordinary brakes, that come into action if the hoisting rope or other connections break. In presenting this decision, it is recognized that the principal requirements for safety in hoisting operations are the use of hoisting ropes of ample size and strength to provide a factor of safety recognized as adequate by the best en engineering practice; their proper care, protection against undue wear and corrosion, and frequent inspection; and immediate removal of ropes from service when inspection or tests cast doubt upon their further safe serviceability.

Jan 1, 1938

By Philip C. Good

Preliminary studies showed that direct hydrolysis of H2SiF6 to SiO2 and HF at elevated temperatures was subject to many mechanical difficulties, and that corrosion of construction materials was a serious problem. Elimination of SiO2 from the HF product was generally poor. An alternative procedure, hydrolysis of lime-neutralized H2SiF6 by steam at 950° to 1,100° C, yielded a product very low in SiO2. Condensates containing up to 300 g/1 HF were prepared.

Jan 1, 1968

Control shearer-generated airborne respirable dust on longwall mining sections. Approach Previous Bureau studies have shown that using high-pressure water can have a significant impact on the amount of airborne dust released into the face airflow while cleaning and controlling the airflow in the immediate cutting zone. The basic concept to improve the drum water spray system was to utilize high-pressure (1,200 psi) inward-facing drum sprays to improve the dust knockdown efficiency of the spray system and confine the dust to the face area. This system would minimize the exposure of the shearer operator through dust avoidance and decrease face dust levels by suppressing the amount of respirable dust that becomes airborne. System Design In-mine tests were designed to provide information that would permit evaluation of the operation with different spray orientations and water spray pressures. This was achieved by comparison with a conventional baseline wet-cutting system consisting of 26 low-pressure bit sprays, located on the hit blocks to provide pick-point flushing. Total drum water flow was 60 gpm and was maintained continuously throughout all tests. The high-pressure inward-facing drum water spray system consisted of sprays located in each bit block, oriented 15° and 30° toward the face. The inward-facing water spray system was operated at either 800 or 1,200 psi.

Jan 1, 1989

By B. J. Moore

This publication contains routine analyses and related source data for 278 natural gas samples from 14 States. All of the samples were collected during calendar year 1973 as part of a continuous survey of the free world for occurrences of helium in natural gas. This survey has been conducted in the United States by the Bureau of Mines since 1917. In late 1965, the survey was expanded to include foreign gasfields. The analyses published herein were made by mass spectrometer and a special helium analysis apparatus, which are described in Bureau of Mines Bulletins 4862 and 576.3 Fifteen previous publications have presented the results of 10,201 gas analyses prior to 1973. The first three, Bulletins 486,4 576,6 and 617,6 contain analyses and related source data on 5,218 gas samples collected from 1917 through 1960. The other 12 publications,7 which were issued as information circulars, supplement the three bulletins and contain 4,983 analyses of samples collected since 1960. This publication is the 13th publication supplementing the three bulletins.

Jan 1, 1974

By James R. Kerr

Although metallurgical benefits of processing metals in a vacuum or reduced atmosphere have been realized for a hundred years, the problem of creating a vacuum in the range from 10-0 to 10-4 mm. of mercury in a moderately sized furnace chamber has been difficult to solve. The demand for these and lower pressures, with the advent of World War II, for separating the fission-able uranium isotope from its stable twin by the electromagnetic process, gave impetus to developing pumps capable of delivering extremely low pressures. With the release of data by the Atomic Energy Commission on methods of securing high vacuum in large equipment, steel companies took the initiative, and the growth of the vacuum-melting industry was assured. Vacuum-induction melting of steel in the United States began on a small scale in early 1945 and in 10 years grew to 60,000 pounds per month or 720,000 pounds per year. The years following 1954 showed tremendous expansion, culminating in 1958 in a capacity of more than 36 million pounds.

Jan 1, 1962

By Merwin H. Howes

In constructing the NORAD Combat Operations Center, controlled blasting techniques were employed to achieve smooth walls and to avoid shattering the rock beyond excavation lines. Extraordinary measures were taken to stabilize the rock to permanently preserve the openings. Rock stabilization was accomplished by means of reinforced concrete and gunite linings, rock boltings, installation of chain-link fabric, and epoxy resin and cement grouting. A particular zone of weakness at B vital location was supported by exceptionally thick reinforced concrete lining, rock bolts, and cement grout.

Jan 1, 1966

By Kenneth M. Smith

The kaolin deposits of Aiken County, South Carolina (fig. 1), have been worked continuously since 1852. It has been long known that the deposits contain a high percentage of' alumina and that large reserves exist. These facts led to the early selection of' this area for examination in the search by the Bureau of Mines for high-alumina clays. An exploratory program was started by the Bureau, and drilling was carried on from. June 27, 1942, to October 31, 1942. The kaolin-bearing district occupies an area approximately 25 miles long and 11 miles wide, running northeast, with its center at Aiken, S. C. (fig. 1). Within this district, a triangular area bounded by Horse Creek, Silver Bluff Road, and Hamburg Road was roughly prospected by boring 43 machine and 12 hand holes. As a result of the data obtained, a final smaller area was chosen for more systematic prospecting. This area is bounded by Pine Log, Tewkesbury, Silver Bluff, and Craig Sawmill Roads and covers about 4,000 acres. Mineral exploration agreements covering 11,272 acres were signed by 35 property owners, and 11,956 feet was drilled in 200 holes on these properties.

Jan 1, 1949

By D. R. Mathews

Electrorefined vanadium was evaluated with respect to tensile properties and the effects of interstitial contaminants in the temperature range of 77° to 273° K. The yield strength of 18,500 psi and hardness of 63 diamond pyra-mid hardness (DPH) of electrorefined vanadium are approximately equal to that of iodide crystal bar vanadium. The ductile-brittle transition temperature was found to be below 77° K, but with 0.175 weight-percent oxygen or 0.10 weight-percent nitrogen, it increased to between 123° and 190° K. With carbon content up to 0.11 weight-percent, the transition temperature remained below 77° K. The yield strength of the interstitial-containing alloys can be expressed by: au = 7.5 + 480 (pct N) + 290 (pct 0) + 280 (pct C), where au is the upper yield stress in 1,000 psi at 273° K. Profuse deformation twinning occurred in the alloys tested at 77° K. However, twinning could be suppressed by dissolved oxygen or nitrogen in excess of 0.15 and 0.086 weight-percent, respectively. Carbon, even though present in excess of the solubility limit, did not affect twinning.

Jan 1, 1965

By JOE SIERAKOSKI, W. R. Hardwick

This paper , which describes mining methods and practices at the Johnson Camp copper -zinc mine , Coronado Copper & Zinc Co. , Cochise County , Ariz . , is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining methods , practices , and costs in various mining districts of the United States . Johnson Camp is in the eastern foothills of the Little Dragoon Mountains in secs . 23 , 24 , 25 , and 26 , T. 15 S. , R. 22 E. ( fig . 1 ) . The mining property is in the low, rolling foothills at an altitude of slightly over 5,000 feet above sea level ( fig . 2 ) . The area is covered with scattered grass and small desert shrubs . The climate is mild , with hot summers and mild winters . The average annual precipitation is about 12 inches . The nearest surface water is the San Pedro River , some 12 miles west of the mine . The property is owned by the Coronado Copper & Zinc Co. , Los Angeles , Calif . This report gives a brief history of the property , describes the general geology of the area and of the ore deposits , outlines the methods of prospecting and exploration , and gives the methods of sampling and of estimating ore reserves . Development and stoping methods are explained . Underground transportation , ventilation , mine drainage , and safety measures also are described . The last section gives a brief description of the milling practice .

Jun 1, 1957

By William J. Krisko

This contract final report summarizes the design, fabrication and testing of a "line brattice air curtain" device under Bureau of Mines Contract H0357097. The purpose of this program was to develop the concept of using an air curtain for coursing ventilating air parallel with the air curtain From the last open crosscut to the face in exhausting ventilation systems to replace the line brattice cloth in room and pillar coal mining operations. The final design of the air curtain device consists of a 10-foot long closed end pipe with c: slot cut along its length. Pressurized air is delivered to the open end with a hydraulically-driven blower. A sheet of air emanates from the slot and is directed toward the mine roof. An invisible sheet of air is thus created between the top of the machine and mine roof and acts a an extension of the existing conventional line brattice.

Jan 1, 1977

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 R. E. Chaney

This report summarizes the research on the Strategic and Critical Materials Program tasks conducted at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) between May 1984 and April 1985. The work is divided into two areas: 1. Production Technologies - Tasks directed at developing advanced extraction technologies ? Biologically-Assisted Minerals Processing ? Metal/Gas Reactions and Thermal Plasmas ? Dehydration of Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate (completed). 2. Conservation/Substitution Technologies - Tasks directed toward establishing the technical processing base which will permit the use of advanced materials ? Joining of Rapidly Solidified Alloys (RSA) ? Joining of Silicon Nitride-Based Ceramics ? Nondestructive Evaluation of Ceramic and RSA Joints and Materials ? Substitute Catalytic Materials for Platinum.

Jan 1, 1985

By E. P. Carman

This: report gives data on the installation and operation of a packaged-unit heat-pump installation in a residence in McLean, Va., a suburb of Washington, D. C. The original equipment, installed in January 1947, was one of the first of 50 experimental Marvair units manufactured by the Muncie Gear Works, Inc., Muncie, Ind. The compressor unit of this installation was replaced by the company in September 1947, with a modified commercial model. The commercial unit and the original pump and fan accessories have been used as the sole means of heating (and cooling in summer! the. residence for the subsequent five winters and summers. The conclusions and data given herein, therefore, cover 6 winters sad 6 summers of heat pump operation, including 1 winter when temperatures averaged below normal for 2 months and the following summer when temperatures were above normal.

Jan 1, 1953

By Alton B. Cook

The practice of using partly depleted oil reservoirs for gas-storage operations is proving successful. Moreover, this practice provides a method of secondary oil recovery when gas is cycled at full-storage reservoir pressure. Because of the relative newness of this operation, a study was undertaken to assist engineers in developing improved gas-injection and production procedures and in calculating the amount of gas needed for completely repressuring reservoirs. This paper is the third in a series reporting the progress of a study by the Federal Bureau of Mines of reservoir performance during complete gas repressuring and gas cycling. A procedure for estimating secondary oil recovery by this method is also under study. One report (7)3/ describes the laboratory equipment. The other report (8) gives (1) data on the New York City field, Clay County, Tex., which has been converted to gas-storage operations; (2) laboratory data from research with a model oil reservoir, in which primary production, complete gas repressuring, and gas cycling for the New York City field were simulated; and (3) theory to explain reservoir performance during gas repressuring.

Jan 1, 1961

A new horizontal borehole packer for use in coal beds has been developed. This packer utilizes a principal of operation which has not previously been used. The resulting packer is less costly to purchase, can be easily repaired in the field with inexpensive expendable parts. This report describes the development and testing of the new packer and the evaluation of commercially available packers.

Jan 1, 1971