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By M. A. Trevits

During the time period from 1990-2007, 1601 reportable fires occurred in the U.S. mining industry (an average of 89 fires per year). The leading causes of U.S. mine fires were flame cutting and welding operations, frictional heating and ignitions, electrical shorts, mobile equipment malfunctions, and spontaneous combustion. The fact that mine fires continue to occur with an alarming regularity reinforces the importance of recognizing and eliminating the potential hazards and the overall need for improved fire control and suppression technology to ensure the best possible outcome during a mine fire. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting an evolving comprehensive program of research that is addressing mine fire prevention, detection, management and suppression. This paper presents a summary of recent research accomplishments and provides an overview of the next phase of the NIOSH mine fire research program.

Jan 1, 2008

By Edward L. McHugh, Stanley M. Miller, Jeffrey K. Whyatt

The point estimation method can be applied to the safety factor (SF) equation for any specified rock slope failure mode (such as plane shear, step path, or wedge) to obtain reliable estimates of the mean and standard deviation of the SF probability distribution. A gamma probability density function is recommended for modeling this probability distribution, because it allows only for positive values and is flexible enough to provide symmetrical shapes and right-skewed, exponential-type shapes for the SF distribution. The mean and standard deviation define this distribution, which then can be integrated numerically from 0 to 1 to obtain the probability of sliding, PS (portion of the SF distribution where SF < 1.0). The overall probability of failure, PF, for the potential slope failure mass is the joint probability that the rock discontinuities are long enough to allow kinematic failure (PL) and that sliding occurs along the rock discontinuities (PS); that is, PF = PSPL. This method for estimating the probability of sliding is extremely efficient computationally, and thus, expedites slope stability simulation routines used by NIOSH software to stochastically describe rock slope behavior and assist the engineer in designing catch benches for large rock slopes. Enhanced bench design translates into increased operational efficiency and safer working conditions in open pit mines and quarries.

By Jon C. Volkwein

In This Chapter [Instruments for measuring dust How to calculate the amount of dust from a source How to get a valid concentration measurement Sampling to assess control technology effectiveness] When there is more than one source of dust, sampling may be required to find which dust sources are most significant. Then, efforts to reduce dust can be concentrated where they will have the most impact. This chapter explains how to perform dust source sampling. It describes two kinds of instruments that are available and discusses their limitations. It explains how environmental variables such as concentration gradients, dust dilution, and production changes can impact dust measurements. It also suggests practical ways to improve the validity of dust source measurements under adverse conditions, such as high-velocity airflow or the presence of water mist in the air. [Dust source sampling at coal mine longwalls and at tunnels is more complicated. Chapters 3 and 7 have more information on sampling in those circumstances.] TWO KINDS OF INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASURING DUST Gravimetric samplers. The conventional gravimetric sampler is a good device for measuring dust because it is the instrument used for compliance measurements. This dust sampler consists of an air pump, a small cyclone that separates out the respirable size fraction of the dust cloud, and a filter to collect the respirable dust. In coal mines, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)-approved gravimetric sampler uses a 10-mm Dorr-Oliver cyclone operating at an airflow of 2.0 L/min [30 CFR78 74 (2002)]. A correction factor of 1.38 is applied to make the results consistent with the U.K. MRE sampler, the instrument on which the 2.0 mg/m3 coal dust standard is based.

Jan 6, 2003

By Kara A. Teacoach

Current regulations for fire suppression systems in underground coal mines to protect conveyor belt installations have been in place since the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 was enacted. Over time, the coal conveyer equipment being used and ventilation conditions underground have changed significantly, particularly the width of the conveyor belts and the use of belt air at the face. The effect of these new conditions on the effectiveness of suppression systems during a fire is not known. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study to evaluate the effect of air velocity, water sprinkler activation temperature, and a limited water application time on the effectiveness of water sprinkler fire suppression systems to extinguish large-scale conveyor belt fires. The fire tests were conducted using both new and used 1.8-m-wide, fire-resistant rubber belt that met the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) flame resistant requirement specified in Title 30, Code of Federal Regulations, part 18, section 18.65 (also known as the 2G test). Tests were conducted using standard response sprinklers with activation temperatures of 68 °C and 141 °C at air velocities of 0.5 and 5.1 m/s. Two tests were conducted at both air velocities for each sprinkler activation temperature, one using a new belt and one with a used belt. The results showed that the suppression system was able to suppress the fires in ten minutes to the point that a miner could extinguish it with a fire hose. However, in several of the tests, the fire reestablished itself a few minutes after the sprinkler water supply was cut off and quickly grew out of control. This report discusses the large scale experimental configuration, the installation specifications of the fire suppression system, and the results and conclusions regarding the effect of air velocity, sprinkler activation temperature, and limited water application on the suppression system performance.

Jan 1, 2010

By W. J. Wenger

Oil fields in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming have produced 731 million barrels of petroleum through 1959. Production in 1959 was 32 million barrels, the highest production since 1924. The record production was in 1923, when the Basin produced 38 million barrels of oil and the Salt Creek field, then at its peak, produced 35 million barrels. In this report, the characteristics of crude oils found in the Basin are used as a basis for determining the best re-fining uses for the oils and for predicting the characteristics of oils that may be discovered in the Basin in the future. Analyses of 108 oils sampled over a period of 30 years are presented Crude oils of two major types are produced from the Powder River Basin. One has a low sulfur content and occurs in younger formations, and the other has a high sulfur content and occurs in older formations. The oils with low sulfur contents are generally light colored and waxy, and may be either paraffinic or naphthenic. The oils with high sulfur contents are usually dark colored and asphaltic; only their low boiling fractions are paraffinic. Alteration appears to account for the anomalous properties of some oils found at shallow depths. Shapes and slopes of correlation index curves classify the oils into the same two groups as their sulfur contents, with gently sloping curves representing the low-sulfur oils and steep curves representing high-sulfur, asphaltic oils,

Jan 1, 1961

By Miyuki Morioka, Michael J. Griffin

Discomfort, annoyance, or interference with activities due to exposure to vibration is only expected if the vibration exceeds the threshold for the perception of vibration. When there is more than one vibration input to the body (e.g. at the hands, seat and feet), the sensation is first experienced at the location with greatest sensitivity. Knowledge of differences in the thresholds of perception for vibration at the hand, seat, and feet should assist the identification of sources of discomfort caused by vibration. Perception thresholds for vibration have been determined in several studies, but only a few studies have investigated perception thresholds in the horizontal direction for hand-transmitted vibration 1, 6 or whole-body vibration 4-5, and there has been little consideration of perception thresholds for the foot resting on a vibrating surface. This study determines absolute thresholds for the perception of sinusoidal lateral vibration, examining the effect of vibration frequency (8 to 315 Hz for the hand and foot; 2 to 315 Hz for the seat) and the effect of input location (the hand, the seat and the foot). Methods Three groups of twelve males aged between 20 and 29 years participated in the experiment. Subjects in each group attended an experiment to determine perception thresholds for lateral vibration via either a rigid handlebar (30 mm diameter) at the left hand (left hand), or a rigid contoured seat (250 mm x 150 mm), or a footrest at the left foot (30.5 mm x 10.5 mm with 10-degree inclination). For the non-exposed hand (right hand) or foot (right foot), a stationary handle and footrest with the same dimensions as the vibrating handle and footrest were provided so that the same body posture was adopted among the three groups of subjects. An up-down (staircase) algorithm was employed to determine thresholds in conjunction with a three-down one-up rule. A single test stimulus (2.0 seconds) was presented with a cue light illuminated during this period. The task of the subjects was to indicate whether they perceived the vibration stimulus or not. The threshold was calculated from the mean of the last two peaks and the last two troughs, omitting the first two reversals. Results The median absolute thresholds of the 12 subjects determined at each frequency for the hand, seat and foot are shown in Figure 1. A frequency dependence of the threshold contours within the investigated frequency range is evident, with similar shape to the threshold contours

Jan 6, 2006

By Edward W. Parsons

The transverse force developed by expansion-shell rock-bolt anchors on the wall of a drill hole as the bolt is tensioned was measured by the Bureau of Mines using a device specially designed and fabricated for attachment to a universal testing machine. Load cells equipped with electrical-resistance strain gages provided the data from which the transverse force, in pounds, was calculated. Seven different expansion-shell anchors were tested, and the ratio of transverse force to bolt-tension load was found to range between 0.98 and 1.94 to 1.0. The drag load appeared to be the major cause of the transverse-force variation, but the relative effects of individual factors that affected the ratio between the transverse force and the bolt tension were not determined.

Jan 1, 1968

By Dean H. Ambrose

This paper presents the results of a study using computer human modeling to examine machine appendage speed. The objective was to determine the impact of roof bolter machine appendage speed on the likelihood of the operator coming in contact with. A contact means two or more objects intersecting or touching each other, e.g., appendage makes contact with the operator?s hand, arm, head or leg. Incident investigation reports do not usually contain enough information to aid in studying this problem and laboratory experiments with human subjects are also not feasible because of safety and ethical issues. As an alternative, researchers developed a computer model approach as the primary means to gather data. By simulating an operator?s random behavior and machine?s appendage velocity, researchers can study potential hazards of tasks where it is not possible to perform experiments with human subjects. Analysis information is helpful to the mining industry in terms of making recommendations that reduce the likelihood that roof-bolter operators experience injury due to contact with a moving boom. Data analysis of roof bolter simulations show that the virtual-operator?s response time has little effect on the number of contacts experienced. Based on frequency and cross-tabulation, regardless of other variables, contact incidents were always greater when the boom was moving up, were always greater on the palm, and were always greater for the boom part of the machine. Also, regardless of boom speed, the 25th-percentile-sized operators experienced more contacts than did other operator sizes. Furthermore, regardless of boom speed, the 152-cm mine seam experienced more contacts than did other seam heights tested. Results of a survival analytic approach suggest that controlling the boom speed is the most important factor in determining the risk of an operator making contact. Based on the data collected, boom speed greater than 41 cm/s results in a substantial increase in risk to the roof bolter operator and should probably be avoided. At speeds less than or equal to 25 cm/s are associated with a more modest relative risk, which represents an acceptable level of risk. Also, at speeds between 25 and 41 cm/s, there could be a particular boom speed in this range at which a significant inflection point in the relative risk estimates occurs. Based on the results, this issue needs to be addressed by future research.

Jan 1, 2003

By A. F. Robertson

"INTRODUCTION This report is supplemental to R.I. 4178 and deals with the work accomplished between June 15, 1945, and September 7, 1945, on the Mitchell-Hodge mine, Grady mine, Albea and York property, and Cuzzort property.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSIn its program or exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy. It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by exploratory project as soon as practicable after its conclusion. The Mining Branch, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploratory work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurigcal Branch, O. C. Ralston, chief, analyzes samples and performs benefication tests.Acknowledgment is due Mitchell H. Kline, chief, Raleigh Division, Mining Branch; Abraham L. Fox, acting chief, Raleigh Division, Metallurgical Branch; and Rowe McCrae, district engineers, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Gainesville,"

Jan 1, 1946

By Jeffrey M. Listak

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted field tests to evaluate the effectiveness of a wet head continuous mining machine for reducing dust exposure for continuous miner operators. Wet head technology delivers water via sprays to the continuous miner&apos;s cutter head as opposed to traditional standard sprays located on the boom and body of the mining machine. The sprays, positioned directly behind each bit on the cutter head, deliver water at the point of attack, serving to cool the bits during mining to reduce the potential for frictional ignitions. The sprays also flood the coal with water to potentially suppress dust generation. Dust surveys were conducted at several mines to evaluate the wet head&apos;s effectiveness to control respirable dust exposure at the continuous miner operator location and in the immediate return. Results show that the wet head miner improved air quality at both locations to varying degrees in some cases and not in others when compared to a continuous miner with a standard spray system.

Jan 1, 2010

By H. R. Pierce

A gas well has a certain definite capacity to deliver gas from the gas sand through the producing string of pipe. This capacity depends upon the pressures in the sand; that is, a well will deliver gas at a rate of flow which is determined by the formation or "shut-inn pressure in the sand and the back pressure at the face of the sand in the well. The three factors, rate of flow, formation or "shut-in" pressure, and the back pressure, for a given well, can be written into a fundamental relation which is strictly applicable only to that well. This relation can be used to determine the capacity of the well to deliver gas from any formation pressure against any back pressure held at the f ace of the sand in the well. Studies have been made of the deliveries of 400 gas wells operating under different conditions of pressure, Most of the wells which have been studied are in Osage County, Okla.; however, several representative studies have been made on wells in southern Louisiana, southern Texas, the Texas Panhandle, and West Virginia.

Jan 1, 1929

During development mining, ventilation capacity may decrease and the ventilation requirements may depart from initially planned values depending on the mining rate, increases in the methane emission rate, and changes in ventilation airway leakages. Insufficient ventilation air quantities and the occurrences of high methane liberation rates can overwhelm the existing quantity of ventilation air and result in elevated levels of methane gas during development mining. This condition can both limit the development of that section and increase the risk for an ignition that may lead to an explosion. Thus, the prediction of ventilation air requirements prior to mining can enhance worker safety by reducing the likelihood that explosive methane-air mixtures form. This study presents an approach for prediction of methane inflow rates using coalbed methane reservoir modeling. For this purpose, a two-phase coalbed reservoir model of a three-entry type roadway is developed. In the model, grids are dynamically controlled to simulate development of entries. Examples are given for methane inflow and ventilation air requirements as a function of mining rate, development section length, mining height, and the existence of degasification boreholes. This technology can be used to limit the methane concentrations occurring as a result of the influences of various coalbed and operational parameters.

Jan 1, 2008

Research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on multiple-seam mining has resulted in two new ground control products. Information Circular (IC) 9495 In some U.S. coalfields, particularly in central Appalachia and the West, most mines are operating above and/or beneath previously mined seams. The effects of multiple-seam interactions can include roof falls, rib spalling, and floor heave. These can seriously threaten the safety of miners and disrupt mining operations. Information Circular (IC) 9495 is a proceedings document containing a variety of papers that summarize recent knowledge about multiple-seam mining. A NIOSH study that analyzed case histories collected from 44 U.S. coal mines is described in detail. The study confirmed that overmining is much more difficult than undermining, and isolated remnant pillars cause more problems than gob-solid boundaries. The study&apos;s results were the basis for the Analysis of Multiple-Seam Stability (AMSS) software package. The proceedings also contain two papers describing the LaModel family of software. The original three-dimensional version of LaModel is essential for detailed analyses of complex multiple-seam scenarios. LaM2D implements a simplified, two-dimensional model suitable for quick approximations of the multiple-seam stresses and strains. Three papers in the proceedings focus on case histories. One describes the extensive multiple-seam experience at the Harris No. 1 Mine in West Virginia, a second contains examples of "extreme" multiple-seam mining from the central Appalachian coalfields, and a third describes interactions with regard to longwall mine experiences in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Utah. The final paper reports on a numerical modeling study that provided some insight into the mechanics of multiple-seam mining. [ ] AMSS Software Package NIOSH has developed a simple, user-friendly computer program called Analysis of Multiple-Seam Stability (AMSS). AMSS can help mine planners to evaluate each potential multiple-seam interaction and take steps to reduce the risk of ground control failure. AMSS begins by evaluating the pillar design. It first calculates the single-seam pillar stability factor (SF)

Jan 11, 2007

By N. S. Dalal, V. Castranova, K. Van Dyke, V. Vallyathan, J. H. Kang

"We have reported previously that crushing or grinding crystalline silica results in the generation of silica-based radicals on the particulate surface and that these radicals can generate hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solution. Data in the present study indicate that freshly ground silica is more cytotoxic and is a more potent activator of alveolar macrophages than comparably sized aged silica. That is, compared to aged silica, fresh silica is 4.2-fold more potent in decreasing the membrane integrity of macro· phages; is 50% more potent in activating hydrogen peroxide secretion by macro· phages; and is 4.frfold more potent in stimulating cellular chemiluminescence. Prosil 28, an organosilane material, is an effective coating agent for fresh silica. It decreases the cytotoxicity of fresh silica by as much as 78% and decreases the ability of fresh silica to induce chemiluminescence from alveolar macrophages by 58%. The data suggest that surface radicals associated with freshly cleaved dust may be an important factor in the induction of pulmonary disease. Furthermore, treating dust with coating agents may substantially decrease toxicity. INTRODUCTIONThe U.S. Department of Labor estimates that over 1.25 million American workers may be exposed to crystalline silica and that nearly 60,000 may be at risk of developing some degree of occupational lung disease (Parkes, 1982; Peters, 1986). Occupations of concern include miners, stone quarry workers, sand and gravel workers, sandblasters, foundry workers, and glass workers. Acute silicosis is characterized by inflammation, alveolar lipoproteinosis, and the rapid development of respiratory disability (Banks, 1986). In contrast, chronic silicosis develops 20-40 yr after initial exposure and is characterized by the appearance of concentric hyalinized nodular lesions and the progressive development of dyspnea (Parkes, 1982; Ziskind et al., 1976)."

Mar 1, 1992

By W. J. Wenger

Colorado has been producing petroleum since 1863 but only recently has become a major oil State. The first well was drilled on Oil Creek near Florence, but out-put was relatively small until discovery and development of the Weber sandstone reservoir at Rangely. Oil was discovered in the Weber sandstone in 1933, and the reservoir was developed after 1940, bringing Colorado, in 1949, to 11th place among the 48 States as an oil producer. Colorado&apos;s output increased further because of the discovery and development of many fields in the Julesburg Basin since 1949 By 1954 Colorado was in ninth place and maintained that position through 1955.4/ Between 1946 and 1951, Colorado&apos;s oil production more than doubled, while the total United States production increased only 25 percent. It seems probable that production will continue to expand in Colorado for many years. This report presents analyses of 92 crude oils from 73 fields representing 90 percent of the production in 1955. Abridged analyses are listed for easy comparision, and complete analyses arc given in the appendix. Oil samples were collected for study from many different sources. Although many of the newer fields were not sampled, their oils probably are very similar to those from corresponding formations that were studied and tabulated.

Jan 1, 1957

The Appalachian Mountains divide Pennsylvania into two distinct coal regions, bituminous and anthracite. The western region of the the state, where the majority of bituminous mines are located, is characterized by mountains and gently rolling hills. Bituminous coal seams underlie about 12,000 square miles in 28 counties. The anthracite coal region, located in the northeast, covers approximately 3,300 square miles. This area contains more than 20 different coal beds that vary in thickness from a few inches to 50 or 60 feet. The anthracite region is characterized by steeply pitching seams that require highly specialized mining techniques and present unique challenges for solving problems such as the mine subsidence associated with abandoned underground anthracite mines. For more than a century, coal has played a major role in the economic and industrial development of Pennsylvania, particularly the steel industry. Estimated bituminous reserves total 23 billion tons, or 5.3 percent of U.S. reserves, and anthracite reserves total 7.1 billion tons, or 97 percent of U.S. anthracite reserves. Pennsylvania received conditional approval of its regulatory program July 31, 1982. Pennsylvania&apos;s Abandoned Mine Land Program was approved on the same date.

Jan 1, 1992

By Charles Vaught, Kathleen M. Kowalski

Safety and health professionals from all sectors of industry recognize that training is a critical element of an effective safety and health program. A major concern in the mining industry is how to train both an aging workforce and the expected influx of new miners and mine managers as older workers retire. Thus, a review of some of the basic principles of adult learning may be helpful to mine trainers. This paper discusses the principles of adult learning based on research in education and psychology. It stresses the importance of taking a systems approach to training, focusing on the relationship between the environment and technology, and understanding how workers interact with both. The authors argue that the principles of adult learning and a systems approach are fundamental to the delivery of effective training in the mining industry. Examples of training programs developed by the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health are presented within two broad performance domains: routine and nonroutine skills. Basics of curriculum development are also briefly presented to provide the mine trainer with a template for program development.

Jan 1, 2002

By Richard Lusignea

A single boom roof bolting machine was outfitted with measurement and recording systems for detecting changes in machine parameters while drilling. The purpose of this instrumented bolter or "smart drill" is to detect changes in roof conditions from the machine parameters of penetration rate, thrust, rotation rate, torque, rejected light from rock cuttings, and vibration of the roof during drilling. The system was demonstrated underground in coal mine conditions and showed correlation between rock type and drilling parameters.

Jan 1, 1982

By B. T. McClure

Oxidizing catalytic converters are sometimes used by underground mine operators as an emission control device to reduce odor, hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from diesel equipment. The objectives of this report are to quantitatively assess the effects of catalytic converters on diesel exhaust emissions and to make recommendations for their use. Information in this report is from a literature survey and contract research supported by the Bureau of Mines. Catalytic converters are effective in reducing CO, HC, and odors when the exhaust temperature is high enough so that the converter remains above 250° C. Converter temperature is dependent upon engine duty cycle. Catalytic converters increse sulfate emissions and slightly in- crease oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. If low sulfur fuels are not used, the increase in sulfate and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions can offset any advantages of the catalytic converter as measured by the emissions quality index (EQI). In addition, in vitro bioassays have shown that catalytic converters produce soluble organic compounds, which have increased mutagenic activity with respect to untreated exhaust. Based upon criteria recommended by a joint Canadian-United States research panel, catalytic converters should only be used in special circumstances in underground mines. Vehicles equipped with catalytic converters should operate under moderate to heavy load conditions, and use fuel with a sulfur content less than 0.1 pct.

Jan 1, 1988

The Bibliographic Data Base contained in the present volume is the result of a literature search conducted as one task of the Bureau of Mines project concerned with research in borehole assay technology. The data base includes articles, symposia, books, corporate and government reports, patents, and other literature concerned with some aspect of borehole logging, from January 1969 through December 1975. Occasional updating to keep the data base current is anticipated. The remainder of the intro¬duction will be devoted to the explanation of the organization of each entry, along with the translation of terms and abbreviations used in the text. Each entry contains six sections. These include an ID code, a title, an author section, a source section, an abstract, and a descriptor section. The first item listed in an entry is the ID code. This serves to identify an entry. It consists of the first six characters of the first author&apos;s (or editor if no authors are involved) last name, along with the last two digits of the year of publication. A letter sometimes follows the year of publication to assure a unique alphanumeric code. For example, if an author named Wilson writes more than one piece of literature in a given year (for example, 1972), the ID code for the entries identifying these pieces of literature would be identical. Therefore, to allow for unique ID codes, the first piece would he identified as "WILSON 72,&apos;, the second piece as "WILSON 72A", the third "WILSON 72B", and so on.

Jan 1, 1976