Search Documents

1.0 Control House (DWG. NO. 56-401-G) - 1.1 Physical Description The Control House is a single story, 2728 square foot building with an adjacent transformer yard. A four foot overhang provides shade protection for the walls. The building is heated and air conditioned. The HVAC System has an elevated outside air intake and provides a positive pressure environment within the structure in order to prevent the infiltration of heavier-than-air, noxious gases. The materials of construction are as follows: Structure : Light-Gage Metal Framing Exterior Walls :Outside - Preformed, Metal Siding :Inside - Insulated Metal Liner Panels Interior Partitions :Gypsum Board over Light-Gage Metal Framing Roof :Insulated, Preformed Metal Panels Ceilings :Mechanical & Electrical Rooms - Exposed underside of Roof Panels Control Room, Lunch Room, Toilets, Entry - Suspended Acoustical Lay-In Tile Floors :Mechanical & Electrical Rooms - Concrete Slab on Grade Control Room, Lunch Room, Toilets, Entry - Resilient Tile Exterior Doorsand Windows :Preformed Metal Panel Manufacturer's Standard Units

Jan 1, 1979

By Robert L. Lagace

This report describes the results of a system study of the factors influencing mine rescue attempts based on the use of electromagnetic VF rescue transmitters by trapped miners and helicopterborne search receivers by mine rescue personnel. The findings cover four main task areas. The first - mine emergency/disaster considerations - concentrates on characterizing the events and key parameters of mine fires and explosions related to trapped miner location and rescue activities. The parameters include critical time periods, affected areas, survival times, response and rescue times, and survival rates. The second - hardware considerations - concentrates on characterizing the relevant properties of VF rescue transmitters, oxygen-type self-rescuers, VF search receivers, helicopter performance, and signal detectability and sensor sweepwidths for helicopterborne sensors. The third - search theory probabilistic model develops a method to identify the most important regions to be searched, and to allocate helicopter-based search effort so as to maximize the number of miners detected in time to be rescued. The fourth - sensitivity analyses and application of the search model - exercises the search model on representative mine emergency/disaster scenarios to assess the impact and effectiveness of helicopter-based searches. Conclusions and recommendations are presented, together with a set of search scenario planning guidelines.

Jan 1, 1982

By M. G. Wallis

This report presents the results of a study to develop a detailed mining method design based on longwall mining with sublevel caving. The method is applicable to low-dipping coal seams 20 or more feet thick such as are found in the western United States. The report covers (1) the development and description of the mining method, (2) evaluation of the engineering feasibility of the design, (3) estimates of productivity and recovery, and (4) an engineering cost analysis and economic feasibility evaluation of the mining method design.

Jan 1, 1977

By Michael G. Zabetakis

The spillage of liquid diethyl ether in rooms at floor level and 3 feet above the floor resulted in flammable vapor-air mixtures in the immediate vicinity of the exposed liquido The liquid temperature was found to decrease by as much as 35° C., with a resultant decrease in vaporization rate. A search of the literature yielded numerous references to unstable peroxide (residue) formed by the autoxidation of ether. Such residues appear to constitute an explosion hazard in the condensed state.

Jan 1, 1962

By Stanley C. Rhoads

The Bureau of Mines investigated the complete ternary system K2 HfF6¬K2ZrF6-l.25 weight-percent HF at 40° C. In addition, solubility curves have been established at 25°, 30°, 500, 60°, and 70° C. These solubility data implemented a study of hafnium enrichment in feed solutions for liquid-liquid extraction processes.. Selected K2HfF6-K2 ZrF6-1.25 weight-percent HF mixtures were equilibrated in a constant temperature bath. Compositions of the equilibrated solutions and wet residues were established from combined hafnium and zirconium oxide and total fluorine analyses. All solubility curves were essentially parallel on triangular coordinates. At 40° C, the solid phase of the K2HfF6-K2ZrF6-1.25 percent HF system is a series of solid solution hydrates with K2HfF6-H20 and K2ZrF6.3H2O segments existing at the respective extremes. Since this system contains K2HfF6-H20 and K2ZrF6.3H20 segments, it is not ideal for simple separation of high-purity K2HfF6 from K2HfF6-K2ZrF6 mixtures by recrystallization. However, it would be useful for producing hafnium-enriched feed solutions from zircon concentrates for liquid-liquid extraction of hafnium from zirconium.

Jan 1, 1973

By Marshal Scherba

Coal seams approximately 7 feet, 9 feet and 20 feet thick at depths of 250, 600 and 1,000 feet respectively were detected using high resolution seismic reflection techniques. Investigation of seismic profiles indicates that good data are required to delineate faulting with only 20 feet of throw but that faulting with 50 feet of vertical displacement can be detected with poor data. Data acquired from dynamite charges fired in water saturated media were clearly superior to that acquired using charges dry tamped in 10 and 20 foot holes.

Jan 1, 1977

By A. L. Foote

This is the final report of work accomplished during 1973-75 under U. S. Bureau of Mines Contract No. H0242015, "System for Handling Underground Mine Supplies and Materials." The purpose of the contract was to develop a mechanical device which could safely perform handling tasks that are normally done manually in underground bituminous coal mines. The report discusses studies leading to construct-ion of a battery-operated, three-wheel vehicle with a six-degree-of-freedom manipulator. Supportive design studies included collection and analysis of production, manual functions, and injury data on the underground bituminous coal mining industry. Transfer tasks in section storage and working places were the prime candidates for mechanical handling. Functional specifications were developed for two handling devices (one to handle existing unit loads and one to handle repackaged unit loads) and for a vehicle to mount the handling device. Design concepts for nine different handling devices were developed and a cost/benefit evaluation made for each. Detail design, capital and operating costs, and method improvement savings data were developed for two battery-operated vehicles and for two different manipulators. The three-wheel vehicle with anthropomorphic manipulator was chosen for development.

Jan 1, 1978

By M. D. Balen

The U. S. Bureau of Mines has undertaken the development of mineral industry cost escalation factors to enable the estimation of mineral development and extraction costs for mineralized sites in Alaska throught the use of the Bureau's Cost Estimating System v2.0 (CES 2.0). For the purposes of this document, all calculations are based on, and reflect the economic environment in Alaska in July 1992. The greater cost of mining in Alaska as compared to the contiguous-48 States can be estimated for Alaskan mining operations through (1 ) the analysis of capital and operating costs for analogous mine and mill plants in operation in the contiguous-48 States; (2) the hypothetical relocation of mine and mill plants from their actual location(s) to Alaska by making engineering modifications to the mine and mill plant design as required by the Alaskan site characteristics; (3) calculation of the cost of the required engineering modifications and; (4) the escalation of all costs to a level representative of the economic environment in Alaska at some specific point in time.

Jan 1, 2011

By Kent W. Hawley

An improved visibility system was developed for use on the large (100 ton+) haulage trucks typically operated in open pit and surface mines. The improved visibility system provides the truck driver' with a means of viewing hazardous situations that occur in the extensive blind areas adjacent to his true. The cost effective, reliable, visibility system consists of a closed-circuit television three unique fresnel viewers, and two improved mirrors. This report describes the visibility problems of Large trucks in the surface mining environment, shows the performance of existing mirrors, substantiates concept selection, and describes the prototype improved visibility system.

Jan 1, 1978

By H. L. Riley

This report describes the methods and equipment used by the Watauga Stone Co. to drill and blast limestone in a two-level quarry, and to crush, screen, blend, and load this stone. Power requirements per ton of stone produced are reported. The personnel requirements for individual phases of the operation are tabulated in man-hours per ton of stone produced.

Jan 1, 1963

By EDGAR K. SOPER, Clarence A. Wright, DOUGLAS C. LIVINGSTON, Thomas Varley

In 1917 the Federal Bureau of Mines and the University of Idaho arranged to cooperate in an investigation looking to the improvement of mining and milling methods in the mining districts of the State of Idaho, with an especial view to the wider development of the minerul deposits and greater efficiency in the treatment of the lowgrade ores of the State. This work has been made possible lnrgely through the generosity and active assistance of the mine operators, especially certain companies in the Coeur d'Alene region. As the first step in the work under the cooperative agreement it wa.s decided to gather all data possible on the various mining districts throughout the State, both active and abandoned, in order to ascertain their potential possibilities, especial attention being paid to methods of metallurgical treatment and to the solution of the many metallurgical problems in order to effect a greater commercinl saving. With this plan in view, field work was begun in the latter part of May, 1917, and was continued during the summer. E. K. Soper, formerly professor of mining, University of Idaho, and now dean of the mining department of Oregon Agricultural • College, Corvallis, Oreg., visited the mining districts in central and southwestern Idaho and also some of those in the northern part of the St.ate. D. C. Livingston, professor of geology at the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, also visited some of the mining districts in central Idaho during the summer; in addition, much valuable information he had gathered on former trips to many other districts is included in this report. Credit is also due Mr. Livingston for the maps covering the State, as well as the bibliography nt the end of each chapter. Thomas Varley, superintendent of the Seattle mining experiment station of the Bureau of Mines, spent a short time in the field, principally in the mining districts in central and . northern Idaho, and made a brief visit to the southwestern districts with Mr Soper. The field work of Mr. C. A. Wright, metallurgical engineer of the Bureau of Mines, in direct charge of the cooperative work, was chiefly in the Coeur d'Alene region. Mr. Wright visited nearly all of the mining districts in the region and devoted most of his time to studying the milling methods. The results of the investigation are set 1iorth in this bulletin. The bulletin aims to give the l9Calities of the various mining districts, and the nature of the present operations and those that have been carried on in the past. The geology is discussed only in a general way, the descriptions being intended more especially to bring out the types of ore deposits and the character of the ores, a knowledge of which is essential in determining the proper treatment of the ores. The writers do not wish to imply that all districts mentioned in this bulletin were visited during the summer of 1917, for a great deal of the material has been gathered from other reports, especially from publications of the United States Geological Survey. However, it is hoped that this report will be of help to those who are interested in mining in the State of Idaho. The plan is to continue the field work and subsequently publish the results of the investigations in much more detail, with greater emphasis given the metallurgical treatment of the ores and the problems involved.

Jan 1, 1919

By Thomas M. Barczak

Wood cribs are used extensively to stabilize openings in underground coal mines. This U.S. Bureau of Mines report describes the results of full-scale testing of several multitimbered wood crib configurations. Multitimbered configurations are wood cribs that are constructed with two or more timbers per layer. Nine different crib configurations were evaluated. Configuration parameters under study included the aspect ratio (height-to-width relationship) and the percentage of solid rr:aterial used in crib construction. Test results and generalized wood crib behavior are discussed and recommendations are made concerning crib constructions to maximize strength and stability. Crib performance is enhanced by reducing buckling effects by decreasing the aspect ratio and geometry considerations that increase the moment of inertia. A cost benefit analysis of multitimbered wood crib configurations is made. Generally, increasing the percentage of solid provides more resistance at less unit construction cost. A comparison of laboratory results and underground observations of several wood pack wall supports suggest in situ load capacity is less than that measured in laboratory testing. Reasons for the apparent decrease of in situ load-bearing capability include load rate effects, stiffness of reaction surfaces, and varying boundary conditions that alter the load transfer mechanics of the crib structure.

Jan 1, 1991

By L. D. Patts, J. D. Noll, S. E. Mischler, G. H. Schnakenberg

In this study, we evaluated the ambient diesel particulate matter (DPM) concentrations (at the intakes and exhausts of the mine) as the entire vehicle fleet of a stone mine switched from using 35% biodiesel to using a water emulsified fuel (PuriNOx). Elemental carbon (EC) was reduced by 45% when a PuriNOx blend containing 10% water replaced 35% biodiesel and by 57% when a PuriNOx blend containing 20% water was used. Other factors such as engine duty cycle and production changes could potentially cause some day-to-day EC fluctuations, and no direct comparison to commonly used dieselfuels (No. 1 or No. 2) was achieved. Therefore, a second study was performed in a controlled “isolatedzone” environment to fametal mine, comparing PuriNOxto No.1 diesel fuel in a load haul dump vehicle. The EC fraction of the DPM was reduced by about 71% when the PuriNOx blend containing 10% water was used and by about 85% when the PuriNOx blend containing 20% water was employed. This study did not determine how the water emulsified fuel would affect the engine or power.

By H. Miller

In recognition of the need for a portable low-profile hard rock crusher, the Bureau of Mines sponsored the development of such a unit capable of moving up as the face advances. By allowing primary ore reduction at or near the mine face, the advantages of conveyor haulage From the face as demonstrated in soft ore and coal mines, could be realized for hard rock Brines as well. This report presents the results of a development and testing program for such a portable low-profile crusher, designed by Eagle Crusher Company and called the M44. The unit has an extremely low vertical profile considering its size and capacity. The crushing jaws, which form the crushing lumber, are inclined, with the lower jaw mounted for eccentric movement relative to the stationary upper jaw. This provides efficient crushing while also forcing material through the crushing chamber. As a result, the inlet feeder can be disposed horizontally. To facilitate correct processing of different materials, the size of the discharge opening and the action of the movable crushing jaw are variable. The unit also incorporates a feeder hopper and discharge conveyor that provides for efficient ore handling through the machine. Tests demonstrated the M44 Crusher's high capacity, efficiency and reliability. During testing, it crushed over 120,000 tons of materials of up to 32,000 psi compressive strength at production rates in the 200-350 tons/hour range. The unit operated smoothly under simulated low-headroom conditions, and Proved readily transportable.

Jan 1, 1983

By D. Harrington

The code of hoisting signals for use in mines hoisting from one level, as suggested in this publication, is submitted to induce consideration of this subject by representative groups of the coal-mining industry, such as the lithe Inspectors Institute of America, National Coal Association, American Mining Congress, and others, as well as to -furnish a code of signals for use in those mines operated in States that do not have regulatory hoisting codes in their mining laws, or regulations. The signal codes described in this publication apply only to mines hoisting from one level and to slope mines. Mines that hoist from more than one level are referred to Bureau of Mines Information Circular 7289 Suggested Hoisting-Signal Code For Metal Mine Shafts, which suggests signals for hoisting from various levels or stations.

Jan 1, 1944

By H. L. Riley

This report describes the methods and equipment used by the Watauga Stone Co. to drill und blast limestone in a two-level quarry, and to crush, screen, blend, and load this stone. Power requirements per ton of stone produced are reported. The personnel requirements for individual phases of the operation are tabulated in man-hours per ton of stone produced.

Jan 1, 1963

By Sandip K. Mukherjee

This report presents the results of the economic analysis of several applicable alternatives to increase airflow in four underground coal mines. Pressure-quantity surveys were conducted underground and measurements were also made at the main mine fan(s). The existing ventilation networks were modeled using the modified Penn State ventilation simulator. The applicable alternatives were simulated. Performance data obtained from these simulation runs were utilized to conduct the cost-effectiveness analysis. The costs for each of the alternatives included capital, operating and operating costs. These costs were expressed as annual ventilation costs per active section in terms of dollars per cfm taking into account the economic life associated with each of the alternatives. The benefits were expressed as increased airflow quantity in the critical sections. A section of this report also deals with comparison of simulator predicted air quantity values against air quantity values measured under-ground. This volume constitutes Volume II of the report and contains the outputs of the computer simulation runs.

Jan 1, 1983

By R. H. Grau, R. B. Krog

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has investigated the unique ventilation requirements of large-opening mines to help identify and evaluate the effectiveness of various fan types to improve the ventilation and air quality in the underground workplace. Large-opening mines, with their low airflow resistance factors, can be ventilated with free-standing auxiliary fans because airflow pat-terns in these mines are primarily controlled by airflow momentum. The flow characteristics of both vane-axial and propeller fans were investigated and tested at four large-opening mines to assess the effects of fan location on recirculation and entrainment. Each fan type has its own airflow, entrainment and penetrating air-flow characteristics, and operating costs that are advantageous for specific applications. Either fan type can be used for most auxiliary applications. However, this research has shown that the optimum placement and use criteria for propeller fans differ from those promulgated by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) for vane-axial fans Brechtel et al. (1985)

By J. C. Gerdeen

SAP-S information on the following element types are included in this appendix: Type 1. Three-Dimensional Truss and Bolt Element Type 4. Two-Dimensional Finite Elements Type 8. Variable-Number-Nodes Thick Shell and Three-Dimensional Elements Type 9. Two-Dimensional Joint Element (to be used with Type 4 elements) Type 10. Three-Dimensional Joint Element (to be used with Type 8 elements) Additional SAP4 elements, Types 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 12, are also contained in SAP-S and information on these elements is readily available in any SAP4 user's manual. These elements are as follows: Type 2. Three-Dimensional Beam Elements Type 3. Plane- Stress Membrane I-r .n Elements Type 5. Three-Dimensional Solid Elements (8 Node: Brick) Type 6. Plate and Shell Elements (Quadrilateral) Type 7. Boundary Elements Type 12. Three-Dimensional Straight or Curved Pipe Elements

Jan 1, 1976

By Carl L. Bieniewski

In a Bureau of Mines supply evaluation, the known uranium resources in the United States are estimated to have a total recoverable uranium oxide (U3O8) content of 3,132,400 tons at prices up to $69.32 per pound. Only those resources were evaluated for which sufficient quantity data are available and process technology exists for recovering uranium. A total of 160,800 tons of U3O8 is available at $8 per pound from ore deposits presently mined and an additional 244,700 tons available at prices up to $30 per pound from similar but usually lower grade deposits. A total of 2,726,900 tons of U3O8 is available from four other resources: copper leach solutions, wet-process phosphoric acid, Florida phosphate rock Leached zone, and Chattanooga Shale. These resources contain from 30,000 tons of recoverable U30, at a price of $7.52 per pound as a byproduct of copper leach solutions to 2,557,300 tons at a price of $69.32 per pound from Chattanooga Shale.

Jan 1, 1971