Search Results

open access

Slip-and-Fall Accidents During Equipment Maintenance in the Surface Mining Industry

Description: Report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Mines discussing mining accidents during equipment maintenance. As stated in the abstract, "this U.S. Bureau of Mines report identifies potential causes of slip-and-fall accidents occurring during surface mine equipment maintenance and describes the relative roles of direct worker behavior and machine design" (p. 1). This report includes tables, and illustrations.
Date: 1990
Creator: Albin, Thomas J. & Adams, W. P.
open access

Trends in Iron Casting Compositions as Related to Ferrous Scrap Quality and Other Variables: 1981-86

Description: From Abstract: "This bulletin describes the research and presents analytical results and evaluations over 5-3/4-year period from January 1981 to September 1986. Results show that iron casting compositions are charging with respect to a few tramp elements such as arsenic, cobalt, chromium, tin, zinc over the period. The data presented in this bulletin provide a means to ascertain whether the quality ferrous scrap is affecting casting quality."
Date: 1990
Creator: Nafziger, R. H.; Hartman, A. D. & Farrell, R. F.
open access

An Overview of Research on Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Training

Description: From Abstract: "During the next 5 years investigators examined a number of factors that have a bearing upon miners' ability to put on and use the apparatus in an emergency: the procedure being taught; availability and utilization of training models; opportunities to practice; hygiene; and on-the-job-training. This report presents an overview of that research."
Date: 1993
Creator: Vaught, Charles; Brnich, Michael J., Jr.; Wiehagen, William J.; Cole, Henry P. & Kellner, Henry J.
open access

Coal Reserves of the Boltsfork Quadrangle, Kentucky: A Coal Recoverability Study

Description: Abstract: "This report presents a U.S. Bureau of Mines study that incorporates coal mining factors, cola recovery factors, and economic factors into the definition of an economically recoverable coal resource. The relationship between these factors to the Energy Information Administration's estimate of U.S. coal resources--the "Demonstrated Reserve Base"--is discussed. The Boltsfork 7 1/2-minute quadrangle in eastern Kentucky was selected as the stud area. Results indicate that of the origi… more
Date: 1994
Creator: Rohrbacher, Timothy J.; Teeters, Dale D.; Sullivan, Gerald L. & Osmonson, Lee M.
Location: None
open access

An Adaptive System for Process Control

Description: Abstract: Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) have developed adaptive process control systems in which genetic algorithms (GA's) are used to augment fuzzy logic controllers (FLC's). GA's are search algorithms that rapidly locate near-optimum solutions to a wide spectrum of problems by loosely modeling the search procedures of natural genetics. FLC's are rule-based systems that efficiently manipulate a problem environment by modeling the "rule-of-thumb" strategy used in human decision… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Karr, Charles L.; Gentry, E. J. & Stanley, D. A.
open access

Adhesion of Diamond Films on Tungsten

Description: The U.S. Bureau of Mines has investigated the chemical vapor deposition of diamond films on tungsten substrates. The effects of deposition parameters on the adhesion of the films was determined. The films were produced using a hot filament chemical vapor deposition system. Parameters investigated were substrate temperature and methane concentration in the feed gas. Film quality, morphology, and composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Adhesion testi… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Maggs, K. J.; Walkiewicz, J. W. & Clark, A. E.
open access

Bending Fatigue Tests on Flattened Strand Wire Rope at High Working Loads

Description: Abstract: The U.S. Bureau of Mines established a wire rope research laboratory to examine the factors that affect the safety and the useful life of wire rope. In the most recent work, two 32-mm 6x27H flattened strand ropes were degraded on a bending fatigue machine. The two tests were run at constant loads of 285 and 347 kN or safety factors of 2.5 and 2. Nondestructive and tensile strength tests were performed on samples of the ropes to determine the relationship between rope deterioration and… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Wang, Richard C. & Shapiro, David E.
open access

Characterization of Dredged River Sediments in 10 Upland Disposal Sites of Alabama

Description: Abstract: The U.S. Bureau of Mines, Tuscaloosa Research Center, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under interagency Agreement No. 14-09-0078-1510, conducted a comprehensive sampling program of 10 upland disposal sites along the Alabama, Black Warrior, and Tombigbee River systems in Alabama. Samples from each site were characterized according to particle size, chemical analysis, mineralogical content, and potential end use. Additionally, samples were subjected to the Toxic Cha… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Smith, C. W.
open access

Detection and Control of Spontaneous Heating in Coal Mine Pillars--a Case Study

Description: This U.S. Bureau of Mines study examined spontaneous heating episodes in coal mine pillars in an active underground coal mine. The information obtained from these incidents was then analyzed to learn which sampling methods provided the earliest indication of pillar heating. The objective of this study was to discover if the location of future events of pillar spontaneous heating could be inferred from the available information. The spontaneous heating-prone area in this evaluation involved pill… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Timko, Robert J. & Derick, R. Lincoln
open access

Development of Coal Combustion Sensitivity Tests for Smoke Detectors

Description: Standard smoldering and flaming combustion tests using small coal samples have been developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines as a method to evaluate the response of a smoke detector. The tests are conducted using a standard smoke box designed and constructed according to Underwriters Laboratories. The tests provide a standard, easily reproducible smoke characteristic for smoldering and flaming coal combustion, based upon a comparison of the smoke optical density and the response of a standard ioni… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Edwards, John C. & Morrow, Gerald S.
open access

Dust Sources and Controls for Multiple-Machine Longwall Faces

Description: Abstract: Longwall mining in lower seam heights may necessitate the use of single-drum shearers to overcome size constraints associated with standard double-drum shearers. To avoid the operational problem of clearance in the tailgate entry with one single-drum shearer, two single-drum machines can be operated on the same face, with each shearer responsible for mining a predefined portion of the face. However, utilization of two shearers on the same face necessitates the positioning of one shear… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Colinet, Jay F. & Spencer, Ellsworth R.
open access

Effects of Remote Drop and Pumpdown Placement on Cellular Concrete

Description: Abstract: The hazards to the public posed by abandoned mine shafts are well documented. As private development encroaches on previously mined areas, the potential for fatalities and serious injuries from abandoned mine shafts increases. The U.S. Bureau of Mines has conducted research into cellular concrete as a material for sealing these openings. The current work involves testing the characteristics of cellular concrete before and after it had been pumped or dropped from different heights into… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Boreck, D. L. & Miller, R. E.
open access

Electrochemical Reduction of Titanium in Nonaqueous Solvents

Description: Abstract: Electrorefining of Ti in nonaqueous solvents has been studied by the U.S. Bureau of Mines as a method for recycling impure scrap Ti. Electrochemical behavior of Ti species was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Research results showed that Ti metal can be dissolved in polar solvents such as dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulfoxide. However, deposition of Ti from these solvents was not successful. Several solvent systems were investigated for electrodepos.tion of Ti but no deposits … more
Date: 1995
Creator: Sibrell, P. L.
open access

Field Demonstration of Two Pneumatic Backfilling Technologies

Description: Abstract: This U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) report summarizes a field demonstration of pneumatic backfiling technologies conducted at the abandoned Hillside Coal and Iron Slope in Vandling, PA. Researchers demonstrated tro pneumatic backfilling technologies recently developed under the USBM's Abandoned Mine Reclamation Research Program, the Pneumatic Pipefeeder and the High-Efficiency Ejector. Both systems had previously been evaluated at the USBM's subsidence abatement investigation laboratory … more
Date: 1995
Creator: Dyni, Robert C.; Burnett, Mackenzie & Philbin, David
open access

Hazards of Conveyor Belt Fires

Description: This report describes a U.S. Bureau of Mines study on the hazards of large-scale conveyor belt fires in underground coal mines, as a function of both air velocity and distance from belt surface to gallery roof. The fire hazards considered were smoke obscuration, toxic effects of carbon monoxide (CO), and elevated air temperatures downstream of the fire. All of these hazards scale with the ratio of fire intensity to ventilation airflow. These hazards were all found to be greater at the lower bel… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Perzak, Frank J.; Litton, Charles D.; Mura, Kenneth E. & Lazzara, Charles P.
open access

High-Temperature Cyanide Leaching of Platinum-Group Metals from Automobile Catalysts--Pilot Plant Study

Description: From abstract: The U.S. Bureau of Mines Reno Research Center investigated, developed, and patented a high temperature cyanide leaching process for recovering platinum-group metals (PGM) from automobile catalysts. A batch pilot plant was constructed at the center and operated to demonstrate this technology to industry.
Date: 1995
Creator: Kuczynski, R. J.; Atkinson, G. B. & Dolinar, W. J.
open access

Human Factors Analysis of Roof Bolting Hazards in Underground Coal Mines

Description: Abstract: The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a human factors analysis of hazards associated with roof bolting activities in underground coal mines. Emphasis was placed on hazards related to the movement of the drill-head boom or mast of a roof bolting machine. The objective was to identify hazards and recommend solutions. The data-collection effort consisted of analysis of U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration accident data; visits to underground mines and interviews with experienced roof … more
Date: 1995
Creator: Turin, Fred C.
open access

Improved Grindability of Taconite Ores by Microwave Heating

Description: The 11.S. Bureau of Mines has conducted studies to utilize rapid microwave heating to stress fracture ore samples. Iron ores containing hematite, magnetite, and goethite were subjected to microwave energy in batch operations at 3 kW and heated to average maximum temperatures between 840 and 940 *C. Standard Bond grindability tests showed that microwave heating reduced the work index of iron ores by 10 to 24 pct. In a microwave chamber designed to simulate a continuous throughput operation at 3 … more
Date: 1995
Creator: Walkiewicz, John W.; Lindroth, David P. & Clark, Andrea E.
open access

Improved Performance of Linear Coal Cutting Compared with Rotary Cutting

Description: From abstract: The linear cutting system, developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, uses geometric principles developed by Cardan to produce a nearly constant cut depth. The new system has been extensively tested in a synthetic material under laboratory conditions to verify mechanical capability and to identify operational characteristics. This report details the improved performance versus rotary cutting.
Date: 1995
Creator: Roepke, Wallace W.; Hanson, B. D.; Olson, R. C.; Wingquist, C. F. & Myren, T. A.
open access

Influence of Environmental Factors on Spark Ignition Probability

Description: Abstract: In past years, the U.S. Bureau of Mines has been involved in safety research that could ultimately relate the conditions of spark testing and actual use by estimating the simple ignition probability of a circuit in question. A major problem in estimating this probability is that results show a significant variability, even though gas mixtures and electrical parameters may be closely controlled. Some researchers have suggested that the ambient environmental conditions of the testing ma… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Peterson, Jeffrey Shawn
open access

Investigation of Acid Production, Leaching, and Transport of Dissolved Metals at an Abandoned Sulfide Tailings Impoundment: Monitoring and Physical Properties

Description: Abstract: Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a long-term groundwater monitoring and site characterization program at an abandoned 10-ha, acid-producing, copper-gold tailings impoundment in north-central Washington State. The purpose was to investigate contaminant release and transport, and attenuation mechanisms in the tailings, sediments below the tailings, and gravels downgradient of the impoundment. This report summarizes the monitoring results and physical properties of the t… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Stewart, Bill M.; Williams, B. C. & Lambeth, R. H.
open access

Investigation of Optimum Thrust, Cutting Speed, and Water Pressure for Tungsten Carbide and Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Roof-Bolt Drill Bits

Description: Abstract: Laboratory tests were conducted at the U.S. Bureau of Mines to determine the effects of roof-bolt drilling parameters on penetration rate in sandstone using tungsten carbide alloy (WC-Co) and polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bits. During the tests, water pressure of 552 kPa was found to be adequate for removing the cuttings from the tops of drill holes. Test results show that for both types of bits, penetration rate increased when thrust was raised from 227 to 1,588 kg. Whe… more
Date: 1995
Creator: Sundae, Laxman S.; Smelser, Thomas W. & Howie, Wayne L.
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