Engineering Commons^™

Day 3. Wednesday, August 13, 2003: Lighthawk Flyover, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Energy Field Tour 2003 (August 11-16)

11 pages (includes some color illustrations and maps).

Contains references.

Day 3. Wednesday, August 13, 2003: Coalbed Methane Development, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Energy Field Tour 2003 (August 11-16)

10 pages (includes color illustrations and maps).

Day 2. Tuesday, August 12, 2003: Roan Plateau Proposed Wilderness Area, Roan Plateau

Energy Field Tour 2003 (August 11-16)

4 pages (includes color illustration).

Contains references.

Agenda: Energy Field Tour 2003, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Energy Field Tour 2003 (August 11-16)

Congressional staff tour held August 11-16, 2003

Summary: Binder of assorted articles, maps, brochures and other materials prepared for participants of the tour

Contents:

MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2003: BLUE SPRUCE PEAKER PLANT: University of Colorado Natural Resources Law Center : congressional staff tour of Blue Spruce Energy Center / Peggy Duxbury -- 'Power Struggle', National Journal, June 27, 2003 / Margaret Kritz -- 'Calpine's Blue Spruce Energy Center begins commercial operation', Calpine press release, April 17, 2003 -- NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LAB: NREL at a glance -- NREL technologies -- SHOSHONE HYDROELECTRIC PLANT: 'River District Board supports spring Shoshone call …

Sizes And Shapes Of 10-Ma Distal Fall Pyroclasts In The Ogallala Ggroup, Nebraska, William I. Rose, C. M. Riley, S. Dartevelle

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Publications

Size distributions of distal ashfall particles from correlated 10-Ma layers in Nebraska, measured using laser diffraction methods, are lognormal with mode diameters of ∼90 mm. This ashfall is ∼100% bubble-wall shards of rhyolite glass and apparently represents a distal ashfall from an eruption 1400 km away. Measured terminal velocities of these ash particles are 0.2–18 cm/s, consistent with Stokes Law settling of spherical particles with diameters of 9–50 mm. Surface area of the ash particles, measured with gas adsorption, is 20–30 times the surface area of equivalent Stokes spheres. These results highlight the effects of shape and atmospheric drag in …

Quantitative Shape Measurements Of Distal Volcanic Ash, William I. Rose, Colleen M. Riley, Gregg J. Bluth

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Publications

Large-scale volcanic eruptions produce fine ash (< 200 μm) which has a long atmospheric residence time (1 hour or more) and can be transported great distances from the volcanic source, thus, becoming a hazard to aircraft and public health. Ash particles have irregular shapes, so data on particle shape, size, and terminal velocities are needed to understand how the irregular-shaped particles affect transport processes and radiative transfer measurements. In this study, a methodology was developed to characterize particle shapes, sizes , and terminal velocities for three ash samples of different compositions. The shape and size of 2,500 particles from 1) distal fallout (~100 km) of the October 14, 1974 Fuego eruption (basaltic), 2) the secondary maxima (~250 km) of the August 18, 1992 Spurr eruption (andesitic), and 3) the Miocene Ash Hollow member, Nebraska (rhyolitic) were measured using image analysis techniques. Samples were sorted into 10 to 19 terminal velocity groups (0.6-59.0 cm/s) using an air elutriation device. Grain size distributions for the samples were measured using laser diffraction. Aspect ratio, feret diameter, and perimeter measurements were found to be the most useful descriptors of how particle shape affects terminal velocity. These measurement values show particle shape differs greatly from a sphere (commonly used in models and algorithms). The diameters of ash particles were 10-120% larger than ideal spheres at the same terminal velocity, indicating that irregular particle shape greatly increases drag. Gas-adsorption derived surface areas are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than calculated surface areas based on measured dimensions and simple geometry, indicating that particle shapes are highly irregular. Correction factors for surface area were derived from the ash sample measurements so that surface areas calculated by assuming spherical particle shapes can be corrected to reflect more realistic values.

Retrieval Of Mass And Sizes Of Particles In Sandstorms Using Two Modis Ir Bands: A Case Study Of April 7 2001 Sandstorm In China, Yingxin Gu, William I. Rose, Gregg J. Bluth

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Publications

A thermal infrared remote sensing retrieval method developed by Wen and Rose [1994], which retrieves particle sizes, optical depth, and total masses of silicate particles in the volcanic cloud, was applied to an April 07, 2001 sandstorm over northern China, using MODIS. Results indicate that the area of the dust cloud observed was 1.34 million km2, the mean particle radius of the dust was 1.44 μm, and the mean optical depth at 11 μm was 0.79. The mean burden of dust was approximately 4.8 tons/km2 and the main portion of the dust storm on April 07, 2001 contained 6.5 million …

Method Of Scrapping Steel Structures, G. E. Shapiro, Paul Nicholas Worsey

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A method of breaking up a structure for the recovery of steel as scrap. The structure has steel plates forming a compartment secured to framing in the compartment. The method includes at least partially filling the compartment with a substantially incompressible substance and placing explosive in the substance in the compartment. The explosive is sufficient and adapted on detonation thereof to pressurize the compartment to the extent of causing separation of the plates from the framing. The method further includes detonating the explosive.

Novel Concepts For Monitoring The Stability Of Open Pit Mine Highwalls Using Radar Interferometry And Spectral Imaging, Jami Girard Dwyer

Masters Theses

"Ground control problems at surface mining operations can occur for a variety of reasons. The geologic setting, rock strengths, joint spacing, orientation, pore pressures, and many other factors contribute to slope instabilities that range from small rock falls to massive slides of material. While much of this ground movement can be predicted or controlled, each year many completely unexpected failures occur. This poses serious safety and economic issues for the mining industry, since any unanticipated movement of the ground increases the potential for significant property damage, injuries, and even death. In the United States alone, 70 people died in slope …

Interactive Learning Tools: Animating Statics, Nancy Hubing, David B. Oglesby, Timothy A. Philpot, Vikas Yellamraju, Richard H. Hall, Ralph E. Flori

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Computer-Based Modules for Engineering Instruction Must Be Concise, Flexible, Educational and Engaging in Order to Effectively Supplement Traditional Classroom Teaching Tools. a Computer Example that Takes More Time Than a Chalkboard Presentation is Not Likely to Be Useful in Today's Engineering Classroom. Flexible Navigation is Necessary So that the Instructor Can Quickly and Easily Respond to Student Questions. Useful Modules Must Also Improve Problem-Solving Skills or Clarify Troublesome Concepts in Order to Be Considered Worthy of Inclusion in the Limited Class Time Available. Finally, and Perhaps Most Importantly, Effective Computer-Based Modules Must Meet the Challenge of Holding the Student's Attention. …

A Mechanical System For Soil Reconstruction, John Patrick Fulton, Larry G. Wells, Timothy D. Smith

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

One of the most perplexing problems associated with reclaiming surface–mined lands is excessive compaction of soil due to the heavy earthmoving equipment used during the reclamation process. Over the years, some innovative material handling schemes have been devised to limit vehicle traffic during reclamation on reconstructed soil. However, final grading operations can often create root–limiting bulk densities, which affect plant growth and yield. The purpose of this article is to describe a mechanism designed at the University of Kentucky whereby mine soil can be reconstructed without introducing compaction caused by surface traffic in order for the soil to sustain desirable …

Apparatus For Comminution Of Solid Materials Using A Processor-Controlled Liquid Jet, Marian Mazurkiewicz

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The present invention is directed to a tire comminution apparatus that is of simple construction and that can be operated without excessive maintenance. According to the present invention, a vehicle tire of any size or composition can be comminuted with essentially the same comminution apparatus. The comminution apparatus includes a freely moving lance with a nozzle for transforming a liquid into a high velocity liquid jet. The lance is positioned and controlled such that the liquid jet impacts the tire thereby separating it into its component parts. The comminution apparatus may be computer controlled.

Graphite Platelet Nanostructures, Marian Mazurkiewicz

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Separated graphite nanostructures are formed of thin graphite platelets having an aspect ratio of at least 1,500:1. The platelets have an angular geometric structure and may be fully independent from an original graphite particle, or partially attached to the particle. The graphite platelets have an average thickness in the range of 1-100 nm. The graphite nanostructures are created from synthetic or natural graphite using a high-pressure mill. Fluid jets of the high-pressure flaking mill cause fluid to enter the tip of cracks in the graphite particles, which creates tension at the tip. This tension causes the cracks to propagate along …

The Causes Of Armature Surface Fracturing Within Helical Flux-Compression Generators, Jason Baird, Paul Nicholas Worsey

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Aluminum and copper tubes filled with explosive were tested during this study of high strain rate effects, as an adjunct to helical flux-compression generator research at the University of Missouri-Rolla, directly affecting the understanding of flux cutoff and high strain-rate changes in generator armatures. Longitudinal cracks characteristically developed in the outer surface of armatures at a smaller expansion ratio than predicted. These cracks occurred within two diameters of the detonator end of the armature but did not extend when the tubing expanded under explosive pressurization. Such cracks appear to cause magnetic flux cutoff, and flux losses seriously affect energy conversion …

Design Of A Hypersonic Waterjet Apparatus Driven By High Explosives, B. L. Weeks, J. Klosterman, Paul Nicholas Worsey

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The design and construction of a hypersonic waterjet apparatus is described. Jet velocities from 0.5 to 5 km/s have been achieved using a high explosive charge. Images are obtained in situ on various target substrates using a high-speed framing camera. Experimental results are shown for the impact of high velocity waterjets on propellants and high explosive samples. By observing the impact of the waterjet at a wide range of velocities a safety threshold can be determined where no reaction takes place.

Observations Of Volcanic Clouds In Their First Few Days Of Atmospheric Residence: The 1992 Eruptions Of Crater Peak, Mount Spurr Volcano, Alaska, William I. Rose, Gregg J. Bluth, David J. Schneider, Gerald G. J. Ernst, Colleen M. Riley, Lydia J. Henderson, Robert G. Mcgimsey

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Publications

Satellite SO2 and ash measurements of Mount Spurr’s three 1992 volcanic clouds are compared with ground‐based observations to develop an understanding of the physical and chemical evolution of volcanic clouds. Each of the three eruptions with ratings of volcanic explosivity index three reached the lower stratosphere (14 km asl), but the clouds were mainly dispersed at the tropopause by moderate to strong (20–40 m/s) tropospheric winds. Three stages of cloud evolution were identified. First, heavy fallout of large (>500 μm) pyroclasts occurred close to the volcano (vent) during and immediately after the eruptions, and the cloud resembled an advected …

A Site Specific Impact Study: Valley Fill Construction Impacts On Water Chemistry And Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages, Terry Morton Tomasek

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Downstream impacts of contour surface mining and valley fill construction were evaluated utilizing both water chemistry and EPA approved Rapid Bioassessment Protocol III. Wiley Branch was sampled in February of 1999 before mining perturbation. Five downstream stations were established with benthic macroinvertebrates and water samples collected seasonally for a period of sixteen months. Water chemistry parameters, pH, total aluminum, iron, and manganese, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, sulfates, alkalinity, acidity and specific conductivity fluctuated but generally remained within acceptable governmental limits. Initially, benthic macroinvertebrate communities were well balanced within the stream. There was a high abundance of EPT individuals …

Effects Of Defects On Armatures Within Helical Flux-Compression Generators, Jason Baird, Paul Nicholas Worsey, Mark F. C. Schmidt

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Tubes of aluminum and copper filled with C-4 high-explosive were tested during this study of the effects of explosive flaws and voids, their sizes and locations, and of the effects of armature machining tolerances on the expansion characteristics of armatures within helical flux-compression generators. Flaws and voids were introduced into the explosive fill of 6061-T6 aluminum armatures during assembly. The defects were located along the major axis of the fill, midway between the major axis and the explosive/armature interface, and at the interface. The resulting effects on armature expansion were recorded by high-speed framing camera, intensified charge-coupled display (ICCD) photography …

Method Of Creating Ultra-Fine Particles Of Materials Using A High-Pressure Mill, Marian Mazurkiewicz

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A method for creating ultra-fine particles of material using a high-pressure mill is described. The method includes placing a material in a first chamber and subjecting the material to a high-pressure liquid jet to divide it into particles. These particles are then transferred to a second chamber in which they are subjected to cavitation to further divide the particles into relatively smaller particles. These relatively smaller particles are then transferred to a third chamber, in which the particles collide with a collider to still further divide them into ultra-fine particles of the material. The mill of the present invention includes …

Surface Fracturing Of Armatures Within Helical Flux-Compression Generators, Paul Nicholas Worsey, Jason Baird

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Tubes of aluminum and of copper filled with C-4 high-explosive were tested during this study of high strain rate effects within thin metallic structures performed as an adjunct to helical flux-compression generator research at the University of Missouri-Rolla. Focusing on the stresses within a relatively thin metallic structure when brisant explosives abutting the structure are detonated, this study directly affects the understanding of flux cutoff and high strain-rate resistivity changes in an expanding armature. The detonation wave is compressive, and the shock waves resulting from its transmission into a thin metallic structure cause both compressive and tensile regions, posing an …

Spatial Patterns And Floodplain Contributions Of Mining-Related Contaminants In Chat Creek Watershed, Southwest Missouri, Jimmy Trimble

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Past mining activities have left a legacy of water quality problems in the Tri-State Mining District. Contemporary environmental risks stem from the release of lead and zinc from mine tailings previously dispersed far downstream in alluvial deposits as well as abandoned tailings piles. This study examines mining-related heavy metal contamination in the Chat Creek Watershed. Chat Creek drains the area near Aurora, Missouri on the eastern edge of the Tri-State District where mining occurred from 1886 to about 1930. This study identifies the spatial distribution of metal contamination in fluvial sediments and quantifies the role of bank erosion as a …

Use Of Goes Thermal Infrared Imagery For Eruption Scale Measurements, Soufrière Hills, Montserrat, William I. Rose, Gari C. Mayberry

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Publications

GOES two-band IR data are used to estimate the magnitude of small eruption clouds (ash; <∼10⁵ tonnes of fine [1–25 µm in diameter] ash, and 5–15 km asl). The method is demonstrated on clouds from Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat in 1997–99. The clouds in early 1999 were much smaller, were generally emplaced lower in the atmosphere and contained an order of magnitude less fine ash than 1997 clouds generated during the most intense phase of the eruption to date. Although GOES has an excellent capability for large eruption clouds, its use for smaller eruptions like Montserrat highlights several shortcomings, including …

Optical Diagnostics On Helical Flux Compression Generators, A. A. Neuber, J. C. Dickens, H. Krompholz, M. F. C. Schmidt, Jason Baird, Paul Nicholas Worsey, M. Kristiansen

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Explosively driven magnetic flux compression (MFC) has been object of research for more than three decades. Actual interest in the basic physical picture of flux compression has been heightened by a newly started Department of Defense (DoD) Multi-University Research Initiative. The emphasis is on helical flux compression generators comprising a hollow cylindrical metal liner filled with high explosives and at least one helical coil surrounding the liner. After the application of a seed current, magnetic flux is trapped and high current is generated by moving, i.e., expanding, the liner explosively along the winding of the helical coil. Several key factors …

Method For Introducing Substances Into Living Cells And Tissues, Marian Mazurkiewicz

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A method of introducing a biological substance into living target cells, the method comprising dispersing a liquid containing the biological substance into microdroplets and propelling the microdroplets toward to the target cells.

Integration Of Csab And Abet, Lee W. Saperstein, Kenneth Martin, Doris K. Lidtke

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) and the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) signed a Memorandum of Agreement in November 1998 to integrate CSAB''s accreditation services with ABET, with a transition time of approximately two years. During the interim period, the operations of the Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC) are contracted by CSAB to ABET. A committee with CSAC, CSAB, and ABET representation is working to set up the new commission for accrediting programs in the computing sciences. This new commission will probably be called the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC). Other activities are underway to try to …

Author's Index, Multiple Authors

U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium

No abstract provided.

Gas Emission Control On Longwall Panels At The Vorkuta Coal Mines, V. N. Bobrovnikov, O. I. Kazanin, A. P. Veselov

U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium

The characteristics of geological conditions and mining technology at the coal mines of Coal Stock Company Vorkutaugol are given in the article. Information about longwall panel ventilation schemes and problems caused by high methane emission is also presented. The results of experiments at longwall panels using the methane emission control ventilation complex are described as well as ways of isolating gob methane removal. Other topics include the methane emission control ventilation complex consisted of drainage entry, an isolating wall with windows, mixing chambers and regulating stoppings. As results of experiments have shown, the most effective gas emission control methods were: …

An Investigation Of Longwall Gob Gas Behavior And Control Methods, Steven J. Schatzel, William P. Diamond, Fred Garcia, John C. Lascola, Frank E. Mccall, Paul W. Jeran, Thomas P. Mucho

U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has initiated the use of a tracer gas in field studies to characterize geologic and mining factors influencing the migration of longwall gob gas. Three studies have been conducted using sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) at a coal mine in the Northern Appalachian Basin operating in the Pittsburgh Coalbed. Eight underground tracer gas releases and one gob gas venthole release are summarized. The results indicate that the gas flow in the bleeder network and in the interior regions of longwall panel gobs do not strongly interact and that the negative pressure …

Flammable Gas Emissions In South African Gold And Platinum Mines Review Of Incidents And Accidents, A. P. Cook, C. F. Meyer, K. Balt

U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium

Flammable gas emissions are relatively common and widespread across the South African gold and platinum mines, but a general lack of awareness has lead to an increase in flammable gas related accidents and fatalities over the last ten years. The gas is usually a mixture of hydrocarbons C1 to C4 with hydrogen, each in varying quantities, with methane and hydrogen predominant. The three most common causes leading to gas accidents are changes to the ventilation, lack of testing for gas, and contraband, with gas ignitions caused by contraband and illegal tampering with caplamps. Development work accounts for 70 percent of …

Lowering Respirable Dust Exposures At Mineral Processing Facilities, Andrew B. Cecala, Robert J. Timko, Edward D. Thimons

U.S. Mine Ventilation Symposium

This article discusses three research projects performed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (formerly the Bureau of Mines), that reduce the respirable dust exposure of plant workers at mineral processing facilities. All three of these projects are very different but they all have the same goal of reducing worker exposure to respirable dust at mineral processing facilities. The first project deals with a total mill ventilation system that reduces dust levels throughout an entire building and lowers the dust exposure of everyone working in the structure. The second project describes a bag and belt cleaner device that …