Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 16.5.6. Photo of injection of cryogenic slurry at Midvale waste bank showing CO
2
truck, slurry mixing
tank, emission of smoke from the bank, and condensation above the bank.
The project at the Midvale site demonstrated that it was possible to produce and inject a cryogenic slurry of liquid
nitrogen and solid CO
2
. The amount injected was dictated by the economics of the project and was insufficient to
completely extinguish the fire. However, it was encouraging that there was a significant reduction in the heat
content of the bank for 3
-
6 months after injection.
Summary
T
he Bureau of Mines program in the control of fires in inactive or abandoned coal mines and waste banks was
relatively small in terms of manpower and budget. Although its original function was to extinguish such fires,
Bureau personnel accumulated knowledge on how mine fires were initiated, what conditions fostered their
propagation, and what factors improved the probability of extinguishing or controlling them. They also researched
methods to locate subsurface fires and improved control technologies.
At its inception in 1910, the US Bureau of Mines
primary focus was on improving mine safety and reducing the
loss of life due to fires and explosions in coal mines. Over the years, its role expanded to mine inspection, mineral
economics, and reducing the environmental impact of mining. It was always viewed as a source of innovative
science and technology in the minerals field. The demise of the Bureau left a void in mining research, and a large
collection of mining related literature is no longer readily available.
'
Acknowledgments
I
t was my privilege and pleasure to work at the US Bureau of Mines in Pittsburgh from 1967 until it was closed in
1996. For the most part, I found my colleagues there to be intelligent, insightful, and dedicated. Both Mal
Magnuson and Don Donner worked diligently to control fires in abandoned mines and waste banks. Maurice
Deul provided his effective brand of leadership to the environmental program at the Pittsburgh Research Center.
His knowledge of combustion made Bob Chaiken an invaluable resource; and without Gene Dalverny, Tom Justin,
