Mining Publication: First Series of Coal-Dust Explosion Tests in the Experimental Mine

This report has been prepared, not only for the purpose of recording the results of the first series of coal-dust tests conducted in the experimental mine of the Bureau of Mines, but also to place before the mining public a description of the mine and an account of the objects sought in its establishment.

Soon after the organization of the technologic branch of the United States Geological Survey, J. A. Holmes, then chief of the branch, concluded that for the solution of various problems relating to the causes and prevention of mine explosions it would be best to carry on large-scale tests in a mine rather than in a surface gallery.

The idea of utilizing the underground passage of a mine for making explosion experiments did not at first meet with general approval among investigators in this country or abroad. Many thought a mine passage was not a proper place in which scientific tests could be conducted, as great difficulty in controlling conditions was expected. However, after all arguments for and against such an investigation had been carefully considered, plans for opening an experimental mine were definitely adopted by the Bureau of Mines in 1910, and an allotment of funds was made to carry out the project. The first endeavor was to find an existing mine suitable for the purpose, but the mines offered by owners were either worked out, were wet, had poor roofs, or presented complications of various kinds, so that it was finally decided to open a mine if a site could be obtained having natural conditions that would fill the various requirements.

A most desirable location was found on property of the Pittsburgh Coal Co., near Bruceton, Pa. The president of this company, Mr. W. K. Field, the general manager, Mr. G. W. Schluederberg, and the chief engineer, Mr. E. J. Taylor, rendered every possible service in making arrangements for the lease of the property and subsequently in the opening of the mine.

Immediately on completion of the development of the mine to the extent considered desirable for experimental work, the first series of tests was begun.

The number of experiments embraced in the first series, here reported, was comparatively small. The tests chiefly served to try out the mine and apparatus; apart from this end, there was valuable educational service accomplished by certain tests before large audi­ences of mining men. The fact that coal dust in air containing no inflammable gas may explode is now almost universally conceded in this country. This was not the case prior to the first public test of October 30, 1911, when many still doubted even after having witnessed explosion tests in the Pittsburgh surface testing gallery. However, as a result of the mine test mentioned, those who had previously doubted expressed themselves as convinced.

This explosion test seriously damaged the mine equipment, neces­sitating considerable delay before repairs could be completed. Then followed further experiments, which were limited in number by lack of funds.