Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring intermolecular force related physical properties of an objective liquid such as elongational viscosity and dynamic surface tension, comprising the steps of atomizing neat liquids to a particle size in a gaseous fluid stream, measuring the particle size of the atomized neat liquid, determining an empirical expression based on known physical properties of the neat liquid and the atomization conditions, and using the empirical expression and identical atomization conditions to rapidly determine the unknown intermolecular force related physical properties of the objective liquid, the objective liquid being another neat liquid or a liquid in which a solute is dissolved.

Abstract: A rheometer for measuring the extrudate swell of polymeric solutions. The eometer has an upper and lower transparent reservoir with a capillary tube therebetween. The flow of solution between reservoirs from upper to lower is provided by gas pressure. Initially, the swell is photographed and the lower reservoir is then filled with an immiscible Newtonian fluid. In sequence the flow is again started and a second photograph is taken. The first and second swell are measured, and the results applied to a formula to determine the first normal stress difference of the polymeric solution.

Abstract: A mine ventilation system and method are provided for continuously supplying fresher air to an automated mining machine located in a mine heading. A blower attached to a mining machine operates to suck fresher air into the heading from a tunnel with through ventilation and to exhaust the air out of the heading through a collapsible duct. A standby blower is provided which is activated should the machine blower not be functioning for whatever reason. This blower draws fresher air from the tunnel with through ventilation and blows it out through the collapsible duct, in a direction opposite to the normal air flow, and into the heading. The standby blower is located in the tunnel downstream of the heading and has an intake duct with an inlet upstream of the heading.

Abstract: A method of determining the gas leakage through a mine stopping. The mine stopping, whose leakage is to be measured, is set up in a mine. Next, a test barrier is set up in the mine adjacent to the stopping. The volume between these two structures forms a closed test chamber filled with ambient gas. A known trace gas different from the ambient gas or a known contaminating gas is introduced into the chamber and mixed therein. Thereafter, periodic measurements are made of the rate of change in concentration of the tracer gas. Lastly, based upon the measured rate of change in concentration of the tracer gas, the leakage past the mine stopping is determined.

Abstract: A coal mine ventilation system which insures proper ventilation near the working area. The basic system employs a mining machine on which is mounted a panel on a movable frame, a conventional line curtain fixed to the mine floor and roof and located adjacent to the panel, and an air control fluid spray system. Fluid sprays may be mounted on the machine on the opposite the panel to promote airflow towards the mining face. Additional sprays may be mounted on the machine panel to provide an effective barrier between that panel and the fixed line curtain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring elongational viscosity of a test fl comprises extruding the test fluid through a capillary downwardly into a host fluid having a lower density than the test fluid and being immiscible with the test fluid. This formed a spherical drop at the lower open end of the capillary tube which grew until it fell away from the tube forming an elongated ligament. The elongated ligament eventually breaks. The test fluid drop and ligament are photographed using a movie or video camera and the results are analyzed to determine the kinetics of the drop and ligament as it is formed, grows and falls through the host fluid.

Abstract: A method of measuring the shear viscosity of a polymeric solution by measng the delayed die swell of a pressurized solution through a capillary.

Abstract: A novel falling cylinder extensional rheometer is provided for measuring elongational viscosity of a polymeric solution at stretch rates comparable to those associated with aerodynamic liquid breakup and which is suitable with toxic liquids. The rheometer consists of an upper cylinder and a lower cylinder, both vertically arranged or oriented and having their longitudinal axes coincidental. A small quantity of liquid is inserted between the end of the two cylinders that are vertically spaced one above the other. The upper cylinder is held fixed while the lower cylinder rests initially on top of an air cylinder piston. When the piston is activated, it quickly retracts downwardly allowing the lower cylinder to fall and stretch the liquid sample adhering between the ends of the upper and lower cylinders. A high speed camera is used to photograph the falling lower cylinder and the ligament stretching.