Report of the Bureau of Mines of the Department of Internal Affairs of ...

No. 10. SECOND BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 271
Mines On aud Near the Alexandria Braneli of the Pennsylvania R. R.
Alexandria Drift.—On my first
visit to this mine, the condition in
regards to ventilation was unsatisfactory. Upon exaniininfif the
pillar workings, I found them to be giving off large (puintities of
black damp, which required strong currents of air to remove, and the
furnace producing the ventilation did not have suilficient pow(n- to
give the desired effect. However, this state of affairs did not
exist long, as the ventilation has been improved by erecting a fan 10
feet in diameter, with blades (j^ feet widi^, driven by an engine 12x10
inches, coupled direct to the fan.
Upon my last visit I measured 50,400 cubic feet of air per minute
passing at the inlet, with the fan running eighty revolutions per
minute and producing a water-gauge of 1.4 inches. The airway leading
from the fan is obstructed by falls and water in several places, thus
reducing the area and increasing the resistance. There are also
several
short curves, which are a great hindrance to the air on its
course from the fan to the workings. I am informed by those in
charge that in the near future this airway will be straightened and
the area made larger. This, if done, will reduce the "friction" and
the fan will give better results. Mine foreman, Daniel Campbell.
Jamison Slope.—This mine was in fair condition when last (examined,
both in regard to ventilation and drainage. The (juantity of
air in circulation was 22,400 cubic feet per minute. Mine foreman,
John A. Hart.
Mines On and Near the Unity liranch of the I'ennsylvania R. Tl.
Puritan, or Baggarley.—This is a new mine, situated on the Unity
Rr'anch of the P. R. R., in Unity township, Westmoreland county, and
is opeiated by the Puritan Coke Company. It is a slope opening in
the Connellsville vein of coking coal, which has here an average thickness
of eight f