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

No. 10. SIXTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 2S7
Pattou District.
There are six mines here, shipping coal over the Beech Creek Railroad.
"Patton" mine is a small operation, located near Carrolltown.
There was not much work done during the year. I examined the
mine twice, and each time it was in good condition as regards ventilation,
but the drainage was a little defective on my last examination,
owing, I believe, to its having been idle for some time.
"Ashcroft."—The sanitary condition of this mine is fairly good,
but some arrangement will have to be made for splitting the air,
owing to the number of men, in order to comply with the law. The
location of the furnace will be found very unfavorable for splitting
the current.
This is a matter that should be well considered in opening
up a colliei'y and locating the ventilating plant.
is
"Columbia.''—Unfortunately, the ventilating plant of this colliery
unfavorably located for splitting the air, as the fan is on the same
side of the main heading as the cross heading, which necessitates the
building over each cross heading of air bridges large enough to carry
the whole volume over them. If the fan were set on the opposite
side of the main heading, a small overcast would suffice, as it would
then be net-essary to carry only the one current over it. On my last
inspection I measured over 30,000 cubic feet of air in circulation, and
it was being fairly well carried to the face of the works. Another split
is necessary in order to comply with the requirements of the law, and
there is no question but that it will improve the sanitary condition of
the mine.
^'New Pardee."—This is the largest colliery at this point, and I
am pleased to report its sanitary condition good. It is apparent,
from an examination of the colliery, that everything is done in a systematic
manner. All headings are driven as straight as an arrow, and
arc wide and roomy, giving suifiicient space for drivers to pass their
tiips anywhere in the min(\ P.oth main headings have a parallel airway
on each side, thus making plenty of room for the air, which is divided
into three splits.
'"Moshannon."—When examined last, the ventilation and drainage
were somewhat defective, which was caused by wet weather.
The ventilation was affected by the water coming down the furnace
shaft, thus checking the upcast column of air. The drainage was
atfected also by the large influx
strata.
of water which came through the
Usually this mine is kept in fairly good condition.
"Flanigan I\un."—Is one of the largest collieries in the local dis
trict, as many as 2.50 men having been employed here at one time.
The ventilation was formerly produced by a furnace, but the management
lins now ]>ut up a seven foot Stine fan. On my last visit the
fan had Ixh'U elected but not started, as the steam connection had not
been made. I hope to see the fan improve the ventilation of this
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