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By John Blandy

EVERY new mining district has had its own peculiar experiences in inventing and experimenting upon new methods for the various operations of mining, and more particularly in the processes of crushing and dressing ores. As a matter of course, during this period many old things have been reinvented, patented, and cast aside, there to remain until at a future day other geniuses shall bring them forth again as new. In this respect the Copper Region of Michigan has not been behind other mining centres, and probably in no other part of the country has more money been expended in devising new machines and improvements upon old ones for the crushing of the rock. The appliances for washing the sand have not been so varied, simply for the reason that, having but one mineral, or rather metal, of high specific gravity to separate from rock material which varies but little in its character in any one mine, it requires much less care than is necessary in most mining centres of the world. At the beginning of operations in that district most of the work was in the control of Cornish miners, who introduced the simplest of Cornish mills, namely, wooden stem pestles, with wooden shafts and cams. These were well suited to the small mines, and particularly to the limited means of transporting more expensive machinery. As these facilities improved, they were enabled to change to iron, and to vary their patterns of rods, shafts, cams, and mortars. The most approved pattern, finally obtained, is the square or round stem, with collar adjustable by means of keys. In its present form it is a bar of cold rolled shafting, an eye in the top, an adjustable collar with key-plate and keys, the head and a shoe of chilled iron. The stem is fitted into the head by a slight taper. The battery has heretofore been of wood, lined with chilled cast plates, and bed-plate of the same, but within the past year the California pattern has been introduced. The screens are of sheet-steel, drilled with 16 holes to the inch. During this period of trial and gradual improvement in the pestle stamps, in the years 1855-6, the Ball steam-stamps were intro¬duced, and after years of labor and expense, have been made the most efficient and powerful machines ever yet used for the purpose. It is ostensibly the Nasmyth steam-hammer, and yet the

Jan 1, 1874

By E. H. Rose

THE present symposium on flotation machines provides a unique opportunity for group reappraisal of standard or habitual viewpoints. A symposium is by definition a trading post for observations that might prove complementary when put together, thus leading to useful thoughts that might not have been evident from the original observations individually. The present paper, pertaining to power consumption in flotation, is deliberately an experiment of that kind. Data were solicited from the operating superintendents of several of the major flotation plants on this continent. The information received, covering a total of 14 separate operations in seven plants, has been collated in terms of power intensity; that is, the total power input per cubic foot of cell volume. This departs somewhat from the conventional expression of power per ton of ore treated, though the latter figure is also given for the plants concerned. Because of wartime restrictions, particularly in Canada, identifying names of plants and machines are withheld. Not as a firm conclusion, but as a tender for symposium discussion, the following points are made: I. That flotation is a power operation in much the same sense as ball milling. 2. That contact time is the complement of power intensity and may be decreased as the latter is increased. 3. That a decrease in flotation power per ton of ore can result from an increase in power intensity. ANALOGY WITH GRINDING In grinding, it has become axiomatic that the more the power put into a given operation, the greater the work performance. The analogous view is now proposed that the effectiveness of any flotation operation will be related to the mechanical energy usefully applied to that operation. Under this view, each increment of properly directed input energy should give either an increase in unit tonnage or an improvement in the metallurgical separation (concentrate grade or tailing grade), until either the theoretical limit imposed by mineral constitution or surface condition is reached, or until further increments of power become uneconomic under the law of diminishing returns. Thus, as in grinding, there are two forms of output that greater power input or improved utilization of power can produce. As for the law of diminishing returns, lower unit cost of power through improved generating efficiency in the past decade has pushed the limit back. Over and above this, however, there is strong indication in the operationg data herein presented that higher power intensity results in an actual economy of over-all power consumption. Like crushing and grinding, flotation accomplishes a rupture of the forces of molecular attraction, by taking particles from the common environment and placing them in the two separate environments of

Jan 1, 1944

By E. H. Rose

The present symposium on flotation machines provides a unique opportunity for group reappraisal of standard or habitual viewpoints. A symposium is by definition a trading post- for observations that might prove complementary when put together, thus leading to useful thoughts that might not have been evident from the original observations individually. The present paper, pertaining to power consumption in flotation, is deliberately an experiment of that kind. Data were solicited from the operating superintendents of several of the major flotation plants on this continent. The information received, covering a total of 14 separate operations in seven plants, has been collated in terms of power intensity; that is, the total power input per cubic foot of cell volume. This departs somewhat from the conventional expression of power per ton of ore treated, though the latter figure is also given for the plants concerned. Because of wartime restrictions, particularly in Canada, identifying names of plants and machines are withheld. Not as a firm conclusion, but as a tender for symposium discussion, the following points are made: 1. That flotation is a power operation in much the same sense as ball milling. 2. That contact time is the complement of power intensity and may be decreased as the latter is increased. 3. That a decrease in flotation power per ton of ore can result from an increase in power intensity. Analogy with Grinding In grinding, it has become axiomatic that the more the power put into a given operation, the greater the work performance. The analogous view is now proposed that the effectiveness of any flotation operation will be related to the mechanical energy usefully applied to that operation. Under this view, each increment of properly directed input energy should give either an increase in unit tonnage or an improvement in the metallurgical separation (concentrate grade or tailing grade), until either the theoretical limit imposed by mineral constitution or surface condition is reached, or until further increments of power become uneconomic under the law of diminishing returns. Thus, as in grinding, there are two forms of output that greater power input or improved utilization of power can produce. As for the law of diminishing returns, lower unit cost of power through improved generating efficiency in the past decade has pushed the limit back. Over and above this, however, there is strong indication in the operationg data herein presented that higher power intensity results in an actual economy of over-all power consumption. Like crushing and grinding, flotation accomplishes a rupture of the forces of molecular attraction, by taking particles from the common environment and placing them in the two separate environments of

Jan 1, 1947

By E. H. Rose

The present symposium on flotation machines provides a unique opportunity for group reappraisal of standard or habitual viewpoints. A symposium is by definition a trading post- for observations that might prove complementary when put together, thus leading to useful thoughts that might not have been evident from the original observations individually. The present paper, pertaining to power consumption in flotation, is deliberately an experiment of that kind. Data were solicited from the operating superintendents of several of the major flotation plants on this continent. The information received, covering a total of 14 separate operations in seven plants, has been collated in terms of power intensity; that is, the total power input per cubic foot of cell volume. This departs somewhat from the conventional expression of power per ton of ore treated, though the latter figure is also given for the plants concerned. Because of wartime restrictions, particularly in Canada, identifying names of plants and machines are withheld. Not as a firm conclusion, but as a tender for symposium discussion, the following points are made: 1. That flotation is a power operation in much the same sense as ball milling. 2. That contact time is the complement of power intensity and may be decreased as the latter is increased. 3. That a decrease in flotation power per ton of ore can result from an increase in power intensity. Analogy with Grinding In grinding, it has become axiomatic that the more the power put into a given operation, the greater the work performance. The analogous view is now proposed that the effectiveness of any flotation operation will be related to the mechanical energy usefully applied to that operation. Under this view, each increment of properly directed input energy should give either an increase in unit tonnage or an improvement in the metallurgical separation (concentrate grade or tailing grade), until either the theoretical limit imposed by mineral constitution or surface condition is reached, or until further increments of power become uneconomic under the law of diminishing returns. Thus, as in grinding, there are two forms of output that greater power input or improved utilization of power can produce. As for the law of diminishing returns, lower unit cost of power through improved generating efficiency in the past decade has pushed the limit back. Over and above this, however, there is strong indication in the operationg data herein presented that higher power intensity results in an actual economy of over-all power consumption. Like crushing and grinding, flotation accomplishes a rupture of the forces of molecular attraction, by taking particles from the common environment and placing them in the two separate environments of

Jan 1, 1947

By Matti J. Saarivirta

The relative machinabilities of the precipitation-hardenable Cu-0.9 pct Cr, Cu-0.25 pct Zr, and Cu-0.9 pct Cr-0.25 pct Zr alloys are improved from 18 to 80 pct by 0.75 to 1.25 pct Pb. The Lead also improves the tensile strength, hardness, ad resistance to softening of the Cu-Cr and Cu-Cr-Zr alloys. When the alloy containing 0.7 to 2.2 pct Cr, 0.10 to 0.25 pct Zr, 0.75 to 1.25 pct Pb, and balance copper is solution-annealed at 1000°C (1830°F) and then aged at 525°C (Y75°F), tensile strength of 65,000 psi, 16 pct elongation, 62Rb hardness, and 84 to 87pct IACS electrical conductivity are obtained. The copper base Cu-Cr, Cu-Zr, and Cu-Cr-Zr alloys have high electrical and thermal conductivities, high strength and resistance to softening at elevated temperatures, but their machinability is poor, i.e., close to that of the pure copper. In the manufacture of various components such as welding electrodes or electrical and thermal conductors it is ofter desirable that the alloy have good machinability for high production rates and long tool life. Thus, alloys that combine these properties may be used not only for existing applications, but for new ones where good machinability is a requirement. This investigation was undertaken to improve machinability without impairing other desirable characteristics of the Cu-Cr, Cu-Zr, and Cu-Cr-Zr alloys. These commercial alloys contain about 0.4 to 1.2 pct Cr, 0.10 to 0.25 pct Zr, and balance copper. Lead was selected as an element that should improve the machinability and possibly other characteristics of the alloy. WORK PROCEDURE This investigation began with a study of the effect of lead on the hardness, tensile strength, electrical conductivity, and machinability of the binary alloy containing 0.10 to 1.30 pct Cr and balance copper. This was followed by an investigation of the effect of lead on the Cu-0.1 to 0.4 pct Zr and Cu-Cr-Zr alloys. The alloys were made from initially oxygen-free copper and for comparison some castings were made from phosphorus-deoxidized Lake Copper. Commercially pure chromium, zirconium, and lead were used for alloying. In melting the chromium was added to molten copper at 1400°C (2550°F), the heat held for 15 min at temperature, and the temperature then lowered to 1350°C (2460°F) when the other elements were added. The alloys were held for 15 min at this temperature and cast into a cast-iron mold. One-kilogram, 3-in.-diam castings were made. An argon cover was maintained during melting and casting to prevent oxidation. The chemical compositions of the alloys are shown in Table I. The micro structure and properties of the alloys were studied in the cast and wrought conditions prior to and after various solution-annealing and heat-treating cycles. The relative machinability was determined as a function of the lead content and compared with the free-machining Cu-lpct Pb alloy. To determine the machinability, 13/16-in.-diam cast specimens were cut by a machine hack saw using a constant cutting speed of 50 fpm, a fixed feed force, and a new blade for each alloy specimen. Molybdenum highspeed steel saw blades, 0.032 in. thick with 14 teeth per in., were used in all tests. No cutting fluid was used. Five tests were made on each specimen and the average elapsed time per test was taken as a measure of the relative machinability for that alloy. The variation of cutting time for each alloy was less than 110 pct.

Jan 1, 1969

By A. W. H. Morris, E. A. Steigerwald

The jatzgue beizazriov oj Mietal matrix co))zpos~tes in tension -lensiom loading has been imestigated as a junction of Dolume fraclion veinfovcelnent using the model systems of a silver matrix reinforced with contlnuous or dzscontztinuous aligned tungsten jilamenls and continuous aligned steel filamenls. Appreciable impvocetnents in fatigue strength were obseved in all syslems inzvesLigated, the degree of sl renglhenng-increasing with increasing volume fraclion of reinforcement. The mode of fatigue failure was found to be a function of colutrre jp-actiotz and was also noted to be controlled by the relative fatigue and strength characlerislics of the matrix and reinforcemenl. THE advantages to be gained by suitably incorporating high-strength filaments or whiskers into metallic matrices are well-recognized.' To date emphasis has been placed on the experimental determination of tensile strengths and elastic moduli of metal matrix composites measured parallel to unidirectionally aligned filaments. Several attempts have been made to relate experimentally measured tensile properties to theoretical values calculated from the properties of the components on the basis of the relatively simple "rule of mixtures" analysis. However, relatively few data have been reported in the literature on the fatigue behavior and mechanism of fatigue failure of metal matrix composites. In a study of fatigue crack propagation in aluminum plus steel wires and aluminum plus tungsten wires, Forsyth et a1.2 found that the incorporation of small numbers of filaments suitably dispersed were capable of substantially reducing the rate of fatigue crack propagation. For this purpose, the strength of the filaments appeared to be more important than the aspect ratio and the authors reported that parallel filaments were not the most favorable orientation for increased strength. In a basic study of the fiber reinforcement of metals, Williams and 0'brien3 report preliminary results which indicate a considerable improvement in fatigue strength in reversed bending fatigue of a steel wire-reinforced aluminum alloy composite. In a study of the influence of interfacial bonding on fatigue behavior, Baker4 has also reported improved fatigue properties in stainless steel-reinforced aluminum composites. In contrast, Ham and place5 report that, although tensile properties are improved greatly by filament reinforcement, the reinforcement of copper with continuous, brittle tungsten wires up to 23 vol pct was comparatively ineffective against fatigue. The authors attribute the poor fatigue properties of the composite to fatigue hardening of the matrix at the tips of cracks which can build up stress concentrations sufficiently large to fracture proximate filaments. Baker and cratchley6 failed to find marked improvements in the reversed-bending fatigue properties of silica-reinforced aluminum. The study was complicated by the complex behavior in a composite during the compres-sive half-cycles imposed in this type of loading. This was manifested in the failure of the composites by de-lamination, a contributing factor being the presence of aluminum oxide at the matrix-filament interface. Prior to the general acceptance of filament-rein-

Jan 1, 1968

By H. F. Johnson, C. S. Harloff

The Nichols series system of electrolytic copper refining has successfully maintained its strong competitive position in the copper-refining industry of today; therefore the improvements made in accomplishing this result are of interest. While additional interest would lie in specific comparisons of results obtained in series operation with those in multiple, we have refrained from such a comparison because it can be fair to both only when they are operating under similar conditions on the same grade of materials. Historical The Nichols Copper Co. started a small refinery at Laurel Hill, using its present system, about 1892. The details of the process in its early stage of development were kept strictly secret, so that no information was published or interchange of ideas permitted with the staffs of other copper refineries, where the multiple system was being developed at the same time. However, the fundamentals of the process and type of cell used today differ very little from their earliest form. All operations including loading and unloading of tanks, and all transportation as well, were carried on by hand. The plant remained in this condition with a gradual expansion taking place until the World War forced such a rapid development that little time or thought could be devoted to modernization or mechanical improvement requiring careful design or detailed planning. Considerable progress was made, however. (1) Large refining furnaces were developed. (2) The old expensive air-lift type of circulation was abandoned in favor of the present system. (3) Operating technique was gradually developed to a high point of efficiency. (4) Tank construction and lining were greatly improved, the first concrete tank being installed in 1915. (This tank is still in operating condition.) (5) A new power plant was constructed. (6) Fuel oil was substituted for lump coal on the refining furnaces. (7) Mechanical casting of the finished product was accomplished. During this entire period the plant was particularly fortunate in receiving only high-grade, clean copper bullion coming principally from the Phelps Dodge mines in Arizona. This, together with the lack of

Jan 1, 1934

By N. E. Grosvenor

The present and future activity of western coking coals is discussed. A general description of location, quantity, and quality is used as a basis for discussing development, mining, and marketing problems facing these reserves. As the need for coke from the West increases, solutions to the present mining and transportation problems will be forthcoming. Improved mining and blending technology, coupled with a more economical transportation solution, must precede a rapid development of the West's coke reserves. Ever increasing demands on coke production enhance the prospects of an accelerated development of these reserves.

Jan 1, 1976

By John D. Siddle

Efficient energy utilization in the electrolytic zinc process, relative to other zinc processes, is one of the reasons for its wide adoption in recent years. Designers and operators of electrolytic zinc plants have pioneered process improvements, new equipment, and operating techniques to conserve energy. As energy costs advance still higher in the future, and competitive pressure against the less efficient producers increases, these or alternative energy-saving methods will be looked upon as a necessity for economic survival. Estimated energy savings which may be achieved by various equipment and techniques are included.

Jan 1, 1977

By S. S. Hsieh

Important carboxylic acid components of tall oils were tested individually as phosphate flotation reagents. These included C18 unsaturated fatty acids and C10 to C18 saturated fatty acids and resin acids. These experiments were conducted to evaluate such factors as the degree of unsaturation, hydro-carbon chain length, isomeric form, side-group modification, and cyclic structure. The effects of mineralogical characteristics on flotation response also were considered. Results of this systematic evaluation provide guidelines for selecting efficient substitute reagents and fundamental data for further research on improved flotation technology.

Jan 1, 1983

By R. P. Alger, M. P. Tixier, D. R. Tanguy

In the combination induction-electrical log used at present in the field, the induction logging tool is appropriate for the investigation of moderately invaded formations. A new induction sonde with a radius and investigation about twice as large has been developed recently for the case of deep invasion. It has very nearly the same vertical resolution as the present sonde so that thin beds are defined as accurately as before. The characteristics of the new tool are described, the corresponding interpretation charts are given and field examples are discussed. The design of the sonic logging tool has been modified to improve the calibration and the reliability. The fact that porosity can be accurately recorded by means of the sonic log has prompted new interpretation procedures for saturation estimation, wherein the data concerning the various permeable beds in a given well are correlated. One approach consists of plotting transit time vs true resistivity, with an appropriate scale. With this approach, saturations can be estimated conveniently even in cases where formation water resistivity is not well known. In another approach, a comparison is made of the values of the formation waters computed from the re- sistivity and sonic logs. Using the concept of continuity, this procedure makes possible a quick determination of zones of saturation in shaly sands and/or in case of appreciable variations of formation salinities with depth. It has been found that the comparison of porosity from the sonic log with the apparent porosity computed from a short-investigation resistivity log may reveal, in many cases, the presence of residual oil and thus detect potentially productive formations; this procedure is valuable when the true formation resistivity and the resistivity of the formation water are in doubt. INTRODUCTION During the past year, the efficiency of log interpretation has been vastly improved. The improvements have largely resulted from the introduction of a deep-investigation induction device and from the application of new interpretation techniques that utilize sonic vs resistivity readings. Since the new interpretation techniques depend, in part, upon good values of true formation resistivity, the new induction log will be discussed under Part I. The sonic interpretation techniques will be studied under Part 11. Early in 1959, the 6FF40 induction equipment was introduced in the field. This device was designed for a better approach to true formation resistivities in deeply invaded zones. The greatly improved radial investigation of the 6FF40 equipment has been achieved without sacrificing vertical resolution. The first combination induction-electrical log, the 5FF40, was introduced as a standard tool in 1956 for the logging of wells drilled with fresh muds. The tool has received wide industry acceptance in the United States. 'The 5FF40 induction log has a radial investigation sufficient to overcome average depths of mud filtrate invasion. At 5d invasion, for example, the 5FF40 induction log will read about 1.4 R. in a water sand where R., = 10R,. At 10d invasion, such induction log would read 2.45 R. in the same water sand. In either case, the effects of invasion would not be sufficiently great to cause a water sand to be mistaken for a shale-free oil- or gas-producing zone. Some formations, however, invade deeply — in excess of 10d. Such water zones could be mistaken for oil-or gas-saturated sands unless the porosity balance' can clearly make the distinction. It is for these deeply invaded formations that the 6FF40 was developed. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 6FF40 Radial Investigation Characteristics To describe the comparative responses of the 5FF40

By R. B. Fuller, E. T. Casler

MANY changes were made in the methods and equipment used in the mining of pebble phosphate rock in the generation immediately preceding the present World War and it would be extremely interesting to note the improvements that will be made during the next generation. Literally, much water has gone over the dam since the days when we used local cordwood for generating steam and drying pebble phosphate rock. belt-driven centrifugal pumps operated by steam engines. and floating dipper or centrifugal dredges; when we removed overburden by small steam shovels and transported it by dinkey locomotives and six-yard cars; when washing machinery was installed on wooden structures the washers being replaced every four to six years. Those were the days when men were plentiful, and 47 different mining companies were selling their products, based on .decidedly meager information; and. like so many mining operations, little thought was given to conservation. As the importance of phosphate rock has become more prominent in the thoughts of our economists, a more intelligent approach has been made to mining problems. Vast improvements have been made in the technique and processing of the phosphate matrix and stripping of overburden, which, in turn, have brought developments in machines and equipment and a more

Jan 1, 1944

FIRE tubes are commonly made in order to frighten horses or to harm enemy soldiers, but although fire issues from them, they do not cause much damage because they cannot be used at a distance. If you wish to use them, you are not able to approach close to the enemy, for if there is anyone who is afraid, he does not let you approach nor does he come near you until he sees that they have finished burning. Thus, in short, the assault with this is one that is seen beforehand, and for which there is always time to decide on some action in defense. It is indeed true that they are beautiful things to see and when the name tubes of fire is heard it terrifies those who do not have a defense ready. When four, six, or indeed ten or twelve of these are put in the hands of as many courageous and united men, they are surely good in forcing passage on a guarded bridge, or in entering or holding a gate, road, or other narrow place. They serve also for setting fire to dwellings or the enemy's supplies,

Jan 1, 1942

By K. R. Weller

The Ardlethan Tin Ltd. concentrator typically recovers 55% of the tin in a gravity concentrate at 51% grade from fresh ore assaying 0.5% Sn. Coarse gravity concentration is performed in a complex circuit involving Reichert cones, spirals, shaking tables and two regrind mills. The paper describes how flow and size-by-size sample data from a steady-state survey were used to construct a computer model of the plant involving 46 process streams. The data reduction involved a computer- aided mass balancing technique, recovery-size modelling of gravity concentrators and the use of a mineral dressing flowsheet simulator. The model was used to simulate possible rearrangements of the available equipment. Early simulations indicated that improved performance could be obtained by using spirals to-treat cone middlings or tailings rather than cone concentrates. A test spiral rig was used at Ardlethan to determine typical performances for all cone product streams and the results were incorporated in new simulations. A revised circuit was recommended and implemented by Ardlethan Tin as far as physical restraints within the plant would allow. Production figures show that a substantial increase in tin recovery and 10-15% increase in milling rate were achieved following the circuit changes, and these improvements were sustained over a six month period.

Jan 1, 1984

By L. L. Davis

Current research by the US Bureau of Mines to develop technology for improving efficiency and productivity in metal/nonmetal mines is described. The research program addresses a wide variety of problems associated with each of the major categories of mining: underground mining, surface mining, m situ mining, and premining investigations. An overview of the Bureau's research activities is given with emphasis on underground mining. In particular, two innovative and promising concepts currently under development are described: a unique shaft sinking system that uses an impact hammer for rock fragmentation, and a low-profile portable crusher for underground hard-rock applications.

Jan 1, 1982

By P. W. Ramsey, D. P. Kedzie

INCREASING demand for improved strength-weight ratios made on aircraft structures has resulted in a gradual increase in the tensile strength requirements for steels used in such applications. As the cyclic loads often are more critical than static loads, and the fatigue properties are generally the design criteria, the question arises as to whether an improvement in fatigue properties accompanies the increased tensile strength. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the relationship between fatigue and tensile properties for an aircraft quality steel in the 155 to 280 ksi (1000 psi) tensile strength range, using the Prot method of fatigue testing. Procedure and Results After preliminary work to establish proper heat treating procedures for this heat of aircraft quality electric furnace steel (a Ni-Cr-Mo-V steel," AMS- Prot Fatigue Testing Method—The determination of the endurance limit by the conventional Wohler method can be time-consuming and easily require 20 specimens when statistical variance is to be established. This is also true when endurance limit loads are determined on actual parts or subassem-blies, and the desirability of a reliable accelerated method has been evident for some time. The primary advantage of the Prot method of fatigue testing is in reducing the number of specimens and the time required for each test. Unlike the Wohler method, every Prot specimen tested con- tributes to the determination of the endurance limit, and the authors have been able to duplicate Wohler results obtained with 20 specimens with only half the specimens and a fourth of the total cycles. This new technique for defining the endurance limit was proposed in 1948' by Marcel Prot and consists of progressively increasing cyclic stress until fatigue failure occurs. By varying the load rate, a, a useful relationship is found to exist with failure stress, so that for steel the failure stress appears to

Jan 1, 1958

By R. E. Lindstrom, D. G. Peterson, H. J. Heinen

Alkaline alcohol solutions were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Mines for improving the desorption rate of gold and silver from metal-laden activated carbon generated in gold processing circuits. Factors affecting the desorption, such as temperature, alcohol content, type of alcohol, and alkalinity, were studied. Nearly complete metal desorption was obtained in 5 to 6 hr at 80º C using a solution containing about 20 vol-pct alcohol and 1 pct sodium hydroxide. Sodium sulfide was shown to be effective for selectively precipitating silver from the carbon strip solutions, thereby providing a means for producing high- purity gold by subsequent electrolysis.

Jan 1, 1976

By T. B. Armstrong

Electrical energy conservation sees that service facilities are operated only when needed and that production equipment is operated under an optimum condition. Specific energy consumption (kw-hr per tonne) is not regularly recorded for comminution circuits because of variations in ore characteristics and the low grinding efficiency (0.1 to 2.0%) of the equipment. Improved data acquisition can produce meaningful results. Particle size monitor systems and density gauges permit comparison of energy (kw-hr) and production (tonne) for a "fixed" condition. Finding the operating condition producing the lowest unit energy consumption provides a target for an effective energy management program.

Jan 1, 1982

By M. S. Klima, P. T. Luckie

Interfacing new or improved unit operations SUBMODULES with the EXECUTIVE of a macro analysis simulator usually requires modification of the input data. For example, particle processing SUBMODULES that are sufficiently general in nature to provide useful predictions require input data for rather narrow size fractions. Such data is not always available for the EXECUTIVE and must therefore be generated by the SUBMODULE. A successful interface to allow incorporation of a new SUBMODULE for comminution and one for classification in a general stream state flowsheet simulator is presented. The general nature of the SUBMODULES, as well as the logic of expanding and contracting the required data input is discussed.

Jan 1, 1983

By F. M. Lewis, J.F. Myers

The Tennessee Copper Company's operations are in the Ducktown Basin, in the extreme southeast corner of Tennessee. The ore is of the heavy sulphide type, the predominating sulphides being pyrite, pyr-rhotite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite. The gangue is a micaceous schist, with varying amounts of free quartz. The mining operation develops two classes of ore, each of which is concentrated by the flotation process in separate mills. Table 1 shows a typical analysis of the ore treated in each mill. The London mill was built in 1922, with a capacity of 400 tons per day. This was gradually increased to 600 tons by 1926, to 900 tons in 1928, and to 1350 tons in 1938. Fig. 1 shows the crushing and grinding flowsheet in 1928, when the capacity was 900 tons; Fig. 2, the crushing and grinding flowsheet that was developed by 1938, for the treatment of 1350 tons per day. A comparison of these flowsheets reveals that this increase in tonnage, with a subsequent improved operation, was accomplished with identically the same major equipment. Improving a concentrator's capacity, metallurgical results, and costs as time goes by is a commonplace practice, and is accomplished in various ways, depending upon the local conditions. The reason for presenting the data of how this was accomplished in the mills of the Tennessee Copper Co. is that a fast-running rod mill plays such an interesting role

Jan 1, 1943