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By G. A. Savanick

Borehole (slurry) mining, where a tool incorporating a water-jet cutter and a downhole slurry pump mines phosphate through a borehole, was field tested in northeastern Florida as part of a US Bureau of Mines program to increase the domestic availability of critical minerals. About 1.5 kt (1700 st) of phosphate ore were mined at 23.6 t/h (26 stph) from a depth of 76 m (250 ft). The borehole was filled with water during mining for roof support and to assist slurry pumping. Underwater cutting was enhanced with an air-shrouded water jet. Mined cavities were backfilled to prevent subsidence after abandonment. Roof subsidence during mining was avoided only when the cavity was filled with water. Environmental monitoring before, during, and after mining included hydrological studies and measurements of water quality. Significant water quality changes occurred only in the zone being mined and were confined to the immediate area of the borehole.

Jan 1, 1986

JOHN W. BELL,* Montreal, Canada (written discussion?).-Mr. Hardinge's "hammer" theory is, I believe, a sound one; but, unfortunately, at the very place in the Hardinge mill where there should ,be a large number of small "hammers," there is room for only a very few. The results in Mr. Van Winkle's paper seem to indicate that the practical development of the theory can best be accomplished by stage crushing, using cylindrical mills. It would be very interesting to know if any stage-crushing experiments have been made at Inspiration with Marry mills. Mr: H. Kenyon Burch says:1 "The Marcy mill also proved to be a most excellent intermediate crusher, handling as high as 800 tons of 3-in. feed and under, to pass an 8-mesh screen without return of oversize." It seems reasonable to suppose that a large part of this output would be a finished- product; consequently, if it were possible to send the oversize from two of the primary mills to one secondary mill using balls of small diameter, a considerable saving in power might be realized, provided it were not necessary greatly to enlarge the secondary mill. It does not seem reasonable to suppose that fine material can he crushed as quickly or as efficiently in a primary ball-mill as in a re-crushing mill especially designed for that work. Experimental data, of course, are essential in deciding questions of this kind.

Jan 4, 1918

By Maxwell Adams

Considerable interest has recently been developed in sage-brush oil because of its possible utilization as a flotation agent in the mining industry. A list of some of its physical properties, together with the method used in its extraction, may prove of interest at this time. Something over a year ago, a study of the essential oils in desert plants was begun in the Chemical Laboratory of the University of Nevada. None of the oils so far studied possess properties of special interest to engineers, except the oil of sage, Artemisia tridentata, which has exceptional power as a flotation agent. This plant, known as common sage brush, also called black sage, is widely distributed over the semi-arid West, being found quite generally on most of the dry plains and mountains west of Missouri. The method of extracting the oil followed in these experiments is very simple. The leaves, twigs and small branches are placed in an airtight drum, having a capacity of about 27 cu. ft. Steam is admitted through a number of ,small openings at the bottom of the retort, and the pressure maintained at 20 to 25 lb. per sq. in. for 3 hr. The escape of the steam from the retort is regulated by allowing it to pass through a stop-cock into a condenser. The water in the receiver is drawn off from time to time and the oil, which is insoluble and floats upon the water, is thus collected. At the end of 2 hr. most of the oil has been driven out, though traces continue to come over for a much longer time. By raising the pressure, the time required could probably be shortened and the yield increased, but the lack of laboratory equipment has prevented the carrying out of this experiment. The stock wood, bark and branches contain no oil, the distribution of the oil being limited to the leaves and young shoots. There is a seasonal variation in the amount of oil contained. Samples collected on different dates gave the following amount of oil: May 1, 0.42 per cent.; May 27, 0.6 per cent.; June 30, 0.72 per cent.; Aug. 1, 0.9 per cent.; Sept. 10, 1.0 per cent. The increase appears fairly constant from early spring, when the leaves first appear, until light frosts occur in the autumn. When the plant is air-dried there is some loss of oil, as the following data will show: Two 100-lb. samples were collected at the same time. One was distilled when green; the other was air dried for

Jan 1, 1917

By Joseph Cervik

INTRODUCTION Common methods of controlling gob gas in U.S. mines are by means of ventilation of gob areas and gas drainage through surface boreholes. Costs of drilling surface gob holes increase as deeper coal- beds are mined. Where gob holes cannot be drilled because of topography, ventilation is the only means of control. Even then, sufficient air may not be available to dilute methane in the bleeder entries to acceptable levels. Thus, new methods of gob gas control need to be developed that are independent of surface topography, and of the mine ventilation system, and less costly than present systems. Except for slight variations in procedures and equipment, Great Britain, West Germany, France, Belguim, Poland, and Czechoslovakia use a common methane control method that is different from the system generally used in the United States. This Bureau of Mines paper reviews European mining methods, mining conditions, and methane control technology and discusses their applicability to U.S. mines.

Jan 1, 1981

By B. Trentini

In the spectacular development of pure oxygen steel-making, the process using the vertical lance converter LD, is at the present time the most widely employed. Proper control of slag composition during the steel-making process appears to be essential in achieving satisfactory blowing from both the metallic yield and metallurgical points of view. The paper illustrates the primary importance of the presence of a large quantity of metal droplets in the slag during the process. In the case of both phosphorus and hematite pig iron, it can be deduced from the phase diagrams and confirmed by experimentation that nonhomogeneous slags are one of the causes of slag overflowing during the blow. The problem is however a complex one and further physicochemical studies appear necessary. Finally, the new continuous steelmakingprocess developed by IRSID is described. PEOPLE who knew Henri Marion Howe have said that he took great pleasure in speculating on the future of metallurgical processes. It is therefore not inappropriate to devote, in his memory, some description and discussion to processes unknown to the world of his time, in particular oxygen steelmaking and continuous steelmaking. The first industrial application to steelmaking of tonnage oxygen produced by air liquefaction was made in Germany just before the war and consisted in enriching the air blown through the bottom of a basic Begsemer converter in order to melt a higher proportion of scrap and to produce steels with lower nitrogen content than is achieved with conventional practice. While this process was being developed after the war, mostly in Western Europe, steelmakers were becoming increasingly familiar with the technique of blowing pure oxygen from the top, first by means of consumable steel pipes, with or without refractory shielding, and later by water-cooled lances, designed for the purpose and affording longer life. The field was then open for the wide use of pure oxygen in steelmaking, either in existing processes such as open-hearth or electric furnace, or in new processes. These new processes can be broadly classified according to the category of furnace employed. In the case of the vertical converter taken as the first category, bottom-blowing of pure oxygen causes extremely rapid wear of the refractory tuyeres, and although various expedients have been tried to overcome this drawback (such as mixing oxygen with CO2 or H2O or using high pressure oxygen), they have had to be abandoned. The solution for vertical converters has been found in top-blowing with a vertical water-cooled lance; this is known as the LD process or basic oxygen converter process.

Jan 1, 1969

By Benjamin N. Webber

The peninsula of Nicoya contains virtually all of the known manganese deposits of Costa Rica. These are south and west of the Tempisque River, which flows across the peninsula near its juncture with the mainland. This peninsula forms the westernmost part of the province of Guana-caste, which is the northern. of the two Pacific Coast provinces of Costa Rica. The larger villages are connected by ox-cart roads and trails. The area may be covered on horseback without difficulty except during the rainy season, when rivers are in flood and difficult to ford. This is particularly true of the Rio Seco-Guay-jiniquil area, where there are no inhabitants and few open trails through the tropical jungle. Santa Cruz and Sardinal are served by the Taca Airlines, two planes a week from San Jose and Puntarenas. The port of Puntarenas has excellent loading facilities but none are available nearer the manganese districts; there ore must be lightered to vessels standing offshore. Physiography In Costa Rica there are three physiographic divisions: (I) the central plateau (Mesa Central), a somewhat dissected lava platform upon which are superimposed volcanic peaks, some of which are still active; (2) the Atlantic lowlands and (3) the Pacific lowlands. The peninsula of Nicoya and the larger part of the province of Guanacaste lie within the Pacific low- lands. The term "lowland" indicates relation to the central plateau, as the peninsula of Nicoya is largely mountainous. The mountains of Nicoya form the southern extremity of a range of low hills, which are almost continuous along the Costa Rican coast to the Nicaraguan border. The coast line shows evidence of subsidence. The Gulf of Nicoya obviously is the drowned valley of the Tempisque River. The west coast of Nicoya shows many rocks, shoals, bays, inlets and small islands as evidence of a sea encroachment. The altitude of the manganese deposits ranges from 0 to 800 ft. Topography is of the mature type of wide valleys and low hills, often with abrupt slopes. The climate is tropical and humid; rainfall of 125 in. falls largely between Sept. I and Jan. I. Vegetation often is very dense, the Rio Seco-Guayjiniquil area being truly tropical jungle, containing many hardwoods. History and Production The production of manganese ore in Costa Rica apparently dates from the first World War. It reached a peak of about 10,000 tons in the year 1919, then declined rapidly. Evidence of this period of prospecting has rotted away or been swallowed by the jungle. The war now in progress apparently revived the interest in Costa Rican manganese and has encouraged further prospecting. Deposits long known have been redenounced and trails have been cut through the jungle to them. Many new deposits have been discovered in the last

Jan 1, 1949

By Benjamin N. Webber

The peninsula of Nicoya contains virtually all of the known manganese deposits of Costa Rica. These are south and west of the Tempisque River, which flows across the peninsula near its juncture with the mainland. This peninsula forms the westernmost part of the province of Guana-caste, which is the northern. of the two Pacific Coast provinces of Costa Rica. The larger villages are connected by ox-cart roads and trails. The area may be covered on horseback without difficulty except during the rainy season, when rivers are in flood and difficult to ford. This is particularly true of the Rio Seco-Guay-jiniquil area, where there are no inhabitants and few open trails through the tropical jungle. Santa Cruz and Sardinal are served by the Taca Airlines, two planes a week from San Jose and Puntarenas. The port of Puntarenas has excellent loading facilities but none are available nearer the manganese districts; there ore must be lightered to vessels standing offshore. Physiography In Costa Rica there are three physiographic divisions: (I) the central plateau (Mesa Central), a somewhat dissected lava platform upon which are superimposed volcanic peaks, some of which are still active; (2) the Atlantic lowlands and (3) the Pacific lowlands. The peninsula of Nicoya and the larger part of the province of Guanacaste lie within the Pacific low- lands. The term "lowland" indicates relation to the central plateau, as the peninsula of Nicoya is largely mountainous. The mountains of Nicoya form the southern extremity of a range of low hills, which are almost continuous along the Costa Rican coast to the Nicaraguan border. The coast line shows evidence of subsidence. The Gulf of Nicoya obviously is the drowned valley of the Tempisque River. The west coast of Nicoya shows many rocks, shoals, bays, inlets and small islands as evidence of a sea encroachment. The altitude of the manganese deposits ranges from 0 to 800 ft. Topography is of the mature type of wide valleys and low hills, often with abrupt slopes. The climate is tropical and humid; rainfall of 125 in. falls largely between Sept. I and Jan. I. Vegetation often is very dense, the Rio Seco-Guayjiniquil area being truly tropical jungle, containing many hardwoods. History and Production The production of manganese ore in Costa Rica apparently dates from the first World War. It reached a peak of about 10,000 tons in the year 1919, then declined rapidly. Evidence of this period of prospecting has rotted away or been swallowed by the jungle. The war now in progress apparently revived the interest in Costa Rican manganese and has encouraged further prospecting. Deposits long known have been redenounced and trails have been cut through the jungle to them. Many new deposits have been discovered in the last

Jan 1, 1949

By Benjamin N. Webber

THE peninsula of Nicoya contains virtually all of the known manganese deposits of Costa Rica. These are south and west of the Tempisque River, which flows across the peninsula near its juncture with the mainland. This peninsula forms the westernmost part of the province of Guana¬caste, which is the northern of the two Pacific Coast provinces of Costa Rica. The larger villages are connected by ox-cart roads and trails. The area may be covered on horseback without difficulty except during the rainy season, when rivers are in flood and difficult to ford. This is particularly true of the Rio Seco-Guayjiniquil area, where there are no inhabitants and few open trails through the tropical jungle. Santa Cruz and Sardinal are served by the Taca Airlines, two planes a week from San Jose and Puntarenas. The port of Puntarenas has excellent loading facilities but none are available nearer the manganese districts; there ore must be lightered to vessels standing offshore. PHYSIOGRAPHY In Costa Rica there are three physiographic divisions: (I) the central plateau (Mesa Central), a somewhat dissected lava platform upon which are superimposed volcanic peaks, some of which are still active; (2) the Atlantic lowlands and (3) the Pacific lowlands. The peninsula of Nicoya and the larger part of the province of Guanacaste lie within the Pacific low lands. The term "lowland" indicates relation to the central plateau, as the peninsula of Nicoya is largely mountainous. The mountains of Nicoya form the southern extremity of a range of low hills, which are almost continuous along the Costa Rican coast to the Nicaraguan border. The coast line shows evidence of subsidence. The Gulf of Nicoya obviously is the drowned valley of the Tempisque River. The west coast of Nicoya shows many rocks, shoals, bays, inlets and small islands as evidence of a sea encroachment. The altitude of the manganese deposits ranges from 0 to 800 ft. Topography is of the mature type of wide valleys and low ,hills, often with abrupt slopes. The climate is tropical and humid; rainfall of 125 in. falls largely between Sept. I and Jan. I. Vegetation often is very dense, the Rio Seco-Guayjiniquil area being truly tropical jungle, containing many hardwoods. HISTORY AND PRODUCTION The production of manganese ore in Costa Rica apparently dates from the first World War. It reached a peak of about 10,000 tons in the year 1919, then declined rapidly. Evidence of this period of prospecting has rotted away or been swallowed by the jungle. The war now in progress apparently revived the interest in Costa Rican manganese and has encouraged further prospecting. Deposits long known have been redenounced and trails have been cut through the jungle to them. Many new deposits have been discovered in the last

Jan 1, 1942

By Benjamin N. Webber

THE peninsula of Nicoya contains virtually all of the known manganese deposits of Costa Rica. These are south and west of the Tempisque River, which flows across the peninsula near its juncture with the mainland. This peninsula forms the westernmost part of the province of Guanacaste, which is the northern of the two Pacific Coast provinces of Costa Rica. The larger villages are connected by ox-cart roads and trails. The area may be covered on horseback without difficulty except during the rainy season, when rivers are in flood and difficult to ford. This is particularly true of the Rio Seco-Guayjiniquil area, where there are no inhabitants and few open trails through the tropical jungle. Santa Cruz and Sardinal are served by the Taca Airlines, two planes a week from San Jose and Puntarenas. The port of Puntarenas has excellent loading facilities but none are available nearer the manganese districts; there ore must be lightered to vessels standing offshore. PHYSIOGRAPHY In Costa Rica there are three physiographic divisions: (I) the central plateau (Mesa Central), a somewhat dissected lava platform upon which are superimposed volcanic peaks, some of which are still active: (2) the Atlantic low-lands and (3) the Pacific lowlands. The peninsula of Nicoya and the larger part of the province of Guanacaste lie within the Pacific low lands. The term "lowland" indicates relation to the central plateau, as the peninsula of Nicoya is largely mountainous. The mountains of Nicoya form the southern extremity of a range of low hills, which are almost continuous along the Costa Rican coast to the Nicaraguan border. The coast line shows evidence of subsidence. The Gulf of Nicoya obviously is the drowned valley of the Tempisque River. The west coast of Nicoya shows many rocks, shoals, bays, inlets and small islands as evidence of a sea encroachment. The altitude of the manganese deposits ranges from o to 800 ft. Topography is of the mature type of wide valleys and low hills, often with abrupt slopes. The climate is tropical and humid; rainfall of 125 in. falls largely between Sept. I and Jan. I. Vegetation often is very dense, the Rio Seco-Guayjiniquil area being truly tropical jungle, containing many hardwoods. HISTORY AND PRODUCTION The production of manganese ore in Costa Rica apparently dates from the first World War. It reached a peak of about 10,000 tons in the year 1919, then declined rapidly. Evidence of this period of prospecting has rotted away or been swallowed by the jungle. The war now in progress apparently revived the interest in Costa Rican manganese and has encouraged further prospecting. Deposits long known have been redenounced and trails have been cut through the jungle to them. Many new deposits have been discovered in the last

Jan 1, 1942

By L. D. Ricketts

Discussion of the paper of L. D. RICKETTS, presented at the San Francisco meeting, September, 1915, and printed in Bulletin No. 100, April, 1915, pp. 711 to 737. FREDERICK LAIST, Anaconda, Mont.-I am going to tell you of some of the results we have been getting in Anaconda during the past two or three months in a large plant which was finished in May. We commenced work in Anaconda a year and a half ago on the construction of a leaching plant which was to have a capacity of 2,000 tons per day. The plant was to treat tailings from the concentrator, containing about 12 1b. of copper to the ton. During the past year we changed our plans and decided to use the flotation process on the tailings from the concentrator, which contained no oxidized copper, and apply the leaching process only to tailings which had accumulated in a large dump below the works. This dump contains about 15,000,000 tons of tailings, and since some of the copper in it is oxidized, we felt that the application of the flotation process would result in the loss of too much of the oxidized copper, particularly as time went on. In starting up we had a number of difficulties to overcome, as is usually the case. They were not of a serious character. The results obtained, so far, have been decidedly encouraging. During July the plant treated a total of 50,000 tons of tailings, or an average of 1,610 tons per clay. The extraction was about 83 per cent., which, on material of the grade treated, meant a. tailing assaying under 0.1 per cent. copper. The acid consumption was about 65 lb. per ton, and the fuel percentage in. roasting was about 4 ¼ . We expect to cut the fuel percentage in the next month or two to about 3 per cent., the high percentage during July being clue to starting up and shutting clown furnaces. We find that iron builds up in the solution to a marked degree. This is not a serious platter with us, because we have cheap sulphuric acid and can reject solution whenever it gets too foul. The extraction of silver has been remarkably good in the large plant. It has averaged better than 75 per cent. It seems that so long as we maintain salt in the solution to a percentage of 10 per cent., the extraction is good. We allowed the salt to fall off in order to find how low a percentage we could use. At about 7 per cent. the silver extraction fell to 65 per cent. This was to be expected, because silver chloride is soluble in strong brine, but not in weak brine.

Jan 12, 1915

By P. I. Brooker

The semi-variogram, the basic tool of geostatistical estimation procedures, must itself be estimated from the available data. From a numerically simulated two-dimensional deposit, with known variability expressed through its semi-variogram, the standard arithmetic mean estimator is used to calculate experimental semi-variograms. These are determined on a series of data sets obtained from the deposit with various sampling grids that cover different areas of the deposit and have a mite range in the number of available data. The orders of discrepancies between estimated and theoretical semi-variograms are determined in this idealized situation; and this provides a basis against which to assess experimental semi-variograms made on field data.

Jan 1, 1984

By A. Manganwidjoyo, W. A. Wiebenga

The aim of this paper is to disclose some of the correlations between rock parameters, hidden in Wuerker's "Annotated Tables of Strength and Elastic Properties of Rocks," 1956. The empirical relations concern dry rocks of varying porosity. Curves and equations interrelating the specific gravity, compressive strength, bar velocity, and Poisson's ratio are presented. In 1956 Wuerker published his "Annotated Tables of Strength and Elastic Properties of Rock", in which various physical properties of rocks determined by different authorities, are tabulated systematically. The tables are primarily intended for use by mining-, quarrying- and ore-dressing engineers. Since the list of measured parameters for each type of rock includes properties such as — grain size, specific gravity, porosity, compressive strength, static elastic cons:ants (moduli of elasticity, rigidity, specific damping capacity and longitudinal bar velocity) the tables are also of considerable interest to the practical geophysicist. Correlations between rock parameters may enable geophysicists, geologists and civil engineers to transiate measurements from one parameter to another. Even if these translations are of limited accuracy, or valid only within certain specified ranges, they often serve a useful parpose. The aim of this paper is to disclose some of the correlations between rock parameters concealed in wuerker's Tables. Throughout this paper the following symbols and units are used unless otherwise stated: Sg is Specific gravity, the ratio of the density of a specimen to the density of water at 4°C. P is Porosity, in %, the ratio of the volume of voids in a specimen to its total volume. CS is Compressive strength in 1000 p.s.i., the stress under which a specimen will fracture when undergoing a standard compression test. V is Bar Velocity in kilo-feet/sec, the velocity of longitudinal seismic waves measured in a slender bar type specimen. Vc is Bulk or Constraint Velocity in kilo-feet/ sec, the velocity of longitudinal seismic waves measured in a very large specimen.+is Reciprocai bar velocity in millisecs/ft (1 millisec = 10-3 sec). cis Poisson's ratio, the ratio of the lateral to longitudinal strain of a body under longitudinal stress. CORRELATIONS Specific Gravity (Sg) vs. Porosity (P) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the relatiooship between specific gravity and porosity for approuirr~ately 70 samples of dry rocks. A curve fitted by estimation to this data yields the empirical formula: Sg =-0.0268P + 2.67 * 0.2 (1) Considering unit volume of a porogs specimen then

Jan 1, 1961

By J. D. Pennock

About a year and a half ago, Mr. Morris, an engineer of the Solvay Process Company, was sent to Belgium and France to study the manufacture of coke in the Semet-Solvay ovens, which were in operation at Havre. With complete plans of construction and a good understanding of the methods of running the ovens, he returned to Syracuse. Work on twelve Semet-Solvay ovens was immediately begun. These ovens, with plant for crushing and washing coal, and the necessary condensers, scrubbers, and concentrator for the recovery of the byproducts are nearly finished, and will soon be in operation. As the work approached completion it became necessary to determine what coal should be used. Accordingly, a chemical investigation of the various bituminous coals was made. I. Investigation of Coals. The samples of coal taken for analysis were: I. A sample of Reynoldsville coal that had been exposed to the weather for a year; 11. Reynoldsville coal taken from a car direct from the mine; 111. Morris Run lump coal; IV. Morris Run fine coal; V. Coal from the Fairmount Coal and Coke Company; VI. A special enginecoal from Pardee colliery, Phillipsburg, Pa.; VII. South Fork, Pa., coal; VIII. Coal from Laceyville, Ill.; IX. Pittsburgh bituminous coal from Ocean mines (gas-coal); X. Steubenville, Ohio, coal; XI. Evansville, Indiana, coal; XII. Coal from the Ohio Coal Company. Proximate Analysis. I. 11, 111. IV. V. VI. Water at 90° C.,* ..................................... Volatile,. .. 31.14 33.00 17.73 18.12 37.20 23.86 Fixed Carbon,. . 64.49 58.07 71.92 71.89 56.68 73.00 Ash,. .. 4.37 8.93 10.35 9.99 6.12 3.14 Coke,. .. 68.86 67.00 82.27 81.88 61.88 76.80

Jan 1, 1893

By Robert Stefanko

Shortwall mining represents a compromise between the room-and-pillar and longwall systems. Figure 1 shows that the shortwall layout is very similar to that for longwall panels, the primary difference being that the shortwall is generally 150 to 200 feet wide while longwalls are 350 to 600 feet wide. The development of entries is divorced from the production of the walls with both systems. However, the depth of the web is considerably different in the shortwall system. Because a standard continuous miner is employed, a depth of 10 feet is normally mined on a single pass. This greater web thickness requires the use of a specially constructed support that can support the much longer cantilever bar that must extend over the working area. This is accomplished by not only increasing the length of the bar but also strengthening it structurally; however, the key to success lies in articulating the cantilever from the base and supporting it with a short hydraulic jack leg. This arrangement provides the additional strength required in the support. It should be apparent that a shortwall support is more costly than the type used for longwall.

Jan 1, 1981

Earth Sciences: The standard of living of the world's people depends upon human initiative, investigation, and know-how in exploiting the earth's resources. The Earth Sciences-geology, mineralogy, geophysics and geochemistry, meteorology, geography-are basic sciences dealing with those problems concerning the origin, constitution, and utilization of the earth's materials. The development of these fields in one department provides the greatest opportunity for direct contact and stimulus for scientists and teachers working in related fields. In the Earth Sciences, geology and mineralogy are obviously closely related. As rocks are the materials of which the earth is made, so in turn minerals are the constituents of the rocks. Conversely, a study of earth structures and the interplay of physical and chemical forces in the earth is necessary in order to understand the origin and source of minerals. Building on the basic core of knowledge of earth processes, earth structures, and earth history, the geologist will continue to push out the frontiers of stratigraphy, structural geology, pale-biology and petrology with growing insight into principles that control surface and subsurface rock conditions. As the field of geology has advanced, several lines of specialization have developed. The economic geologist

Jan 1, 1950

By Leslie W. Austen

ROTARY kiln operators will agree that some of the most severe conditions a refractory must stand occur in the hot zone of a kiln burning Portland cement, dead burn dolomite, magnesite, peri-clase, and similar materials. Frequently the operator is faced with factors beyond his control which drastically shorten the life of refractories. Shutdown due to mechanical failure can be serious if the period is of sufficiently long duration to cause the dropping of coating or the loosening of the lining. A change in slurry can affect the coating and cause ring buildup. A change in type of fuel and its effect upon the flame can cause a shift in location of the hottest zone. Weekend shutdowns or any other interruption can cause the operator trouble and may damage the refractories, since stopping and starting a rotary kiln is certainly more difficult than stopping and starting a motor. Some operators have tried to set an estimate of damage for each shutdown in equivalent days of running time. Conditions affecting the refractory may be roughly grouped in four classes: chemical attack, mechanical stress, thermal shock, and abrasion. Chemical Attack: The drive to obtain maximum production through a kiln demands maximum operating temperatures, temperatures which are limited more by the ringing up or melting of the clinker. This can cause interface temperatures at the junction of coating and refractory which require the use of a basic kiln block to withstand the chemical attack. Chemical changes take place within the refractory itself, especially in chemically bonded or unburned kiln blocks. These changes cause the formation of the ceramic or burned bond. Migrating liquids or fluxes from the kiln charge have an effect within the refractory and lead to mineral or glass formation. The alkalies, sodium and potassium, migrate into the refractory as silicates, chlorides, sulphates or other salts. They may move under capillary action or may be caused to move by volatilization with condensation in the cooler portion. Mechanical Stress: Concentrated stress may be caused by several factors or combinations thereof. I—The rings of refractories must be kept tight and rigid within the kiln, and this alone demands considerable force to hold the blocks in place. So that the force will not be concentrated, the blocks should fit the circle as perfectly as possible, with the faces in contact overall. 2—As the kiln is heated, thermal expansion takes place at the hot end of the kiln block. Since this disturbs the plane face it too can cause a concentrated stress at the two ends of the block, and shearing stress can be set up within the brick itself because of the difference in expansion between the two ends. 3—If a lining becomes loose and moves in the shell very severe stress can be set up, and as the kiln rotates this load changes and gives the effect of repeated loading. Permanent expansion of the refractory can also cause severe loading. 4—Not least important, flexing of the kiln is frequently the cause of concentrated stresses. Thermal Shock: Thermal shock, the result of heating and cooling too rapidly, occurs on starting and stopping or when a large patch of coating drops, exposing the bricks. Again, its destructive effect is often the result of phase change, liquid to solid or the reverse; dense refractories loaded with glass-forming impurities are particularly susceptible. Thermal shock is a. problem with refractories set in the wall or roof of a stationary furnace, and becomes even more serious in a rotary kiln, the tendency to spa11 being magnified with movement and concentration of stress. Uniform rate of feed and loading insures both better coating and a more uniform stress. Abrasion: If the refractories do not take a coating, abrasion can become a most destructive factor. Movement of the lining in shell or movement of loose blocks causes abrasion, which is also most destructive if the refractories do not take a coating. An analysis of the problem of basic lining for the hot zone reveals, therefore, a number of desirable characteristics: high refractoriness, basic chemical reaction, resistance to spalling, good strength at all stages, ability to take coating, true sizing, volume stability, and abrasion resistance. Increased demand

Jan 1, 1953

By Leslie W. Austen

ROTARY kiln operators will agree that some of the most severe conditions a refractory must stand occur in the hot zone of a kiln burning Portland cement, dead burn dolomite, magnesite, peri-clase, and similar materials. Frequently the operator is faced with factors beyond his control which drastically shorten the life of refractories. Shutdown due to mechanical failure can be serious if the period is of sufficiently long duration to cause the dropping of coating or the loosening of the lining. A change in slurry can affect the coating and cause ring buildup. A change in type of fuel and its effect upon the flame can cause a shift in location of the hottest zone. Weekend shutdowns or any other interruption can cause the operator trouble and may damage the refractories, since stopping and starting a rotary kiln is certainly more difficult than stopping and starting a motor. Some operators have tried to set an estimate of damage for each shutdown in equivalent days of running time. Conditions affecting the refractory may be roughly grouped in four classes: chemical attack, mechanical stress, thermal shock, and abrasion. Chemical Attack: The drive to obtain maximum production through a kiln demands maximum operating temperatures, temperatures which are limited more by the ringing up or melting of the clinker. This can cause interface temperatures at the junction of coating and refractory which require the use of a basic kiln block to withstand the chemical attack. Chemical changes take place within the refractory itself, especially in chemically bonded or unburned kiln blocks. These changes cause the formation of the ceramic or burned bond. Migrating liquids or fluxes from the kiln charge have an effect within the refractory and lead to mineral or glass formation. The alkalies, sodium and potassium, migrate into the refractory as silicates, chlorides, sulphates or other salts. They may move under capillary action or may be caused to move by volatilization with condensation in the cooler portion. Mechanical Stress: Concentrated stress may be caused by several factors or combinations thereof. I—The rings of refractories must be kept tight and rigid within the kiln, and this alone demands considerable force to hold the blocks in place. So that the force will not be concentrated, the blocks should fit the circle as perfectly as possible, with the faces in contact overall. 2—As the kiln is heated, thermal expansion takes place at the hot end of the kiln block. Since this disturbs the plane face it too can cause a concentrated stress at the two ends of the block, and shearing stress can be set up within the brick itself because of the difference in expansion between the two ends. 3—If a lining becomes loose and moves in the shell very severe stress can be set up, and as the kiln rotates this load changes and gives the effect of repeated loading. Permanent expansion of the refractory can also cause severe loading. 4—Not least important, flexing of the kiln is frequently the cause of concentrated stresses. Thermal Shock: Thermal shock, the result of heating and cooling too rapidly, occurs on starting and stopping or when a large patch of coating drops, exposing the bricks. Again, its destructive effect is often the result of phase change, liquid to solid or the reverse; dense refractories loaded with glass-forming impurities are particularly susceptible. Thermal shock is a. problem with refractories set in the wall or roof of a stationary furnace, and becomes even more serious in a rotary kiln, the tendency to spa11 being magnified with movement and concentration of stress. Uniform rate of feed and loading insures both better coating and a more uniform stress. Abrasion: If the refractories do not take a coating, abrasion can become a most destructive factor. Movement of the lining in shell or movement of loose blocks causes abrasion, which is also most destructive if the refractories do not take a coating. An analysis of the problem of basic lining for the hot zone reveals, therefore, a number of desirable characteristics: high refractoriness, basic chemical reaction, resistance to spalling, good strength at all stages, ability to take coating, true sizing, volume stability, and abrasion resistance. Increased demand

Jan 1, 1953

By Leslie W. Austin

ROTARY kiln operators will agree that some of the most severe conditions a refractory must stand occur in the hot zone of a kiln burning Portland cement, dead burn dolomite, magnesite, periclase, and similar materials. Frequently the operator is faced with factors beyond his control which drastically shorten the life of refractories. Shutdown due to mechanical failure can be serious if the period is of sufficiently long duration to cause the dropping of coating or the loosening of the lining. A change in slurry can affect the coating and cause ring buildup. A change in type of fuel and its effect upon the flame can cause a shift in location of the hottest zone. Weekend shutdowns or any other interruption can cause the operator trouble and may damage the refractories, since stopping and starting a rotary kiln is certainly more difficult than stopping and starting a motor. Some operators have tried to set an estimate of damage for each shutdown in equivalent days of running time. Conditions affecting the refractory may be roughly grouped in four classes: chemical attack, mechanical stress, thermal shock, and abrasion. Chemical Attack: The drive to obtain maximum production through a kiln demands maximum operating temperatures, temperatures which are limited more by the ringing up or melting of the clinker. This can cause interface temperatures at the junction of coating and refractory which require the use of a basic kiln block to withstand the chemical attack. Chemical changes take place within the refractory itself, especially in chemically bonded or unburned kiln blocks: These changes cause the formation of the ceramic or burned bond. Migrating liquids or fluxes from the kiln charge have an effect within the refractory and lead to mineral or glass formation. The alkalies, sodium and potassium, migrate into the refractory as silicates, chlorides, sulphates or other salts. They may move under capillary action or may be caused to move by volatilization with condensation in the cooler portion. Mechanical Stress: Concentrated stress may be caused by several factors or combinations thereof. 1-The rings of refractories must be kept tight and rigid within the kiln, and this alone demands considerable force to hold the blocks in place. So that the force will not be concentrated, the blocks should fit the circle as perfectly as possible, with the faces in contact overall. 2-As the kiln is heated, thermal expansion takes place at the hot end of the kiln block. Since this disturbs the plane face it too can cause a concentrated stress at the two ends of the block, and shearing stress can be set up within the brick itself because of the difference in expansion between the two ends. 3-If a lining becomes loose and moves in the shell very severe stress can be set up, and as the kiln rotates this load changes and gives the effect of repeated loading. Permanent expansion of the refractory can also cause severe loading. 4-Not least important, flexing of the kiln is frequently the cause of concentrated stresses. Thermal Shock: Thermal shock, the result of heating and cooling too rapidly, occurs on starting and stopping or when a large patch of coating drops, exposing the bricks. Again, its destructive effect is often the result of phase change, liquid to solid or the reverse; dense refractories loaded with glass-forming impurities are particularly susceptible. Thermal shock is a problem with refractories set in the wall or roof of a stationary furnace, and becomes even more serious in a rotary kiln, the tendency to spall being magnified with movement and concentration of stress. Uniform rate of feed and loading insures both better coating and a more uniform stress. Abrasion: If the refractories do not take a coating, abrasion can become a most destructive factor. Movement of the lining in shell or movement of loose blocks causes abrasion, which is also most destructive if the refractories do not take a coating. An analysis of the problem of basic lining for the hot zone reveals, therefore, a number of desirable characteristics: high refractoriness, basic chemical reaction, resistance to spalling, good strength at all stages, ability to take coating, true sizing, volume stability, and abrasion resistance. Increased demand

Jan 1, 1952

By H. M. Chance

The present value of most coal properties resides largely in the cod remaining to be mined, which thus constitutes the most important asset. The object of this paper is to discuss methods commonly used in computing the value of minable coal. To distinguish clearly between such coal values and the values of other property, the several kinds of property values should be divided into classes; so as to avoid the unintentional omission of items of importance. Value op Coal Reserves Judicial decisions prescribe, and appraisers commonly accept, current sales value as the preferred means for determining the value of transferable property. With few exceptions a property is worth the sum that can be realized from its sale by a willing seller to a willing buyer, a sale in which compulsion urges neither party, and between whom there is no community of interest to fix a value; or it is worth at least as much as a responsible buyer will offer for it. Actual sales of like property or bids from responsible buyers for the property, or for substantially like property, are the best established methods for determining values. Only in the absence of such sales or bids can valuations by other methods be entertained, and only for reasons of weight can sales values be set aside. Valuation Based on Royalties Sales of coal in the ground, as customarily carried out through lease under royalty agreements, are therefore the most trustworthy means available for determining the value of coal reserves. The constantly rising value of high-grade coal in the United States can most readily be shown by the increasing royalties per ton that can be obtained for such coals under leasehold. The rising value of land containing such coal can also, of course, be proven by the price at which such properties are actually sold as compared with prices obtainable for lands containing coal of the same grade in the past. It is exceedingly difficult, however, to establish values by the prices paid for coal

Jan 1, 1927

By Henry N. McCarl

Lightweight aggregates include a variety of mineral and rock materials used to provide bulk in concrete building units (block), light- weight structural concrete, and precast concrete units, as plaster aggregate, insulating fill, and other structural and/or insulation purposes. They are distinguished from other mineral aggregate materials by their lighter unit weight- 80 to 100 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) or less for loosely packed lightweight aggregates as compared to 125 pcf or more for crushed stone, sand, gravel, air-cooled slag, and other more common mineral aggregates. The various lightweight aggregate materials may be classified into four groups as follows: 1) Natural Lightweight Aggregate Materials-prepared by crushing and sizing natural rock materials such as pumice, scoria, tuff, breccia, and volcanic cinders. 2) Manufactured Structural Lightweight Aggregates-prepared by pyroprocessing clay, shale, or slate in rotary kilns or on traveling grate sintering machines. 3) Byproduct Lightweight Aggregates-prepared by crushing and sizing foamed and granulated slag, cinders, and coke breeze. With the exception of processed slag, this group is becoming less important as time passes. 4) Manufactured Insulating Ultralight- weight Aggregates-prepared by pyroprocessing ground vermiculite or perlite. This chapter will focus on the use of natural lightweight aggregates and manufactured insulating ultralightweight aggregates, and both the production and use of manufactured structural lightweight aggregates with some comments on byproduct materials. Detailed discussion of the production and use of both expanded and air-cooled slag is presented in a separate chapter in the utilization section of this volume, and there are separate commodity chapters on vermiculite, perlite, pumice, and volcanic cinders. Discussion of the commodities covered elsewhere in the book will be limited to observations on their utilization and relation to other lightweight aggregate materials. All materials considered as lightweight aggregates are derived from some initial natural raw material. While historical definitions have included such organic materials as straw and peat as lightweight aggregates, the discussion in this chapter will restrict itself to lightweight aggregates derived from mineral or rock materials. Thus while the actual lightweight material in use may be a manufactured product, it is derived from an ore or raw material that is obviously a mineral resource. In this context, then, the reserves of raw materials for lightweight aggregate use may include iron ore and flux stone (the components of blast furnace slag) as well as coal (the raw material from which cinders are derived) as well as those clay, shale, and slate deposits that display the characteristics of bloating or controlled expansion when subjected to elevated temperatures (1600 to 2400°F.).

Jan 1, 1975