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Mill #4 processes mildly refractory ore from Carlin Trend deposits. Diagnostic analysis of plant operating data was used to generate a mathematical model containing the key parameters influencing the gold recovery. The model was used to direct modifications to plant operating practice. The cyanide dosing strategy was changed to reduce preg-rob gold losses and cut reagent consumption A finer grind was achieved without capital investment. The density in CIL was lowered, and tighter control was exercised over plant throughput. These changes resulted in a recovery increase of at least 2%, worth $111,000/month at $300/oz, and concomitant reagent cost savings of $55,000/month.

Jan 1, 1999

By Haruka Takeura, Tomoaki Murata, Kazunari Yoshida, Masato Adachi

"Pure magnesium is a material with high functionality, however, the cold drawing of this material is very difficult, that is why, until this day there are no optimal cold drawing conditions. Furthermore, cold drawing of pure magnesium wire shows a problem with internal defects that occurs under certain conditions. In this research, the aim is the suppression of internal defects, and final target is to create the optimal cold drawing conditions for pure magnesium wires. The first step is the investigation of the drawing limit by using 250°Cannealed wire. As a result, reduction of 10% per pass was chosen for stable wire drawing. However, in this case, it was found that internal defects occurred at total reduction of over 45% during drawing. Investigation of intermediate annealing conditions that can suppress internal defects, and influence on internal defect that the die half angle and reduction per pass. As a result, it was found that the drawing condition capable of suppressing internal defects most efficiently was 13% reduction drawing by using under 6°half angle die. Consequently, it’s possible to manufacture a cold fine drawn pure magnesium wire of 100µm, without defects in the center of the wire and hindering its mechanical properties.INTRODUCTIONMagnesium is a light and high functionality material that has high vibration absorbency, heat dissipation, electromagnetic wave-shielding and recycling efficiency (Conruy, 1989). However, proper cold wire drawing conditions haven’t been established, that is why warm or hot processing is commonly used (Oishi, Mori, &Kawabe, 2005). As a result, strength improvement of the wires is not possible, that is why the production of medical tools is disregarded. If it was possible to cold draw magnesium wires, the applications for material products would expand. Further, in wire drawing such difficult processing material, if appropriate processing conditions are not selected, defects will be generated inside the drawn wire."

Jan 1, 2017

By B. Weyerman

U. S. Steel's Oak Grove Mine experienced several top hinge failures on their caving shields. It was determined that all the caving shields needed to be replaced with new caving shields before more thilures occurred. The cost and amount of time needed for several scenarios of caving shield change outs were compared. This paper discusses how Oak Grove Mine decided to and did change 126 caving shields in six specially designed jig stations underground during a longwall move using their own UMWA employees.

Jan 1, 2001

By Sheldon P. Wimpfen

Forecasting, an ancient art, is con-ducted by everyone in varying degrees. It is a vital aspect of mineral production and conditions must be predicted over a long time frame in all aspects of the industry from exploration to plant construction. Although many government agencies as well as private industry make forecasts, there are insufficent "make good" analyses performed. The performance of more such studies could sharpen forecasting ability.

Jan 1, 1983

By M. J. Brodie

"The decision to proceed with mine decommissioning, generally involves a number of complex and independent factors. These factors, including potential for re-opening, legal requirements, contingent liability, asset depreciation, due diligence, and public relations are discussed in the context of the financial implications on a net-present- value basis. It is concluded that the decision to delay mine decommissioning is commonly not in the best financial interests of the mine operator. Some measures to reduce decommissioning costs and expedite the process are presented.IntroductionThe primary audience for this paper is mining executives, although it should be of interest to all professionals involved in the planning and carrying out of mine decommissioning. Historically, mines were abandoned, not decommissioned. Then, as decommissioning became required, it was assumed that salvage revenue would pay for decommissioning. During the I980s, it became apparent that mine decommissioning costs would exceed salvage revenue for nearly all sites, and that a substantial net cost for decommissioning would be realized for some sites. Throughout this period, the approach to decommissioning has evolved through the sequential addition of measures to meet the increasing regulatory burden. This has resulted in a process in which the elements of decommissioning may not be optimized with respect to each other for the most favourable net present value to the corporation. Additional considerations which are not specific to mine decommissioning, such as environmental policy, due diligence and public relations, may now come to bear on the decision-making process.This paper addresses the issue of mine decommissioning as a three-step process. The first step involves identification and evaluation of all of the issues that relate to mine closure, the most importantof which is the potential for re-opening of a mine. Assuming that it is decided that a mine is unlikely to re-open, the second step is to determine when to carry out the decommissioning work. This aspect is examined through a net present value (NPV) approach. Finally, details regarding who does the work and how the various tasks are divided up must be resolved.Every mine is a unique concentration of minerals at some specific location, hence the development, operation and closure of a given mine must be regarded as a special case. Superimposed on the site-specific considerations are the size, history and financial status of the associated corporation."

Jan 1, 1995

By A. McCracken

Probabilistic methods for assessing the reliability of engineering systems in mining are the way of the future. So agreed the delegates of a recent short course on the subject, entitled 'Reliability-based Approach in Mining engineering Design'. This was a very successful five-day technical course sponsored by The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and held at Mintek from 7th to 11th March, 1988. The main lecturer for the course was Milton E. Har, Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at the School for Civil Engineering of Purdue University, Indiana, USA. Professor Har was ably assisted by Dr Dirk van Zyl, a former student. Science quiz Teams of pupils from 37 schools within a radius of 12 kilometres of the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek) competed in a science quiz held by Mintek at its headquarters in Randburg on Tuesday, June 7th, 1988.

Jan 1, 1988

Samuel T. Wellman, Cleveland pioneer steel man, who was often referred to as the "father of the open-hearth process of the United States," died suddenly on July 11, 1919, of heart disease, at Stratton, Me. For more than half a century, he was closely identified with the improvement of equipment used in the making of steel and contributed a number of inventions that virtually revolutionized the industry. Mr. Wellman was born Feb. 5, 1847, at Wareham, Mass., his father at the time being superintendent of the Nashua Iron Co., Nashua, N. H. After attending public school and a year at Norwich University, he served in the Civil War as a corporal of the first New Hampshire Heavy Artillery. He went to Pittsburgh in 1867 and assisted in starting the first crucible steel melting furnace built in America at the works of Anderson, Cook & Co. It melted a ton of steel with an average of 1000 Ib. of nut coal, which cost less than $1, while the melting of a ton of steel in crucibles in the old fashioned coke furnace took three tons of the very best coke, costing from $2 to $3 per ton. This furnace was a great success and in a very few years had driven the coke furnace out of use. From Anderson, Cook & Co., Mr. Wellman went to the Singer, Nimick & Co. works, Pittsburgh, where he built two crucible steel melting furnaces of the same type. After that he spent some time in the office of the Siemens agents in Boston and also at steel works in different parts of the country, starting crucible steel furnaces. He then went to the Bay State Iron Works in South Boston, Mass., where he built the first open-hearth furnace that was a commercial success in the United States. It made steel of a much better quality than had previously been made in this country. The principal use to which it was put in those days was the manufacture of locomotive fire-boxes. From South Boston, he went hack to the old works in New Hampshire where his father was still superintendent, and built for it an open-hearth furnace, a plate mill, and a bar mill. In 1873, Mr. Wellman went to Cleveland to design and build the plant of the Otis Steel Co. He remained with this company for 16 years as engineer and superintendent. During this time he developed the open-hearth charging machine and introduced the electromagnet for handling pig iron and scrap steel. The first charging machine was operated by hydraulic power, and although it was not entirely satisfactory it performed the work fairly well and encouraged its inventor to build another one, which was driven by electric motors. This proved

Jan 1, 1920

By A Reid

The Late Archaean of South AustraliaÆs Gawler Craton contains significant potential for gold resources. The main targets of interest are migmatised gold style systems of which the Challenger deposit is the best known example. This deposit is one of the lower cost gold producers in Australia due to the high-grade, low-tonnage nature of the mineralisation. Structurally controlled, metamorphosed deposit styles are also possible throughout the Archaean of the Gawler Craton, including occurrences within reactivated shear zones. More typical, lower metamorphic grade orogenic gold styles are also possible within greenstone host sequences identified in the central and southern parts of the Gawler Craton.

Jan 1, 2007

By A. Unal, R. L. Grayson

The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to solve informational needs in isolated and restricted underground mining environments are reviewed, and the specifications of some of the past and currently available systems are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of using various frequencies, system configurations and specific components, including their construction standards and capability, are also discussed. The remaining challenges to the more widespread use of RFID systems for personnel and vehicle tracking are identified, and recommendations concerning the operating environment capabilities are detailed. Finally, the ultimate requirements for maintaining system integrity during and following a coal mine emergency are discussed.

Jan 1, 1999

By Ygor Macabu de Moraes, Jean Igor Margem, Carolina Gomes Dias Ribeiro, Frederico Muylaert Margem, Sergio Neves Monteiro, João Batista Vasconcelos

A natural fiber presents interfacial characteristics with polymeric matrices that favor a high impact energy absorption by the composite structure. The objective of this work was then to assess the Izod impact resistance of polymeric composites reinforced with one or two layers of batt malva and jute fibers. The results showed are markable increase in the notch toughness with increasing layers of mauve blankets and jute.This can be attributed to a preferential debonding of the fiber/matrix interface, which contributes to an elevated absorbed energy.

Mar 1, 2017

By R. J. Stoehr, F. Howell

Since the ore mined in the Grants-Ambrosia Lake uranium area is taken from a water-saturated sandstone formation, part of the milling operation includes a drying process. The authors discuss the merits and disadvantages of two methods: natural drying and mechanical gas-fired drying; operating and cost data are included. In the Grants-Ambrosia Lake uranium area, approximately 7000 tons of ore are mined each day from a water-saturated sandstone formation. This ore is sampled and treated at four separate milling operations. Prior to the design and initial construction of the milling facilities, very little was known as to the physical properties of the ore which would be handled in the sampling and crushing facilities at the mills. All four mills initially were constructed without ore-drying facilities. As mining proceeded, it was determined that, even after drying the ore in place by use of drainage development underground, the moisture content of the ore as hoisted averaged approximately 18 pct. Actually, some of the mines produced ores which resembled cream-of-wheat in character and had a moisture content in excess of 24 pct. Each of the four mills had a differently designed sampling and crushing plant; therefore, the moisture content of the ores had varying adverse effects upon the operation of the plants. It was determined after some experience that most of the sampling and crushing facilities could not economically handle ore if the moisture content was greater than 10 pct—one operator considers 12 pct moisture as a maximum. In all of the plants, moisture content over 8 pct increases costs to some extent. In addition to the added sampling and crushing costs, some of the mills were located 15 to 20 miles from the mines and the high moisture content of the ores increased the haulage costs from the mine to the mill. It was generally conceded that it was necessary to employ some method to reduce the moisture content of the ore prior to sampling. Several methods were considered: 1) natural drying at the mine site, 2) mechanical gas-fired drying at the mill site, 3) mechanical gas-fired drying at the mine site, 4) radiant heating on concrete clabs, and 5) infrared shed drying. After preliminary investigation all possibilities but natural drying and mechanical gas-fired drying at the mill site were eliminated. NATURAL DRYING A cooperative feasibility study was conducted on the natural drying method. This study indicated the following: 1) During summer months May through September, ore piled 4-ft deep would dry from +20 to +10 pct HzO in 30 days with no mechanical turning. 2) In the first four days after piling a reduction of 5 to 7 pct total moisture content was accomplished by drainage and absorption of the water into the underlying ground on which the ore was piled, providing the ground surface absorption rates approached 10 gal per sq ft per day. After the first four days the decrease of moisture caused by drainage was practically nonexistent. 3) In the summer months drying by evaporation amounted to approximately 0.1 pct decrease in total moisture per day and mechanical turning of the ore could increase this as much as three times. 4) Climatic conditions of the area indicated that: a) Air temperatures averaged 64' May, June, July, August, September; 41" October, November, December, March, April; 31" January, February. b) Average rain fall was 10 in. with 40 pct of this occurring during July and August. c) Only on very rare occasions were there over five consecutive days with below freezing temperatures. d) The annual evaporation rate was approximately 75 in. On the basis of this study, two of the mill operations decided to attempt to meet the moisture specifications by natural drying supplemented by mechanical turning. The other two operations decided upon rotary gas-fired drying at the mill site. The natural drying method has been quite successful in practice. The ore running approximately 18 pct moisture is trucked from the head frame and piled in rows about 6 ft wide, 3 1/2 ft deep, 5 feet apart during the months of May through September. In approximately 30 days this ore will

Jan 1, 1961

By Caisa Samuelsson, Fredrik Engström, Bo Björkman, Margareta Lidström Larsson

"Large amounts of by-products are generated by the Swedish steel industry each year. The EAF-process generates about 400 000 ton of slag, from which 80% is deposit. An alternative to deposit is to use slag as road construction material. However, metal content in the slag can be a problem, due to the leaching. The aim of this work was to investigate how stable these materials are when ageing and kept outside. Five different EAF-slags from domestic steel plants were used in this study. The materials were characterised after 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 month to evaluate the ageing process. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), x-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and a standard test for leaching were used. The changes in behaviour differ between the five materials. The total leachability decreases with time for all samples. CaCO3 is formed on slag surfaces as CaO reacts with moister and CO2 in the air. Introduction The slag generation in the Swedish steel industry is about 1.5 million tonnes annually, of which more than 500 000 ton is generated in EAF (Electric Arc Furnace), AOD- (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) converters and during the refining of steel in the ladle metallurgy. Some of the slags are used in different applications, but most of the steelmaking slags produced in Sweden are landfilled today. The chemistry, mineralogy and physical characteristics of slags make it a suitable material in construction, replacing for example, gravel and rock [1]. In some respects, in road construction, it may even be technically superior to virgin material. Slag from scrapbased steelmaking is used for road construction in Europe. The reason for the low utilization in Sweden is mainly due to potential leaching of harmful elements, legislations and competition with easily available natural raw materials. Except the potential leaching, the technical obstacles for not using some slags in construction include:"

Jan 1, 2008

By E. P. Youngman

This paper is one of a series of digests of foreign mining legislation and court decisions that is being prepared in advance of a general report relative to the right of American citizens to explore for minerals and to own and operate-mines in various foreign countries. This interpretation of the mining laws of Greece was prepared from information furnished by Ralph B. Curren, American assistant commercial attache, Athens, in reply to a questionnaire of the United States Bureau of Mines, transmitted through the courtesy of the commercial laws division of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. INTRODUCTION In his report,3 Mr. Curren states that the source of his information was the Director of Mines of the Greek Ministry of National Economy and the Mining Code of Greece, which was, compiled from existing laws in 1929,4 and which has since been modified by several acts of Parliament.

Jan 1, 1932

By A. A. Brant

"Improving geological and geophysical evaluation should serve to reduce the early-stage risk assessment and there-by contribute to exploration expenditure stimulation. The limitations of present-day methods are reviewed, particularly as to anomaly causes, depth penetration and quantitative physical interpretative abilities. Some of the problems now under study are discussed. Future developments expected include the treatment of quantitized geologic and geophysical data, as well as continuing attempts toward computerized interpretation."

Jan 1, 1967

By M. J. Pool

The partial molar heats of solution in liquid tin of cadmium, silver, tellurium, and zinc have been measured at 655°. 700°, and 750°K by liquid-metal solution calorimetry. Silver, cadmium, and zinc are endothermic at these temperatures while tellurium is exothermic. Only the heat of solution of silver depends on composition while all four elements show a temperature-de pendent heat of solution. The heat of solution of tellurium is constant up to 0.6 g-at. pct, becomes increasingly more exothermic, and reaches a limiting value at 1 g-at. pct Te. The limiting value has been used to calculate the heat of formation of SnTe at 750°K. The heat effects associated with the dissolution of the compounds Ag2 Te, CdTe, and ZnTe in liquid tin were measured at 750°K. These values are cotnOined with the measured hat effects at 750°Kfor silver, cadmium, tellurium, and zinc to detertrline the heats of formation of the telluride compounds. Cadmium lelluride exhibits a heat of dissolution which has a compositional dependence. THERE is a considerable amount of interest in the compounds of tellurium because of their electronic properties. Both cadmium and zinc tellurides are thermoelectric materials and considerable work has been done on their electronic properties but a limited amount of data is available on their ther-modynamic properties. This work was undertaken to elucidate the heat of formation data on cadmium and zinc telluride. Since both cadmium and zinc are in Group II it seemed to be of interest to compare the values obtained for them with the heat of formation of a Group I telluride. Silver telluride was selected for this comparison. In the course of the work it was also possible to determine the heat of formation of tin telluride and therefore to make a comparison of some of the Group I, 11, and lV tellurides with the metallic elements silver, cadmium, and tin being in the same period. There is also a great deal of interest in the energetic changes which occur upon addition of solute elements to a common solvent. This investigation provided an opportunity to study the partial molar heats of solution of silver, cadmium, tellurium, and zinc in liquid tin. The partial molar heats of solution are of theoretical interest because solute-solute interactions are a minimum in dilute solutions and application of solution models is simpli- fied. In order to complete the analysis of solute-solute and solute-solvent interactions the temperature dependence of the partial molar heats of solution was also measured. MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE All materials were of the highest purity available. The silver, zinc, cadmium, and tellurium were obtained from American Smelting and Refining Co. and were reported to be 99.999 pct pure. The silver telluride, zinc telluride, and cadmium telluride were obtained from Atomergic Chemetals Co., a division of Gallard-Schlesinger Chemical Manufacturing Corp., and were electronic-grade material of 99.999 pct purity. Tin used for the solvent bath and for calibration was obtained from the Vulcan Manufacturing Co. and was reported as being 99.99 pct pure. The liquid-tin solution calorimeter used in this work is similar in principle to the differential twin-type calorimeter described by K1eppa.l Two of three identical calorimeter wells are used together during any set of experiments, one well being active and the other being passive. The wells are positioned 120 deg apart in an aluminum calorimeter block. Each well contains a multijunction thermopile and a Pyrex test tube to hold the liquid metal bath. Forty-eight of the thermopile junctions are distributed over the surface of each calorimeter well adjacent to the test tube and serve to integrate the heat effects occurring. The other forty-eight are next to the aluminum calorimeter block. The thermopiles for the three wells are connected differentially so that any change in temperature at the outer junctions (which will be the same for both wells because of the high conductivity of the aluminum block) will oppose for the two wells and result in no shift of the zero. The electrical output represents the true temperature difference between the two reaction vessels. A reaction occurring in the active well gives a comparison with another body of very similar thermal properties. In this way, any spurious heat effects due to slight temperature drifts within the entire calorimeter block are eliminated. The output of the differential thermopile goes to a dc amplifier with multiple ranges of from * 10 pv to 1 30 mv. The output of the amplifier is then fed into a Leeds and Northrup strip-chart recorder. The adiabatic temperature change is then calculated using the technique of Howlett, Leach, Ticknor, and ever.' The aluminum calorimeter block is contained in a cylindrical furnace with main and control heaters

Jan 1, 1965

By J. R. Piper

“Old Borate,” located in the Calico Mountains east of Barstow, California, lead domestic colemanite production from 1884 through 1907. Mineral exploration at “Old Borate” in the early 1980's, examined borate mineralization in Tertiary lacustrine strata. Surface sample and drill hole locations, geology and structure, were hand-drafted on paper maps. To re-evaluate this data, the information was digitized using Geographic Information Systems software. Digital Elevation Model based terrain modeling integrated surficial samples with drill hole data to locate favorable drilling targets. Structural relationships were used to identify hypothetical resources formed by the leaching of boron from surface exposures, redeposited at depth.

Jan 1, 2001

By Luis A. Maradiegue

El presente estudio refiere el diagnóstico correcto de la silicosis a través de una revisión de la historia ocupacional, historia clínica y el ambiente del trabajo del trabajador. El control del trabajador y del ambiente de trabajo, lo deben realizar los médicos e ingenieros, para evitar o retardar la progresión de la silicosis o enfermedades respiratorias y facilitar el cambio de lugar de ocupación del trabajador, controlando el medio ambiente, respectivamente. Asimismo, en la evaluación del riesgo silicógeno en una industria extractiva, el ingeniero utiliza el instrumento Midget Iapinger, el muestreo, y los métodos de "campo brillante" para la cuenta de particulas, y la dispensación de la muestra en aceite de inmersión para la medición de partículas. El análisis de sílice libre comprende los métodos petrográficos, difracción de rayos X y el de fusión. Finalmente se hace una interpretación de resultados y se presenta un informe detallado de la condición de salubridad del trabajador.

Aug 20, 1963

By J. D. Steenkamp

In a paper presented at the Heavy Minerals Conference 2001 a laboratory scale investigation on the beneficiation of an ilmenite containing waste stream by magnetizing roasting was reported1.This waste stream contained a high concentration of ilmenite, which was contaminated by chromite and other gangue minerals. Interpretation of the results of the investigation was based on the assumption that during magnetizing roasting of an ilmenite concentrate, under the oxidizing conditions, the magnetic properties of the chromite would remain constant. In this article the following hypothesis was tested: The magnetic susceptibility of chromite would remain constant during magnetizing roasting of an ilmenite concentrate under the oxidizing conditions reported by Gouws and Van Dyk1. The results of this study indicated that the hypothesis is not true. The increase in the magnetic susceptibility is not significant though and it is expected that it will not influence the final ilmenite quality to a large extent. Based on the assumptions that the bulk magnetic susceptibility of the waste stream samples represents that of the ilmenite in the waste stream, and the bulk magnetic susceptibility of UG1 chromite that of the chromite in the waste stream, the results also served to confirm that the waste stream with a high chromite content should be roasted under oxidizing conditions, in a reactor with a well-defined retention time distribution (i.e. a fluidized bed reactor), at a roasting temperature of 750°C (rather than the higher temperature ranges of 800°C and 850°C).

Jan 1, 2003

By A. T. Yu

Over the last 80 years the conveyor belt has advanced from the troughed rubber belt to those with standard steel cable cores and those which can navigate curves or climb steep inclines. Now the latest generation of belt conveyors can claim hitherto unheard of capacities of 20,000 tph and single flight lengths well exceeding 16,000 feet. The stranded steel cable core belt is principally responsible for the spectacular improvement in load carrying ability of belt conveyors. The allowable working tension of these belts ranges from 2,500 lb per in. of belt width for 1/4 in. diam cable to 4,000 lb per in, for 3/8 in. diam cable. These ratings far exceed the 240 lb per in. per ply for rayon or nylon construction, and 30 lb per in. per ply for a lowcost cotton fabric.

Jan 1, 1970

By W. O. Philbrook, L. D. Kirkbride

IN the normal operation of the iron blast furnace, reduction of the iron oxides is accomplished almost entirely above the tuyeres.' Blast furnace slags usually contain less than 0.5 pct FeO, although higher values may occur with abnormal operation. There is reason to conjecture, however, that incompletely reduced ore may sometimes reach the hearth and enter the slag as a result of heavy slips or, perhaps, even from cores of excessively large lumps of a charge material of poor reducibility. The possibility of reoxidation of iron droplets falling in front of the tuyeres has been considered by several writers. It would be of interest, to know how rapidly iron oxides reaching the slag for any of these reasons could be reduced by reaction with coke or with the high carbon liquid iron in the hearth. In comparison with the hundreds of papers that have appeared on various aspects of the reduction of solid iron oxides by gases and in the presence of several forms of carbon, little work has been published on the reductioin of liquid oxides or slags. Dancey measured rates of reaction of the pure liquid oxides, both FeO and Fe,O,, with molten iron containing about 4.3 pct C. The oxide was dropped into the cup formed in the upper surface of the iron by rotating the crucible and melt. Under these conditions, reduction of either FeO or Fe,O., was completed in less than 10 sec. The present study was concerned with the reduction of FeO from blast furnace-type slags containing less than 5 pct FeO and melted over carbon-saturated iron in stationary graphite crucibles. The results were considerably different from those found by Dancey, as will be discussed later. Although this work is of interest in relation to hearth reactions in the blast furnace, interpretations must be made with caution because the experimental conditions do not duplicate those within a furnace and may not even lead to the same reaction mechanism. The authors were motivated in undertaking this work by an additional interest—the part played by FeO reduction in the mechanism of de-sulphurization of iron by slags under similar experimental conditions. Derge, Philbrook, and Goldman eveloped detailed experimental evidence to support a three-step mechanism for desulphurization like that originally proposed by Holbrook and Joseph' (These reactions are written in molecular form for convenience, but this is not intended to imply the existence of molecules of FeS in the bulk metal phase nor to deny the likelihood of ionic reactions in the slag.) Earlier work by Chang and Goldman" had shown that the overall reaction follows first-order kinetics with respect to sulphur and that the rate of reaction is proportional to the slag-metal interface area, which observations have been confirmed by subsequent work. Later studiese,' have established the influence of al.loying elements on the first and last steps of the reaction. This paper reports a study of step 3 alone, uncomplicated by the simultaneous process of sulphur transfer. Apparatus and Procedure The experiments were made in a conventional high frequency induction furnace powered by a 35 kva Hg spark gap converter. The graphite crucibles used for most of the runs were 14 cm (5.5 in.) deep and 4.8 cm (1.9 in.) ID with 0.75 cm (0.3 in.) wall. An insulating cover with a small opening for withdrawing samples was used to minimize heat loss and infiltration of air into the furnace. The crucible was charged with 300 g of carbon-saturated iron and either 65 or 100 g of prefused slag analyzing 38.0 pct SiO,, 15.4 pct A10 and 47.1 pct CaO. To obtain the cleanest possible interface at the start of the reaction, the metal and slag were brought to temperature together to prevent the rejection of kish graphite that would have been caused by the chilling effect of a large addition of cold slag to carbon-saturated iron. After temperature control had been established, the desired amount of iron oxide was added in the form of a prefused slag of composition 73.6 pct FeO, 7.7 pct AWX and 19.0 pct SiOl. This slag addition was observed to be molten in somewhat less than 1 min, and a very vigorous reaction proceeded for 1 to 2 min after its introduction. Zero time was taken as 2 min after the ferrous silicate slag addition. Slag samples weighing about 0.5 g each were taken periodically by a copper chill sampler." The weight of the initial slag was large relative to the weight of samples removed, so that the slag weight never varied by more than 5 pct during any run. Temperature was measured by a calibrated W/Mo thermocouple immersed in the metal, with a graphite tip cemented over the fused silica protection tube to prevent attack by slag and metal. After some difficulties with uncertain temperatures during the first two runs, the practice adopted to position the thermocouple for reproducible results was to lower the protection tube to touch the bottom of the crucible and then raise it 0.5 cm. The apparent temperature gradient between the bottom of the crucible and the top of the slag was found to be 15°C (27°F). but much of this spread was probably the result of inadequate immersion of the protection tube to off-set conduction losses along the graphite tip when the thermocouple was inserted only into the slag. The temperature of the bath was controlled within 25°C (9°F) during a run.

Jan 1, 1957