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By Paulo Rodrigues dos Santos Junior, Luciano Passos de Jesus, Vagno Dordenoni Beltrame, Vinicius Antonio Ramos Pin

Faced with an increasingly demanding and selective market, a thorough analysis of each step of the processes is required in order to achieve high levels of performance. In addition to a major factor of importance in the rolling process, due to its high price, the rolls represent one of the main items in the cost of hot coils production. Using the 6 sigma methodology, there were opportunities for improvement in the grinding process, fatigue analysis, improvement in NDT in rolls, as well as means to guarantee operational stability, which allowed the reduction of roll’s consumption and consequently the cost of production.

Oct 11, 2019

By Todd A. Myers

Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer This presentation may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the Company's vision, strategy, operations, growth, development and any other statements containing the words, "believes, " "expects, " "anticipates, " "plans, " "estimates, " and similar expressions. There are a number of factors that could cause Westmoreland Coal Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements including, but not limited to: general economic and business conditions; healthcare cost trends; the Company's ability to manage growth and significantly expanded operations; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy; the Company's ability to pay the preferred stock dividends that are accumulated but unpaid; the Company's ability to retain key senior management; the Company's access to financing; the Company's ability to maintain compliance with debt covenant requirements; the Company's ability to successfully identify new business opportunities; the Company's ability to achieve anticipated cost savings and profitability targets; the Company's ability to utilize its tax net operating losses; demand for electricity; the effect of regulatory and legal proceedings; and other factors identified in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date such statement was first made.

Jan 1, 2008

By R. D. Pehlke, J. V. Gluck, R. L. Louvet

A study has been made of the effect of small additions of bismuth on the activity of zinc in dilute solution in molten tin. Free-energy interactions have previously been determined between zinc and various third elements where the solvents were molten bismuth or molten lead.'-4 In both of these solvents, the activity of zinc exhibits a strong positive deviation from ideal behavior (at 550°C y° for zinc in lead is 11.4 and for zinc in bismuth is 3.0). The present work, using tin as the solvent, is an extension to a case where the positive deviation is considerably diminished (y°Zn at 550°C is 1.63). Several previous investigators have studied the Zn-Sn binary system; however, little data is available in the range below 0.1 mole fraction zinc.5= Previous high-temperature galvanic cell studies in the Sn-Zn-Bi ternary system included the determination by Gluck and Pehlke of interactions in the bismuth-rich corner1 and separate investigations of the central region by Oleari and Fioriani6 and by Ptak and Moser.7 Yokokowa et al.8 conducted Knudsen effusion studies in the central region; however, their experiments at 625°K were conducted somewhat below the present experimental temperature range. Their results indicated an increase in zinc activity with the addition of bismuth. The present series of experiments was conducted in galvanic cells represented as follows: Zn Zn++ in LiCI-KC1 eutectic Zn + Bi in Sn (pure reference (fused salt electrolyte) (molten alloy) standard) The experimental apparatus. a multi-electrode system employing alumina crucibles and contained in a Vycor tube under a helium atmosphere, has been described previously, as have been the experimental procedures, precautions, and the methods of data reduction.1-4,- The experimental measurements were made over the range from 450° to 650°C. Between thirty and forty measurements were made in each run. The linearity of the electromotive force vs temperature relations was verified by linear regression techniques. The correlation coefficients exceeded 0.99. The experimental results summarized in Table I include the interpolated electromotive force at 550°C and the temperature dependence of electromotive force. Only results from stable and consistent cells containing more than 0.025 mole fraction zinc are reported. Attempts to run cells at 0.01 or 0.02 mole fraction zinc were not satisfactory. This is attributed to the closeness of the free energies of formation of the chlorides of tin and zinc. Calculations employing Wagner and Werner's criteria for displacement reactions10 indicated that reduction of the zinc content to 0.01 mole fraction places the cell near the borderline concentration for a 1 pct error in measured potential. The compositions shown in Table I are the actual weighed-in amounts. Previous experience has indicated that compositional changes during the running of a stable cell are negligible.' Over the range of compositions studied for the binary alloys, the activity coefficient of zinc was essentially constant indicating that Henry's law is followed to 0.05 mole fraction zinc. The temperature, OK, de-

Jan 1, 1969

In sizing of wet coal by the horizontal vibrating screen, screen openings to be used is much restricted, because coal is sticky and its bulk density is little. The electrically heated screen and other various types of screen had been tried to screen raw coal and coal as raw materials at a few mm. However, they failed to realize satisfactory results. On the other hand, fine sizing of coal is requested by many fields. For example, raw coal is desired to be screened at the fine rate, before being fed to the coal preparation control system in order to transport undersizes as unprepared coal particles and to reduce load in coal preparation waste water treatment system.1) Coals fed to the fluidized bed boiler also should be sized at a few mm. Regardless of many requests on fine sizing of coal, it seems that there are many cases to omit the basic screening process, because the screening is very difficult on a industrial scale. Size control as pretreatment of coal as raw materials is presented as one of the basic screening processes. In 1979, Kinki Industrial Co., Ltd. and Nippon Steel Corporation jointly succeeded in developing the vertical centrifugal screen. Closed -circuit crushing system by the use of this screen has operated actually at N.S.C, Hirbhata .Works, and realized the anticipated result. Consequently, this system has established the position as the most basic technology in the coal preparation. 2), 3), 4) This system has been also introduced to Nakayama Steel Works, Ltd. in 1982. This system termed the CPC (Coal Preparation Control) Process has been operated smoothly in both N.S.C. and Nakayama. Reported herein is the practical application of the vertical centrifugal screen termed V3-Separator. (V3 means vertical, versatile and vibration.)

Jan 1, 1984

By Wolfgang Hermann

The ancit-process of the Eschweiler Bergwerks-Verein, an affiliate Company of ARBED S.A., Luxembourg, was developed in its principles by the Dutch State Mines, Limburg, in the mid-50's with the aim of producing a smokeless domestic fuel on the basis of low volatile hard coal. In 1967, the EBV erected a 10 t/h large- size pilot plant along these principles in the Aachen mining district and further developed the acquired know-how. In hardly 10 years more than 650 000 t of ancit briquettes with unit weights between 17 and 100 grams were produced and in the meantime stream rates of over 85 % of the yearly utilization hours have been reached. In more than 10 blast furnace trial runs involving substitution rates up to 100 p. c. ancit have proved the suitability of ancit as a metallurgical fuel both for a burden with a high and a poor iron content. Construction work for a minor process-step to enable processing of coal with a higher content of volatile matters is finished and first results are expected by summer this year. A pilot plant with a 30 t/h capacity working on a low-volatile coal basis is being planned. Engineering and construction are supervised by MecanARBED. Luxembourg, as responsible contractors.

Jan 1, 1977

By K C. Williams, A W. Roberts, J D. Prigge

For stockpile design, the flowability and structural interfaces are critically dependant on the stress conditions throughout the pile. Historically, the predictive methodologies for stress determination have been too conservative, which adds inefficiency to the stockpile reclaim interface selections, especially for live reclaim stockpile systems. In addition, accurate pressure profiling throughout stockpile is essential to correctly design the stockpile support structures, which are buried within the stockpile. Such buried structures include trestle legs or columns to support load-out conveyors or the roof of bulk storage sheds. Improved methodologies with respect to the development of the hoop stress condition which exists in material ædrawn-downÆ within the stockpile has been developed. This hoop stress approach has significantly improved the live capacity prediction to over 90 per cent accuracy and improved rathole structure prediction within live reclaim stockpiles. Additionally the methodologies in estimating the vertical and circumferential stress variation acting on buried stockpile structures have been significantly progressed, with experimental testing shown good agreement with the theory.CITATION:Williams, K C, Roberts, A W and Prigge, J D, 2013. Recent developments in stress analysis and live reclaim prediction within iron ore stockpiles, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013 , pp 501-510 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 12, 2013

By Terry A. Rightnour

Multiple seam mining is predominant throughout the central Pennsylvania Appalachian coal fields. Wide ranges in individual seam thickness, coal quality, and overburden characteristics are common throughout the region. On typical mining permits, ranging from 404 x 103 to 2023 x 103 m2 (100 to 500 acres), often as many as eight seams are concurrently mined, with each interburden requiring unique economic and environmental consideration in the mine plan. Specifically, this paper presents several planning tools and operational guidelines developed in response to current regulations for the special handling of potentially acid-forming materials as they are related to development and operation of multiple seam mines.

Jan 1, 1984

By Stephen C. Tadolini, Dennis R. Dolinar

The risk of injury caused by minor roof falls continues to increase in underground mining. Most ground control injuries result from small rock falls that occur in a supported area, but do not involve the failure of the support system. In the roof, these are the "skin failures" that occur between previously installed primary or secondary bolting systems. To minimize skin failures and the associated accidents, several devices were designed and tested in the laboratory to maximize stiffness, minimize material thickness and weight, and ease material storage and handling on roof bolting machines. The goal of this project was to design and evaluate devices that can be installed with traditional primary or secondary roof supports, and that are easy to handle/install under temporary or previously supported roof.

The ""comparable sales"" method of valuation attributes value to an asset by reference to actual sales of comparable assets or to the market capitalisation of companies with comparable assets. This methodology is widely used in real estate valuations. The real estate approach can be used to value mining and exploration properties where there are actual sales of comparable or similar assets in the recent past. The practical limitations of the comparable sales method are well known and self evident: limited number of transactions, limitations on comparability and inadequate data. The real value of the comparable sales method is in its use as a validity check. Estimates of value of mining and exploration assets are so sensitive to so many variables that all valuation methods have limitations. Accordingly there is real value in attempting to establish benchmarks from comparable sales. Apparently sophisticated valuation methods can mislead by creating the impression that valuation is a precise science. The judgement of the valuer is critical and judgements can be wrong. Any available evidence from actual sales that are even remotely comparable can provide useful input to the valuation process.

Jan 1, 1994

By Joseph W. Roe

MANY questions arising in the work of the mining engineer may be solved quickly and with sufficient accuracy by the methods of descriptive geometry; but, unfortunately, this subject is more often considered from a mathematical view-point than as an effective tool. for solving practical problems. Some of the principles involved are merged into the ordinary operations of mechanical drawing, and are used unconsciously by the engineer in his every-day work. The rest are stowed away on the book-shelf with his forgotten or rarely-used college text-books. One reason for this condition of "innocuous desuetude " may lie in the unfortunate and often cumbersome notation which it has been found necessary to introduce. If some of these principles can be recalled to the engineer's attention in terms of every-day use they may prove of practical bearing. Recently, in talking with several mining engineers, I used some of the drawing-room methods of a machine-designer, to the evident surprise of those around me. These men were perfectly familiar with the methods, but their application to mining-work had not occurred to them. At their suggestion the present paper is offered, not in any way as a treatise, but merely to suggest a certain point of view, in hope that it may lead others far more familiar with mining-problems to pursue the subject further. I. To FIND THE STRIKE. As the simplest and most fundamental problem, let it be required to find the strike of a vein when the location and elevation of three points on the outcrop are known. It will be assumed for the present that the vein is a plane.

Mar 1, 1910

Longwall mining has existed in Utah for more than half a century. Much of this mining occurred at depths of cover that significantly exceed those encountered by most other U.S. longwall operations. Deep cover causes high ground stress, which can combine with geology to create a coal burst hazard. Nearly every longwall mine operating within the Utah’s Book Cliffs coalfield has been affected by coal bursts.

Jan 7, 2020

By Anthony L. Reynolds, Clifford J. Wren

"The adoption of a significant pile testing regime, the use of Eurocode 7 as the design standard, the development of lean construction techniques, and lateral thinking in overcoming some considerable construction challenges allowed Stent Foundations to construct the foundations for the new Wembley Stadium, London, on time and within budget. In addition to the piling works for the main stadium, and after significant design development, a large number of extra piles were required to raise the new iconic roof Arch to its final position some 133 metres above the ground. A 1,400m long contiguous bored pile wall was also constructed to allow for excavation and formation of the new pitch. INTRODUCTIONHjstorjcal lntrodyctionWembley Stadium is the 'home of English football'. As long ago as the 1880's, Wembley Park leisure grounds had football pitches and running tracks.In 1918 the British Government began planning a British Empire Exhibition with a stadium as its centrepiece. The Exhibition area covered 219 acres and the area on which a former abandoned tower called Watkins Folly had stood was chosen as the site for the new stadium (http://www.wembleystadium.com).The Empire Stadium, as it was originally known, was designed by architects Sir John Simpson and Maxwell Ayerton and the engineer Sir Owen Williams. It took just 300 days to complete at a cost of £750,000 ($1.4m), and was built using 25,000 tons of ferro concrete, 1,000 tons of steel, and over half a million rivets.The Empire Exhibition was a remarkable event, containing fountains, lakes, gardens, and many pavilions, each representing the architectural style of the countries exhibiting. It was opened on 23rd April 1924 and the final attendance was over 27 million, with 4.5 million admissions to the Empire Stadium alone."

Jan 1, 2005

By D. P. Pope, T. Vreeland

Observations of dislocations in zinc using Berg-Barrett X-ray micrography confirm the validity of a dislocation etch for (1010) surfaces. A technique for measurement of the depth in which dislocations can be imaged in X-ray micrographs is given. This depth on (0001) surfaces of zinc was found to be 2.5 µ using a (1013) reflection and CoKa radiation. BUCHANAN and Reed-Hill (B & RH) have recently questioned the ability of a dislocation etch to reveal all of the basal dislocations which intersect (1010) surfaces in annealed zinc crystals.' This etch was developed by Brandt, Adams, and Vreeland who conducted a number of different experiments to check its ability to reveal dislocations.2,3 B & RH prepared (0001) foil specimens for transmission electron microscopy from annealed crystals and observed dislocation densities of about l08 cm per cu cm in the foils, while the etch indicated densities of the order of l04 cm per cu cm in their annealed crystals. As this etch has been used in a number of studies of dislocations in zinc, it is of considerable importance to reassess its validity in the light of the B & RH results. The X-ray work reported here was undertaken to check the ability of the etch to reveal dislocation intersections on (1070) surfaces of zinc. The X-ray technique was chosen for this check because it could be applied to the as-grown crystals with a relatively small amount of specimen preparation. We believe that the possibility of accidental deformation in preparation of the bulk specimens is considerably less than that for thin foil specimens suitable for transmission electron microscopy. Unfortunately, basal dislocations are not visible on Berg-Barrett topo-graphs of (1010) surfaces, which are the surfaces on which the etch is most effective. Therefore, a one-to-one correspondence between the etch and X-ray observations could not be made. Basal dislocations near (0001) surfaces have been observed by Schultz and Armstrong4 using the Berg-Barrett technique, but they did not report the as-grown dislocation density observed in their crystals. We have applied the X-ray technique in this study to surfaces oriented from 1 to 2 deg of the (0001) to determine the basal dislocation density, and have compared this density with that observed using the etch on a (1070) plane of the same crystal. The X-ray observations permit determination of the depth in which basal dislocations can be observed under the diffracting conditions used. SPECIMEN PREPARATION High purity zinc crystals are very soft, so a good deal of care must be exercised in the preparation of observation surfaces. As-grown crystals approximately 2.5 cm in diam and 20 cm long were acid cut into 1.25 cm cubes. A thin slab was cleaved from an (0001) surface to produce an accurately oriented reference surface on the specimen. Some of the cubes were examined in the as-machined condition while some were annealed in argon at 410°C for 2 hr. Heating and cooling rates were less than 2°C per min. Some of the specimens were scratched on a (0001) surface with a razor blade to produce fresh dislocations. Approximately 2 mm of material was acid lapped from one face of a cube to produce a surface oriented between 1 and 2 deg from the basal plane and parallel to the [1210] direction. A (1070) surface was also acid lapped. The lap used a 1 to 3 pct solution of HN03 in water to saturate a soft cloth which was backed by a stainless steel plate. The cloth was moved over the crystal surface at a rate of 20 cm per sec while a normal force of about 4 g was maintained between the cloth and the specimen. As-lapped surfaces were examined as were surfaces which were chemically and electrolytically polished after lapping. The small angle between a lapped surface and the (0001) plane was measured to 0.1 deg using a Unitron microgoniometer microscope (the cleaved surface was used as a reference in this measurement). The microscope was modified so that the intensity of reflected light could be continuously monitored on a meter. This modification produced nearly a ten-fold increase in the reproduceability of orientation readings. OBSERVATIONS The Unitron Microgoniometer observations indicated that the lapped surfaces had a terraced structure with the terraces quite rounded and spaced about 0.1 mm in the [1010] direction. The maximum change in slope between terraces was 0.25 deg, indicating a terrace height of about 0.1 µ. A Unitron measurement of the average angle between (0001) and a lapped surface was checked by micrometer measurement of the specimen and found to agree within 0.1 deg. The Berg-Barrett micrographs using (1013) reflections and CoKa radiation5 revealed subboundaries, short dislocation segments, spirals, and loops near the surfaces which were oriented from 1 to 2 deg of the (0001). Micrographs of surfaces prepared by lapping appeared very similar to those of the chemically and electrolytically polished surfaces. The loops and spirals were not extinct in (1013) or (0002) reflections, indicating that they have a nonbasal Burgers vector. Extinctions of the short, straight dislocations indicated that they belonged to an (0001)(1210) system. Fig. 1 is an example of a micrograph which shows a subboundary, and dislocation segments which are pre-

Jan 1, 1970

Records over the past ten years indicate that there is potential for serious multiple accidents due to engulfing associated with rockpasses. Significant attention is not usually given to the design of rockpasses, with the implication that mistakes leading to poor performance of the passes are often repeated. This paper outlines general guidelines for the design, support, operation and rehabilitation of rockpasses based on information obtained from the limited amount of literature on the subject.

Jan 1, 2005

Although the flotation cell has been under continuous development over the past 80 years, an understanding of the precise roles of a cell in produc- ing the flotation result had evolved slowly. In fact, detailed studies of cell dynamics began only in the 1940s when flotation practice had almost reached the half-century mark. The earliest generalizations related cell capacity to power intensity (hp/vol- ume) (Rose, 1946), and specific operating features such as aeration and power ' consumption to impeller submergence and operating speed (Read, 1933). In the 1950s hydrodynamic characterization of cells through power coefficients and air flow numbers began (Arbiter and Harris, 1961) and has continued to the present, with increasing industrial use of these concepts (Degner, 1982; Degner and Treweek, 1976). Liquid flow measurements in Wemco cells (Degner, 1982) made liquid flow numbers and turnover frequencies available for more complete under- standing of cell dynamics. The present overview of flotation technology is a critique of cell design. The cell process represents the interactions between cell dynam- ics, cell geometry, and ores, with the latter prepared for that interaction through size reduction and reagent treatment. While previous invest- igations of flotation cells have accepted all cell designs uncrit- ically, the present study considers the physical process components that an effective cell must provide, and then compares a limited number of

Jan 1, 1984

By Dietmar Espig

Very useful general relationships between operating parameters and the operating results for open- and closed-circuit grinding under steady- state conditions are described. The basic idea of the developed methods consists of the introduction of a known reference state. The relations derived from very simple approximations to individual processes allow one to evaluate fineness and mass flow of the desired state after changing the parameters (feed rate, fineness of the feed material, mill length, transport behavior through the mill, classifier characteristics). It was also possible to derive some general relationships, e.g., * an equation for the influence of the operating parameters of the mill on the fineness of the mill output * a criterion to establish if the desired state of a closed grinding circuit is steady state at all * a possibility to substitute the common influence of the transport behavior of the mill and of the classifier by-pass fraction with the coarse stream on the mill outlet product by means of a fictitious worse transport behavior. The applicability of the described methodology to many problems in grinding practice, including questions of controlling grinding circuits, is demonstrated by some examples. In particular, a working diagram of the standard closed grinding circuit has been established.

Jan 1, 1984

By V. S. Tuman

In the first part of this paper, an estimate is made of the magnitude and extent of the thermal stresses which result from mud circulation. Our study is made for the period of relaxation, i.e., when the drilling operations are terminated and mud circulation is discontinued. In the second part, we have shown how the thermal stress can affect the wave propagation. An example is worked out for a Carbondale sandstone (Illinois basin). It is concluded that, in extreme cases when differential temperature is about 100°F, the travel time will be affected by about 2 microsec/ft. For more refined permeability studies, such corrections would be desirable. MAGNITUDE AND EXTENT OF THERMAL STRESSES RESULTING FROM MUD CIRCULATION When geological beds are penetrated by boreholes, it is observed that the formation temperatures increase with depth; however, the temperature profile varies considerably from place to place. During drilling operations, mud pumped from a pit at atmospheric temperature absorbs heat from the lower beds. As a result, the drilling fluid returning to the surface is at a higher temperature than the surrounding beds. The temperature gradient in a well depends on the rate of mud circulation and other factors; normally, this temperature gradient is smaller than the natural gradient in the formations. (See Fig. 1.) The temperature difference between the mud column and the surrounding beds gives rise to therma1 stresses (which are also important in the phenomenon of fracturing), and it is expected that they will affect the transit time of the sonic front in velocity logging.1 It is evident chat beds near the surface will undergo various cycles and will have a complicated dynamical and thermal-stress history. A limestone bed which is just penetrated will act as a source of heat, warming up the cold mud pumped down a few minutes earlier from the surface pit. The same limestone bed a week later will act as a sink, absorbing heat from the drilling mud which has already warmed up sufficiently to be at a higher temperature than the bed in question. No doubt a large section of the hole will undergo a heat treatment, which will make the calculation of the exact magnitude of the thermal stresses very difficult. In the solution of wellbore thermal equation, it is assumed that the rock around the wellbore is elastic and isotropic, and that the system is radially symmetrical. A complete dynamical solution of the thermal stresses set up at different horizons during the drilling operations would require a comprehensive history of the mud circulation, the surface temperature of the pit and the number of hours in which mud was not circulated. CONDUCTION OF HEAT AND THERMAL EQUATION OF STATE

By A. Feather

The Minataur? Process (Mintek Alternative Technology for Au Refining) is a novel route for the production of high-purity gold using solvent extraction. Following the successful demonstration of the process on a pilot-plant scale, a full-scale 24 t/a production plant has been commissioned at Harmony Gold Mine in Virginia, Free State. The commercial implementation of this process represents not only a significant advance in gold-refining technology, but may be instrumental in initiating important changes in the legislation regulating the marketing of gold in South Africa. Gold of either 99.99% or 99.999% purity can be produced from intermediate process products having a wide range of gold contents. The process comprises oxidative leaching of the solid feed, followed by selective solvent extraction of the gold from the leach liquor to reject impurities, and precipitation of high-purity gold powder. This paper outlines the process, presents selected results of two pilot-plant trials in which 5 kg/d of high-purity gold was produced from silver-refining anode slime and gold-electrowinning cathode sludge, and provides some details of the cost benefits.

Jan 1, 1997

By E. S. Cheney

The sandstone-type uranium deposits of the Gas Hills occur in the arkosic, lower Eocene Wind River formation on the southern edge of the Wind River Basin. The d S34 values of pyrite cement associated with uranium mineralization are-significantly lighter than values for syngenetic-diagenetic pyrite nodules, therefore the H2S responsible for the precipitation of the epigenetic pyrite and uraninite was produced [t]epigenetically. These values are much lighter than the values of H2S from neighboring oil fields. The presence of biogenic pyrite in meta-igneous Precambrian cobbles indicates that these cobbles are not remnants of former; vein-type uranium deposits.

Jan 1, 1964

By R. W. Carn, D. Vincent

During the next 15 years, US coal production is expected to double, with the increased production evenly divided between the East and the West. Along with greater production, coal export markets should increase dramatically from East, West, and Gulf Coast ports. The annual overseas export capacity of US coal-loading terminals is expected to rise from 147.1 Mt (162.1 million st) in 1981 to a minimum of 278.1 Mt (306.6 million st) in 1985, according to the US Maritime Administration. Increased coal production and use will lead to more development of import and export terminals, a vital link in the coal transportation chain. With continually escalating capital costs and the competitive markets that the terminals will serve, a well designed and efficient terminal is necessary. This article begins a two-part series that presents concepts presently used in coal export terminal design. Part I looks at site selection factors and equipment needs, while Part II will examine environmental considerations in building a terminal as well as typical capital and operating costs. The world is nearing the end of the oil era. In a few years oil will not be available to sustain the growth rate and increasing standard of living we have known in our lifetime. The big question is what energy era are we moving into? With the decline of readily available oil reserves and rapidly increasing prices, many countries are trying to switch to alternate energy forms. While intensive efforts to find new oil reserves continue, alternate energy sources such as natural gas, coal, synthetic fuels, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power are being developed. Recent indications are that coal is expected to bridge the energy gap over the next 25-30 years until the technology and economics of the alternate energy forms reach satisfactory levels. Use of coal for energy is receiving strong attention due to its long-term availability (200-300 years minimum), relative ease of development, and its low cost per unit of power produced. By the year 2000, it is expected that 25% of world energy supply will be met by direct coal combustion and possibly another 5-10% by synthetic fuel from coal. Coal's expanding share in the world energy market, along with an increase in coking coal requirements, will result in a large increase in the world's seaborne coal trade. Recent statistics and projections for the future are shown in Table 1. This phenomenal development rate includes increases in both coking and thermal coal requirements. Because of the rapid increase of seaborne coal trade during the last 10 years and the even greater projected increase of trade to 2000, various sectors of the coal industry are faced with enormous technical challenges and huge investments in equipment, land, transportation systems, and port facilities. Very large bulk terminals are under development throughout the world. Latest surveys indicate that there are about 30 new coal export and import terminals under consideration and at least 30 existing terminals have expansion programs planned or underway. With the high cost of borrowed capital and rapid inflation rates there is great emphasis on new planning and design techniques to minimize capital and operating costs of coal transportation systems. Terminals A total coal supply system can be considered to consist of one or more mines; a train, barge, truck, or other haulage system; an export terminal; a fleet of bulk carriers; a receiving terminal; and possibly, local inland distribution networks that include barges and railways. Terminals, though only a small link in the total transportation system, play a key role in overall system efficiency. At ports or inland distribution centers, terminals act as transportation links bringing trains, ships, barges, or trucks together for cargo transfer and temporary storage. A well-designed terminal can provide maximum independence between two modes of transportation and optimum freedom for intermodal interference. A terminal acts as a buffer between the two transportation modes by providing sufficient storage capacity so a ship need not wait for its cargo on, for example, a train-by-train basis, but can load immediately from the ready stock. Similarly, a train need not wait for a ship to unload its contents but can dump immediately into storage. A terminal also can be used to properly mix various types of coal to satisfy a buyer's requirements. Consider the relative value of various production and transport segments for a typical steam coal

Jan 6, 1983