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By Ettore Contestabile, Cameron Thomas

Implosive-type electrical/mechanical connectors such as XECONEX have been used extensively for joining electrical transmission lines. This implosive action of explosives has also been applied to other forms of high energy metal working with excellent results. However, as with many other products, the inherent blast energy of these units has caused some environmental concerns especially when used in proximity to inhabited areas.

Jan 1, 1995

By D. F. Strong

Most Newfoundland mineral deposits can be clearly classified as within rocks formed either as accreting plate margins (ophiolitic pyrite-chalcopyrite massive sulfides such as Betts Cove, Whalesback, York Harbour, chromite at Lewis Hills, and asbestos at Baie Verte), at consuming plate margins (Kuroko-type polymetallic massive sulfides such as Buchans and Pilleys Island, porphyry-type Mo-Cu at Rencontre, fluorite at St. Lawrence), or within plates (zinc deposits at Daniels Harbour, sedimentary iron ores at Wabana, manganese in Conception Bay.) As these metallogenic patterns can be convincingly extrapolated southward into the Appalachians and northward to the Caledonides, they provide an important means of eliminating and selecting areas for particular exploration targets. Some criteria are described for the recognition of these environments of differing economic potential.

Jan 1, 1975

By J. J. Moore, B. Mishra, D. L. Olson

The production of radioactive and reactive metals, such as plutonium, uses various pyrometallurgical techniques that generate significant quantities of waste salts contaminated with hazardous, reactive or radioactive materials. Health concerns, environmental regulations and economic considerations require proper mitigation processes to recover the valuable components and for recycling or unrestricted release of these salts. The Oxygen Sparging Process converts soluble metal halides, such as chromium-, plutonium-, cerium chlorides, into insoluble oxides and/or oxychlorides which can be consolidated and separated for long-term storage or further processing. The matrix salt phase, viz. calcium and/or alkali chlorides, are clean after oxygen sparging and fit for recycling. This method has been described and its optimized parameters discussed to show that RCRA regulated elements, such as, chromium, lead, cadmium, etc. report to the consolidated phase making the salt recyclable. Salt Scrub Reduction Process for the recovery of radioactive and RCRA metals from the waste salts has been developed. The process uses a Ca-Ga intermetallic alloy which recovers over 98 percent of the reactive metals. The matrix salt phase in this process, viz. calcium or alkali metal chlorides, are clean after salt scrub reduction.

Jan 1, 1995

By M. R. Hoover, J. H. Kim, S. J. Kloda, R. E. Carmola

Feed preparation circuits, which involve such unit processes as size reduction, classification, and beneficiation are inherently a capital and operating cost intensive part of synthetic fuels plants. These circuits, as encountered in similar minerals industry operations, have until now been designed more or less by individual experience and preference mainly because of the large number of variables involved. As a first step towards a computer-aided design tool, a flowsheet simulator has been developed based on an executive program which can connect and drive modular subroutines according to the proposed circuit. The most efficient and appropriate mathematical models were selected as modular sub- routines among available sources such as SPOC, ASPEN, and DOE. Advantages and limitations of this kind of approach are discussed from the system architecture and methodology transfer standpoints with special emphasis on synfuels circuits.

Jan 1, 1983

By Michel Ruel, Ali Soltanzadeh

This paper describes how to make advanced control choices when difficult processes need improvement. The decision-making process involves choosing between a rules-based approach and a model-based approach as well as weighing benefits and drawbacks, complexity and simplicity, investment and results. This paper will present briefly each solution: basic control, advanced regulatory control, model predictive control and expert systems such as fuzzy logic controllers and neural networks. Three examples are presented: ARC (Advanced Regulatory Control) on pH in a comminution circuit, MPC (Model Predictive Control) for combustible management and FLC (Fuzzy Logic Control) on a Semi Autogenous Mill. The article then proposes a decision tree for selecting the most appropriate approach. A table will compare usage, development, commissioning, maintenance and lifecycle costs for each approach. Finally, conclusions and suggestions will summarize the methodology.

Jan 1, 2014

By Maureen A. McGuinness

Kidd Mine, an Xstrata Copper operation in Timmins, Ontario, operates a 400 t/h pastefill plant that provides paste backfill to stopes at the depth of 9000 ft. This paper will cover the operating practices of the pastefill plant both on surface and underground, highlighting tailings excavation, paste mix design and the pipe maintenance program. Kidd Mine, une opération d'Xstrata Copper à Timmins, Ontario, opère une usine de remblai d'une capacité de 400 t/h. Le réseau de distribution permet d'acheminer le remblai en pâte juste qu'à une profondeur de 9000 pi. Cet article couvrira le mode opératoire de l'usine de remblai tant à la surface que sous-terre en mettant l'emphase sur l'extraction des rejets miniers, la recette du remblai en pâte ainsi que le programme d'entretient du réseau de distribution.

Feb 1, 2008

By I. Ehie, Y. P. Chugh

Physical mine modeling and computer simulation techniques were used to conduct technical feasibility and economic analyses of selected pit configurations for surface mining a single coal seam dipping at about 15% to a maximum depth of 46 m (150 ft). Pit orientations along the true dip (dipline), along the strike (strikeline), and along an apparent dip were studied. Physical models of each pit configuration were prepared first to delineate potential operational problem areas and also to furnish data for the computer simulation models. A dragline microsimulation, a shovel/truck simulation, and a surface mine cost analysis models were used to conduct the study. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on variables such as the pit width, block length, and seam pitch. The productivity (m3/h) of the mining equipment (dragline or stripping shovel) under each set of conditions was used to optimize the pit configuration. Both block length and panel width were found to significantly affect the dragline productivity. Larger size trucks were preferable to smaller size trucks in the pit con¬figuration along an apparent dip. The cost analysis results showed that the pit configuration along the seam dip was more economical than the pit along the strike or along an apparent dip for the mining condition studied.

Jan 1, 1987

By B. W. Jong

The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated anhydrous chlorination and caustic-acid leaching processes to recover Ni, Co, Mo, and W from waste hydroprocessing catalysts. In batch laboratory-scale equipment, the chlorination process extracted 61 to 99 pet of the metals. Final recovery was 65 to 99 pct. The caustic-acid leaching process extracted 81 to 98 pct of the metals. Final recovery was 36 to 99 pct. Chlorination processing included roasting, chlorination, hydrolysis of metal chlorides for recovering Mo or W, water leaching of Ni or Co from the spent charge, purification, and solvent extraction or precipitation of Ni or Co from the purified solutions. Caustic-acid leach processing included NaOH leaching, solvent extraction of Mo or W from the NaOH leach liquor, H2S04 leaching of the NaOH leach residue, purification, and solvent extraction or precipitation of Ni or Co from the purified solution. The estimated fixed capital cost for a commercial-scale plant processing 39,000 Ibid of waste Ni-Mo-AI catalyst was $8 million for the chlorination process and $9.6 million for the caustic-acid leaching process. The estimated operating cost was about $0.20 and $0.40 per pound of the waste catalyst, respectively, for the two processes.

Jan 1, 1989

1. Book review The geology of some northern Nigerian anorogenic ring complexes, by J.N. Bennet, D.C. Turner, E.C. Ike, and P. Bowden. The British Geological Survey: Overseas Geology and Mineral Resources, no. 61. London, HMSO, 1984. 66 pp. Reviewer: R.H. Ingram 2. Mintek reports Report M226 The separation of tungsten and molybdenum by the formation of sulphide complexes and extraction into a weak-base resin. Report M228 The solvent extraction of zinc, iron, and indium from chloride solutions by neutral organophosphorus compounds. Report M230 Shear flocculation of fines for improved flotation. Report M239 A mineralogical study of residue from the column leaching of a low-grade nickel-copper sulphide ore.3. Recent publication Driger Review, special edition, act. 1985. 48 pp. (Copies obtainable from Roly Nyman, HAMPO PMIE Division, P.O. Box 170, Joham1esburg 2000.) Black Mountain's achievement The 13 689 t consignment of metal concentrate that was loaded aboard the bulk carrier 'George' and shipped out of Saldanha Bay early in December brought the number of tons exported from Black Mountain via the Sishen-Saldanha railway and harbour system to one million.

Jan 1, 1986

By L. W. Kempf

THE thermal expansion characteristics of aluminum alloys have been examined by several investigators, among whom may be mentioned Shakespear,1 Schulz,2 Hidnert,3 Hidnert and Sweeney4 and McCullough.5 Shakespear compared the expansion of a series of aluminum alloys containing 14 per cent copper, with separate additions of about 1 per cent each of manganese, tin and zinc with that of pure copper. Schulz examined the expansion of aluminum and zinc and some aluminum-zinc alloys. Hidnert determined with a high degree of precision the expansion characteristics of pure aluminum, some aluminum-copper, aluminum-zinc, aluminum-silicon and some commercial alloys. Hidnert and Sweeney examined the expansion characteristics of aluminum-beryllium alloys. McCullough, by an interferometer method, determined the expansivity of some aluminum-copper, aluminum-magnesium, aluminum-iron, aluminum-nickel, aluminum-silicon and aluminum-manganese alloys. Incidental to an investigation carried out during the past six years and leading to the development and exploitation of an aluminum piston alloy of relatively low thermal expansivity, the expansion characteristics of a wide variety of alloys were examined. Some of the data which might be of general interest are gathered in this paper.

Jan 1, 1933

Provide the National Park Service (NPS) with guidelines for closing abandoned mine openings such as shafts and adits. Approach The NPS needed alternative methods of closing a variety of abandoned mine openings on National Park lands. Because the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has a long history of mining-related experience, the NPS requested that the Bureau provide them with technical mine closure information. USBM engineers compiled information on various types of mine closures and prepared technical illustrations of those closure techniques. Multiple closure options, by type of opening, were prepared as one-page field guides to assist NPS field personnel in determining the most appropriate closure method for a given situation and detailing the construction of the closure method. Results Guidelines provided to the NPS included a description of the method, use applications, construction techniques, technical illustrations, and technical support information. The following provides a brief description of 11 mine closure techniques identified for use by NPS personnel. Most of the closure methods, except the backfill methods, allow for construction that can provide access to the mine. However, providing access makes the closure susceptible to vandalism. Most closure methods require periodic monitoring for subsidence and corrosion or deterioration of construction materials.

Jan 1, 1994

By C. L. Belyk

There are fifteen accepted types of uranium ore deposits and at least forty subtypes readily identified around the world. Each deposit type has a unique geological model which may also have unique processing implications. Primary uranium production in the past decade has come from a handful of these deposit types: unconformity, sandstone, calcrete, intrusive, breccia complex and volcanic. Processing implications for each of the fifteen deposit types can vary widely between and within different geological models. Some key characteristics of uranium deposits that may have processing implications include: ore grade, uranium and gangue mineralogy ? including clay and carbonate species and content, hardness, porosity, uranium mineral morphology, and carbon content. Processing roadblocks may occur as a result of one or more of these characteristics for any of the fifteen deposit types. Future technological advances and innovative thinking around uranium ore processing could provide avenues for roadblock removal setting the stage for additional and economically-viable uranium production from traditional and non-traditional uranium ore deposits.

Aug 1, 2010

The tungsten carbide insert bit has probably advanced blasthole drilling more than any other single improvement. Tungsten carbide inserts have longer life, maintain sharper edges, and penetrate faster than hardened steel edge bits. Before the tungsten carbide hit appeared, all-steel bits were used. Even with the new bits, blasthole drilling costs vary with the type of equipment used and its condition; the hole's length and diameter; the rock's texture, hardness, and nature; the operator efficiency. To help reduce drilling costs, the operator should be familiar with the use and care of drill bits. This article provides information about tungsten carbide rock bits used for percussion drilling. Consideration of tungsten carbide rock bits includes looking at bit materials [ ] as well as bit operation and maintenance. Two basic tungsten carbide rock hits are the button bit and the four-wing carbide insert bit. Three common hit-to-drill-steel connections are the bottom drive, tapered drive, and shoulder drive. Bottom drive bits arc typically used for singlepass or longhole drilling, with all percussion drills from handheld sinkers to heavy track drills. Tapered socket bits are available with shallow or deep carhide inserts, for the lowest cost depending on the rock type being drilled. Shoulder drive bits are available in all-steel or carbide insert design.

Jan 12, 1981

By Ira N. Holli

A meeting of Engineering Council was held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 1918, at the Engineering Societies Building, New York. Present: Chairman Ira N. Hollis (A. S. M. E.); Dr. Charles Warren Hunt, Alex. C. Humphreys and F. H. Newell (A. S. C. E.); B. B. Lawrence and .J. Parke Charming (A. I. M. E.); Charles Whiting Baker, D. S. Jacobus, and George, J. Foran (A. S. M. E.) ; H. W. Buck, E. W. Rice, Jr., N. A. Carle, C. E. Skinner and Comfort A. Adams (A. I. E. E.) ; Clemens Herschel and Calvert Townley (United Engineering Society); also, by invitation, D. W. Brunton, Chairman, War Committee of Technical Societies of Engineering Council. Of the several actions taken at this meeting, the following are selected as being of most general interest. Chairman-Baker-presented a resolution on the conduct of the war, to which objections were made. It was referred to a special-committee; Charles Whiting Baker, Charles Warren Hunt, and Calvert Townley, for re-drafting and presentation later in the meeting. The revised resolution submitted by this committee led to further discussion and as no agreement could he reached, the matter was laid on the table.

Jan 3, 1918

[MINING AND EXPLORATION DIVISION Established as Mining, Geology and Geophysics Division, Sept. 27, 1949 Name changed February 19, 1958. Lyman H. Hart, Chairman Robert J. Lacy, Assistant Chairman Vice Chairmen: John C. Wangaard, Membership J. M. Ehrhorn, Program John G. Hall, Publications C. E. Nelson, Secretary American, Smelting and Refining Co. 120 Broadway New York 5, New York Editor, Rock-in-the-Box: J. W. Chandler.]

Jan 1, 1961

By Priscilla P. Nelson, Steven D. Glaser, Thomas D. Rourke, O&apos

Construction records from six projects which employed full-face TBMs to drive 18 km of tunnel in sedimentary rock have been analyzed. More than twenty individual causes of delay could be identified. Delay causes are characterized on the basis of frequency and duration of incidents. Average utilization and downtime distributions are presented for each project, and frequency distributions of downtime per shift are discussed.

Jan 1, 1985

By K. H. Nimerick, B. E. Scott, F. J. Beafore

A unique freeze conditioning agent (FCA) which functions by forming structurally weak ice rather than suppressing the freezing point of water has been successful in alleviating frozen coal problems. Frozen coal treated with FCA has been quickly unloaded at temperatures below -17.8°C (O°F). Other applications of FCA include deicing: conveyor belts, idler, idler arms, and other moving parts that have been impeded by ice.

Jan 9, 1979

By K. H. Nimerick, B. E. Scott, F. J. Beafore

A unique freeze conditioning agent (FCA) which functions by forming structurally weak ice rather than suppressing the freezing point of water has been successful in alleviating frozen coal problems. Frozen coal treated with FCA has been quickly unloaded at temperatures below -17.8OC (O°F). Other applications of FCA include deicing: conveyor belts, idler, idler arms, and other moving parts that have been impeded by ice.

Jan 1, 1980

By Edward Hart

The specimen of glazy iron used for analysis was highly characteristic in appearance. It was made at one of the furnaces of the Glendon Iron Works, working a light burden of ore with a highly silicious cinder. There are very few records of analyses of this variety of iron. I have been able to find but the two given by Bell, and I add these to my analysis for comparison. Bell. 1. 2. Iron,......89.47* 88.18 90.70 Carbon, combined,.... 0.00 0.79 0.71 Graphite,......2.88 2.59 2 68 Silicon,......5.47 5 13 5.13 Manganese,.....1.54 0.77 0.56 Sulphur,......0.04 0.17 0.23 Phosphorus,.....0.60 1.12 1.12 Titanium,.....- 0.26 0.18 Calcium,......0.00 0.22 0.20 Magnesium,.....0.00 0.06 0.03 100.00 9929 101.54

Mine managers need useful data to support production and maintenance decisions; for example, to evaluate the performance of replacement components. Today, managers rely solely on past experience, supervisors, opinions, and time studies. Our paper describes the concepts and algorithms we are developing for an automatic, intelligent decision support system (IDSS) that will aid managers by reducing and analyzing large amounts of, monitoring system sensor data and report only key production and maintenance information.. IDSS contains a pattern recognition, subsystem (IDSS/PRS) prototype to report graphical trends in traditional time study elements. We are designing. and prototyping a knowledge representation subsystem, using Knowledge Craft Tools, that will learn and adapt to the dynamic mine environment and reason about the recognized patterns using representations of manager's knowledge, equipment, capabilities, and mine layout and operating procedures. This subsystem will reduce, large quantities of time study type information to key issues that interest different managers.

Jan 1, 1989