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By P. Braga, A. Chaves, S. França, A. Luz

"In Brazil, there are no official reserves of molybdenum, and the unofficial reserves are modest. Therefore, the molybdenum ore (molybdenite) produced as a co-product or by-product of emerald mining in the region of Campo Formoso, BA, has arisen as the only economic option. The flotation process is commonly used in Brazil for the recovery of molybdenite from emerald mining tailings, but it produces low-content molybdenite concentrates, thereby resulting in a product with low economic value. The molybdenite concentrate produced in Campo Formoso contains 83.5% MoS2 (50% Mo), which is less than the international standard product that contains > 90% MoS2 (54% Mo).This low value is due to the presence of talc, which is a naturally hydrophobic mineral that is also floated with the molybdenite during the flotation process. Separability studies were done in a Partridge-Smith cell using dextrin and quebracho as a molybdenite depressor in solution at different concentrations and pH values to produce a technical-grade concentrate (i.e., 90% MoS2). These basic studies were accompanied by measurements of the zeta potential and contact angle, which was determined by the capillary rise method. The results of these floatability studies were used in bench flotation tests, which were performed in a Denver laboratory flotation cell. A molybdenite concentrate of 93.4% MoS2 was obtained when dextrin was used at a concentration of 100 g/t."

Jan 1, 2014

By A. D. K. Laird, John A. Putnam

This paper describes the application of x-ray theory to design procedures in connection with fluid saturation determinations during fluid flow experiments with porous media. A reliable and rapid method for calibrating the x-ray apparatuy is described. Extension of the method to fluid saturation determinations in three-fluid systems is described. INTRODUCTION In rerearch on oil production problems a method is required which will give quickly the quantity of each component of a fluid flow system present at any cross-section of a porous medium. The sample of porous medium under investigation is usually referred to as a core. The ratio of the volume of one component to the total fluid volume is defined as the saturation of the porous medium by that component. This ratio is generally given as per cent saturation. Some means of measuring saturation which have received consideration include: electrical conductivity of the fluids;1,2 emissions from radioactive tracers dissolved in the fluids; the radioactivity of silver caused by reflection of neutrons from hydrogen atoms in the fluids;' the attenuation of a microwave beam. the diminution and phase shift of ultrasonic wave trains.4,5 and the reduction in intensity of x-ray beams in passing through the fluids. X-rays have already been used with some success. Since every material has a different power to absorb x-rays, the reduction in intensity of an x-ray beam as it passes through a core depends on the fluids present. The strength of the emergent beam can be found by converting its energy into a measurable form such as heat or ionic current. or by its effect on a photographic plate or fluorescent screen. The beam strengths could be interpreted as quantities of known fluids in the core if, previously, these beam strengths had been identified with a known combination of the same fluids. With some fluid cornbinations it might be desirable to dissolve powerful x-ray absorbing materials in one or more of the fluids, to increase the differences in the beam strengths for various fluid saturations. Boyer, Morgan and Muskat6 have described a method of measuring two component fluid saturation. One component was air or water; the other. minerat seal oil in which was dissolved 25 per cent by weight of iodobenzene to increase its absorbing power. The x-ray source was a tungsten target tube operated at 43 kv potential. The beam emerging from the core was measured as ionic current flowing across an air-filled ionization chamber by means of an amplifying circuit and galvanometer. Another portion of the beam from the x-ray tube was passed through a metal plate and measured in another ionization chamber. This portion, called the monitor beam, was used as an indication of the performance of the x-ray tube. The galvanometer readings were calibrated against air-oil core saturations, gravimetrically determined. The method was apparently established by experimental means. In the present investigation the available theory of x-radia-tion was surveyed with a view to extending the usefulness of the method and to developing design procedures for its application to measurement of fluid saturation in porous media. Application of the theory permits prediction of relative meter readings to be expected for any combination of porous matrix, various saturating fluids and auxiliary filtering media. It is thus possible to calibrate the equipment in terms of fluid saturation by an indirect but rapid technique. The results of calculations based on x-ray theory indicate. and results of the saturation calibration technique confirm. that a valid measurement of the saturation of the core can be made for any two components and in some cases for three components. THEORY The strength of an x-ray beam, after it has passed through a distance. 1, of matter of density, p, and mass absorption coefficient, µ at a given wavelength, A, may be expressed by the absorption formula I = I0 e ...........(1) where I, represents the intensity of the incident x-ray beam and I is the intensity of the emergent beam. The expression e is called the transmission factor of the material. The variation of I,, with wavelength depends upon the materials through which the x-ray beam has previously passed and upon the spectral distribution of energy at the source of the x-radiation. A group of curves. called spectra. which show the variation of intensity with wavelength and x-ray tube voltage are given in Fig. 1. These curves represent the general radiation from a tungsten target tube. When the tube voltage is greater than 69.3 kv, the characteristic radiation of the tungsten is emitted and is superposed on the general radiation. At a given voltage the minimum wavelength A,,,,, at which energy can be emitted by an x-ray tube is given by the formula 12,340 xml. = ——..........(2) volts where A,.,,.. is in Angstrom units. The wavelength at which the spectra have maximum intensity a1so decreases with increasing x-ray tube voltaue. The area under each curve represents to an arbitrarv scale the total energy emerging from the x-ray tube for that voltage. The variation of µ with wavelength has been determined for many substances and may be found in such references as those by Compton and Allison7 and by Hodgman.8 The phenomenon of absorption is composed chiefly of the capture of photons by the atoms of the absorbing material with associated displacement of electrons, and of the scattering, or the deflection, of the photons by the atoms. Curves of these mass absorption coefficients show jump discontinuities. or absorption edges. at wavelengths which are short enough for the photons,

Jan 1, 1951

By John A. Putnam, A. D. K. Laird

This paper describes the application of x-ray theory to design procedures in connection with fluid saturation determinations during fluid flow experiments with porous media. A reliable and rapid method for calibrating the x-ray apparatuy is described. Extension of the method to fluid saturation determinations in three-fluid systems is described. INTRODUCTION In rerearch on oil production problems a method is required which will give quickly the quantity of each component of a fluid flow system present at any cross-section of a porous medium. The sample of porous medium under investigation is usually referred to as a core. The ratio of the volume of one component to the total fluid volume is defined as the saturation of the porous medium by that component. This ratio is generally given as per cent saturation. Some means of measuring saturation which have received consideration include: electrical conductivity of the fluids;1,2 emissions from radioactive tracers dissolved in the fluids; the radioactivity of silver caused by reflection of neutrons from hydrogen atoms in the fluids;' the attenuation of a microwave beam. the diminution and phase shift of ultrasonic wave trains.4,5 and the reduction in intensity of x-ray beams in passing through the fluids. X-rays have already been used with some success. Since every material has a different power to absorb x-rays, the reduction in intensity of an x-ray beam as it passes through a core depends on the fluids present. The strength of the emergent beam can be found by converting its energy into a measurable form such as heat or ionic current. or by its effect on a photographic plate or fluorescent screen. The beam strengths could be interpreted as quantities of known fluids in the core if, previously, these beam strengths had been identified with a known combination of the same fluids. With some fluid cornbinations it might be desirable to dissolve powerful x-ray absorbing materials in one or more of the fluids, to increase the differences in the beam strengths for various fluid saturations. Boyer, Morgan and Muskat6 have described a method of measuring two component fluid saturation. One component was air or water; the other. minerat seal oil in which was dissolved 25 per cent by weight of iodobenzene to increase its absorbing power. The x-ray source was a tungsten target tube operated at 43 kv potential. The beam emerging from the core was measured as ionic current flowing across an air-filled ionization chamber by means of an amplifying circuit and galvanometer. Another portion of the beam from the x-ray tube was passed through a metal plate and measured in another ionization chamber. This portion, called the monitor beam, was used as an indication of the performance of the x-ray tube. The galvanometer readings were calibrated against air-oil core saturations, gravimetrically determined. The method was apparently established by experimental means. In the present investigation the available theory of x-radia-tion was surveyed with a view to extending the usefulness of the method and to developing design procedures for its application to measurement of fluid saturation in porous media. Application of the theory permits prediction of relative meter readings to be expected for any combination of porous matrix, various saturating fluids and auxiliary filtering media. It is thus possible to calibrate the equipment in terms of fluid saturation by an indirect but rapid technique. The results of calculations based on x-ray theory indicate. and results of the saturation calibration technique confirm. that a valid measurement of the saturation of the core can be made for any two components and in some cases for three components. THEORY The strength of an x-ray beam, after it has passed through a distance. 1, of matter of density, p, and mass absorption coefficient, µ at a given wavelength, A, may be expressed by the absorption formula I = I0 e ...........(1) where I, represents the intensity of the incident x-ray beam and I is the intensity of the emergent beam. The expression e is called the transmission factor of the material. The variation of I,, with wavelength depends upon the materials through which the x-ray beam has previously passed and upon the spectral distribution of energy at the source of the x-radiation. A group of curves. called spectra. which show the variation of intensity with wavelength and x-ray tube voltage are given in Fig. 1. These curves represent the general radiation from a tungsten target tube. When the tube voltage is greater than 69.3 kv, the characteristic radiation of the tungsten is emitted and is superposed on the general radiation. At a given voltage the minimum wavelength A,,,,, at which energy can be emitted by an x-ray tube is given by the formula 12,340 xml. = ——..........(2) volts where A,.,,.. is in Angstrom units. The wavelength at which the spectra have maximum intensity a1so decreases with increasing x-ray tube voltaue. The area under each curve represents to an arbitrarv scale the total energy emerging from the x-ray tube for that voltage. The variation of µ with wavelength has been determined for many substances and may be found in such references as those by Compton and Allison7 and by Hodgman.8 The phenomenon of absorption is composed chiefly of the capture of photons by the atoms of the absorbing material with associated displacement of electrons, and of the scattering, or the deflection, of the photons by the atoms. Curves of these mass absorption coefficients show jump discontinuities. or absorption edges. at wavelengths which are short enough for the photons,

Jan 1, 1951

By G. B. SOUTHWARD

MECHANIZATION is being developed to some extent in every coal field in the United States and it is rather difficult to say which State or section of the country has made the greatest advancement. Statistics now being compiled for 1928 will show the tonnage mined, the amount of equipment used in each of the coal-producing States, and the comparative tonnages and percentages of total tonnage mined in each of these States, and will reveal which field is making the greatest advancement as far as quantity of production is concerned. However, while the tonnage figures are of great importance there-are other phases of coal-mine mechanization, such as the types of equipment, the mining methods and coal bed conditions, which are of equal interest. The change from hand-mining practices in all of the various operations from the face to the railroad cars is, perhaps, more indicative than any other one thing of the real progress being made.

Jan 1, 1929

By Graeme Lamson, Rene Dobbe, Merle Kalstrom, Janice Baron, Robert Thorpe, Chris Martin, Snezana Bajic, Amanda Palko

"This paper presents early results from a case study at the Mount Polley porphyry copper mine in British Columbia, Canada. Daily mineralogical data was acquired and reconciled with daily plant assay and recovery balances to interrogate the mineralogical controls on plant performance. After commissioning, the Minesite machine operated smoothly and reliably, creating daily data to generate mineralogical balances around the circuit for a period of several weeks. The key data, on final products were produced within 13 hours of the end of the respective operating period. The resulting information allowed for a greater understanding of the opportunities and limitations of the Mount Polley metallurgy. In this paper, how this information can be used to help long term strategic planning for the operation, as well as mine planning and production forecasting and the fine tuning of day to day mill operations is described. Early data available at the time of preparing this paper indicated that roughly 40% of the sulphide losses, or 32% of total copper losses existed as low grade inclusions in +75 micron tails. This represented the dominant form of long term copper losses, demonstrated repeatedly in the routine analytical data. However, on a day-to-day basis, the amount of copper present as chrysocolla is the major driver behind variations in total copper recovery. The degree to which this influences mill recovery is valuable to the geologist or mine planner. As they are armed with mineral speciation information for future ores, this will allow for improved mine planning, prediction of copper recoveries and production forecasting. The data was also started to find value in the mill by showing what caused sulphide losses. In the roughers, for example, the data showed poor recovery was the result of poor flotation performance and not any changes the speciation of copper sulphides or their liberation characteristics."

Jan 1, 2014

By H. R. Babitzke

To develop alloys suitable for use at elevated temperatures, columbium and tantalum were combined with tungsten, hafnium, vanadium, zirconium, and titanium, and the resulting alloys were evaluated with respect to fabricability, hardness, Electrical resistivity, strength at elevated temperatures, oxidation resistance, and bend transition. Of the 23 compositions tested, Cb-2OHf-5W-10Ti exhibited superior high-temperature properties. A recrystallized sample of this alloy was fabricable at room temperature, had a strength of 44,000 psi at 1,200° C, and had an oxidation rate of only 7.7 mg/cm2/hr at 1,000° C.

Jan 1, 1966

By J. S. Rapp

This report is based on existing reports and recently gathered field data. It discusses mineral resource potential of Tertiary playas in the Fort Irwin region. An estimated 1.3 million tons of measured salt "reserves", and 20 million tons of indicated salt resources, have been identified north of the fort. Other indicated resources include 300,000 tons of celestite, 800,000 tons of gypsum, and 10 million tons of selenite. Zeolitic tuff was mined south of Fort Irwin from 1978 to 1984, and unexplored occurrences are widespread. Calcium-bentonite is mined near Barstow, and more may exist, including valuable sodium-and lithium-based bentonites.

Jan 1, 1992

By M. R. Yenchek

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has determined a method for calculating coal mine portable power cable thermal life for a specified temperature loading. This work was the culmination of a multifaceted research project involving (1) accelerated life tests of insulation and jacket materials and (2) steady-state and cyclical loading of cables. Composite Arrhenius curves were derived for common insulation and jacket materials to identify the key cable quality that precipitates thermal failure. Plots of temperature rise versus current for popular cable sizes were then referenced to develop a correspondence between cable life, based upon thermal degradation and current loading. Predictions of cable thermal life were made through integration over variable load cycles and, consequently variable operating temperatures. This procedure may have utility for both the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration and mining machine designers in determining the appropriate cable size for new equipment.

Jan 1, 1991

By DeVerle P. Harris, David E. Euresty

"Potential metal supply refers to metals to be produced from as yet unknown deposits. Naturally, to measure potential supply requires, among other things, inference to the number of deposits, their tonnage, and their grade Thus, probability distributions were constructed for each 400-square mile cell in Northern Sonora, Mexico. A computer system was developed that simulated the occurrence of deposits for each cell, exploration for the deposits, and their exploitation. Evaluation was performed for each deposit by discounted cash flow analysis.An objective of this study was to explore the effect of the transportation network and required road or railroad construction upon potential supply. Consequently, the evaluation system was designed to consider the spatial location of a simulated deposit to the existing transportation network and the market destination. The construction of linkages to connect the deposit to existing transportation arteries as well as the carrying of the concentrates to the intended market were simulated. in terms of cost. The selection of the path took into account the existing terrain. This was done by digitizing topographical maps and representing the topography of the area by an orthogonal grid of elevations. The optimum route was selected by dynamic programming, meeting a prescribed gradient constraint. The potential supply of each cell was determined, allowing for the infrastructure effect."

Jan 1, 2014

By R Strand, L Reading, G Keir

A major challenge in managing coal seam gas (CSG) water is predicting how much water will be produced as the industry develops. Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd (KCB) was commissioned by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) to develop a tool to forecast where, when and how much CSG water will be produced in the Surat and Southern Bowen Basins under various industry expansion scenarios.The water production tool (WPT) uses the Theis equation, a non-equilibrium groundwater flow equation that accounts for the effect of pumping time on well yield in confined aquifers, to predict water production volumes. Where multiple pumping wells are in close proximity, the required pumping rates for coal seam depressurisation are reduced. Therefore, pumping effects are projected spatially to assess interference effects between wells. Water production is then upscaled to the projected scale of the CSG industry within the Surat and Southern Bowen Basins.Two modifications were made to address the dual phase nature of CSG extraction (a transmissivity reduction factor) and the impact of weathering at the eastern margin of the Surat Basin (a ænear edge effectÆ factor). These factors modify relevant hydrogeological parameters in a consistent and defensible manner to more closely match observed water production.The WPT was verified by comparing results to equivalent Theis equation calculations and to type curves provided by CSG proponents. Calibration was achieved by varying the spatial distribution and intensity of the near edge effect factor in conjunction with a chi-squared analysis of residuals.The tool, which is now being maintained and further developed by the Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry (CWiMI), was built to balance numerical complexity against relative flexibility and simulation speed. The result is a tool that can produce statistically relevant results of prescribed scenarios to plan water handling and treatment requirements in discrete zones of operation.CITATION:Strand, R, Reading, L and Keir, G, 2013. Water production simulation tool for coal seam gas operations in Bowen and Surat basins, in Proceedings Water in Mining 2013 , pp 311-320 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 26, 2013

By J. R. Thoenen

[Before 1914 Germany held virtual monopoly on the world supply of potash for fertilizer purposes. During the world War, potash shipments to the United States ceased, and recourse was had to domestic supplies. High war-time prices stimulated interest n various sources, and domestic production increased rapidly. At the close of the war, resumption of shipments from Germany and other sources reduced prices to below pre-war levels, and, as a result, most of the domestic producers ceased operational.]

Jan 1, 1941

By I Canbulat, J Oh, A Mcquillan, D Payne

This paper presents a new risk assessment tool for coal mine excavated slopes. This new empirical-statistical Slope Stability Assessment Methodology (SSAM) is intended for use by geotechnical engineers at both the design review and operational stages of a mine’s life to categorise the risk of an excavated coal mine slope. A likelihood of failure is determined using a new slope stability classification system for excavated coal mine slopes developed using a database of 119 intact and failed case studies sourced from open cut coal mines in Australia. Consequence of failure is based on slope height and stand-off distance at the toe of the excavated slope. Results are presented in a new risk matrix, with slope risk being divided into low, medium and high categories. The SSAM is put forward as a new risk assessment tool to assess the potential for, and consequence of, excavated coal mine slope failure. Unlike existing classification systems, assumptions about the likely failure mode or mechanism are not required. Instead, the SSAM applies an approach which compares the conditions present within the excavated slope face, with the known past performance of slopes with similar geotechnical and geometrical conditions, to estimate the slope’s propensity for failure. The SSAM is novel in that it considers the depositional history of strata in an excavated slope and how this sequence affects slope stability. It is further novel in that it does not require explicit measurements of intact rock, rock mass and/or defect strength to rapidly calculate a slope’s likelihood of failure and overall risk. Ratings can be determined entirely from visual observations of the excavated slope face. The new SSAM is designed to be used in conjunction with existing slope stability assessment tools. CITATION:Mcquillan, A, Canbulat, I, Payne, D and Oh, J, 2018. New risk assessment method for coal mine excavated slopes, in Proceedings The Fourth Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference (AusRock), pp 473–495 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 30, 2018

Numerical modelling is a valuable tool for simulating the fundamental processes that take place during a heating. The models presented in this paper have enabled a quantitative assessment of the effects of initial pile temperature, pile size and mass and coal particle size on the development of a heating. All of these parameters have a certain criticality in the coal self-heating process.

Jan 1, 2005

By Akira Ishikuro, Masamichi Shintaku, Futoshi Kusumoto, Takeshi Kudo

"The Bankei-Kitanosawa tunnel that is located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan includes a 450m long section near the arrival point where mudstone which can liquate out natural hazardous materials such as arsenic and selenium exceeding the tolerance stipulated by country as well as weathered mudstone and unconsolidated sedimentary rocks with small overburden and the competence factor less than 1.0 are present. The mucks containing hazardous materials were disposed into the waterproof branch tunnels created from the inside of the main tunnel. The full face early ring closure method was employed to ensure the stability of the tunnel in the low strength rock masses having no stand-up time. As a result, the waterproof tunnels branching off the main tunnel can manage water tightness so as to ensure safety and relief against environmental risks of the hazardous materials. It is also demonstrated that the full face early ring closure method enable construction of the tunnel with a small overburden in the low strength rock masses. INTRODUCTION The Bankei-Kitanosawa tunnel includes a 450m long section near the arrival point where mudstone which can liquate out natural hazardous materials such as arsenic and selenium exceeding the tolerance stipulated by country as well as weathered mudstone and unconsolidated sedimentary rocks with small overburden and the competence factor less than 1.0 are present. In order to overcome the restrictions, the hazardous materials were designed to be disposed into large cross section waterproof tunnels which were newly designed and constructed in high strength and hazardous material free Andesite. The lining for the tunnels was composed of with shotcrete. In addition, full face early ring closure (Sato et al., 2013) was employed to stabilize the tunnel so as to enable safe tunnel excavation in low strength rock masses where a ground arch is deemed unachievable. This paper presents the safe disposal method of mucks which are likely to liquate out natural hazardous materials as well as the full face early ring closure method and its mechanical characteristics."

Jan 1, 2016

By P. N. Anyalebechi

"The effects of solidification rate, initial melt hydrogen concentration, and grain refining on porosity formation in aluminum alloy 2024 have been investigated with unidirectionally cooled laboratory-size ingots. The ingots were prepared from melts containing hydrogen concentration of 0.059-0.27 cm3/100 g and solidified at 0.2-37 °C/s. As expected, the amount of porosity, average pore size, and pore number density increased with increase in melt hydrogen concentration and decrease in solidification rate. However, the effect of solidification rate was greater at the very low melt hydrogen concentration (0.059 cm3/100 g). These results are consistent with reported effects of solidification rate and melt hydrogen content on porosity formation in other aluminum alloys. Interestingly, addition of grain refiner slightly increased the amount of porosity and the average pore size, especially at solidification rates above 1°C/s. IntroductionIn shaped castings and wrought products fabricated from ingots, billets, bars, or slabs of aluminum and its alloys porosity formation is a problem. This is because it compromises their tensile strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue properties [ 1-18]. The pores are usually the crack initiation and propagation sites [6,8,9] and the largest pores tend to dictate the fatigue life of the aluminum products [9,10,14]. Porous regions within an aluminum product probably yield first due to the reduced tensile load bearing capacity, causing the concentration of the strain near the voids which subsequently results in premature fracture. In aluminum alloy ingots, billets, bars and slabs porosity formation is particularly problematic because of its persistence through fabrication and potential for reappearance or exacerbation during subsequent thermal treatment processes before and/or after fabrication [19]. In fact, persistence of microporosity is a serious problem in large thick plates of wrought aluminum alloy products that must be rolled from correspondingly large direct-chill or electromagnetic cast ingots. Some of these thick plate products are machined into large aircraft components that are required in service to withstand multi-directional stresses and to possess high fatigue strength, fracture toughness, resistance to stress corrosion cracking, and strength in the short-transverse direction [1,20]."

Jan 1, 2011

By Shannon Studden, Angela King, Allan Koski

Cliffs Natural Resources is an international mining and natural resources company with over 160 years of history. A member of the S&P 500 Index, the company is a major global iron ore producer and a significant producer of metallurgical coal. Throughout its history, employees have been the foundation of the company’s success, which has long embraced a focus on continuous business improvement.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. M. Pilcher

The application of oil to coal for-the reduction of dust has greatly increased the consumers' satisfaction with solid fuels, especially those for domestic use. The combination of oil-treated coal and automatic firing by a small stoker has made possible clean, automatic heating with bituminous coal. This, with the added pressure of competition by other fuels, has caused a rapid development of oil treating practice. A variety of materials derived" from petroleum oils is available from which one may choose for treating a par-ticular coal. Until recently, however, little information had been published to guide the choice. It is most im-portant that the proper type and amount of oil be used in order that all coals marketed as "dustless" will be reason-ably dustless, and thereby maintain a good reputation for oil-treatment. During the past two and one-half years, an investigation of a number of the problems related to the treatment of coal with oil has been conducted at Battelle Memorial Institute. This project was jointly sponsored by Bituminous Coal Research. Inc., Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, Sun Oil Company, and Viking Manufacturing Company. A progress report giving the principal results of the work of the first year was presented before the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in December 1937.1 The present paper is a summary of the entire inves-tigation.

Jan 1, 1939

By John R. Riede

The use of radioactive gages in beneficiation plants is relatively new However, enough applications have been made so that it is now possible to positively state that these gages have definitely progressed from a laboratory device to a very rugged and reliable on stream process measuring instrument. Gamma Ray Gages of the type presently being used in the beneficiation industry consist of three basic components: (1) A source of radiation (2) A radiation detector (3) An electronic amplifier The source is usually a radioisotope such as cesium-137, or cobalt-60. This source, adequately protected and ruggedly mounted, is most commonly placed on one side of a pipe or vessel. The radiation detector is then mounted on the opposite side, Since the absorption of gamma radiation as it passes through various materials is a function of the density of the material, the change in radiation measured by the detector is proportional to the change in specific gravity of the product in the pipe or vessel. One popular type of detector in use today is a cell which converts radioactive energy directly into electrical energy1. This electrical energy, when amplified, presents a usable output for metering and control devices. There are, of course, many other components which are part of a working gamma gage installation, such as zero compensators, lead shielding, mounting brackets, equivalent absorbers, etc.

Jan 1, 1958

By Donald M. Liddell, G. C. RIDDELL

THE cosmic ray continues to engage the attention of the physicists, and according to Millikan and Compton, experiments of the past summer indicate that these rays must come from interstellar space, but not from the stars themselves. According to press reports of the International Congress of Physicists at Rome, the view was given there that these rays have an initiating potential of over 750,000.000 volts. In the field of spectrographic investigation great strides have been made. The U. S. Naval Research Laboratories (R. F. Mehl and G. E. Doan of Lehigh) have just finished a year's work with a "radium torch" or "shadowgraphic apparatus" in the field of the X-ray, that bids fair to displace the latter to a great extent. The torch is more powerful., easier to operate and cheaper. Penetration of 10 in. of steel has been accomplished, which. is much -beyond the- -scope-, of the X-ray..

Jan 1, 1932

By Jardine G, Woodall C

The Henty Gold Mine, located in Western lasiuania use, uuiusatise solutions to effectively manage a mining operation in an environmentally sensitive setting and has been presented with several environmental awards. Fill is required as part of the mining method to provide passive ground support, minimise rock exposure and ensure maximum recovery of the small but high-grade orebody. The use of the whole portion of leach residue in the backfill reduces the surface tailing disposal requirements. Therefore, High Density Paste Fill (HDPF) has been selected as the most appropriate fill method to meet these objectives. Additional benefits include the minimisation of excess water from fill and the subsequent need for the collection and treatment of water and slimes. There are minimal equipment requirements during placement, thereby optimising mine resources for production. The initial paste fill design was based on the Bad Grund and Ranunelsberg Mines paste fill systems of Preussag in Germany and comprised pumping filtered tailings paste some 1.2 kin uphill from the mill to the mine portal, where cement was to be added before being distributed underground. The system was designed following initial testwork that was undertaken on a bulk sample of ore mined from the scar surface Sill Zone. Subsequently, during the mining of the Zone 96 orehody, it was found that there were significant mineralogical variations in the composition of the ore mined. Following processing, the resultant Icach residue caused significant changes in the paste rheology and therefore the pump and flow characteristics. An alternative solution was implemented that involved the use of agitator trucks to transport the cemented paste to the portal. This required modifications to the fill preparation system and also the underground distribution system. Laboratory strength tests of the HDPF using actual gold plant leach residue showed low early strengths were attained with HDPF containing only filtered leach residue. Therefore, high binder addition rates or an increase in the fill cycle time would be required to allow the fill to gain sufficient strength. A considerable amount of potentially acid generating waste rock also requires underground disposal. By blending the waste rock with the HDPF, the strengths were improved and the required cement addition rate reduced by about one-half. The potentially acid funning waste rock is encapsulated in the highly alkaline cemented paste, minimising the potential for acid generation.

Jan 1, 1998