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By D. A. Rice

As part of a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Mines and the Florida Institute of Phosphate Research (FIPR), with input from the phosphate industry, the conversion of phosphogypsum to sulfur is being investigated. The proposed process incorporates the thermal reduction of phosphogypsum to calcium sulfide (CaS) and a hydrometallurgical treatment to convert calcium sulfide to sulfur (S°). The research described herein is focused on the latter half of the process. It was demonstrated that calcium sulfide could be converted to ammonium bisulfide (NH4SH), and that ammonium bisulfide could be oxidized by air in the presence of a catalyst, to elemental sulfur, which was adsorbed on the catalyst. Two methods for recovering sulfur from the catalyst were developed: (1) thermal treatment to volatilize sulfur, and (2) leaching the sulfur from the catalyst with liquid anhydrous ammonia. Over 90 pct of the sulfur adsorbed on activated carbon (the catalyst) was recovered by both methods. Based upon the encouraging laboratory investigations, a hydrometallurgical scheme was proposed for the overall conversion of calcium sulfide to elemental sulfur.

Jan 1, 1990

By Lewis W. MacNaughton

The North Texas district, as herein defined, includes the counties of Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cooke, Foard, Hardeman, Knox, Montague, Wichita, and Wilbarger. This area covers generally the crest and south flank of a system of buried mountains known as the Red River uplift. The oil and gas accumulations along this feature arc in traps, which, although localized by structures incident to the regional uplift, are usually modified by stratigraphic changes in the sediments. Excepting the fields in southeastern Baylor, southern Archer, and southwestern Clay counties, all the fields within the district are on this Red River uplift. These exceptions, which have the same type of oil and gas accumulation as the other fields, are on the extreme north end of the Bend arch, which is a broad anticline plunging northward from the Llano uplift in central Texas to Archer County. The larger part of past oil and gas production has come from Pennsylvanian strata, with less important amounts from the Permian, and minor but increasingly important quantities from the Ordovician. Developments during 1939 With the later stages of development being reached in the K.M.A. field during the first half of the year, some 400 fewer producing wells were drilled in North Texas in 1939 than in 1938, when some 1750 wells were drilled. Despite this decrease in activity, production in 1939 increased about 3½ million barrels over 1938 figures, and at the end of the year the oil reserves were somewhat larger than on the first of the year. As is usually characteristic of the district, this resulted from the discovery of a large number of relatively unimportant fields. Owing principally to no appreciable abatement in wildcat drilling, more new fields and extensions to old fields were discovered this year. Although none of these discoveries was of such magnitude as to be important to the oil industry, the new developments in Montague and Cooke Counties portend greater and probably more important operations in these areas.

Jan 1, 1940

By Lewis W. MacNaughton

The North Texas district, as herein defined, includes the counties of Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cooke, Foard, Hardeman, Knox, Montague, Wichita, and Wilbarger. This area covers generally the crest and south flank of a system of buried mountains known as the Red River uplift. The oil and gas accumulations along this feature arc in traps, which, although localized by structures incident to the regional uplift, are usually modified by stratigraphic changes in the sediments. Excepting the fields in southeastern Baylor, southern Archer, and southwestern Clay counties, all the fields within the district are on this Red River uplift. These exceptions, which have the same type of oil and gas accumulation as the other fields, are on the extreme north end of the Bend arch, which is a broad anticline plunging northward from the Llano uplift in central Texas to Archer County. The larger part of past oil and gas production has come from Pennsylvanian strata, with less important amounts from the Permian, and minor but increasingly important quantities from the Ordovician. Developments during 1939 With the later stages of development being reached in the K.M.A. field during the first half of the year, some 400 fewer producing wells were drilled in North Texas in 1939 than in 1938, when some 1750 wells were drilled. Despite this decrease in activity, production in 1939 increased about 3½ million barrels over 1938 figures, and at the end of the year the oil reserves were somewhat larger than on the first of the year. As is usually characteristic of the district, this resulted from the discovery of a large number of relatively unimportant fields. Owing principally to no appreciable abatement in wildcat drilling, more new fields and extensions to old fields were discovered this year. Although none of these discoveries was of such magnitude as to be important to the oil industry, the new developments in Montague and Cooke Counties portend greater and probably more important operations in these areas.

Jan 1, 1940

By S Mitra, D O’Dea, N Barrett, S, T Honey, M M. Hoque

The steel industry is currently exploring hydrogen-enriched blast furnace operations as a means to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is a need to investigate the gas permeability behaviour of mixed burdens comprising of lump and sinter as the current knowledge regarding their behaviour is limited, particularly with regards to hydrogen enrichment. In the present study, a series of interrupted softening and melting (S&M) under load tests were carried out in a hydrogen rich gas environment (~15 per cent) in the temperature range from 1000 to 1300°C by placing different types of ferrous ore layer including Newman Blend Lump (NBLL), sinter and sinter-NBLL mixed burden in between two coke layers. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was then used to scan the interrupted test samples. Scanned images were first analysed using an image processing workflow implemented in ImageJ and the material simulator GeoDict (v2022) to segment different phases such as coke, ferrous and void based on their grey scale values. A quantitative analysis was then performed on the segmented images to estimate the phase volume fraction as well as bed permeability. Bed void fraction thus obtained agreed well with the bed contraction data obtained from the S&M test. It was further noted that both ferrous layer void fraction and bed permeability decreased linearly with increasing temperature for all ore samples. The mixed burden voidage changed in a similar fashion to the sinter, demonstrating a high temperature interaction between the two materials

Sep 18, 2023

By Steve Dillingham

In every aspect of conduct, on the blast site or off, the issue of credibility is raised. Promises are made, commitments are satisfied, safe practices are obeyed, communication is maintained, and proven procedures followed. Only by fulfilling these objectives, are we deemed trustworthy and reliable - in other words - credible. Unfortunately, at times, we fall short of achieving our goals. Whether intentionally or accidentally, everything is not completed according to plan or accuracy. On the blast site, falling short of achieving such goals may contribute significantly to a chain of events that can potentially produce accidents. At the very least, a blaster’s credibility will be jeopardized. The fact remains that the blaster that continuously conducts business in a professional manner will less likely find him or herself as a defendant in future claims.

Jan 1, 2003

By Tamas Kekesi, Gergo Rimaszeki, Tibor Kulcsar

The efficient purification of soldering waste material can be achieved in a single operational step by the electrolytic refining in pure hydrochloric acid - tin-chloride media. The complex formation of the ionic species may offer a beneficial level of natural inhibition. Using the PCR (periodic current reversal) technology, is efficient in affecting the morphology of the cathodic deposit. In order to optimize the process, the investigation of the solution stability and the electrode reactions is essential. The natural tendency of the Sn(II) oxidation and precipitation can be overcome by properly controlling the concentration of the main components and the ratio of Sn(IV)/Sn(II) in the electrolyte solution. Polarization curves were obtained for different concentrations tin and hydrochloric acid. Conclusions referring to the electrode reaction were derived from the overvoltage - current plots. The morphology of the deposit can be correlated with the exchange current density, also determined from the polarization curves. The cathodic current efficiency and the morphology of deposited metal are affected by the distribution of tin species and the principal electrolysis parameters.

Jan 1, 2011

By F. D. Everett

Thermoelectric and metal alloying applications have changed the status of tellurium from oversupply to under supply . In a search for new sources of this element in Arizona , Colorado , New Mexico , Utah , and neighboring states , the Bureau of Mines analyzed more than 200 samples and obtained the results of tellurium determinations by private companies on more than 500 samples from a wide variety of mineral - bearing deposits . The About 40 minerals containing tellurium have been reported , mainly tellu- rides of gold , silver , bismuth , mercury , lead , copper , iron , and nickel . minerals usually occur in small quantities and identification in ores is extremely difficult . Samples containing more than 0.1 percent tellurium were taken from the Hilltop and Memphis properties in Dona Ana County , N. Mex . , and the Silver King property in White Pine County , Nev . , where development was chiefly for base metals . The Lone Pine mine in Catron County , N. Mex . , and the Bambolla mine near Moctezuma , Sonora , Mexico are potential sources of native tellurium occurring in small but high- grade pods . Much of the production of tellurium has come as a byproduct of electro- lytic refining of copper and lead- zinc ores in Arizona , Colorado , New Mexico , and Utah . Base -metal ore deposits will continue to be the most important pri- mary source of tellurium , although the concentration in ores is nearly always less than 10 parts per million . Any significant increase in output of tellu- rium probably will be related to production and improved efficiency in smelt- ing and refining base - metal ores .

Jan 1, 1964

By D. M. Sloan

While surety capacity for the mining industry continues to shrink, States are demanding greater financial certainty for closure/post closure obligations. To combat these demands, larger mining companies are pursuing a Mining Surety Reinsurance Program that requires a significant up front capital contribution. This paper outlines an alter-native program for middle market mining organizations. The program utilizes a “Blended Finite Risk” environmental insurance solution with surety acting as the “front” in states where insurance is not an acceptable form of collateral. Marsh proposes creating separate programs for each State requiring surety. The reason for separate programs stems from each states’ different surety rules. Insurance companies typically require at least $5 million in future value remediation liabilities for finite risk programs. Since most middle market mining companies have obligations that fall below this threshold, the Blended Finite Risk Program contemplates combining several companies closure/post closure liabilities to accomplish the minimum amount required by the insurance company. Why use a Blended Finite Risk Program? One of the primary benefits is the financial assurance that funds will be available for planned remediation. For example, the financial assurance may be required by a government agency. The certainty may help facilitate a merger or acquisition. Additionally, the funds may be part of a CER-CLA PRP settlement. In all cases, the insurer providing coverage would be a secure independent 3rd party. A Blended Finite Risk Program also provides a long-term solution – up to 30 years and in some select cases longer. The benefit to a state or the BLM is the removal of financial uncertainty. An insurance company writing the policy would have an AA or AAA balance sheet. The hardening of surety markets coupled with the tightening of financial assurance requirements in many states have necessitated the posting of 100% collateral. This program substantially reduces these collateral requirements.

Jan 1, 2004

By Charles P. Williams

BY PROFESSOR CHARLES P. WILLIAMS, ROLLA, MISSOURI. During the fall of the year 1873, attention was redirected to the occurrence of lead ores in Southwestern Arkansas (chiefly in Sevier County), and somewhat extensive explorations of the deposits have since been made in the hope of finding the ores sufficiently argentiferous to be profitably worked. How far the expectations have been realized I am not authentically advised, but samples of the galena ore, yielding 62.09 per cent. of lead, gave on assay at the rate of 15 3-10 ounces of silver to the ton of ore. This was the highest result obtained by myself, though I am informed that higher yields have been obtained by others. Among the samples of ores from this locality, forwarded to me in January last, was one specimen which I at once recognized as stibnite, and, on notification, other specimens of the same from Sevier County were forwarded me. The first specimen of the several received contained 11.51 per cent. of gangue, 57.62 per cent. antimony, 4.57 of bismuth, with small amounts of arsenic and iron. The latest result from a portion of another hand specimen I append in full, with duplicate estimations of the arsenic, bismuth, and gangue. The analyses were all conducted by Mr. C. R. Winters, under my direction, and in the case of those given below the ore mas separated as closely as possible from the gangue before analysis. The results are for the mineral freed from hygroscopic moisture, and are as follows: I. 11. Mean. Sulphur,.. 28.618 .. . 28.518 Antimony,.68.576 .. . 68.676 Arsenic,..6 47 .474 .497 Bismuth,..521 .498 .509 Iron,.......762 .. ..762 Gangue,..944 .948 .946 99.868 99.808 This result indicates that the ore is stibnite.

By J. A. Bartnik

In recent years, the need has become more and more accute for a high capacity, high intensity, wet magnetic separator for the concentration of finely ground, paramagnetic minerals. As a result of this increased interest, extensive test work has been conducted at our Central Test Laboratory, and the basic design for such a separator has been established. Three units have been developed to comprise a full line of this equipment: (a) Series 4L (laboratory), Figure I, is manually operated to permit maximum flexibility and precise control of each variable, with a capacity of 4 gallons per minute. (b) Series LOCC, Figure II, functions by automatically controlled feeding and washing cycles, and has a capacity of approximately 1.0 tons per hour. (c) Series 200CF, Figure III, basically consists of an annular pole box, rotating through the high intensity magnetic field. This unit has a capacity of approximately 20 tons per hour.

Jan 1, 1966

By R. V. McAfee

The fundamentals of vertical-lift performance are examined with the aid of computer-calculated flowing gradient charts. Flowing and gas-lift well performance characteristics are determined from available well test data. The effect of tubing size, gas-liquid ratio and wellhead pressure is discussed for both flowing and gas-lift wells. The effect of gas-injection pressure, formation gas, bottom-hole pressure and valve spacing is also discussed for gas lift wells. From these studies conclusions may be reached for improving or prolonging natural flow, obtaining optimum lift efficiency when natural flow ceases and improving existing gas-lift systems. The techniques perfected satisfy the requirement that the time involved to conduct an evaluation be practical for operating personnel. INTRODUCTION Flowing pressure gradients furnish the key to successful evaluation of vertical-lift performance in producing wells. Command of multiphase flow gradients in some readily usable form is a necessity before operating personnel can competently include vertical-lift performance evaluation of both flowing and artificial-lift wells in their over-all consideration of production efficiency. A readily usable form cannot be overemphasized since most of the decisions which confront the production engineer with a problem well must be made quickly. In moving a barrel of oil from the reservoir to the stock tank, the major portion of energy generally is expended in the vertical-lift phase. This may or may not be of concern during the flowing life of a well, depending upon the production requirements. It becomes of some concern when the flow performance of the well becomes erratic, and a conscious effort must be made to maintain natural flow. It is at this time that the first steps may be taken to modify existing conditions to relieve unnecessary limitations to proper flow. When natural flow ceases and some form of artificial lift must be installed, the amount of energy expended in lifting liquids becomes quite obvious. It is at this time, if no other, that lifting efficiency becomes important because that part which must be supplied from an outside source is now related directly as a cost per barrel of oil produced. Ten years ago, the majority of gas-lift wells were produced with gas-well gas. Today, the majority are produced by closed rotative gas-lift systems. This permits a direct evaluation of well performance in terms of horsepower requirements and has resulted in mixed conclusions as to the success of gas lift based upon the relative efficiency of a particular system. An increased awareness of the need to resolve vertical-lift performance on a readily usable, scientific basis was inevitable. An indication of the need for better applied science in this field is the often-asked question of whether or not gas-lift can efficiently deplete a given well or reservoir. This question cannot possibly be answered without first evaluating reservoir, surface and vertical-lift performance both as encountered today and as anticipated throughout the life of the well or wells. The technique presented in this paper was originally developed to upgrade gas-lift installation design from an applied art to an applied science. It has since been successfully used not only for this purpose, but also for the whole field of vertical-lift performance in its broadest sense. Lift efficiency should be considered important while the well is still flowing, as well as after natural flow ceases. Correct interpretation and proper modification of the vertical-lift performance of a producing well can provide dramatic improvement in production performance and/or efficiency. STATEMENT OF THEORY AND DEFINITIONS Fig. 1 illustrates the three divisions of production which will be used in this paper. The terms are a modified version of those presented in the very fine paper by Gilbert.' The fields of reservoir and surface performance both have been greatly improved over the years. A study of those writings which may be found indicates that the field of vertical-lift performance has not progressed as well. There are two possible reasons for this lack of progress. 1. It has not been recognized as a scientific field in itself by the oil companies, as has reservoir engineering. 2. The equipment companies have confined their efforts to mechanical design research rather than the more basic study of vertical-lift performance of producing wells. Both organizations must have an economic stimulus for doing research in this field, and most of the results obtained in past work has been so erratic as to arouse little enthusiasm. The basic purpose of interpreting vertical-lift performance is to predict operating conditions below the surface of the ground from available data. The success of the interpretation depends upon the accuracy with

By Carlos E. Avila, Ronald D. Evans

The results of an experimental research program to measure the non- Darcy flow coefficient as a function of temperature and overburden pressure are presented. The experimental values of the non-Darcy flow coefficient were measured over a temperature range of 70-200°F (21°-93"C)and overburden pressures of 1000-4000 psia (68-272 atm). The data obtained confirm that the non-Darcy flow coefficient is a function of rock and fluid properties and is not solely dependent upon the former has been routinely assumed in the literature.

Jan 1, 1986

By George M. Fowler, F. E. Gregory, William M. Agar, Joseph P. Lyden

The fact that most of the zinc-lead ores of the Tri-State district are associated with abundant chert in the Boone formation has led us to give much consideration to the manner of occurrence of the chert throughout the formation and to its relationship to the structural and other geologic features having bearing upon the sulfide mineralization. Necessarily the question of the source and the manner of deposition of the chert has come up in the course of these studies. We do not pretend to have arrived at the answer to all the questions regarding the chert. However, we have made a very large number of field observations, which present certain facts about the chert in this district that may be worth elaboration. Whatever theories may be drawn upon to explain the presence and distribution of the chert must necessarily be capable of reconciliation to these facts. The more important theories that have been presented are briefly summarized, and some of them discussed, in this paper. This paper is in three distinct parts, each complete in itself, wherein is recorded the evidence gained from three separate methods of attack. In an earlier paper,(3)‡ we briefly described the chert and its relation-ship to the ore deposits. Chertification, as used in this paper, means the replacement of limestone by introduced silicic acid. It is a common phenomenon in many widely distributed limestones. The products of chertification may be chert, cotton rock, or tripoli, depending upon the extent to which the replacement has been carried. Chertification is used instead of silicifica-tion in order to reserve the latter for the siliceous emanations so common in connection with the sulfide ore deposits of this and many other districts. Broadly, it is meant to include all silicification in this district prior to the introduction of the jasperoid, the latter being contemporaneous with the ore-bearing solutions.

Jan 1, 1935

By William M. Agar, F. E. Gregory, Joseph P. Lyden, George M. Fowler

The fact that most of the zinc-lead ores of the Tri-State district are associated with abundant chert in the Boone formation has led us to give much consideration to the manner of occurrence of the chert throughout the formation and to its relationship to the structural and other geologic features having bearing upon the sulfide mineralization. Necessarily the question of the source and the manner of deposition of the chert has come up in the course of these studies. We do not pretend to have arrived at the answer to all the questions regarding the chert. However, we have made a very large number of field observations, which present certain facts about the chert in this district that may be worth elaboration. Whatever theories may be drawn upon to explain the presence and distribution of the chert must necessarily be capable of reconciliation to these facts. The more important theories that have been presented are briefly summarized, and some of them discussed, in this paper. This paper is in three distinct parts, each complete in itself, wherein is recorded the evidence gained from three separate methods of attack. In an earlier paper,(3)‡ we briefly described the chert and its relation-ship to the ore deposits. Chertification, as used in this paper, means the replacement of limestone by introduced silicic acid. It is a common phenomenon in many widely distributed limestones. The products of chertification may be chert, cotton rock, or tripoli, depending upon the extent to which the replacement has been carried. Chertification is used instead of silicifica-tion in order to reserve the latter for the siliceous emanations so common in connection with the sulfide ore deposits of this and many other districts. Broadly, it is meant to include all silicification in this district prior to the introduction of the jasperoid, the latter being contemporaneous with the ore-bearing solutions.

Jan 1, 1935

The fact that most of the zinc-lead ores of the Tri-State district are associated with abundant chert in the Boone formation has led us to give much consideration to the manner of occurrence of the chert throughout the formation and to its relationship to the structural and other geologic features having bearing upon the sulfide mineralization. Necessarily the question of the source and the manner of deposition of the chert has come up in the course of these studies. We do not pretend to have arrived at the answer to all the questions regarding the chert. However, we have made a very large number of field observations, which present certain facts about the chert in this district that may be worth elaboration. Whatever theories may be drawn upon to explain the presence and distribution of the chert must necessarily be capable of reconciliation to these facts. The more important theories that have been presented are briefly summarized, and some of them discussed, in this paper. This paper is in three distinct parts, each complete in itself, wherein is recorded the evidence gained from three separate methods of attack. In an earlier paper,(3)‡ we briefly described the chert and its relation-ship to the ore deposits. Chertification, as used in this paper, means the replacement of limestone by introduced silicic acid. It is a common phenomenon in many widely distributed limestones. The products of chertification may be chert, cotton rock, or tripoli, depending upon the extent to which the replacement has been carried. Chertification is used instead of silicifica-tion in order to reserve the latter for the siliceous emanations so common in connection with the sulfide ore deposits of this and many other districts. Broadly, it is meant to include all silicification in this district prior to the introduction of the jasperoid, the latter being contemporaneous with the ore-bearing solutions.

Jan 1, 1935

By F. E. Gregory, George M. Fowler, William M. Agar, Joseph P. Lyden

The fact that most of the zinc-lead ores of the Tri-State district are associated with abundant chert in the Boone formation has led us to give much consideration to the manner of occurrence of the chert throughout the formation and to its relationship to the structural and other geologic features having bearing upon the sulfide mineralization. Necessarily the question of the source and the manner of deposition of the chert has come up in the course of these studies. We do not pretend to have arrived at the answer to all the questions regarding the chert. However, we have made a very large number of field observations, which present certain facts about the chert in this district that may be worth elaboration. Whatever theories may be drawn upon to explain the presence and distribution of the chert must necessarily be capable of reconciliation to these facts. The more important theories that have been presented are briefly summarized, and some of them discussed, in this paper. This paper is in three distinct parts, each complete in itself, wherein is recorded the evidence gained from three separate methods of attack. In an earlier paper,(3)‡ we briefly described the chert and its relation-ship to the ore deposits. Chertification, as used in this paper, means the replacement of limestone by introduced silicic acid. It is a common phenomenon in many widely distributed limestones. The products of chertification may be chert, cotton rock, or tripoli, depending upon the extent to which the replacement has been carried. Chertification is used instead of silicifica-tion in order to reserve the latter for the siliceous emanations so common in connection with the sulfide ore deposits of this and many other districts. Broadly, it is meant to include all silicification in this district prior to the introduction of the jasperoid, the latter being contemporaneous with the ore-bearing solutions.

Jan 1, 1935

By F. K. Ikumapayi

An approach to environmental sustainability and improved process economy, in sulphide minerals production is recycling of process water in flotation of complex sulphide ores, although the chemistry of process water may be a critical issue to flotation efficiency. The influence of major components of calcium and sulphate ions in process water on xanthate collector adsorption and flotation response using pure chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite minerals were investigated by Hallimond flotation, zeta-potential measurement, FTIR and XPS spectroscopy studies, while bench scale flotation tests were also carried out using complex sulphide ores. The impact of the species in flotation was comprehended using deionised water, tap water, process water and simulated water containing equivalent amount of calcium and sulphate species in process water. Hallimond flotation results showed a decrease of chalcopyrite and galena recovery in process water and also in the presence of calcium and sulphate ions in both deionised and process waters, whereas sphalerite does not respond to flotation. The adsorption of calcium and metal ions but not sulphate ions on the minerals is evidenced by zeta-potential data. FTIR and XPS studies revealed the presence of surface oxidized sulfoxy species and surface calcium carbonates on chalcopyrite in the presence of process water and water containing calcium ions, surface oxidized sulfoxy and carbonate species on galena in the presence of deionised water, process water and water containing calcium and sulphate ions, all at flotation pH 10.5, and these surface species influenced xanthate adsorption. The presence of surface oxidized sulfoxy and carbonate species at the sphalerite flotation pH 11.5 were seen in the presence of deionised water, process water and water containing calcium and sulphate ions, but the surface species does not influence xanthate adsorption. Bench scale flotation using two different complex sulphide ores showed that chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite recoveries are better in process water than tap water. The studies showed that the process water can be recycled in flotation with no detrimental effect on grade and recovery of sulphide minerals. Keywords: sulphide minerals, flotation, zeta-potential, FTIR, XPS

Sep 1, 2012

By Richard A. Williams

The mineral processing community have been amongst the pioneer developers and early adopters of key platform technologies in analytical methods, chemistry, physical separation and advanced modelling. Fundamental research will continue to have a significant impact driven by the continued development of sustainable practices. Major drivers and challenges for change in our industry in the next two decades include: reduction in energy uses in processing; discovery of new energy materials; adoption of green chemistry routes; safeguarding of water resources; and demonstration of adherence to best practice at all times. With increasingly global mining enterprises, the provision of internationally accepted benchmarks for performance will continue to drive the creative process. This lecture highlights major opportunities around a new paradigm of Multi-scale Measurement coupled with Multi-scale Modelling, based on advanced sensors, communications and computing. Connecting real-time measurement sensors with dynamic simulation models opens up new horizons for visualising the process behaviour from an experimental and theoretical basis. Examples are given of the potential of this methodology and its implications for better design.

Jan 1, 2003

By Richard A. Levins

The imposition of non-market regulations, such as the proposed SO2 standards for coal combustion, will typically lead to less efficient (thus more costly) production in a free enterprise system. For the coal industry these increased costs will occur in several ways, among which are mining less accessible low sulfur reserves and transporting low sulfur coal to distant markets. There are, of course, social benefits of reducing the S02 emissions from the use of high sulfur coal. The social benefits include decreased health risks, reduced damages to property, and certain unmeasurable benefits associated with the aesthetic appeal of clean air. Proponents of Federal S02 standards argue that the benefits gained from reduced emissions will exceed the costs borne by the coal industry and society in general in meeting the regulations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the degree to which costs of meeting future energy demands from coal will change under different sulfur standards. No attempt is made to estimate the benefits of imposing regulations. Specifically, the impact of SO2 standards on the private costs of meeting regional coal demands, the competitive positions of the nation's major coal producing regions, the degree to which strip mining as opposed to underground mining will be feasible, the amount of coal being processed, and the amount of coal transported over major rail routes will be analyzed.

Jan 1, 1976

By Fred D. DeVaney and

The coercimeter, as its name implies, is an instrument for measuring the coercive forcet of magnetic substances. It was developed by Davis and Hartenheim in the Special Studies Section, Metallurgical Division. A detailed description of this apparatus may be found elsewhere.2 The coercive force determinations of magnetic materials are interesting because of the relationship established by Gottschalk,4 who showed a linear relationship between the magnetization coercive force and the specific surface of comminuted particles. The value of this relationship in determining grinding efficiency has been shown by Dean.3 The determination of the surface contained in the subsieve sizes has always been a difficult problem for investigators. They made approximate measurements of the surface of coarse materials by sizing on screens, but for the determination of the surface of the sub-sieve sizes it was necessary to make detailed grain counts or elutriation tests, or to study dissolution rates. The technical literature contains many references to other methods for determining these surfaces, either by some special apparatus or by mathematical calculations based on distribution lines. Many of the methods are long and tedious, and the results of some, at least, are questionable. he turbidimeter gives quick results on ground cement. By using magnetite as the material to be ground, a simple determination of its coercive force by the coercimeter, requiring 10 minutes or less, can be transposed directly and accurately into units of relative surface. This subject has been pursued further by the U. S. Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Rolla, Mo., and the following is a description of the results.

Jan 1, 1939