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By Robert C. Bates

Variations in water percolation rates through saturated cohesionless hydraulic backfill (mill tailings) have been studied in relation to the many physical aspects of the system to determine the most important factors in causing these variations. A multivariable least-squares regression analysis of 135 separate tests shows that a reliable estimate of the water percolation rate through typical hydraulic backfill can be made if the bulk density (unit weight), specific gravity, and grain-size distribution are known or can be estimated. Equations for predicting percolation rate, coefficient of permeability, and seepage velocity are developed both for the range of data analyzed and for extrapolation. The prediction equations for use within the range of data studied are quite accurate, while the ones developed for extrapolation are less accurate but still give reasonable approximations of flow rates. The equations given are valid for cohesionless materials that are free of clays and micas, exemplified by classified mill tailings. The equation developed for predicting percolation rates is as follows: 1nP20 = 11.39147 + 2.853422 1n(VR X D10) + 0.1747436 VR X Cu -178.8039 D10 X D50 + 311.7034 (DSO )3, (1) where P20 = percolation rate, inches per hour at 20° C; correction factors for other temperatures are given in the text, VR = void ratio, dimensionless, D10 = effective size (diameter in millimeters of the 10-percent-finer grain size), Cu = coefficient of uniformity (ratio of the diameter of the 60-percent-finer grain size over D10), D50 = average size (diameter in millimeters of the 50-percent-finer grain size), and In = natural logarithm (log to the base e). The prediction equation for percolation rate is rather complicated, so for practical use a nomograph that simplifies the solution of the prediction equation was developed.

Jan 1, 1967

By Tim McMahon

"A slurry is any combination of liquids and solids where solids make up more than 10 percent of the mixture. Mining operations create various types of slurries from processes such as dewatering, bitumen extraction in oil sands, concentrator plants, milling operations, tailings, lime addition and so on. The mines then transport these slurries through pipelines (Fig. 1).Slurry valves are used when the mine needs to transport ore a long distance and there are no other viable transportation methods, such as roads or railroads.Severe service valves must be used in slurry applications and they must be tested to ensure reliability. This article describes how Emerson designs and tests its Fisher valves for use in mining slurry applications.Slurry pipeline valvesWithin a slurry pipeline system, valves are required as part of the pumping stations, choking stations and isolation stations. There may be multiple pumping stations depending on the length of the pipeline or the terrain it crosses. Choking stations are used to reduce the velocity and the pressure in the pipeline, either before a pumping station or at the end of the pipeline, and to ensure the pipeline does not slack (remains full and pressurized). Isolation stations exist so that a pig (a device sent through a pipeline to clean or inspect the pipe) can be inserted or removed from the pipeline.Typical valves used in a slurry pipeline are severe service ball valves. The valves use floating balls that are held between the seats and are not pinned or permanently attached to the shaft that rotates the ball. The inside diameter of the ball typically matches the pipeline inside diameter, enabling the pipeline to be cleaned or inspected with a pig.They can be built to accommodate the high pressures required for the typical slurry pipeline. These pressures can require up to ASME Class 2500 valves and flanges. The valves can get qlarge, up to NPS 36 inches.Specialized segmented ball valves and slurry knife gate valves are also used in some slurry applications when pressures are lower, in the ASME Class 150-300 range."

Sep 1, 2019

By Richard A. McIvor

"All mine shaft conveyances in Canada and most of the United States that are supported by a single hoist rope or attachment point and used for transporting persons are required by regulation to be equipped with safety catches and mechanisms. These safety mechanisms, commonly called safety dogs, are designed to stop and hold a free falling conveyance, with a full personnel load, in the event of a hoist rope or attachment component failure. The conveyance’s safety mechanism must be tested under dynamic conditions before it is used to transport personnel. This paper will discuss free-fall testing and it’s results on conveyance free-fall tests performed in the test tower at INCO Limited, Sudbury, Ontario.Topics covered will be free-fall tests on various wood types such as B.C. fir, Karri wood and Trusjoist MacMillan Limited Parallamwood (PSL), comparison of deceleration rates versus free-fall velocity and the influence of safety dog tooth design on deceleration rates."

Jan 1, 1996

By J. E. Jennings

The problems of slope stability in open-cast mines are examined. A criterion, the instantaneous stripping ratio, is suggested for use in the design of pit slopes and as an index of control at all stages of the exploitation of the ore body, This criterion may also be related to safety and to the maximizing of profits. Two approaches to safe design of slopes, one from the point of view of soil mechanics and the other from the point of view of rock mechanics, are described and critically compared. The effect on slope stability of the regional tectonic stress field is discussed. Explanation is given of the application of the Terzaghi effective stress concept to problems in both soil and rock environments, including possible effects when borehole deformation techniques are used to measure stresses in rock in situ.

Jan 1, 1963

By Herbert J. French

ALLOY steels have become essential to industry in meeting the rigid requirements on materials imposed by our, advanced technology. In comparison with the total ingot capacity of the steel industry, the volume of alloy steels is relatively small although for many years annual alloy-ingot tonnage has, been in seven figures. However, the monetary value of the alloy-steel production is exceedingly high and the benefits derived from the products are relatively great. The trend in total ingot production since 1932 has been generally upward with only two major interruptions. That of the year 1938 was due to a decrease in general business activity whereas that of 1946 resulted largely from work stoppages. Traditionally, the tonnage of alloy-steel ingots produced was in the neighborhood of 5 to

Jan 1, 1948

By J. A. Delgadillo, C. A. Pérez-Alonso

"Tumbling mills using balls as grinding media are used extensively in the mining and cement industries to produce fine powders; however, it is well known that the process of size reduction is highly energy-intensive. For this reason, much of today’s comminution research is aimed at understanding grinding mechanisms, by estimating power draft and modeling milling circuits using the discrete element method (DEM). DEM predicts individual particle trajectories, the distribution of energy and contact forces at each collision, lifter wear and power draw. This paper presents a prediction of the discharge particle size distribution using three components, mass balance model (sometimes referred to as a population balance model, PBM), impact energy distribution of the mill obtained from the simulation of the charge motion using DEM and breakage characteristics of particles determined from drop-ball tests. DEM simulation of the charge of a tumbling mill was done using the code MinProSim 1.0 to obtain impact spectra at different operative conditions. Then, the population balance model (PBM), based on impact energy distribution, was used to predict the final particle size distribution in a batch mill and compared with experimental data. It is demonstrated that the DEM-PBM approach allows a reliable solution to predict particle size distribution for tumbling mills. Ideally, the model has to predict size distribution for any operational condition and feed characteristic; however, it has been shown that predictions include some degree of error.IntroductionThe discrete element method (DEM) has recently become a powerful numerical tool that can be used to investigate internal mill charge in ball mills. The early work of Cundall and Strack (1979) used DEM to analyze soil as a discrete medium. Later, the method was improved to simulate the operation of tumbling mills and optimize the design in order to increase the efficiency of energy utilization. Also, it is of great interest to relate ore breakage based on impact energy spectra obtained by DEM simulations and the breakage distribution function used in the PBM to predict particle size distribution in tumbling mills.King and Borgeous (1993) broke single particles in an ultra fast impact load cell to compute the phenomenological parameters in a microscopically more detailed population balance model. Kapur et al. (1997) simulated the size spectra of progeny particles produced by impact grinding as a function of the impact energy. Narayanan (1987), Narayanan and Whiten (1988) and Lira and Kavetsky (1990) estimated the energy-dependent breakage distribution function for scaleup and modeling of industrial ball mills."

Jan 1, 2015

By David L. Veith

Caustic scrubbing followed by silica flotation with cationic ether primary amine proved effective in upgrading commercial magnetic concentrates to supergrade products containing 2 percent SiO2, or less. Samples representing 41 million long tons per year of commercial magnetic concentrates from the Lake Superior region were tested by the Bureau of Mines. Bench-scale and pilot plant research indicated an estimated potential of 32 million long tons per year of superconcentrates to be available. Two pilot plant investigations yielded superconcentrates containing 1.1 and 1.9 percent SiO2 that were derived from commercial concentrates containing 7.0 and 4.2 percent SiO2, respectively. Corresponding iron recoveries were 90 and 93 percent at reagent costs of just over 33 cents per long ton of superconcentrates produced. Additional sources evaluated on a bench scale resulted in iron recoveries of 72 to 95 percent in products containing 1.7 to 2.0 percent Si02. Although reagent cost ranged up to 60 cents per long ton of superconcentrate, it is probable that these costs would be reduced in plant applications where benefits are derived from material and reagent recycle.

Jan 1, 1974

Evaluation of Grinding Medium Wear in Stirred Mills The standard fine grinding machines in the minerals industry are stirred mills whose performance largely depends on the competency of the grinding medium. Medium wear in stirred mills is one of the key parameters for medium selection. A wear evaluation methodology is developed and applied in this paper to measure the wear rate of river sand using a laboratory batch stirred mill. The procedure is demonstrated by testing the sand medium in a 0.55 kW batch stirred media detritor (SMD). The sand wear rate determined in the laboratory batch mill is successfully scaled up to that determined on a full-scale Metso 355 kW SMD mill.

Sep 13, 2010

By Gustav Egloff

AN unexpected and unprecedented demand for its products now challenges the petroleum industry. Between 1939 wand 1946, domestic oil demand increased nearly 45 per cent and in the first half of 1947 it was 10 per cent higher than in 1946. In 1939 the United States produced 1,264,962. 000 bbl of crude oil and indications are that about 1,860,000,000 bbl will be produced in 1947, a 47 per cent increase. Runs to stills are more than keeping pace with production. The crude capacity of 365 operating refineries is rated as 5,400.000 bbl daily and almost 100 per cent of this capacity was running crude oil in August 1947. The oil industry is cognizant of our need for a greater volume of petroleum products and is expending the huge stun of four billion dollars on exploration. production. transportation, refining. and marketing of petroleum. Of this amount about half will be spent on exploration and production. a billion on refining. and another billion on transportation and marketing facilities.

Jan 1, 1947

By Bora Derin

This work deals with the recovery of valuable metals from the ancient copper smelting slags located in Küre-Turkey. In this process, copper and cobalt were recovered in metallic form and/or as their compounds, whereas iron was recovered as magnetic oxide or pigment. Abrasive grit material was produced using reduced final slag. The process stages involved carbothermal reduction in a DC arc furnace, granulation, leaching, chemical precipitation, selective sulfidizing roasting and product preparations. In this paper, the process stages were described as theoretically and experimentally whereas slag and products were characterized in detail.

Jan 1, 2003

By E. Maziar Sauber

In order to prepare a more desirable feedstock for a rare earth elements separation refinery, cerium, a penalty element in the refinery feedstock, should be removed from the mixed rare earth elements oxide or carbonate feedstock. In this study, cerium (III) to cerium (IV) oxidation by calcium hypochlorite and subsequent precipitation was used to remove cerium from a mixed rare earth elements chloride solution. A factorial design of experiments was used to determine the effect of process variables such as temperature, pH, and oxidizer addition on the oxidation of cerium (III) using synthetic solutions. Under certain test conditions, all of the cerium was successfully removed from the chloride solution, and some REE accompanied cerium and reported to the precipitate. This proposed technology can allow for low cost removal of cerium from mixed rare earth elements chlorides.

By John Convey

"IRON ORE was first smelted in Canada about the year 1736 at Les Forges, Quebec -a most appropriate name for such a historic locale. During these early years of the 18th, 19th, and first quarter of this century, about six million tons of ore were mined and employed in the manufacture of items ranging all the way from kettles, stoves, and cannon for the early settlers to weapons of war for the allied armies of World War I.But this symposium on iron ore is not concerned with this early period. Instead, it is concerned with the iron ore industry of today -an industry which will soon be-come one of the two most valuable mineral industries in Canada.The subject in its broad geographic and economic aspects will be introduced by Mr. Buck; Dr. Harrison will describe the geology and origin of the principal iron ore deposits; Dr. Downes will go into beneficiation as it applies to iron ores; and Mr. Gertsman will discuss primary processing. The symposium will not deal with the steel end of the industry, because that phase itself could well form the subject of a symposium."

Jan 1, 1955

The introduction of nitro-carbo-nitrate (NCN) blasting agents has been one of the most significant innovations in the explosive industry in the last twenty years. The most commonly used blasting agent is a rather narrowly proportioned mixture by weight of 94% ammonium nitrate (AN) and 6% No. 2 diesel fuel oil (FO) that is generally designated as ANFO. Other formulations have been developed but none of these have been as extensively used as ANFO. The relative safety of the nitro-carbo-nitrate (NCN) blasting agents almost immediately suggested bulk loading techniques to obtain economies in materials handling. The first attempt at bulk handling was to pneumatically load boreholes with ANFO. When the initial experiments were made in 1957, it was apparent that there were three problem areas which needed study to minimize potential hazards. These were: 1. Static Electricity 2. Fumes 3. Safe Handling Procedures Since those early days, considerable work has been performed in evaluating these problem areas and in arriving at procedures and recommendations that would provide the required safety. Despite the relative insensitivity of ANFO type products, all normal practices for the safe handling of explosives should be obselved. Smoking should not be tolerated in the vicinity of blasting agents and misfires should be handled in the same manner as a misfire with a dynamite charge. The purpose of this Technical Report is to discuss the problems of static electricity and fumes and the solutions that have been developed. Safe handling procedures have been discussed by the Bureau of Mines and are specified by various state and local regulations. Since regulations vary from state to state, the local, applicable regulations must be followed within the area of their jurisdiction. General information is contained in a U. S. Bureau of Mines report, IC 8179, "Safety Recommendations for Sensitized Ammonium Nitrate Blasting Agents" (1963).

Jan 1, 1973

By A. J. Kraemer

This paper is the second and concluding report of the results of the twenty-fourth semiannual survey made by the Bureau of Mines of motor gasoline marketed in the United states. The first report on this 1931 survey gave the results of the examination of the gasoline samples in accordance with the new Federal specification for United States Government Motor Gasoline. The present paper reports results of the examination of the gasolines for color, doctor test gravity, end point, per cent recovered copper-dish gum, and steam-oven gum. The retail price and the tax at the time each sample was taken are also reported.

Jan 1, 1932

By John Gross

Studies in grinding efficiencies carried out at the Midvale plant of the U. S. Smelting, Refining & Mining Co. and at the Tooele plant of the International Smelting Co. Were made possible by the cooperation of these two companies with the U. S. Bureau of Mines. Mr. Alan Probert of the U. S. Smelting, Refining & Mining Co. and Mr. E. C. Peterson of the International Smelting Co., devoted their entire time to the work during the respective tests, and their services are hereby gratefully acknowledged. It is a pleasure to acknowledge also the assistance and kindness of the staffs of both companies in making it possible, at considerable trouble and expense, to sample the entire mill circuits and in furnishing the necessary supplies and special apparatus required in the work.

Jan 1, 1929

By Richard N. Zimmer

This paper discusses the installation of corrugated steel linings in bored raises at Inco's Thompson Mine. The procedure for the installation of these linings is outlined and the relative advantages are compared with conventional methods of ground support. Future trends in the use of corrugated steel products are then discussed.

Jan 1, 1978

By T. Negeri

Flotation is the most efficient and preferred solid-solid separation method in mineral processing. However, enhanced production of high-grade concentrates at sufficiently high recovery still poses technological challenges to-day. A novel flotation method to produce final-grade concentrates from finely-ground ores in a single step is being developed and tested by CANMET. For the complex sulphide ores tested, grades are superior while recovery is considerably improved. Furthermore, concentrate production rates, at similar recoveries, are faster than for the conventional rougher-scavenger-cleaner configuration. This paper discusses the physical operating parameters affecting Cu-Zn flotation metallurgy.

Jan 1, 1995

By W. M. Armstrong

This paper compares research on development efforts in various countries, consideration being given to gross expenditures, manpower involved, source of funds, sector of performance and type of activity. The Canadian R & D activity is then reviewed, particularly as applied to the industrial sector, the problems of applied research in Canada are discussed and some remedies are suggested.

Jan 1, 1968

By X. Wu

Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are widely used for tunneling in urban areas because of their high advance rate, precise as-built profile and minimal impact to buildings and traffic on the ground. For a tunnel built by a TBM, there are strict requirements on alignment control and safety. To meet these requirements, it is important to monitor the position of the TBM. In the current practice, the TBM position data, including advance distance and line and level deviations, are reported manually to the managers on a daily basis. To interpret and analyze the position data, the managers also need to refer to various construction drawings. This practice is untimely, inefficient, and error prone for decision making. To improve the current practice, an automatic approach for real-time as-built tunnel product modeling and visualization is proposed, based on TBM position and orientation data autonomously sourced from the Virtual Laser Target Board (VLTB) TBM Guidance System developed at University of Alberta. Related information of the tunnel project, such as the as-designed alignment, soil layers, the ground, existing utility lines, is also visualized together with the model of the as-built tunnel. The modeling algorithm is presented step by step. Its application in a real-life drainage tunnel project is discussed and limitations are also identified.

Aug 1, 2013

Roof bolting has been widely used in hard rock underground mines for its many advantages. In this paper, the applicability of roof bolts to mine openings in frozen ground and effects of bolts on the stability of the openings are presented. A comprehensive finite element program ABAQUS, was used to analyze the temperature distribution, the stress field, and the displacement field around a mine opening. Openings supported by roof bolts and unsupported were analyzed. The thermal and mechanical processes were treated as a quasi-coupled problem, with the thermal analyses being conducted first, followed by the mechanical analyses in each case. For the opening under consideration with a roof area of 15 m2, five to seven roof bolts are appropriate. When the number of bolts are less than five, the displacement within the ground can be improved only locally.

Jan 1, 1995