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By M Chen, G H. Wang, J R. Zhou, P Yan, W B. Lu

Blast vibration analysis is one of the important topics in the control technology of blast vibration damage. Nowadays, blasting vibration safety standards are based on both the particle velocity and the frequency of vibration and they have been adopted widely and internationally. However, the analysis on vibration frequencies is less studied compared to investigations of peak particle velocity. For the vibration induced by a spherical charge in a viscoelasticly infinite rock mass, an expression of vibration spectrum taking into account the damping effect of rock mass is inferred. Then the attenuation laws of dominant frequencies and centroid frequencies are compared theoretically. For the case of cylindrical charge, dynamic finite element method (DFEM) software of LS-DYNA is employed to analyse the attenuation laws of characteristic frequencies. The research demonstrates that, no matter whether it is a spherical charge or a cylindrical charge, there is a local mutation or fluctuation at some distance when the blast proceeds, while the centroid frequencies conform to a smooth attenuation law. Both the multipeaks structures of vibration spectra and the decay rate difference between high- and low-frequency components contribute to the mutation or fluctuation investigated in this study. Additionally, an increase in longitudinally sonic velocity or the quality factor of rock mass produces an increase in the vibration frequencies, whereas an increase in blast source diameter or the rise time of blast load produces a decrease in vibration frequencies from a spherical charge. In borehole blasting, there is a positive correlation between the vibration frequencies and charge diameter, whereas there is a negative correlation with charge length. And altering the initiation plan will change vibration frequencies to various degrees. Finally, theoretical analysis results were validated by the empirical data from field experiments of Fengning pumped storage power station.CITATION:Zhou, J R, Lu, W B, Chen, M, Yan, P and Wang, G H, 2015. A further study on the attenuation laws of blasting vibration frequency, in Proceedings 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, pp 673–682 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 24, 2015

By Shoji Taniguchi, Lifeng Zhang

"In this paper, firstly the 3D single-phase turbulent steady fluid flow in a vessel with four baffles stirred by a single impeller is mathematically simulated. Turbulence is modeled by using the standard k - e model. Sliding-grid method is used to model the impeller. The flow domain is divided into two cylindrical, the inner one rotates at the same speed as the impeller, and the outer one is fixed with the baffles. Results indicate that the high-speed zone is near the paddles, and larger stirring speed generates larger fluid flow velocity. The calculated stirring intensity data are used to analyze the experimental results. Secondly the effects, such as filter pore size, gas flow rate and NaCl concentration, on bubble size are studied by experiment. For the particle removal rate by bubble flotation in this vessel, first order kinetics is adopted. The effects of initial number of the particles, gas flow rate, particle and bubble size, stirring speed and surface condition, on the removal rate constant are discussed, and an empirical equation is derived by experimental data. At last, a simple model is developed to study the particle attachment probability on bubble surface under turbulent flow conditions. IntroductionIt is well known that inclusions have a bad effect on steel quality. Trying to remove inclusions from liquid steel as many as possible is one of the main objects for the metallurgical workers. Lots of ways are developed to remove inclusions from liquid steel. Gas injection is an effective one. This technique is used to achieve homogeneity in the temperature and metal composition and to assist in the removal of second phase and dissolved impurities from molten steel. Gas injection is commonly applied to the secondary metallurgy processes and continuous casting, for example the ladle argon gas treatment, RH vacuum degassing, and the gas injection in the Submerged Entry Nozzles (SEN) of continuous casting mold, etc. The development of these processes focuses on achieving two conditions: fine bubbles and good mixing. Fine bubbles provide a large gas/liquid interfacial area and a high attachment probability to inclusions, and good mixing enhances the efficiency of impurity transfer."

Jan 1, 2000

By Joseph Chalmers

[Stimulative methods of production, whereby the total recovery of oil from natural reservoirs is increased, have come into considerable prominence during the past 15 years. In many oil-producing areas properties considered ready for abandonment by ordinary producing methods have responded to some form of stimulation, and their economic lives have been extended. The stimulative method having widest application is the injection of air or gas into the reservoir formations through selected input wells and is commonly referred to as the ?gas drive." As a result of the many successful "gas-drive" operations operators are depending more and more upon this method for increasing the ulti¬mate recovery of oil from their properties. A number of factors influence the efficiency of different gases as propulsive agents in recovering oil from sands. Gases of high density and viscosity shrew a tendency toward a slightly higher efficiency than those of lower density and viscosity. The solubility of the gas in the oil also affects the efficiency of oil recovery. Not only does dissolved gas decrease the viscosity of the oil, but dissolved gas that expands from solution in the oil tends to increase the effectiveness of a "gas drive." Interfacial tension between the oil and the gas and its effect upon the recovery of oil by gas injection are factors of which little is known. Dr. A. G. Loomis5 expressed the opinion that interfacial tension probably plays a minor role in the recovery of oil, except under conditions that produce a gas-oil foam. In connection with the above physical properties that influence the action of a pressure medium, control of the injected volume of the pressure medium is perhaps the major factor. The rate ofg;as injection determines to a great extent the amount of slippage and the resulting efficiency of the operation. The importance of volume control is realized when one considers that frequently it is the only factor that is under complete control of the operator.]

Jan 1, 1930

By P. A. Beck, A. Merlini

Quantitative texture determinations were made for rolled and for rolled and annealed strips of 3, 6, and 10 pct Zn brasses. The main components of the rolling texture gradually shift over a wide composition range from the orientation characteristic of copper to that of 70-30 brass. At least the main features of the corresponding gradual changes in the annealing texture may be accounted for qualitatively on the basis of the oriented growth theory of annealing textures. All the oriented nucleation-type theories are notably less successful in accounting for the observed textures. EARLIER investigations by von Goeler and Sachs,' Dahl and Pawlek,' and Brick, Martin, and Angier" suggested that the annealing texture of copper is more sensitive to the addition of solute elements than the rolling texture. It was reported3 that the cube texture changes over into a brass-type recrys-tallization texture on addition of about 1 pct Zn, while the deformation texture changes only at about 5 pct Zn. Such behavior would be difficult to reconcile with any theory of annealing texture formation that relates the annealing texture to the deformation texture. In particular, the oriented growth theory of the cube texture" is based on a certain orientation relationship between the cube texture and the main components of the deformation texture which could not be reconciled with the reported behavior of low brasses. It was, therefore, of interest to re-examine these textures by means of the quantitative methods now available. The deformation and annealing textures of rolled a brasses with approximately 3, 6, and 10 pct Zn have been determined in terms of (111) and (200) pole figures. Experimental Methods The chemical analyses of the Cu-Zn alloys of commercial purity used in the present work are given in Table I. Chill-cast bars of the tabulated compositions were rolled and annealed according to the following schedule: I—rolling from 1.2 to 1.02 in. thickness, 15 pct reduction area, annealing 15 min at 450°C; 2— rolling from 1.02 to 0.867 in. thickness, 15 pct reduction area, annealing 15 min at 450°C; 3—rolling from 0.867 to 0.600 in. thickness, 31 pct reduction area, annealing 2 hr at 540°C; 4—rolling from 0.600 to 0.400 in. thickness, 33 pct reduction area, annealing 2 hr at 480°C. In the final straight rolling of 96.25 pct reduction area, the strips were reversed end to end after each pass. The final annealing temperature was determined for each alloy by annealing specimens of the cold-rolled strips in salt bath for 5 min at varying temperatures. The results of the hardness measurements are given in Fig. 1, where the final annealing temperature used for each alloy in determining the annealing texture is indicated by a cross.

Jan 1, 1956

By Douglas Tesarik, Mark K. Larson, Habte Abraham, Heather E. Lawson

Dynamic failures, or "bumps", remain an imperative safety concern in underground coal mining, despite significant advancements in engineering controls. While many factors have been empirically linked to the occurrence of dynamic failure events, identifying a consistent, repeatable set of criteria within a field setting has proven elusive; conditions generally associated with dynamic failure might produce an event at one site, but not another. Conversely and more troubling, dynamic failure could occur where relatively few of these factors exist. The presence of spatially discrete, stiff roof units, such as paleo channels, are one such feature that has been linked to the occurrence of dynamic failure events. However, an empirical stratigraphic review investigating the relative frequency of discrete units in bumping versus non-bumping deposits indicates that no significant difference exists based on this criterion alone, and that instead an apparent relationship exists between reportable bump history and the overall character of the host rock with respect to stiffness. Due to the complexity of the bump problem, however, these results are not conclusive, as they do not take into account any variable other than the presence or absence of stiff members in the roof lithology; To weight the relative impact of changes in a single variable, such as the thickness or location of sandstone members, it must be examined in isolation-i.e. in a setting where all other variables are held constant. Numerical modelling provides this setting, and the effects of variability in a stiff discrete member in a hypothetical longwall mining scenario are investigated within the context of three stratigraphic "types'', as determined by the ratio of stiff to compliant stratigraphic members; Compliant, Intermediate and Stiff A modelling experiment examines changes in rupture potential in stiff roof units for each stratigraphic type as discrete unit thickness and location are manipulated through a range of values. Results suggest that the stiff-to-compliant ratio of the host rock has an impact on the relative stress-inducing effects of discrete stiff members. In other words, it is necessary to consider both the thickness and the distance to the seam, within the context of the host rock, to accurately anticipate areas of elevated rupture induced hazard; acknowledging the presence of a discrete unit within the overburden in general terms is an insufficient indicator of risk. Through modelling of anticipated changes in the placement and dimensions of discrete units within their stratigraphic setting, elevated rupture-induced bump hazard can be anticipated on a case by case basis. Were similar modelling studies conducted at mine sites in tandem with tracking of problematic discrete stiff units, areas of elevated rupture risk could be anticipated in advance of mining. Developing this predictive capability beyond identifying rupture potential in discrete roof members is essential to the eventual elimination of dynamic failure related worker injuries and fatalities. As stress is a necessary component in the occurrence of dynamic failure events, this finding helps to refine our understanding of the role of individual stiff, strong roof members in bumping phenomena, and suggests that a more holistic view of overburden lithology, combined with site-specific numerical modelling, may be necessary to achieve greater miner safety.

Jan 1, 2016

By Brandon Buschmeier, Frederic Masse

"Inclusions are a type of ground improvement that provide an improvement of a soil mass by insertion of a material with better characteristics than the surrounding soils. There are primarily two types of inclusions: “Soft” inclusions which are constructed of granular material (Stone Columns, Rammed Aggregate Piers, VibroPiers...), and “rigid” inclusions which are constructed of grout inserted with or without pressure (VibroConcrete Columns, Controlled Modulus Columns, Soil Mixing Columns).While the central principle of the inclusions is similar (i.e., overall improvement of characteristics of the soil mass below the structure), the load transfer mechanism is radically different for each technique. Therefore, the applicable design methodology is specific to the type of inclusions and there exists no universal method of design which spans across all inclusions.This paper will present an in-depth comparison between the standard design methods used for “soft” granular-type inclusions (Priebe modified, Balaam & Booker, Goughnour & Bayuk...) and the methods used for “rigid” inclusions which mainly rely on finite element analysis. The paper will explain why the design for soft inclusion methods cannot be applied to rigid inclusions and vice-versa. Each design method will be reviewed in detail to better emphasize its limitations and advantages.Two case histories will also be presented; one for each type of inclusions in order to illustrate the concepts developed in the first part of the paper.1 INTRODUCTION1.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF GROUND IMPROVEMENT WITH INCLUSIONSThe use of ground improvement methods to provide the appropriate amount of foundation support is a growing and constantly evolving industry. Traditional structural foundation methods including ‘shallow’ and ‘deep’ foundations do not adequately address the wide range of settlement tolerances, soil conditions, and loading considerations inherent to each unique potential project. In some instances, ‘shallow’ foundation solutions are simply not feasible due to soil and loading constraints. Furthermore, ‘deep’ foundation solutions are used to ‘bridge’ the soft compressible soils, ensuring that the entirety of the load in the structure is transmitted through individual elements into competent layers below the ground surface (bedrock, dense residual soils). Highly concentrated structural loads are transferred into the individual elements by means of direct contact requiring the use of structurally rigid surficial components (structural slabs, grade beams, and pile caps).Ground improvement bridges the gap between these two traditional methods, offering adequate foundation support while using more costeffective techniques and design methodologies. Inclusions are a type of ground improvement used to provide a reinforcement of the soil mass through the vertical insertion of a material with better characteristics than the surrounding soils. Much like deep foundations, inclusions are installed through soil layers with high compressibility and/or low bearing capacity and terminated in a suitable bearing stratum. However, unlike deep foundations, ground improvement inclusions rely on a distribution of load between the soil and the inclusions. By doing so, some of the structural load is applied directly to the soil in a proportion equal to its bearing capacity and compressibility limits, while the rest of the load is shed into the vertical inclusions down to the bearing stratum. Load sharing is a critical aspect in the performance and design of the various ground improvement methods."

Jan 1, 2015

By H. K. VAN POOLLEEN, W. Hurst, H. C. Bixel

In an earlier publication* I showed the development of the instantaneous point source solution for a well producing at a constant rate at the center of a system of two radial, adjoining sands of different permeabilities. I also showed how a wellbore radius could be incorporated if this were the development required. For the purpose of that paper and the point I wished to make, this solution served. It yielded a simplifying solution of sands in series identified by Eqs. VI-26 and VI-27. (These equations are reproduced in part by Bixel and van Poollen as their Eq. 3, Page 302.) I am well aware that the simplified solutions are approximations. The facts that these Ei-functions satisfy the diffusivity equation and meet the boundary conditions both at the well and at the interface between sands, and that the earliest time considerations yield zero pressure drop, are evidence that the solutions are good approximations. This was the purpose for these formulas, which I interpret that where the permeabilities are of finite order of magnitudes in the respective media, the relations give satisfactory answers. However, from the authors' point of view there are reservations, which leads me to consider their entire generalization as illustrated in their Figs. 1 through 14. What I understand from their storage capacity, relationship Fs, which is the ratio of the product of porosity and compressibility of Sand II to Sand I, that is employed here by the authors as a correlative means of identifying one figure from another, there is nothing in the exact mathematics that supports such a term as a means of correlation. This is taken out of context, unsustained that this applies. Here the mathematics are known, where the true correlation is the diffusivity term of one sand to another. This entails permeability that refers back again to the term M in their paper for the transmis-sibility of fluid from one sand to the other that should have also been a part of this storage capacity. In Figs. 8 through 14, which purported to show the simplified equation following this correlation, there are apparent discontinuities for M equal to or less than 0.1000 that differ from the trends for greater values of M. In this connection there is no reference radius given for this cumulative pressure drop in the paper that would permit me to make these calculations. However, what is clear for M equal to 0.1000 or less we are treated to almost a closed barrier at the interface; a condition entered by the writers without qualification. This across-the-board treatment of these simplified formulas, whatever the motive of the authors, enters into a range of permeabilities that even I as the contributor would have reservations that such could apply. Under comparable conditions I would be looking at a closed reservoir or some facsimile for such. The extent to which the approximation or the exact equations pertain is not evident in the generality offered by Bixel and van Poollen in their paper. Only when they or other writers show the comparison of the pressure distributions within the formations can one be able to judge the rational limits to subscribe to the simplified formulas.

Jan 1, 1969

By L. Aspola

The platinum group metals (PGMs), i.e. ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, are typically found in association with each other, but also importantly, with nickel and copper. Typically Platinum and palladium have the greatest economic significance and other PGMs are typically produced as co-products of these. With recent increases in the value of nickel, cobalt, and the PGMs and an ever increasing focus on the sustainable use of metals, interest in the processing of secondary feed material sources and metal-bearing residues has also substantially increased. As an efficient, proven, and environmentally sound technology Outotec Ausmelt Top Submerged Lance (TSL) Technology has gained commercial acceptance in the nickel industry, including PGM recovery. For the processing of nickel- and PGM-bearing feed materials, five Outotec Ausmelt Furnaces at four sites are in operation. Two of these furnaces are located in Rustenburg, South Africa, which is by far the biggest mine-based producer of platinum. Outotec also has hydrometallurgical processes available for further treatment and extraction of PGMs, which are also briefly discussed.

Jan 1, 2012

By Kumar M. Lyer

The channel reactor for ferrous and nonferrous processing has been modeled as a combination of ideal reactors. Cold model studies simulated the counter-current flow of slag and matte (or metal) with high-strength submerged gas injection. A composite model has been developed which describes the mass transfer between the two liquid phases, including the transfer of minor elements. The residence time for the matte droplets in the matte/slag emulsion is compared with the settling rates for the matte droplets in the slag to determine their relative importance in the mass transfer between matte and slag. The governing equations for mass transfer have been developed using correlations for the mass-transfer coefficients in the continuous and dispersed phases. An application of this scheme to a typical copper smelting system is presented.

Jan 1, 1993

By Swati Mohanty

Spiral concentrator, which works on the principle of gravity separation, is widely used in the mineral industries for separation of solid particles based on the size and density. In the present study, CFD simulation of the flow profile on a laboratory scale spiral concentrator of height 2.29 m, pitch 0.435 m and width 0.17m was carried out. A single computational domain covering the entire spiral was considered. Volume-of-Fluid algorithm was used to track the interface and predict the flow profile. In the present study the Donor-Acceptor method was used for the calculation of volume fraction in the cell. Simulation results show that the velocity increases as the water flows down due to the convective force and gravitational force, but the viscous force acting in the opposite direction retards the flow. Thus the maximum velocity is attained at turn three at which the viscous force overpowers the other forces and further down the velocity decreases. Measured water depths along the radius of the spiral at various heights were compared with simulated depths, which were in good agreement. The simulated liquid phase velocity profile was used to carry out preliminary studies on the flow profile of solid particles of size 500 micron and densities 2600kg/m3 and 5100kg/m3, based on the Lagrangian model taking into consideration fluid-particle interaction.

Sep 1, 2012

By P. C. Benedict

"The Island Mountain mine is at the southeast end of Island mountain; across Jack of Clubs lake from the Cariboo Gold Quartz mine.; The orebodies consist of quartz veins and pyritic replacement deposits in limestone. To December 31; 1944; there has been mined 296; 273 tons of quartz-vein ore averaging about 0.34 oz. gold a ton; and 101; 002 tons of sulphide ore averaging about 0.83 oz. gold a ton; a total of 397; 275 tons averaging 0.46 oz. From this; 175; 985 fine oz. of gold and about 26; 450 fine oz. of silver were recovered; having a value of $6; 510; 521.More than 95 per cent of the production has come from a band 500 feet wide along the contact of the Rainbow and overlying Baker members and extending about 100 feet into the latter. Evidence that the Rainbow belongs stratigraphically above the Baker is presented later in this paper. Both members are most variable lithologically, and individual beds and whole series of beds pinch out in short distances. In part, at least, this is due to squeezing out incidentally to intense folding. No section can be claimed with assurance to be really representative. However, both memb.ers are composed predominantly of quartzitic rocks. Both contain argillaceous quartzite, argillite, limy quartzite, limy argillite, limestone (marble), and minor amounts of highly ankeritized rocks believed to be igneous sills possibly originally approaching diorite in composition."

Jan 1, 1954

By Marcelo de Oliveira, Antoine Allanore, Dennis P. Chen, Davide Ciceri

Potassium fertilizers (potash) are mined in a handful of countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Potash is either expensive or unavailable to the farmers of the Southern Hemisphere. Alkaline alteration of K-feldspar rock (ultrapotassic syenite) in autoclave in the presence of Ca2+ generates a mixture of K-bearing calcium-aluminum-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) minerals that potentially can be used as an alternative local fertilizer. This work investigates the effect of processing temperature (200 °C, 220 °C, and 230 °C) and time (from 0.5 to 3.0 h) on pH, mineralogy, and elemental availability of the C-A-S-H mineral mixture. Increasing temperature results in an increased conversion of K-feldspar and increased content of both the mineral tobermorite (Ca5Si6O16(OH)2·4H2O) and amorphous phase in the resulting C-A-S-H mixture; increasing time results in an increased conversion of α-dicalcium silicate hydrate into tobermorite. The amount of K leached from the mixture is relatively constant across all processing conditions. Hydrothermal alteration in autoclave of K-feldspar-bearing rocks such as ultrapotassic syenite permits the synthesis of a potential potassium fertilizer which alkalinity and mineralogy can be tailored according to soil requirements.

May 22, 2020

By N. S. Stoloff, K. R. Jordan

The temperatwe and grain size dependence of the mechanical avoperties of ordered and disordered Fe-49 pct Co-2 Pct V were investigated. The yield and flow stresses obeyed the Hall-Petch relationship u = ai + kd-&apos;I2. Ohdering reduced the intercept stress cjj and raised the Petch slope, k, at all temperatures. Ordering also increased the temperatwe dependence of k. The ductile to brittle transition temperature increased with order and grair~ size. Cleavage fracture was nucleation limited and the fracture stress did not zlary linearly with d-&apos;". A quantitative test of the Cottrell-Petch fracture theory (and recent modifications which consider the influence of slip mode), demonstvated that this theory is not applicable to FeCo-V. COTTRELL&apos; and etch&apos; independently suggested that a criterion for cleavage failure at the yield point, a,, based on dislocation pileups at a grain boundary or other obstacle to dislocat.ion motion, is: aYYkd&apos;I2 1 opy [ll or, equivalently, aikz,d112 +k:)bpy [2] where a, and ky are the Hall-Petch intercept and slope, respectively, 2d is the grain diameter, P is a geometric factor dependent on the macroscopic ratio between shear and tensile stress, p is the shear modulus, and y is the true elastic surface energy. When the product of quantities on the left side of the equation is equal to or exceeds that on the right, cracks should be able to nucleate and propagate at the yield stress, as shown schematically in Fig. 1. Therefore a high intercept stress, high Petch slope, or coarse grain size favors brittleness. petch3 associated the existence of a ductile to brittle transition in ferrous alloys with the temperature dependence of ai. One of the earliest modifications of the Cottrell-Petch theory was presented by ~rmstrong,~ who derived an expression for transition temperature in terms of several measurable flow and fracture parameters. The latter paper was able to rationalize situations in which the transition temperature increases with decl-easing grain size, as in the case of molybdenum,&apos; and also suggested that Ppy should be a function of grain size as well as temperature. More recently Johnston et a1.6 and Smith and worthington7 have suggested that the temperature or composition dependence ol&apos; ky must also be taken into account if there is any cha.nge in deformation mode, as from wavy to planar slip, or wavy slip to twinning, with change in temperature or solute content. Armstrong %as suggested that for hcp metals changes in o;k,dw> o;k,d1/2< / is / ^^^^ / / y_______________________________________ d-"2 Fig. l—Schematic representation of grain size dependence of yield stress, cry, and fracture stress, CTF. Intersection defined by Cottrell-Petch equation. slip mode should be incorporated in the theory through changes in the critical resolved shear stress for the slip system which controls ky. The purpose of the present investigation was to critically test the modified677 Cottrell-Petch theory of fracture in the superlattice alloy Fe-49 pct Co-2 pct V, by studying the grain size dependence of the yield and fracture stresses over a range of temperatures, in conjunction with an investigation of slip mode and fracture behavior. Previous work has shown that long range order results in a sharp decrease in flow stress, a small increase in work hardening rate and a drastic upward shift in the ductile-brittle transition temperature of F~CO-V.~&apos;~ The only comprehensive study of slip character in this alloy has been reported in a preliminary account of the present investigation.10 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The experimental work was carried out on material produced from a 10 lb vacuum melted ingot, of composition 49.32 wt pct Co, 2.09 wt pct V, balance Fe. 30-mil thick sheet samples with a 1; in. gage section were machined from cold rolled stock. The degree of cold work ranged from 85 pct for the finest grained samples to 5 pct for the coarsest grain size. Details of ingot fabrication are reported elsewhere." Equi-axed grain sizes in the range 12.7 to 75.4 p were obtained by annealing for varying times at 850°C. (Re-crystallization annealing time, rather than temperature , was varied to control grain size to insure that samples of all grain sizes contained equivalent quenched-in vacancy and interstitial concentrations.) Grain sizes were measured by the line intercept method on several specimens of each grain size. Following recrystallization, all samples were disordered by quenching into iced brine.

Jan 1, 1970

By L. S. Rivett, U. M. Oko

The Strathcona mine, with a large new underground operation and concentrator, was recently brought into\ production by Falconbridge Nickel Mines Ltd. The tailings disposal and water utilization problems at Strathcona are described in this paper, with sections devoted to the Moose Lake watershed system, tailing impounds, the construction of dams and the operation of the Moose Lake neutralization plant for the elimination of acidity, including the equipment used.

Jan 1, 1971

By Haragobinda Srichandan

The present study aimed to investigate the bioleaching efficiency of moderate thermophilic microorganism in a growth medium without Fe supplement on three different size fractions of spent catalyst obtained from petroleum refinery. All the experiments were conducted on shake flasks at a temperature of 65 °C and a pulp density of 10% (w/v) on three size fractions viz. 45-106 µm, 106-212 µm and >212 µm and a working volume of 100 ml comprising of 10 ml of microbial inoculums and 90 ml of Modified Kelly medium. The parameters like pH, redox potential, viable planktonic cell count and the amount of acid addition was measured and quantified on regular basis to follow the progress of the bioleaching. The pH varied much in the lag and logarithmic phase of the experiments but stabilized toward the stationary phase. The total acid additions in each batch experiment were determined the amount of Conc. H2SO4 requirement, which ranged between 683-757 kg/ton of spent catalyst. The redox potential values ranged between 625-650 mV, Ag/AgCl, but were very low ranging between 350-450 mV during initial period. The planktonic viable cell count ranged between 108-109 cells/ml active in the bioleaching system, without any toxic influence of the spent catalyst, but initially due to fall in redox potential and new environment for the microbes, their population was low. The leaching yield of Ni was found to be promising with very high leaching yield of 92-96% followed by Al as 61-62%, which means both Ni and Al leaching were favored by the moderate thermophilic bioleaching compared to the mesophilic bioleaching. There was very little difference in the leaching yield, when compared with different size fractions and hence grinding can be avoided prior to leaching. This process seems to be economical as no Fe source is supplemented together with no requirement of grinding and over all a biological process resulting for an eco-friendly process for future optimization of the metal recovery from petroleum refinery spent catalysts. Keywords: bioleaching, spent catalyst, thermophile, 9K medium

Sep 1, 2012

By JAMES SCULLY

For the last 4 years political leaders have found a new subject on which they can safely generalize wihout creating opposition. That subject is commodity prices. Since the four-fold increase in OPEC crude oil prices, public attention has focussed as never before on the subject of commodity prices. To advocate stabilizing commodity prices is akin to supporting motherhood or peace or better schooling. Everyone gives lip service to the concept that stable commodity prices are desirable. It is easier to state the principle than to achieve it. Prices that are stable in terms of one currency may be clearly unstable in terms of a different currency. This has become a troublesome matter since 1971, when the world&apos;s leading trading currencies were set free to float in relation to each other. To illustrate: consider copper prices in the interval between the end of 1974 and the end of 1977. During those 3 years, the copper price in pounds sterling on the London Metal Exchange rose by 25 per cent. During that period, however, in terms of the USA dollar equivalent, the price was unchanged. And during that period, in terms of the German mark equivalent the price shrank by 13 per cent while the Japanese yen equivalent fell by 20 per cent. Thus a price that appears stable in dollars, rose in terms of pounds sterling and fell in terms of marks and yen. Had this result been achieved as a consequence of an international effort to stabilize prices, an American would have said the effort was successful. An Englishman would have said it had failed to prevent a price rise. And a German or a Japanese consumer would have been happy to have covered his copper needs at a lower cost in terms of his own currency.

Jan 1, 1978

By C. J. V. Wheatley

Recent studies of the mineralisation at Avoca in southeast Ireland, Parys Mountain in Anglesey, and Coniston in the Lake District result in the proposal of a new metallogenetic model for mineral deposits in the Southern Caledonides. A regional pattern of metal zoning exists, an axial belt, including the major copper deposits, being bordered by areas with lead-zinc deposits. Conformable lenticular pyritic zones occur in the central belt, closely associated with acid volcanic sequences and, often, post-dating them. These zones are thought to have been formed in a marine environment, mineral growth taking place below the sediment-water interface, whereas magnetite-rich zones developed under different Eh and pH conditions. Stockworks containing appreciable copper and, in some cases, lead and zinc were developed at a later date, stratigraphically below the pyritic zones, by migrating hydrothermal chloride and metal-rich fluids. Complex lead-zinc-pyrite mineralisation resulted from the reaction between pyritic zones and the final fraction of the hydrothermal fluids. Crosscutting vein-type fissure infilling mineralisation occurs in every mineral field. These deposits apparently comprise a pulsatory metasomatic sequence, closely related to tectono-stratigraphic controls, ore localisation being influenced by the coincidence of suitable structures and pyritic shale horizons. The implications for mineral exploration are considered and it is concluded that the model offers an explanation for the existing pattern of metal zoning; and it may have wide applicability to mineral deposition in geosynclinal sequences.

Dec 1, 1971

By P. Klossek

It is estimated that China accounts for 94% of the world supply of rare earths (Roskill, 2011). This fact, together with the impact of China?s export policy, poses a substantial risk to the security of the rare earth supply as well as a rare earth price risk. This situation has motivated an increase in the number of rare earth projects under development, i.e., there are currently more than 440 worldwide (Technology Metals Research, 2012). However, economically and environmentally acceptable processing technology to produce tradable products from rare earths (e.g., separated rare earth oxides) is not freely available on the market at the moment. In this respect, a lot of research and development has been initiated on this topic, in academia as well as in industry. Using a proprietary model and scenario-based analysis, we studied the impact that the development of rare earth processing technologies would have on the rare earth market and the economic feasibility of rare earth projects mentioned before. The analysis showed that this impact varies depending on the technology type (e.g., technology can affect project production volume, cost structure or both) and the legal context of the invention (e.g., free or limited by patenting availability of a new technology). The effect of a technology which influences project production volume is not the same as of a technology which changes project cost structure. The impact of a patented processing technology differs from the impact of a processing technology which is freely available on the market. In the case of a new technology which is limited by patenting, its impact depends on the market position (?producing?, ?next-coming?, or ?not producing? project) of the patent holder. The paper contributes to existing research by studying the dependence of the expected micro- and macroeconomic impact of rare earth processing technology developments on the properties of a new technology (e.g., costs, legal framework etc.). By this means, the paper adds to existing knowledge and attempts to make the rare earths market more transparent and predictable from a perspective outside China.

Aug 1, 2013

By Joel A. Huffinan

"This presentation is being given to better inform the audience of the dependability of precious metal analysis by fire assay. A brief explanation, however, of standard fire assay exploration procedures will be given. An overview of other types of analyses by fire assay will be discussed as well, and the operation of a modern day assay laboratory.IntroductionThe use of lead oxide for the fire assay process dates back to the finds in Troy II and the Cappadocian Tablets about 3,000 B.C. Some advances have been made in the basic procedures due to instrumentation and electronics, but the fusion and cupellation procedures used in fire assay remain much the same as during this period.In 1600 AD. Agricola was the first to take a scientific approach to fire assay recording methods and procedures used (Hillerbrand and Allen, 1905) [1]. Since this period, much of the recognized research into the analysis of ores and metals was carried out in the late 1800's and early 1900's prior to World War II, and again after the deregulation of precious metals. The renewed interest in precious metals mining and metallurgy are due much to advances in precious metals heap leaching in late 1970's."

Jan 1, 1999

By Juan H. Rojas C.

The Chuquicamata mining and metallurgical complex is the main Division belonging to Corporation Nacional del Cobre de Chile (CODELCO-CHILE) and it accounts for 50% of the 1.4 Mt of fine copper output of the Corporation. It has been producing copper since 1915. The paper refers to the challenges that Chuquicamata has to solve in the near future. These challenges are: the increasing operation costs associated to a 800 m depth pit with low prices in an overstocked copper market; the increasing people&apos;s sensitivity to environmental preservation; and, the transformation needed for achieving high levels of organizational effectiveness. According to Corporate policy, Chuquicamata is making efforts to switch from a management style focused on supply to a management style focused on demand side of the industry. In this direction is tempting to establish strategic alliances to develop both new copper products and uses, to rise the metal demand. In more than 80 years of operation, Chuquicamata had exploited just one third of its geological resources. The exploitation of the remaining two third is a huge engineering challenge, taking into account the depth of the deposit, the impurities content, the decreasing ore grades and the transportation distances for waste dumping. All those factors are relevant in the economical process of transforming geological resources into ore reserves. Chuquicamata has other limitations. First, a 20,000 people town just aside the pit that limits the mining rates because of dust generation; second the scarceness of water in the desert area where Chuquicamata deposit is located; and, finally, the new tailing pond is a problem which solution will demand huge engineering efforts and investments. People are the principal factor associated to a company success. In this field, Chuquicamata have been progressing, but much more efforts from people will be necessary to reduce production costs for being successful as any other price-taker within the copper industry. Chuquicamata must develop the skills of its Supervisors to transform them into leaders and entrepreneurs, who additionally have the challenge of passing on their knowledge to non-professional workers. It is an ethic commitment to assure personal and professional growth of workers, as the only sustainable way to get real and integral success.

Jan 1, 1999