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By J. Janin, J. F. Bougard

Development of improved transportation networks in major urban centers has led more and more to underground construction, the only reasonable solution for decreasing surface traffic congestion. Excavations required by these projects usually cause decompression of the surrounding soil mass which results in subsidence of several centimeters. While these magnitudes of subsidence have no consequences in undeveloped areas, they are often unacceptable in urban areas where existing buildings, structures and utilities are endangered. Recent tunneling projects for the extension of the Paris Metropolitan Transit System (R.A.T.P.) underground network were carried out with this in view and gave rise to the development of a number of innovative techniques for minimizing ground decompression and subsidence. As shown in Figure 1, the recent R.A.T.P. expansion program includes a new express metro, 46 km long, crossing Paris from East to West, and the extension of many existing metro lines in the suburbs. From the start, R.A.T.P. was faced with many unique technical problems for which there was little precedent experience. The structures to be built have large dimensions, with cross-sections typically ranging from 40 to 300 m2, and exceptionally to 600 m2. The new lines are often very deep because the shallow profile is already congested by the existing metro, interceptors, sewers and a very large number of utilities. As a result, new construction is often below ground water level by as much as 20 m. Moreover, the geology varies widely from hard limestone with compressive strength over 1500 kg/cm2 to inconsistent water bearing sand. Finally, curves in the East-West line must have a minimum radius of 500 m which frequently forces the alignment to pass below existing structures, buildings and monuments.

Jan 1, 1974

By R. P. Abendroth

The hydrogen-water vapor ratio at which Fe-Cr alloy, chromium oxide, andiron chromite coexist in equilibrium was determined between 900" and 1200°C. A thermogravimetric method was used to determine equilibrium conditions. The results fit a straight-line relationship in the temperature region studied, and are given by Reduction experiments were also performed to confirm the results of the equilibrium investigation. ThE oxygen pressures at which Fe-Cr alloy, chromium oxide, and iron chromite coexist in equilibrium have been previously determined by Boericke and angert,' Morozov and Novokharski,' and Katsura and uan. Only one determination (at 1300°C) was made by Katsura and Muan, but it agrees with the results of orozov and Novokharski. The results of Boericke and Bangert, however, differ appreciably from the results of these investigators. Previous studies have assumed that the equilibrium metallic phase is pure iron, but Dahl and Van vlack have shown that the iron contains from about 1 wt pct Cr at 1000°C to over 2 wt pct above 1300°C. The chromium oxide also contains a small amount of iron in solid solution. In the present study, hydrogen-water vapor mixtures were equilibrated with the condensed phases, using a therrnogravimetric method to determine equilibrium conditions. The reaction can be written EXPERIMENTAL General Procedure. The starting material was a sintered pellet of Fe2O3-Cr2O3 solid solution with a hole in the center, and was placed on a fused silica hook. This assembly was raised into the preheated hot zone of the furnace in a helium atmosphere, hooked onto a fused silica hangdown suspended from one arm of an Ainsworth Model RV-AU-1 recording balance, and the starting weight determined. A flowing hydrogen-water vapor atmosphere was then exchanged for the helium by evacuation, and the sample reduced until the weight loss indicated the sample composition to be in the alloy-Cr2O3-chromite field. The tem- perature was adjusted incrementally until constant sample weight was achieved for several hours, to within 0.02 mg. A hydrogen-water vapor atmosphere of different composition was then admitted, and the same procedure carried out. At the end of a series of determinations, the sample was examined by X-ray diffraction to verify the presence of the desired phases. Microscopic examination of the silica hook showed no interaction with the sample, nor did it lose any weight. Several criteria were used to insure equilibrium besides constancy of weight. For a given hydrogen-water vapor composition, equilibrium was approached from both oxidizing and reducing sides by varying the furnace temperature slightly. The resulting slow weight loss or gain was observed for several hours. Constant weight could be re-established by returning to the original furnace temperature. The last criterion used was varying the relative amounts of the phases by further reduction or oxidation, and observing any changes in temperature required for constant weight for a given hydrogen-water vapor atmosphere. None were observed. This procedure was essentially the same as approaching the equilibrium from oxidizing and reducing sides, but larger weight excursions were carried out. Sample Preparation. Reagent-grade Fe2O3 and Cr83 powders were mixed in the desired proportions and heated in air at 1250°C for 2 hr. The mixture was re-ground and heated in air overnight at 1250°C. X-ray diffraction showed complete solid-solution formation as a result of this procedure. The solid solution was then pressed into l/2-in.-diam pellets using Carbowax 4000 as a binder. The hole was drilled in the center, and the pellets were sintered 24 hr at 1250°C in air on a bed of Fe2O3-Cr2O3 of the same composition, contained in an alundum boat. After cooling, the pellet surfaces were abraded with 310 paper to remove any surface compositional differences, such as loss of Cr2O3. Chemical analysis of the sintered pellets was 67.16 wt pct CrP3 and 33.02 wt pct Fe203. Atmosphere Generation and Control. The hydrogen-water vapor atmospheres were generated by passing Matheson ultrahigh-purity hydrogen, with no further purification, through two water bubblers contained in a constant-temperature water bath. Since the water-vapor dew points required in this study were below room temperature, the bath was insulated, and was cooled by thermoelectric-immersion devices. The bath temperature was controlled to 0.0l0C. Since rather high flow rates of about 900 ml per min were used through the furnace tube, an independent check of the dew point was made to insure saturation of the hydrogen by the water vapor. Although the dew point could only be determined to within 1/2"C, the determined dew points agreed with the water-bath temper-

Jan 1, 1967

By John M. Gomes

The preparation of tungsten carbide by molten-salt electrolysis was investigated. Sodium tungstate in the electrolyte and carbon from the graphite anode were the source materials, Optimum results were obtained with an electrolyte consisting of 83 mole-percent sodium chloride and 5.7 mole-percent each of sodium tungstate, sodium metaborate, and sodium hydroxide; a temperature of 1,000° to 1,025° C; an anode current density of 37 amp/dm2 or less; and an initial cathode current density of 150 amp/dm2. The yield was approximately 0.45 g/amp hr. The electrolytic tungsten carbide product contained approximately 5.4 weight-percent combined carbon as compared to 6.1 weight-percent for pure tungsten carbide. Microhardness of the electrolytic tungsten carbide, determined with a 50-gram load, varied from 3,480 to 3,970 dph. The material was friable and could be ground in a laboratory ball mill to less than 400-mesh particle size.

Jan 1, 1969

By T. G. Digges, C. L. Vold, M. R. Achter

A study was made of the effect of the growth conditions on the perfection of single crystals of niobium (columbium). Dislocation densities, determined by means of double-crystal diffractometer measurements , were not greatly affected by the method of crystal preparation but could be reduced by annealing treatments. However, the size, sharpness, and tilt angles of the substructures, observed with X-ray reflection macrograph, were sensitive to variations in growth procedures as well as to subsequent thermal treatments. Although the dislocation density was the same in both types, there were more low-angle bound-aries in crystals grown by zone melting than in those prepared by strain anneal. Mechanisms to account for these observations are discussed in terms of dislocation movements. A planned study of the structure-sensitive properties of refractory metals required the use of single crystals of a high degree of structural perfection and, for ease of handling, of large cross section. It appeared that the strain-anneal technique could satisfy both of these requirements. First, crystals grown in the solid state have been reported to be more perfect than those obtained from the melt.' Second, the diameters of rods which may be produced by zone melting should have a theoretical limit determined by specific gravity, thermal conductivity, and surface tension, while the diameter of strain-annealed rods is limited only by practical considerations. Previously it was shown that niobium (columbium) single crystals of 1 in. diam2 may be grown by strain anneal, compared to the 0.5 in. maximum diameter achieved by zone melting, as reported for molybdenum by Belk.3 The current research was undertaken to investigate and optimize the effect of various process variables on the perfection of 1/4 and 1/2-in.-diam niobium single crystals grown by strain annealing and to compare their perfection to those grown by zone melting. Characterization of these crystals was more conveniently accomplished by means of X-ray than by metallo-graphic techniques. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Specimen Preparation. Zone-melted crystals of 1/4 in. diam were produced by the standard electron-beam zone-melting technique. The swaged and cleaned rods were outgassed, in the solid state at a temperature near its melting point, at a rate of 12 in. per hr, and single crystals were grown by making two molten passes at 2 in. per hr. By maintaining a zone length of 4 to % in., very uniform single crystals several inches long were obtained. For the strain-annealed crystals, an induction heater was used, in preference to other types of heating, to take advantage of the good penetration of large sections. A five-turn coil, 1 in. long, operating at 10 kc and powered by a motor generator, was contained in a vacuum chamber. The rod, suspended from the upper end, was raised through the coil for both recrystallization and crystal growth. In preliminary work single crystals of the same material were also grown with single and multiturn coils powered by a 450-kc generator. A vacuum of 2 X 10-6 Torr was maintained at temperatures up to 2400°C. Starting with electron-beam-melted ingots of 21/2 in. diam, the analysis for which is given in Table I, the material was cold-swaged to the desired cross section of 1/4 and 1/2 in. diam and then recrystallized. The rods were then strained in a tensile machine and converted to single crystals by passing through the induction coil. As with zone melting, control of orientation is possible by the use of special procedures. Other investigators, see for example Williamson and smallman,4 have reported that orientation control may be achieved by a bending technique. In the present work the strained rod is partially lowered through the coil to start the growth of the crystal. Then it is removed and bent at a point in the poly crystalline portion. Finally, it is returned to the chamber and growth is continued "around the corner". This procedure has certain limitations. If the bending operation exceeds the critical strain, recrystallization may take place. Also, the amount of bending which can be imparted to the rod is limited by coil geometry, and up to now has been 10 deg. However, by repeating the bending and growing operations it should be possible to attain any desired orientation. In preparation for X-ray examination, single crystals were sectioned and planed by means of the spark-erosion technique. To obtain the maximum reflected intensity, the (110) plane was exposed for examination. They were then etched 3 to 5 min in a mixture of con-

Jan 1, 1967

This is a welcome opportunity to exchange ideas about educating for a profession in mining and metallurgy, and I shall use it to highlight the ways in which educators, the industry, and the profession can help one another make that educa- tion better. This is home ground for me in more ways than one. As the executive head of a uni- versity perhaps I may speak as an educator; and there is still, I hope, enough of the metallurgist in me to allow me to speak of what we metal- lurgists and mining engineers can do to help the educators. Another interest should be declared, too. Among the educating agencies I shall focus on universities; among universities I shall further focus on my own, the University of New South Wales. I know it best; and, more to the point, we are one of the minority that offer a full profes- sional training in mining and metallurgy. Further, we are as a university very much concerned- more than most-with specifically professional education, and especially with education in the professions based on science and technology. Mining and metallurgy have of course played a central role, from earliest times onwards, in the history and development of science and tech- nology. In that role they have been both pro- ducers and consumers of new knowledge. Indeed the whole new attitude to knowledge that began to spread in 16th and 17th century Europe owed a great deal to the interests and traditions of the miner and the metallurgist. The first modern text- book of mining and metallurgy, George Agricola's De Re Metallica, is very much more than a spec- ialist handbook; it is a major landmark in intel- lectual and cultural history.

Jan 1, 1978

By G. Minhas, M. Pule, Y. Laffitte, M. c. McGurn, T. Tzanetakis, Peacey. J., R. Susilo

Titanium (Ti) metal production from titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) using magnesium (Mg) as a reducing agent is the well-known Kroll process. A chloride route is used to avoid oxidation of the titanium sponge. The sponge is consolidated into ingots and can then be made into powder by melting and atomizing or by hydriding/dehydriding. Attempts at direct powder production have met with difficulties, including low Ti yield and the formation of very fine particles (particles between 25-100 µm are desired). This paper discusses two methods to produce Ti powder in a molten salt medium using magnesium powder as a starting material instead of a pool of molten magnesium. The first method is a direct reduction of gaseous TiCl4 injected in the melt with the magnesium powder in suspension in the molten salt. The second method is a two stage TiCl4 reduction reaction where recycled Ti was used to form titanium dichloride (TiCl2) in the first stage followed by addition of magnesium powder into molten salt in the second stage. A correlation between Ti yield and processing variables such as TiCl4 to Mg ratio, Mg particle size, TiCl2 concentration in the melt, and reaction temperature was studied. The Ti powder formed was also analyzed for particle size distribution. Despite challenges and difficulties encountered, this paper shows some promising results which could provide guidance to others working on direct Ti powder production.

Jan 1, 2015

By Woodcock J. T, Jackson N

Wattle Gully Gold Mines N.L. of Chewton, Victoria, has decided to replace its present battery plant by a new mill to treat a free milling gold ore, after fine grinding, by concentrating coarse gold in a jig concentrate for amalgamation, and fine free gold and auriferous sulphides in a flotation concentrate for cyanidation. This paper outlines the economic justification and advantages of this step. In a review of the present position at the mine, a history of the company is followed by a description of the ore and its occurrence.Present treatment practice in two separate battery plants is described. Treatment tailings assay 1 dwt/ton gold and a substantial part of this gold is finer than 200 mesh.Experimental work showing how recovery may be improved is discussed and alternative methods of concentrating coarse gold mentioned. It is decided that the most suitable method for recovering gold from the ore is by jig concentration plus flotation.The merits of various flowsheets incorporating these techniques in the existing plant and in a new plant are assessed. It is concluded that there is no advantage in extending or converting the existing two battery plants, and it would be more economical and satisfactory to build a new plant.An economic study shows that for a capital expenditure of £120,000 a new plant could be erected to treat 70,000 tons p.a., working a 5-day week, and return an additional 14.2/- per ton, or £50,000 p.a., in revenue over the existing plant. It is estimated the plant cost can therefore be recouped out of savings inside three years. Probable ore reserves are sufficient to cover this period and additional ore will certainly be developed.INTRODUCTIQNSince 1934, Wattle Gully Gold Mines N.L. has been mining a lode gold ore at Chewton, near Castleniaine, and treating it by stamp milling and plate amalgamation, plus table concentration of auriferous sulphides. In 1954, following two years of unprofitable operation, a rehabilitation programme of all sections of the mine and plant was commenced. In the treatment section, two, major prospects for improvement...

Jan 1, 1959

By J. Hansen

"ABSTRACTThe paper addresses the application of automated monitoring, control, and navigation to improve dragline performance. SummaryImproving dragline performance in the Canadian coal mines is critical to the continued success of the industry. Draglines represent a large capital investment and coal prices are low by historic standards. This paper argues that the introduction of monitoring, control, and navigation on draglines offers an opportunity to significantly reduce a dragline’s operating cost per cubic metre moved. To place the importance of this in perspective, a North Dakota mine calculates that every 1% increase in dragline productivity means a savings to the mine of US$340,000 per year. MonitorsAutomated dragline monitoring is a well established technology with commercial products available since the early 1980s. The three main reasons for placing monitors on draglines are (Walker, 1993):1. productivity increases: reduce variations between different operators’ performance across different shifts;2. quality increases: increase the percentage of ore and waste loads that go to the correct destination; and3. special projects (engineering projects): justify installing static field exciters and regulator upgrades; implement power management; aid operator training; study high performance buckets, rigging changes, and various excavation sequences.Mines as diverse as Kennecott’s Cordero- Rojo Complex in the United States and Natal Coal Corp.’s Optimum Mine in South Africa report dragline productivity increases of 10% to 20% in the region attributed to the implementation of dragline monitoring."

Jan 1, 2000

By D. A. Whitley, R. P. Carone

"Shaft sinking by blind shaft drilling offers the mining industry a different approach to shaft construction. Benefits of blind drilling include less construction time and fewer safety problems while being economically competitive with conventional sinking methods under certain conditions in soft water-bearing formations.Technology and equipment are available today to drill blind shafts up to 20 feet in diameter and over 3,000 feet deep. This is an extension of proven techniques developed by private industry. To drill a 20-foot-diameter hole requires a specially manufactured hydraulic drill unit with a rated hoist of 2 million pounds and 500,000 ft/lb of torque.This brief paper will discuss the following aspects of blind shaft drilling:• benefits;• equipment f or drilling;• circulation methods;• circulation rates;• shaft alignment; and• progress rates to be expected.IntroductionShaft sinking by blind shaft drilling offers the mining industry an improved alternative method for shaft construction. The drilling of 20-foot -diameter shafts to depth s in excess of 3,000 feet can be done by utilizing equipment specifically designed and manufactured for this purpose. This equipment is a distant cousin, at best, to standard oil well drilling rigs. The actual configuration of these drilling machines will be discussed in a following section.To most people, the drilling of mine shafts may seem to be a new or at least recent technology. However, as early as the I920s, German and Dutch miners were drilling 24-foot diameter shafts for coal mines. What led ""miners to resort to drilling were ground conditions that still plague conventional shaft sinkers today: soft , water-bearing formations. The major drawback to these early attempts was a low penetration rate due to poor bit cleaning. This, however, was not the end of early shaft drilling activity. From 1936 to 1950, a number of mine shafts were drilled by the calyx or coring method. This method employs a bit with a large bore down the center. As it drills, it cuts a core. When 5 to 10 feet have been drilled, the core is removed. The disadvantages of this method were the time and work involved in breaking the core free, and it was inadequate in soft water-bearing ground."

Jan 1, 1981

By M. A. Orehoski, J. M. Hodge

It is now generally conceded that if a steel is to develop optimum physical properties in the conventionally quenched and tempered condition, the microstruc- ture after quenching should consist wholly of martensite; and that transformation of austenite to intermediate-temperature products during quenching will have a deleterious effect upon the physical properties, particularly the toughness, of the tempered material. This implies that, in order to obtain the optimum physical properties from a given steel, its "harden-ability " should be high enough to suppress all transformation except that to martensite under the heating and quenching conditions to which it will be subjected, and this premise is probably the most important reason for hardenability control. However, the criterion of hardenability that at present is most widely accepted and used is based on a microstructure of 50 per cent martensite. This criterion, which was suggested by Grossmann,' does have considerable justification. It may be readily measured by a fracture or etch test and, since it represents the point at which the hardness is changing most rapidly with variations in cooling rate, it may be determined empirically from a hardness-depth curve by determining the point of steepest slope (the inflection point). Furthermore, in plain carbon steels or in steels of low hardenability, the difference in hardenability expressed in

Jan 1, 1947

By J. M. Hodge, M. A. Orehoski

It is now generally conceded that if a steel is to develop optimum physical properties in the conventionally quenched and tempered condition, the microstruc- ture after quenching should consist wholly of martensite; and that transformation of austenite to intermediate-temperature products during quenching will have a deleterious effect upon the physical properties, particularly the toughness, of the tempered material. This implies that, in order to obtain the optimum physical properties from a given steel, its "harden-ability " should be high enough to suppress all transformation except that to martensite under the heating and quenching conditions to which it will be subjected, and this premise is probably the most important reason for hardenability control. However, the criterion of hardenability that at present is most widely accepted and used is based on a microstructure of 50 per cent martensite. This criterion, which was suggested by Grossmann,' does have considerable justification. It may be readily measured by a fracture or etch test and, since it represents the point at which the hardness is changing most rapidly with variations in cooling rate, it may be determined empirically from a hardness-depth curve by determining the point of steepest slope (the inflection point). Furthermore, in plain carbon steels or in steels of low hardenability, the difference in hardenability expressed in

Jan 1, 1947

By O. Chemezov, Yu Zaikov, A. Apisarov, A. Isakov

"Silicon deposits containing 99,9 wt.% of main component were obtained by SiO2 electrolysis from chloride-fluoride melts. The operating temperature was varied from 973 up to 1073 K. The conditions for obtaining crystalline fibrous micro- or nanodeposits were determined. The deposits were investigated by ESM methodIntroductionThere are large reserves of natural quartz of high purity in Russia. Processing of this raw material by electrolysis in molten salts produces silicon containing 99.9 weight percent of basic substance.[1]This method is less energy-consuming in comparison to existing methods for producing high purity silicon from gas phase.Another advantage of the electrolytic method for producing silicon from its oxide in molten salts is the possibility of production of high-purity silicon under air atmosphere. It dramatically reduces costs of the electrolytic cell construction, and the operating costs at electrolysis.On our opinion, the main advantage of the electrolytic production from SiO2 in molten salts is a unique opportunity to obtain micro-and nanostructures of silicon deposits. In particular, it is possible to obtain fibrous structures of silicon. The electrolytic method allows smoothly adjusting the thickness and length of silicon micro- and nano-wires by varying the cathode current density and temperature of the process."

Jan 1, 2012

By G. R. Hopkins

For several years prior to about the middle of 1928 both the number and capacity of natural-gasoline plants showed a steady increase; this resulted from a material gain in the supply of casinghead has due to the discovery of a number of flush fields with relatively high gas-oil ratios. From 1928 to date some form of proration has been continually in force, with a consequent curtailment in the supply of wet gas. This decline in available gas and a severe decrease in prices, due largely to the increasing competition of light refinery products, has eliminated virtually all of the weaker units during the last 5 years, with the result that the number of plants declined from 1,155 on January 1, 1928 to 19035 on January 1, 1930, to 909 on January 1, 1932, and then to 859 on January 1, 1934, The struggle of the small high-cost producers to exist is illustrated further by the trend in the number of shut-down plants, which has increased from 36 on January 1, 1930 to 100 on January 1, 1932 and to 128 on January 1, 1934. The increase in the number of plants prior to 1929 resulted in a material gain in the total capacity, but the decline in number between 1929 and 1932 was not followed by a corresponding decrease in capacity, as gains resulting from the construction of a few very large plants overbalanced the loss due to the dismantling of a large number of small ones. However, the low prices of 1932 and 1933 supplied little incentive for new construction, and the total capacity declined in approximately the same ratio as the number. Thus the total capacity declined from 11,387,000 gallons daily on January 1, 1932 to 13,060,000 gallons daily on January 1, 1934, Of the latter 9,181,000 gallons (91 percent) represented the capacity of the operating plants and 679,000 gallons (9 percent) the capacity of the idle plants.

Jan 1, 1934

By C. R. Watts

The feasibility of producing composites containing nickel or molybdenum fibers in a beryllium matrix was inrestigated. The composties studied were jabricaled by powder mallurgical techniques. The 1-mil-diarr nickel fibers reacled completely below 900°C, converling the fibers .from nickel to Ni5Be2,. As the /LO/-pressing temperalure as raised above 1110oC, tlie nickel diffused outward from the beryllide fibers. The solid solubility of nickel in beryllium was clboul 20 wt pet at the 1100°C pressing temperature a1 the zone-fiber interface. The 1.5-mil-diam molybdenum fibers slzolred no evidence of reaction and little evidence of diffitsion after pressing at 900°C. Between 1000° and 1050°C pressing conditions, the fibers began lo react , producing 1ayers of MoBe2 and MoBe12, respectively surrounding the molybdenurn core. The struture remained the same at 1100°C with no evidenre of solid solubility of the molybdenum in the berylium or vice versa. In recent years a considerable amount of attention has been devoted to the determination of methods for improving the mechanical properties of materials through the use of fiber or whisker reinforcement. Previous work with metal matrix composites indicates that the study of the chemical compatibility of the fiber and matrix is an area requiring greater understanding. The metal-metal or ceramic-metal interface is frequently subject to chemical reactions that may result in the formation of hard brittle intermetal-lic compounds and/or low melting point eutectic compositions. The reaction products may reduce both the low-temperature and elevated-temperature strength of the composite by weakening the fiber-matrix bond, producing premature failure at the interface. It is well-known that most metal-metal systems and many metal-ceramic systems of interest for structural composites are thermodynamically unstable,'-" particularly at elevated temperatures. If, however, the rate of reaction under the conditions of fabrication is sufficiently low. composites can be fabricated that can be used efficiently for indefinite periods at low temperatures and for short periods at elevated temperatures. This paper presents the results of a series of tests to determine the compatibility of nickel and molybdenum fibers with beryllium at various hot-pressing temperatures. Nickel was selected as a candidate fiber material primarily because the relatively ductile fibers might be useful as crack arresters in applications such as ballistic impact where crack growth can result in catastrophic failure. The high density and the reactivity of nickel were primary factors detracting from its selection as a possible reinforcement. Molybdenum with a modulus of elasticity of 52 Xlo6 psi is one of the few metallic materials having a modulus higher than beryllium (42 X lo6). Its high modulus, coupled with its refractory characteristics, made molybdenum an attractive candidate for a relatively stable fiber reinforcement for beryllium. Its density, being higher than that of nickel and over five times that of beryllium: detracted from its other characteristics. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The specimens were prepared from beryllium powder with a dispersed phase of fibers by powder metallurgical techniques. P-20 grade powder, Table I, from Berylco was used as the matrix material. Short lengths of 0.001-in.-nominal-diam nickel fibers supplied by the Sigmund Cohn Corp. and 0.0015-in.-nominal-diam molvbdenum fibers obtained from the General Electric Co. were used as the dispersed phase. The composite constituents were combined under an argon atmosphere by mechanically mixing the powders and fibers. The compositions used were nominally 1 vol pct fibers. After mixing. the composites were hot-pressed into a-in.-diam pellets under an argon atmosphere at 900°, 1000". 1050". and 1100°C at a pressure of 6000 psi with no hold time at these temperatures so that a comparison could be made between the resultant microstructure and hot-pressing temperature. The billet was heated at a rate on the order of 30°C per min to the desired temperature and then cooled at a somewhat slower rate. The microstructure obtained should be considered as characteristic of the integrated time-temperature history of the sample, as well as the maximum temperature attained. Upon removal from the hot-pressing dies. the specimens were cut. mounted. and polished by standard procedures. No etchant was used in specimen preparation. Photomicrographs, electron microprobe scans, and electron back-scatter pictures were made. X-ray dif-fractometer patterns were made of several of the specimens. but only the lines for beryllium could be resolved. Specimens for optical and electron microprobe examination were selected partially for the roundness of the cross section. A round cross section was taken to indicate that the body of the fiber was approximately normal to the surface and that therefore effects due to fiber material immediately below the surface could be neglected. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The microprobe scans indicated that nickel reacted as low as 900°C, converting the entire fiber cross section to NisBe21. Fig. l(a). There was no evidence of further reaction from the optical or the back-scatter pictures, Figs. 2(n) and 3(a).

Jan 1, 1970

By Howard A. Meyerhoff

IN western Argentina, in the Province of Mendoza and the Territory of Neuquén, there is a series of solid bitumen deposits which are claimed to be the most extensive in the world. In a linear belt 500 km (311 miles) long, roughly paralleling the axis of the Andes but occupying a variety of positions with respect to the orogenic structures, more than 100 outcrops have been reported. Approximately 70 of these have been prospected, and some mining has been planned or attempted for about half this number. Limited tonnage, high sulphur content, inaccessibility, labor shortages, and disastrous fires have taken a heavy toll among these operations, and in 1947, only 4 deposits were being actively mined, but 8 more were being explored and developed with a view to placing them in production. Inasmuch as these deposits are currently yielding a substantial fraction of Argentina's limited domestic supply of solid fuels, a brief account of the deposits and of the small industry based upon them will provide a commentary on Argentina's fuel problem. CHARACTER OF SOLID BITUMENS The solid bitumens of Mendoza and Neuquén are petroleum derivatives, as is indicated by the following ultimate analysis: [CONSTITUENTS PER CENT Hydrogen6.8 Carbon82.4 Nit.rogenI.6 Oxygen2.7 Sulphur2.2 Ash4.3 100.0] In physical appearance they bear a close resemblance to coal and are commonly called carbón. Their specific gravity has an extreme range of 1.10 to 1.777 in 36 samples weighed, but the average is between 1.14 and 1.24. The material is black, lustrous to dull, with blocky to sub-conchoidal fracture. Though brittle, the purest material is softer than anthracite and exhibits slightly more cohesion. This bituminous material is generally known as asfaltita or asphaltite, but definitive chemical studies indicate that the term asphaltite or grahamite can be applied correctly only to the exceptionally pure material of the Auca Mahuida district in Neuquén. Some other name should be used for the chemically variable bitumens found in all other districts, and the designation "asphaltitic pyrobitumen" has been proposed by Carlos A. S. Piscione.1 At the present time these bitumens, are finding favor as solid fuel and as a gas-producing medium. They yield heat values of 8650 to 9750 cal,2 or 14,500 to 16,750 Btu per pound, and in consequence of their excellent heating qualities and the scarcity of imported coal, they are marketed as far away as Buenos Aires at a price of go to 95 pesos, or approximately $22 to 23, per metric ton. In burning, the material swells and decomposes into solid, fluid, and gaseous fractions which burn violently though nonexplosively. Its combustibility has been responsible for disasters and virtually complete destruction at Mina La Esperanza and Mina Santa Marta, and for minor mishaps elsewhere, as at Mina Escondida in August 1947.

Jan 1, 1947

By G. A. Kosick, G. S. Dobby

"This paper presents the principles and application of a recently developed control system for flotation columns and column circuits. The control system uses triple pressure sensors to directly sense zone densities and level, and to help in characterizing the operating behaviour of individual columns. A complete expert system development tool is incorporated within the system to provide the facility for full operator training, an on-line help facility, and a means for incorporating the column behavioural patterns into decision making rules. The system is configurable to any number of columns and can be run in either supervisory mode or direct control through Minnovex PIO software. Additional process signals can be interfaced with the system if desired. Operating experience with the control system on the Minnovex column flotation pilot plant is described.I: INTRODUCTIONColumn flotation cells have been more difficult to control and are more sensitive to circuit changes than conventional mechanical flotation cells. This susceptibility encouraged investigation into various types of control strategies ranging from inexpensive single pressure measurements for level control, to highly instrumented and expensive systems using a variety of control methods.Flotation operators, in many cases, do not understand the column control philosophy or have not been trained to deal with this new type of cell. Some operators have subsequently absolved themselves of the column operating responsibility. Some column cells, for example, have run for hours with slurry pouring over the top or no froth coming off at all.ColumnEX is a column flotation control system which was developed from the viewpoint of an operating shift foreman who wishes to:1. control the column or column circuit through a genuine understanding of what is happening inside the columns, and2. to share this knowledge with his flotation operators and be available to guide them through times of circuit upsets."

Jan 1, 1990

By D. Schleiss

Reduced access to knowledgeable workers is creating challenges for operations. We are doing more 4D Operations - dirty, dull, dangerous, and distant. Personnel costs in these environments are high, and it is not always possible to get the people where you need them. Integrated Operations is a strategy to integrate people, process, and technology for faster and better decision making. Adopting an integrated operations approach can help to relocate personnel, improve collaboration, and align objectives to deliver reduced costs and improved performance. In this paper, the authors will highlight the required infrastructure to enable an Integrated Operations platform. Key decision points for enabling this technology for both Greenfield projects and existing mines will be discussed. Furthermore, the benefits and improved return on investment that result from deployment of an Integrated Operations strategy will be presented.

Jan 1, 2014

By E. Herrera, L. Mariscal

"Ilo Copper Smelter operates since 2007 with an ISASMELTTM furnace as a single smelting unit (1,200,000 tpy) associated with two Rotary Holding Furnaces for separation of matte and slag, and which directly produces a discard slag. Southern Peru continually has been improving the slag chemistry of its ISASMELTTM furnace in order to reduce copper losses, given its big economic impact due to large slag mass generation. The present paper describes the influence of the CaO, Al2O3 and magnetite content in the slag of the ISASMELTTM furnace correlated with the SiO2/Fe ratio and its liquidus slag. Also it defines the best slag chemistry and operating practice in order to reduce the copper losses without compromise the bricks life of the furnace.INTRODUCTIONIlo Copper Smelter of Southern Peru (Grupo Mexico) is located on the southern coast of Peru, and treats mainly copper concentrates produced in its own mines (Toquepala and Cuajone).The modernized smelter was commissioned in 2007 and operates with an ISASMELT™ furnace as a single smelting unit (1,200,000 tpy), which is associated with two Rotary Holding Furnaces (RHF) for separation of matte and slag. This slag is directly sent to the dump. Figure 1 shows the smelter flow diagram.The ISASMELT™ process is a bath-smelting process using a single lance. The lance tip is immersed into a molten slag bath contained within the stationary, vertical, refractory-lined ISASMELT™ furnace. The injection of oxygen-enriched air, through the lance into the slag results in a highly turbulent molten bath. Feed material falling into the turbulent bath from above reacts rapidly, resulting in extremely high productivity for a relatively small bath volume."

Jan 1, 2012

By Abdulazeez Rotimi, Barry Sheppard, Abid Adekunte

Good engineering practice is a function of sound theoretical knowledge, first-hand experience on previous projects of similar scope and scale, good acquaintance with case histories of similar projects completed by others in similar environmental conditions, as well as satisfactory degree of exposure to state-of-the-art methodologies. The four factors itemised above are typically interdependent. They amalgamatively influence the judgement of the Engineer and they ultimately result in the delivery of safe and cost-effective solutions by Professional Engineers. This technical paper presents detailed information on the ground engineering aspects of a large-scale housing development project located on a sloping site that had been presumed to be unstable in West Sussex, England. The ground engineering design package for the scheme comprised of temporary working platform designs & stability assessment for piling rigs and other construction machinery, geostructural designs for approximately 1km total run of permanent bored pile retaining walls to support the split-level construction on the sloping site and geostructural designs for the permanent foundation piles to support the housing units. The paper details how the four factors outlined above were amalgamated by the project’s foundation specialist consultants & piling contractors to deliver safe and practical solutions for the development, with significant savings in materials, cost and project completion time.

Sep 8, 2021

By Pedro Cunha Alves, Wagner Viana Bielefeldt, Vinicius Cardoso da Rocha, Augusto Lachini Pereira, Julio Aníbal Morales Pereira

The capacity of steelmaking slags (CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO) on inclusion removal from liquid steel was investigated through experimental conditions. Laboratory experiments with slag and steel samples (with inclusion population known) were performed using a vertical electric resistance furnace at 1600 ºC. After the melting experiments, slag and steel samples were separated and analyzed regarding their chemical composition and inclusion population evolution. The capacity of slags on inclusion removal was evaluated based on the thermodynamics (solid and liquid phases proportion, phase composition and effective viscosity of slags) calculated using the FactSageTM 7.2. Results indicated that changes in the composition of slags (regarding CaO/SiO2 e Al2O3) presented effects on the steel cleanliness. The total inclusion density decreased in all steel samples and the removal of inclusions by slags shows a tendency to improve as their viscosity decreases (< 0.23 Pa.s).

Oct 1, 2019