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By W. M. Peirce

Commencing in 1922, each year a lecture has been presented to the Institute of Metals Division at this February meeting. The range of subjects has been very- broad. Some speakers have dealt with the most advanced work in the very heart of the science of physical metallurgy. Others have stimulated our imaginations by discussing the most recent progress in related fields of science. Others have told us of the latest art, which is at any moment of greater practical importance than the latest science, of metals. I feel that this broad precedent in the choice of subjects will justify my choosing to talk about some of the prosaic details of how, during the last generation, industry has effectively organized research to accelerate progress in our own and all other fields of science and related art. A number of years ago I visited one of this country's well-known research laboratories and had the pleasure of chatting for a few minutes with its equally well-known director. Being particularly interested at the time in the organization problems connected with industrial research, I broached that subject. My host stated in effect that he didn't believe in organized research. He was, of course, resorting to a rhetorical hyperbole. to pain: out the danger of overorganization which can so easily drift into regimentation and destroy individual initiative. Actually nearly all of us, much as we cherish our personal freedom of action, believe in organization because the history of progress in every field of human activity has been a history of men learning to work together, to cooperate, to create an efficient division of labor. We use organization to achieve this coordination. At the same time our form of organization must not stifle individual initiative or it will prove a deterrent rather than an aid to accomplishment. Research, too, must be organized for greatest achievement but especial skill and care are perhaps needed to avoid stifling the initiative of the individual workers. I have, of course, followed with keen interest and much benefit the vast amount . that has been said and written on this subject in the past twenty years but I still find new stimulation in discussions with my good friends working in this field. It is my hope that this discussion may serve a like purpose. It would be ungracious not to make due acknowledgment to the many able contributors to this particular phase of human progress, but their very number and the great volume of their writing makes it impossible to trace to any one individual a particular significant and valuable idea. I shall content myself therefore with this general acknowledgment and with acknowledgment of the specific debt that every research man owes to those who have so ably kept before the public, and in particular before industrial executives, the place of research in the modern scheme of things' Because of the legitimate publicity thus given to research, the day is past when any

Jan 1, 1944

Profiled on these pages are the eight RMCMI 1997 Scholarship Award winners. All eight winners were present as guests of the Institute at the June convention at Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Each received recognition at the Institute Awards Luncheon Monday, June 30, 1997. Each state vice president served as host for the collegiate winner and his firm provided travel and hotel expenses. In addition to receiving a plaque from the Scholarship Chairman, Alan Czarnowsky, each winner receives $1,000 tuition credit for the coming academic year, as well as transportation, hotel lodging and meals at convention as guests of the Institute. Because this is a continuing award, the winners from the previous year also receive a $1,000 tuition credit in their senior year if recommended by the dean of the college or university and if they remain full time students. A resident from each of the eight RMCMI member states is selected from among Board approved institutions. Criteria for these awards made annually is that the recipient (1) Is a full time sophomore student who will use the tuition credit during the junior year. (2) Be both a U.S. citizen and a resident of the member state. (3) Maintain good academic standing, be pursuing a degree in a mining related field and have an expressed interest in western coal as a possible career path. The scholarship program includes curricula other than in the mining departments, but in engineering disciplines, such as geology, mineral processing and metallurgy. Contributions to this worthy project are tax deductible to each individual RMCMI member or his firm. Through annual donations of $100 or more, the Patrons of the Institute fund the scholarship program. A listing of current donors is found elsewhere in this book. Donations to this worthwhile program are payable to RMCMI Patrons and may be mailed to the RMCMI Office, 3000 Youngfield Street, Suite 324, Lakewood, Colorado 80215. Profiles of the 1997 Scholarship Winners follow. [ ] ARIZONA WINNER C. Travis Naugle Montana Tech - Butte, Montana Travis, the son of Chelsea and David Naugle of Tempe, Arizona is a student at Montana Tech. He is well-rounded with studies, various athletic endeavors, campus D.J. position, and as a residence officer. He is now the Public Relations Director for KMSM-FM radio in Butte, MT. A Tempe High School graduate, Travis plans to work in coal extraction once he receives his Mining Engineering degree. [ ] COLORADO WINNER Suzanne Maddux Colorado State University - Fort Collins, Colorado Suzanne, the daughter of Janet Maddux of Arroyo Grande, CA and Lelen Maddux of Santa Margarita, CA, is the first scholarship recipient at Colorado State University. She is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. Since 1992 she has been working with TerraMatrix Inc. in Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado which has offered her insight to the western mining industry. She has volunteered with Larimer County Partner (a big sister program) and has continued to be involved in many athletic endeavors.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. D. Sullivan, Chester R. Austin, J. L. Nunes

IT is characteristic of most shales and surface clays that a bloated or vesicular structure is produced by burning to a sufficiently high temperature, usually about 150° to 200°F. above the normal maturing temperature used when making common brick of the same material. Early investigators recognized this phenomenon and attributed it to the release or expansion of gases in the vitrified piece. A number of theories have been advanced on the source of the gas and the manner in which it is evolved, but none has been proved conclusively. T. E. Jackson's1 early theory that bloating was due to oxygen evolved by ferric oxide in forming ferrous oxide or ferrous silicate was never substantiated by experimental work. Orton2 thought this explanation unlikely, as all clays should bloat at the same temperature, if this were true. He found that clays bloated in the range from 1100° to 1706°C. Also, many clays containing iron did not bloat at all, but fused. Orton also stated that oxidation of different types of carbon was a source of gas during burning of clay and should be expelled before vitrification was reached. Seger3 said that he had dissolved ferric oxide in glass with no apparent evolution of gas. Matson4 came to the conclusion that ferruginous days burned to vitrification in an oxidizing atmosphere did not have the iron in a ferrous form. According to Wilson,5 the gases responsible for bloating might be entrapped air, water, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and hydrocarbons. He spoke of two causes of bloating: (I) incomplete oxidation below the vitrification temperature, and (2) decomposition of compounds and evolution of gases above the vitrification temperature. Decomposition of calcium sulphate was given as the principal example of the latter. Bleininger and Montgomery6 stated that if any time after vitrification began the evolution of gaseous matter was rapid enough so that pressure was produced within the day, bloating was certain to take place, and a vesicular structure would be formed. They recognized that initial structure, rate of heating, kiln atmosphere, and many other variables affected bloating. Work done by the Emergency Fleet Corporation7 indicated that clays suitable for bloating should be high in compounds of metallic oxides, carbon, sulphur, sodium, potassium, or other equivalent compounds, which either act as a flux or give off gas. Orton2 studied the chemical status of the carbon, iron, and sulphur in clays during various stages of burning, using a Huron shale that bloated under oxidizing or reducing conditions. He found that only a small amount of sulphur remained in the clay and that it could be detected only by dissolving the clay in hydrofluoric acid; i.e., the sulphur was in combination with the silica. Orton said that this sulphur was probably in the form of iron sulphide dissolved in the glass phase. The iron sulphide was not broken down by heating, but was dissolved in the basic slag or glass,

Jan 1, 1942

By W. M. Peirce

COMMENCING in 1922, each year a lecture has been presented to the Institute of Metals Division at this February meeting. The range of subjects has been very broad. Some speakers have dealt with the most advanced work in the very heart of the science of physical metallurgy. Others have stimulated our imaginations by discussing the most recent progress in related fields of science. Others have told us of the latest art, which is at any moment of greater practical importance than the latest science, of metals. I feel that this broad precedent in the choice of subjects will justify my choosing to talk about some of the prosaic details of how, during the last generation, industry has effectively organized research to accelerate progress in our own and all other fields of science and related art. A number of years ago I visited one of this country's well-known research laboratories and had the pleasure of chatting for a few minutes with its equally well-known director. Being particularly interested at the time in the organization problems connected with industrial research, I broached that subject. My host stated in effect that he didn't believe in organized research. He was, of course, resorting to a rhetorical hyperbole to point out the danger of overorganization which can so easily drift into regimentation and destroy individual initiative. Actually nearly all of us, much as we cherish our personal freedom of action, believe in organization because the history of progress in every field of human activity has been a history of men learning to work together, to cooperate, to create an efficient division of labor. We use organization to achieve this coordination. At the same time our form of organization must not stifle individual initiative or it will prove a deterrent rather than an aid to accomplishment. Research, too, must be organized for greatest achievement but especial skill and care are perhaps needed to avoid stifling the initiative of the individual workers. I have, of course, followed with keen interest and much benefit the vast amount that has been said and written on this subject in the past twenty years but I still find new stimulation in discussions with my good friends working in this field. It is my hope that this discussion may serve a like purpose. It would be ungracious not to make due acknowledgment to the many able contributors to this particular phase of human progress, but their very number and the great volume of their writing makes it impossible to trace to any one individual a particular significant and valuable idea. I shall content myself therefore with this general acknowledgment and with acknowledgment of the specific debt that every research man owes to those who have so ably kept before the public, and in particular before industrial executives, the place of research in the modern scheme of things. Because of the legitimate publicity thus given to research, the day is past when any

Jan 1, 1944

By W. M. Peirce

Commencing in 1922, each year a lecture has been presented to the Institute of Metals Division at this February meeting. The range of subjects has been very- broad. Some speakers have dealt with the most advanced work in the very heart of the science of physical metallurgy. Others have stimulated our imaginations by discussing the most recent progress in related fields of science. Others have told us of the latest art, which is at any moment of greater practical importance than the latest science, of metals. I feel that this broad precedent in the choice of subjects will justify my choosing to talk about some of the prosaic details of how, during the last generation, industry has effectively organized research to accelerate progress in our own and all other fields of science and related art. A number of years ago I visited one of this country's well-known research laboratories and had the pleasure of chatting for a few minutes with its equally well-known director. Being particularly interested at the time in the organization problems connected with industrial research, I broached that subject. My host stated in effect that he didn't believe in organized research. He was, of course, resorting to a rhetorical hyperbole. to pain: out the danger of overorganization which can so easily drift into regimentation and destroy individual initiative. Actually nearly all of us, much as we cherish our personal freedom of action, believe in organization because the history of progress in every field of human activity has been a history of men learning to work together, to cooperate, to create an efficient division of labor. We use organization to achieve this coordination. At the same time our form of organization must not stifle individual initiative or it will prove a deterrent rather than an aid to accomplishment. Research, too, must be organized for greatest achievement but especial skill and care are perhaps needed to avoid stifling the initiative of the individual workers. I have, of course, followed with keen interest and much benefit the vast amount . that has been said and written on this subject in the past twenty years but I still find new stimulation in discussions with my good friends working in this field. It is my hope that this discussion may serve a like purpose. It would be ungracious not to make due acknowledgment to the many able contributors to this particular phase of human progress, but their very number and the great volume of their writing makes it impossible to trace to any one individual a particular significant and valuable idea. I shall content myself therefore with this general acknowledgment and with acknowledgment of the specific debt that every research man owes to those who have so ably kept before the public, and in particular before industrial executives, the place of research in the modern scheme of things' Because of the legitimate publicity thus given to research, the day is past when any

Jan 1, 1944

By J. Hunter

LouisiaNa ranks fifth among the oil-producing states. In 1941 the state-wide production was slightly in excess of 118,000,000 bbl. of crude oil and conden-sate—an increase of 15,000,000 bbl. over the total production for the year 1940. During 1941, south Louisiana produced approximately 90,900,000 bbl. of oil, while north Louisiana produced approximately 27,000,000. South Louisiana, therefore, produced about 3¼ times more oil than north Louisiana. During the past year, 574,800,000 M cu. ft. of natural and casinghead gas were produced in Louisiana; thus 1941 gas production exceeded the 1940 production by 104,900,000 M cu. feet. Completion records for the year 1941 show that 1512 wells were completed in or adjoining producing fields. These wells, which were drilled to extend known producing areas or were located within producing areas, are not considered as wildcat wells. Of the total number of field wells drilled, 1152 wells found production; the remaining 360 were junked or dry and abandoned. This means that 76 per cent of the wells drilled were successful. Considering the precarious nature of oil-field development, this percentage of new producing wells is exceedingly satisfactory. Of the total number of field welis com-pleted as producers, approximately 86 wells found new and distinct producing sands. During the past year, 30 new fields were found. Four parishes—namely, Caldwell, Catahoula, Orleans, and Natchitoches— entered the ranks of oil-and-gas-producing parishes in the state during that period. This brings the total number of oil-and-gas-producing parishes in the state up to 48. Thus, 75 per cent of the parishes in Louisiana now contain one or more oil and/or gas fields. Although sufficient data are not available to list the addition reserves found in Louisiana during 1941, it is felt that such reserves undoubtedly exceed twice the total production for that year, or at least 200 million barrels. In reserves, therefore, Louisiana ranks third among the various oil-producing states. South Louisiana Although 16 new fields were found in south Louisiana, the outstanding developments in that part of the state were not limited to new discoveries. In fact, most of the increase in reserve in that area has been most consistently accumulated through extensions of known producing sands and through the finding of new sands in already productive fields, especially at depths below the presently producing sands. Since data concerning most of the new extensions and sands are too extensive for discussion here, the more important developments arc briefly outlined below: Abbeville, Vermilion Parish.—Production extended ½ mile to the west. Anse La Butte, St. Martin Parish.—New oil sand discovered at 9400 ft., thus extending production to east flank. West flank defined by dry holes. Barataria, Jefferson Parish.—New oil sand discovered on east side of field at 7620 ft. New

Jan 1, 1942

By Irving Wigden

The world is fast becoming information based. Mine companies migrate business infrastructures to be handled electronically. Suppliers move onto the worldwide web. In this ?e-world? successful suppliers will recognize they no longer trade in just equipment, but in knowledge. Companies can no longer just provide products and services, but instead must find ways to harness their knowledge to provide new value for customers. Mine customers will be attracted to suppliers that can help them streamline the process and use Information Technology to optimize operations, increase profit, reduce cost and enhance shareholder value. With the continued move to industry standard communications and software platforms, technology that formerly stood alone can now be integrated with other technologies. This creates more powerful systems that mine operators can use quickly, easily and cost effectively. These unified architectures improve productivity, provide higher asset optimization and allow more informed decision-making. As a leading supplier of process automation solutions for the industry, ABB provides a dynamic range of such control systems. These systems are designed for instrumentation controls, variable speed drives, electrical distribution, electrical equipment and related services for Mine Automation. Enhanced by ABB´s new family of integrated software solutions ? collectively known as Industrial IT ? ABB´s control and Scada systems place you in the best position to optimize your plant, process and enterprise operations. The paper discuss system integration and installation of High-Tec system in an underground mine. ABB has the ambition to be a System Integrator and co-operate with partners in different areas of technology. To day it is a problem to find one Supplier that can be responsible for the complete Automation System. The design of the system is also much depending of the design of the mine and also which caving procedure that is used in the current mine. Much of the work must be done in a feasibility study and during the design phase. If there is careful planning and consideration during these phases is vital in order to avoid costly changes during the commissioning phase The paper will also include a presentation of the benefit of using Automation in an Underground Mine, and how important the integration of the Human Being is to the Automation System. The most profit gained in mining industries are received when the mines can reduce internal and external disturbances in the production flow and speed. Must of the experience and discussed in this paper is from advanced technology, that has been developed in Scandinavian and adopted of LKAB in Kiruna. The author of this paper has been responsible för the Automation projects in the Kiruna Mine during 1994 - 1999. These projects include: Broadband communication of data, audio, compressed video in one data stream. Control System for Haulage -1045m Automation of Load Haulage and Dumping machines (LHD) Control of Production Drilling Riggs from a Central Control Room.

May 1, 2002

By J. Hunter

LouisiaNa ranks fifth among the oil-producing states. In 1941 the state-wide production was slightly in excess of 118,000,000 bbl. of crude oil and conden-sate—an increase of 15,000,000 bbl. over the total production for the year 1940. During 1941, south Louisiana produced approximately 90,900,000 bbl. of oil, while north Louisiana produced approximately 27,000,000. South Louisiana, therefore, produced about 3¼ times more oil than north Louisiana. During the past year, 574,800,000 M cu. ft. of natural and casinghead gas were produced in Louisiana; thus 1941 gas production exceeded the 1940 production by 104,900,000 M cu. feet. Completion records for the year 1941 show that 1512 wells were completed in or adjoining producing fields. These wells, which were drilled to extend known producing areas or were located within producing areas, are not considered as wildcat wells. Of the total number of field wells drilled, 1152 wells found production; the remaining 360 were junked or dry and abandoned. This means that 76 per cent of the wells drilled were successful. Considering the precarious nature of oil-field development, this percentage of new producing wells is exceedingly satisfactory. Of the total number of field welis com-pleted as producers, approximately 86 wells found new and distinct producing sands. During the past year, 30 new fields were found. Four parishes—namely, Caldwell, Catahoula, Orleans, and Natchitoches— entered the ranks of oil-and-gas-producing parishes in the state during that period. This brings the total number of oil-and-gas-producing parishes in the state up to 48. Thus, 75 per cent of the parishes in Louisiana now contain one or more oil and/or gas fields. Although sufficient data are not available to list the addition reserves found in Louisiana during 1941, it is felt that such reserves undoubtedly exceed twice the total production for that year, or at least 200 million barrels. In reserves, therefore, Louisiana ranks third among the various oil-producing states. South Louisiana Although 16 new fields were found in south Louisiana, the outstanding developments in that part of the state were not limited to new discoveries. In fact, most of the increase in reserve in that area has been most consistently accumulated through extensions of known producing sands and through the finding of new sands in already productive fields, especially at depths below the presently producing sands. Since data concerning most of the new extensions and sands are too extensive for discussion here, the more important developments arc briefly outlined below: Abbeville, Vermilion Parish.—Production extended ½ mile to the west. Anse La Butte, St. Martin Parish.—New oil sand discovered at 9400 ft., thus extending production to east flank. West flank defined by dry holes. Barataria, Jefferson Parish.—New oil sand discovered on east side of field at 7620 ft. New

Jan 1, 1942

By Irving Wigden

The world is fast becoming information based. Mine companies migrate business infrastructures to be handled electronically. Suppliers move onto the worldwide web. In this ?e-world? successful suppliers will recognize they no longer trade in just equipment, but in knowledge. Companies can no longer just provide products and services, but instead must find ways to harness their knowledge to provide new value for customers. Mine customers will be attracted to suppliers that can help them streamline the process and use Information Technology to optimize operations, increase profit, reduce cost and enhance shareholder value. With the continued move to industry standard communications and software platforms, technology that formerly stood alone can now be integrated with other technologies. This creates more powerful systems that mine operators can use quickly, easily and cost effectively. These unified architectures improve productivity, provide higher asset optimization and allow more informed decision-making. As a leading supplier of process automation solutions for the industry, ABB provides a dynamic range of such control systems. These systems are designed for instrumentation controls, variable speed drives, electrical distribution, electrical equipment and related services for Mine Automation. Enhanced by ABB´s new family of integrated software solutions ? collectively known as Industrial IT ? ABB´s control and Scada systems place you in the best position to optimize your plant, process and enterprise operations. The paper discuss system integration and installation of High-Tec system in an underground mine. ABB has the ambition to be a System Integrator and co-operate with partners in different areas of technology. To day it is a problem to find one Supplier that can be responsible for the complete Automation System. The design of the system is also much depending of the design of the mine and also which caving procedure that is used in the current mine. Much of the work must be done in a feasibility study and during the design phase. If there is careful planning and consideration during these phases is vital in order to avoid costly changes during the commissioning phase. The paper will also include a presentation of the benefit of using Automation in an Underground Mine, and how important the integration of the Human Being is to the Automation System. The most profit gained in mining industries are received when the mines can reduce internal and external disturbances in the production flow and speed. Must of the experience and discussed in this paper is from advanced technology, that has been developed in Scandinavian and adopted of LKAB in Kiruna. The author of this paper has been responsible för the Automation projects in the Kiruna Mine during 1994 - 1999. These projects include: Broadband communication of data, audio, compressed video in one data stream. Control System for Haulage -1045m Automation of Load Haulage and Dumping machines (LHD) Control of Production Drilling Riggs from a Central Control Room.

May 1, 2002

By J. Richard Kyle

Salt domes, their cap rocks, and the adjacent sedimentary strata represent a major economic resource in the Gulf of Mexico basin. Gulf Coast salt diapirs formed in response to sediment loading of the "mother" Louann evaporite sequence of middle Jurassic age, an effect that is caused by the buoyant nature of the lower density salt. Halokinesis progresses from nonpenetrative deformation that creates broad "pillow" structures into discrete high-amplitude diapirs. Because of its buoyancy, the top of the salt diapir remains near the land surface or the seafloor during much of its history as the basin floor subsides. The salt within the Gulf Coast diapirs is deformed complexly and commonly shows subvertical banding that represents modified sedimentary layers with different contents of nonhalite components. The most abundant impurity is anhydrite, which occurs as individual millimeter-scale crystals or as deformed clasts that generally form about 5% of most salt stocks. Many mature salt diapirs are mantled by a "cap rock" that consists of a lower anhydrite zone and an upper calcite zone, commonly separated by a discontinuous gypsum-bearing zone. The anhydrite zone forms as accreted layers of anhydrite grains and clasts that are left after episodes of halite dissolution. The calcite zone is a product related to petroleum destruction accompanying bacterial reduction of aqueous sulfate. Calcite-cemented siliciclastic strata occur above or alongside diapirs. The mineral resources of the salt-dome setting are remarkably diverse. Major economic products of the salt-dome environment are salt and cap-rock-hosted native-sulfur deposits, as well as petroleum resources that occur on the dome flanks and in the cap rock. Native sulfur forms as a result of bacterial sulfate reduction accompanying petroleum destruction to form hydrogen sulfide, which is subsequently oxidized to elemental sulfur, major amounts of which have been produced by the Frasch process from Gulf Coast salt-dome cap rocks. Some cap rocks have produced limestone, gypsum, and anhydrite for a variety of construction uses. Although traditional industrial-mineral resource production from Gulf Coast salt domes is shrinking, some cap rocks host potentially commercial concentrations of celestite and barite, as well as the metals Zn, Pb, and Ag. Furthermore, caverns, excavated within the salt stocks, serve as major storage facilities for crude oil (including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve), liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas. These resources are products of fundamental geologic processes that are integral to the evolution of the Gulf of Mexico basin. Whereas production of some industrial-mineral resources, such as elemental sulfur, has declined in recent years, ample reserves of salt will allow production to continue into the foreseeable future. Further, there is potential for other mineral-resource production from cap rocks under favorable economic circumstances. Expanded use of caverns, excavated in the salt masses for material storage and disposal, is likely to continue into the next century.

Jan 1, 1999

By Walter C. Jr. Sherman

6.1-SOIL MECHANICS WALTER C. SHERMAN, JR. 6.1.1-DEFINITION Soil mechanics is concerned with the behavior of soils in relation to the design, construction and performance of engineering works. In this context, soils include all uncemented materials, such as, gravels, sands, silts and clays, either naturally or artificially deposited, and, under certain conditions, weakly cemented, badly broken or weathered rocks. Many types of mine wastes have physical properties similar to those of soils and thus are amenable to analysis by the principles of soil mechanics. The principles of soil mechanics are used to solve such problems as the stability of various types of structures with respect to failure of the supporting soils, determination of soil pressures and deformations in the design of foundations and retaining structures, analyses of seepage and under seepage, and stability with respect to sliding of excavated and natural slopes and embankments. 6.1.2--SOIL PROPERTIES Soils are classified on the basis of index properties, such as, particle-size distribution and plasticity characteristics. The Unified Soil Classification System1 used to classify soils for engineering purposes is shown in Table 6-1. Other physical properties important from an engineering standpoint include natural water content, density, permeability, shear strength and compressibility. Physical properties are evaluated on the basis of carefully conducted laboratory tests. Procedures for laboratory testing are presented by Lambe. 2 Soils, either of natural or artificial deposition, are complex three-phase materials consisting of solids, water and gas (usually air or water vapor). One of the most important principles in soil mechanics is based on the concept of effective stress in the soil-water system. A stress, a, applied to a saturated soil is taken partly by the soil particles (effective stress, a'), and partly by the water in the voids (neutral stress or pore water pressure, u,) so that a' = a - u,. Only the effective stress affects the mobilization of frictional resistance between soil particles. In partially saturated soils, the pore-water pressure is negative due to capillary effects. The effective stress relation remains valid for small negative pore pressures, but anomolies arise if the soil is significantly unsaturated. In this case, the pore pressure is commonly assumed as equal to the pore air pressure, u,, so that [ u' = u - u..] 6.1.3--SOIL EXPLORATIONS Soil explorations are carried out by borings or test pits. Hvorslev3 has reviewed procedures and boring requirements, such as, type, depth and spacing employed. In general, soil strata are logged and representative exploratory samples are recovered for classification purposes and for determining the subsurface soil profile, which is constructed utilizing also knowledge of the geology of a site. Undisturbed samples are recovered if the properties of the undisturbed soil are required, as generally is the case. The undisturbed soil sampler consists of a thin-wall tube

Jan 1, 1973

By J. F. Abel

It can be concluded that rock mechanics instrumentation, geologic mapping, and operations research in combination will produce an accurate estimate of tunnel support requirements for establishing a steel-set load prediction model. This estimate can be used to increase safety and to reduce tunneling costs. Unnecessary supports can be eliminated; overloaded or insufficient supports can be replaced on a more scientific basis than previously possible. Only a limited number of measurements are required to develop a steel set load prediction model. The results of this study can be applied generally; but, every tunnel must be considered as a separate problem. The construction and geologic variables which were found to be significant in the prediction of rock loads in this tunnel were: steel section modulus, set blocking points, percentage of alteration, relative degree of faulting, relative water condition, distance to the nearest fault, and average joint spacing. INTRODUCTION A combined engineering geology and rock mechanics program was performed throughout the Straight Creek tunnel pilot bore in Colorado in order to develop a technique for estimation of steel tunnel support loads. The technique involves the construction of a statistical model from measured steel set loads, geologic and construction factors. The aim of the investigation was to produce a set of charts, based on these factors, which could be used by a trained man equipped with a hand lens and measuring tape, to specify a safe and economical steel size and set spacing. In order to be of practical value the measured parameters had to be rapidly measurable and capable of quantification. It was apparent from the beginning that quantitative values for many of the geologic factors would have to be arbitrary. It was impossible to ascertain in advance which of the readily determi-nable geologic and construction factors significantly affect steel set loading. As the investigation progressed the number of observations was systematically reduced in order to determine the minimum amount of data which would be necessary for a significant mathematical model. This paper presents an analysis of all the variables measured at each instrumented steel set. The statistical significance of the measured variables was determined. On the basis of this determination, a mathematical model was constructed and charts were prepared to select and space the steel tunnel supports at any given point in the tunnel. Once the effect of geologic and construction factors on set loading is sufficiently established, it is possible to exert close control over the selection of steel tunnel support size and spacing. The magnitude of this rock mechanics program can be appreciated when it is known that there were 44 instrumentation stations for which steel set loads were measured. For each of these sets there were three construction variables recorded, and nine geologic parameters determined (Table I). A rough approximation of the cost for both the collection and reduction of the data would be $50,000. This is in addition to the cost of geologic mapping.

Jan 1, 1967

By Charles S. Barrett

There is a road into the microscopic realm that has remained untraveled through all these years of intense activity with high-power optical and electron microscopy. The road is worthy of careful scouting by metallurgists and other investigators, for it leads into relatively new country and it makes some areas accessible that heretofore could be reached only by very indirect paths or by the use of imagination. And when the road passes through familiar territory it frequently permits a new view of commonplace things that should prove of value from time to time. An accepted way to interest people in new sights such as this is to present an illustrated travelogue. This I propose to do, using many pictures taken in my recent exploration of this road. In the manner of travelogues, I shall touch briefly upon a large number of different subjects in physical metallurgy and shall attempt to give an exhaustive treatment of none, for the objective is to provide a means for further research, to interest others in it, and to indicate what appears at the moment to be profitable directions for it to take. The method I shall present involves X-rays, but does not make use of the usual accompaniments of X-ray research such as reciprocal lattices, Fourier series, or the stereographic projection. The method is so simple in its fundamentals that it could have been developed 2o years ago, or perhaps even 30 years ago. It is well to have a destination for our travels, so that when we are through we shall have explored some region of importance, despite our preoccupation with the novel means of transportation and our interest in the sights to be seen along the way. So let us name the Cold-worked State as our destination, and make side trips into the territories known as Recovery, Recrystallization, and Precipitation-hardening. A great many investigations have been made of the nature of cold-worked metal, and a great variety of methods used, many of which are indirect, such as X-ray line intensities, X-ray line widths, calori-metric measurements, and magnetic measurements. Since comprehensive reviews of these investigations have been published in recent years, they need not be discussed here. The investigations that were the direct forerunners of the present work should be first mentioned. In 1931 I became interested in the structure of individual spots in X-ray diffraction patterns.l When a crystal is placed in the narrow pencil of X-rays in a Laue camera, the spots recorded on the film are not always uniformly black, but may have an internal structure. The meaning of this may be understood from Fig. I, which represents a narrow beam containing X-rays of many wave lengths (''general radiation") penetrating a crystal in the direction of the arrow and forming a pattern on the vertical film at the right.

Jan 1, 1945

By Charles S. Barrett

THERE is a road into the microscopic realm that has remained untraveled through all these years of intense activity with high-power optical and electron microscopy. The road is worthy of careful scouting by metallurgists and other investigators, for it leads into relatively new country and it makes some areas accessible that heretofore could be reached only by very indirect paths or by the use of imagination. And when the road passes through familiar territory it frequently permits a new view of commonplace things that should prove of value from time to time. An accepted way to interest people in new sights such as this is to present an illustrated travelogue. This I propose to do, using many pictures taken in my recent exploration of this road. In the manner of travelogues, I shall touch briefly upon a large number of different subjects in physical metallurgy and shall, attempt to give an exhaustive treatment of none, for the objective is to provide a means for further research, to interest others in it, and to indicate what appears at the moment to be profitable directions for it to take. The method I shall present involves X-rays, but does not make use of the usual accompaniments of X-ray research such as reciprocal lattices, Fourier series, or the stereographic projection. The method is so simple in its fundamentals that it could have been developed 20 years ago, or perhaps even 30 years ago. It is well to have a destination for our travels, so that when we are through we shall have explored some region of importance, despite our preoccupation with the novel means of transportation and our interest in the sights to be seen along the way. So let us name the Cold Worked State as our destination, and make side trips into the territories known as Recovery, Recrystallization, and Precipitation-hardening. A great many investigations have been made of the nature of cold-worked metal, and a great variety of methods used, many of which are indirect, such as X-ray line intensities, X-ray line widths, calorimetric measurements, and magnetic measurements. Since comprehensive reviews of these investigations have been published in recent years, they need not be discussed here. The investigations that were the direct forerunners of the present work should be first mentioned. In 1931 I became interested in the structure of individual spots in X-ray diffraction patterns.1 When a crystal is placed in the narrow pencil of X-rays in a Laue camera, the spots recorded on the film are not always uniformly black, but may have an internal structure. The meaning of this may be understood from Fig. 1, which represents a narrow beam containing X-rays of many wave lengths ("general radiation") penetrating a crystal in the direction of the arrow and forming a pattern on the vertical film at the right.

Jan 1, 1945

By R. Rampersadh

Paper written on project work carried out in partial fulfilment of B Eng (Metallurgical Engineering) degree Steel was sampled after calcium treatment, to follow changes in inclusion composition during the processing of alumium-killed steel into continuously-cast billets, at Mittal Vereeniging. There is some shift in the distribution of inclusion compositions towards alumina, as the liquid steel moves from the ladle to the tundish. This shift may reflect some reoxidation. However, the effect on inclusion modification is small, since only a small fraction of the tundish oxide inclusions is fully solid?which agrees with the plant observation that these heats cast without clogging. Magnesium oxide in the inclusions contributes to liquid formation, substantially increasing the range of lime: alumina ratios over which the inclusions are partially or fully liquid.

Jan 1, 2006

By J. A. Finch, Zhenghe Xu, Z. A. Zhou

Whether the microscopic bubbles generated by the high energy dissipation and high feed-slurry velocities in new flotation cells are stable in solution and what roles they play in particle collection are of great interest for the flotation of fines. Experimental work has shown that, with fast flow of liquid through an orifice, stable microscopic bubbles can form in flotation systems by hydrodynamic cavitation in the absence of gas supersaturation. The minimum flow rate at which bubble formation is initiated varies from 8 to 15 m/s, depending on the design of the cavitation tube, which is within the range of feed slurry velocities of some newly developed cells. Feed aeration enhances the formation of micro-bubbles by hydrodynamic cavitation. The study suggests that the fast flotation kinetics of some new cells may be attributed in some degree to the formation of microscopic bubbles

Jun 21, 1905

By L. R. Plitt, A. J. Neale, B. C. Flintoff

"INTRODUCTIONThis is not a technical paper in the normal sense. It is an informal document which is intended to share the results of some recent cyclone research with our colleagues both in operations and in research.PILOT PLANT FACILITIESFigure 1 is a schematic of the closed circuit hydrocyclone pilot plant testing facility at the University of Alberta. In this figure the system is configured for some experimental work on wide angle cyclones which was recently completed. The rig is designed to study cyclones in the approximate range of 10 cm to 20 cm diameter. Notable features include the variable speed feed pump, the magnetic flowmeter and pressure sensors on the cyclone feed line and the travelling launder which permits simultaneous sampling of both product streams.ORGANIZATIONFor organizational convenience the subject matter has been divided into three parts:(1) Peculiar Partition Curves(2) Wide Angle Cyclones(3) Rope DischargePECULIAR PARTITION CURVESMuch of the initial empirical mathematical modelling work on cyclone classifiers dealt with homogeneous ores. A homogeneous ore is one in which all particles have substantially the same apparent density, or where one phase is very clearly predominant. In contrast, a heterogeneous ore is one in which there are at least two different density classes, each making a significant contribution to the ore composition. (Particle shape similarity is always assumed.)One of the problems which can arise when analysing the overall solids partition (selectivity, Tromp, etc ... ) curve for a heterogeneous ore is the peculiar shape which may be observed, when compared to partition curves for homogeneous ores. This is not an unusual occurrence and it has been documented by Lynch and Rao, Finch and Laplante and Larsen and Spring. The purpose of this section is to identify those operating conditions which may give rise to peculiar partition curves."

Jan 1, 1986

By P. Valicek, M. Farren, R. G. B. Pickering, G. Harrison, P. van Dorssen, W. Joubert, H. J. van Rensburg

Introduction In South African metalliferous mines, stoping operations are largely confined to narrow, tabular orebodies making mechanization extremely difficult. Limited flexibility in terms of stope width has necessitated drilling by means of hand held, pneumatic rock drills at most of our operations. As the largest producer of platinum in the world, we drill in excess of forty million stope blast holes per annum. Cleaning of the broken ore is also done by conventional means—utilizing scrapers and scraper winches. Conventional methods such as these carry high costs in terms of risk exposure as well as labour intensity. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a long hole stoping system suitable for the narrow platinum reefs. The new system had to be substantially safer and more cost effective than conventional mining. We selected a site that was conducive to mechanized mining and set out the parameters that we considered would meet our requirements. We then conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the conceptualized long hole stoping system in terms of specific goals. An analysis of the proposed system identified the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). One of the most critical goals was to be able to create a man-freestope. This would mitigate the safety risk associated with normal stoping operations, as well as the inefficiency cost previously referred to. Other challenges included setting targets for long hole accuracy, stoping width reduction and specific blasting system performance for long hole stoping. We also modelled a critical span that we considered to be inherently safe and to ensure hangingwall stability, throw-blastcleaning and overall system productivity. Anglo Platinum Research and Development and Sandvik Tamrock entered into an agreement for the supply of a specialized long hole-drilling machine. The system was implemented and tested by the mine with the support of the other participants. The results achieved met our expectations. It was demonstrated that with this method of mining it is possible to have a man-free/support-free stope face and to achieve a reduction in shaft head cost per ton whilst reducing dilution. Key performance indicators assessed during the trial •Safety targets •Mining layout •Drill rig •Production targets •Support requirement •Explosives requirement •Services requirement •Ore removal and cleaning requirement •Training requirement Safety targets All persons involved with the project had to adhere to the mine’s safety programme including the zero-tolerance campaign, and were required to report all hazards observed immediately. Mine personnel and Tamrock carried out a full risk assessment on the drill rig before transporting underground. A further risk assessment was carried out when the machine was in position underground. Mining layout See Figure 1 and Figure 2 for a detailed description. Drill rig The drill rig was a combination of a Secoma P-Low LC 10long hole feed and an Axera low profile carrier. The choice of this equipment was made through consultation with Tamrock Sandvik. All relevant design perimeters of the area to be mined were taken into consideration. Production targets

Sep 1, 2001

By Bakker J. de, P. A. Leest, W. L. Dalmijn, H. J. Glass

The test facility at the Delft University of Technology, in the Netherlands, was characterised. Advantages include the possibility of separating particles with high but different densities up to 9 g/cm3, the ease of adjustment to any required separation density and the absence of moving parts. Simultaneous separation of more than two types of particles is possible and the magnetic fluid is safe and convenient to use compared with other heavy liquids. Disadvantages include loss of magnetic fluid with outgoing particles (cost approx US $10/l) and degeneration of fluid due to bacterial activity, reaction with particles and with surroundings. Only non-magnetic materials can be separated, there is limited potential for scaling up and high investment is required on account of the cost of magnets. Future improvements in the design of the apparatus and the properties of the magnetic fluids can only enhance its attractiveness for commercial applications

Jun 18, 1905

By David A. Newman

Barrier pillars created during mine development provide additional reserves during mine closure and can be the sole access to reserves previously abandoned because of mining height or out of seam dilution limitations. The safe and successful mining of barrier pillars requires a thorough knowledge of the magnitude and distribution of the vertical stress field in addition to the strength and physical properties of the coal, immediate roof, and immediate floor strata. Quantifying the vertical stress field is complicated by the combination of the overburden stress, abutment stresses transferred onto the barrier pillar from adjacent gob areas, and in multiple seam mining, stresses transferred from abandoned subjacent mines. These variables make the extraction and development of barrier pillar reserves a site specific consideration. Three case histories are presented in which barrier pillar development and extraction provides; i) an access point and the means to ventilate a large area of low seam reserves left by a prior operator after developing only the thicker areas of a multiple split reserve, ii) the means to increase total recovery of a deep, thick seam longwall reserve, and iii) opportunities for the development and retreat mining of a two mile long barrier pillar in thick seam reserves.

Jan 1, 1995