Search Documents

By T. W. Healy, P. Somasundaran, K. Ananthpadmanabhan

Hydrolyzable surfactants such as fatty acids and amines undergo, in addition to micellisation and precipitation, various associative interactions in aqueous solutions to form ionomolecular complexes such as acid-soap, dimers, etc., depending upon the solution conditions such as pH. The interaction of these collector species with the mineral surface and with other dissolved species in solution will play a significant role in determining the interfacial processes such as adsorption and flotation. Marked differences in the hydrophobicity imparted to the mineral surface depending upon the solution conditions such as pH can be attributed to possible differences in surface activities of the foregoing complexes. This aspect of solution chemistry of flotation system is discussed here for two widely used collectors, namely, oleic acid and dodecylamine. Equilibrium species distribution diagrams, based on the available literature data and on estimates of energy of interactions between molecules, have been obtained for oleic acid and dodecylamine solutions.

Jan 1, 1980

By Alan K. Burton

Along with tires and transmission systems, engines have been a limiting factor in the growth of large off- highway trucks. The problem, primarily, has been the development of reliable, high-performance engines that are not prohibitively heavy or expensive. For many years, horsepower to overall truck weight ratios have been in the vicinity of 300 lb per hp for rear dump units up to 50 tons capacity. This ratio is obviously very poor when compared to the much lighter and smaller highway trucks, which frequently have a performance ratio of 100 lb per hp. Unfortunately, the larger mining trucks have not been able to match even the 50-ton trucks, and in some cases, ratios have dropped as low as 450 lb per hp. This results in a performance of only 67% of that achieved by the older smaller trucks. Thus, the message is clear: what is needed is more horsepower and less weight.

Jan 10, 1975

By Walter R. Hibbard

Whether we have occasion to think of it or not, an adequate and economic supply of energy fuels is vital to each of us. It is interesting to look ahead at the way in which fuels from supplementary sources will begin to enter into the energy mix to help meet the long-term national energy needs. From 1947 to 1965, the average annual rate of growth of energy consumption was 2.7%, with total energy demand in 1965 being equivalent to 54 quadrillion Btu's. During this short period of 18 years, the cumulative output of coal in the U.S. was 9.6 billion tons; natural gas, 193.5 trillion cu ft; and crude oil, 45.9 billion bbl. During the next decade and a half the nation's energy requirements are expected to grow at an average rate of 3.3% yearly, with consumption of energy expected to reach an annual rate of about 88 quadrillion Btu's by 1980, or 63% over the 1965 level.

Jan 12, 1967

By C. Bazin, D. Hodouin, M. Ounpuu

Sensors are now available in mineral processing circuits to monitor pulp flowrate and density, as well as ore characteristics and other process variables. The amount of information provided by these instruments is considerable but in many cases poorly exploited. This paper gives the results of the application of time series analysis techniques to signals generated by the sensors installed on an industrial Pb dezincing flotation circuit in New-Brunswick. Autocorrelation and cross correlation functions appear to be interesting tools for a preliminary circuit analysis, however the calibration of single input single output discrete transfer functions using collected sensors signals leads to conflicting results. For this reason a phenomenological approach, based on the kinetic and transport properties of the flotation process, is also considered. It has several advantages over the empirical transfer function modelling but also limitations in its applicability to industrial processes. A combination of the transfer function and kinetic modelling approches appears to be a promising avenue for better process modelling and control.

Jan 1, 1985

By Kenneth J. Leib, Laurie Wirt, M. Alisa Mast

Chemical-constituent loads were determined for an alpine stream in southwestern Colorado that is affected by natural acid drainage from weathering of hydrothermally-altered rock and from acidic metal-rich discharge from abandoned mines. Base-flow loads were compared to storm-related loads using a tracer-dilution approach. A rainstom occurred during the tracer injection, providing the opportunity to measure metal loads before, during, and after storm runoff. Chemical-constituent loads during the storm increased by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude relative to base-flow conditions. The increase in loads was related to two distinct periods; (1) a flush of higher concentrations that occurred soon after rainfall began, and (2) the peak of storm runoff. The initial flush-having no measurable change in discharge--contained the highest loads of trace metals and dissolved iron. The chemical character of peak runoff was distinctly different, as evidenced by the highest loads of total and dissolved major elements and total iron.

Jan 1, 2000

By F. Vincent, A. Boulet, M. Noaparast, F. Woodcock, A. R. Laplante

A novel methodology to estimate gold recovery by gravity is presented. It makes use of a population balance model which represents gold liberation, breakage and classification behaviour and applies pre-concentration and recovery data to gravity recoverable gold (GRG) to predict overall recovery. The methodology is designed for gravity circuits located in the circulating load of secondary grinding mills. Gold liberation is estimated by processing a sample of representative ore with a laboratory Knelson Concentrator (LKC) in three successive steps, each at a finer grind than the previous one. Breakage behaviour is represented by a matrix H, which redistributes GRG in the feed of the secondary mill in the various size classes of its discharge. Provision is also made to account for gold overgrinding, which decreases the overall amount of GRG. Classification, pre-concentration and recovery data are estimated from plant performance, and are represented by the diagonal matrices C, P and R. The methodology is demonstrated with case studies of greenfield, retrofit and optimization applications.

Jan 1, 1995

By K. Sasaki, H. Miyakoshi, K. Mashiba

A ventilation analytical system adapting nodal pressure method using skyline modified Choleski's decomposition scheme for network-flow analysis and a new practical system to estimate various thermal air conditions has been developed. The quasi-linear equations for solving steady-state network airflow have been described using the connective function in general forms. The skyline modified decomposition scheme has an advantage on rapid convergence and the sake of computer memory space com- pared with other schemes. The key part of the analysis for climatic conditions through network airways is how to estimate the temperature of the airway rock-surface with partly or full wet condition. A practical and simple solution without any iterative calculations for its estimation has been proposed. This new solution is applicable to practical ranges of airflow temperature, humidity, rock thermal properties and wetness. The present analytical sys- tem have been successfully applied to a ventilation simulator named "M1VENA"developed by authors.

Jan 1, 1996

By Tom Shumka

Introduction ?This technique detects 100% of all gear tooth surface indications, providing comprehensive data, and has the ability to size indications accurately. ?The remarkable advantages of ECA technology, is improved inspection capabilities and significant time-savings. ?The advantage of using EMCD is its ability to size indications accurately. ?This technique does not require the gear teeth to be wiped down by hand after cleaning as in MT, LT or UT inspections. (Figure 1) ?This technique will inspect one gear tooth in 30 seconds. ?All of the data can be archived for future comparisons in an electronic report. Methodology ?This technique utilizes Eddy Current Array (ECA) as the principle inspection technique. ?What has been added are specialty scanner probes with multiple coils, a multiplexer and a software package. ?With 2 and 3D dimensional isometric displays, the defect can be seen electronically as it is on the gear tooth surface, thus, reducing the reliance on human interpretation.

May 1, 2011

By Andrew F. McKown

This paper will discuss the mechanisms of potential damage from close-in construction blasting, concentrating on two mechanisms: elastic ground vibrations and non-elastic (permanent) ground deformations. The latter will be shown to be the most dangerous for close-in blasting. With respect to elastic ground vibrations, discussion will center on the differences in vibration frequencies and impacts between typical close-in construction blasting and typical mine and quarry blasts, and how using vibration criteria derived for residential structures near mines can lead to very conservative criteria for close-in construction blasting. The effects of high frequency vibrations seen in close-in blasting will be commented on. Factors affecting the magnitude of ground motions will be discussed. Simple, practical techniques will be presented to minimize the potential for damage from close-in blasting, by minimizing the potential for rock block movement or ground heave. Case histories will be presented to illustrate some of the techniques discussed, and give examples of successful close-in blasting projects.

Jan 1, 1991

By Rodrigo Jerez

The mining business in general, and coal mining in particular, is exposed to frequent and significant swings in the business cycle. Marginal coal production enters the market place in a nearly perfect competition. It must be priced aggressively if market share is to be gained. The minimum price acceptable from the standpoint of the producer is reached at the point where total variable cost are recovered. Competition occurs as companies move to reduce their variable costs in an effort to cover some portion of their fixed costs at reduced market prices. Production planning and scheduling plays a critical role in reducing costs. Multiple scenarios based on changing market conditions require that competing firms have tools available to evaluate the economic impact of transportation, blending, and processing options. In certain applications, significant cost savings can occur as a result of blending or altering preparation levels. Linear programming provides a tool with which to evaluate options and acts as a like between the mine plan and marketing decisions.

Jan 1, 1992

Autocompression and virgin rock tempera ture have a marked influence on the ventilation of the lower levels at North Broken Hill Limited N.S.W. To maintain comfortable working temp- eratures without penalty to working hours, increase in airflow or the cooling of the work area is necessary. The use of refrigerated air cooling is discussed. Ventilation of underground mining opera tions at North Broken Hill Limited is accomplished by downcasting air through No.3 shaft, the main operating shaft, 1581 m deep, with additional air through No.1 shaft (542 m) 2 and No.2 shaft (978 m), both no longer opera- tional shafts. Air is upcasted through No.3 ventilation shaft which is 4.9 m diameter and concrete lined, from the No.28 level (1140 m) to the surface. On the surface level of this shaft is a horizontally mounted Richardson 4800 mm diameter single stage axial flow fan with adjustable pitch rotor blades.

Jan 1, 1977

By J. H. Johnson, H. J. Schock

The cases of no auxiliary ventilation and ventilation with tubing were mathematically modeled, using a turbulent dispersion model. The Scooptram® used to load is modeled as a variable-speed, variable-strength source of pollutants moving in and out of the dead-ended drift. Model predictions are compared to experimental measurements. A parametric analysis was performed to determine If a relationship existed between C02 and NO levels. It was concluded from this analysis that when modeling a load-haul-dump cycle, it is necessary to use a model that can predict changes in source strength as well as source location. Carbon dioxide was used as a tracer to calibrate the model since, knowing the fuel flow rate, it is possible to calculate C02 production. The model was then verified after this calibration process using additional experimental results. With the calibrated model, it is possible to predict pollutant concentrations at any location in the heading using an engine map and the previously calculated flow field.

Jan 1, 1984

By A. H. Roberson, L. H. Banning

DURING the past few years, a considerable tonnage of ilmenite has been produced as a byproduct of a monazite dredging operation and stockpiled near Boise, Idaho. This ilmenite has not been marketed because of the long distance from ilmenite-consuming areas and its comparatively low TiO2 content. Production of monazite from the alluvial sand deposits of Idaho is a mar- ginal venture when it is the only marketable product, and it will be necessary to establish a byproduct market before the operation becomes economically stable. Early in 1954, the Bureau of Mines Northwest Electrodevelopment Laboratory at Albany, Ore., conducted a series of tests which demonstrated that arc furnace smelting could be utilized to produce commercial quality pig iron and a high titanium content slag from these ilmenites. Additional studies showed that the slag chlorinated readily to produce a satisfactory yield of TiCl4. The investigation was carried out by two research teams. The Ferrous Metals Branch, with adequate

Jan 1, 1956

Establishment of a Bureau of Mineral Research at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology, initiated by the State of Michigan with legislation in 1951, is moving toward realization. The Michigan Legislature appropriated $24,000 to cover preliminary costs of plans and specifications for "engaging in a broad, widespread study of the beneficiation of lowgrade ores, of ore dressing, and all the problems of metallurgy that enter into such a program." Ralph C. Calder, of Detroit, who designed Michigan Tech's campus buildings, is preparing plans for the proposed Ores Research Building. Members of the college staff, Professors F. J. Tolonen, W. E. Keck, and Research Engineer Paul Jasberg are assisting in preliminary planning. C. Harry Benedict, retired chief metallurgist of Calumet and Hecla and a member of Michigan Tech's Board of Control, is assisting with technical details. Professor Nicholas Manderfield, head of the department of Mineral Dressing, was assigned to visit other research installations and suggest plans for the Bureau.

Jan 1, 1952

By Robert E. Campbell

Mining geophysics in 1969 marked a year of growth and consolidation in the application of ground and airborne geophysical methods and techniques with a 20% rise in expenditures for world-wide exploration. Growth was determined by questionnaire survey of industry, geophysical contractors, universities and government agencies conducted by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Relative position of metlhods is shown in the accompanying table on page 87. Methods and Techniques Electromagnetic airborne and ground methods showed the largest gains in the utilization of VLF-EM instrumentation. The VLF-EM instrument is a directional radio receiver which is tuned to distant radio transmitters in the 15 to 25 kilohertz band range. It measures vertical real and imaginary components of the magnetic field vector, and is used in geological mapping and surveying for various types of conductors in the ground. Ground VLF-EM instruments, Ronka EM-16 and Radem, are manufactured by Geonics, Ltd., Toronto, Ont., and Crone Geophysics. Ltd., Port Credit. Ont.

Jan 1, 1970

By Fernando de Oliveira Durão

A complete computer package for the steady-state simulation, either in analysis or in design mode, of mineral processing flowsheets is described. The main features of the simulation package are: modular architecture, flexible structure and sequential solution strategy. Different detail levels of mathematical models of several mineral processing unit operations have been developed and implemented as unit modules (FORTRAN routines). Unit operations currently modelled are: coarse/fine crushing, grinding, screening, hydrocyclone classification, gravity separation, heavy media separation, froth flotation, high gradient magnetic separation and solid-liquid separation. In design mode, a simulation study is stated as a general non linear optimization problem. The objective function is a weighted sum of square deviations between the design specification set points and the calculated values, subject to non linear equality and inequality constraints. The optimization problem solution is obtained solving successive Quadratic Programming subproblems followed by inexact line search of an exact penalty function (Powell algorithm). One non trivial example is discussed, illustrating the design capabilities of the simulation package.

Jan 1, 1992

By B. Dubreuil, J. -M. Lalancette, D. Lemieux

Arsenical bearing deposits are posing an increasing challenge for the mining industry. In particular, mineral processing of arsenical sulfidic ores for base and precious metals recovery tend to produce problematic arsenical tailings. This arsenic being present as sulphide or oxide, tends to dissolve, contaminating surface and underground waters. To meet the environmental regulations, it is often required to stabilize the arsenic in a more insoluble form. Dundee Sustainable Technologies has developed a new patented technology using vitrification of the arsenic oxide in an economical way, giving a stable solid, well below the environmental regulations upon leaching. This technology involves oxidation of As (III) to As (V), by using a low cost natural oxidizer and transformation of the produced arsenic oxide into calcium arsenate, which is not volatile at the melting temperature of the glass. This technology would be advantageously applied on most cases around the world where sulphide concentrates are oxidized in a fluidized bed or smelted.

Jan 1, 2014

By Joel K. Witt

San Manuel Oxide operations of BHP Copper, located in Southeastern Arizona, operates a leach-solvent extraction/electrowinning (SXEW) facility that produces high quality cathode copper from low-grade oxide ores. Permanent heap leaching and in-situ leaching methods accomplish the dissolution of copper from the oxide ores. Open pit mining and heap leach construction took place from 1985 to 1995. Run-of-mine oxide ore from the pit was hauled to the heap dumps and leached by the soaking cure and continuous irrigation method. Solution application to the heaps still continues and acid soluble copper recovery has reached 86%. This paper presents and discusses the current operating practices and innovations applied to the leach facilities to maximize copper recovery from the heap leached residue. Factors such as irrigation methods, solution chemistry, sideslope treatment, post curing, lixiviant acid strength, and "rice paddies" irrigation, will be discussed. Heap leach solution control and sampling methodologies will be also presented.

Jan 1, 1999

By Helen Shang, Jianjun He

In nickel and copper production, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is generated during mineral smelting. Emission of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere causes serious health and environment issues. Sulfuric acid plants, which convert the harmful SO2 gas to commercially useful sulfuric acid product, ensures safe and environmentally sound smelter operations. The sulfuric acid plant is mainly composed of a SO2 to SO3 converter, a series of heat exchangers and SO3 absorption towers. The SO2 converter is crucial for minimizing SO2 emission in a smelter. In this paper, steady state and dynamic modelling are carried out for the converter using mole and energy conservations. Simulations are performed to investigate the effect of feed conditions on SO2 conversion. The developed model represents an important component for modelling the acid plant in a smelter and is expected to provide a fundamental tool for the future optimization and control development.

Jan 1, 2014

By Cutmore NG

The moisture content of iron ore is important in handling, stockpiling, transport and further processing operations. Typically these ores contain both `free' and `bound' moisture, the latter being moisture that is not removed in a conventional laboratory determination of moisture by air drying at 105¦C, and it is the free moisture that is important in dust control and ore handling. The CSIRO Division of Mineral and Process Engineering has previously developed and commercialised gauges, based on capacitance and microwave techniques, for the on-belt determination of moisture in coal and minerals. However, these gauges determine total moisture, and have a different sensitivity to free and bound moisture in the material analysed. Consequently, the accuracy of determining total or free moisture alone may be significantly affected by variations in the bound moisture content. An investigation has been carried out on the simultaneous determination of free and bound moisture in iron ore fines (

Jan 1, 1993