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By A. V. Tarasov

A flow-sheet for waste-less processing of spent lead batteries comprises mechanized separation of batteries, smelting of the metallic fraction in a kettle, electrothermal smelting of oxysulfate fraction, refining of crude lead and processing of reverts to produce commercial products. Smelting of lead-containing fraction is performed in an electrothermal furnace using a processing technology developed in the Gintsvetmet Institute and differing from conventional processes by the fact that it does not require any fluxing agent (soda); no matte is formed in the process and the amount of slag produced is minimal, because its formation depends only on the ash content of coke and the quality of battery scrap separation. The process has been patented. It has been introduced on a commercial scale in 1.8 MVA furnaces at the plant of A0 "RyazTsvetmet" (Ryazan, Russia). The process has the following main advantages as compared with conventional shaft-furnace smelting and smelting in a short-drum furnace: the process does not require technical-grade oxygen, the amount of process gas generated is minimized ensuring a decrease in lead-containing dust and sulfur dioxide emissions by 3 to 5 times per unit of lead recovered; a decrease in dust entrainment resulting in lower amounts of recycled dust; lower slag yield (a decrease from 20-25% to 3-5%); lower coke requirement (a decrease from 10-14% to 3-4%). Refining of crude lead is performed using conventional technology but there are several unique features for which know-how is available. Processing of by-products of electrothermal smelting and secondary lead refining (slag, drosses, skimmings) and ebonite fraction (crushed battery casings) is performed in a slag-fuming furnace.

Jan 1, 2002

By Bruna Brito Freitas

O processo de soldagem por fricção é uma técnica recente que vem sendo desenvolvida a fim de melhorar a qualidade das estruturas offshore. Com a finalidade de aperfeiçoar essa técnica é importante estudar as propriedades metalúrgicas do material soldado. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a tenacidade ao impacto de um aço C-Mn soldado por fricção com pino consumível, conhecido como FHPP (Friction Hydro Pillar Process). Desta forma, no presente estudo o material foi soldado, tratado termicamente, e após avaliado através de análises metalográficas, de microdurezas e ensaios de impacto Charpy. Como resultados foram geradas microestruturas para as diferentes regiões da solda e foram obtidos valores de energia, segundo a norma ASTM E-23. Por fim, conclui-se que o material não processado apresentou uma tenacidade superior a região de interface soldada, devido as diferentes microestruturas geradas no processo.

Aug 16, 2017

PRESIDENT LITTLEJOHN: We have with us a gentleman from Utah, who is familiarly known -as the "Mudite King," Mr. Reid, of the Lion Coal Company. Here is a letter I would like to read, and probably Mr. Reid will give us an idea of his Mudite machine, or the results he is obtaining. This question was brought up in Rock Springs, Wyoming, but Mr. Reid was not there personally during the discussion, but Mr. Burnell, who is general superintendent of the Lion Coal Com¬pany, as much as he possibly could, described the system and its effects. I believe Mr. Reid will probably be able to give a somewhat clearer statement this afternoon. This letter is from the Coal Mining Inspector of the State of Utah, John Crawford. "February 10, 1925. "The Industrial Commission of Utah, Building. "Statement of John Crawford, Coal Mine Inspector, in regard to Muditing in Coal Mines: "That Muditing used in connection with our present sprinkling system in coal mines is the missing link to the system we have had heretofore, because the water applied by the former system began to dry out, in heavy air currents, the moment it was put on. Consequently the dust that had been humidified by sprinkling, came back to its natural condition, and if anything, the combustible parts of it, in my opinion, were more intensified than previous to being wetted down. "The advantages that Muditing has over the old system of sprinkling are: "1st. The dust that is on the roof, timbers and sides of the entry is washed completely off and rolled up in the Mudite solution which entirely destroys the wings, crudely speaking, of the fine coal dust. "2nd. Sprinkling with the Mudite system, the water and mud is of greater extent than could be applied with a hand hose by a sprinkler. This sprinkling can be done while the mine is in operation, just the same as if water alone was being used. "3rd. The Mudite solution, when dried out, leaves a coating which serves as an armour to the coal, so that in the event of a local explosion, the inflammable matter on the coal is non-combustible; whereas, if that same coal had been sprinkled with water only, and made free of dust, the heat would have the same effect on the coal as it has on a stove when coal is thrown into it-instantaneous combustion. "Therefore, it is my opinion that the Mudite system is the missing link to the perfecting of our sprinkling system here in Utah. "(Signed) JOHN CRAWFORD." Mr. Reid has with him a few sam¬ples of his Mudite, after it has become solidified, taken from the floor, as I understand it. It is interesting. We have a few minutes to spare to good advantage, were we to ask Mr. Reid to give us an idea of his machine, as briefly as he possibly can, and also what he thinks the effect of the Mudite is compared to dry rock dust. Mr. Reid. (Applause.) MR. W. J. REID (Lion Coal Company) : I came down here with no intention of making any talk on Mudite. However, there being so many people that have seen Mudite at Wattis

Jan 1, 1925

By Sangseom Jeong, Moonkyung Chung, Junyoung Ko

"Abstract The plugging effect of open-ended piles in sandy soil is analyzed by full-scale field test and plugging measurement. PLR (plug length ratio) measurement data from 144 field cases are analyzed with pile diameter. Based on the plugging measurements, PLR of open-ended piles which have above 1000mm diameter is predicted to be above 0.9. Through plugging measurements, a new empirical method is suggested for quantifying the plugging effect of open-ended piles. The proposed PLR equation is possible to predict the behavior of soil plug in the preliminary design stage. In addition, in order to investigate the behavior of the soil plug of open-ended pile, field load tests are performed on instrumented three piles driven into sand. It is obtained that the resistance components of open-ended pile are separated by double-walled pile system. It is found that inner shaft capacity is developed nearby pile tip. However, upper soil plug did not influence the inner shaft capacity. Also, it is found that all test piles are floating piles and unplugged condition because the sum of inner shaft capacity and outer shaft capacity is calculated about 58 to 76% of the ultimate bearing capacity.INTRODUCTIONIn Korea, a number of huge construction projects such as harbor terminals, offshore grand bridges, and lifeline systems are progress in urban and costal area. In these areas, steel pipe piles are frequently used to support high-rise buildings and heavy weight structures for ensuring structural safety rather than serviceability limit capacity. Also, steel pipe piles are frequently used in civil engineering structures because they have many advantages such as high-load bearing capacity, light weight and outstanding workability. The mega foundations of grand bridges and high-rise buildings are required in geotechnical engineering. Large diameter driven piles are frequently used in several projects.Many specifications such as API, FHWA and AASHTO have been reported as a design guideline of plugging effect, however , the current design method for plugging effect of steel pipe piles are mainly based on the our knowledge derived from observation of the model test or the small diameter pile load test. Therefore, these specifications have limitation to apply the large diameter steel pipe piles.Much work has been done to study the plugging effect by many researchers. Yamahara (1964) reported that soil plug has been modeled as a thin disk element as shown in Figure 1, since the increment of radial strain of the soil plug can be neglected due to high rigidity of the pile compared to that of the soil plug. Klos and Tejchman (1977) reported that the end bearing capacity of open-ended piles was almost equal to that of a closed-ended pile when penetration depth of pile was above 15times the pile diameters by model tests. Paikowsky and Whitman(1990) reported fundamental studies on mechanism of plugging effect in sand. Paik et al. (2003) reported that empirical relations for plug load capacity, annulus load capacity, and shaft load capacity of open-ended piles are proposed based on the model pile tests. As discussed above, much work has been done in the area of plugging effect. But little work has been done to study the plugging effect by full scale field tests."

Jan 1, 2014

By A. Tor, M. Borowski, N. Szlazak, D. Obracaj

This article presents possibilities of reducing methane emission to the atmosphere in working mines in Jastrzebie Coal Company by means of proecological solution. They form a new approach towards the problem of rational and effective use of natural resources both in economical and environmental respect. Power and thermal energy for underground air conditioning in mining excavations are produced from the methane, which is drained out of the mine for safety reasons.

Jan 1, 2003

By Guan-Yong SHI, Cong Wang, Zhi-he DOU, Ting-an ZHANG, Shi-gang FAN

Based on the pre-works, this paper proposed a new short stage process of the intensify aluminothermy reduction by the stage to prepare high titanium ferroalloy with low O and Al contents. We investigated the effects of Al and Ca and Si combination reduction agent, slag type and step-up reduction conditions on the Al content and distribution in the alloy. The results show that the step-up reduction can not only reduce effectively the oxygen content in the alloy, but also reduce effectively Al content. For instance, the oxygen content in high titanium ferroalloy is within 1%~4%, and the Al content is within 1%~5%. Its quality reaches the requirement of high titanium ferroalloy prepared by remelting process.

Jan 1, 2015

By V. J. Hucka

Coal, which was discovered in Utah in 1849, covers about 18% of the total area. Production in 1981 vas more than 14 million tons. However, some Utah coal mines are quite gassy. If longwall face technology is applied, then a release of a high volume of methane may be expected during the mining process. Investigations on methane content have been made by use of an isothermic bubble desorbometer. The desorbable methane content of 5 m3 to 16 m3 of methane per ton of coal mined has been determined.

Jan 1, 1983

By Larry Kaufman, Joan B. Berkowitz-Mattuck, Edward V. Claugherty

The oxidation characteristics of hafnium and zirconiunr diboride were measured between 1200 and 2200'K by a thermal- conductivity method which continuously ttzeasures the rate of reaction of oxygen with the diboride and by a metallographic air oridation method zuhich provides a measure of the total arr7ount of bovide conuerted to oxide for a given time interval. The oxidized specimens obtained from the tl~eritaal-coi~ductitrity method were also examined by quantitatire metal-lographic procedares. The significant results obtained in this investigation reveal that metal-rich compositions of lzafi~iutil diboride proride the most oxidation-resistatzt material up to 2000°K; hafnium diboride is tmre oxidation- resistant titan zirconium diboride at all tempevatures examined; the morphology of the oxide formed on H/B2 and Llie temperature coefficient qi. the oxidation rate constants change at the temperature of ttze monoclinic to tetragonal phase transition] in HfO2; the oxidation of neither HfB2 nor ZrB2, results iN catastrophic Jazlure at lorc. oxygen pressures; and pvefevetztial gvaLti boundary oxidation was not obsevued for either HfBi or ZYB, A comprehensive study of the high-temperature characteristics of refractory transition-metal di-borides is currently in progress. This program has included investigation of the physical, thermal, and thermodynamic properties of TiB2, ZrB2, HfB2, NbB2, and TaB2. In addition, aspects of the synthesis and fabrication of such materials have been studied. In view of the diverse nature of this research, a number of other laboratories have actively participated and contributed specific capabilities for analysis and characterization of these materials. As a consequence, an extensive description of the relevant properties of these compounds has emerged which is central in evaluating their high-temperature (1200" to 2500°K) performance. To date, information on thermodynamic stability, specific heat, and vaporization characteristics,1 hot hardness and electrical resistivity,1, 3 therma1 expansion:'4 and thermal conductivity 1, 5 has been presented. This information has been generated on materials of the highest purity (98.5 to 99.9 wt pct Me + B) and density currently available. Samples fabricated by zone melting6 and high-pressure hot pressing"3'7 techniques have been used to generate suitable specimens for all of the aforementioned studies. dation characteristics of the most oxidation-resistant of these materials, hafnium and zirconium diboride, is presented and a description of the synthesis and the experimental procedures used to prepare and characterize specimens is given. The high-temperature range under consideration (1200" to 2200°K) and the known dependence of oxidation characteristics on sample chemistry, density, and oxidation conditions required a close coupling of the synthesis, fabrication, and evaluation procedures.8 This was accomplished by continual surveillance of chemical composition of starting materials before and after specimen fabrication and by evaluation of density, phase constitution, and microstructural features prior to and after oxidation exposure. I) PROCUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STARTING MATERIALS In view of the current state of the art in fabricating refractory boride materials, the methods used in preparing samples for the present study are given in detail as follows: starting materials were purchased in high-purity powder form and fabricated by high-pressure hot pressing into 0.40 by 1.00 in. bars from which oxidation specimens were obtained. The hafnium diboride used in this study was purchased from Wah Chang Corp.; the zirconium diboride from U.S. Borax and Chemical Co. These powders were routinely characterized by quantitative chemical analyses for metal, boron, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and iron, by qualitative emission-spectrographic analysis for trace impurities, by X-ray procedures for extraneous phase identification, and by powder densitometry for comparison with X-ray (theoretical) density. Hafnium and zirconium metal and elemental boron were also purchased as high-purity powders and characterized for impurities by emission-spectrographic analyses. The hafnium diboride was procured in three shipments which were designated as HfBl.g7(1), HfB1.88(2A), and HfB2.12(2). The indicated stoichiometry is based on the atomic ratio of total boron to total hafnium; the number in parentheses identifies the shipment number. Shipment 1 was 5 1b, shipment 2A, 1 1b, and shipment 2, 8 1b. The zirconium diboride was procured as a 20-1b shipment and designated as ZrB1.89(1). A small quantity of purified zirconium diboride was also supplied and designated ZrB1, 9(P). The averaged results for chemical analyses which were generally performed according to the procedures set forth in the compilation by KrieGe9 are presented in Table I. Qualitative spectrographic analyses indicated that Ca, Cr, Ti, Si, Zr (in H~B~), and A1 were present at levels between 0.01 and 0.10 wt pct. Other metallic elements were found to be less than 0.01 wt pct. Since it is virtually impossible to purchase these materials in the desired quantities (5 to 20 lb) as single-phase compounds it is necessary to obtain

Jan 1, 1968

By K. Hanumantha Rao, A. Javadi Nooshabadi

"Formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an oxidizing agent stronger than oxygen, by chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), which is a copper iron sulfide mineral, during grinding, was investigated. It was observed that chalcopyrite generated H2O2 in pulp liquid during wet grinding and also in the solids when placed in water immediately after dry grinding. The generation of H2O2 during either wet or dry grinding was thought to be due to a reaction between chalcopyrite and water where the mineral surface is catalytically active in producing •OH free radicals by breaking down the water molecule. The effect of pH in the grinding medium or in the water in which solids are added immediately after dry grinding showed that the lower the pH value, the higher the H2O2 generation. When chalcopyrite and pyrite are mixed in different proportions, the formation of H2O2 was seen to increase with increasing pyrite fraction in the mixed composition. The results of H2O2 formation in pulp liquid of chalcopyrite and together with pyrite at different experimental conditions have been explained by Eh-pH diagrams of these minerals. This study highlights the necessity of revisiting the electrochemical and/or galvanic interaction mechanisms between the chalcopyrite and pyrite in terms of their flotation behavior.IntroductionHydrogen peroxide causes nonselective oxidation of sulfide minerals if present in pulp liquid. Oxidation of sulfide minerals takes place when they are exposed to atmosphere and during the grinding process when the particle size is reduced for flotation. The oxidation of chalcopyrite leads to iron dissolution from the particle surface and from a metal-deficient, sulfur-rich surface (Fairthorne et al., 1997). Other studies report the formation of iron hydroxide on the surface with the metal ion dislodged on the surface (Buckley and Woods, 1984; Chander, 1991). The chemical reactions for the oxidation of chalcopyrite in alkaline and in acidic solutions with the addition of oxidants, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, are shown in Eqs. (1) and (2), respectively (Shi and Fornasiero, 2010)."

Jan 1, 2015

By Turker L

The leaching of Tellness (Norway) ilmenite concentrate in hydrochloric acid and mixed aqueous HCl-alcohol solutions at boiling temperatures was investigated. It was found that the alcohols methanol, ethanol and ethylene glycol all substantially increased the leach rate and in the case of methanol and ethanol this was achieved at lower boiling temperatures compared with aqueous HC.

Jan 1, 1986

By John Folinsbee, Brian Danyliw, Tony Y. Chong

"Control of fugitive dust has become increasingly important in the mining industry both from a health and safety and environmental standpoint. Mining operations in particular have required improved fugitive dust control due to recent lowering of the allowable airborne silica concentration to which workers can be exposed. Experience has now proven that the implementation of a surfactant based chemical dust suppression system can enhance existing mechanical dust control methods resulting in much more efficient control of fugitive dust.The Porcupine Joint Venture (Dome Mine) utilizes dry secondary crushing and screening that makes it particularly prone to fugitive dust emissions. A variety of potential dust control systems were evaluated and this led to the installation of a surfactant based water spray system to augment the existing mechanical dust collection systems.A great deal was learned through the implementation of this system. This paper describes the entire process, from testing, system design and installation, through optimization and standardization of operation. In addition a variety of problems were identified, and innovative solutions were provided. Also, the metallurgical impacts on down stream processing are highlighted. Finally, a full discussion of overall results including a discussion of the relationship between silica and total dust concentrations is included."

Jan 1, 2005

By Kim Le Roux

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) is a relatively new material that is increasingly being used in open stope mining across the world. The advantages offered by this high density tailings backfill include: a lower total cost associated with backfill placement, reduction of excess water underground; and the elimination of the need to process the tailings prior to placement. However, almost all backfill design is based on the performance of laboratory prepared samples since it is difficult to obtain undisturbed samples and conduct in situ testing due to the lack of access to backfilled stopes and the safety concerns in accessible areas. The logistical problems associated with conducting in situ testing and obtaining undisturbed samples of cemented paste backfill (CPB) has lead to the reliance in the mining industry on performance data obtained from laboratory prepared CPB samples. The degree to which these laboratory prepared samples represent the actual in situ condition is not well defined, partly because the influence of the mixing, transport and placement process on the material properties it is not well understood. Therefore, there is a need in the industry to understand how the material properties and hence the performance of the laboratory prepared CPB compares with in situ material. This paper reports the findings of an investigation into the in situ properties of CPB at a gold mine in Northern Ontario. A combination of in situ and laboratory testing, conducted on undisturbed samples, was used to quantify the in situ properties and performance of the CPB. These results were then compared to those of a laboratory based investigation of the same CPB. It is evident from this investigation that the bulk properties of the in situ CPB are different from those of the laboratory prepared CPB. The most significant observed differences are that the in situ CPB has a higher void ratio and a lower degree of saturation than the laboratory prepared material. The implication of these differences on the stability and performance of the CPB will also be explored in this paper. 1

May 1, 2002

By K. K. Kershner

The purpose of this investigation was to develop methods on a laboratory scale for recovering tin from metallurgical slime, Tin chlorides were volatilized using mixtures of hydrogen chloride and reducing gases, such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, ethane, propane, and butane. Optimum conditions were found to be n mixture of 3:1 of hydrogen and hydrogen chloride at 475° C. Over 95 percent of the tin was volatilized as chlorides. Low temperatures and relatively rapid rates of reaction are distinct advantages of the chloride volatilization process. Research is being continued with various slimes and will be extended to tin ores, where the method offers interesting economic possibilities in comparison with current tin-smelting practice.

Jan 1, 1957

By E. S. Bardwell

The reverberatory copper-refining furnaces at the Great Falls Reduction Dept. of the Anaconda Copper Mining Co. have used successively as fuel, lump coal on grates, pulverized coal, oil and natural gas. In no other plant, so far as can be ascertained, has such a variety of fuels been used. This fact affords a unique opportunity for comparing the relative efficiency obtained with these several fuels under nearly identical conditions. Furnaces The present furnace refinery at Great Falls was placed in operation in April, 1916. The original installation consisted of two furnaces, each with hearths 36 by 14 ft. and provided with fireboxes 10 by 12 ft. for firing lump coal on grates. These furnaces had air-cooled sand bottoms and chrome-brick side walls both above and below the metal line. The roofs were of 12-in. silica brick. Each furnace was provided with a waste-heat boiler of approximately 400 boiler-hp. capacity. We soon found that chrome brick was very unsatisfactory as side-wall material because of its excessive spalling. At the first opportunity the furnaces were rebuilt, using magnesite brick below the metal line and silica brick from the metal line to the roof. At the same time the thickness of the side walls was increased, thus decreasing the width of the hearth to 13 ft. At about this time also, the thickness of the furnace roofs was increased from 12 to 15 in. No further changes occurred in furnace design until 1922, when the use of lump coal on grates was abandoned in favor of pulverized coal. The first charge to be melted and refined with pulverized coal was cast on March 30, 1922. When pulverized coal first was used the burner pipes were introduced directly into the firebox as it was felt that some kind of a combustion chamber might prove necessary, but this was not needed. The fireboxes were dismantled and the burners introduced through openings directly over the bridge wall. During the summer of 1922 one of the furnaces was completely rebuilt, lengthened 10 ft. and provided with a silica-brick bottom in the form of an inverted arch. At

Jan 1, 1934

By W. M. Schafer

The risk that water quality will be degraded by mining activity can be evaluated using risk analysis techniques. Water quality impacts can occur where water-rock interactions with tailings, waste rock, or leached ore lead to increased loading of constituents into surface or groundwater. Constituent loads contributed by mining facilities are determined by the migration route and chemical evolution of mine water. Mass load contributions from mines can be determined by estimating the prototype pore water in contact with mining waste, predicting the rate and timing of flow, assessing the degree of geochemical attenuation, and modeling chemical mixing with natural surface or groundwater. Mining facility siting and design measures can alter the chemical evolution of mine water by varying the quantity or quality of flow. Stochastic risk management techniques provide a powerful tool for quantitatively identifying the environmental consequences of various siting and design alternatives.

Jan 1, 1998

By Thomas E. Marshall, Patrick A. Kinek, Gerald L. Finfinger

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the integrity of the existing shutoff valves and actuators used under high-temperature conditions in the Bureau of Mines' horizontal borehole methane drainage pipe- line system and to determine the potential for improvement in the system. In the field tests, both fire-safe ball valves and standard brass ball valves were initially subjected to a 30-min pan fire without thermal protection. Neither valve could maintain line pressure beyond 11 min in a fire that reached temperatures between 500° and 700° C. Based on the test results, it was concluded that the brass ball valve used in the Bureau's methane drainage pipeline system can be retrofitted with an inexpensive "fire bag" to substantially increase its integrity under mine fire conditions.

Jan 1, 1986

By Robert Hopler

It is the nature of the initial detonation to the powder around the cap which governs the greater or less effect of the explosion of the whole charge. The cap communicates to the first particles of powder a disruptive impulse, which, according to the nature and strength of the cap, more or less completely overthrows their equilibrium and decomposes the powder with great energy, setting up sympathetic vibrations that explode the particles of powder in turn by the violent disturbances or friction between them in a regular succession of impulses and decompositions, which, if started with sufficient energy, are of such intense heat and velocity that the rupturing force of the explosive is developed practically instantaneously. This detonation has already been shown to be not only the result of mechanical force, but a combination of extremely sudden chemical and dynamical reactions which set up vibrations to which different powders are more or less susceptible, and these explosive reactions will be propagated through the mass of the powder according to the intensity of the vibrations and the resistance with which their motion is opposed by the nature and consistency of the powder, whether it be difficult or easy to oxidize, soft and plastic like dynamite, or hard. If the initial detonation of the powder surrounding the cap is of the highest degree, the vibrations will be most intense and will be propagated further through the mass than by a poorer detonation. Hence the different degrees of detonation. Unless the first particles of powder are so thoroughly decomposed by a detonation of high order, or first degree, as to convey the necessary heat and energy to detonate the whole charge, the greatest force of the powder will not be developed. There will frequently be unbottomed holes or pieces of unexploded powder scattered about, or both, and the air in the mine will be contaminated with some obnoxious gases that have not been completely oxidized.

Jan 1, 2007

By Donald P. Tuchman, Robert P. Vinson, Steven J. Page, Linda J. McWilliams, Gerald J. Joy, Steven E. Mischler, Jon C. Volkwein

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), through an informal partnership with industry, labor, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, has developed and tested a new type of instrument known as the personal dust monitor (PDM). The dust monitor is an integral part of the cap lamp that a miner normally carries to work and provides continuous information about the amount of respirable coal mine dust in the breathing zone of that individual. Testing was conducted on 25 prototype instruments in the laboratory to verify the instruments’ accuracy as received from the manufacturer and after a period of underground use. The laboratory testing verified previous work; there is a 95% confidence that the individual PDM measurements were within ±25% of reference measurements. In-mine testing determined the precision, durability, and miner acceptance. Data from the mines showed a field precision of 0.078% relative standard deviation for the PDM and 0.052% for the recognized standard—the coal mine dust personal sampler unit. The PDM had about 90% availability for collecting valid information in over 8,000 hr of underground use. Anecdotal comments by miners indicated that they found the PDM more convenient to wear for sampling than currently used instruments because of the integration of the sampler into the normally worn cap lamp. The means of the instruments’ pre- and postmine accuracy verification test values were statistically equivalent. Additional data were collected to measure the equivalency of the PDM to the U.K. Mining Research Establishment sampler, as required by U.S. law. However, analysis of the data was more complex than originally anticipated because the variance with increasing concentration required use of a more sophisticated statistical model. Explanation of and results from this work will be the subject of a second publication. Under the broad range of test conditions covered in this work, the PDM functioned as well as the current sampler in terms of availability for use, accuracy, precision, and miner acceptance.

Jan 1, 2006

Steel Ladle in Bhilai Steel Plant, SAIL, India, passes through VAD & LF-RH route and this exposes refractory lining to a severe operating conditions. Ladles are lined with in-house manufactured MgO-C refractories. Lining life used to be 35 heats, out of which 18-20 heats were through VAD/LF-RH, hence, ladle availability had become a constraint. Laboratory studies were carried-out to optimize granulometry and composition. Granulometry was developed by adopting Andearssen packing model. A suitable plasiticiser was identified to eliminate inconsistency caused due to variation in resin quality and weather condition. It reduced variation in green bulk density from 6 to 1.3%. Abrasion and slag erosion studies were conducted, which shows that with increase of carbon, abrasion resistance decreases and corrosion resistance improves. Based on these studies, graphite in slag zone was increased from 10 to 12.5% and in metal zone it was reduced to 7.5%. Different process parameters of brick making were optimized to make MgO-C bricks of maximum bulk density with reduced coke porosity. Modified bricks have bulk density of 2.99-3.02 g/cc and coke porosity of 9.5-10.5%. Further, shape of the bricks were changed from side arch to mini keys and thickness was increased from 80 to 100 mm. Mini key bricks are pressed from sides, thus eliminating variation in thickness which is critical dimension for dry joints. These modifications improved average lining life of steel ladles to 64 heats, which includes 37-40 secondary heats. Maximum life obtained is 87 heats.

Jan 1, 2006

By E. A. Gulbransen, K. F. Andrew

The vacuum-microbalance method was used to study the oxidation behavior of Zircaloy-2 and -3A over the temperature range of 300 to 850°C and at 0.1 atm pressure. The results fit in well with the authors' earlier studies on zirconium. Tin was found to increase the rate of oxidation and also the temperature at which the metal burns. Both the cubic-rate law and the parabolic-rate law gave imperfect fits to the rate data. Since the parabolic-rate law has been derived from accepted physical principles, this rate law was used to interpret the rate data. A heat of activation of 28,600 cal per mole was calculated. The transition phenomenon previously observed in hot-water and steam-corrosion processes was studied systematically for oxygen atmospheres. Observations on the rate of oxidation, color and properties of the oxide films show that the transition phenomenon was associated with a failure in the adherence of the oxide to the alloy. ZIRCALOY-2 and -3A have found important uses in the field of reactor metals due to their low neutron adsorption, good strength and good resistance to corrosion. One feature of the corrosion reaction in steam or hot water is the sharp transition in the rate of corrosion to a higher value after a certain amount of reaction has occurred. This paper presents a study of the reaction of Zircaloy-2 and -3A with oxygen including a study of the transition phenomenon which has been found to occur also in oxygen atmospheres. A comparison will be made between the oxidation behavior of these alloys and the pure metal. It was hoped that a study of the details of the oxygen reaction would lead to a better understanding of the reactions occurring in hot-water and steam atmospheres. Literature Kinetics-—The reaction of Zircaloy-2 and -3A with hot-water and steam atmospheres has been studied by Thomas.' Goldman and Thomas,' Thomas and Forscher," and Thomas and Kass.' Empirical equations for the kinetics of the reaction have been given by Thomas and Forscher." The change from the initial slow rate of reaction to the final rapid rate of reaction has been termed transition with the post-transition corrosion kinetics following a simple linear equation in time. The corrosion behavior in high-temperature steam was similar in many features to the corrosion in high-temperature water. Goldman and Thomas' and Pray and Peoples' have shown that the addition of tin, while increasing the rate of corrosion, counteracts the deleterious effect of nitrogen. The beneficial effect of iron, nickel and chromium was to improve the adhesion of the oxide to the metal as well as to counteract the deleterious effect of nitrogen. Mallet and Albrecht" have studied the oxidation of two zirconium-tin alloys. The cubic-rate law was found to fit the oxidation data for the 1.5 pct tin alloy while the parabolic-rate law was found to fit the data for the 2.5 pct alloy. Kendall' in a recent paper has studied the oxidation of Zircaloy-2 containing 1.5 pct tin in air atmospheres. Transition Phenomenon—In steam atmospheres Thomas' has observed fora 1.8 pct tin alloy containing small amounts of iron, nickel and chromium that transition to a more rapid rate of corrosion at 400°C

Jan 1, 1959