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By Jewel A. Gomes

Keywords: Electrocoagulation, arsenic removal, fuel cell, windmill, energy simulation, combined Fe-Al electrode assembly Arsenic contamination of well-water in different countries has caused signs and symptoms of arsenic poisoning. Although several physicochemical treatments are presently used for the removal of arsenic compounds from drinking water, an electrochemical treatment, electrocoagulation, is a promising processing technology and currently is the most efficient (above 99% removal) and environmentally friendly technique, particularly if combined with alternative energy sources. Wind and fuel cell technologies can be considered the most promising developmental clean power sources. We will discuss new insights into the materials processing mechanisms and show the coupling of electrocoagulation with fuel cells and simulated wind energy sources. Different electrocoagulation plate materials were considered, along varied currents from the fuel cell to produce maximum arsenic removal. Coupling these technologies will remove carcinogenic arsenic from water sources, and will exhibit efficient usage of these energy sources by producing pure water for human and agricultural consumption.

Jan 1, 2005

By J. M. Ortiz, J. P. Bertini

"In mineral resource and ore reserve estimation, several sources of information are generally available, such as diamond drillholes, reversed-circulation drillholes, and blastholes, and originate from one or more sampling campaigns and are analyzed by one or more laboratories. In such a situation, the grade measurements may not have the same precision and one should distinguish between hard and imprecise data.This work aims at studying the impact of data imprecision in resource/reserve evaluation through two case studies on simulated deposits: a porphyry copper deposit conditioned to real exploration and production data, and a gold deposit simulated without any conditioning data. Several geostatistical techniques are used to estimate the grades of selective mining units from exploration samples, including kriging, cokriging, lognormal and indicator kriging. Two types of imprecision are examined— measurements with multiplicative errors and measurements defined as intervals. The results are compared to the simulated grades of the selective mining units from a statistical and economic viewpoint.The study concludes that imprecise measurements should never be discarded because they help to improve the estimates, and that simple methods such as kriging are as efficient as more sophisticated ones for resource/reserve assessment. Finally, a few indications on how to diagnose and model the data imprecision are given."

Jan 1, 2005

By J. Lu, J. B. Wiskel, D. G. Ivey, E. Niemi, H. Henein

Simulated TMCP using a Gleeble was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the austenite to ferrite cooling rate, coiling temperatures of either 400°C or 500°C and the magnitude of plastic deformation at the coiling temperature on the hardness of a Grade 483 (X70) steel. For comparable apparent cooling rates and deformation conditions, the hardness of the samples were independent of coiling temperature The application of a minimum compressive deformation > 8% was required to increase hardness at both simulated coiling temperatures of 400°C and 500°C. An increase in hardness was also observed with increased cooling times between 800°C and 500°C (i.e., slower cooling rates).

Jan 1, 2005

By R J. Goldfarb

Reduced intrusion-related gold deposits have become a new, low-grade, large-tonnage exploration target during the last decade. The best recognized examples of such deposits are recognized throughout the Tintina Gold Province of the northern North American Cordillera. Because such examples may have many features in common with orogenic gold deposits, such as anomalous Bi, W and Te, low salinity and CO2-rich ore fluids, and a spatial/temporal association with igneous rocks, confusion and controversy have now become commonplace in classification of many gold deposits formed along convergent margins. The best discriminators of IRGS are likely to be their: +        regional location in deformed shelf sequences on the inboard side of a series of accreted terranes and within terranes that also contain important tin and (or) tungsten deposits; +        local spatial association of gold ores with cupolas and contact aureoles of relatively reduced, alkaline-leaning, and volatile-rich plutons; +        post-deformational timing of gold deposition; +        extremely low sulfide content (commonly <1 vol %) of ores within igneous bodies and the outward zoning, through proximal skarns and to distal base metal-rich veins, from the causative pluton; and +        low grades (<1 g/t Au) of auriferous sheeted vein systems in pluton cupolas.

Jan 1, 2005

By K Hortin

Kidd Creek mine in north western Ontario is developing phase 1 of the deep mine project for mining between 2100 m and 3100 m below surface. Heat problems were experienced during the 2003 summer in working places about 2300 m below surface. At the time the mine had a æcold stopeÆ for cooling the air supplied to the mine below 1500 m from surface. The æcold stopeÆ is where during winter, ice is created in both the open pit and its connecting airways to the mine and used to cool air in summer. The operation and limitations of the existing cold stope were evaluated and led to the requirement for additional mechanical cooling to be available for the summer of 2004. The first stage of a surface refrigeration plant providing 7.5 MWR of cooling was approved, the compressor set was ordered in early January 2004 and the plant commissioned six months later in early July 2004. Based on the current modifications to the mining plan, further plant expansions are required in 2006 and 2009 leading to a total of 19 MWR of mechanical refrigeration and 8.5 MWR equivalent from the extended cold stope. The refrigeration system is described with emphasis on the specific adaptations necessary to suit Canadian conditions. Additional investigations were; using the refrigeration compressors in winter for heating and, extending the performance of either cold stopes or alternative ice storage systems. The winter use of refrigeration involve removing heat from the mine exhaust air to provide a cooling load and to use the hot water in the condensing circuit to heat the intake air and reduce reliance on mine air heating with natural gas. This paper follows on from an earlier one presented at the Seventh International Mine Ventilation Congress where the background and planning of the mine ventilation and cooling requirements were described for extending the mine at depth to 3100 m.

Jan 1, 2005

By Klaus Rieker

Over the last 30 years Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG has gained a lot of experience in mechanized tunnelling on various major projects. During this period most important developments concerning the machine technology for EPB- and Slurry-Shields have taken place. Since the first application of a hydro shield for the Wilhelmsburg Collector project in Hamburg in the early seventies, several stages of development have led to the current state-of-the-art in mechanized tunnelling. The continuous improvement of TBM techniques allows the execution of high quality tunnelling, particularly with regard to maximum safety and efficiency. The practical experience of the construction companies is of essential importance in order to continue further development and improvement.

Jan 1, 2005

By Sukumar Bandopadhyay

The Marine Minerals Technology Center (MMTC) was authorized by an act of the United States Congress in 1996. The act established several marine minerals research centers in the U.S., including one at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Alaska MMTC is funded through the Minerals Management Service of the Department of the Interior and concentrates its research in the Arctic seas region. Recent research projects at the MMTC include, among others, application of a geographic information system (GIS) to the gold placer deposits offshore Nome, Alaska, development of a marine gold placer reserve definition model using a neural network, and development of an expert system model for submarine tailings disposal (STD) planning and decision-making. Although geostatistics remains the most prevalent method used today for ore grade estimation, researchers have made numerous improvements over the years for accurately predicting grades of ore using other estimation techniques. One such technique, the neural network, has recently emerged as an alternative to geostatistics for grade estimation purposes. A neural network is a non-linear, model-free estimator that is well-suited for noisy and/or sparse data environments. Neural networks perform best with non-linear spatial data, contrary to the stationary assumption of ordinary Kriging techniques. In the marine placer ore reserve definition model, the neural network technique was used to estimate placer gold reserves offshore Nome. This study demonstrated the utility of neural network modeling over other traditional ore reserve estimation methods, especially for high cut-off grades. Some of the relevant issues of neural network modeling were also addressed in the study. In testing, the neural network produced results that were close to those from geostatistical techniques including Kriging, polygonal, and inverse distance methods.

Jan 1, 2005

By Pengfu Tan

A thermodynamic model has been developed to model the desilverising process of lead by the addition of zinc during lead refining, whereby silver-zinc solid solutions are formed, and floats out of the dissolved zinc/silver in the lead bath. The solubility of silver-zinc solid solutions in lead decreases with falling temperature. A number of variations and modifications of the desilverising process are modeled, and applied to a wide range of silver contents in lead bullions in the industry.

Jan 1, 2005

By T. P. Dolley

Domestic production of industrial sand and gravel in 2004 was about 29 Mt (32 million st), a 6-percent increase from 2003. This increase was buoyed by a robust construction sector of the U.S. economy. U.S. apparent consumption was 30.3 Mt (33.3 million st) in 2004, an in-crease from 2003. Imports were about 490 kt (540,000 st) in 2004, an 11-percent increase from 2003. Imports of silica are generally of two types. They include small-quantity shipments of very-high-purity silica or a few large shipments of lower grade silica that were shipped only under special circumstances (such as very low freight rates).

Jan 1, 2005

By J A. Rabe, PAP Fouche, K O?Neill

Two of the most important issues mines have to deal with are tracking the ore mined from pit to plant and to test the efficiency of beneficiation equipment. Kumba Resources and Saco Systems are working together at moment to develop a RFID tracer system to help address these issues. This paper will focus on the tracking of ore from pit to plant. The main advantages for ore tracking is to ensure plant feed blending and dilution according to plan. The RFID tracer system works on the basis of a tracer that physically simulates the ore properties and radio frequency technology that facilitates communication with the tracer and allowing information to be stored on the tracer. This paper tends to indicate the progress on the application of RFID tracer technology in the minerals processing environment as tested at Kumba Resources so far. It is concluded that the system has great potential, but some important problems remain

Jan 1, 2005

By Daniel Tao, Jike Qiao, Hao Ren, Feifei Ji, Gonglun Chen

The floatation of niobite was studied using a number of collectors at various dosages and solution pH’s. Octyl diphosphonic acid was found to be an effective collector for niobite flotation with good selectivity. A flotation recovery of 91.2% was obtained with 140 mg/l octyl diphosphonic acid at pH’s less than 5.0. Infrared absorption spectroscopy (IAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the interactions of niobite with octyl diphosphonic acid. Species distribution diagram of octyl diphosphonic acid and niobium species was used to elucidate the flotation behavior of the mineral with octyl diphosphonic acid. A chemical adsorption mechanism of niobite with octyl diphosphonic acid was proposed. Keywords: octyl diphosphonic acid, electrokinetic measurements, niobite flotation, XPS.

Jan 1, 2005

By R. J. Durrheim

The seismicity of the Witwatersrand Basin and Bushveld Complex has been analysed, revealing significant differences in source and damage mechanisms. A comparison of mining taking place at similar depths and extraction ratios indicates that the seismic energy release rate is considerably lower in the Bushveld Complex. Technologies introduced in the past decade to manage the risk of rockbursting are reviewed and assessed. These include geophysical methods to detect hazardous structures ahead of mining, new mining layouts and support systems, and the mechanization of in-stope processes. Despite important differences in geology, in situ stress, mining layouts and methods, there are many opportunities for the reciprocal transfer of knowledge, experience and technology between the gold and platinum mining sectors to improve the management of the rockburst risk.

Jan 1, 2005

By R. M. Goktan

Point-attack picks are one of the most widely used tools for the mechanical excavation of rock and coal. In the literature, some practical formulas have been developed to estimate their performances under varying cutting conditions such as the pick geometry, cutting depth and cutting geometry. In this study, it is shown that Evans?s theoretical model, the most cited in the literature, has serious limitations concerning the changes in the cutting geometry. Analysis of the two independent full-scale linear rock cutting experimental data reveals that both his theory and its recent modification can not fully explain the mechanism of rock breakage under asymmetrical attack. The cutting force predictions made by employing such models are shown to be too significantly weak to be of any service in practice. In this study, a semi-empirical approach was followed by means of which cutting forces under varying cutting geometries could be made. By analysing the full-scale rock cutting test data, prediction equations of the peak cutting force and mean cutting force have been developed. Comparisons of laboratory determined and predicted force values indicate that the suggested prediction equations are applicable to quite different rock materialsm which have uniaxial compressive strength in the range of about 30?170MPa, and valid for different cutting geometries. It is also shown by regression analysis that the established prediction equations are statistically significant.

Jan 1, 2005

This paper investigates the adequacy of current gas monitoring techniques to adequately detect spontaneous combustion in underground coalmines. Despite being in the 21st century spontaneous combustion continues to occur in underground coalmines sometimes being detected only at a very advanced stage. Control of the incident is often then very expensive and time consuming. The adequacy needs to be assessed not only from the point of view of the analysis technique be it tube bundle, gas chromatograph or real time sensor but also the number, location and sampling frequency of the monitoring locations. Recommendations are made to optimise monitoring processes and recognise limitations of current techniques.

Jan 1, 2005

By A. Ghasemi

An alumina-silica coating was deposited on a nickel substrate by sol-gel process, and the structures and composition were evaluated, The sols were made from aluminium and silicon alkoxide, and an acid catalyst including HCl, To produce adherent silica coatings on nickel, various additives such as surfactant, viscose additive and drying control chemical additives were introduced to the system, and appropriate drying and firing cycles were applied after dipping in solution. The hot corrosion and oxidation resistance of the coating at different temperatures were investigated, The structure and uniformity of the coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), The results indicate that a uniform coating of alumina silica can be produced on a nickel substrate by optimizing the composition and process variables of the sol. Coatings can protect substrates from oxidation and hot corrosion at different temperature up to 1000°C, but is not very effective for hot-corrosion resistance at 1000°C.

Jan 1, 2005

By Miguel E. Ruiz, America L. Fernandez, Miguel A. Pandon

"Post-grouted drilled shafts (PGS) are a deep foundation system in which grout is injected at high pressure throughout the tip after the drilled shaft has been installed. Pressure grouting of drilled shaft tips can significantly increase the ultimate capacity and stiffness of drilled shafts. Conventionally constructed drilled shafts usually require higher axial deformation to develop the available side friction and the tip resistance simultaneously. They also tend to have higher tip compressibility and reduced end bearing capacity due to disturbance at the bottom of excavation during drilled shaft construction. PGS foundations have been found to be a cost-effective solution to compensate for this capacity reduction and/or compressibility increase. PGS construction procedure counterbalances tip compressibility and end-bearing capacity reduction. The tip grouting also has a pre-stressing effect over the shaft side friction since the drilled shaft tends to move upwards during the pressure grouting of the tip. After grouting, a bulb tends to form at the pile tip pre-compressing any disturbed material and, in certain cases, increasing the tip area, thus increasing shaft tip capacity.PGS load-settlement predictions using a load transfer approach are presented in this paper and compared with corresponding load test data. The paper also presents the main findings of load transfer analyses that were carried out to investigate the potential different factors that may be contributing to the observed improved performance of PGS over conventional drilled shafts. Results show that the two main factors, that may have a significant contribution on the overall performance of the foundation by increasing its ultimate capacity at any given level of settlement, are the stress-reversal of the skin friction and the formation of a grout bulb at the tip. The grout bulb tip contributes primarily through the increased tip area and to a lesser extent through increased stiffness and strength of the soil in the vicinity of the pile tip."

Jan 1, 2005

By P. D. Katsabanish

Air decking applications are examined using numerical modelling and the AutodynTM code. The mechanism of damage is illustrated and discussed. Air decking is shown to provide advantages over stemming when powder factor is maintained. The current effort does not support reduction of the explosives column in favour of air decking. In a similar fashion, bottom hole air decking increases fracturing in the area of the air deck, compared to when the same volume is occupied by inert materials; however air decking does not appear to reduce the requirement for subdrilling. The apparent discrepancy between the numerical results and some field observations reported in the literature is discussed.

Jan 1, 2005

By Daniel A. Thome, Robert C. Janke

"Installation of permanent soil nails through distressed mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls is a cost effective and aesthetically pleasing solution when using the appropriate equipment and drilling methods for installation. A forensic investigation was performed on an existing mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall to determine the possible causes for the excessive horizontal displacements and visual structural flaws found along a portion of the wall. Reports concluded that the visual shifting was due to a number of factors including improper drainage in the vicinity of the wall and unsuitable compaction of the backfill material. Conceptual designs were proposed to the owner and the installation of permanent soil nails through the existing precast panels was determined to be the most practical solution. A total of ninety-three permanent soil nails were installed to lengths of up to 40 feet (12 m) through sand backfill and silty day fill using a hydraulic rotary percussion drill attached to a tract mounted excavator.IntroductionThe Illinois State Toll Highway Authority awarded Contract RR-03-5144 in the summer of 2004. Construction work for the project consisted of the rehabilitation of two existing concrete culverts and approximately 100 linear feet (31 m) of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall. The retaining wall is located below the southbound lanes of the Tri-State Tollway near the intersection of Federal Highway 41 in Wadsworth, Illinois as shown in Figure 1.Reports were prepared by Applied Technologies in cooperation with Giles Engineering Associates to determine the condition of the MSE wall and recommended conceptual designs to extend the service life of the wall.Nicholson Construction Company (Nicholson) wasselected as the design-build geotechnical subcontractor to install the recommended permanent soil nails through the existing precast concrete panels of the MSE wall. Rehabilitation of the wall involved the installation of ninety-three permanent soil nails through the existing wall, along with soil nail verification tests and proof tests on production nails."

Jan 1, 2005

By R S. Sing, M D. Yadav, G Udaybhanu

This paper presents the results of the first part of a research project to study the effect of various inhibitors to reduce the spontaneous heating susceptibility of some highly susceptible Indian coal seams. In this investigation 11 inhibitors were chosen and applied at three, five and ten per cent of their concentrations in an aqueous solution for four coal samples collected from four different seams. The susceptibility of coal samples, before and after application of these inhibitors, was determined by carrying out crossing point temperature (CPT) analysis. The findings of this study have indicated that it is possible to retard the tendency of spontaneous heating of Indian coals to a considerable extent by the application of six of the inhibitors studied. Further, these inhibitors were tested in 1:1 combination to study their synergistic effect. Finally the economics of the application of these inhibitors has been analysed and four inhibitors are recommended for field use. These results have direct application to control fire and improve productivity and safety in coal mines.

Jan 1, 2005

By David Ziegler, John Babcock, Gregory Poole

On December 9, 2003 at 3:59 PM EST an earthquake with a 4.5 magnitude occurred in central Virginia. According to a survey on the US Geological Survey website, this quake was felt as far away as Bridgeton Missouri, approximately 683 mile from the epicenter1. We recorded the vibrations from this earthquake on 14 seismographs that were set up for monitoring vibrations from blasting activities in the area. Having this data gave us an opportunity to compare earthquake and blasting vibrations. The amplitudes, frequencies and duration were much different than vibrations from mining and construction blasting. A common question we get from homeowners when discussing vibrations from blasting activities is “How does that compare to the Richter scale?” The goal of this report is to provide some simple answers for that question. The Richter and Mercalli scale are compared to the particle velocities in order to show their relationship.

Jan 1, 2005