Search Documents

By P. Sen

Frequently during the processing of minerals very fine particles are generated which are difficult to recover by conventional separation techniques and are rejected with waste water from mills. A method has been evolved for the continuous recovery of such fines by allowing the suspensions to flow through a rotating cylinder. Theoretical analysis of the trajectory of particles have shown that the efficiency of separation increases with R.P.M., tube diameter, particle diameter and density. Experiments carried out with the overflow from a hydrocyclone containing particles in the size range of 2-10 microns gave a separation efficiency of 60-70% with an R.P.M. of 3500 of the rotating tube.

Jan 1, 1980

By Neville G. W. Cook

The ultimate goal in rock mechanics is to make quantitative predictions of the response of rock to changes. Measured and calculated values of changes in displacements or temperatures in the rock for six different field experiments are compared using linear regression. When values of the mean compressive stresses are large compared with the values of the deviatorial stresses, linear elasticity, using values for Young's modulus from laboratory tests, provides a good predictive model. However, if the values of the mean compressive stresses are small compared with those of the deviatorial stresses the behavior and response of the rock, though systematic, is not linear. Linear heat conduction provides good predictions of changes in rock temperatures but thermal displacements are not predicted well by linear thermoelasticity.

Jan 1, 1982

By P. T. Gallagher, W. A. Oates, J. A. Lambert

FAIRLY extensive equilibrium data exists for carbon dissolved in r iron.1-8 However the temperature coefficients of the carbon activity, ac , are insufficierltly preciseto reveal whether the heat of solution of carbon, ?HC , varies with composition. It is doubtful

Jan 1, 1970

By John A. Ruppert, John E. Conley

Shortages of cinders, largely resulting from industrial plants converting to fuel-oil, together with an enhanced building activity, have seriously affected the cinder block and lightweight concrete manufacturers. In the search for other sources of lightweight aggregate, various clays, shales, slates and natural occurring lightweight rocks such as pumice, scoria, volcanic ash and the like have received special attention. Methods and equipment for producing suitable lightweight aggregates have been considered. In addition to an expanded use of the rotary kiln, the traveling-grate and continuous-sintering machines are being installed in many localities.

Jan 4, 1950

By Arthur R. MacPherson

The development of a simple method to predict the autogenous grinding possibilities of new ore deposits is attained. This method employs a 45-cm (18-in.) dry grinding Aerofall mill to grind small quantities of core or crushed samples in the top size range of 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in.). An extensive program has been carried out to correlate the data obtained in the 45-cm (18- in.) test mill with the actual results obtained in large commercial plants or autogenous test plants. Enough evidence now exists from these correlation programs that the 45-cm (18-in.) mill can be used to grind small samples from a new deposit and correctly predict the autogenous grinding mill requirements of a commercial plant to treat this ore.

Jan 1, 1978

By H. L. Teichman, E. M. Sipprelle

ENACTMENT of Public Law 290 by the 78th Congress authorized the U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, to conduct an experimental program to develop the technology for obtaining oil from oil shale. In adopting and later extending this legislation, the Congress recognized the impending necessity of supplementing ground petroleum reserves with synthetic fuels. Under the provisions of this legislation, the Bureau of Mines, among other things, was charged with the responsibility of developing mining techniques, methods, and equipment for mining the oil shales of the Green River formation of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.

Jan 10, 1950

By E. H. Rennhack

THE presence of sufficient quantities of the inter- stitial elements, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen is known to decrease sienificantly the room-temperature impact resistance of titanium. Hydrogen does not appear to affect impact strength unless present

Jan 1, 1959

By J. B. Evans

Maintaining overall optimum profitability at a mine site necessitates constant reassessment of operating strategies. In essence, each strategy is a particular combination of envisaged capital expenditure, income flow and elapsed time. Selecting a strategy, based on profita¬bility potential requires each contemplated strategy being subjected to discounted cash flow analysis; even with a computer such analysis can be cumbersome. The chapter discusses a 'shortcut' technique which assigns profitability rankings to alternate strategies and iden¬tifies those aspects of a. strategy which impact heavily on profitabil¬ity. This technique can yield quick assessments of sufficient accuracy for many operating strategy decisions. taken on site at on-going mines.

Jan 1, 1978

By Graham Bright

The rapid increase in reliability, the low cost of operation, the ready application of safety devices, and the growing availability of central-station power have made the question of installing a hoist of the electric type no longer debatable. Where adequate electric power is available, there are few cases where it would be advisable to install a steam or air hoist. The type of electrical equipment depends largely on the nature of the power supply, its capacity, and the form of the power contract under which power is purchased. In a large majority of cases, the available electric power is alternating current, three phase, 60 cycles. There is, however, considerable 25-cycle power in use; and in a few instances constant voltage direct current is the only power available for a small or an occasional medium-size hoist. Where a new hoist is to be installed, the designer of the mechanical parts can readily take care of the maximum stresses likely to be imposed by the motor. Where the hoist is already installed and operated by steam or air and it is desired to substitute an electric motor for the engine, a careful check should be made to determine the advisability of using the old mechanical parts. In most cases it is better to install a complete new hoist than to attempt to use old mechanical parts. A steam engine has a definite maximum torque, which the hoist has been designed to withstand, while a motor may be able to deliver momentary torques beyond the strength of the mechanical parts of the hoist. The selection of the proper type of electrical equipment can only be made after complete information is obtained and certain calculations made to determine the capacities required. There are several methods used in making hoist calculations, but no matter what method is utilized a fair degree of familiarity with hoists and hoisting conditions is necessary before an intelligent analysis and proper selection can be made. Forms Used in Hoisting Calculations Some of the hoist calculation methods are long and complicated. Where such calculations are seldom made, it is better to use the

Jan 1, 1922

By E. O. Wagner, V. F. Parry, J. B. Goodman

The low-rank coals containing 10 to 50 pct natural bed moisture represent over half of the tonnage reserve of the available solid fuels of the United States, but only about 2 pct of United States coal production is derived from these fuels. Increased utilization of these large reserves will result if the bed moisture can be removed at the mine in high-speed low-cost processes. This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study of the factors affecting high-speed drying of coal dusts. The time required to heat particles of coal is proportional to the square of their diameter, and it is calculated that the probable time in minutes is equal to 6D2. In other words, a 1/16 in. coal particle should be heated to drying temperature in 1.5 to 2.0 sec. Likewise, 1/8 in. particles should be heated in about 6 sec. The net heat required to dry subbituminous coal and lignite varies from 240 to 375 Btu per pound, depending upon the moisture removed, and this heat can be obtained from 42 to 61 cu ft of hot gases at 600°F. The necessary heat also can be obtained from 7.5 to 11 cu ft of gas at 2000°F. A description of the design and operation of a pilot plant for flash drying coal dusts is presented. This plant dries 1/16 in. by 0 coal dust in suspension in 1.5 to 2 sec with 600°F gas at a rate of 1300 lb per hour per square foot of column area and operates continuously at an efficiency of about 85 pct. The design and operation of another pilot plant for drying 1/8 in. by 0 coal dusts Is also described. This unit dries coal in the fluidized state using the sensible heat of gases introduced at 2000°F and processes coal at a rate of about 1500 Ib per hour per square foot of grate area at 85 to 90 pct efficiency. Over 90 pct of the bed moisture of low-rank coal dusts can be removed by the methods described. The heating value of lignite can be increased 45 pet and that if subbituminous coal 25 pct in a few seconds. The physical and chemical properties of coal dusts before and after drying are presented in the report, and it is shown that the bulk density of the dried coal is equal to that of the raw coal. This phenomenon makes it possible to ship 25 to 45 pct more heat in a railroad car with consequent savings in freight costs. Introduction For several years the Subbituminous Coal and Lignite Section of the Coal Branch of the Bureau of Mines at Golden, Colo., has been concerned with upgrading low-rank coals by removal of natural bed moisture. These fuels contain 10 to 50 pct total moisture, which reduces their industrial value considerably. In 1938, investigations were initiated in cooperation with the University of North Dakota to study drying of lignite by the Fleissner process with heat derived from high-pressure saturated steam. Two pilot plants were built, and two reports were published giving the results of this work.l,2 It was demonstrated that lump lignite and subbituminous coal

Jan 1, 1950

By Keith G. Papke

Jan 1, 1985

By Jack Parker, Gonzalo Barrientos

The most realistic mine pillar design is based on observations and measurements in situ. Low-cost reliable instrumentation has made this approach possible. At the White Pine mine, with its thousands of pillars of all shapes and sizes under all kinds of loading conditions, practical pillar design criteria have been developed. The pressure arch theory is explained and work in two test panels o f the mine is described. The pressure arch mechanism, which relies on lateral stress for support, can be applied to puzzling roof and pillar conditions in other mines.

Jan 1, 1975

By David Thomas

The preliminary meeting to organize the American Institute of Mining Engineers was held last evening. The attendance was unexpectedly large, and the proceedings were harmonious. According to present appearances, the Institute is destined to have a vigorous and influential career. A noteworthy feature is the interest manifested by the owners and operators of mines and by mining foremen, who are not strictly engineers. Provision is made in the rules for such persons, and all others who desire to be connected with the organization, by the establishment of a class of associates, having all the privileges of members, with a very few restrictions. It is ordained that the President, four of the six Vice-Presidents, and six out of the nine managers, shall be professional mining engineers, this term including metallurgical engineers also.

Jan 1, 1971

By W. Joseph Schlitt, Kenneth J. Richards, John D. Prater

Kennecott Minerals Company has developed a leach-hydrolysis route for treating flue dusts from copper smelters The flue dusts are acid leached in an oxygen atmosphere to solubilize copper and fix the arsenic, antimony, and bismuth as stable compounds Copper is recovered by cementation with Iron and the barren solution is recycled Molybdenum and other values may be recovered by modification of the basic flow sheet Results of bench scale and pilot plant tests are discussed in terms of the effect of operating parameters.

Jan 1, 1981

By James R. Evans

Forecasting demand is an art as well as a science, and much personal judgment is required. National forecasts made for sand and gravel, crushed stone, and/or aggregate may be misleading or unhelpful locally. This is because of significant variation in demand within different geographic and/or political areas in the US, and/or the use of an inadequate data base and forecasting methodology. The best forecasts may be made for local or regional market areas, irrespective of geographic or political boundaries, provided a proper data base is available.1 The Bureau of Mines compiles detailed statistics on commodities sold or used in the construction industries and, therefore, is in an advantageous position to make national aggregate demand forecasts.

Jan 1, 1979

By James A. Barclay, Ralph C. Kirby

The US minerals posture will be increasingly dominated by three interrelated factors. First, when viewed over the long range, the US supply situation can be expected to steadily deteriorate as demand increases. Domestic high-grade ores have been used up, and other nations compete with the US for world supplies. Second, as environmental awareness becomes more acute, an aroused citizenry is demanding that minerals industries conform their operations to rigorous new standards. Finally, the changing energy situation that confronts the US is forcing an appraisal of energy-use patterns on operations previously guided solely by economic principles and not by national priorities. While future US mineral production and consumption patterns are unclear at this time, it is certain that US demand for minerals will continue to outrun domestic supply. Thus, the US is faced with a challenge of producing more minerals and metals from lower grade resources. Meeting this challenge means a strengthening of US research and development efforts, coupled with their application in the remaining leadtimes available. Some specific examples of how the US Bureau of Mines (USBM) is assisting in the processing of low-grade resources follow.

Jan 6, 1975

Jan 1, 1969

Jan 1, 1927

By R. C. Amero

FULLERS earth is a general name applied to claylike minerals that have high natural adsorptive powers. They are usually distinguished from ordinary clays by a higher content of combined moisture and a lower apparent density. The definition is based on the ancient use of the material for fulling, or cleansing woolen cloth of oil and grease; a more modern definition should mention the ability to decolorize oil and should differentiate between fullers earth, which is naturally active, and certain bentonites which only develop decolorizing power after being leached with strong mineral acids. The distinction between fullers earth and activable bentonite is not a sharp one, since all types of intermediate clays can be found that are more or less naturally active, yet more or less responsive to acid treatment. The differences seem to depend somewhat on the amount of leaching that has been effected by natural ground waters.

Jan 5, 1951

By A. V. Henry

THE kaolins of the southeastern United States were known to civiliza-tion as early as the latter part of the eighteenth century-and yet the Fig. 1.-KAOLIN PRODUCTION AND IMPORTS. commercial history of Georgia kaolins may be said to begin in the year 1900. The U. S. Bureau of Mines reported for that year a production of 6885 tons of "miscellaneous" clays in Georgia. A comparison of these figures with those of 1934, when the production rose to 284,556 tons (65 per cent of the domestic production), indicates the growing economic and technologic importance of this raw material. Fig. 1 clearly shows that a part of the increase is due to a normal growth in the use of kaolinitic clays and a part is due to replacement of clays formerly imported.

Jan 1, 1937