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By Rob Henson, Te-Lin Yau, Darryl Amick

The process industry faces tightening environmental regulations. In order to comply with these mandates, environmentally safe chemicals, such as oxygen and hydrogen perox­ide are becoming attractive oxidants. These oxidants appear benign but must be respected when involved in harsh environments. It is therefore important to address both the safety and suitability of materials selected for these environments. Otherwise, severe prob­lems, such as equipment failure or fire and explosion can occur. Laboratory and field experience will be used to discuss the perfor­mance of titanium, zirconium and Ti-45Nb alloy in piping systems for handling these environ­ments. Sealing methods for piping, pumps and valves of these metals will also be reviewed. For comparison, information on the performance of stainless alloys will be given.

Jan 1, 1993

By T. B. Whitmoyer, J. E. Sneckenberger, M. A. Jerabek, C. F. Stanley

The measurement of acoustic impedance at frequencies up to 6,400 Hz has been proposed as a diagnostic tool to yield more detailed information about lung condition. A three generation branching system of plastic Y-tubes has been constructed. The impedance of the branched system is measured by an impedance tube using the two-microphone technique. The impedance spectrum is used to calculate the reflection coefficient spectrum, which is converted to an impulse response by an inverse FFT. The area function is extracted from the impulse response by the Ware-Aki algorithm. Measurements of acoustic impedance of the branched system were made for several different end conditions of the eight terminal outlets. The outlets were either blocked with modeling clay, plastic packing material, or aluminum blocks or were unblocked. Six measurements were made of each configuration. In general, the more outlets blocked, the larger the shift to the right of the impedance magnitude peaks for frequencies above 3000 Hz. The impedance magnitude peaks for the plastic packing material were shifted in frequency to the right relative to the peaks of the other system terminations. The impedance magnitude peaks for the clay and aluminum system terminations were significantly different in magnitude but not shifted in frequency. The area functions at the end of the branched system were significantly different (a > 99%) for most of the end conditions. Area functions for the modeled branched lung systems between the end of the impedance tube and the termination outlets of the branched system were similar but distinctively different for the various end conditions. These results indicate that the two-microphone technique can sense small changes in the terminating end conditions of a rigid system of branched tubes and thus may sense impedance changes due to lung disease in the conducting airways. Keywords: acoustic impedance, lung model, area function.

Jan 1, 1991

By Angus M. Henderson, Charles R. Lilley

Underground mining at Kanowna Belle commenced in July 1998, using a sublevel open stoping method. The use of this stoping method necessitated the use of a cemented fill material for filling primary and secondary stope voids. A detailed engineering study recommended the construction of a cemented aggregate fill (CAF) system for Block A, in favour of paste fill. The CAF system consisted of a crushing and screening plant, a surface binder preparation plant and an underground fill station. Conventional underground dump trucks were used for CAF delivery. Since CAF plant commissioning in March 1999, 1.2 million tonnes of CAF have been placed underground. CAF segregation was the most significant quality control issue during CAF system operation. At the hangingwalls of filled stopes, CAF segregation sometimes occurred to such the extent that the resulting fill material was essentially uncemented coarse aggregate. This caused some CAF dilution during the extraction of adjacent secondary stopes. Numerous CAF were prepared on site for strength testing. A relationship has been formulated that allows estimation of the CAF uniaxial compressive strength in MPa, based on the cement content (c) and porosity (n), as follows. [ ] Practice at Kanowna Belle has confirmed that laboratory testing results cannot be applied for optimising the mix design of cemented rock fills that do not exhibit debris flow behaviour during placement. The grain flow characteristics and consequent marked segregation dominate the in situ fill strength. A detailed review of backfill requirements for the lower mine indicated that the total net present cost of CAF and paste systems was similar. Several significant operational advantages offered by a paste system have resulted in its selection for the remaining mine life. The construction of a paste fill system at Kanowna Belle is currently in progress.

Jan 1, 2001

By R. Gilliam

The Jewett Mine is located in two East Central Texas Counties, Leon County and Freestone County. The area is primarily suited for agriculture with approximately 90% of its agricultural income coming from beef cattle and hogs. In addition to livestock both of these counties produce hay, oats for grazing, pecans and corn. There are 1,101 farms and/or ranches in Freestone County consisting of 381,248 acres. Less than 15% of this acreage is harvested croplands. Leon County has 1,227 farms and/or ranches for a total of 442,387 acres, of which less than 13% is harvested cropland. Total annual agricultural sales for Leon County are approximately $36 million and Freestone County has approximately $21 million. Ninety percent of the annual agricultural sales derive from livestock.

Jan 1, 1992

By B. Yarar, R. Buchan

Mineral-processing techniques were adopted for use in the separation of various plastics used in beverage bottles. A complete flowsheet, which utilized size reduction, heavy-media separation and flotation, was developed to separate PE, PVC and PET. In addition, the mixtures contained cellulose fibers (from labels) and aluminum (from bottle caps). It was demonstrated that, while heavy-media separation allows for the separation of a PVC/ PET mixture, froth flotation can be used to separate PVC and PET. For this purpose, the differential action of a pH 11 alkaline aqueous solution containing methanol and MIBC as surface-tension control agents, has been found to be a suitable flotation medium. This paper reports on some aspects of a flotation flowsheet that was developed for the separation of plastics contained in municipal solid wastes.

Jan 1, 1997

By C. J. Kirkland

The paper describes the arrangements for the casting, curing and handling at the casting yard, of the concrete segments for the lining of the UK half of the tunnel, and the plant used for the handling of these linings at the construction site. An outline of the tunnel boring machines being used is given, with particular reference to lining handling and erection, and the extensive muck disposal systems installed. A general progress update will be given to the conference.

Jan 1, 1989

By Henry A. Russell

During the last ten years Parsons Brinckerhoff has become a leader in the area of tunnel rehabilitation. A significant part of any tunnel rehabilitation program is the control of groundwater infiltration into the structure. This leakage over time, causes deterioration of the structures, and creates numerous operational problems for the tunnel operator. This paper will address current procedures for identification, documentation, and recommendations of repair methods for the control of groundwater infiltration in rail and highway tunnels.

Jan 1, 1993

By Susanne Pignolet-Brandom

This paper examines the viability of using the QEM*SEM automated scanning electron microscope for the determination iron sulfide and calcite volumetric percentages. The analytical reliability was verified by comparing elemental abundances calculated for fourteen samples using the QEM*SEM volumetric percentages and appropriate mineral compositions and elemental abundances determined by standard laboratory procedures. The abundances were comparable, thus demonstrating suitability of this technique for evaluation of the acid neutralization and generation potentials of mining wastes.

Jan 1, 1990

By H. H. Hughes, J. G. Dunn, P. G. Fernandez, H. G. Linge

Dissolved Arsenic (As) is stabilised primarily as As(III) and As(V) and enters ground water streams from sources such as the increasing metallurgical processing of As - containing ores [1]. As(III) is more toxic than As(V) and is less effectively removed from solution by oxide precipitation. Even for dilute As(III) solutions, skin contact or ingestion can cause dermatitis or cancer and there are stringent effluent control standards in place for As containing effluent from mining operations [2]. Chemtronics (Perth, Australia) has manufactured a compact digital voltamme­ter, based on anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and suitable for use in the laboratory or field. In this paper we demonstrate the utility of this equipment for measuring As(III) concentration with a detection limit of ca. 10 ppb.

Jan 1, 1995

By Mark Godfrey, Wickus Slabbert, Debra Miller, Dave Dew

Sao Bento Mlnerai;;ao Mine (SBM), located 100 kms northwest of Belo Horlzante, Brazil, was commissioned In 1987t1l to produce 185 kg per month of gold from 240 tpd of refractory sulphide flotation concentrate. The concentrate Is processed by a Sherrill Gordon design pressure oxidation circuit followed by conventional CIL gold recovery process (Flgur .. J). The original plant design foresaw expansion to 480 tpd, and In this regard the acidic effluent neutralisation, CIL and carbon circuits were designed for future expansion to treat the higher tonnage. The pressure oxidation section was sized for 240 tpd with the Intention to double the Installed plant equipment to provide 480 tpd capacity when required. This decision was based In part on the novelty of pressure oxidation to treat refractory sulphide concentrates in 1984 when the process design was finalised. General Mining, Metals & Minerals (Pty) Ltd (GENMIN), has been actively Involved for the past 30 years in the development of bacterial process for the oxidation of refractory gold concentrates; the results of this development program have provided the registered process BIOx®. The successful Implementation of BIOx® technology for treatment of refractory gold concentrates at GENMIN's Fairview Mine In October 1986t2l, as well as the substantial experience accumulated in laboratory and pilot testing of some 40 other sulphide concentrates, Justified reconsideration of the oxidation process best suited to provide the Incremental sulphide oxidation capacity planned for SBM.

Jan 1, 1992

By G. S. Brierley, R. D. Drake, J. E. Kelley, J. C. Kellogg

This case study embodies the problems of an underground project under current contracting practices. It will provide a realistic framework for a structured examination of the anatomy of a major complex underground project. Just as it will illustrate the frustrations of the parties to an underground contract, it will also provide a means to examine potential opportunities to provide a better way to develop underground space. Urban Transit Authority (UTA) had planned to expand their heavy rail underground transit system through an extension to an existing line. UTA lacked sufficient funding to guarantee the construction and operation of this planned extension. Venture Partner Associates (VPA) in conjunction with four major department stores entered into an agreement to create a major underground space for a commercial/recreational facility. The concept was to locate the facility adjacent to a planned station and beneath existing aboveground office facilities. This group was known as Commercial Development Corporation (CDC). UTA had reached an agreement with UMTA to provide 20 percent of the line and station costs. UTA then entered into an agreement with CDC to provide the needed additional funding for the station work in return for locating the station adjacent to the planned underground commercial/recreational complex. The agreement called for CDC to contribute 20 percent to the station cost to a maximum of $25 million plus a one percent contribution from commercial/recreational revenues for operating costs.

Jan 1, 1989

Contents

Jan 1, 1985

By R. L. Guerguerian

Critical fasteners are described as they apply to the specification, manufacture and assembly on large grinding mill bolted joints. The importance of adequate design methods, related joint diagrams and pivot analyses, with special emphasis on the quality of manufacturing and the tightening of procedures in the field, are discussed in an effort to ensure high availability plant operation.

Jan 1, 2003

By V. Y. Kirillin, V. A. Rumjantsev, S. A. Tchesnokov, Yu A. Veksler, V. F. Kalmykov, A. N. Telgarin, A. T. Shakirov

Mining in outburst hazard seams may be safe and effective if some preventive measures, such as lowering gas and rock pressure as well as speed regulating of a continuous miner in cutting the seam would be practised. The driving speed should be optimal as the low speed lowers labour productivity but the high speed may cause gaso-dynamic phenomena. At this mine the driving speed is regulated by seismo-acoustic control of the seam condition.

Jan 1, 1985

By John C. Balla

The Spar Lake deposit is located in northwestern Montana, approximately 27 km (17 miles) south of Troy, MT, under Mt. Vernon. The deposit is a stratiform, stratabound copper-silver deposit occurring in the Revett Formation of the Proterozoic Belt Supergroup. Distribution of known sandstone-type deposits in the Revett Formation is shown in Fig. 1.

Jan 1, 1991

By Michael Michaylov, Elena Vlasseva

On the basis of well known and widely used in mine practice retreat longwall mining system, physical and mathematical models of air leakage dynamics have been created. Flow is assumed viscous-inertial and considering natural anisotropy of porous media of a gob area. As a result of modeling pressure and leakage distribution and velocity field can be defined. Thus the model presented in this paper can be used as aerodynamical prediction of gob area characteristics.

Jan 1, 1995

By D. V. Ramani, M. M. Kissel, M. T. Ityokumbul

Experiments were carried out to determine the efficacy of bubble column flocculation. An acid-base neutralization method was used to determine the mixing time in a 0.064- by 1.5-m bubble column equipped with a Mottporous sparger. The mixing times decreased as the tracer injection point approached the gas sparger. Preliminary flocculation experiments on two clay samples were carried out. The effects of frother addition and airflow rate are presented and discussed.

Jan 1, 2000

By J. G. Groppo, S. M. Khandrika, B. K. Parekh

It is shown that dewatering of fine coal particles (D50 = 21 µm) is enhanced near the point-of-zero-charge. The coal surface is modified by the addition of copper ions and by adjusting the pH to precipitate surface-active metal hydroxy species, which promote agglomeration and produce low-moisture cakes. Filtration kinetics data are used in calculating filter cake parameters from an integrated form of Darcy's law. The influence of copper ions and pH on filter cake parameters and the correlations among them are presented.

Jan 1, 1995

By Z. B. Yin, R. W. Bartlett, P. R. Taylor

Tube furnace experiments have been performed to evaluate the lime roasting of pyrite in air. The sulfur volatilized was measured over time. Variables studied included: form of lime, sodium sulfate additions, temperature, air flow rate, lime to pyrite weight ratio and pyrite particle size. It was found that more than 98% of the sulfur can be retained at a reactor temperature of 650°C, with a slight excess of calcium hydroxide. The roast products are primarily hematite and calcium sulfate.

Jan 1, 1990

By Mark L. Matthews

In 1978, Congress enacted Public Law 95-604, the "Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978." The Act authorizes the Department of Energy to stabilize and control the tailings from designated inactive uranium mill tailings sites in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner. DOE has established the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Actions (UMTRA) Project Office to implement, in cooperation with the affected States, Indian tribes and owners of the sites, remedial actions at the sites. The UMTRA Project Office has initiated efforts to perform remedial actions in accordance with EPA cleanup standards.

Jan 1, 1981