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By D Wyborn, P A. Dowd

The characterisation of rock fracture networks is an important component of rock engineering applications involving stability assessment or fluid flow analysis. However, the derivation of a reliable rock fracture model remains a very challenging problem in practice. This paper describes a Bayesian framework, in the form of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation, for the construction of such a model. Model conditioning using different data sources is discussed including seismic events recorded during hydraulic fracture stimulation, rock face fracture mapping data and downhole geophysical survey data. The freeware FracSim3D is used for the simulations.

Sep 26, 2011

By A. C. Smith

The U.S. Bureau of Mines developed an experimental method to evaluate the relative effectiveness of water additives on the extinguishment of coal fires. The experiments were conducted in the fire zone of the multiple-entry section of the Bureau's Bruceton Experimental Mine. Four-hundred-pound Pittsburgh Seam coalbeds were ignited and allowed to burn until well-developed fires were achieved. Extinguishing agent-water solutions were then applied to the fires, and the quantity required to extinguish the fires was compared with the quantity of water alone required to extinguish similar fires. A 20% diammonium phosphate-water solution required an average of 5.8 gal to extinguish the coal fires, while two commercially available additive-water solutions required an average of 8.1 and 8.0 gal, respectively. The average amount of water required to extinguish the fires was 7.4 gal. An analysis of covariance, using the thermal energy of the coalbed to quantify the fire at the time of extinguishment, showed that the diammonium phosphate-water solution was slightly more effective at extinguishing these coal fires than water alone, and the two commercially available additive-water solutions were statistically equivalent to water alone.

Jan 1, 2010

By D. Chakravarty, D. Dutta, B. Samanta, S. Patteti

"This paper presents the mixed spectral behaviour of iron ores from deposits in Gua, India. Spectral signatures of powder samples and their two-component mixtures were generated by spectro - radiometry. Spectra were divided into continuum and absorption components. A modified Gaussian model was used to extract subtle features from the absorption components of the spectra. A linear unmixing model (LUM) applied to estimate minerals from the spectra of mixed powder samples indicated that this model achieved an R2 value of 0.88. The LUM was then applied to estimate the abundance of ores from a hyperspectral satellite image of the deposit area.RÉSUMÉ Le présent article montre le comportement spectral mixte de minerais de fer de gisements à Gua, en Inde. Les signatures spectrales d’échantillons de poudres et leurs mélanges à deux composantes ont été générés par spectroradiométrie. Les spectres ont été divisés en composantes de continuum et d’absorption. Un modèle gaussien modifié a été utilisé pour extraire des caractéristiques subtiles des composantes d’absorption des spectres. Un modèle de démélange linéaire, appliqué pour estimer les minéraux dans le spectre des échantillons de poudres mixtes, indique que ce modèle a atteint une valeur R2 de 0,88. Le modèle de démélange linéaire a ensuite été appliqué pour estimer la quantité de minerai à partir d’une image satellite hyperspectrale du secteur du gisement."

Jan 1, 2015

By Dean C. Holt

This work was done to appraise the potential of titanium minerals in known titanium- bearing placer deposits and potential titanium- bearing placer areas in western Montana . Reconnaissance studies were made of more than 225 stream areas . Churn drilling and other placer exploration techniques were used in sampling eight deposits . The sampling results indicate that areas containing more than 10 pounds of ilmenite and other titanium- bearing black - sand minerals per cubic yard occur in the Bitterroot , Upper Clark Fork , and Jefferson River drainages . The chief source for the constituents of the black sands appears to be the Idaho batholith , and the highest black - sand concentrations are generally found near the source . Sample testing methods include gravity and magnetic separation and visual microscopic as well as chemical and radiometric analyses on deposits sampled in detail .

Jan 1, 1964

By G. B. Gould, F. M. Gibson

IN DECEMBER, 1934, the joint Committee on Fuel Values, of the American Institute of Minim and Metallurgical Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, submitted a preliminary report, which briefly stated its conclusion that it was not possible to devise any formula for the valuation of coal, based upon the various physical and chemical properties, that would be generally applicable. That report also listed those chemical and physical properties of coal that are generally recognized to have some effect on its use in steam plants, and those physical characteristics of steam plants which affect, in one way or another the relative importance of the properties of coal used in them. Since then, the Committee has considered and discussed in greater detail the interrelationship of the properties of coal and plant characteristics. The conclusions of the Committee are summarized below, with certain recommendations regarding engineering procedure, which will promote the collection of more easily correlated observations with respect to this subject, and thus advance more rapidly the accumulation of data capable of general application.

Jan 1, 1936

By S J. Schafrik, C Keles, C Schlosser, E S. Gilliland, A K. Louk, N S. Ripepi, S Keim, J Amante, E Diminick

Three legacy coalbed methane production wells have been converted to injection wells for a one-year carbon dioxide (CO2) injection test to evaluate the potential for CO2 storage in the coal reservoir and the potential for enhanced gas production at offset wells. The injection reservoir is composed of 15–20 individual coal seams with an average thickness of 30 cm (1.0 ft), spanning a depth range of approximately 240 (800 ft) to 670 m (2200 ft).The monitoring program for this test includes gas and water sampling of the three injection wells, three dedicated monitoring wells and approximately 20 offset production wells. Key technologies used for monitoring the study area include time-lapse GPS and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) acquisitions for surface deformation measurement, a 28-station buried passive microseismic monitoring array, real-time downhole pressure and temperature sensing and perfluorocarbon tracer fluids, which will be injected with the CO2 stream. The schedule for the monitoring program includes pre- (baseline), during- and post-injection data collection. This schedule will allow data to be analysed for time-lapse changes and trends, which are important for understanding the migration of gas and fluid phases in the reservoir – including CO2, methane, other hydrocarbons and water – and for observing the changing distributions of reservoir pressures and stresses.The results of the monitoring efforts for this study have implications for monitoring mining operations. The combined use of GPS and InSAR geospatial data to evaluate elevation changes across and beyond the study area may prove to be an accurate option for measuring surface deformation, including mining-induced subsidence, in unstable terrain. Long-term microseismic monitoring using high-sensitivity instruments has several applications in mining operations, including rock stability monitoring, production monitoring and miner location detection during emergencies. Tracer studies and short-term microseismic monitoring used to assess methane extraction can also be used to develop and optimise degasification systems for underground coalmines.CITATION:Gilliland, E S, Ripepi, N S, Schafrik, S J, Schlosser, C, Amante, J, Louk, A K, Diminick, E, Keim, S, Keles, C and Karmis, M, 2015. Monitoring design and data management for a multiwell CO2 storage/enhanced coalbed methane test in a stacked coal reservoir, Buchanan County, Virginia, USA, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 47–56 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By Ben Blaschuk

The Bagdad solvent extraction plant was commissioned in 1969 and was the second solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) operation to be built following the Ranchers Bluebird SX-EW plant near Miami, AZ. The current operation still resembles its original form, with four independent sections that run in parallel with each consisting of many long and narrow settlers. Through its 40-year history, the Bagdad SX circuit has experienced a range of pregnant leach solution flows and grades. The unique design of the Bagdad circuit has allowed for numerous configuration changes to accommodate the changing operational conditions, while maintaining an extraction recognized in the industry as excellent.

Jan 1, 2011

By Ronald T. Mayerle

In 1989, the U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a mineral investigation of the Mallard study area near Elk City, Idaho. The study area comprises most of the original Mallard RARE II area (1-847) plus some additional lands. The investigation is part of an ongoing, multi-year study of north-central Idaho that is being conducted in cooperation with the Idaho Geological Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The only identified resources are rock suitable for road metal. Five lode prospects and a pyrite-bearing rock quarry, which is operated by the Forest Service for aggregate, were examined for metals. One of the prospects warrants additional exploration for silver in quartz veins, but the chance of finding an economically minable deposit is limited. Several rock and stream sediment samples were anomalous in various metals. Two of the more promising localities for gold and/or other metals are adjacent to a unit of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness that the USGS classified as having a moderate potential for gold deposits related to fossil hot springs.

Jan 1, 1991

By Tatiana Tronda

"The territory of Belarus is characterized by nonhomogeneous ground conditions. In some cases soft ground layers can reach tens of meters in depth. Application of piles and other conventional foundations is rather difficult and expensive in such complicated conditions. Alternatively for the first time dry concrete columns were applied to improve the saturated soft soils at two sites. As there is no design methods for calculation of bases improved by dry concrete columns static penetration and static load tests were carried out to check the bases on availability. Considerable increase of toe resistance and Young modulus was achieved for all types of soil. Practical application, technology and test results are described in the paper. According to comparative calculations the cost of foundations on the base improved by dry concrete columns can be 32-75% lower than the cost of conventional pile foundations depending on ground conditions.INTRODUCTIONPile foundations, sand cushions or dewatering are usually applied in complicated ground conditions which are caused by presence of saturated soft soils. If the depth of soft soils reaches 20 m or more, conventional foundations have limited application, high labor and construction cost. A rational solution in such conditions is a ground improvement of upper soft soils. It allows the loads to be transferred on upper ground layers and the stresses to be dissipated considerably before reaching underlying soft ground layers.One of the effective ground improvement methods for saturated soft soils is the reinforcing by dry concrete columns (Fig. 1). The method allows saturated soft soils to be compacted and be drained at the same time. As a result strength and deformation characteristics of natural soils improve (Tronda 2013, ?????? 2014).Unfortunately, there is no design and computing methods for the ground improvement by means of dry concrete columns. However, at present the methods are under development on the basis of theoretical and experimental researches.TECHNOLOGYThe dry concrete columns are fulfilled in pressed wells according to technology of vibrostamped piles. Wells are pressed by vibratory hammer with the closed ended casing (Fig. 2) that provides compaction of surrounding soft soils. Then the casing is filled with dry concrete mix (Fig. 3). The casing end remains on the design depth and the casing is removed by vibratory hammer. The removing of the casing with vibration enables compaction of dry concrete mix inside the well. Dry concrete mix drains surrounding saturated soft soils improving its properties and the compaction speeds up the consolidation process. Over time the dry concrete columns fasten absorbing water from surrounding saturated soft soils that is need for hydration of cement (Fig. 4, 5)."

Jan 1, 2016

By F. R. Brotzen, D. L. Davidson

ALTHOUGH much effort has been devoted to the problem, the nature of plastic flow in bcc metals is still not fully understood. Some of the difficulties encountered stem from the scarcity of information on orientation effects and the uncertainty as to the glide system in these metals. In an attempt to provide some of this information, the present investigation was carried out, using zone-refined molybdenum single crystals deformed in tension and in direct shear. Considerable evidence exists to indicate that the primary slip system for molybdenum is (110) <111>.1,2 Figs. 1 and 2 indicate that this is, indeed, the case for direct shear at room temperature (see Ref. 3 for a description of the shear-testing equipment and procedure). Moreover, from Fig. 2, the shear stress on the (123) is lower than that on the (112). This would be the case if, as has been suggested,4,5 slip on these two planes is in reality com-

Jan 1, 1965

By S. Saito, P. A. Beck

The crystal structure of MoNi3 was determined by means of X-ray diffraction. This structure is isotype with that of ovgered TiCu3. The lattice parameters are: a. = 5.064A, bo = 4.224A, co = 4.448A, and zf 0.157. If the orthorhombic distortion (slight relative to the corresponding orthohexagonal unit cell) is disregarded, the structure may be described in terms of a close-packed ordered atomic layer, stacked in the sequence: abab. The structztres of ordered TiCu3 and TiAl3 are homotectic. The three types of ordered hexagonal phases, iso-structural with TiNi3, MgCd3, and VCo3, are known to occur in AB3 alloys of transition elements of the first, second, ad third long periods. It was noted1 that phases with the TiNi3 structure occur selectively in alloys of Ti-group elements with Ni-group elements. In AB3 alloys of Ti-group and V-group elements with Co-group elements the AuCu3-type structure predominates.&apos; The vCO3 structure, which was determined very recently,&apos; has hexagonal symmetry, but the actual atomic arrangement here, too, is rather closely related to the ordered cubic structure of AuCu3-type. However, an ordered hexagonal close-packed structure of the MgCd3-type occurs in MOCO33 and WCO3.4 Consequently, the question arises as to whether or not the crystal structure of MoNi3 is also of the MgCd3-type. Grube and winkler5 found that MoNi3 has a hexagonal close-packed structure with a = 2.54A and c/a = 1.65. They pointed out that some additional weak diffraction lines could be observed in the powder pattern, which may have been due to an ordered atomic arrangement in this phase. However, no detailed information was obtained by them and the structure was apparently not further investigated by others. The present work was, therefore, undertaken in an attempt to determine in detail the structure of MoNi3, and to investigate the possibility of ordering. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS Alloys used in the present work were arc-melted in a water-cooled copper crucible under helium atmosphere. Electrolytic nickel and molybdenum, both 99.9 pct pure, were used. Chemical analyses were not made, but the melting loss was not higher than 2 pct for any alloy. Ingots were first homogenized at 1200°C for 48hr, quenched, heavily cold worked, and then annealed at 820" or 860°C for 1 week, followed by quenching in cold water. Powder specimens for X-ray work were prepared by crushing the heat-treated solid specimens. In order to remove strains, the powders were reannealed in evacuated scaled fused silica capsules for 6 hr at the same temperature at which the corresponding solid specimens were annealed. X-ray photographs were taken with an asymmetric focussing camera, using unfiltered CrK or CuK radiation. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS The X-ray diffraction patterns of alloys containing 20.8, 25, and 26.4 at. pct Mo, homogenized at 1200°C, showed the face-centered-cubic structure of the Ni-base a-solid solution. It was revealed, however, by micrographic examination that the 26.4 at. pct Mo alloy contained in addition very small amounts of a second phase, in accordance with the phase diagram.6 On the other hand, the 20.8 at. pct Mo alloy after annealing at 820°C gave the X-ray diffraction pattern of the ordered face-centered-tetragonal MONi4.7 In this pattern several additional weak diffraction lines were also observed, corresponding to the strongest diffraction lines of MoNi3. The alloys containing 25 and 26.4 at. pct Mo after annealing at 820" or 860°C gave X-ray diffraction patterns, as shown in Tables I and 11, corresponding to MoNi3. Each one of the reflections which could be tentatively indexed on the hexagonal close-packed cell of Grube and Winkler,5 with the exception of the basal plane reflections, was split into a doublet, as seen in Table I. Since microscopically the alloy consisted of a single phase, it seemed probable that the lattice of MoNi3 is actually slightly deformed, as compared with the tentative hexagonal unit cell. In addition to these diffraction lines, several weak lines were also present, as shown in Table 11, which could not be indexed at all on the hexagonal close-packed cell considered. Satisfactory indexing of all diffraction lines observed was found to be possible by using an orthorhombic unit cell with ao = 5.064A, ft = 4.224A, and c = 4.448A. These values, whose accuracy is estimated to approximately ± 0.008A, correspond to 95.14A3 for the volume of the unit cell, and to an X-ray density of 9.50 g per cm3. If no attention were paid to the weak reflections listed in Table II, a reduced -unit cell of half the volume (a = 2.532A, b = 4.448A, and c = 4.224A), closely related to the orthohexagonal cell, might be used. The dimensions of the orthohexagonal cell of the same volume as the reduced cell are: a = 2.562A, b = 4.437 A, and c = 4.183A. It may be seen that in the reduced cell the a axis is slightly shorter, while the b and c axes are slightly longer than those corresponding to the orthohexagonal cell of the same volume. This slight orthorhombic distortion is re-

Jan 1, 1960

By Leonardo Rosas Sánchez, Darío Ángel Bulla

"The two track road sector between Cisneros-Loboguerrero (having a length of 14 km and 11 short unidirectional tunnels) is a new highway still on construction located along the existing Highway Buga – Buenaventura (Colombia). Due to the steep topography, difficult geological/geotechnical conditions, the traditional portal construction approach was impossible to be implemented in eleven (11) of the twenty two (22) portals. In this specific project, the skewed portal approach was developed as the optimal and more effective solution. The construction time and costs of portals were reduced in 21 months and 75%, respectively. At the same time, the natural equilibrium of the slopes was maintained, thus, facilitating adequate safety factors along the useful life of the project. This document pretends to show a detailed design experience (and the construction of the entry portal of tunnel 11 (left)). INTRODUCTION The Cisneros-Loboguerrero project is a 14 km length dual lane highway, connecting productive zones with the Pacific Ocean along the current Bogota-Buenaventura highway as shown in Figure 1. The project is located at the northern side of the Dagua River Valley. The preliminary design suggested constructing portals under challenging topographical conditions, i.e., slope cuts having heights between 50 to 100 m (some having slopes > 100%) requiring complex developments and having very high risks.The entry portal of tunnel 11 (left) was the first portal successfully built by implementing the skewed portal approach. Later, this approach was used as a model for the construction of the other ten (10) portal having similar topographic and geotechnical conditions. The development of this new alternative provided a considerable reduction on the construction time of portals, thus relieving a critical path in this project."

Jan 1, 2016

By Rudolph P. Frizzi

Structures supported on ACIP and DD piles perform successfully when quality control is maintained from the initial site subsurface investigation through pile design, bidding, and construction. The four stages of ACIP / DD pile construction are: preparation, augering the pile, grout / concrete placement, and reinforcement installation. During all four stages, careful observations and communication between the contractor and the owner&apos;s engineering inspection personnel are vital to successful pile completion. Automated monitoring equipment (AME) exists to supplement, but not replace, the field personnel&apos;s observations during the pile augering and grouting operations. Full-scale field load testing is done to verify the pile&apos;s geotechnical and structural design, and the contractor&apos;s pile installation means and methods, using several procedures including: conventional top loading, high-strain dynamic, rapid axial compression (i.e. Fundex PLT and Statnamic), and Osterberg Cell. Non-destructive sonic testing is performed to investigate the below-grade sectional properties of the completed pile; such methods include: low-strain impulse testing, and single-hole and cross-hole sonic logging. Post-construction observations are necessary to verify pile location and top properties prior to overlying cap construction.

Jan 1, 2005

By H W. Wu

Occupational exposure limits for diesel particular matter (DPM) are progressively being adopted in a number of countries. Many of these follow the lead of the US Mine Safety and Health Administration initiated in 2008. In line with adoption of best practice it is accepted that all exposures should be reduced to as low as reasonably achievable. The management of diesel emissions and occupational exposures to those emissions requires an integrated strategy incorporating efforts from all key departments on a mine, including management, production, maintenance, supply and occupational health and safety.Australian coalmine longwall moves rely on the use of high-powered diesel equipment such as chariots and other machines that produce exhaust pollutants of gases and DPM. To reduce mine personnel’s exposure levels to DPM a hierarchy of controls can be followed. Minimising the use of diesel equipment, better operator positioning in relation to exposure source, using efficient engineering methods and adopting better ventilation to reduce concentrations through dilution are some of the controls that can eliminate exposures. Approaches generally adopted in Australian longwall mines currently rely on a combination of strategies such as optimisation of ventilation, use of diesel particulate filters and use of diesel tag boards that minimise the number of vehicles through recording entry and exit into working panels.A study has been undertaken into the mine ventilation systems currently in use during longwall moves within Australian modern longwall extraction mines. This paper reviews current longwall section ventilation systems and discusses evolving changes being adopted to address the more complex problems in dealing with section DPM during phases of the operational moves. The effects of DPM on crew members as well as the diesel equipment operators within a longwall section are examined. Issues that should be considered in designing the longwall section ventilation during the moves are discussed.CITATION:Wu, H W and Gillies, A D S, 2015. Review of ventilation optimisation strategies during longwall moves, in Proceedings The Australian Mine Ventilation Conference, pp 133–140 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 31, 2015

By Maria Carolina Andrade Teles

Uma fibra natural apresenta características interfaciais com matrizes poliméricas que favorecem a absorção de alta energia de impacto da estrutura compósita . Este trabalho procura avaliar a resistência ao impacto deste tipo de matriz de poliéster com reforço de fibras naturais. As fibras de Fique foram misturadas com resina de poliéster sob pressão em um molde metálico, e curada à temperatura ambiente durante 24 horas . Amostras padrões foram preparadas até 30% em volume de fibras Fique alinhadas ao longo de todo o seu comprimento, estas amostras foram então testadas com ensaio de impacto Izod do pêndulo e as superfícies de fratura examinadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, MEV. A resistência ao impacto aumenta substancialmente com a quantidade relativa de fibra de Fique como reforço do compósito . Isto pode ser atribuído a uma descolagem preferencial da interface fibra / matriz , o que contribui para uma elevada energia absorvida.

Aug 17, 2017

By Foluke Salgado de Assis

Este trabalho visa apresentar alguns resultados obtidos através de ensaios balísticos realizados em sistemas de blindagem multicamada. Seguindo as especificações da norma americana NIJ 0101.06, foram realizados ensaios utilizando munição de calibre 7,62x 51 mm, que possui velocidade acima de 800 m/s. A blindagem multicamada utilizada possui como camada frontal uma pastilha hexagonal cerâmica (alumina dopada com 4% de nióbia), segunda camada de compósito de matriz poliéster reforçada com tecido de juta e como terceira camada uma placa de alumino 5052 H34. A utilização de compósitos poliméricos reforçados com fibras naturais em substituição às fibras de aramida é de grande interesse, pois além de desempenharem a mesma função no sistema de blindagem, possuem um valor de mercado bem menor. Com os resultados obtidos do ensaio balístico, os valores foram associados com o seu comportamento dinâmico utilizando o método do casamento de impedâncias.

Aug 17, 2017

By J. M. Mutmansky

Procedures for the determination of the operating point that results when a fan is connected to a mine and placed in operation have been a source of confusion for decades. A variety of techniques has been proposed, often to the detriment of the practicing ventilation engineer trying to apply the techniques to the multitudinous mine/fan matching problems encountered in the engineering of mine ventilation systems. This paper proposes some different assumptions and definitions that simplify the solution of problems in determining the operating point. As a result, a set of procedures is provided for determining the operating point of a mine/fan system when the outlet areas of the mine and fan are known. To establish a major simplification in the development of procedures for the determination of the operating point for a mine/fan combination, the authors suggest that the mine pressures be redefined and then used in such a manner that the conservation of energy is ensured. This provides the basis for the recommendation that the fan operating point be determined using the fan total pressure and the system total pressure characteristics. This procedure can be applied to fans in the blower, booster, and exhaust positions equally well and to both single-fan and multiple-fan networks. Another advantage is that the method is applicable to fans with or without an evase.

Jan 1, 1984

By J. L. Kearns

The importance of optimizing equipment replacement decisions becomes more critical each year due to the rising costs of buying new equipment versus maintaining old equipment. Replacing equipment when it is physically worn out, or replacing it too soon or too late relative to its Economic Life (when it is economically worn out), is very costly. After extensive literature review and research, Kennecott has developed its Equipment Replacement Guide (ERG) system which identifies, evaluates, and justifies the replacement of uneconomical equipment. The system considers such critical factors as inflation, decreasing work capability, increasing maintenance/repair and operating costs, taxes, time value of money, return on investment, salvage value, and investment tax credit. These factors are used in a system of equations which balance the costs of new equipment against the total operating costs of old equipment. The solution of the equations determines the Economic Life of equipment. Replacement of equipment at the determined Economic Life will earn the specified, required return on investment that is used in the calculation of the Economic Life.

Jan 1, 1979

By Lucas Coelho da Silva

Também chamado de PRFV, esse tipo de material é usado em diversos segmentos da indústria e a escolha por esse material é devido ao aprimoramento de suas características ou propriedades se comparados com os metais, cerâmicos ou polímeros isoladamente. O tempo médio de um incêndio foi estimado fazendo-se um levantamento de incêndios de média a grandes proporções e esse tempo usado para calcular a temperatura média do incêndio para materiais hidrocarbonetos. O tubo tem sua temperatura limitada em 200ºC, temperatura de degradação do polímero. As amostras foram envelhecidas no forno a uma temperatura próxima da deterioração e depois resfriadas à água e ao ar. Foi comprovado através da análise da transferência de calor que quanto mais perto o material estiver da fonte de calor, maior vai ser a energia incidente sobre o material. O estudo foi feito considerando uma fonte pontual de calor. Além disso, é feita uma análise do tempo que uma estrutura feita do mesmo material levaria para atingir a temperatura de degradação, descartando seu uso posterior.

Aug 16, 2017

By R. M. Hudson

The removal of nitrogen from a nitrogenized low-carbon sheet steel that contained 0.011 wt pct N was determined during heat treatment in Hz-N, mixtures. TIze process followed a first-order rate law; that is, plots of the logarithm of nitrogen content in steel were linear with the time of treatment at a given temperature. The rate of removal increased with an increase in temperature from 900" to 1300°F. By 1400°F the rate in dry hydrogen had decreased to a value intermediate between the rates at 1200" and at 1300°F; in wet (2.47 vol pct water vapor) hydrogen the rate at 1400°F was less than the rate at 1300°F and nearly the same as the rate at 1200OF. The rate at a given temperature increased as the 3/2 power of hydrogen concentration in the atmosphere. While wet atmosplzeres were generally more effective than the corresponding dry atmosplzeres, the effect of water vapor was much less pronounced than the influence of hydrogen content. NITROGEN is the principal agent in the strain aging of ferrite, the effect of carbon being secondary.&apos; To eliminate the return of the yield point after straining and aging, it is claimed2 that the amount of nitrogen in solution in steel must be reduced to 0.0002 wt pct. Strong nitride-forming elements (titanium, vanadium, zirconium, and aluminum) can act to eliminate strain aging by combining with nitrogen. It is extremely difficult to decrease the nitrogen content in commercial steels to the low level required by conventional coil annealing because of the poor contact between the strip surface and the reactive atmosphere. However, a variety of gas-metal reactions can be effected by use of the open-coil annealing method,3 in which the metal surface is fully exposed to the atmosphere. With this possibility in mind, the Applied Research Laboratory has studied the influence of time, temperature, and atmosphere composition on the removal of nitrogen from low-carbon sheet steel. MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL WORK Samples from a commercial nitrogenized low-carbon steel (0.010 in. thick) in the cold-reduced condition were used. The chemical composition of this steel is given in Table I. The gas mixtures used are listed in Table 11. The moisture content in the "wet" annealing atmospheres was controlled at a +70°F dew point (2.47 vol pct water vapor) by passing the gas mixture through a glass tube packed with a solid mixture of 10 pct anhydrous oxalic acid and 90 pct oxalic acid dihydrate held at 127°F; this technique has been described previously.4 For "dry" atmospheres, the gas mixtures were passed through a cold trap immersed in liquid nitrogen. A hinged-top Hevi-Duty electric furnace was used with a Vycor-glass furnace tube. When the furnace was at the desired temperature, the gas mixture was passed through the furnace at a flow rate between 1.1 and 1.2 cfh; coupons (size 3 by 3/4 in.) of the steel were pulled into the center of the Vycor-glass

Jan 1, 1964