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By Balu E. George, Subhadeep Banerjee, Shailesh R. Gandhi

"A three-dimensional analysis of laterally loaded helical piles installed in cohesionless soil is presented. Finite Element Analysis was conducted using commercially available Plaxis 3D AE version, assuming Mohr-Coulomb failure for soil. Pile is modelled as plate elements with a single helical blade attached to a hollow shaft. The ultimate load for various configurations is examined considering deformation criteria. The Bending Moment distribution and maximum lateral deflection are also discussed. It was observed that the ultimate lateral load carrying capacity increased by presence of helical blade and the maximum deflection also got reduced. The diameter of the helical blade was found to have significant effect on the lateral deflection, maximum bending moment and the ultimate load. However, the observations from the study suggest that the presence of helical blade seizes to produce considerable effect after a certain depth. Difference in failure pattern with regard to the distribution of soil resistance observed for different geometries considered for numerical analysis are also touched upon.INTRODUCTIONHelical piles or screw anchor piles have gained popularity due to fast installation, instant use, and other advantages over the traditional piles. They are usually used to support structures like solar panels, light houses, and other light structures which are subjected to uplift loads. However, such structures are often subjected to significant lateral loads as well. Under lateral loads, the response of helical piles can be different from that of a conventional pile due to the presence of the bearing provided by the helical blade. However, the proper design remains a concern due to lack of work carried out on the lateral capacity of helical piles.The lateral performance of helical piles is significant because they can act as efficient alternative to conventional piling systems in many applications.The lateral load capacity of screw anchor piles with different number of helices were examined by Mittal et al. (2010) by experiments in sand. They found that the lateral load capacity of piles increases with addition of helical blades. Prasad and Rao (1996) examined the lateral capacity of helical piles in clay by experiments on model piles and found that the lateral capacity of helical piles were more than that of the straight shaft piles. It was observed that the lateral capacity increase with embedment depth and shear strength of soil. Sakr (2009) studied lateral performance of two section helical piles in soft soil. The investigation by Prasad and Chari (1999) reported that the pressure distribution across the diameter is not uniform for circular piles, but it is maximum at the centre and almost zero at the two edges.Puri et al. (1984) after conducting model tests on single-helix, two-helix, and three-helix anchors installed in sand, proposed a mathematical model that was fashioned after Matlock and Reese’s elastic theory model. Elkasabgy and Naggar (2015) investigated he lateral performance of full scale large capacity helical piles in structured cohesive soils and reported the modulus of sub-grade reaction to be non linear."

Jan 1, 2017

By B. Hart, J. Marois

"Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), and Time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS)were used to analyze pyrochlore grains from Niobec froth flotation plant. Samples from the mill feed, pyrochlore rougher feed, pyrochlore rougher concentrate, and tail were analyzed in order to identify a potential relationship between pyrochlore matrix composition and selective separation. SEM-EDX analyses indicate that pyrochlore grains with high Fe content appear to be less recoverable than those with a lower Fe content and that the flotation response is related to matrix Fe rather than Fe occurring as inclusions. TOF-SIMS was used to analyse the surface of high Fe and low Fe pyrochlore, in order to identify a potential relationship between pyrochlore matrix composition and the related effect on cationic collector adsorption (tallow diamine). Surface analyses of pyrochlore from a conditioning test show that species indicative of the collector favour the surface of Fe poor pyrochlore relative to the Fe rich variety. The results from the conditioning test illustrate a negative relationship between collector loading and the presence of Fe and related oxidation species. This study identifies the link between pyrochlore matrix Fe content and, the presence of surface oxidation products, to collector loading. Poor Fe rich pyrochlore recovery noted in the Niobec froth flotation plant may be partially explained by this mechanism.INTRODUCTIONPyrochlore, the most abundant niobium containing mineral (Perrault and Manker, 1981) is economically recovered in Brazil, China, and Canada (Niobec) (Kouptsidis et al., 2008). Since 1974 Niobec has been extracting niobium from the St-Honorécarbonatite deposit. Niobec is the only operating Nb extraction facility in North American and one of the three major world producers of ferroniobium (Dufresne and Goyette, 2004; Belzile, 2009).Flotation is the preferred and most cost-effective method for pyrochlore recovery (Burks, 1958; Shapolov and Polkin, 1958; Zakharov et al., 1967; Razvozzhaev and Nikiforov, 1972; Bogdanov et al., 1973; Abeidu, 1974; Raby and Desrochers, 1975; Wilson, 1979; Biss and Nadeau, 1982; Biss, 1985). With the aim of optimising the flotation process for the Niobec ore, numerous experiments were performed on the influence of surfactants and type of water to optimise pyrochlore recovery and grade during flotation (Gomez et al., 1987; Rao et al., 1988; Dufresne and Goyette, 2004; Belzile, 2009)."

Jan 1, 2013

By Robert S. Dewey

AS a result of drilling operations during 1943, West Texas again added sufficient new oil reserves to replace the oil produced during the year, but failed to maintain its position in currently available reserves because the deeper discoveries will require years for development. Drilling failed to provide the additional oil necessary to meet the increase in current and anticipated market demand. Although 13.3 per cent of the total footage drilled was in wildcat exploration, the ratio of oil discoveries to total wildcats was less in 1943 than in 1942, but comparable to that in 1941. Of the 732 field wells completed, 270 were at Slaughter, 55 at Wasson, 45 at Mascho and 31 at North Cowden. As of Dec. 31, 1943, there were 361 drilling wells including 71 wildcat and 290 field wells; 19.7 per cent were wildcats. It is anticipated that the percentage of wildcats of the total wells will be higher during 1944 than in either 1942 or 1943. Tables 3 and 4 present a three-year comparison of drilling activity and illustrate the downward trend of development that has been in effect during that time. Because of development lag in the deeper Ordovician fields, several years elapse before 2 sufficient number of wells is completed to give a substantial producing rate. As these new oil reserves cost more to find, and will cost more to produce on a barrel basis than the oil marketed during the year, their reserve replacement value to the industry is less in money. Costs While complete costs for deeper drilling are not yet available for analysis, it is evi- dent from the data on drilling rates to comparable depths, contract prices, and general increases in costs, that the cost of drilling has risen approximately 20 per cent during the year. One representative drilling contractor estimates that the average drilling time on a 5000-ft. field well has increased nearly one third and that out-of-pocket costs have increased a dollar per foot. Three major factors contribute to this increased cost: (I) less experienced labor, (2) deterioration in mechanical equipment and expendable material, and (3) increased contract prices. In the past, when there were more drilling rigs than wells to be drilled, some contractors would cut their drilling profit to keep their personnel and rigs working. As this practice is no longer necessary, the contract prices are adjusted upward to assure a profit. On deep and difficult drilling, contracts are let on a cost plus basis. A number of mechanical difficulties have become evident. Inferior quality of steel used in drill pipe and rock bits has added appreciably to drilling time and cost. Contractors are experiencing delay in obtaining repair work and repair parts for prime movers. As the length of drilling time required an shallow-field wells has not increased in proportion to that on deeper wells, it seems that the medium-sized drilling rig is better adapted mechanically than the heavy one to the work imposed. One of the main deficiencies in the heavy rig equipment is inadequate pump capacity. Drilling Mud The increasing amount of deep drilling has emphasized the importance and relationship of good mud to efficient and suc-

Jan 1, 1944

By P. Dyas, H. Zouitt, D. M. Smith

"Falconbridge Copper's Lac Shortt gold mine is located in northern Quebec approximately 300 km northeast of Val D'Or and 100 km west of Chibougamau (Pig. 1). Engineering for the mill commenced in early 1983 with a feasibility study. The plant was commissioned in the fall of 1984 at a capital cost of approximately $12 million. Design capacity was 750 tpd which was increased in the fall of 1985 to the current level of 1200 tpd.The ore at Lac Shortt is free milling, grading an average of 5.5 g/t gold which is finely disseminated throughout the host rock. Pyrite at 3 to 5% by volume and traces of copper mineralization are also present.Some of the latest gold processing techniques known at the time of design were incorporated into the mill. These include carbon-in-pulp, pressure stripping, electrowinning of pregnant solution and induction furnace refining. The plant also features several innovations such as a unique interstage carbon retention screen in the CIP circuit and the outdoor location of the cyanidation feed thickener, mill solution tank and reagent storage silos despite -40° Celsius winter temperatures.This paper describes the current mill process and discusses some of the problems encountered during the first two years of the plant's operation. CRUSHINGThe Lac Shortt surface crushing facilities are located in a separate building, isolated from the wet processing circuits for dust and noise control reasons. The crushing plant equipment was originally utilized at the Manibridge operation in northern Manitoba where it had been designed to operate at 135 tph. However, at Lac Shortt a rate of only 80 tph has been achievable to date, mainly due to the hardness and frequently slabby breakage characteristics of the ore. Therefore, in order to meet fine ore requirements at the current mill throughput of 1200 tpd, the crushing circuit is run seven days a week. 24 hours a day. Availability has been averaging 65%."

Jan 1, 1987

By Keith Mayhew

Ante la alta demanda de cobre por el crecimiento urbano e industrial y para la construcción de infraestructuras, la industria del cobre necesita una solución para el desarrollo sustentable de los recursos minerales de cobre con alto contenido de arsénico. En ese sentido, Teck Resources Limited (Teck) y Aurubis AG (Aurubis) están trabajando juntas para desarrollar una tecnología que sea aceptable desde los puntos de vista regulatorio, medioambiental, social y económico. Por ello, el presente trabajo señala los resultados obtenidos por Teck-Aurubis conjuntamente, como consecuencia del programa técnico desarrollado desde 2010 para el tratamiento con éxito de concentrados de cobre con alto contenido de enargita usando la tecnología CESL.

Sep 12, 2011

By Jocelyn Bouchard, Claude Bazin, Sami Makni, Rolando Quispe

"Finely disseminated minerals in ores require intensive size reduction to achieve sufficient liberation for the subsequent concentration process. The use of small grinding media in conventional ball mills as a replacement for the usual 2.5 to 3.8 cm balls (1.0 to 1.5 in) produces a finer size distribution at a lower power drawn by the mill motor. However, the conditions ensuring a successful application of using small media for fine grinding are still not fully understood and some plants faced issues to keep the newly introduced steel charge inside the mill during industrial trials. The retention conditions of small media are investigated in this paper using a continuously operated 40 x 40 cm laboratory grinding mill. The tests assess the effect of the steel charge level, the slurry solids concentration and the feed rate on the rate of ejection of the grinding media. The dominant variable is found to be the filling of the mill with the grinding media, followed by the mill feed rate. Results show that increasing the slurry solids concentration within a grinding mill may be favorable for the retention of the media inside the mill.IntroductionProcessing of complex ores often requires the use of fine grinding to liberate finely disseminated minerals. Grinding requirements for a P80 of less than 0.02 mm are not uncommon, and different grinding mills are available for such application (Leonida, 2014; Pease et al., 2006; Davey, 2006; Orford et al., 2006; Nesset et al., 2006). Even conventional horizontal ball mills charged with of 2.5 cm or larger grinding media can be used for fine grinding. However, simulation (Orford and al., 2006) and plant observations (Alves and L-Bouchet, 2005; Brisette, 2010; Brisette and Roman, 2012) demonstrated the advantages of using smaller grinding media in terms of size reduction and energy consumption."

Jan 1, 2015

By B. Tiryaki

Longwall shearers usually suffer from excessive pick and pickholder consumptions and severe wear of the back plate of the clearance ring section of shearer drums. In practice, most of the drums were seen to be withdrawn from the face due to the abovementioned problems, while vane picks and their holders were intact due to the improper lacing design of the clearance ring picks. However, few underground investigations and their results on the effect of lacing arrangement of clearance picks on the service life of shearer drums have been published. Nevertheless, the pick consumption characteristics of shearer drums were not investigated in detail, since these are fewer pick consumptions with shearers when compared to roadheaders. This paper is concerned with the comprehensive in situ trials on the effect of lacing of clearance ring picks on the lifespan of shearer drums, and the pick consumption characteristics of longwall shearers at Cayirhan Coal Mine in Turkey. The lifespan of shearer drums employed with shearers in this mine increased 70 per cent, while the consumption rate of clearance ring picks decreased threefold through using an alternative lacing for clearance picks, indicating the significance of utilizing proper design techniques for clearance ring picks for the service life of shearer drums. Statistical analyses carried out, using the raw pick consumption data, implied that the clearance ring picks experienced much higher loads than vane picks, revealing that special attention must be paid to designing clearance ring picks. An average maximum consumption value of 41 was determined for clearance ring picks, with corner-cutting picks having the most replacements, while it was 35 for vane picks, on three-day based pick replacements.

Jan 1, 2004

By William J. Campbell

This report describes a Bureau of Mines study undertaken to determine the applications and limitations of solution techniques as a general method of fluorescent X-ray spectrographic analysis. Systematic errors due to variations in particle size, surface preparation, and sample inhomogeneity are eliminated by the use of solutions. The range of applicability of fluorescent X-ray spectrography is increased in two ways: (1) Samples in the form of wire, filings, turnings, etc., can be analyzed as solutions, and (2) samples submitted as solutions can be analyzed as received 0 The lower limit of detectability varies from 0.14 gram per liter for sulfur, atomic number 16, to 0.0015 gram per liter for strontium, atomic number 38. Most elements have limits of detectability between 0.02 and 0.002 gram per liter.

Jan 1, 1959

By K. Swedburg, M. Samuels

"The New Afton concentrator was commissioned in June 2012, reaching the design milling rate in September 2012. By late 2013, through a campaign of optimization and de-bottlenecking, it was recognized that the installed plant was capable of greatly exceeding the design throughput of 11,700 tpd. Because the value of the metal contained (by increasing the plant feed rate) exceeded the offsetting losses of copper and gold recovery (as the operation moved to a coarser grind), the concentrator feed rate was strategically increased with support of New Gold, while the operations team was given a mandate to evaluate, and then implement, flow sheet options that could re-establish the original design criterion grind target and achieve the corresponding improved recovery. Broadly, the two options implemented were the addition of a tertiary grinding stage consisting of Metso Vertimill® prior to rougher flotation (in order to address the grinding required at increasing throughput by increasing the power), and the addition of three Woodgrove Staged Flotation Reactors (SFR) added to the cleaner circuit after regrind of the rougher concentrate (to address the increased mineral loading to the cleaner circuit). Through test work, it was anticipated that the SFRs would be capable of achieving final concentrate grade in a single pass without the integration of recirculating loads, a strategy sometimes referred to pre-cleaning. This paper describes the expectations generated for the Woodgrove SFR unit operation through pilot plant testing on site, and compares those results with the performance of the expanded circuit that exceeded the original design criterion of P80 160 µm, which was commissioned in the second quarter of 2015.INTRODUCTIONThe New Afton concentrator, located near Kamloops, BC Canada, commenced operation in June 2012. The mill achieved the design throughput of 11,000 tonnes per day average during the month of September 2012 and, following various operational optimization efforts (O’Hara et al, 2015), achieved the design p80 grind size of 160 µm at the design milling rate in July 2013.During August 2013, trials were carried out to determine the throughput rate limits of the mill circuits and to evaluate mill metallurgical performance at higher rates. Milling rates up to 15,500 dmt per 24 hours were achieved during this trial, demonstrating potential capability for sustained milling rates exceeding the nominal design capacity. As was expected, the higher milling rates resulted in a coarsening of the grinding circuit product size, and resulted in marginally lower recoveries in the rougher flotation circuit. Despite the lower recoveries, the higher milling rates resulted in higher metal production and the financial analysis favored running at rates of at least 13,000 tonnes per operating day, with the higher cash flow in the near term offsetting the value of metal production loss at the end of the mine life (due to the short term increase in the rate of reserve depletion). Milling rates were sustained above 13,000 tonnes per day through the second half of 2013, and increased above 14,000 tonnes per day by mid-2014 (Figure 1)."

Jan 1, 2016

In March 1990, Heritage Mining conducted a 2000 line km high resolution aeromagnetic survey of all its prospects in the Coromandel Peninsula. One of the areas covered was the Onemana Peninsula, situated about 5 km north of Whangamata. Details of location and geology are given by Robson and Stevens (this volume).   The detailed helicopter-borne magnetic and radiometric survey over the Onemana area consisted of 163 line kmÆs of flying, and was carried out in order to assist in the definition of hydrothermal alteration and pre- or post- mineralisation structures. The line spacing chosen was 100 m, flown east-west, with a mean sensor terrain clearance of 80 m. Tie lines were flown north-south every kilometre for levelling purposes. The sensor was a Geoinstruments G-813 proton precession magnetometer in a towed bird, with data recorded using a Geoinstruments G-2000 acquisition system.   The Onemana alteration system is at the northern end of a major north-north east trending structural corridor defined by regional aeromagnetic surveys performed by AMOCO in 1980 (Rabone, 1991). T his structure hosts a number of other extinct hydrothermal systems including Karangahake and Golden Cross. In the Onemana contour plot the predominant north-northeast structures form the boundaries of a large area of subdued magnetism in the southern part of the surveyed area that is caused by intense hydrothermal alteration. This area is about 3.5 km long by 1 km or more wide and contains outcropping sinters and hydrothermal eruption breccias, as described in Robson and Stevens. A number of other structures transect this alteration zone, with strike directions ranging from northwest to north. A northwest feature notably truncates the zone to the south, while the northern end seems to be simi1arly bounded; however as data coverage ends at the coast, this feature is less conclusive.    Two distinctive types of strongly magnetic rock were discernible the contoured data. The strong negative magnetic anomalies the north and west are caused by fresh negatively magnetised rhyolites. This was confirmed by ground follow-up work that showed the rocks to be fresh biotite rhyolites with high magnetic susceptibilities.

Jan 1, 1991

Local conditions at Hatches Creek are described, together with the mineralogy, mining and treatment of tungsten ores, with particular reference to procedures adopted by Pimer Mines, N.L.The Hatches Creek tungsten field covers an area of about 20 square miles in: Central Australia; 285 miles' N.E. of Alice Springs. Access is by rail to Alice Springs, then by 200 miles of bitumen highway to Barlo Creek and 8,5, miles of bush track to the field. Passengers can also reach the mines by... A semi-desert climate prevails Rain; generally in the form of thunderstorms falls in the summer months: December to March. Average annual rainfall is approximately 15 inches but there is great variation from year to year, occasional droughts being followed by torrential downpours. Vegetation is sparse except in the wide creek beds. Surface water occurs in rock holes some of which, spaced miles apart, carry permanent water...

Jan 1, 1955

By M. Buxton

Sensor derived data can add value across the mining operating chain ranging from resource definition, extraction, pre ? concentration, mineral process monitoring and assessment of product quality. Most documented studies on the use of sensors in mining focus on specific technologies for specific applications. These studies do not take into account different aims, objectives and operating conditions at different steps in the value chain. The first part of this contribution assesses key physical performance and discriminatory requirements of sensors applied in each portion of the mining value chain. The second part proposes a framework of methods for quantifying the value added by additional sensor information. Integrating the sensor based technology and the economic value quantification allows for both, designing an economically optimal sensor monitoring network along the whole mining value chain and optimizing efficiencies. Illustrative studies demonstrate the significant economic benefits, in particular in reduction of exploration expenditures, increase in extraction efficiencies, increase in ore product quality and improvement of processing efficiencies.

Feb 27, 2013

By G. S. S. Raman, M. S. Klima

Coal refuse slurries stored in tailings impoundments can potentially lead to environmental concerns such as effluent seepage, property devaluation, and in extreme cases, dam failures. Pressure filtration offers an opportunity to reduce the impoundment requirements by providing significantly drier solids. A full-factorial design was used to study the effects of temperature and pH on dewatering a refuse slurry obtained from a coal preparation facility in Pennsylvania, USA. The experimental results indicated a strong effect of temperature on cake moisture as the cake moisture after about 2800 s was 22% at 43 °C and only 36% at 10 °C for tests conducted at pH 3. ANOVA results confirmed the statistical significance of pH, temperature, and their interaction effect. Also, the results showed no significant differences between the tests conducted near neutral and alkaline pH values at low and ambient temperatures. On the other hand, Tukey's test indicated higher reductions in cake moisture at higher temperatures for lower pH values. This study affirms the need to monitor and control the pressure filtration process as throughput could significantly vary with changes in temperature and slurry conditions.

Jun 17, 2019

By G. S. S. Raman, M. S. Klima

Coal refuse slurries stored in tailings impoundments can potentially lead to environmental concerns such as effluent seepage, property devaluation, and in extreme cases, dam failures. Pressure filtration offers an opportunity to reduce the impoundment requirements by providing significantly drier solids. A full-factorial design was used to study the effects of temperature and pH on dewatering a refuse slurry obtained from a coal preparation facility in Pennsylvania, USA. The experimental results indicated a strong effect of temperature on cake moisture as the cake moisture after about 2800 s was 22% at 43 °C and only 36% at 10 °C for tests conducted at pH 3. ANOVA results confirmed the statistical significance of pH, temperature, and their interaction effect. Also, the results showed no significant differences between the tests conducted near neutral and alkaline pH values at low and ambient temperatures. On the other hand, Tukey’s test indicated higher reductions in cake moisture at higher temperatures for lower pH values. This study affirms the need to monitor and control the pressure filtration process as throughput could significantly vary with changes in temperature and slurry conditions.

By David L. Borusiewicz, M. Suri Surendra

"Abstract Helical piles have been used as anchors and for supporting lightly loaded structures as a method of underpinning, etc in the past. Recently, helical piles are being used to support new structures because of their simple installation process using relatively light and mobile equipment. This paper presents the results of evaluation and design performed for the temporary support of existing piers during a bridge rehabilitation project.INTRODUCTIONThe helical screw foundation was invented and patented by Alexander Mitchell in England in 1833. He installed screw piles to support lighthouses in the tidal basins of England. Many applications in the earlier years in the USA were in North Carolina and in Florida to support lighthouses (in coastal plain deposits). A lighthouse of similar foundation design is still in use at Key Biscayne, Florida.In the USA, the helical piles were reintroduced as foundation elements for electrical transmission towers. Helical piles were also used for anchoring guys of self supported towers and as tie-backs for excavation support systems. Typically, helical piles are being used for supporting lightly loaded buildings and for underpinning buildings undergoing distress as a means of remediation. The helical piles are not commonly used in the transportation industry.HELICAL PILESHelical pile is a segmented deep foundation system with helical bearing plates welded to a central steel shaft. Load is transferred from the shaft to the soil through these bearing plates. Central steel shafts are available in either a square shaft (Type SS) or a round shaft (Type RS). The Type SS series are available in 38 mm to 57 mm square sizes. The Type RS series are available in 73 mm to 114 mm diameter sizes. Type SS-RS combinations are also available for compression applications in soil conditions where dense/hard soils must be penetrated with softer/loose soils above the bearing strata.The leading segment consists of a shaft with one or more helical plates that are welded to the shaft. The plates vary in diameter from 203 mm to 355.5 mm and have a thickness of 9.5 mm or 13.7 mm. Typically the plate diameter increases from the bottom of the shaft upward. A helical bearing plate or helix is one pitch of a screw thread. All helices, regardless of their diameter, have a standard 76 mm pitch. Being a true helical shape, the helices do not auger into the soil but rather screw into it with minimal soil disturbance. Helical plates are generally spaced a distance of two to three times the diameter of the plate directly below in order for them to function independently as individual bearing elements. A typical detail of helical pile is shown on Figure 1."

Jan 1, 2014

By G. S. S. Raman, M. S. Klima

Coal refuse slurries stored in tailings impoundments can potentially lead to environmental concerns such as effluent seepage, property devaluation, and in extreme cases, dam failures. Pressure filtration offers an opportunity to reduce the impoundment requirements by providing significantly drier solids. A full-factorial design was used to study the effects of temperature and pH on dewatering a refuse slurry obtained from a coal preparation facility in Pennsylvania, USA. The experimental results indicated a strong effect of temperature on cake moisture as the cake moisture after about 2800 s was 22% at 43 °C and only 36% at 10 °C for tests conducted at pH 3. ANOVA results confirmed the statistical significance of pH, temperature, and their interaction effect. Also, the results showed no significant differences between the tests conducted near neutral and alkaline pH values at low and ambient temperatures. On the other hand, Tukey’s test indicated higher reductions in cake moisture at higher temperatures for lower pH values. This study affirms the need to monitor and control the pressure filtration process as throughput could significantly vary with changes in temperature and slurry conditions.

By M. M. Tilman

Etchants containing hexavalent chromium and sulfuric acid are used in a variety of surface-finishing operations. When the resultant spent solutions are discarded, substantial quantities of chromium are lost and pollution prob¬lems are created. To minimize the undesirable environmental effects while improving metal and minerals recycling technology, the Bureau of Mines is con¬ducting research on a method for the economic inplant recycling of these waste etchants. Trivalent chromium, produced when the etchant reacts with a substrate, is oxidized in the anode chamber of a diaphragm cell; other metals, dissolved during the etching operation, are transferred to the catholyte. When waste brass etchants are treated in this manner, all of the trivalent chromium is oxidized and more than 40 percent of the copper and zinc is removed. Similar copper removal and chromium oxidation are achieved with waste printed circuit board etchants and rinse waters from plastic etching operations. The electrical energy needed to regenerate 1 kg sodium dichromate is less than 9 kwhr. Regenerated brass etchants evaluated by two companies equaled or exceeded the performance of fresh etchants.

Jan 1, 1979

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of a filtered air delivery system to reduce respirable dust exposure to roof bolter operators in underground coal mines. When performing roof bolting operations, roof bolter operators may experience exposure to high levels of respirable dust during a working shift, especially when working downwind of the continuous mining machine. While drilling and installing roof bolts, this filtered air system supplies a clean curtain of air over the roof bolter operator by means of a plenum mounted beneath the canopy. This experimentally designed air curtain, adapted for roof bolting machines used in this study, is based upon previous design prototypes, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and trial-and-error testing. Both prototype and final designs were tested in the full-scale mining galleries at the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) in Pittsburgh before being taken underground for field testing. Test results of the system in both laboratory and field studies show reductions in operator exposure to respirable dust when the operator is positioned directly under the protected zone of the canopy.

Jan 1, 2012

The reduction of zinc from slags by a molten, carbon-saturated bath was examined in a laboratory study under conditions of continuous slag feeding. The results show that it is possible to reduce the bulk of the zinc from the slag before there is a net reduction of iron. However, the recovery of zinc was not as high as in batch tests performed in an earlier study. Lead in the slag was reduced simultaneously with the zinc to very low levels and was volatilised. Copper in the slag was reduced and dissolved in the alloy. An attempt was made to identify potentially commercial ways of treating zinc slags using an iron bath. The approaches that appear to have the greatest potential are reduction in a batch process using electrical heating and reduction in a continuous process with co- or countercurrent flow of the slag and alloy. In the latter the alloy would be prepared in a separate furnace before being contacted with the slag. The purpose of this would be to superheat and carburise the alloy so that no additional heat or reductant would have to be supplied in the slag-alloy reactor

Jul 1, 1991

By Nicol S. K, Firth B. A

Much effort over the years has been put into the task of devising parameters which adequately assess the metallurgical efficiency of mineral processmg operations. One of the most celebrated of these methods is the so-called "release analysis" method of Dell (1953) which tackles the problem in terms of an ideal separation based on sequential retreatment of the products and tails of a given separation process. Other methods have also been proposed by Jowett (1969) and by Holland-Batt (1971 ). While these procedures are appropriate to multi-component mineralogical separations, they perhaps do not lend themselves to the much more simple two-component systems encountered in coal preparation. However Dell (1962) has suggested the use of the term "specific profit" in coal preparation in order to assess the conditions that give maximum economic gain. Specific profit is derived from data relating washability data with equipment performance and operating costs. The procedure for using this criterion for comparative purposes is therefore somewhat cumbersome as is illustrated by its lack of widespread acceptance in the coal preparation literature.In contrast, an efficiency index, E, which is both simple and meaningful from the utilitarian standpoint, has been proposed by Tsiperovich and Evtushenko (1959a). This index is defined by the relation, E = Yield X Tailings ash/Product ash (1) A cursory examination of this parameter shows that it increases when yield and tailings ash increase and also when product ash decreases; all of which are desirable circumstances in coal cleaning operations.Further, it will be shown that slight variations in operation are amplified by this function which makes comparisons simple and direct.While the use of this index is quite extensive in the Soviet coal preparation literature for some reason it has not received wide usag~ elsewhere.

Jan 1, 1978