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By R. T. Jones

DC arc furnaces are widely used for steel scrap melting as well as for reductive smelting of ore fines. Industrial smelting applications include the smelting of chromite to produce ferrochromium, the smelting of ilmenite to produce titania slag and pig iron, and the recovery of cobalt from nonferrous smelter slags. A number of myths and misconceptions are widely held, especially regarding: the age of the technology, the use of a hollow electrode, arc stability and shape, arc and bath radiation, interaction between the arc and molten slag, electrical behaviour of arcs and slags, a comparison between AC and DC furnaces, DC reactors, the lifespan of bottom electrodes, and the applicability of DC arc furnaces to various metallurgical systems.

Jan 1, 2011

By Rafaela Pacheco Malvão dos Santos

O enxofre no aço é, normalmente, um residual indesejável, afetando negativamente propriedades como ductilidade tenacidade, conformabilidade, soldabilidade e resistência à corrosão. Desde os anos 1970 a prática mais comum é dessulfurar o gusa fora dos altos-fornos, evitando, sempre que possível, a dessulfuração do aço em forno panela. Isto permite vazamento de gusa com teores de enxofre mais elevados do alto-forno, reduzindo os custos de produção desde reator. Termodinamicamente, a dessulfuração do gusa é favorável, devido as condições redutoras e a interação do enxofre com o carbono. Operacionalmente, o gusa pode ser dessulfurado em carros torpedos ou em panelas de transferência, através da adição de diversos reagentes. Para controlar o processo de dessulfuração é necessário conhecer a cinética do processo. Este trabalho descreve estudos iniciais para a melhoria do modelo de controle da dessulfuração em carro torpedo na CSN através da injeção de carbureto de cálcio em pó.

Aug 16, 2017

By Marcelo Xavier Gonçalves, Rodrigo Jorge dos Santos Arruda, Sergio da Cunha Motta

Em busca de uma solução para a mitigação dos riscos aos quais os empregados da empresa Sepetiba Tecon S/A ficam expostos, redução dos custos, eliminação do consumo de madeira e da utilização do brometo de metila (substância que agride a camada de ozônio, utilizada no processo de tratamento da madeira para exportação), buscou-se inovar o processo de peação de bobinas com eixo horizontal e vertical até 13 toneladas, dando continuidade ao processo iniciado em 2017. Para isso, foi elaborado o projeto que substituiu toda a madeira utilizada na peação (travamento da carga) por cintas com filamentos de poliéster de alta tenacidade e polipropileno homopolímero, tornando o processo sustentável, seguro e mais eficiente.

Oct 1, 2019

By Maria Veronilda Macedo Souto

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a síntese do carbeto de nióbio e cobre Cu-NbC nanoestruturados e análise por DRX e refinamento Rietveld. A síntese foi realizada através de reação heterogênea a baixa temperatura (1.000°C) e curto tempo de reação (2 horas). O carbeto de nióbio foi produzido com 5% de cobre. O material obtido foi caracterizados através dos ensaios de Difração de Raios- X (DRX) e Refinamento Rietveld. A partir das análises de DRX e do refinamento Reitiveld, observou-se a formação do carbeto de nióbio e cobre puro com estrutura cúbica e tamanho de cristalito de 34,97 nm para o Cu-NbC, concluindo que o composto é nanomêtrico.

Aug 7, 2018

By R. Al-Hent, M. Aissa, J. Asfahani

"This paper focuses on determining the favorable geological and hydrogeological conditions for forming uranium occurrences in the Froqlos-Jabal Abou Rabah region, Palmyrides, Syria. Eighty rock samples from this area were analyzed by spectrometric gamma-ray technique to determine the radioactive concentrations of eU and eTh, and of %K. Uranium concentrations in shallow and deep groundwaters were also determined. High uranium concentrations were registered owing to the presence of phosphatic outcrops in the study region. The uranium migration trends and its remobilization were analyzed through the analysis of the behavior of eU, eTh, and their ratio. A positive relationship between eU and eU/eTh, and a negative relationship between eTh and eU/eTh in geological formations of different ages supports the secondary remobilization of uranium. The role of groundwater movement in transportation and redeposition of uranium mineralization is discussed: deep waters are less oxidizing than near-surface waters, and do not appear to have significantly remobilized uranium. This indicates that the source of secondary uranium mineralization is surficial or near surficial, and is mainly related to the leaching of outcropping phosphatic layers.Integration of the results with established radioactive and geological sections reveals four radioactive anomalous zones: north Froqlos, Kherbet Hannora, northwestern flanks of Jabal Abou Rabah (Kherbet Al-Hajar), and the northwestern limit of the Ghuntor depression. The high uranium concentration in north Froqlos is because of its original presence in the phosphate beds and extensive fracturing, which allows groundwaters to penetrate and remobilize the uranium. High uranium concentrations in the other three locations are caused by the presence of evaporites and capillary action, which draws solutions upwards and causes redeposition as surface crusts (gypcrete)."

Jan 1, 2009

By Zhongwei Wang, Dong Wang, Feng Ju

The coal seam in the southern coal field of the Ordos Basin serves as the main aquifer, while the region is known for its high-intensity coal mining activities. The coupling effect of mine water and the strong disturbance caused by high-intensity mining have brought serious challenges to the stability of coal pillars. To address this, a formula for determining the reasonable width of coal pillars under the aforementioned coupling effect and establish a criterion for coal pillar instability in this paper. A case study was on the 11,215 working face at the Xiaojihan coal mine in the area to investigate coal pillar stability. Results indicate that the strength and stability of the coal pillar are affected by the water content, with a small water content increasing its strength and large water content weakening it. In high-intensity exploration of watery coal seams, the best stability of the coal pillar is achieved at optimal water content and mining rates. For the Xiaojihan coal mine, the optimum water content and mining rate are 3.31% and 20 m/d, respectively, ensuring the efficient mining of watery coal seams. Furthermore, this study's findings can provide valuable references for the mining design of coal mines with similar geological conditions in the region.

Feb 13, 2024

By J. Searra, M. Aboagye

"For new mining projects or for medium- to long-term areas of existing mines, drilling data is invariably on a relatively large grid. Direct estimates for selective mining units (SMUs), and also for much larger block units, will then be smoothed due to the information effects and the high error variance.The difficulty is that ultimately, during mining, selection will be done on the basis of SMUs on the final close-spaced data grid (grade control), which will then be available, i.e. the actual selection will be more efficient, with fewer misclassifications. However, this ultimate mining position is unknown at the project feasibility stage and therefore has to be estimated. This estimation is required because any cash flow calculations made on the basis of the smoothed estimates will obviously misrepresent the overall economic value of the project, i.e. the average grade of blocks above cut-off will be underestimated and the tonnage overestimated for cut-off grades below the average grade of the orebody. Similarly, unsmoothed estimates will be conditionally biased and will give even worse results, particularly in local areas of short- and medium-term planning or mining.This paper presents a case study of indirect post-processing and proportional modelling of recoverable resources designed for mediumand long-term mine planning at the Gold Fields’ Tarkwa Mine in Ghana. The case study compares long-term indirect recoverable mineral resource estimates based on typical widely spaced feasibility data to the corresponding production grade control model as well as the mine production. The paper also proposes certain critical regression slope and kriging efficiency control limits to avoid inefficient medium- to longterm recoverable estimates, and highlights the danger of accepting block estimates that have a slope of regression less than 0.5."

Jan 1, 2015

By Ranieri Corrêa Salazar

Essa contribuição técnica mostra a evolução do processo da Linha de Recozimento Contínuo de Chapas (LRCC#1) da Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN), na produção de laminados a frio sem revestimento para o segmento de mercado de tambores. A CSN vinha ao longo do tempo perdendo esse mercado devido principalmente a problemas de qualidade, como oxidação quando realizava a laminação de encruamento seca e, por outro lado quando processava o material com laminação de encruamento com óleo protetivo, ocorria no processo do cliente de cura a incompatibilidade com a tinta e vernizes nas aplicações mais críticas como acondicionamento alimentício, farmacêuticos e outros, cujos requisitos de qualidade rigorosos são exigidos contra qualquer tipo de contaminação. Desenvolveu-se um produto que associado ao controle de sua quantidade e a microgeometria da superfície da tira, resultou na lubricidade necessária para a continuidade operacional e atendeu aos requisitos de qualidade desejados.

Jul 30, 2018

By Rodrigo Alberto Moreira Gomes

Para a purificação do níquel laterítico explorado na mina localizada em Niquelândia/GO, pela Votorantim Metais Níquel (VMN), utiliza-se solução amoniacal durante a etapa de lixiviação do minério, seguindo a rota hidrometalúrgica de produção. A amônia é recuperada em torres de destilação por arraste com vapor vivo, para ser reutilizada em um novo ciclo de produção. Este trabalho apresenta a aplicação de uma tecnologia baseada em lógica Fuzzy no conjunto de 6 torres de recuperação de amônia, com o objetivo de controlar as alimentações de solução a ser purificada e de vapor. A plataforma de controle avançado utilizada, Leaf, foi desenvolvida pela I.Systems Automação Industrial, empresa localizada em Campinas/SP, e não necessita da criação de modelos matemáticos fenomenológicos para geração e sintonia dos controladores. Com a automatização da operação das torres, o consumo de vapor da unidade foi reduzido em 3,5% e a intervenção manual foi reduzida.

Sep 25, 2017

By Mike Trovant, Stavros A. Argyropoulos

"A fixed grid numerical model for phase change problems is proposed. The model solves for heat transfer and fluid flow, via the coupled solution of the energy, continuity and momentum equations. In addition, the numerical scheme accounts for temperature varying thermophysical properties and determines the shrinkage profile resulting from phase and density change. Simulations are run to determine the effect of varying model parameters and wall cooling rates on the location and shape of the shrinkage void formation in cylindrical casts. Results are shown for both aluminum and magnesium.IntroductionThe mathematical modeling of phase change processes (be they solidification or melting problems) entails solving for many interrelated phenomena. A comprehensive numerical simulation of the casting of a metal, for example, would have to account for: (a) heat transfer in both the solid and liquid portions of the metal and in the mold, (b) the release of latent heat during phase change, (c) fluid flow behavior in the liquid portion of the metal, (d) temperature induced shrinkage caused by liquid contraction and solidification contraction, and (e) the development of thermal stresses with accompanying shrinkage in the solid portion of the cast and mold. A schematic of the relationships that exist between the coupled equations which govern solidification is shown in Figure 1."

Jan 1, 1994

By Paulo Ricardo Bastos de Queiroz

Após estudo realizado, verificou-se que a CSP - Companhia Siderúrgica do Pecém, possuía alta vulnerabilidade às oscilações de frequência, sejam elas oriundas de falhas nas unidades geradoras ou problemas nas linhas de transmissão que compõem o SIN (Sistema Interligado Nacional), onde tais perturbações poderiam provocar desde a parada total da planta a danos irreversíveis em equipamentos como motores síncronos. Com base nesse estudo, foi implantado um sistema automatizado e de rápida resposta capaz de diminuir ou eliminar todos os efeitos provocados por tais distúrbios, atuando de forma dinâmica e coordenada com o cenário energético ao qual a planta siderúrgica encontra-se no momento do evento. Dentre os ganhos apontados em estudo, destaca-se a confiabilidade de se ter um sistema de distribuição de energia em uma usina siderúrgica capaz de assegurar a continuidade do processo ou em piores casos proporcionar uma parada emergencial com total segurança.

Oct 30, 2017

By Carlos Bruno Eckstein, Cayo Vinicius da Silva Lima, Gabriela Ribeiro Pereira, Thiago Tôrres Matta Neves, Clara Johanna Pacheco, Laudemiro Nogueira Junior, Luiz Henrique de Almeida

Aços austeníticos HP atualmente são os materiais utilizados em tubos de fornos de reforma a vapor devido as suas propriedades superiores a altas temperaturas de operação. Por causa da exposição a ambientes oxidantes durante o serviço, na parede externa dos tubos é formada uma complexa camada de diferentes óxidos e, adjacente a esta, se forma região empobrecida de cromo. A presença de uma resposta magnética nesta região influencia diretamente o desenvolvimento de fermentas de inspeção não destrutiva para avaliação magnética da evolução microestrutural em fornos de reforma a vapor. Para caracterizar a resposta magnética desta camada transformada, foi utilizada uma amostra com estado de envelhecimento V utilizando-se a técnica de microscopia Kerr. Foram realizadas análises qualitativas por meio de imagens e análises quantitativas através do levantamento da curva de histerese. Os resultados permitiram identificar regiões com domínios magnéticos e correlacionar o seu comportamento com o valor do campo magnético aplicado.

Oct 29, 2019

By Cristiano Pedro de Souza

A Vallourec Tubos do Brasil (VBR) possui em sua instalação uma usina Termelétrica (UTE), que utiliza os gases gerados nos altos fornos como combustível principal e gás natural como back-up. A UTE contribui para eficiência energética com a utilização dos gases excedentes dos altos fornos, além de exercer a função de "No-Break" suprindo a energia elétrica para as cargas críticas, como altos fornos e Lingotamento Contínuo, em caso de falha da concessionária local de energia elétrica, a Cemig. A distribuição de energia para as cargas críticas opera com a UTE sincronizada com a rede da concessionária complementando a demanda de energia das cargas excedentes a geração. Para evitar o desequilíbrio entre geração e a demanda das cargas críticas, foi implantado um sistema automático de rejeição de cargas, que seleciona as cargas prioritárias e as mantêm em funcionamento, em caso de falha na distribuição da concessionária.

Jul 31, 2018

By A. Mitura

The paper presents the initial investigation of possible energetic applications of chosen wastes from groups: 06, 03, 05 and 01, including coal slimes being secondary product of hard coal processing. These categories of wastes are catalogued according to the polish law, where 06 ? wastes from production, preparation, purchasing and application of products of non-organic chemistry; 03 ? wastes from wood processing and from plates and furniture, celluloid mass, paper and card board production; 13 ? oil wastes and wastes from liquid fuels; 01 ? wastes produced by searching, extracting, physical and chemical processing of ores and other mineral raw materials. The change of combustion heat value was evaluated in produced energetic mixtures containing these types of wastes together with the change of their individual components. All combinations of ingredients were taken into consideration giving 256 various mixtures, from which 36 were selected to investigation. This allowed the performance of statistical factor analysis. For such prepared materials the application of regressive method was proposed in purpose of calculating combustion heat value and then the comparison of empirically determined and theoretically calculated heat values was performed. The change of regressive coefficients can be determined by the nature of Hess law (eq. 1) what was investigated and the attempt of its explication and validation was done.

Aug 1, 2013

By A. B. Hooker, L. C. IlsLey

"Observation of the use of trailing cables in ""mines shows that the chief limiting factor in the life of the cables and their safe use is the smashing or crushing of the cables in service, together with the effects of consequent splicing.Trailing cables are crushed when run over by cars, mining machines; and locomotives or when hit by falls of roof. Crushing damages the insulation and may cause failure at once or in later use. Failure may be either by short circuit between the conductors or by grounding to the track. The failure of a live cable causes electric arcs capable of igniting explosive mixtures of methane and air. Every cable failure in a gassy or dusty mine is, therefore, a real or potential hazard.Some mine operators do not allow the splicing of trailing cables for use in gassy mines, bet require that a damaged cable be immediately replaced and if repaired that it be used only in nongassy mines. Other operators allow the making of temporary splices to permit completion of the shift but require that such splices be remade and vulcanized before the cable is used again.Still other operators allow the continued use of temporary splices, which in general means that a cable is used until the splices give trouble in reeling, or overheat, or pull apart. Then the spliced sections are either cut out or the whole cable is replaced.Splices often determine the useful life of a cable. A splice poorly made may pull apart ueder mechanical strain and cause arcing that burn* the surrounding cable or ignites as or coal-dust. If it has lower conductivity a splice is the first part of the cable to heat; it may become so hot under load that it will burn apart and damage other parts of the cable, or, if it be a soldered splice, the solder may melt and allow parting of the cable. A poorly made splice often has insufficient insulation which may alloy short-circuiting between conductors or permit external contacts capable of giving an electric shock to one handling the cable. The splice is sometimes bulky from too much insulation and takes up too much room on the reel, causing uneven reeling; also by catching on the spooling device the oversized splice may receive expressive pulls and wear. Splicing is therefore a very important factor in the use of trailing cables."

Mar 1, 1932

By Gary P. Sames

The Bureau of Mines recently initiated a study of geologic features that contribute to roof instability in western U.S. underground coal mines. The purpose of the study is to provide information for use in ground control planning and safety hazard reduction in that region, where mining activity has been increasing. Hazardous geologic conditions were surveyed in selected underground coal mines in Utah and Colorado, and both depositional and structural features were identified as potential ground hazards. Although the conditions found do not differ in kind from hazardous geologic conditions in the Eastern United States, they do differ in intensity of occurrence and relative importance. Three depositional features dominate where unstable roof occurs in western underground coal mines: paleochannel deposits, crevasse splay deposits, and flood basin deposits. Three structural features identified as hazardous, but not so widespread or common as the depositional hazards, are faulting, jointing, and igneous intrusions. This survey establishes a foundation for future studies aimed at reducing and preventing ground control accidents in western coal mines.

Jan 1, 1988

By Claudeir Carvalho Silveira

A necessidade da indústria automobilística de redução de peso, desenvolvimento de designs arrojados e aumento da resistência a corrosão dos automóveis obrigou as indústrias siderúrgicas a produzirem aços galvanizados de alta resistência. Entretanto, para que haja este desenvolvimento é necessário maior conhecimento do comportamento dos revestimentos galvanizados quando submetidos a processos de estampagem. Desgastes da superfície galvanizada, formação de pós, redução da resistência a corrosão e atrito das superfícies são aspectos importantes a considerar no projeto do ferramental de estampagem. Este trabalho teve, portanto, como objetivo a avaliação do efeito dos revestimentos Galvanizing e Galvannealed no coeficiente de atrito de um aço Dual Phase 600. Para avaliação do coeficiente de atrito foi utilizado um tribômetro de ferramenta plana que simula o atrito na estampagem de peças. O trabalho apresenta ainda a caracterização microestrutural do revestimento realizada por microscopia ótica (MO) e eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva (EDS). Para avaliação das propriedades do substrato e do revestimento foram utilizadas também medidas de Microdureza. Após a realização dos ensaios, foi caracterizada ainda a evolução dos revestimentos após desgaste promovido pelo tribômetro de ferramenta plana e a identificação e caracterização do fenômeno de stick-slip.

Aug 8, 2018

By André de Albuquerque Vicente

Foram estudadas as cinéticas de oxidação a altas temperaturas ao ar de um aço inoxidável austenítico laminado e de quatro juntas soldadas produzidas através do processo MIG/MAG com diferentes gases de proteção, dentro de um projeto que visava estudar o comportamento de juntas soldadas de aços inoxidáveis austeníticos a altas temperaturas. Utilizou-se o metal base 253MA, o consumível de soldagem 22.12.HT e diferentes concentrações de gases de proteção: 100% Ar, Ar + 2% CO2, Ar +4% CO2 e Ar + 20% CO2. Para cada mistura gasosa, foi soldado um corpo de prova. Observou-se aumento no teor de carbono e consequente diminuição da resistência à oxidação a altas temperaturas ao ar nas juntas soldadas com gases de proteção com maiores concentrações de CO2.

Aug 17, 2017

Development of Underground Gold Processing Plants Underground gold processing plants have potential advantages over traditional surface installations related to a smaller environmental footprint, reduced capital and mining costs, improved security and increased value of the product delivered to surface. The concept of processing gold ores on the surface is the traditional paradigm. A process of pre-concentration of ore underground is likely to result in a major shift in operating costs. In particular, run of mine ore or a large proportion of it will not need to be transported to the surface. As a result, environmental and financial benefits are likely. Underground plants are likely to be pre-concentration systems where the process product is a high-grade concentrate and tailings for stope backfill. Units will be either static or modular. Concentration methods will be gravity and/or flotation or leach based. This paper discusses the development underground gold plants from early concept, through to the world's first operational unit, a newly commissioned unit and the technical basis of a fully modular system.

Sep 13, 2010

By A. R. Farkoosh, K. Korgiopoulos, McGill University, O. Rodop, L. A. Villegas Armenta

"New generation of Al-Mg-Si alloys with thermally stable dispersoids that prevent recrystallization and grain growth during hot deformation are currently used in automotive components requiring good formability. Alloy chemistry controls the phase formation especially age-hardening precipitates, dispersoids, and primary intermetallic which have pronounced effect on grain structure, strength and formability. In this work, thermodynamic calculations have been used to predict the effects of varying levels of Si (0.5-1.5wt%), Mg (0.5-1.5wt%) and Mn (0.1-2.5wt%) on phase selection. Thermodynamic calculations have been performed in equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions via the FactSage™ software using the FTlite database. Selected compositions have been cast, heat treated, extruded and characterized through scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron channeling contrast imaging techniques. The calculations showed that at the hot deformation temperature of ~540 oC, exceeding certain Mg and Si levels would lead to retained *-Mg2Si intermetallics and Si particles at the grain boundaries in addition to a-Al-(Mn,Fe)-Si. It was found that retained *-Mg2Si phase which adversely affects formability can be avoided for Si+2Mg levels lower than 2.3wt%. FactSage calculations also showed that increasing Mn from 0.5wt% to 1wt% leads to an increase in the amount of dispersoids (from 1wt% to 2wt%) that can potentially slow down recrystallization and grain growth during hot deformation and improve formability. Calculations at room temperature also show that for an alloy with 0.7wt% Mg, excess Si beyond 0.7 wt% promotes the precipitation of Si clusters in the Al matrix that accelerate natural age-hardening. Results were confirmed by experimental investigation.INTRODUCTIONAluminum alloy 6082 (Al-Mg-Si) is used in the automotive industry because of its high strength, and good weldability (I. J. Polmear, 2006). The alloy is age-hardenable through the precipitation of ß-Mg2Si and its precursors, and the recrystallization is usually inhibited by Mn- and Cr-containing dispersoids formed through high temperature heat treatments (I. Polmear & Couper, 1988). However, it is known that minor changes in alloy chemistry (Mg/Si ratio) can have significant influences on the ductility and formability of these alloys by altering phase selection and the resultant microstructure (Gupta, Lloyd, & Court, 2001; McQueen & Celliers, 1997; Zajac, Hutchinson, Johansson, & Gullman, 1994). For automotive applications where wrought alloys (usually extrusions) are cold-formed to produce suspension components, the chemistry of the alloys and the extruded structure are of crucial importance as they determine the formability at room temperature (Asensio-Lozano, Suárez-Peña, & Vander Voort, 2014). In this study, thermodynamic calculations along with experimental investigations were carried out on the Al-Mg-Si system to understand their phase formation and precipitation hardening as a function of alloy composition."

Jan 1, 2016