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By Chiranjibi Santi, Amit Kumar Gorai, VIVEK KUMAR HIMANSHU

Air overpressure (AOp) and peak particle velocity (PPV) are the most undesirable effects of blasting in mines. It is an urgent need to design a predictor model for AOp and PPV for universal applications to minimize environmental effects and damages that occur due to blasting. The present study attempts to design an artificial neural network (ANN) model for the prediction of AOp and PPV in different conditions. In this study, the blast design parameters (number of holes, depth of the blast hole, stemming length, spacing, burden, distance of vibration monitoring location from the blast site, charge weight per delay) of two active mines (coal and iron ore) are considered in four different conditions for training and testing of the model for the prediction of AOp and PPV. The model was trained and tested in four different combinations of data (trained using data of one mine and tested using data of another mine, trained and tested using data of coal mine, trained and tested using data of an iron ore mine, trained and tested using combined data of both the mines) for examining the applicability in different conditions. The results indicate that R2 values are ranged from 0.886 to 0.908 and 0.8728 to 0.8959, respectively, in the prediction of PPV and AOp. A comparative study of the performances of the developed model with the other empirical model is also demonstrated. For this, the site constants of different empirical models were estimated individually for both the mines. The study results indicated that the ANN model performs much better than all the empirical models. It can be inferred from the results that blast vibration cannot be accurately predicted only from charge per delay and distance from the blast hole. The ANN model was considered many other factors and thus can predict the vibration level more accurately.

Jul 30, 2021

By M. C. Flemings, F. R. Mollard

Two-phase Pb-Sn alloys, ranging in compositiotz from 12 to 26 at. pct Pb, were unidirectionally solidified in a convection-fvee system, with thermal gradients in the liquid of up to 480°C per cm. Plane front solidification Loas achieved in all alloys at sufficiently steep gradient and slow growth rate. Conditions causing breakdown of the interface to a cellular or dendritic structure were roughly as predicted by a sinlple constitutional supercooling criterion. Structures of alloys of near-eutectic composition, solidified with plane front, exhibited a lamellar structure; the alloys furthest from the eutectic exhibited a rod-like morphology. Assumptions used in a previous paper for calculations of solute redistribution in two-phase plane front growth are shown to be reasonable for Pb-Sn alloys. Results of calculations are in good agveement with experiment. These show that variations in growth rate during solidification of the composite produce marked changes in average composition of the solid. IN a previous paper, Part I,' conditions necessary for plane front solidification of two-phase alloys were discussed and calculations given on solute redistribution in this type of solidification. This paper, Part 11, describes experiments on Pb-Sn alloys, designed to check the assumptions of the analyses presented, and to demonstrate their applicability to a given alloy system (Pb-Sn). APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE General. A vertical crystal growing unit was built for the study as described below, and "normal solidification" employed throughout (i.e., the ingot was completely melted except for a portion near the bottom end and then solidification initiated). The furnace was designed to permit achieving very low interface velocities, and steep gradients, in essential absence of convection; it is sketched in Figs. 1 and 2. Simple heat flow considerations indicated choice of a small-diameter specimen (ingot) to achieve high thermal gradients; ingot size chosen was 0.3 cm in diam. The ingots were held inside silica tubes 0.06 cm wall thickness. The requirement for an essentially convection-free system was met by use of the vertical furnace with the heat source over the heat sink, as well as by use of the small diameter ingots. In addition, by selection of tin-rich Pb-Sn alloys, the diffusion boundary layer (lead-rich) was denser than the bulk liquid and would not cause convection. The only apparent driving force for convection in this system was the small transverse temperature gradient resulting from heat flow into the samples from the furnace. Such convection must have been small, however, since 1) no temperature fluctuations in the melt were noted in the recordings, which would have indicated turbulent convection, and 2) experimental results obtained and described below could not have been achieved in presence of significant convection. Ingot Preparation. Pb-Sn alloys ranging from 12 to 26 at. pct Pb were prepared from high-purity lead and tin (99.9999 pct pure metal). Each alloy was prepared by first melting the pure metals in the proper ratio in air, in a Pyrex container. The melt was then stirred thoroughly with a graphite rod and cast into a preheated graphite mold. Ingots were then prepared from these castings for use in the actual experiments; each ingot consisted of a rod of alloy, 15 cm long in a 25-cm-long transparent fused-silica tube, 0.3 cm ID and 0.06 cm wall thickness. One chromel-alumel thermocouple, made with 0.004-in.-diam wire and protected by a two-hole alumina tube, was inserted into each ingot. The 1.5 cm of the thermocouple nearest the bead were protruding from the alumina tube and were coated with a very thin layer of boron nitride paste which provided electrical insulation while allowing good heat conduction. The electrically welded junction size was about that of each wire and the cross section of the two wires represented about 0.3 pct of the sample cross section. Including the coating, the thermocouple cross section still represented less than 0.5 pct of the ingot cross

Jan 1, 1968

The Library of the above-named Societies is open from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M., except on holidays. It contains about 70,000 volumes and 90,000 pamphlets, including sets of technical periodicals and the publications of scientific and technical societies. Members of the Institute, with few exceptions, are forced to spend a portion of their time in localities isolated from sources of information. To these the Library, through its Library Service Bureau, can render valuable service through correspondence; letters requesting information will receive especial attention. The Library is prepared to furnish references and photographic copies of articles on mining and metallurgical subjects; to determine the existence of mining maps, and to furnish general information on the geology and mineral resources of all countries. All communications should be made as definite as possible so that the information received may be what is desired and not include collateral matter which may not be of interest. The time spent in searching for such collateral matter will be saved, and the information will be sent more promptly and in more usable shape.

Jan 7, 1917

By E. W. Raabe

The paper discusses the increasing role of specialist grouting techniques to form water seals or cut-offs for deep basement construction. Raabe and Toth discuss the various grouting methods available for sealing applications and then concentrate on the use of Soilcrete Jet Grouting, a system particularly well suited to ground water control. The Soilcrete processes, suitable soil types and quality control methods are fully described, particularly with regard to the formation of cut-off walls and sealing slabs to prevent the progress of ground water or leachates. The authors have included case histories detailing their experience on designing and installing Soilcrete seals for various projects in West Germany. These include an underground rail project in Dortmund and a discharge structure for the Alz Canal at Burghausen.

Jan 1, 1989

By Christopher Mark

Roof bolt system design means the selection of the type, length, capacity, and pattern of bolts for a particular application. Despite research efforts dating back 50 years, no design methodology has found wide acceptance. This paper begins by identifying four mechanisms that roof bolts use to reinforce the ground. It argues that the reinforcement mechanism is determined by the roof geology and stress level, not by the type of bolt. Next, the attributes of roof bolts are discussed in the light of recent research, including anchorage mechanism, installed tension, length, capacity, timing of installation, and installation quality. Several significant areas of controversy are identified. Design methods from around the world are discussed, including those based on empirical research, numerical modeling, and roof monitoring. Finally, some simple guidelines for preliminary design of roof bolt systems are proposed based on statistical analysis of roof support performance at 37 U.S. mines.

Jan 10, 2000

By Laurence Pellier

Electron microscopical studies were made of the effect of sensitization at 1200oF on a Type-.104 stainless steel with high carbon and low nitrogen and oxygen contents, after solution annealing and after cold working. The loci of the carbide precipitates in the early stages of sensitization were followed in dry stripped plastic replicas. Some observations were made by direct electron transmission on thinned films. Intragranular dislocations showed a high degree of stability through the annealing necessary to produce sensitization. I HE present work was undertaken to determine the effect of sensitization, at 1200°F, for 1/2 hr, on the electron microstructure of a Type-304 stainless steel with high carbon, and low nitrogen and oxygen contents, after solution annealing and after cold working. Many electron microscopical studies of sensitization of 18-8 stainless steels have already been made. Most of them utilized extraction replicas, from which the morphology and composition of the precipitated carbides could be established.'-" ry stripped replicas were seldom used for such studies, although it was demonstrated that they are applicable, in general, to EurveYs of the general microstructure of many alloys' and, in particular, to the observation of precipitated carbides in austenitic stainless steels.3

Jan 1, 1963

By Esaki M, Nishimura K

This paper describes the results of the field application tests at Miike Colliery on the integrated automatization of the longwall mining system for medium thick coal seam. The purpose of the research is to develop an automatic longwall mining system which can be controlled accurately from outside of the face, and the ultimate goal is an eliminate of men from the face. Presently, the field test is being conducted in Yotsuyama mine following to a success in the performance test on surface. Remote Batch Control System for shield supports has been adapted to operate all supports from the control panel located at the entrance of the face. Remote monitoring and control system of the drum shearer has also been tested. The system makes it possible to operate the shearer either at the main gate or full automatic. Productivity and safety will be substantially improved as those systems enable to eliminate all workers from the face under the severe working conditions with high ground pressure and hot and humid atmosphere due to increasing mining depth. So far, we have been satisfied with the results of the field test and those system will be an effective countermeasure to operate the face with a high risk of rock-burst.

Jan 1, 1987

By Maria Fernanda Gonçalves de Oliveira

O objetivo do trabalho é estudar a viabilidade da realização do tratamento superficial via implantação iônica por imersão em plasma (3IP) de nitrogênio de chapas de nióbio soldadas previamente com feixe de laser, para formação de camadas de nitretos sobre superfície do material base, zona termicamente afetada (ZTA) e do cordão de solda. Os resultados obtidos são discutidos levando-se em consideração a influência do tratamento nas alterações apresentadas pelo material tratado. Os resultados mostram uma significativa alteração na superfície do material, em termos de composição química, evidenciando a formação de nitretos de nióbio sobre esta superfície. Em geral, os nitretos de materiais refratários apresentam propriedades desejáveis para aplicações que envolvem temperatura elevadas de trabalho como: estabilidade térmica, elevado ponto de fusão, boa resistência à oxidação; além de apresentarem elevada dureza e baixas taxas de desgaste e corrosão. Em virtude do aquecimento do substrato, durante o tratamento, observam-se mudanças microestruturais no material tratado. Tais alterações microestruturais, nas diferentes regiões analisadas, mostram-se benéficas na homogeneidade dos valores de dureza apresentados, especialmente na região do cordão de solda e material de base. A redução da dispersão dos valores de dureza entre o cordão de solda, a zona termicamente afetada (ZAC) e o material de base podem minimizar a presença de regiões com concentrações de tensões, melhorando a resistência mecânica do material quando submetidos a esforços mecânicos, como tração uniaxial.

Aug 8, 2018

By Janice Zinck, Maziar E. Sauber

"To counter the recent uncertainty in the rare earths market, diversify the supply source, and help meet the future demand in this sector Canada initiated development of several new rare earth deposits. In the past few years, a number of various studies on rare earths plant design have taken place mainly covering process development, process selection, and flowsheet design. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of known domestic and potential resources and reserves of rare earths and their status quo with a focus on the metallurgical processes using the information available in the public domain. Plant designs currently under consideration in Canada are reviewed and evaluated. An outline of the areas of opportunity for selective innovation and technology development in the rare earths flowsheet development and the associated risks and rewards is provided.INTRODUCTIONThe rare earth elements (REE) have a very small annual market, but they are categorized as very strategic metals vital to global economic growth due to their indispensability to the development of modern defence system, green technologies and electronic applications. The International Union of Applied and Pure Chemistry (IUPAC) defines the REE as the 15 elements on the lanthanide series on periodic table of elements, plus yttrium and scandium. REE are classified as light rare earth elements (LREE; La to Gd), and heavy rare earth elements (HREE; Tb to Lu). Physical properties and chemical reactivity of yttrium is similar to those of HREE, thus it is categorized as such. Properties of scandium are not similar enough to classify it as either a LREE or HREE (Weng et al., 2015; Sappin & Beaudoin, 2015). However, the mining industry does not always abide to this definitive classification of the split between LREE and HREE. Therefore, in a comparative study of projects, there is a need to pay attention to how the elements are classified."

Jan 1, 2016

By Carina Ulsen

The existing construction and demolition (C and D) waste recycling technologies and standards have been essentially focused on the production and use of coarse recycled aggregates. Very few papers focus on the production of recycled sand, although some previous results show that fine aggregates fraction represents around 40 to 60% (in mass) of the Brazilian waste and it is usually used as road sub-base or disposed in landfills. The quality of the recycled aggregate is strictly related to the content of porous and low strength phases, mainly the patches of cement remaining on recycled aggregate surface. Some technologies have already been described in the literature, even though, to the moment none of these technologies has clearly succeeded in reaching the large market available. This paper presents a summary of the main properties of the sand produced from C and D waste by tertiary crushing at vertical shaft impact crusher (VSI). Additionally mineral processing technologies were applied on the attained product, such as gravity concentration by shaking table and spirals and removal of cement paste by attrition. The main properties of recycled sand are discussed and compared to the previous C and D waste, respectively: particle size distribution, particle shape, chemical composition, cement paste content and porosity. The results demonstrates that the crushing allowed producing a VSI-sand with low porosity and water absorption due to the increasing on the content of silicates from natural rock phases and increasing liberation between these phases and porous cement paste; the particles from the attained product presented also a better shape (sphericity and aspect ratio). The attrition tests assayed on VSI recycled fine aggregates accomplished a further selective disaggregation of cement paste and other porous materials - the porosity was reduced from 10% to 7%. The concentration by shaking table at narrow sieve fractions led to a product with low porosity and reduced content of cement paste, however, concentration on spirals did not succeed since separation was performed essentially by the size of the particles. The heavy product from shaking table represented almost 75% in weight and has less than 60% recovery of CaO+LOI, and expressive reduction on porosity. The aim of producing sand from construction and demolition waste through mineral processing unit operations changes the recycling approach and contributes for up cycling the recycled sand. The exhaustion of sand deposits on Brazilian large centers, the increasing price and the construction boom encourages the development of alternative materials as construction raw material. Keywords: recycled sand, construction and demolition waste, technological characterization

Sep 1, 2012

By Jack I. Paige

The devitrification of lithium silicate glasses was studied to determine the effect of annealing temperature, composition, and additives on nucleation and crystallization. High-purity glasses, prepared from reagent-grade chemicals, had close to optical quality when prepared by a vacuum induction melting method developed during this research, The progress of devitrification was traced by differential thermal analysis and thermal expansion for those lithium metasilicate-silica compositions containing 80 to 90 percent silica. Microscopic studies of glasses partially devitrified at various temperatures and annealing times indicated that the primary initial mode of formation of individual crystals ,vas from densely crystalline zones that filled in as crystallization advanced Of the additives tested, calcium, potassium, and sodium helped promote devitrification with the least cracking or surface deformation. Tin oxide was most effective in reducing volume contrast ion during devitrification, but was not ClS effective in preventing cracking as calcium or potassium additions.

Jan 1, 1965

Opening AddressThank you for inviting me here today to open what promises to be a significant conference on the technological aspects of extractive metallurgy. I would especially like. to welcome delegates who have travelled great distances in order to contribute to, and be participants in, this examination of the technical innovations which have always been a crucial part of our industry.

Jan 1, 1992

By W. H. Ode, W. A. Selvig

"INTR0DUCTIONAccording to the Standard Specifications for Classification of Coals by Rank of the American Society for Testing Materials (A.S.T.M. Designation: D388-38).1/ high-volatile bituminous coals, subbituminous coals, and lignites are classified on the basis of calorific values on the ""moist"", mineral-matter-free basis. The moist basis refers to coal containing its natural bed moisture but not including visible water on the surface of the coal. It is assumed that the natural bed moisture of coal in the ground represents the moisture-holding capacity of the coal when in equilibrium with air at approximately 100 percent relative humidity. This moisture is sometimes referred to as inherent moisture as opposed to extraneous moisture, which wets the surface of the coal.To simplify procedures for determining the moisture-holding capacity of coal it is assumed, for all practical purposes that the moisture content of coal when brought to a standard condition of moisture equilibrium in an atmosphere of 97 percent relative humidity and 300 C. represents the bed moisture of the coal. The A.3.T.M. specifications provide that this condition of moisture equilibrium shall be obtained by bringing the coal to a standard condition of moisture equilibrium at 300 C. in a vacuum desiccator containing a saturated solution of potassium sulfate (97 percent relative humidity) according to the procedure proposed by Stanfield and Gilbart. 4/ No mention is made in the specifications for bringing partly air-dried samples to their natural bed moisture condition probably because of the hysteresis effect that has been noted by various investigators. 5/ In this connection it has been found from sorption studies that the adsorption and desorption curves for lignite are not entirely reversible. The hysteresis effect has been explained by some investigators as resulting from shrinkage of the lignite during drying, which causes a collapse of some of the capillaries, so the dried lignite cannot take up as much water as it held originally."

Apr 1, 1953

By J. L. Tokich, A. R. Troiano

Since 1921, when Hull1 discovered that cobalt can exist in the face-centered cubic and hexagonal close-packed modifications, the transitions that occur in cobalt have been extensively studied. It is generally agreed that on heating the hexagonal lattice changes to the cubic structure at ternperatures ranging from 400° to 500°C although considerable doubt exists as to the exact temperature. Data concerning the temperature of the transformation on cooling are much less concordant and their interpretation has not been satisfactory. The study is further complicated by the fact that many investigators have reported the existence of a high temperature allo-tropic change in the range 850 to 1020°C, at which the cubic lattice reverts to the hexagonal modification. The transition on cooling, which has been reported as Occurring at various temperatures from approximately 400 to 100°C, is of particular interest. Troiano and Greninger2 have recently suggested and considered the possibility Of allotropic transformations occurring in pure metals by a shear-type, diffusionless (martensite) transformation. The case of cobalt was specifically discussed and certain observations of previous investigators evaluated in terms Of this type of Of Table 1 briefly outlines the methods and results Of previous investigators Of the transformation temperatures of cobalt. Materials and Methods The major portion of this investigatioll was performed with cobalt sheet containing a total of 0.2 pet impurities with carbon present to the extent of o,I pct. After melting in an induction furnace under an atmosphere of hydrogen, the carbon con. tent analyzed 0.03 pct. Some observations were repeated with hydrogen reduced cobalt compresses analyzing 99.9 pet pure. No significant variations in results were observed employing the as-received sheet, the remelted stock, or the cobalt compresses. Filings for X ray diffraction analysis were sealed in evacuated glass ampoules. Pyrex glass tubing was used for temperatures below (600°C and for higher temperatures clear fused quartz was satisfactory. After appropriate heat treatment at various ternperatures, the specimen ampoules were furnace cooled, air cooled or quenched by crushing under distilled water. This allowed a range of cooling velocities from less than one degree C per set to greater than 1,0oo°C per sec. X ray diffraction patterns were taken with a Debye camera and filtered characteristic cobalt K-alpha radiation. The of of the existing phases was roughly approximated by visual examina-

Jan 1, 1949

By Teja Reddy, Narasimha Mangadoddy, Mandakini Padhi

"In mineral comminution circuits, the feed to hydrocyclone consists of a heterogeneous mixture having varied degrees of liberation and sizes leading to the multi-component particle system. The presence of multicomponent particles exhibits a significant change in the classification performance parameters. In this work, a numerical study is conducted with an artificial mixture of magnetite and silica of different proportions having similar particle size distribution to understand the multicomponent interaction in a laboratory scale hydrocyclone. The heterogeneous feed is injected tangentially would attain different settling rates under the influence of centrifugal, drag and turbulent dispersion forces. In this work, Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is used to resolve the continuous phase turbulence. Modified Algebraic Slip Mixture (ASM) model using the corrected Newtonian rheology of fines to simulate multi-density and multi-size particles of the mixture in a hydrocyclone. The influence of the multi-component particles on classification performance is extracted from the simulation in terms of the performance curve, i.e. recovery to underflow, volume fraction distribution and the key forces acting on each particle in the mixture. An interaction was observed between different components during the classification process, featuring accumulation of heavier particle at wall-side pushing the lighter particles into the inner locus of zero vertical velocity (LZVV) zone. The comparison of separation factors of different size particles presented the higher probability of the magnetite of same size reporting to wall region and hence to underflow. Hence, an increased component cut-size with the increased magnetite proportion, particularly a profound effect on lighter density component’s cut-size was observed. INTRODUCTION The multicomponent existence is found in naturally occurring ores, affecting the pure metal extraction, nonetheless also affects the comminution and classification processes. Among many another classifier, hydrocyclone is a vital equipment used vastly in many industries. The main advantages over other classifiers are a static body, low operating cost and maintenance, high throughput, low floor space requirement etc. A typical hydrocyclone consists of a cylindrical section with a central tube connected to a conical section with a discharge tube. The fluid is injected tangentially into hydrocyclone causes swirling and thus generates centrifugal force within the device. The multiphase interaction inside the hydrocyclone is extremely complex and mostly explained by theories based on hypothesis. In past years, many theoretical models were proposed like a balanced orbital model (Criner, 1950), the residence time model (Reitema, 1961) etc. Though these models give an estimation of the cut-size and other performance parameters, it cannot predict the accurate performance of the actual state of operation. Among these models, the balanced orbital theory is the most adapted concept, based on the force balances of the particle in the dual vortex flow of hydrocyclone. The finer particle is subjected to the inward drag force, generated from the outer vortex flow to the air core, and drags the particle towards the overflow. The larger particle with the higher mass have enhanced centrifugal force and falls into primary vortex near wall reporting to the underflow. Generally, the forces acting on the particle include the drag force, centrifugal force, pressure gradient force, added mass force, Saffman lift force, Magnus force and basset force (Kraipech, 2005). The major forces like a drag, centrifugal, pressure gradient are the function of the particle properties like the size and the density. Hence, the existence of the multi-size and the multi-density particle will affect the separation phenomenon, with the varied forces acting on it. The understanding of the multicomponent classification effect using ores has been only explored in few studi"

Jan 1, 2018

By J. W. Craig

CHROME ore, which is used in Canada in the production of ferro-alloys, in a variety of refractories, and indirectly in many chemical industries, is both commercially important and scientifically interesting. The sight of chromium metal is familiar to all of us in the home, the office, the automobile. Chromium is synonymous with armaments: it is understood to be one of several essential metals in tanks, which played an important role in the defeat of France in the spring of 1940. Chromium, in other forms, comes into our daily lives by way of paint and leather, of the familiar green ginger-ale and beer bottles, and more indirectly in every pound of steel produced in the .Dominion. Necessary to our civilization in peace and war, the ores of chromium occur in many corners of the earth. This paper attempts to describe the chemical constitution of chrome ores, their world distribution, and the various chrome products and their industrial applications in Canada.

Jan 1, 1940

By T. E. Wayland

Bentonites are clay materials composed principally of minerals in the montmorillonite group. Distinctive physical properties of the montmorillonite minerals are responsible for selected bentonite deposits having become the raw materials source of industrial clay products which are virtually essential to the maintenance of high production standards in the petroleum, foundry, taconite and other basic industries. These versatile materials have no suitable substitutes in either their major applications or in hundreds of speciality products, The economics of the bentonite mining industry follows closely the established pattern of other non-metallic raw materials. Aggressive competition, advanced technologies, progressive marketing techniques, substantial reserves, and vast unmeasured resources insure the continued supply of high quality bentonite to industry at bargain prices. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the geology and economics of bentonite deposits, summarize both major domestic mining districts and foreign deposits, and report significant results of research and development.

Jan 1, 1970

By Michael L. Sorokin

The behaviour of cobalt during processing of nickel raw material is analysed within the Ni-Co-Fe-S-O-SiO2 system using the computer model. For this purpose the thermodynamic parameters for "three-suffix" Margules's equations in Co-Fe-S and Co-Fe¬Ni-O-S1O2 systems were computed! Phase and iso-activity diagrams for Co-Fe-S system, and phase diagrams for the systems Co-O, Co-Fe-O, Co-Ni-O, C-oO=SiO2 and Co-Fe-O¬SiO2 are calculated using the developed computer programs and identified parameters. The diagrams are used to analyze cobalt behaviour at smelting and converting.

Jan 1, 1995

By M. Rossouw

The paper sets out the strategic importance of South Africa?s mining and minerals sector to the national economy. It relates how inexorable and accelerating urbanization and industrialization in emerging markets, especially in China and India, will translate into sustained demand for the minerals that South and southern Africa have in abundance. It warns that while countries buying raw materials from South Africa use these inputs as the basis on which to build value-added, employment-creating industries, South Africa is failing to exploit the economic benefits inherent in its mineral wealth, exacerbating its shortage of skills.

Jan 1, 2011

By W. W. Odell

"It is common knowledge that extensive lignite deposits occur in the States of Montana, North and South Dakota and Texas. The total area of these deposits and the total amount of lignite in them is so great that the true economic value of lignite is seldom realized. These deposits underlie areas of thousands of square miles. The area of the lignite lands in North Dakota alone is estimated to be approximately 32,000 square miles. Nearly one-third of the total solid-fuel resources of the United States is lignite and approximately 90 per cent of this lies in the Northwest.To the people of the Northwest the more extended utilization of lignite is of fundamental importance, hence any methods for commercially producing salable products from lignite that promise further development of these great fields deserve careful study.The development of our lignite resources has been slow, partly because the districts wherein lignite is found is not thickly settled or highly developed in manufacturing industries, but also because of the physical and chemical characteristics of the lignite. Lignite is classed as a low-grade fuel and may be con¬sidered as imperfectly developed coal -which has a more or less woody structure; it may be of the brown-coal type or darker, denser and more homogeneous, approaching subbituminous coal in character. As mined it contains more than 30 per cent of moisture exclusive of the -rater of decomposition formed .then it is carbonized or burned. The heating value as determined by the calorimeter is approximately half that of good quality bituminous coal. Upon exposure to the air lignite loses part of its moisture, whereupon the lumps chock and split until after considerable exposure, a large percentage of slack is formed. It cannot be stored in large piles so successfully as come other fuels, and it some instances it is more apt to ignite spontaneously in storage or in transit then the higher grade fuels."

Feb 1, 1924