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By N. Snyders, I. Mwandawande, S. M. Bradshaw, M. Karimi

"Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was applied to predict the average gas holdup and the axial gas holdup variation in a 13.5 m high cylindrical column 0.91 m diameter. The column was operating in batch mode. A Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase approach with appropriate interphase momentum exchange terms was applied to simulate the gas-liquid flow inside the column. Turbulence in the continuous phase was modelled using the k-_ realizable turbulence model. The predicted average gas holdup values were in good agreement with experimental data. The axial gas holdup prediction was generally good for the middle and top parts of the column, but was over-predicted for the bottom part of the column. Bubble velocity profiles were observed in which the axial velocity of the air bubbles decreased with height in the column. This may be related to the upward increase in gas holdup in the column. Simulations were also conducted to compare the gas holdup predicted with the universal, the Schiller-Naumann, and the Morsi-Alexander drag models. The gas holdup predictions for the three drag models were not significantly different. IntroductionColumn flotation is an important concentration technology that is used in the mineral processing and coal beneficiation industries. The growing interest in the use of column flotation in mineral processing has been attributed to the simpler flotation circuits and improved metallurgical performance compared to conventional flotation cells (Finch and Dobby, 1990). Flotation columns have also found other applications outside mineral processing, such as de-inking of recycled paper (Finch and Hardie, 1999).In column flotation, a rising swarm of air bubbles generated by means of air spargers is employed to collect the valuable mineral particles and separate them from the gangue minerals in a countercurrent process. Wash water, which is continuously fed at the top of the column, is used to eliminate entrained particles and stabilize the froth. The column volume can be divided into two sections – the collection zone in which the bubbles collect the floatable mineral particles, and the cleaning zone (or froth zone) where product upgrading is enhanced through the removal of unwanted particles entrained in the water mixed with bubbles from the collection zone."

Jan 1, 2019

By G. Song, S. Yang

"SynopsisThe development of techniques and equipment for single-pass high-seam longwall mining in China is reviewed. Some methods used to obtain the fractured zone height are discussed. The boundary between the caved and fractured zones is generally not clear, but one important difference that distinguishes the two zones is that horizontal compressional forces exist only between blocks of fractured zone. Based on this, a theoretical method is presented to investigate the destabilizing modes of the main roof (by sliding or rotation) and is used to determine if the main roof is in the caved or fractured zone. This method considers the mining height, immediate roof thickness, bulking factor, main roof thickness, main roof strength, main roof periodic weighting interval, and vertical stress in the overlying strata. To verify the method, a representative physical model of Wangzhuang coal mine is developed. The movement of overlying strata and fractured zone height are thus obtained. According to the results, the total collapsed height of the strata reaches about 70 m above the coal floor; the first main roof bending interval is 45 m and periodic bending distance is 10–15 m; the maximum strata subsidence is around 62 mm; and the presence of a three-hinged arch causes the fluctuation of subsidence in the same stratum level. Based on the theoretical and experimental analysis, the middle of the main roof is considered the boundary between caved and fractured zone; the caved and fractured zone heights are about 21 and 49 m respectively.IntroductionThick coal seams (>3.5 m) account for about 44% of the coal rescource/reserves and more than 40% of the total annual production in China (Zhao 2004; Wang 2009). Three mining methods – slice mining, top coal caving, and single-pass high-seam longwall mining – are frequently used in underground thick-seam operations. Compared with slice mining and top coal caving, high-seam single-pass longwall mining significantly simplifies the mining processes, reduces roadway excavation, and improves coal production, productivity, and recovery. The favourable economics, high production, and technical simplicity make high-seam single-pass longwall mining one of the most popular underground mining methods for thick coal seams in China."

Jan 1, 2015

By D. F. Malan, J. C. Esterhuyse

In this study we explore the use of a novel numerical modelling approach to study the effect of pillar reinforcement on pillar stability. Case studies in the literature indicate that tendons, strapping of the pillars, and shotcrete or thin spray-on liners are commonly used to reinforce pillars. No clear methodology exists to select the type of support or to design the capacity of the support required, however. This has led to ongoing collapses in some mines in spite of heavy support being used to reinforce unstable pillars. A limit equilibrium model with confinement on the edge of the pillar was used to simulate the interaction of the support with the failing pillar. The model correctly predicts that an increase in confinement will lead to a decrease in the extent of pillar failure. As the displacement discontinuity boundary element method allows for the efficient solution of largescale bord-and-pillar layouts, the effect of pillar confinement can now be studied on a mine-wide scale. Accurate calibration of the limit equilibrium model is, however, required before this method can be used for the design of effective pillar support.

May 3, 2023

By T. Bezuidenhout, J. D. Visagie

In recent years the requirements for a barrier system between the waste body of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and the natural ground (NG) has necessitated the use of HDPE-lined TSFs in South Africa and other countries. The addition of an HDPE liner creates an interface between, inter alia, the tailings and surrounding soils on the footprint of the TSF. It is known that low-strength materials beneath slopes can cause slope instability. One method which can theoretically mitigate this instability of a lined TSF is the addition of stability bunds along the footprint of the TSF. Altering the profile of the footprint to include slope changes which oppose the direction of the failure creates passive slices in a limit equilibrium analysis. The passive slices actively oppose the movement of active slices, resisting the mobilization of tailings, thus greater active slice forces are required to develop a failure surface running along the liner interface. Two scenarios are presented and compared. The first scenario retains the ground profile unaltered and the second scenario includes stability bunds along the ground profile. An in-depth assessment is made of the interslice forces and the interface shear stresses for each scenario. The theoretical background is discussed in greater detail to determine the mechanisms of reinforcement provided by the bunds.

Jun 2, 2022

INTRODUCTION This paper was originally presented at the Platinum Adding Value Conference, held at Sun City from the 4th to 6th October 2004. Narrow reef mining may not be applicable to the base metal operations in Zambia, however, it is considered that the methodology used is equally appropriate to the development of technology and mining methods in mining environments other than narrow reef mining. The purpose of this paper is to explore the integration of technology and stoping systems. For the last hundred years the South African narrow reef mining industry has battled to control working costs in a labour intensive industry. It is only through the application of appropriate technology that change will occur. Stoping systems, because it is the stoping method and methodology that is at the heart of the mining system. Introduce a different technology that results in a more efficient stoping system and the mining system will look after itself. The technology applied to stoping in narrow reef mining, over the last 100 years, can be categorised as follows: ? The introduction of pneumatic rockdrills early this century. The cumbersome rig mounted units being replaced by smaller, lighter, hand held units that were then made easier to use with the addition of an air leg. (The so called Swedish method of mining.) As late as the early 1970s some drilling was still being carried out without the assistance of an air leg. ? Scraper winches to replace gravity and shovels to move rock both in the face and the gullies were first introduced in the late 1920s. ? Hydraulic props installed close to the face and capable of applying force against the hangingwall as well as yielding in a controlled manner under dynamic load arrived in the 1960s. In many instances these have now been replaced by yielding elongates fitted with water hydraulic tensioning devices. ? Some people argue that the introduction of tungsten carbide inserts, to improve drilling, was equally important.

Jan 1, 2005

ADVANCES IN EXTRACTION METALLURGY AND REFINING A symposium organised by the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy will be held in London from 4th to 6th October, 1971. Particulars can be obtained from: The Secretary, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, 44 Portland Place, London WIN 4BR, ENGLAND. ICAMC -71 - HUNGARY The Third International Conference on Automatic Control of Mines and Collieries will be held at Balantsfured, Hungary from 27th to 30th September, 1971. Further particulars can be obtained from: ICAMC - 71, Budapest 3, P.O. Box 115, HUNGARY. AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MINING AND METALLURGY Illawarra Branch A symposium on "Blast Furnace Injection" is to be held at Wollongong University College from 15th to 17th February, 1972. About 20 papers on various aspects of blast furnace injection will be presented, including two on nonferrous furnaces. Further particulars may be obtained from: N. Standish, Chairman, Symposium Committee, Wollongong University, Australia 2600.

By L. Xingwana

"The purpose of this study is to understand how ore loss and dilution affect the mine call factor, with the aim of subsequently improving the quality of ore mined and fed to the mill. It was necessary to know the relationship between ore mined and delivered for processing in order for the mine to operate efficiently. A review of the literature suggested the mine-to-mill integration approach as a standard intervention to address declining mine call factors. A case study was undertaken at a gold mine in the Free State on the influence of the fragment size distribution on ‘free gold’, the effect of ore loss and dilution on the mill efficiency, and time tracking of ore movement from source to the plant. The study revealed that fragmentation, underground accumulation of ore, and dilution have a significant influence on the mine call factor and mine output. It was difficult to quantify the total ore loss due to the time lag between mining and milling, which is extremely variable, when estimating the mine process inventory. However, it was possible to estimate the total dilution with some degree of precision by analysing the daily blast and head grades. It is therefore recommended that mines accept that some gold loss and dilution will always occur during blasting and transport of broken ore, and this loss must be minimized.IntroductionThe mining of high gold grades is obviously very beneficial for the economic viability of an operation, but optimum recovery of the product is required to maximize profits (Chapman and Bindoff, 2010, p. 13). Although integrating these two requirements is very difficult, due to the various activities occurring between mining and processing, it is indispensable. The main driver of this integration is the impact that different ore types and characteristics have on head grade. According to Isokangas et al. (2012, p. 871), mining and processing operations involve a series of well-defined sequential stages that are complementary in an efficiently operating mine, with the performance of one operation affecting that of another. An attempt to optimize each function separately without considering the whole extraction process will not result in the optimum efficiency of the entire mine. Several researchers have developed a proven methodology for revealing these inefficiencies (Dance et al., 2006, p. 1)."

Jan 1, 2016

By J. Hadjigeorgiou, G. Knox

Since their introduction in 2010, paddled energy-absorbing rockbolts have been widely used in seismically active hard rock mines. This paper provides new data and reviews previous work to quantify the performance of paddled energy-absorbing rockbolts under controlled laboratory conditions. Of significance is the realization that the typical split location in impact tests, at the centre between two paddle anchor points can at best provide an upper limit value. This inherent variability in performance under different testing configurations should be acknowledged and taken into consideration in the design of ground support in seismic conditions. This paper discusses the reduction in capacity of paddled rockbolts as a function of loading angle from a maximum value during axial tests (0° loading angle) to the lowest value during pure shear (loading angle of 90°). A significant reduction in displacement capacity is observed as the loading angle changes between axial (0°) and 40°. Beyond a 40° loading angle up to shear (90°) loading the reduction in displacement capacity is less significant. Due to the variances in the capacity observed through the variance of the testing configuration: loading mechanism, direction of loading, location / presence of a discontinuity, it must be recognized that results from laboratory-based testing are not independent of the testing configuration. This should be acknowledged when extrapolating anticipated performance in the field.

Oct 9, 2024

The 86th Annual General Meeting of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy was held in Kelvin House, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, 17th August, 1983. Professor A. N. Brown (President) was in the chair, and declared the meeting open at 16h05. This account of the proceedings includes only those matters that are not reported under the heading `Annual report and accounts' elsewhere in this issue.

Jan 1, 1983

By I. J. Kotzé, R. T. Jones

Conventional PGM matte smelting requires the presence of a certain quantity of base metal sulphides in order to collect the platinum group metals in a molten sulphidic matte phase in the furnace. Furthermore, the quantity of chromium oxide in the feed materials is controlled in order to avoid the build-up of high-melting chromite spinels in the furnace. Mintek has developed a process for smelting difficult PGM-containing feed materials that contain low amounts of sulphur and/or high amounts of chromium oxide. A DC arc furnace is used to provide the appropriate conditions to generate an iron alloy that collects PGMs very effectively, leaving extremely low residual quantities of PGMs in the slag. Various feed materials have been treated successfully in furnace campaigns running at power levels up to 1.5 MW. The longest of these campaigns was run continuously for more than four months, treating more than two thousand tons of materials such as low-grade concentrates, revert tailings, and converter slag. The campaigns demonstrated the robustness and versatility of the process, and proved that it is possible to sustainably produce a PGM-containing alloy and discardable slags containing an average of less than 1.4 g/t of PGMs over the entire campaign. Keywords: DC arc, smelting, furnace, platinum, PGM, revert tailings, converter slag, ConRoast

Jan 1, 2004

By J. D. T. Steyl, G. B. Grobbelaar

Two examples are presented to show how first-principles – physical-dynamic, here termed behavioural modelling, is used to build digital twins of unit processes or plant sections. A digital twin equips the metallurgist, engineer, or manager with a powerful tool to conduct model-based design, solve process problems and improve operations. It is particularly relevant in the metallurgical industry where plant behaviour is highly integrated, rates respond to particle dynamics in complicated ways and mineral flows across flowsheet boundaries are variable. The two examples used to illustrate the behavioural modelling methodology are 1) a flotation column unit block and 2) a multi-compartment pressure oxidation (POX) autoclave. It simultaneously accounts for the causality of material and heat flow, takes care of mineral particle dynamics, physical and chemical reaction rates, the plant control system behaviour and operating heuristics. The basic modelling building blocks are briefly reviewed to show how the behavioural modelling attributes constrain the mass and heat flow dynamics to physically realistic values. This is the key aspect that allows project value to be created with minimal input data. Behavioural modelling is especially valuable where the process dynamics are poorly understood or controlled, where data-driven models fail to cope with complex and highly integrated plant behaviour, where quality data is lacking or limited funds are available to generate the data required to fill all the knowledge gaps. The paper uses the flotation column example to show how behavioural modelling and simulation can be used to optimise plant performance, while the multi-compartment POX autoclave model shows how it can be used to diagnose process problems. It also provides a solid basis to add a data-driven component – in other words, it makes a strong case for a hybrid first-principle– data-driven approach to solve process problems, especially where microscopic-level understanding is poor. Keywords: Digital twin, behavioural modelling, simulation, flotation column, pressure oxidation

Jan 1, 2020

By S. K. Murphy

A partial shaft pillar extraction project was embarked on at a mine in the West Wits mining region in South Africa. Prior to the extraction, a rock engineering assessment was conducted with the main objective being to establish which areas of the shaft pillar could be extracted without unduly affecting the stability of major infrastructure within the shaft pillar. Standard numerical modelling methods were used to conduct this assessment and several areas were identified for extraction. However, during the extraction process, it was found that the infrastructure was affected more than was originally predicted by linear elastic modelling. In addition to this, several large events resulted in far more large aftershocks than would normally be predicted. In order to gain an understanding of this phenomenon, seismic data was integrated with numerical modelling as follows: > The seismic data in the form of displacements was integrated in 3D space within the model to assess the effect of static stress changes associated with seismic activity > Data from large events was integrated onto specific structures, where displacements associated with large events were integrated onto the plane of structure in question. This paper describes the methodology and results obtained from each of the above processes and include insights into the mining process that were previously unfathomable using standard linear elastic numerical modelling. The way forward for this rock engineering assessment of partial shaft pillar extraction is also discussed.

Jan 1, 2012

By C. Steyn, J. D. le Roux

A dynamic model is used to represent the single-stage closed grinding mill circuit at Mogalakwena North Concentrator. The circuit consists of a ball mill closed by a hydrocyclone. The circuit is modelled according to a semi-mechanistic non-linear dynamic model available in literature. An algebraic routine is used to fit model parameters to steady-state process data. Preliminary validation results against dynamic data indicate that the model is capable of capturing the main dynamic trends of the plant. Since classical system identification techniques proved insufficient to produce accurate models; the non-linear model can be used as a reliable source for model-predictive controller design. Keywords: Grinding, modelling, process control, parameter estimation

Jan 1, 2020

By J. P. T. Kapusta

"The copper smelting industry faces increasingly stringent environmental regulations and must continue driving innovation to reduce energy usage in its production chain. With the coming of age of ‘bottom-blowing’ copper technologies in China over the last decade, much renewed attention has been brought to tuyere bath smelting for clean copper-making. Since bottom-blowing sonic injection was originally developed and implemented in steelmaking in the 1970s and lead smelting in the 1990s, the time seems appropriate to revisit the sonic injection concepts and dispel some myths. After reviewing the trends in the copper industry and providing a brief historical context of research and development related to sonic injection, the author presents a comparison of the main submerged tuyere bath smelting technologies, namely the Noranda Reactor (NR), the Teniente Converter (TC), and the Chinese Bottom-Blowing Smelting Furnace (SKS/BBS) for copper, and the Queneau-Schuhmann-Lurgi Reactor (QSL) for lead. The core of this article, however, consists of a brief description of the fundamental theories for sonic injection (jetting regime) and ‘sonic flow mapping’ to illustrate the relationship between the minimum tuyere back-pressure required to achieve sonic flow and the tuyere internal diameter. The article also offers a comparison between side- and bottom-blowing in jetting regime before concluding with the author’s vision of the new trend in submerged tuyere bath smelting. IntroductionIn the last decade, developments in the copper smelting industry have been driven by two key concepts: (1) increasing cleaner smelting capacity to meet the world’s growing copper demand, as illustrated in Figure 1, and (2) increasing process off-gas capture to comply with more stringent environmental regulations and abide by a corporate social responsibility ethic of a clean work environment (for smelter employees) and clean air (for families living around smelters). The copper smelting industry has also faced some major challenges in the last few decades, including (1) low treatment and refining charges (TC/RC or processing fees) impacting custom smelters, (2) lower concentrate quality and grades with higher levels of impurities (e.g. As and Hg), (3) higher processing and transportation costs due to the rising cost of energy, (4) restrictions in process intensification (tonnage oxygen usage) due to furnace integrity limits, and (5) scarcity of educated and trained personnel due to fewer metallurgists graduating from pyrometallurgical school programmes combined with a high retirement rate of skilled workers."

Nov 1, 2018

By B. M. V. Baloyi, D. Mchabe, D. Chetty

South Africa accounts for the largest global manganese ore production share, primarily from its Kalahari Manganese Field deposit. Despite this, domestic smelting is beset by energy constraints, resulting in most ore being exported for smelting. Mintek is investigating energyefficient pathways for ore reduction, specifically undertaking prereduction tests to reduce energy consumption for manganese smelting. The present contribution considers the effect of methane, anthracite, and holding time, at a fixed temperature, on the extent of reduction of Mamatwan-type ore, primarily from a mineralogical perspective. In particular, the aim was to carburise the monoxide Mn phase to Mn carbide, as this is less energy intensive than producing metallic Mn from the monoxide. Based on thermogravimetric test results, the ore and products from three experiment sets were analysed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to assess the phases and textures present. The findings show that carburisation of manganese monoxide and its equivalents is most advanced under conditions of 8% anthracite, 10% methane, and 60 minutes of holding time, thus confirming with the thermogravimetric data. These results show promise for reducing energy consumption for Mn smelting in ferromanganese production.

Mar 4, 2025

By J. Rabe

Tasked with developing a flow sheet for a new resource, one typically turns the experts for help. The advice of an expert can be invaluable in reducing the time and costs associated with characterizing an ore (not to mention extracting maximum information from limited samples). While guiding and optimizing a metallurgical concept study requires a certain skill set, selling a project is something different. The metallurgical specialist is usually not responsible for sharing the results of investigations with potential investors. However, the person responsible for selling the project can ensure that a metallurgical concept study is conducted thoroughly and responsibly without having the ability to do the work, while being sufficiently familiar with the metallurgical aspects to authoritatively sell the project. The process of identifying suitable process routes through to constructing a concept flow sheet and mass balance is discussed as a basic example. From basic mineralogical information and a thorough literature survey, the most likely beneficiation routes can be identified and targeted testing conducted. The final top size will depend on the required product properties (mainly grade), the selected beneficiation technology, and the ore?s liberation properties. Once the required top size has been identified, comminution options can be evaluated. Once again, literature surveys can be used to supplement concept-level comminution property information, and select possible equipment and circuit configurations. Marketing, material handling, and logistics-related information can be used to determine required dewatering technologies. At this stage, enough information is available to develop a concept mass balance and conduct basic equipment sizing..

Jan 1, 2014

By B. Genc, V. J. Mahadeo, S. Ramparsad4, U. Govender

The study was intent on assessing the socio-economic impact of a zinc mine in South Africa through the application of people-centric digital tools using a case study research methodology. The global mining industry is undergoing significant technological shifts to modernize, improve operational sustainability, and align with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda. While the case study mine is a more modernized mine, continuous improvement around the ‘social’ pillar becomes critical, and to this end application of people-centered digital tools presented as the vehicle to understand community needs and impacts. Despite considerable annual corporate social investment by mines annually, the overall impact or social return on investment is marginally understood. Towards contributing to addressing this gap, digital ESG ‘social-related’ data gathering tools for mines decision-making were developed, including the training-needs assessment tool, community-social needs assessment, small, micro, and medium enterprise (SMME) communications and engagement tool, digital leadership competencies gap assessment tool, and change management blueprint, which further allowed for customization to the mining context. Hence, the novelty of this paper relates to applying digital tools to provide real-time information of the needs of a community, both socially and economically. The findings suggested that these digital tools enabled gathering of information for the establishment of regional and operational baselines towards enabling of social investment returns in relation to socio-economic transformation development interventions. These tools have been applied to a zinc mine context, with lessons and experiences obtained through this study, invaluable to the application of these digital tool in other mines in South Africa. The study was conducted in September 2023 across five host communities, surrounding the zinc mine, in the Northern Cape region, with 120 participants involved in the application of three relevant community-related digital tools, which included the training needs, community-social needs, and SMME communications and engagement tools. It was evident that the digital ESG tools could be used for data gathering for the mine’s informed decision-making and allowed for securing of insights on community needs in near real-time, and further proved practical for community use.

Dec 11, 2024

By O. T. Konina, V. A. Masloboev, A. V. Svetlov, E. A. Krasavtseva, D. V. Makarov, A. A. Goryachev

Dusting phenomena have been examined at the tailings storage facility of Apatit JSC Kirovsk, a mining operation located in the far north of the Russian Federation. The material composition of the tailings was identified. Existing dust suppression methods were examined. Field observations were undertaken and official data was obtained from the Murmansk Administration for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, and analysed. A database was built for forecasting dusting according to critical scenarios in order to estimate the peak MPCs of suspended solids in the atmospheric air. Mitigation measures were formulated and recommended to the mining operation. Keywords: Mineral dust particles, apatite-nepheline ore concentration tailings, suspended solids MPC, climate change

Jan 1, 2020

By D. F. Malan, P. J. Le Roux

Almost no work has been published on the strength of pillars in mines exploiting the LG6/LG6A chromitite bands in the Western Bushveld Complex. The strength of these pillars is unknown, and the hard rock industry still uses the Hedley and Grant formula. Numerical modelling, using inelastic constitutive models, may be of some value in estimating the pillar strength, but this approach is difficult and prone to errors as many assumptions are made. This paper explores the alternative approach of the back-analysis of actual LG6/LG6A mining layouts, using displacement discontinuity codes to simulate the average pillar stresses on a mine-wide scale. From this, and underground observations, a ‘minimum’ pillar strength (K-value in the pillar strength formula) can be estimated. The codes TEXAN and Map3D are both used in the paper to simulate the actual pillar shapes and sizes in an LG6/LG6A mine. The results are encouraging as the two codes produced similar APS values for a complex pillar geometry. An estimated K-value of 77 MPa was determined for the LG6/LG6A pillars in this particular area. This is more or less similar to earlier work done for the UG2 chromitite seam, but higher than the K-value of 39 MPa for a linear formula obtained by other workers for LG6/LG6A pillars. Caution should therefore be exercised before using this higher value for all areas. The effect of element sizes and explicitly simulating the effect of the surface for shallow pillars is illustrated in the manuscript using both codes. The need for actual pillar observations and an iterative design process, which cycles between modelling and observations, is also emphasized.

Nov 27, 2024

By P. Cowx, L. Els, P. Smith, R. Nordhagen

"Tapping operations at ferroalloy smelters generate a significant amount of fume. Effective capture of fumes is required to meet the obligations of environmental, as well as occupational, legislation.A study was completed on an existing fume extraction system at a ferromanganese furnace tapping area. The area under consideration included the tap-hole, launder, and ladle area. The study consisted of site test work as well as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to identify and evaluate solutions.Site test work and observations during furnace operation provided a baseline of system performance as well as input parameters for CFD modelling. Gas flow rates and energy contents from each extraction area were measured. Photographs and video footage were taken to evaluate areas of fume leakage.The CFD study was firstly validated against site observations to ensure the accuracy of input parameters. Thereafter several modification concepts were modelled and suitable combinations were investigated to ensure robust solutions. The following concepts were considered:•,Air curtains•,Ladle hood aspect ratio and position•,Increase of ladle extraction volume•,Extension of the length of the tapping garage structureThe paper presents the results of a performance test on a working ferromanganese tapping area fume extraction system and the results of CFD modelling as compared to site test results. Upgrade options are evaluated and an integrated robust upgrade of the system described."

Jan 1, 2014