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During the past few years the author has had an opportunity to examine a number of base-metal mines in the western United States, France and Spain. Nearly all of these mines produced some silver, and laboratory studies of the relationship between the silver and the various base-metal minerals in the ore have given some interesting and, it is to be hoped, enlightening facts. As this work was undertaken primarily to ascertain the amount of silver chemically associated with, not controlled by, the various base-metal minerals, the laborious and not always satisfactory method of picking out "pure" samples of each mineral from many localities was employed. However, the results obtained have justified the time that has been spent. Not only have the conclusions arrived at in different mining areas been in accordance with one another but in many instances they have afforded scientific support or explanations for much of the knowledge that operators in the various camps have acquired by practical experience. Although many of the conclusions are not new, many of the facts are, and the results, if they do nothing else, serve to confirm the findings of some of the other workers in this field, particularly the work of Nissen and Hoyt1 and of F. N. Guild2. Dr. S. G. Lasky3 has suggested a novel method for determining from a series of algebraic equations the amount of silver controlled by each of the base-metal minerals but I doubt very much whether his method can be justified, chiefly because there appear to be more variables to be considered than the few that appear in his equations. Typical Examples of Irregular Silver Distribution Combination Mine, New Mexico, U.S.A.—In this mine an examination of the assay plans either of the mine or of the average mill feed or products

Jan 1, 1935

By O. D. Gaither

This paper is an analytical study of the flow of fluids through small vertical conduits. Small conduits are defined as 11/4-in. nominal diameter tubing size and smaller, and approximately twice this area for annular conduits (i.e., 1- X 21/2-in. annulus and smaller). Experimental data are presented for the 1-X2-in. and 11/4- X 2%-in. annuli, and the I-in. and 11/4-in. tubing, since these represent the small conduit sizes and configurations generally encountered in oilfield applications. Data have been gathered for these conduits for single-phase water, single-phase gas and two-phase water-gas mixtures, with particular emphasis on high gas-liquid ratios. Water rates in excess of 2,000 BID and gas rates in excess of 2.5 MMcf/D, and two-phase flow ratios in between these two, represent the scope of the data gathered. Existing equations have been applied to predict flowing pressures and compared with experimental data. New correlations have been developed. INTRODUCTION The increased economic pressure on the domestic oil industry in the United States has constantly required the use of new techniques and equipment designed to reduce the cost of finding and producing oil and gas. Since tangible items are most readily apparent in economic analysis, the advent of lower-cost well completions was inevitable. One of the methods used to reduce costs which has received widespread attention is the slim-hole completion technique where tubing is used as the well casing and in which small conduits are used for tubing if necessary. Small conduits, defined by Kirkpatrick1 as "11/4-in. diameter nominal tubing and smaller for tubing flow and less than twice the 11/4-in. diameter nominal tubing internal flow area for annulus flow", have also found widespread usage as siphon strings for de-watering gas wells and as "kill" strings in deep high-pressure oil and gas wells. The growing use of small-diameter tubing has resulted in an increased need for development of improved methods to measure or predict flowing bottom-hole pressures since the physical dimensions generally preclude the use of subsurface-recording pressure gauges. Even in the cases where small bombs are available, the relatively high velocities encountered at nominal flow rates make it necessary to use excessive weight bars or special hold-down devices. Attempts to use recognized correlations to accurately predict flowing or gas-lift performance in wells equipped with small conduits have been generally unsuccessful. Insufficient field data were available to allow the development of a correlation on this basis, and an experimental approach was applied in an attempt to obtain a workable relation. The experimental approach used to obtain the data presented in this paper was actually a compromise between a field installation and a laboratory study. A test well 1,000 ft in length was used to obtain flow data on single-phase liquid, single-phase gas and two-phase water-gas flowing mixtures. Liquid rates up to 2,200 B/D and gas rates up to 3 MMcf/D were used in the single-phase flow studies. Two-phase flow rates from 100 to 600 B/D with gas-liquid ratios from 500 to 8,000 cu ft/bbl were recorded. Experimental data were obtained for single- and two-phase flow through 1-in and 11/4-in. nominal tubing, and through the annuli between 1- and 2-in. and 11/4- and 2%-in. nominal tubing strings. Experimental results for the two-phase flow are compared to the Poettmann-Carpenter correlation2 which is widely used as a comparative standard for development of multiphase flow predictions in flowing and gas-lift wells. Correlations developed by Tek,3 Baxendell and Thomas" were also investigated. The experimental data recorded herein fell in between the two flow regimes as defined by Ros," and this correlation also failed to yield satisfactory results. The fact that existing correlations failed to confirm the experimental data led to the need for development of a new correlation. Although a two-phase flow study was the primary objective of this investigation, data were also recorded for single-phase flow of water and gas, and constants were developed relating to pipe roughness and equivalent diameters for annular flow. These single-phase studies assisted materially in the development of certain of the two-phase flow results. Considerable previous work has been published which presented relationship of surface measurements to bottom-hole condition. The works of Buthod and Whiteley,6 Jones,' Poettmannb and the Texas Railroad Commission" are classic examples of the successful use of mathematical relationships which allow acceptable predictions of subsurface pressures, when gas is the flowing fluid. Darcy and others have derived relationships which may be used with minor modifications to predict subsurface flowing conditions in injection and water-supply wells. As previously stated, the application of the single-phase flow relationships

By A. B. Hooker

Nineteen of the installations were on rental contracts 1.L."'1der whtch the lamps belong to the lamp company and are rented by t.½em to the mine operatj.nt; company. · The other nine installations had been upon an O\Vnership-rental basis, by which the lamps had become the property of the renter at the end of 5 years. Five of t.11e rentec installations were en a special contract calling for a guaranteed light output. These contr2.cts were based upon certified . initial performance, with the provision that the lamps be replaced whenever periodic tests of fully charged lamps, taken at random from t..h.e charge racks, showed a light output of less than 80 percent of the certified performance.

Jan 1, 1942

By Bruce B. Redpath

Single-charge cratering tests can provide a direct measure of the powder factor necessary for achieving a desired effect in conventional blasting. If a desired blast effect, such as fragmentation or mound velocity, is produced by a single point-charge at a particular scaled depth of burial, then the cube of the reciprocal of that scaled depth is the appropriate powder factor for duplicating the effect in a conventional array of blast holes. Scaling formulas are presented that provide a link between point-, line- and plane-charge geometries, and which can be Apparent crater used for blast design. Mound and burden velocities from several sources are compared and several examples of blast design are given.

Jan 1, 1977

By Donald B. Gillies

TO me a graduating class of engineers constitutes one ' of the finest inspirations I can imagine. You have finished your four- year scholastic career and are starting out in competition with thou- sands of other young men from other universities to make your mark. Be- cause of your training you men are such an essential part of our present- day civilization that a great weight of responsibility rests on your shoulders, especially at this time, for this is an engineering era. Today, it is the engineer who dreams the dreams and makes our civilization better. It's the engineer who carries those dreams into realization and fulfillment. No matter where we go in business and industry, we find- engineers in key positions, charged with great responsibilities.

Jan 1, 1939

By D. T. Smith, L. M. Hsiung, J. J. Schmitt, J. W. Golz, R. L. Lankey, H. N. G. Wadley, J. Z. Zhang, B. L. Halpern

"The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/AI2O 3 metal-oxide nanolaminates fabricated by' a novel Jet Vapor Deposition (JVD) process at substrate temperatures of ~25° and -250°C have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoindentation methods. The thickness of the oxide layer was held constant between 2 and 5 nm, whilst the Al layer thickness was systematically varied from -3 to -50 nm. Continuity of the Al layers was significantly improved when the nanolaminates were deposited at an elevated substrate temperature (-250°C). The yield strength of the nanolamintes with Al layers greater than -25 nm follows a Hall-Petch type relationship, whereas that of the nanolaminates with Al layers less than -25 nm is better predicted by a Koehler-Lehoczky strengthening model. IntroductionAluminum-aluminum oxide (presumably A12O3) nanolaminates have been recently fabricated using a novel Jet Vapor Deposition (ND) process developed and patented by Jet Process Corporation [1-4]. ND uses sonic, high purity helium (He) gas jets to entrain atomically dispersed vapor and deposit films. It is of interest here because it can deposit multilayered structures (laminates) inexpensively at high rates. Materials with a thin, multilayer structure are of interest because they potentially offer novel mechanical and physical properties [5]. Koehler in 1970 used an image force model to investigate the strength of laminated materials and proposed the use of alternating layers of high and low shear modulus metals to produce high strength composite materials [6]. He predicted that dislocations would have to overcome a large repulsive image force in order to move from metal layer B of lower shear modulus (uB) into metal layer A of higher shear modulus (uA)' The image force (F) is given by the relation:"

Jan 1, 1994

By M A. Rhamdhani, K Avarmaa, A Putera, J Chen, G Brooks

Silicon-based photovoltaic cells are currently the most dominant types applied to convert solar energy to electricity. In solar-grade silicon (SG-Si), the control of boron (B) and phosphorus (P) is very critical. Generally, these elements are difficult to remove into acceptable sub-ppm levels from lower grade Si. This study investigates slag treatment as a process for Si refining, focusing on the behaviour of P and B. The experiments were conducted by equilibrating Si-B-P alloys with 43 wt per cent SiO2 – 47 wt per cent CaO – 10 wt per cent Al2O3 slag under inert atmosphere at 1500°C. Different crucible materials were used (Al2O3, SiO2 and MgO), which determined the primary saturation phase for the system and modified the final slag composition accordingly. The samples were equilibrated and analysed with microanalysis techniques (EPMA (electron probe microanalysis) and LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry)). New standards were prepared and applied in the LA-ICP-MS analyses. Experimental results show that silver is essentially fully dissolved in silicon, as well as most phosphorus with LP ( = wt per cent P in slag/wt per cent P in Si) between 0.1–0.3. The distribution coefficient of boron was measured to be between 1 and 2. The crucible material used had an influence on the phase compositions and slight influence on the distribution coefficients of boron and phosphorus. The experimental results provided new accurate data when considering applicability of slag treatment as a technique for Si refining and Si PV cell recycling.

Jun 19, 2024

By N NA

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Jan 1, 1907

Jan 1, 1946

Jan 1, 1946

The application of Kirchoff's laws to two adjoining mine ventilation network meshes containing fans results in the construction of two general quadratic equations. These equations may be solved to give the resultant airflows and hence fan duties within the system for given network parameters and fan characteristics. This technique has a wide application for calculating the duties of fans in various combinations within a mine ventilation system. Recent difficulties in economically maintaining environ- mentally safe conditions in underground working areas distant from main ventilation fans has led to increasing interest in the use of controlled partial recirculation of ventilation. This paper develops a recirculation model which can be solved directly using mathematical techniques obviating the need for iterative techniques such as the Hardy-Cross method. The advantage of a direct mathematical analysis is that mathematical algorithms may be constructed to completely describe the ventilation system under a wide range of operating conditions. This technique is applied to controlled partial recirculation ventilation systems to demonstrate its advantages for mine ventilation planning.

Jan 1, 1989

By R. C. Kadyk, C. J. Bise

High-voltage cable couplers are convenient and widely used accessories in modern coal-mine power distribution systems to help extend and retract power-feeder cables throughout a mine. Coupler design has tried to keep pace with the industry's desire to move to higher distribution levels, but the increase in recorded failures of 15-kV class couplers, which serve the 12.47-kV and above distribution levels, has inhibited this transition. Problems associated with the effects of partial discharge on high-voltage cable couplers are analyzed. The phenomenon of partial discharge is discussed, a testing standard is developed, and various coupler designs are subjected to its requirements. An analysis of test results and results based on field applications are provided.

Jan 1, 1985

By H. A. Hamza

An experimental study of the settling characteristics of a washery effluent originating as tailings from a froth flotation circuit was undertaken by using a systematic approach to select the most appropriate flocculant(s) under predetermined conditions. Selection and evaluation procedures which greatly reduce the effort required to select flocculants are described. The results show that, although different flocculants display superiority at different ranges of dosage. Separan MG 700 (Dow) is the most suitable on absolute economic grounds. Flocculant evaluation is based on a Cost Performance Index (CPI) which expresses the cost of flocculant (¢/ton) required to produce a unit settling rate (in./hr). From experiments carried out with a number of flocculant aid and flocculant combinations, it was concluded that the use of flocculant aids can be economically justified only if the settling rates required are higher than those obtainable at the optimum flocculant dosage. Otherwise, the value of the flocculant aid appears to be limited largely to the reduction of supernatant turbidity.

Jan 1, 1979

By P. L. De Bruyn, R. J. Charles

THE transfer of kinetic energy of translation into other forms of energy by impact is a fundamental process in most crushing and grinding operations. During and after the impact process the original source energy may be accounted for in any of the following possible forms: 1) Kinetic energy of translation of both the impacted and impacting objects. 2) Kinetic energy of vibration of the components of the impact system. 3) Potential energy as strain energy of the components of the system or in the form of residual stresses. 4) Heat generated by internal friction during plastic deformation or during damping of elastic waves. 5) New surface energy of fractured materials. At any instant during the impact process only the strain energy of the components of the system can contribute directly to the brittle fracture process. If fracture is the desired result, as in comminution, it would seem advantageous to choose or arrange the conditions of impact so that a maximum amount of the original kinetic energy could be converted to strain energy at some moment during a single impact. The present work deals with determination of these desirable conditions for a simple case of impact and application of the principles involved to general cases of impact. Experimental Method: Longitudinal impact of a rod with a fixed end was chosen as the impact system for investigation. The rod was mounted horizontally and the fixed end was formed by butting one end of the rod against a rigidly mounted steel anvil. The rod, of pyrex glass, was 10 in. long by 1 in. diam with both ends rounded to a 6 in. radius. The rounded ends permitted reproducible impacts on the free end of the rod and assured a symmetrical fixed end. Pyrex was selected as the rod material because of the marked elastic properties of such glass and the similarity of fracture between pyrex and many materials encountered in crushing and grinding operations. The frequency of natural longitudinal oscillation of the rod was 10 kc, and thus simple electronic equipment could be used for observation of strain changes occurring in the rod at this frequency. As shown in Fig. 1, impacts on the free end of the rod were obtained either by a pendulum device or by a spring-loaded gun. Relatively heavy hammers (100 to 600 g) of mild steel were used in the pendu- lum impacts, while fairly light projectiles (20 to 80 g) were fired from the spring-loaded gun. One of the main objects of the experimental work was to obtain the strain-time history of the rod as a function of the mass and kinetic energy of the impacting hammers. For this purpose a technique involving wire resistance strain gages and a recording oscilloscope was employed. Five gages were applied at equidistant sections along the rod, and by means of a switching arrangement the strain-time history at any section, and for any impact, could be obtained in the form of an oscillograph with a time base. The equation relating strain and voltage change across a strain gage through which a constant current is flowing is as follows: e = ?v/iRF [1] ? = strain, ?v = voltage change, i = gage current, R = gage resistance, and F = gage factor (from manufacturer's data — SRA type, Baldwin Lima Corp.). With the above equation an oscillograph depicting voltage change vs time on a single trace can be converted directly to a strain-time diagram if a calibration of the vertical response on the oscilloscope screen for specific voltage inputs is available. In the present case the calibration was obtained by photographing precisely known audio frequency voltages on the same oscillograph as that on which a voltage-time trace from a strain gage had been made. Synchronization of the beginning of the single trace with the beginning of the impact was accomplished by permitting contact of the impacting objects to close an electrical circuit from which a voltage pulse, sufficient to initiate the trace, was obtained. The struck end of the rod was lightly silvered for purposes of electrical conduction so that it would form one of the electrical contacts. Markers every 100 micro-seconds on the traces served for a time base calibration. Determinations of the kinetic energies of translation prior to impact were made in the case of the pendulum hammers by measuring the height of fall of the hammer and in the case of the projectiles by measuring the exit velocity from the gun barrel by means of an electrical circuit employing light sources, slits, and phototubes.' During the experimental work it became evident that the time of contact between the impacting object and the rod was an important variable in the impact process. Measurements of the times of contact were made, therefore, for every impact for which a strain-time record was obtained. The time of contact was determined by permitting the impacting components, when in contact, to act as a closed switch and discharge a condenser at relatively constant voltage. The discharge was observed and photographed with a time base on the oscilloscope screen.

Jan 1, 1957

Jan 1, 1930

By K. H. McDaniel, D. M. Loring

The underground ventilation system at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) provides for the unparalleled ability to ensure the safety of the workers, the public and the environment. Although small spatially, the system can vary the airflow from 31.2 to 217.1 m3/s (66,000 to 460,000 cfm). The system can automatically incorporate HEPA filtration in the event of radioactive contamination. Remote-capable regulators individually control the four main splits, and they can be adjusted from the surface if necessary. A ventilation remote-monitoring and control system provides real-time information. Future areas of concern include DPM compliance, system psychrometry, logic-based real-time mine-ventilation simulation and automation using PLC technology. This paper discusses the evolution of this system.

Jan 1, 2003

By Alfredo Plenge Thorne

El presente texto señala diversas alternativas y usos para un modelo dirigido a la optimización de una operación minera en el corto plazo, incidiendo en los aspectos mineros, metalúrgicos y comerciales. El modelo se basa en la función de utilidad financiera, cuando ésta es optimizada respecto de las variables que la conforman. Se prescinde de la variable tiempo, al considerarse este modelo como de corto plazo. Se presentan cuatro ejemplos, dos simulados con data real y dos prácticos basados en el resultado actual de la operación. Asimismo, se provee al usuario una visión integral que incluye las actividades principales de la cadena de valor en la minería; unificando criterios y evaluando los efectos de cada una de las decisiones del operador minero en la rentabilidad global de la operación, al variar los principales parámetros en el proceso productivo.

Sep 14, 2009

China has at least 200 collieries suffering from the problem of instantaneous outbursts of coal and gas. Strong outbursts often have occurred in geological tectonic zones and concentrated stress areas. There are some particular characteristics of these strong outbursts, including the effects of ground stress, gas pressure and the properties of coal associated with the outbursts.

Jan 1, 1986

By I. Demers, A. Blier, M. Mbonimpa, M. Benzaazoua, B. Bussière

The Doyon Mine in Quebec, Canada, evaluates the possibility of desulfurizing its tailings to produce material to be used as cover for the acid-generating tailings disposal site. Laboratory tests showed that a single-layer cover made of desulfurized tailings placed over reactive tailings can prevent the generation of acid mine drainage. Modeling with the software Vadose/W was used to optimize the design parameters, namely, cover thickness, water table position and residual sulfide content of desulfurized tailings following laboratory work. It was found that the optimal configuration includes a 1-m (3.3-ft) desulfurized tailings cover containing 0.8% S, with the water table kept at the interface between the reactive tailings and the cover. To maintain the cover performance to reduce oxygen flux toward acid-generating tailings even in the event of a long dry period, a sand layer is suggested to protect the cover from excessive evaporation. It is possible to reach the environmental objective for oxygen flux chosen for the Doyon Mine (10 mol/ m2/year) with the protective sand layer, even in extremely dry conditions.

Jan 1, 2009