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By M. R. Khalesi, Y. Kianinia, A. Seyedhakimi, F. Soltani

"The feed ore to Agh-Darreh gold processing plant (Takab City, Iran) contains 2 ppm Au, 7 ppm Ag, and 120 ppm Hg. After cyanide leaching of the feed at pH 10.4, 80% of the total mercury (in the form of cinnabar and metacinnabar) goes to the tailings dam. In this research, separation of mercury from the tailings by flotation was investigated. The effects of collector type and dosage, pH, and the number of cleaner stages were studied. The results showed that after two stages of cleaning a 40–62% recovery of Hg at a grade of 14.3% Hg is attainable. Recycle water from a test in which 50 g/t amyl xanthate and 30 g/t pine oil was used in the flotation stage showed no adverse effect on the leaching and adsorption of gold onto activated carbon.IntroductionMercury, most commonly found in the nature as the mineral cinnabar (HgS), is a hazardous substance because of its mobility and toxicity (Kyle et al., 2012). Roasting is the wellestablished treatment method for mercury ores, in which the sulphur is burned and volatilized and mercury recovered subsequently by cooling and condensation. However, for low-grade ores, flotation is mainly applied for primary concentration due to its comparatively low costs, low environmental hazards, and flexibility regarding feed variations (Bulatovic, 2007). Particularly, cinnabar can be easily recovered by flotation using pine oil and a collector such as xanthate (Bulatovic, 2007; Crozier, 1991). Floatability of cinnabar is reduced due to surface oxidation when it is exposed to the atmosphere after crushing. This problem can be eliminated by adding copper sulphate and lead nitrate or acetate. The best pH for cinnabar flotation is in the range of 6.5 to 8.5 according to Erspamer and Wells, (1954), who reported that cinnabar and stibnite can be floated with long-chain xanthate collectors and an alcohol frother, with cumulative recoveries of 97.8% and 94.7%, respectively. Lead acetate was used as an activator."

Jan 1, 2017

By Y. H. Suh, H. C. Lee, D. S. Kim

A progressive karst formation and its influence upon engineered structures in the ‘phil-karst’ rock mass draw a tunnel engineer’s special attention to a long-term stability and the maintenance issues. Karst sinkholes of any size beneath the railway bed cause train wrecks or long interruptions in train traffic during rehabilitation work. The collapse of cave roof, called a ‘doline’, is in general connected to the cave by the gradual dissolving of the rock, developing into subsidence and sink-holes. The principal conclusions obtained from the field experiments are as follows: It is found that the development of karst cavity shows a relationship with a structural geological line and it is necessary to define the dominant directions of joint and geological layer (formation). The relation-ship between the water flow and joint direction can be used as an indicator of cavity presence in their direction. In addition the direction of in-situ stress can play a role in the development of karst cavities. A risk map of karst scenario is produced for the tunnel supporting systems with rock type classifications in water-soluble karstic rock mass. Eine fortschrittliche Karst-Formung und sein Einfluß auf angelegten Strukturen in der Phil-Karst-Felsenmasse wecken einem Tunnelingenieur eine besondere Aufmerksamkeit zu einer langfristigen Stabilität und der Wartungsausgaben auf. Karstensinkhöhlen in irgendeinen Größen unter dem Eisenbahnbett sind die Ursache der Zugeszerstörung oder der langen Unterbrechungen in Zugverkehr während Rehabilitationsarbeit. Der Zusammenbruch von Höhlendach, d.h. ein “doline”, ist im allgemeinen an die Höhle, die durch das allmähliche Auflösen des Felsen zu entstehen ist und sich in die Subsidence und Sinkhöhlen entwickeln, angeschlossen. Die Hauptschlüsse, die von Feldenprüfungen erhalten wurden, sind folgendermaßen: es wird gefunden, daß die Entwicklung von Karstenhöhlung eine Beziehung mit einer strukturellen geologischen Linie zeigt und es notwendig ist, die vorherrschenden Richtungen von Gelenk und geologischer Schicht (die Formung) zu definieren. Die Beziehung zwischen dem Wasserablauf und der gemeinschaftlichen Richtung kann als ein Anzeiger von Höhlungsanwesenheit in ihrer Richtung benutzt werden. Zusätzlich kann die Richtung von In-Situ-Spannung eine Rolle in der Entwicklung der Karstenhöhlungen spielen. Für das Tunnelunterstützungssystem, welches mit Felsentypenklassifizierungen in wasserlöslicher Karstic-Felsenmasse, ist eine Risikokarte von Karstenszenar hergestellt. Une formation progressive de karst et son influence sur les structures tracées dans la masse de roche "phil-karst" retiennent l'attention particulière des ingénieurs de tunnel aux problèmes de la stabilité à long terme et du maintien. Les creux de karst de toute la taille sous le chemin de fer causent les accidents de trains ou de longues interruptions pendant le travail de réhabilitaion. L'effondrement du plafond de caverne qui s'appelle "doline" s'est, en général, connecté à la caverne par dissolution progressive de la roche, en devenant l'affaissement et les creux. Les conclusions importantes venant des experimentations sur le terrain sont suivants: d'abord, le développement de la cavité de karst montre le rapport avec la ligne géologique de la structure et il est nécessaire de définir les directions dominantes du joint et la couche(formation) géologique. La relation entre l'écoulement de l'eau et la direction du joint peut être utilisé comme un indicateur de la présence de la cavité dans leur direction. De plus, la direction sur place peut contribuer au développement des cavités de karst. Le plan risqué de karst s'est produit pour le système d'appui du tunnel avec les classifications du type de roche dans la masse de roche karstique qui est soluble dans l'eau.

Jan 1, 2003

It is suggested that an increase in the production from thin coal seams in South Africa is necessary, and that a substantial amount of any increase will be mined by the bord-and-pillar method. For the purpose of this study, a thin coal seam was regarded as any seam 1,5 m thick or less to the minimum thickness at which mechanized equipment can operate in bord-and-pillar workings. The equipment being utilized in thin-seam bord-and-pillar layouts includes conventional equipment, load-hauldump cars (scoops), and drum-type and Fairchild-Wilcox continuous miners. Comparisons are made of these types of equipment for bord-and-pillar mining at various seam thicknesses within the thin-seam range. The evaluations involved production rates and the cost of extraction for South African conditions, use being made of an existing computer modelling technique in the generation of production rates. The indications are that, for seam thicknesses greater than 0,9 m, drum-type continuous miners utilizing continuous haulage are the most productive and cost-effective equipment at present operating in thin-seam bord-and- pillar workings. Where seams thinner than 0,9 m are to be exploited, Fairchild-Wilcox continuous miners, particularly the Mark 22, produce the most coal at the lowest cost.

Jan 1, 1984

By A. O. Filmer

The techniques used in this study of the non-oxidative dissolution rates of high- and Iow-grade nickel mattes in hydrochloric acid involved leaching and the use of a rotating ring-disc electrode. It was found that the rate of metal dissolution depends on the potential at which the matte dissolves, a maximum rate of dissolution being observed at -0,2 V to 0,3 V (relative to a saturated calomel electrode). The results are comparable with those obtained in work on the dissolution of synthetic nickel and iron sulphides. The adverse effect of excess sulphur on the rate of nonoxidative dissolution is explained in terms of the mixed potential of the reaction. The leaching studies showed the feasibility of processing a high-grade nickel matte by non-oxidative dissolution, and indicate that maximum rates can be obtained in the presence of fairly Iow concentrations of oxidant. A relative selective dissolution of iron can be obtained from the Iow-grade matte under reducing conditions, thus resulting in a significant upgrading of this material. Letter to the Editor Dravo Corporation is seeking information concerning a special method of transporting explosives to aid in designing a large underground oil shale mine in the mountains of Colorado.

Jan 1, 1981

By M. J. Nicol

On page 51, the equation numbered.... On page 52, the equation numbered .... On page 53, the arrangement of the equation.... Canadian reports Asbestos by G.O. Vagt.l0 pp. Chromium by D. G. Law-West. 6 pp. Iron and Steel by T. R. Mclnnis. 15 pp. Titanium and Titanium Dioxide by M. A. Boucher. 7 pp. Vanadium by D. Shaw. 7 pp.

Jan 1, 1984

By D. I. Nicol

An assessment is made of the possible scope for the use of activated charcoal as the solid adsorbent in an upflow fluidized-bed contactor, and a pilot-plant programme for the recovery of low concentrations of dissolved gold in this contactor is described. It was found possible to produce an effluent that contains less than 0,01 p.p.m. of dissolved gold.

Jan 1, 1997

By A. Singh, R. R. Maclachlan

SYNOPSIS A back-analysis procedure based upon 35 mm photography was developed on a laboratory scale for the pur¬pose of determining the percentage of oversize particles known to be present in heaps of fragmented rock. Eight simple blends of crushed stone containing varying percentages of oversize on a 1:40 modelled scale were examined. Simulated test conditions for the following were subjected to the photographic study: (1) a bench heap, (2) the surface exposure of a partially excavated heap, (3) a gravity-sorted surface as occurs on an apron dump, and (4) four quadrant views of an incrementally built conical heap of rock fragments. The best back-analysis determinations were obtained from (4), the cone, over all eight blends of fragments. The mean error was within -0,16 per cent of the true value, with a range of ± 1,872. This was for oversize contents of 5 to 20 per cent where a minimum 25 per cent of the photograph area was processed by digitizer. The worst results were from the apron dump at - 1,462 per cent for a mean error of ± 4,174 per cent. The intermediate results were from the undisturbed bench at -0,186 per cent with a mean error of ±2,862 per cent.

Jan 1, 1989

By L. E. Kun, R. O. Oelofsen, E. J. J. van Vuuren

High-rate floc-blanket clarification of gold pregnant rotary filtrate was introduced at the Vaal Reefs South gold plant of the Anglo American Corporation during February 1978. A. daily 12 000 to 15 000 t of filtrate, with an average suspended-solids concentration of 350 mg/I, is continuously clarified to a concentration of less than 2S mg/I of suspended solids in a modified plant pachuca (10 m in diameter) at throughput rates of 7,7 to 8,5 ma/m2.h by the addition of 5 g/t of ferric chloride inorganic coagulant and 0,2 g/t of Superfloc NI00 flocculant. The pachuca overflow is then clarified further in seven Stellar candle pressure filters of 54,S m2 surface area to under 5 mg/I of suspended solids. The combined clarification cost when the hopper clarifier is used in conjunction with the Stellar filters is R0,0032 per ton of liquid treated, which is approximately 60 per cent lower than the cost of Stellar filtration on its own. The savings are mainly due to the reduced use of filter pre-coat, the consumption of which has dropped by 70 per cent since the introduction of hopper clarification.

Jan 1, 1979

By L. Prosch

"The word 'sustainability' has gotten such a work out lately that the whole concept is in danger of floating away on a sea of inoffensiveness" Michael Pollon. It is estimated that approximately 65% of the roughly 130 million carats of diamonds mined globally per annum originate in Africa and has an annual value of US$ 8.4 billion', Many of these mines are located in remote areas of the continent where the directly affected project community's income is often well below the poverty line. Often associated with these communities are occurrences of localized over exploitation of natural resources, environmental destruction and the abundance of social ills.

Jan 1, 2010

By J. Sepulveda

"Despite the recognized influence of product fineness on line capacity and downstream process performance, few mineral concentrators today use particle size measurement of the final product in automatic control applications for particle size. ‘Near-line’ particle size instrumentation has existed for decades and is utilized in modern concentrators, but low availability and measurement frequency, due to problems with slurry sampling and transport systems, make these technologies unreliable for use in automatic control. An innovative technology for real-time particle size measurement on individual hydrocyclones, named CYCLONEtrac™ PST (particle size tracking), has been developed by CiDRA Minerals Processing, and proven in commercial installations, demonstrating near 100% availability with minimal maintenance requirements, thus overcoming the limitations of previous technologies. Potential stakeholders require convincing, reliable information regarding the economic value delivered by automatic grind control projects. In this paper we present a methodology for estimating such value with the CYCLONEtrac™ PST technology, and demonstrate unique opportunities to improve process stability and performance. Based on actual plant data accumulated over time, the evaluation approach assesses and highlights the significant potential process improvement that can be expected with the particle size tracking technology. As an extension of previous work, in this paper we present the key operating criteria for optimizing the production of valuable metals and increase mill throughput by identifying the optimal grind size. As this requires operating closer to the process boundaries, accurate real-time particle size measurements, such as those provided by the CYCLONEtrac™ PST system, become essential for achieving the maximum potential value from every operation. For further illustration, data from three different copper plants is compared.Introduction Owners and operators of mineral concentrators constantly search for the most economically attractive way to increase the output of valuable metal. A logical approach is to identify a key parameter that has the greatest impact on the performance of multiple stages of the process and then use a holistic analysis methodology to determine how this key parameter can be controlled to optimize the final output.Particle size is widely recognized as such a key parameter; however, very few concentrators today use real-time particle size measurements for automatic control of the final product size due, to a large extent, to the inherent limitations of existing technologies. ‘Near-line’ particle size measurement instrumentation, which has been used for decades, typically suffers from low availability because the fundamental measurement technologies were developed for other, less demanding industries and then adapted to the harsh environment of the typical mineral concentration process. An outline of the key differences among the available technologies used for particle size measurement in comminution circuits has been completed in previous work, and plant data has proven the benefits of measurements on individual cyclones – something that, until now, has not been possible (Cirulis, 2017)."

Nov 1, 2018

By C. M. van der Walt, J. F. van Rensburg, H. J. Groenewald

The South African platinum group metals mining industry faces considerable operational costs, with compressed air networks’ annual costs accounting for up to 35% of total electricity consumption. Amidst escalating electricity tariffs and volatile commodity prices, enhancing energy efficiency has become critical for economic sustainability. This study addresses the prevalent issues of mismanagement and inefficient use of compressed air on the demand side, such as leakages and unauthorised use for ventilation. While previous research has identified these inefficiencies, a gap exists in the continual monitoring and reporting of network performance to drive sustained improvements. This paper presents a practical solution developed and applied within a major South African platinum group metals mining group. The methodology focuses on a continual monitoring and reporting framework to improve demand-side management. The implementation of this solution has demonstrated significant financial and energy-saving potential. Key findings from case studies include: 1) the mitigation of R150,000 in costs over five days by rectifying a single instrumentation fault, 2) a potential annual energy saving of up to 5.6 GWh (R10.6 million) by enforcing valve closures during non-productive periods, and 3) an annual reduction of 3.7 GWh (R7.2 million) through improved underground ventilation controls. These outcomes underscore the value of a systematic, data-driven approach to managing compressed air consumption, offering a viable strategy for cost reduction and enhanced efficiency across the platinum group metals industry.

Mar 6, 2026

By A. F. Lee

Dr E. C. Hanekom (Visitor): Two years ago we used the bubble pick-up technique as developed at Anglo American Corporation for screening candidate flotation agents prepared in our laboratories. It was obviously necessary to know to what extent the technique gave reproducible results and a statistical evaluation of the test method was made using a mineral sample provided by Anglo American Corporation. A bubble of 2.0 mm diameter was used and the measuring graticule was divided into squares (units) with sides of 5.0 mm at 25 X magnification. The mineral granules had diameters from 53 to 74 mm. The bubble was loaded by depressing it against a layer of mineral grains to give an arbitrary but constant compression of 0.4-0.5 mm. It was rolled five times through 2 mm horizontal displacement. The bubble was then lifted, its load compacted by gently stirring and the projected area measured in squares (units) on the grid. Each substance was tested at 5 ppm concentration in distilled water at five points in the pH range 3-6. With these standardized conditions of operation the reproducibility of the test was studied. Four materials were tested and at each pH value the procedure of forming a bubble, picking up granules and counting the units was repeated ten times. From these results the standard deviation for a single count at any pH value was calculated for each material (Table 1. The coefficient of variation of approximately 3 per cent was relatively low and it was decided that further refinements in the counting procedure would be of doubtful benefit with the present apparatus. Similar experiments were carried out with 12 sample materials. In this case the bubble formation and pick-up were repeated four times at each pH value, the mean value was calculated for each set of four observations and final pick-up values for the materials were obtained by selecting the highest mean count. Each test was completely repeated a number of times as indicated in Table 2 and the standard deviation calculated. The results allowed the selection of the more promising materials and the rejection of poor performers at the 95 per cent confidence level. All tests were carried out by one operator. Some evidence was obtained that the method is sensitive to operator bias. In conclusion it can be said that from all the results analyzed it would appear that once operation conditions are fixed (viz operator, pH control) the precision of the method is adequate. The author wishes to thank Messrs African Explosives and Chemical Industries Limited for permission to publish these data. G. S. Stander and C. J. Kooij (Visitors): We must congratulate Mr Lee for this most interesting and useful development of the pick-up experimental method. It certainly provides research workers with an instrument which makes flotation more of a science and less of an art. We visited Mr Lee at his laboratory where he gave us a demonstration of the bubble pick-up instrument and technique as developed and improved by him.

Jan 12, 1969

By K. Naidoo, M. Pelser, J. Hagemann, K. C. Sole

The copper tankhouse at Rustenburg Base Metals Refinery is an essential component of the Anglo American Platinum value chain. The tankhouse uses starter-sheet technology that was adopted in the 1980s, so dependence on manually intensive labour and overall operational excellence has a significant impact on process performance. An efficient, stable, and sustainable electrowinning process contributes to minimising energy consumption and reducing operational costs, and enables improved product quality and increased throughput. Historic performance of this tankhouse has often been suboptimum over prolonged periods. An in-depth operational review of performance from 2018–2024 was carried out to understand challenges, risks, and high-impact factors that contribute to poor performance. Implementation of adherence to fundamental operational basics identified from global best practice, such as the frequency and quality of cell cleaning and maintenance, preventing backlogged harvesting or maintenance, preserving cell-top furniture conditions and integrity of electrodes, preventing short circuits and poor current distribution, and maintaining a high level of operational discipline, has since contributed to an era of exceptional performance. Root-cause analysis fault trees pertaining to poor current efficiency and high scrap rate are summarised. Current efficiency has significantly improved since 2021, now consistently exceeding 88%. The copper scrap rate, previously believed to be limited to a minimum of 4%, achieved a historic monthly low record of 2.06% in 2023. Chemical and physical quality has considerably improved, and cathodes exhibit minimal morphological defects.

Jun 27, 2025

By H. Vuthaluru, O. Kavianipour, C. -Z. Li, N. Suresh, D. Sahu

The paper describes a CFD model developed for 76mm Dense Medium Cyclone (DMC) using Ansys Fluent Software to gain insights into the separation of particles according to their size and density. The simulation used in this paper includes the Reynolds stress model to predict the turbulence inside the cyclone body. An Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase CFD model was applied to model a number of physical aspects such as the separation of coal particles and the segregation of magnetite media solids. The experimental results generated in a laboratory scale DMC were used for the validation purpose and the predicted results of CFD have been validated for the flow splits of water, magnetite and coal. The simulation results obtained from the Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase model revealed that the prediction agreed with experimental results, and matched reasonably well in terms of the mass flow rates of water, magnetite and coal. Furthermore, the partition curve of the DMC when mapped for the separation of - 3.0+0.50 mm size also showed to be in agreement with the experimentally obtained curves. The gravity of cut (SG50), also predicted by the Eulerian-Eulerain multiphase CFD model, was found to be in the vicinity of observed experimental value of SG50. Keywords: Dense medium cyclone, Eulerian-Eulerain multi-phase modelling, computational fluid dynamics, cut gravity (SG50)

Jan 1, 2020

By M. D. G. Salamon

If a transition from one equilibrium state to another occurs during the course of mining, energy transfer takes place in the rock mass, which is assumed to be an elastic continuum. The energy components are defined as follows: the work done by external and body forces, W; the increase in stored energy in the mass, Uc; the strain energy in the rock mined during the transition, Urn; the work done on mine support or backfill, Ws; and the released energy, Wr. The energy balance is defined as (W + Urn) - (Uc + Ws) = Wr> 0, where the first set of components in parentheses represents the sources of energy, while that of the second corresponds to the known modes of energy expenditure and the component on the right is the unaccounted-for energy surplus, which must be released and dissipated in some form. The inequality Wr ~ Urn> 0 applies. Expressions for the energy components are derived first for the general case and then for the 'slit' modal used to simulate tabular excavations. Through specific examples, the importance of the progressive nature of mining is emphasized. The size of the steps used to enlarge the excavations appears to play a significant role in the mode of energy transfer. This observation forms the basis of the second paper in this series of two papers.

Jan 1, 1984

By W. Bleloch

Published in the Journal, September 1970, and presented at a colloquium on 'Future of the Steel Industry', 17th March, 1971. Errata (a) The final sentence in the penultimate paragraph, left hand column p. 34 of the text should read: 'In the hot regions of the bosh and stack the C+CO2=2CO reaction proceeds to CO from coke carbon and carbon dioxide generated by reduction of iron oxides by CO (the so-called solution loss of carbon)'. The italicised words have been omitted in the text. (b) Temperature in Fig. 3 is K not C. (c) In Fig. 9, connection from top plate of column 10 to heat exchanger 9 has been omitted. DISCUSSION J. B. BEEDON AND C. J. JONKER* Dr Bleloch's paper has outlined the advantages of recycling stack-gas of low nitrogen content in the blast furnace. In the first instance it would appear to be extremely beneficial in controlling the hearth temperature and allowing a 100 per cent oxygen-blast to be used. On a second point however we have to disagree. It is claimed that heat is liberated in the combustion zones by the oxidation of CO to CO2 near the tuyeres and in the subsequent reduction of the CO2 by CO. The author has hypothesized as follows, and we quote: 'The C+CO2=2 CO reaction in the outer combustion zone at about 1 700°C is no longer endothermic due to loss of stability of CO2 and its consequent dissociation into CO and free oxygen.' This statement requires closer examination. If we consider the individual events occurring with the CO in the recycled topgas, with the oxygen in the blast and with the coke in the burden, as done by Dr Bleloch, the following heat considerations emerge. All heats of reaction are calculated from the enthalpy values of each reactant and product, as well as the temperature dependence of their molar heat capacities. (a) At the tuyeres: CO+1/2 O2-+CO2 . . . . . (1) CO, CO2 at 500°C; O2 at 25°C. ?H reaction = -65 000 cals/mole CO The reaction (1) is exothermic. (b) In the outer combustion zone: CO2+C?2 CO . . . . . . . . (2) C, CO at 1 700°C; CO2 at 500 0C. ?H reaction = -56 000 cals/mole CO Reaction (2) is endothermic. The overall heat gain of reactions (1) and (2) is ?H=+56 000 - 65 000= -9000 cals/mole CO i.e. the overall reaction is slightly exothermic, the amount of heat liberated is however smaller than suggested by Dr Bleloch. (c) The dissociation CO2+CO+1/2 O2 . . . . . (3) is a highly endothermic reaction at 1 700 0C, requiring 82 000 cals/mole CO2 to proceed to completion. Furthermore, this reaction (3) is energetically not favoured to proceed, as can be observed from the free energy-temperature relationship of figure (3), which favours the formation of CO2 at 1 700 0C. Hence direct dissociation of CO2 at 1 700 0C appears to be unlikely.* The concept of recycling topgas is however still intriguing from many other points of view. Apart from providing a very efficient method of hearth temperature control, it will create a much higher CO partial pressure in the stack. Whether the rate of indirect reduction in the stack will be proportional to this partial pressure or not is un-

Jan 9, 1970

By J. L. Gaigher

A simple mineralogical regression model is described, which was devised in order to help the flotation plant cope with rapidly changing headgrades and feed mineralogy. Minerals in the feed were determined by means of quantitative X-ray diffraction and compared with plant performance parameters and flotation reagent consumption rates, using regression analysis. A mineralogical regression model for predicting recovery served to motivate flotation plant personnel and also set standards whereby flotation performance could be measured. The reagent consumption model indicated in which direction any or all of five flotation consumption rates should be altered. All practically measurable parameters, even those showing poor or no correlation, were included in the model, provision being made for the continuous update of a batch of data of 30 lines. Compared with the method of multiple linear regressions, the r2 is poorer at 0,41 (versus 0,50), but the mean standard error of estimate for both methods is identical at ± 6,6 units. The regression model is simpler than the method of multiple linear regressions, and although the accuracy of prediction is not high (41%), the mineralogical regression model proved to be successful in practice. Flotation efficiency, as measured by the mean ratio of head to tails grade, for the 9 month period after the mineralogical regression model was implemented on an hourly basis, improved from 2,8 to 3,2, which is equivalent to an improvement in average flotation recovery of 5% relative.

Jan 1, 1987

By C. Hey

The cycloned gravitated tailings backfill system, also referred to as a soft or low density fill, has been implemented at Vaal Reefs. Inhibiting the success of the system was the problem of shrinkage after placement. The problem was overcome by a pressure fill technique which eliminated settlement, contained costs and allowed remote placement. The technique involves the preinstallation of disposable pipes which are filled cyclically until a residual pressure of 0,5 bar of active support is generated in the filled paddock.

Jan 1, 1988

By S. Tu, Y. Yuan, H. Wei, Z. Chen, M. Jia

"To reduce production costs and increase efficiency in ageing coal mines, a system that utilizes two shearers in a fully mechanized longwall working face is proposed. Using theoretical and engineering experience, three issues pertaining to the system were determined: (a) the two-shearer mining technique; (b) matching and modifying the equipment; (c) and coal-cutting task allocation for each shearer. Two mining processes are proposed, with the two shearers travelling in either the same or opposing directions. To avoid breakage of chains and pan extrusion of the armoured face conveyor (AFC), the length of the AFC ‘snake’ was controlled. To ensure continuous cutting and transporting of coal, the cross-sectional dimensions of the AFC were checked and the shearer closer to the head drive was modified. Based on the assumption of equal cutting times for each shearer, the meeting position of the two shearers was obtained by using a theoretical model of mining task allocation. Application of this technique at No. 2 Jining Mine, China, has shown remarkable benefits: daily production capacity was increased by 54% and personnel efficiency was improved by 33 t/d per person. IntroductionAll coal mines aim to increase the unit output of the working face to reduce mining costs and improve the economic efficiency of the operation. To achieve this goal, a production model known as one mining face of the mining area has been adopted by most Chinese coal mines (Hu, Meng, and Zhu, 2008; Zhang, Zhang, and Wang, 2000). Under these conditions, the main technical approaches to maximize the output are increasing the width of the working face (Qu, Xu, and Xue, 2009) and accelerating the advancing speed (Robbins, 2000). In coalfields with shallow seams, the width of a fully mechanized face exceeds 300 m (Ju and Zhu, 2015; Fu, Song, and Xing, 2010); in coalfields with deep seams, the width of the face is usually greater than 240 m (Liu et al., 2016; Li et al., 2013). The term ‘super-long working face’ was proposed to describe working faces with a width of over 240 m (Zhao and Song, 2016; Xu et al, 2007) in China. To support these long working faces with rapid advancing speeds, high-powered mining equipment is required (Kulshreshtha and Parikh, 2001, 2002; Tu et al., 2009; Mishra, Sugla,and Singha, 2013). This is easily achieved in newly built mines, but is not a good choice for ageing mines because of the low return on a high investment on account of the limited remaining resources. It is therefore difficult for ageing mines to significantly increase their unit output with the existing mining equipment. This study focused on this problem: two shearers were applied to a longwall fully mechanized working face (LFMWF) to achieve increased unit output."

Oct 1, 2018

By Y. Suzuki, H. Yoshida, K. Sakaguchi, K. Matsuki, M. Minami

To estimate three dimensional in-situ stress at great depth, Downward Compact Conical-ended Borehole Overcoring (DCCBO) technique, which is one of stress relief methods, was developed. DCCBO technique can be applied to a water-filled vertical/sub-vertical borehole. In in-situ tests, the bonding device and the cleaning system were verified to work well in a water-filled borehole with cuttings on the bottom. Um dreidimensionale in-situ Beanspruchungen in großen Tiefen abzuschätzen, wurde das Downward Compact Conical-ended Borhole Overcoring (DCCBO) Verfahren entwickelt, wobei es sich um ein diese Beanspruchungen entlastendes Verfahren handelt. Die DCCBO Technik kann auf wassergefüllte vertikale und subvertikale Bohrlöcher angewandt werden. Bei den in-situ Tests wurde die Einsatzfähigkeit der Verbindungsvorrichtung und des Reinigungssystems für wassergefüllte Bohrlöcher mit Einschnitten am Boden bestätigt. La technique de Downward Compact Conical-ended Borehole Overcoring (DCCBO) ou ‘Surcarottage par sondage à extrémité conique compact dirigé vers le bas’, qui est une méthode de détente des tensions, a été développée pour calculer les tensions in-situ à trois dimensions à grande profondeur. Cette technique peut s’appliquer à des sondages verticaux/sub-verticaux remplis d’eau. Au cours des essais in-situ il a pu être vérifié que le dispositif de liaison et le système de nettoyage fonctionnaient bien dans un trou de forage rempli d’eau avec saignées au fond.

Jan 1, 2003