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Jan 1, 1908

By Ladislav Bebar, Tomas Parizek, Radek Dvorak, Petr Stehlik

"More and more sweeping environmental regulations initiate research, development and introducing into operation up to date technologies for cleaning off-gas and flue gas generated in various branches of industry and municipal waste treatment. The following systems based on novel types of equipment are shown: thermal and catalytic treatment of waste gases polluted by VOC (Volatile organic compounds) and carbon monoxide (alternatively NOx), catalytic filtration for efficient destruction of PCDD/F (dioxins) and potentially NOx, wet cleaning of flue gases polluted by SO2, HCl and HF with a original type of homogenizer “O-element”, integrated equipment for cleaning waste gases polluted by solid particulates, SO2, HCl, HF and heavy metals (alternatively NOx or PCDD/F). The outstanding features of all equipment mentioned above are low investment and operating costs together with high removing efficiency of pollutants. These units can be used mainly in incineration plants, refineries and other chemical plants. The paper represents a review based on papers published in reputable international journals and a monograph under preparation as well as on experience from industrial applications.IntroductionIn the recent years, more and more emphasis is put on preserving clean environment. One of the most closely monitored objects of general public attention are exhaust gases, containing a number of undesirable compounds like NOx, CO, SO2, HCl, HF, fly ash a PCDD/F. These harmful species are created in chemical processes mainly in the industry, transport and energy sectors. There is therefore a strong impetus for abatement of these harmful pollutants. Sectors of industry are thus subject to emission regulations specific to various types of units. In the framework of increasing demand for a clean environment, the concerned legislation is becoming increasingly strict and requires removal of pollutants by modern methods that would ensure efficient abatement of emissions at reasonable investment and operating costs.Attention is focused chiefly on methods for decreasing harmful emissions from thermal waste treatment facilities processing industrial and municipal waste that may be subsequently applied in other sectors of industry. Units for the thermal treatment of waste not only provide means of its disposal, but may become also important sources of energy, provided that strict emissions limits are satisfied. Figure 1 compares emission limits given by the legislation for municipal waste incinerators and limits for a selection of energy sources with heat capacity up to 50 MW (see EU regulation 200/76/EC). The Figure implies that the values of emission limits for waste incineration are mostly comparable with emissions from the combustion of natural gas. Thanks to the continuing improvements of the methods for removal of harmful pollutants, the emissions from waste incinerators are typically deep below the limits."

Jan 1, 2008

By Kevin Malone

Chrysotile asbestos occurs in many counties in California, and a small production had been reported at times, but development of deposits had been disappointing. A reconnaissance survey by the Bureau of Mines indicated that several deposits in the serpentine belt in Shasta, Trinity, and Siskiyou Counties might contain enough asbestos of filler grade to supply the growing demand on the west coast. Accordingly from 1956 to 1958 parts of the Mount Eddy and Shasta View deposits were investigated by trenching and diamond drilling to determine their potential. The work comprised construction of roads, bulldozer trenching, excavation of areas for diamond drilling, sampling, and upping. The trenches were excavated to expose the surface extent of some of the asbestos-bearing areas, To determine the downward continuation of asbestos-bearing sections and to secure samples for test purposes, six diamond drill holes, totaling 1,738 linear feet, were drilled in two selected areas. The trenching and core-drilling indicated that the asbestos-bearing material occurs as ribs and lenses of varying thicknesses in a broad belt of serpentine, about 600 feet wide and several miles long,

Jan 1, 1962

By S Williams, N McBride

The aim of these analyses was to utilise the latest available production information for the Wandoo operation to determine the optimal blasting parameters, costing information and predicted results (fragmentation, muckpile shape and vibration). Much of the data used as input was made available from the information gathered during the excavation of the test pits during 1995. As with any æplanning stageÆ analyses, many assumptions were required to fill gaps in the available data. The calibration of computer blasting models was conducted using data from the last of the test pit blasts (this blast was carried out in material that closely resembled rock expected to constitute the bulk of the base case design pit). This calibration was refined using observation and experience based judgements to extend the accuracy of the predictions as far as possible. All the simulations were performed assuming that the blastholes will be wet (as instructed by BGM). This has consequently determined that the appropriate explosive for the simulations and the actual blasting will be a pumped emulsion/ANFO blend. The following blast design parameters were derived by determining a likely range of powder factor (from other similar scale gold mines) with a median value of 0.62 kg/m 3 being the powder factor arrived at through the field optimisation process conducted during the test pit excavation. The total swell/displacement percentage (volume after blast/volume before blast) largely determines the diggability of a well fragmented muckpile. Consequently where fragmentation is good any reduction of total swell will probably reduce diggabilty. Any reduction of diggability can and should be traded off against increased gold recovery. In most gold mines, diggabilty will be substantially compromised at the balance which produces the most profit. When these considerations are combined with the cost to drill and blast material, processing costs and the achievement of æacceptableÆ diggibility, the analysis becomes extremely complex and qualitative. Many trends are evident including:the relationship between powder factor (for each blast design) and maximum forward displacement (throw), see Figure 1; and the relationship between powder factor (for each blast design) and drill and blast cost per BCM, see Figure 2. The following blast designs are matched to each of three ore-tonnage alternatives (as supplied by BGM) (Table 1). They are all based on powder factor of 0.62 kg/BCM and are considered optimum from a mining æpoint of viewÆ. The costing of each design includes drilling, explosives and labour cost to load, stem and tie-in holes. Using the available rock data and relying heavily on the wall exposures in the test pit(s), it is the opinion of the author that between 20 per cent to 40 per cent of the final walls excavated in the Wandoo pit would be likely to have the angle between the dominant foliation and the wall plane that is well suited to presplitting and be cost-effectively served by presplit technique. The drilling cost for 125 mm blasthole is about $11.40 per drilled metre and the cost of 40 mm presplit explosive is about $140 per 25 kg (17 metre) case. This implies that the cost to drill and blast presplit on the above parameters would be about $10.90 per square metre of presplit face. The remaining wall area would be most cost-effectively delineated using modified production blasting techniques. This requires the use of modified parameters such as smaller hole diameters, smaller spacing/ burden, higher powder factor, free face firing, less rows per blast and longer delays. These altered blast parameters would usually be applied uniformly across the entire blast fired adjacent to the wall and this ætrimÆ blast would relieve burden away from the wall, into the pit. In simplest terms, this method relies upon maximised burden relief to minimise blast energy applied to the wall. It is only applicable where the material to be blasted is waste since the throw achieved is inconsistent with ore dilution control. The largest charge weight per hole for these analyses is 360 kg and the nearest domestic structure to the proposed Wandoo pit is about 6100 metres distant. From these parameters and assuming a worst case example of rock controlled site factor, the predicted ground vibration is 0.5 mm/sec that is about five per cent of the lower limit set down in AS 2187 part two (1993). This suggests that for the current location of neighbours, ground vibration will not be an issue for the Wandoo operation.

Jan 1, 1999

By C. F. Riisness, E. R. Parker

That grain size has a great effect on the mechanical properties of metals has been recognized for a long time. Bassett and Davis1 in 1919 did excellent work in determining the effect of grain size on the hardness of brass. About the same time Jeffries2 and Sykes3 ascertained the effect of grain size on the strength and ductility of several metals at temperatures ranging from 80°K. to their melting points. When creep was recognized as an important property of metals, those engaged in the study of this property tried to determine the effect of grain size4-9 on creep rates. Unfortunately, most of the investigations were conducted on only two grain sizes, often designated simply as "fine" and "coarse." It is well known that at high temperatures coarse-grained test bars creep less than fine-grained bars. The relation between grain size and size of test bar, however, has been frequently overlooked. In his early work, Jeffries2 showed that the number of grains in the cross section has a more important influence on the properties of the material than the actual grain size. More recently Hanson and Sandfordl0 and Pell-Walpole,ll in their measurements of the creep and tensile properties of tin, tested a wide range of grain sizes and correlated the grain size with the strength. Hanson9 later established the relation between the number of grains in the cross section and the creep rate. At high temperatures, generally a coarsegrained structure is considered superior in creep to a fine-grained structure, but it is evident that for a given bar size continuously increasing the grain size will

Jan 1, 1944

By Dru Brown

More than 150 Mt (165 million st) of material crashed down at the Bingham Canyon Mine (Rio Tinto/Kennecott Utah Copper) near Salt Lake City, UT on April 10, 2013. The mine, one of the largest openpit mines in the world, ceased operations and evacuated personnel prior to the slide when it was discovered that material was moving at a rate of 5 cm/d (2 in./day). The slide destroyed the mine?s visitor?s center, buried several pieces of large mining equipment and severely hampered production. The Kennecott Utah Copper Corp. immediately began to assess the damage and look for options to reestablish operations. The highly unstable ground ? emphasized by another minor slide in September 2013 ? makes any cleanup efforts extremely dangerous. With terrain too dangerous for human operators, Kennecott was forced to look for alternatives that would help the company work on the treacherous slopes of the landslide while also keeping personnel safe.

Jan 1, 2014

By H. S. "Pete" Fowler

SME-AIME's Planning Committee established Working Party No. 22 in September 1974. Its charge was to: "Determine and take necessary actions to have Mining Engineering included among the disciplines on the National Professional Engineering Examinations." The first national examinations in "Mining/Minerals Engineering" will be given during April 1979, in states that request questions from the National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEE), Seneca, S.C. From a survey by NCEE, mining engineering is recognized as a specialty in professional engineering registration in 25 states. In addition, 19 states give examinations in mining engineering. At press time, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia have indicated they will use the April 1979 exam.

Jan 11, 1978

By William Highton

If the economic situation in the Western World evolves on a path similar to that of the past decade, then we Mining Engineers must accept that one of the major cost factors in the production of deep mined coal is going to be that of labour. Whilst not trying to over-simplify matters it does appear that one of the ways of maintaining acceptable coal costs is by obtaining more coal without increasing manpower. One such way could be an increase in the use of the retreat method of mining. The paper theorises and illustrates case studies to show that as the Mining Industry extends the use of Longwall retreat mining systems in coal seams where the risk of spontaneous combustion exists, then the use of bleeder entries should be questioned. In addition to the spontaneous combustion risk, bleeder entry systems where the ventilation flow is not fully controllable cannot be construed as a safe and reliable method of controlling high rates of methane emission. These two major aspects alone should be sufficient ground for Mining Engineers to re-consider the practice of using bleeder entries. An alternative "The Back Return System" appears to offer most of the advantages for controlling the environment, without the disadvantages of the other system.

Jan 1, 1980

By John C. Branner

Within a couple of years I have received many inquiries in regard to the manganese-mines of Brazil. These inquiries were doubtless directed to mc because I had lived and traveled in Brazil for more than eight years, and was therefore supposed to be pretty well acquainted with its geology and mineral resources. Somewhat to my chagrin, I not only knew nothing of manganese-mines in that country, but I had never before heard of the mineral having been found here in quantity, and I did not even know in what State the mines were located. The present summer found me in Brazil again, trying to finish up some of my early geological investigations along the northeast coast, and I have used the occasion to find out something about the manganese-deposits. Very little is known of these mines, even in Brazil. While at Pernambuco I was told that they were in the distant interior of the State of Bahia. In August I reached Bahia, and there I found out, concerning the mines and their geology, enough to be worth telling for the benefit of those interested in the mining or using of this mineral. Thus far, all the manganese-ore shipped from this State has come from two mines, the principal one of which is known as the Pedras Pretas mine. This was the first mine opened, is the best developed, and was the original discovery; the second one is on an adjoining tract, and the general geology and natural conditions are about the same in both. The Pedras Pretas mine is on the Nazareth-Amargosa railway, twenty-six kilometers west of the town of Nazareth, which is on tide-water, at the head of navigation, and is reached from the city of Bahia by a small side-wheel steamer that runs across the bay of Bahia and up the Rio Jaguaripe

Jan 1, 1900

By T. A. Evans

The Bureau of Mines conducted a Laboratory and pilot-plant investigation of the flotation of iron sulfides from zinc-lead mill tailings near Platteville, in south-western Wisconsin, at the North Central Experiment Station, Minneapolis, Minn. The procedures used and the results obtained in this investigation are described in this report. Samples for laboratory tests were obtained from each mill in the district, namely, Calumet & Hecla, Inc., Eagle-Picher Co., Vinegar Hill Zinc Co., and Tri-State Zinc, Inc. The sample fat pilot-plant work was obtained from the Davis Mining Enterprises mill.

Jan 1, 1957

By D. Izerdem, S. L. Ergun

"Beneficiation of the finely disseminated valuable minerals has been an important issue in the mineral processing field for decades. Treatment of the fine materials becomes difficult with using traditional gravity concentration equipment. To investigate particles behavior in a commonly used conventional gravity concentration equipment, a comprehensive study was undertaken in a plant, which only consists spiral concentrators as concentration units. Spiral concentrators require relatively coarse material to effectively concentrate valuables as well as offering greater simplicity for especially higher grade feeds. In the current work, chromite ore (d80 = 290 µm) was treated using spiral concentrators and the performance of spiral concentrators was examined. The design of the separation circuit comprised of rougher, cleaner and scavenger stages. The resultant fractions produced by each separation unit and feed samples were analyzed to identify the particle sizes, mineral liberations and chromite content. Grade and recovery comparisons were presented in size-by-size manner and the separation tendency of the particles were determined in varying feed rate conditions. The overall results indicated valuable mineral loss of the plant and alternative suggestions were pointed to reach the target values.INTRODUCTION Spiral concentrators are simple low energy consuming devices, which are generally used for pre-concentration of the minerals. They are cost efficient equipment separating minerals mainly based on density differences of the minerals. The adjustable splitters remove the concentrate as the remaining stream continues to move down the spiral. Separation on a spiral is achieved through a combination of forces that act on particles as they move down the trough of the spiral. The main forces known to act on the particle on a spiral are the gravitational force, centrifugal force, hydrodynamic drag and Bagnold force (Atasoy and Spottiswood, 1995; Burt, 1984). Since the classification in a spiral concentrator depends on particle specific gravity and size, the operation of spirals can be analyzed using size recovery or partition curves (Bazin et al., 2014). Spiral concentrators possess multiple design parameters for a variety of applications. The design parameters that govern the performance of the spiral can be identified as the diameter, number of turns, slope, pitch and the profile of the trough. For an efficient separation on a spiral concentrator, the properties of the slurry flowing on a spiral, ore texture, percent solids and flow rate play important roles."

Jan 1, 2018

By B. MohammadSadeghi, S. Bakhshivash, M. Haghshenas, F. Rahimi

"Spring-Back/Forward in sheet metals is defined as recovery of elastic strain upon unloading in a deformed sheet specimen. Since this phenomenon can cause alternation in the dimensions of a part, leading to irrecoverable compensations, the operative parameters need to be investigated, thoroughly. To assess spring-forward and effective bending parameters, V-shaped bending dies are the most commonly used experimental approach. In the present research, the effect of bending angle and punch tip radius on the spring-forward behavior of an Al-Mg-Si alloy sheet specimen is studied. To this end, a V-shaped die with four bending angles (i.e. 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) was designed and fabricated. Specimens with thickness of 2 mm were cut with dimensions of 50 mm×10 mm. Results show that by increasing the bending angle, the spring-forward angle decreases. In addition, smaller punch tip radiuses lead to further spring-forward. The effect of these parameters on the amount of spring-forward angle, strain distribution and homogeneity along sheet thickness was assessed using finite element analysis (FEA). Simulation results show that as the bending angle increases, the strain is developed more homogenously. Finally, micro-hardness test was used to study the effect of strain hardening caused by bending operation on strength evolution. Results show higher hardness trends for the zones in which the maximum plastic strain occurs.INTRODUCTIONPrecise production plays a significant role in the durability of a part. When it comes to sheet metal forming, this issue should be taken into account as an important factor. In order to predict the alternations, bending dies with special geometric parameters (i.e. V-shaped, U-shaped and L-shaped dies) are commonly used (Wagoner, Lim, & Lee, 2013)."

Jan 1, 2016

By O. R. Bergmann

Two approaches were taken to obtain direct experimental evidence jar the existence oj a jet in the explosion-cladding pvocess: 1) direct observation of the claddirg jwocess by rtzeans ojf kig-h-speed photography using a fvartziiy catnera and 2) use of a plated-surface experiment in contribution with clzetrzical analysis. The framing-camera records showed clearly the presence of a jet it1 the form of what appears to be a line spray. The jet velocity is considerably highev than the detonation velocity arid in vacuum it is almost twice as high as the detonatiou velocily. The results jrorrz the plated-surface experiment also corzfivtned the preseizce of- a jet. The artzoutlt o,f etzergy dissipated in the jetting process was foundd lo be consislent with the basic theovetical model o/ the cladding mechanism.. MaNY reports on metal working with explosives have appeared in the literature during the last few yearsThis paper describes experiments concern- ing the mechanism of the explosive metal-cladding process. It has become increasingly important as a unique method for bonding metals and a typical cladding arrangement is shown in Fig. 1. A theoretical analysis of the mechanism of explosive bonding and a description of the nature and types of bond zones obtained was given by Cowan and oltzman." A further discussion of the basic principles of the process, a detailed description of the different bond-zone types, and extensive information on the properties and the applications of explosively bonded metals was recently published by Holtzman and cowan. " The process is now in commercial use by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. The concept of the existence of a jet during metal bonding with explosives forms a central part in the theoretical analysis of the cladding mechanism described by Cowan and Holtzman When a layer of explosive is detonated on a metal plate that is separated from a second metal plate by a small distance the metal plate in contact with the detonating explosive is accelerated by the detonation pressure. An angle is established between the undeflected and deflected portions of the plate. Subsequently the deflected portion of the first plate collides with the second metal plate.

Jan 1, 1967

By Frederick N. Rhines, Robert F. Mehl

Relatively few data have been collected on the rates of diffusion in ternary solid solution systems. In general it does not seem worth while to gather extensive data for such systems until the factors that determine the rates of diffusion in binary systems are better understood. But the rates of diffusion in a ternary system of limited solid solubility, in which the terminal solid solution is in equilibrium with an intermediate phase and may thus be represented as a quasibinary system, represents a case of special interest. In this case, where by reason of the association of the two solute metals in an intermediate phase a special attraction of the two solute atoms may be safely assumed, some interaction of these atoms during simultaneous diffusion in the solvent lattice might be expected. It has frequently been proposed that molecular solid solutions exist in quasibinary and in other ternary (and binary) solid solutions. There is no direct evidence for such solid solutions; arguments based upon the supposed anomaly in certain physical properties1 are hardly important; unexpected density relationships have proved deceptive;2 suggestions of molecular solid solutions have been made on the basis of solution laws in their application to certain systems, but without result;3 attempts to find lattice parameters in the solid solution Al-MgZnz, which cannot be calculated from the separate effects of magnesium and zinc and might therefore be taken as evidence for a molecular aggregation, have given negative results.* Fundamentally, methods for the determination of the state of molecular aggregation in solution depend upon the kinetic behavior of the particles constituting the system. If it could be shown that the two solutes in a quasibinary ternary system diffuse in molecular proportions, despite a radical difference in the separate rates of diffusion of each solute when diffusing alone in the solvent lattice, some basis for the concept of molecular solid solution would be afforded. Freche5 examined the rates of

Jan 1, 1940

By Larry Southwick

This paper covers technical and other developments during the first 20 years of Peirce-Smith converting. There were numerous mechanical and process ideas and concepts already being developed and used by others that had possible application within the converter that Peirce and Smith were moving ahead with. There were also other converter configurations in which the basic lining and larger size concepts could function. Finally, as awards and honors began to accumulate, there were those who felt that contributions of other early workers were being ignored. The working out of these conflicts and differing directions will be described.

Jan 1, 2009

By V. Aprahamian, T. Cheng, M. Tangen, R. Beauprie

The Royal Canadian Mint has implemented significant process additions since 2005. Installation of a whole new highly automated silver refining circuit has allowed recovery of physical silver from gold and silver dorés . To complement this change, a small Top Blown Rotary Converter has been in operation. On the gold refining side, a new hydrometallurgical process to recover precious metals from Miller Chlorination slag has been developed. Finally, new systems have been put in place to improve treatment of waste water, wet and dry fume and dust.

Jan 1, 2011

By H. Salamanca

The electric operation and design features of the 11.000 H.P. variable speed SAG mill gearless drive is presented. The function of the frequency converter, control system drive and lubrication systems are described. An analysis of the harmonic characteristic in the Supply System and Motor is presented, and the dynamic development of the stator current, speed and the magnetic flux in the start-up process of the drive is evaluated. Besides, the most important aspects in the commissioning and maintenance of the drive are analyzed.

Jan 1, 1991

By G. Szilvay, P. Kinnunen, J. Salminen, V. Miettinen, O. Salmi, J. Mäkinen

This paper demonstrates experimental studies on bioprocessing of different waste streams. In Part I of this paper three tailings from mining industry were bioleached with mixed acidophilic culture in order to solubilize valuable metals, like copper, nickel, zinc and manganese to leaching liquor. Bioleaching resulted in > 70 %, > 85 %, 100 % and > 70 % leaching yields for Cu, Ni, Zn and Mn, respectively. However, contaminants like arsenic and chromium were not leached efficiently and they will cause challenges in residual solids and sometimes also in metal recovery from leaching liquor. Bioleaching resulted in 99 % leaching yield for copper. Part II demonstrates mine water treatment and also gold recovery from process liquids with biosorption method. The novelty of biosorption was finding that certain fungal species were able to be cultivated to self-immobilized systems, which are easier to operate than traditional suspended biomass methods. Biosorption resulted in more than 90 % removal for all contaminants, but was also seen to be gold selective.

Jan 1, 2014

By A. K. Bhasin

A. K. Bhasin, (Development Engineer, Marcona Corp., San Francisco, Calif)-The author suggests the use of the term "consistency" for apparent viscosity and accordingly calls his viscometer a "consistometer." However, he goes on to refer to "consistency" as a combination of plastic viscosity, yield stress, and stability (p. 104, col. 2, line 6). Unfortunately, such conflicting terminology is encountered too often in rheological

Jan 1, 1973

By Dr. O’Neil Thomas J., Donald W. Gentry

Who steals our gold and silver, and copper, zinc and lead? Who takes the joy all out of life and strikes our high hopes dead? Who never wrote a schedule that to anyone else was clear? The sulphur-belching, miner-welching, smelter engineer. -Anonymous From "The Engineer," Engineering & Mining Journal, Apr. 13, 1918 INTRODUCTION A striking characteristic of publications devoted to the principles of engineering economy and investment analysis is that the revenue side of the equation is generally either ignored entirely or addressed only in a superficial manner. This is understandable to a degree in the general case because methods of revenue estimation are highly dependent upon the specific type of project under consideration and the nature of the market served. An important contributing factor, however, is that developing estimates of future sales prices for most products is a risky activity which is less amenable to credible quantitative modeling than other topics in investment analysis. The specific subset of capital intensive investments addressed in this book- mining projects-is particularly sensitive to projections of mineral prices, many of which are notoriously volatile. Furthermore, the unique nature of mineral markets, prices, and product specifications occupies a major role in mineral project evaluation. Even here, however, authors have tended to offer little assistance to the reader in estimating project revenues. For example, the most popular mining engineering textbook for four decades, Elements of Mining (Lewis and Clark, 1967), contains the following advice on estimating future mineral prices (pp. 359-360): "Since the life of the mine will extend over a number of years the future price of mineral products must be estimated in order to calculate the probable profit to be realized. Current prices may be used, but it is preferable to take the average price for the past 25 to 35 years as it covers definite business cycles. Some engineers believe that a mine should make a small profit if its highest-grade ore is marketed at the minimum price during the past 35 years. Business

Jan 1, 1984