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By H. K. VAN POOLLEEN, W. Hurst, H. C. Bixel

In an earlier publication* I showed the development of the instantaneous point source solution for a well producing at a constant rate at the center of a system of two radial, adjoining sands of different permeabilities. I also showed how a wellbore radius could be incorporated if this were the development required. For the purpose of that paper and the point I wished to make, this solution served. It yielded a simplifying solution of sands in series identified by Eqs. VI-26 and VI-27. (These equations are reproduced in part by Bixel and van Poollen as their Eq. 3, Page 302.) I am well aware that the simplified solutions are approximations. The facts that these Ei-functions satisfy the diffusivity equation and meet the boundary conditions both at the well and at the interface between sands, and that the earliest time considerations yield zero pressure drop, are evidence that the solutions are good approximations. This was the purpose for these formulas, which I interpret that where the permeabilities are of finite order of magnitudes in the respective media, the relations give satisfactory answers. However, from the authors' point of view there are reservations, which leads me to consider their entire generalization as illustrated in their Figs. 1 through 14. What I understand from their storage capacity, relationship Fs, which is the ratio of the product of porosity and compressibility of Sand II to Sand I, that is employed here by the authors as a correlative means of identifying one figure from another, there is nothing in the exact mathematics that supports such a term as a means of correlation. This is taken out of context, unsustained that this applies. Here the mathematics are known, where the true correlation is the diffusivity term of one sand to another. This entails permeability that refers back again to the term M in their paper for the transmis-sibility of fluid from one sand to the other that should have also been a part of this storage capacity. In Figs. 8 through 14, which purported to show the simplified equation following this correlation, there are apparent discontinuities for M equal to or less than 0.1000 that differ from the trends for greater values of M. In this connection there is no reference radius given for this cumulative pressure drop in the paper that would permit me to make these calculations. However, what is clear for M equal to 0.1000 or less we are treated to almost a closed barrier at the interface; a condition entered by the writers without qualification. This across-the-board treatment of these simplified formulas, whatever the motive of the authors, enters into a range of permeabilities that even I as the contributor would have reservations that such could apply. Under comparable conditions I would be looking at a closed reservoir or some facsimile for such. The extent to which the approximation or the exact equations pertain is not evident in the generality offered by Bixel and van Poollen in their paper. Only when they or other writers show the comparison of the pressure distributions within the formations can one be able to judge the rational limits to subscribe to the simplified formulas.

Jan 1, 1969

By S Jokanovic

At New Zealand Steel MiningÆs Waikato North Head operation a Bucket Wheel Excavator û shiftable conveyor mining system is used to excavate titanomagnetite bearing sand and clay. The system utilises two Bucket Wheel Excavators and two Beltwagons with a two shiftable bench conveyors and two common trunk conveyors to deliver material to a processing plant. The original system was commissioned in 1984 as a high capacity, low cost method of excavating. In 1996 a second Beltwagon was purchased, increasing the flexibility of the mining system.

Jan 1, 2002

By R. M. Fowler, H. L. Hamner

DURING the last 25 years, there appeared in the literature a number of papers describing equipment and operating techniques for the determination of total oxygen in iron and steel. In the early papers, comparatively little attention was paid to side reactions that occur when iron is saturated with carbon at a high temperature in a high vacuum. As more experience was gained with the new method, the limitations appeared. Metals, with a boiling point lower than iron, distilled out of the crucible, condensed in the cooler part of the furnace, and subsequently reacted with carbon monoxide to form oxides and carbon. Aluminum, manganese, and the alkaline earth metals proved troublesome in this respect. Modifications have been devised to overcome the difficulties due to aluminum and manganese, while the alkaline earth metals are not of too much concern as yet to the steel chemist. The reactions of sulphur have received less attention, although it is generally recognized that some carbon disulphide is probably formed. Liquid air traps have been used in some cases to prevent any carbon disulphide from entering the analytical train. Sulphur was not a particular problem at the Union Carbide and Carbon Research Laboratories until the analysis of the irons of higher than usual sulphur contents became necessary. In order to describe the procedure developed for such irons, it will be necessary to first describe the type of vacuum-fusion equipment employed because the operation of vacuum-fusion equipment is an art to a considerable extent. At the Laboratories, vacuum-fusion equipment has been in daily operation since about 1930. Over the years, the evolution of this apparatus has been governed by the versatility required to analyze a wide variety of materials. Since all types of materials from high purity metals to slags are analyzed and, since seldom more than a few samples of one type are analyzed in succession, the apparatus was designed for accuracy and flexibility rather than for speed. A general view of the equipment is shown in Fig. 1, while Fig. 2 shows the relationship of the various parts. In Fig. 2, A is a vertical double-glazed 24X27/8 in. OD silica tube heated with a 20 kva mercury-arc high frequency generator. The tube is closed with a water-cooled brass head attached with de Khotinsky cement. A turret cap fits on this head and is sealed with a 1/8x3 in. "0" ring. The head contains a sight glass and two 8 in. horizontal glass tubes, for sample storage, cemented in with de Khotinsky cement. B is a four-stage Gaede mercury diffusion pump connected to the water-cooled head with a 11/2 in. copper tube through a flange with an "0" ring. The output of the vacuum pump feeds into an automatic Toepler F pump which compresses the gas sample over mercury in the measuring burettes, G and H. There are bypasses in this line for a McLeod gage C and a Piranni gage D, a manometer E, and for initial pumping out of the system with a Cenco Megavac backing-up pump. The reduction crucible shown in Fig. 3 is machined of Tungar Bulb quality (A.G.K.T.E.-2) graphite. The sample is guided into the crucible with the graphite funnel depicted on this figure. The arrangement of the crucible, radiation screens, etc. in the furnace is as follows: A 1 15/16x61/2 in. Alundum thimble, porosity RA-84, with two 1/8 in. holes near the top and opposite each other which take a pair of special tongs used for lowering it in place, is prepared. A 3/4 in. layer of powdered graphite is placed in this Alundum thimble, and the graphite crucible containing 20 g of ingot iron and 0.5 g of carbon is carefully centered on this bed of graphite powder and graphite powder is packed around it to the top of the graphite cru-

Jan 1, 1953

Tracer gases are an effective method for assessment of mine ventilation systems, but their dispersion characteristics can differ substantially as ventilation parameters, such as flow path and velocity, vary. This research utilizes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model a simplified full scale model mine, details a sensitivity study examining mesh size for an underground coal mine simulation, and examines gas dispersion parameters to determine the optimal model methods for simulation of tracer gases in underground coal mines. These models can be used to determine how a given tracer gas profile might be generated in a mine or areas of a mine that are not accessible, for example, immediately following a mine disaster. Accurate simulation scenarios can allow for the remote determination of the status of the ventilation network, but the sensitivity of the simulation at mine scale must be carefully examined.

Jan 1, 2012

By J. Nakayama

Down-the-hole hammer is commonly recognized as the most powerful drilling equipment for weathered to fresh rock formation including boulders. However, its drilling diameter is restricted by reasons of difficulty to actualize large diameter drillhead and to ensure discharging means of cuttings. Cuttings are usually removed by flushing i.e. uprising return air after compressed air actuates hammer, but in case of large diameter drilling, as the clearance between drill rod and surrounding wall of hole become fairly large, necessary up-hole air velocity to transport cuttings can not be maintained. In case of marine or underwater drilling or high groundwater table, orthodox down-the-hole hammer is obstructed its operation by water. This single head hammer drill combined large diameter drillhead with reverse circulation of drilling fluid enables large diameter drilling extending to 1.5 m, i.e. actualized large diameter mechanical drillhead incorporated with ensured cuttings removal means enabled this range of drilling. This paper introduces its features and actual applications to large diameter bored pile drilling for varied sorts of rocks in maritime construction projects.

Jan 1, 1996

By T. R. Madhavan

The development of contact angles on highly polished ?uraninite surfaces, using sodium oleate and dodecyl ammonium acetate as collectors, has been studied at different collector and hydrogen ion concentrations. It was found that sodium oleate in acidic media (up to a neutral: PH) and dodecyl ammonium acetate in neutral and alkaline media give good contact angles. It appears that the combined forms of these collectors, viz., oleic acid and free amine, are more important in effecting contact. W ITH the emergence of uranium as a strategic metal in the last fifteen years, considerable effort has been directed toward the commercial recovery of uranium from its ores. This has resulted in the development of a uranium technology. It is only in recent years, However, that fundamental data regarding the floatability and surface properties of uraninite and ?pitchblende have been elucidated by different methods. Contact-angle measurement is one of the important tools for tl1e evaluation of the conditions of floatability

Jan 1, 1964

By Florian Kongoli

The overall productivity and efficiency of sulfide smelting plants depends considerably on the productivity and efficiency of each unit furnace operations. Furthermore, the efficiency and productivity of each furnace affects and dictates to a certain degree the process of managing the flow of materials from one unit to another. A furnace with low productivity, several technical problems or high frequency of accidental shut downs can easily become a temporary or a permanent bottle neck in the entire flowsheet and can be the cause for a low productivity and efficiency of the entire plant. As a result, controlling, optimizing and automating the individual furnace operations in order to assure a stable process but at the same time to increase productivity is an indispensable need. In this paper, the authors discuss their recent work in effectively controlling acute industrial furnace problems such as magnetite build-up and accretions, eliminating unnecessary slag foaming, decreasing slag losses etc. as well as the intensification, optimization and automation of a series of furnaces in sulfide smelting through a unique physical process modeling that correctly simulate the industrial furnace operations and avoid guessing and uncertainties. The advantages of this new approach have been discussed.

Jan 1, 2006

By G. A. Gross

"Nearly 90 per cent of the iron ore produced in Canada is derived from iron-formation or bedded iron deposits. About 70 per cent of this consists of concentrates obtained from iron-formation; another 20 per cent was formed by natural enrichment processes.Four principal varieties of iron-formation are recognized -the Algoma, Superior, Clinton and Minette types. Differences in their geology, mineralogy, chemical com-position and environment of deposition are of special significance in their evaluation as ore.The properties of the ores, including grade, beneficiation qualities and minor element content in taconites, metataconites and naturally enriched ores, reflect characteristics of the primary stratigraphie units from which they are derived. A detailed description of the stratigraphie facies is essential for efficient utilization of these source beds."

Jan 1, 1966

By Warren E. Wilson

The transportation of solids in pipe lines is a matter of deep concern in many fields of engineering. Much experimental and theoretical work has been done in an effort to devise means of designing pipe lines that will satisfactorily transport given solid loads, but there remain many unanswered questions in this field. The present discussion will be confined to a rather narrow portion of this field and will endeavor to point out certain factors that may well be considered when comparing the relative economy of various installations. The data have been presented previously but a new interpretation was prompted by a suggestion in a paper by Professor O'Brien,1 of the University of California, that the friction work per pound of dry material should be considered in determining the relative efficiency of various installations. This method of considering relative economy in various pipe lines leads to some rather unexpected conclusions, especially with reference to the economy of large pipe sizes. A previous suggestion by the writer3 concerning the economy of a rather peculiar type of installation is strengthened. It is not believed that the considerations set forth herein apply directly in the case of dredge lines, where economy is largely a matter of a high rate of pumping in order to reduce the unit overhead charge. However, it is believed that some value may be gained from these considerations in cases involving the disposal of a fixed amount of solids per unit time with a minimum expenditure of energy and at a low cost for replacement of worn pipes. Such situations are not uncommon in the disposal of mill tailings and the disposal of solids deposited from irrigation waters. It was found that data leading to general conclusions for various pipe sizes were not available but certain definite trends are indicated and methods of analyzing available data are presented in the hope that they may be of assistance in preparing engineering estimates on designs of pipe lines of the type described above. Energy Requirements Carrying out the idea contained in ' Professor O'Brien's paper concerning the method of computing energy required to transport solids, the following analysis leads to some rather interesting conclusions. Let us represent: Solids load in term of mass per unit time by W Ratio of mass of suspended solids to total mass of mixture flowing by p Volume rate of flow of mixture by Q Length of pipe by L slope of energy grade line by s Mass per unit volume of solids by m. Mass Per unit volume of liquid by mi Mass per unit volume of mixture by mm We then have as an expression for the solids load: W = pQmm The work done per unit mass, P, on the mixture to move it along the pipe the

Jan 1, 1948

By S. Dwarapudi

Pelletizing of Indian chromite ores is more challenging due to their high refractory nature. High Cr/Fe ratio and high MgO content in these ores demand high firing temperatures and longer firing cycles but often result in low strength fired pellets. Aim of this study was to develop cold bonded chromite pellets for smelting in submerged arc furnace (SAF) from chromite fines using suitable binder that induce less gangue into the pellets but cures quickly. Different binders were studied through laboratory pelletizing experiments for their suitability for cold bonding the pellets. As result, a composite binder comprising organic and inorganic binding agents was found to be suitable and pellets made from the same were tested for their low and high temperature behavior. High temperature reduction studies revealed that pellets were resistant to disintegration up to 1200 °C.

Sep 1, 2012

By R. E. Lamborn

A summary of oil and gas development in Ohio for 1935 must necessarily be brief. As attention of the state government to the oil and gas industry has never included the collection and compilation of statistics on production, either by producing sands, by counties, by fields, or for the state as a whole, such information as requested in Table 1 of this symposium is impossible to secure for this state. In the absence of production data chief attention must be directed to drilling activity for the year. Information such as can be compiled from various sources, including weekly drilling reports to operating companies and trade journals, is given in the following paragraphs with the realization that the data may not be complete in all its details. Drilling Activity by Fields Drilling activity during 1935 was similar to the preceding year in , that the major operating companies were generally content to drill lease-requirement and offset wells and in that comparatively little effort was made to discover new pools. A compilation of completions recorded in weekly reports to drilling companies and in trade journals show 1022 tests completed for the year in 53 counties of the state. Of this total number, 653 wells were commercial producers and 369 were classed as dry holes. Production was secured in 40 counties from formations ranging in depth to 5700 ft. and ranging in age from Middle Ordovician to upper Pennsyl-vanian. From the standpoint of new production for the year, the most important sands are the Clinton of Silurian age, the Berea of Mississippian age and the Shallow sands of Mississippian above the Berea and of Pennsylvanian age. Trenton Sand Field Production in the field of Trenton sand, which originally included parts of 15 counties in northwestern Ohio, is now on the decline. Seventy-three completions were reported in this field during 1935, of which 33.8 per cent were dry holes. Activity centered in Allen County with 12 completions, two of which were dry holes; in Hardin County with 11 producers; and in Wyandot County with 12 producers and 2 dry holes.

Jan 1, 1936

By Alden B. Carpenter

Brines (a solution containing more than 100,000 mg/l dissolved solids) in sedimentary basins are genetically related to evaporites in one of three ways: (1) dissolution of evaporite minerals, generally halite; (2) interstitial fluids in evaporites which are expelled from their source rock during compaction; (3) incongruent alteration of hydrous evaporite minerals (carnallite). Most brines of commercial interest originate as interstitial fluids in halite-rich rocks. These fluids are initially rich in magnesium, sulfate, and potassium but evolve in composition to an Na-Ca-Cl brine during their migration to their present host rock. A particularly important reaction in this process is: 2CaCO3 + Mgt+ = CaMg(CO3)2 + Cat (1a) This reaction reduces the magnesium content of the brine and ultimately converts it to a calcium-rich brine. The loss of sulfate occurs by two mechanisms. One of these is by direct precipitation as calcium sulfate (either as gypsum or anhydrite): Ca 2+ + SO4 2- = CaSO4 (2a) Additional sulfate may be lost from the brine by sulfate reduction: S042 + 1.33CH2 + 214- = H2S + 1.33CO2 + 1.33H20 (3a) The loss of carbonate species occurs by precipitation as carbonates: H2O + C02 + Cat = CaCO3 + 2H+ (4a) The net result of reactions 3 and 4 is: Ca 2+ + SO4 2- + 1.33CH2 = H2S + CaCO3 + 0.33H2O + 0.33CO2 (5a) The loss of potassium from brines is caused by the formation of potassium aluminosilicates: 2K+ + Al2Si2O5 (OH)4 + 4SiO2 = 2H + 2KAlSi2O8 + H2O (6a) The hydrogen ions produced by this reaction dissolve carbonates: 2H+ + CaCO3 = Ca 2+ + CO2 + H2O (7a) The net result of reactions 6 and 7 is: 2K+ + CaCO3 + Al2Si205 OH)4 + 4SiO2 = Ca2 + 2KA1Si3O8 + H2O + C02 (8a) A study of brines from central Mississippi has shown that the composition of these brines is related to the interaction of pore fluids from evaporites with minerals in the enclosing sedimentary rocks.

Jan 1, 1978

By D. Forbes

The results of a fundamental study involving zeta-potential and turbidity determinations of solid suspensions are discussed. Illustrations of how these results are utilized to design field applications of solid-grade polymers to clarify mine-drainage water are presented. Operational and economical advantages are examined.

Jan 1, 1997

By Osvaldo A. Bascur

Most mining and metallurgical plants have developed predictive maintenance policies based on statistical analysis and special techniques, like vibration analysis, oil and lube analysis for critical equipment. Process control strategies have also been installed in several metallurgical sites. These control strategies require instrumentation maintenance from local personnel. The availability of real time and process history to identify the most critical part of the processing system from mechanical integrity is a must for global plant optimization. Specialized performance control monitoring algorithms are required to justify their existence and contribution to the bottom line. Emerging technologies are combining these techniques into a single total plant system. Tools are required to assist in troubleshooting and adapting these process control instruments and strategies. The key is the plant equipment and process control availability and utilization rather than just maintenance.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. E. Warren

The mathematical problem considered by the author1 can be given another physical interpretation which is of some practical significance. The alternative physical problem involves the approximate behavior of a single well which is producing at a constant rate through an axially symmetric, horizontal fracture of infinite flow capacity which is located at the center, top or bottom of a uniformly thick, horizontal, homogeneous, anisotropic reservoir of infinite lateral extent which contains a single, slightly compressible fluid. Using Coats' asymptotic results, the wellbore pressure in the fractured system is given by the following equation.

By A. Hellawell

Specitlrens of the Al-Ge eutectic alloy have been frozen unidivectionally at rates between 2.5 x 10-6 and 2.5 x 10-4 cm per sec and the structure examined by optical and X-ray methods. There is no epitaxial relationship between phases, the aluminum having random orientation and the germanium a preferred (011) fiber textuve. Lamellar colonies which are BINARY eutectic alloys occur between either silicon or germanium with the metals aluminum or silver. common in this alloy are constructed from axial and nonaxial (111) plates of germanium which are related by a variety of twin configurations. Irregular or globular regions of the microstructure are composed of continuous single crystals of each phase, the germanium being heavily twinned. There is limited solid solubility in these systems, and the eutectic phases all involve diamond cubic with fcc crystal structures. In the microstructures of these eutectic mixtures the silicon and germanium crystals exhibit an almost infinite variety of shapes which are notably sensitive to

Jan 1, 1968

By Swift J. D

A key parameter affecting the performance of gravity thickeners in hydrometallurgical processing operations is the aggregation state of the feed after the addition of a flocculant. New procedures which measure the settling ratelsize relationship and the size distribution of aggregates in their process liquors have been used to quantify the aggregation state of the feedwell, overflow and underflow streams in a tailings thickener. The data obtained have been related to the thickener's operation and to a change in the flocculant dosage. A comparison is also made between the settling rate/size relationships determined with these new procedures and the mud-line settling rates from cylinder tests.

Jan 1, 1991

By A. S. Griffiths, J. E. Evans

Noise processing experiments with ELF (3 to 300 Hz) atmospheric noise and signals in the 40 to 80 Hz range are described. The primary purpose of the experiments was to record and analyze wideband ELF noise in order to design the noise processing portion of a receiver which minimizes the required transmitter power. The application of appropriate theory and extensive simulations led to a noise processor which consists of the following functions: (1) a compensating (or whitening) filter, (2) a prenotch filter clipper, (3) notch filters at frequencies of manmade interference (e. g., power lines), (4) a post-notch filter clipper, and (5) a phase-coherent linear matched filter. The nonlinear processing provides considerable gain relative to a linear receiver (i. e. , a receiver consisting only of a matched filter and appropriate whitening filters). It is convenient to measure sys tem performance in terms of an "effective noise level" which is equal to twice the received signal energy divided by the signal to noise ratio at the matched filter output. For example, the highest effective noise levels observed at 45 Hz with the nonlinear processor were about -134, -131 and -137 dB wrt 1 amp/m [Hz] using Saipan, Malta and Norway data, respectively, compared to 1 percent exceedance levels of effective noise for the linear receiver of about -115, 115 and -130 dB wrt 1 amp/m [Hz] respectively.

Jan 1, 1973

By R. Browner, J. Collard, D. Ibana

The extraction of cobalt from synthetic pressure acid leach solutions of nickel laterite ores by the direct solvent extraction route using ESPLIM is reported. It first explored the use of gaseous ammonia as pH modifier and then the variables that affect the dispersion of the aqueous phase in the organic phase such as ionic strength, viscosity of the phases, initial droplet size, etc. were explored so that phase hold-up and thus extraction can be effectively controlled. The results show that the technique allows better control of phase dispersion circumventing one of the main weaknesses of conventional solvent extraction.

Jan 1, 2005

By T. G. Carter

"During the early part of the 1980s, four new surface coal mines commenced operation in the Province of British Columbia. Each represented a major investment in both persons and materials in order to protect this investment in one significant area-the fixed portion of the surface coal handling system-a substantial amount of work was undertaken to ensure that the system was well protected from an outbreak of fire. A great deal of effort in this field had already been made by those coal mines which had been in operation for a number of years and experience gained at these operations was utilized in determining the level and extent of fire protection for the new mines.This paper summarizes the major problems, and suggests some of the methods of solution, in providing an adequate degree of fire protection for surface coal handling systems. It will also discuss the potential for gas and dust explosions together with ways to minimize this potential.The Fixed Coal Handling SystemNote: The word ""fixed"" has been used in its present context to denote that part of the coal handling system where the coal is moved via fixed installations such as a conveyor. It differentiates from that part of the system where coal is moved by mobile equipment.The raw coal delivered to the truck dump will undergo two major processes on its way to the rail load out. The first will be at the coal preparation plant where coal of specified quality will be extracted from the raw feed to the plant. If this coal is of metallurgical quality, and sometimes if it is of thermal quality, it will pass through a thermal dryer where part of the moisture acquired during coal preparation will be removed, i.e. the second process. As the complexity of both the coal preparation plant and the thermal dryer is such as to warrant separate considerations they will not form part of this paper. Each of the processes, however, is generally, housed in its own building, thus, containment of any hazards is usually more attainable than those existing or caused in the rest of the system."

Jan 1, 1988