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By Verônica Scarpini Candido

O alto consumo de energia e a elevada emissão de dióxido de carbono são os maiores problemas da indústria de cimento Portland relacionados à poluição do meio ambiente. Com o objetivo de reduzir estes problemas, os cimentos geopoliméricos despontam como uma nova classe de materiais de alto desempenho e não agressivos ao meio ambiente utilizados como aglomerante mineral capaz de substituir total ou parcialmente o cimento Portland. Estes cimentos são considerados quasi-frágeis devido ao seu comportamento elástico não-linear, provocado pela relaxação e redistribuição de tensões antes da ruptura. Todos os resultados obtidos no programa experimental para o concreto de cimento geopolimérico (CCG) foram comparados com aqueles obtidos para o concreto de cimento Portland (CCP), sob as mesmas condições de ensaio. Neste trabalho, são apresentados resultados de difração de raios-X (DRX), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e análise térmica (DSC/TGA), a fim de reunir informações para um melhor entendimento da microestrutura do concreto geopolimérico.

Oct 30, 2017

By Andreas Rohrhofer

Reliable high end automation and process optimization systems are main factors for excellent product quality, safe operation and maximized plant performance in the steel industry and its designated environmental plants. Primetals Technologies introduces new automation packages for consequent safe and cost efficient production. Many areas within the steelplant interested to be monitored and measured automatically are not implemented in the automation system due to limited access or technical reasons. A wireless, self-organizing network facilitates wide ranging data transmission in previously inaccessible areas and opens up a wide range of new opportunities. With Fluid Guard a system to detect leakages with highest accuracy and reacts properly for all kind of water cooled circuits is available, improving the safety in steelmaking process. Lance Guard can be utilized for all fully automatic and semi-automatic lance appliances, but is especially suitable for the products of Primetals Sublance Standard/2.0 and LiquiRob applications, since these systems make seamless integration particularly simple. Manual lance appliances may also be tested and diagnosed. Environmental plants have become a main part in steelmaking plants. Highest performance in combination with optimized energy consumption is the main target in Primetals Technologies’ innovations in automation optimization packages for dedusting systems. A new approach for preventive maintenance and operator assistance is introduced with the Acoustic Expert System. In combination with the new Ask cloud based system, Primetals enables a 24/7 monitoring and a whole lifetime observation of any equipment within a steelplant. Furthermore it is now enabled to check the condition of the plant at a fingertip at any time.

Aug 17, 2017

By Pedro Jorge Walburga Keglevich de Buzin

O cloro no processo de aciaria elétrica tem sua principal fonte nas contaminações de origem orgânica existentes nas matérias-primas usualmente empregadas, principalmente na sucata. Apesar dos atuais níveis de cloro não perturbarem a fabricação do aço nas mini-mills, a presença deste elemento e dos compostos por ele gerados tem influência deletéria nos aspectos laborais, ambientais, de manutenção das instalações e na reciclagem das poeiras de aciaria. Neste trabalho, com base na integração de dados da literatura, da indústria e de propriedades físicas, químicas e termodinâmicas das substâncias envolvidas é feita uma avaliação qualitativa da passagem do cloro na aciaria elétrica e sua distribuição nas diversas correntes de massa de saída do processo. Foi concluído que a maior parte do cloro que entra no FEA deixa o sistema concentrando-se nas emissões do processo, principalmente nas poeiras de aciaria, sob a forma de cloretos alcalinos.

Oct 30, 2017

By Pedro Henrique Vasconcellos Apipe

O objetivo do trabalho consistiu em estudar os modos de transmissão de calor existentes em um conjunto mecânico composto por um rolo de extração e mancais de contato rolante em decorrência do movimento de um tubo laminado sobre o mesmo na planta da Vallourec Brasil. A motivação para o estudo surgiu na avaliação de como os fenômenos térmicos presentes resultariam na distribuição de temperatura através da superfície do conjunto e qual a sua relação com a disponibilidade desse equipamento. Para isso a análise desenvolvida foi baseada no emprego da dinâmica dos fluidos computacionais (CFD), associada a imposições subsidiárias durante a definição das condições de contorno do problema. Como resultado a distribuição de temperatura através da superfície do conjunto foi determinada, sobretudo na pista interna do rolamento e na região na qual se encontra o sistema de refrigeração. Desse modo conclui-se que embora o sistema de refrigeração dissipe uma grande quantidade de calor a sua eficiência não é satisfatória. Fato esse descrito pela presença de temperaturas superiores as necessárias para a ocorrência do fenômeno de ponto de gota.

Jul 31, 2018

By Elifas Levi da Silva

O novo ambiente de competitividade, ocasionado pela globalização, impõe que as empresas tenham um compromisso ainda maior com a redução dos seus custos. As ineficiências não podem mais ser repassadas aos clientes. Na mineração um dos custos expressivos existentes refere-se aos pneus utilizados pelos equipamentos móveis. Baseado na representatividade dos custos dos pneus faz se necessário à aplicação de técnicas de mantenabilidade com a finalidade de aumentar a vida útil destes ativos, realizando as manutenções e monitoramentos necessários para maximização da sua performance, uma vez que o desempenho dos pneus existentes na mineração em estudo estavam menor do que o esperado. Partindo deste objetivo foi formado uma equipe de projeto com a finalidade de estudar os principais modos de falha dos pneus, podendo assim propor ações de melhorias no intuito de otimizar sua performance. Após a implantação destas ações observou-se uma melhora significativa nos indicadores de gestão dos pneus, levando a conclusão dos impactos positivos que o projeto trouxe a mineração.

Oct 30, 2017

By Enori Gemelli

Um complexo de MoB/CoCr, aplicado por aspersão térmica, vem se destacando na literatura como uma boa opção para revestimento das peças imersas no banho de 55%Al-Zn, prometendo melhora drástica na resistência a corrosão, quando comparado ao revestimento convencional WC-Co. Este promissor revestimento foi aplicado nas extremidades do rolo estabilizador da chapa de aço imerso no banho de 55%Al-Zn da ArcelorMittal Vega em quatro diferentes faixas com variação da espessura de sua camada. O revestimento apresentou danos após 18 dias e 3 períodos de imersão, não sendo economicamente viável para a maioria das linhas de galvanização à quente. Porém, quando comparado com desenvolvimentos similares, pode-se admitir um excelente potencial ao revestimento com MoB/CoCr, sendo necessário a continuidade do desenvolvimento com novas variações da espessura da camada de revestimento aplicada.

Aug 16, 2017

By Janeir Ribeiro Dutra

Os aços siliciosos de grão orientado (GO) e de grão não orientado (GNO) são aços ligados ao silício para aplicações elétricas. O aço silício de grão orientado possui as propriedades magnéticas otimizadas na direção de laminação, enquanto o de grão não orientado apresenta boas propriedades em qualquer direção. O aço elétrico de grão orientado tem como principais características as excelentes propriedades magnéticas, desenvolvidas especialmente para a redução das perdas magnéticas e aumento da eficiência de máquinas elétricas. Durante o processo de elaboração do aço o principal desafio é o controle de elementos como alumínio, titânio e enxofre, elementos estes provenientes da carga metálica (sucata e gusa) e adições de ligas na panela. Para este controle ser eficaz a estabilidade da composição química da escória na metalurgia secundária é de fundamental importância. O fluxo produtivo do aço GOAT na metalurgia secundária inicia-se no processo VOD(Vaccum Oxygen Decarburization) com término no forno panela. Este trabalho promoveu a adequação da escória da metalurgia secundária do aço GO através da: i. revisão do padrão de consumo de fundentes, mediante estudo de balanço de massa; ii. desenvolvimento de escória sintética para ajustar finamente a basicidade da escória. Os estudos de balanço de massa apontaram que em determinadas situações havia a necessidade da correção da escória para aquecimento no forno panela; iii. implementação de amostragem de escória ao final do processo VOD para correção da basicidade de escória para aquecimento no forno panela; iv. criação de modelo para correção da basicidade da escória. Após a implementação do projeto o controle da escória no forno panela ficou mais efetivo promovendo: i. redução dos teores finais de alumínio e titânio ao final do processo de elaboração no forno panela; ii.possibilidade de correção da quantidade de escória para aquecimento no forno panela sem comprometer a basicidade de escória requerida no processo; iii. atendimento a faixa otimizada do aço GOAT (M3, maior qualidade) passou de 33% para 65%; iv. redução do desgaste de panelas na elaboração do aço GOAT na metalurgia secundária; v. redução do risco de sucatamento por fora de faixa em alumínio e titânio do aço GOAT na aciaria que representou nos últimos 4 anos uma perda ao processo superior a R$ 1,2 milhão; vi. estabilização da basicidade binária da escória final do Forno Panela dentro da faixa desejável.

Oct 30, 2017

By Ajit Godbole, Ping Chang, Ramakrishna Morla, Purushotham Tukkaraja, Shivakumar Karekal

This paper presents the optimum auxiliary fan(s) location to control air recirculation in dead-end workings where dieselpowered vehicles operate. Investigations were conducted with various secondary fan locations from the dead-end crosscut with varying the intake air quantities using a 30 m3/ s capacity twin 75 kW auxiliary fan and 45 m3/ s capacity twin 110 kW auxiliary fan to control air recirculation and DPM. The results showed that if the drive intake airflow rate matches the fan capacity, air recirculation will occur even when the fan is located 10 m away from the crosscut entry. Results also showed that if the intake drive air quantity was greater than or equal to 150% of fan capacity, no recirculation was observed when the twin 75 kW fan location was at least 5 m and the twin 110 kW fan location was at least 10 m away from the dead-end crosscut access.

Oct 18, 2022

By QUANWEN PU, Yonggang Wei, Bo Li

The spent catalyst is one of solid waste resources, which contains precious metals with considerable recovery value. However, due to the different compositions of catalyst, the recovery process is difficult. Most of the catalysts are supported by alumina which has good alkali-soluble properties, while platinum is insoluble in alkali. Platinum is enriched by pressurized alkaline solution which is a kind of hydrometallurgical process. The novelty of this study is the separation of alumina and platinum from the spent catalyst and the enrichment of platinum in the solid phase. In this study, a leaching process using NaOH as leaching agent under high temperature and pressure was employed. The effects of alkali concentration, leaching temperature, leaching time, and liquid–solid ratio on leaching efficiency were investigated. The optimum process conditions were determined as follows: alkali concentration of 240 g/L, temperature of 200℃, pressure of 1.20 MPa, time of 1 h, liquid–solid ratio of 5:1. It was concluded that the leaching rate of alumina can reach 99.69%. The content of platinum increased from 0.1749 to 21.12%, the loss of platinum was 3.39%, and the enrichment ratio of platinum increased by 120.82 times. The leaching kinetics of alumina was studied based on the shrinkage core model. The activation energy of alumina leaching is 19.53 kJ/mol, and the leaching process is controlled by chemical reaction. Pressurized alkali solution can not only efficiently leachate alumina from the spent catalyst and enrich platinum, but also reduce the reaction time and increase reaction rate.

Feb 11, 2022

By E. Watkins, S. J. Schatzel, V. Gangrade, K. M. Ajayi, Z. Khademian

Longwall-induced deformations could jeopardize the mechanical integrity of shale gas well casings positioned in the abutment pillar of a longwall mine. The in situ and induced fracture networks surrounding the gas well could provide pathways for gas flow into the mine creating safety concerns. Hence, this study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) develops a discrete fracture network (DFN) model to characterize the fractures in the overburden based on geomechanical analyses of mining-induced fracture apertures at a study site in southwestern Pennsylvania. The apertures from the geomechanical model are used to develop a stochastic DFN model of the site in fracture flow code (FFC). Multiple realizations of the stochastic DFN model that replicate potential fracture geometries are simulated, and the fracture permeability is compared with field measurements. A maximum field measurement of 5.03 × 10− 12 m2 (5080 mD) and 3.82 × 10− 13 m2 (386 mD) was estimated over the abutment pillar at the Sewickley and Uniontown horizon, respectively. The results show that the average permeabilities from the DFN model agree closely with the field measurements. In addition, the comparison of all the field measurements and 100 DFN realizations show the model is representative of field conditions. These findings provide critical information regarding fracture characteristics in the overburden, which will further be used to predict potential shale gas flow to the mine in the event of a casing breach for an unconventional gas well.

Jun 17, 2022

By K. KAKLIS, O. SAUBI, Z. Agioutantis, R. JAMISOLA

Three-point bending (TPB) tests were conducted on prismatic Nestos marble (Greece) specimens. The specimens were instrumented with piezoelectric sensors, and comprehensive recordings of acoustic emission (AE) signals were obtained. Machine learning in the form of artificial neural networks (ANNs) was then applied in an effort to investigate whether specimen load evolution can be predicted as a function of AE signals. A number of ANN models were developed, and the optimum model was selected based on the highest coefficient of determination (CoD) value as well as the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) value that was calculated for each model. The best performing ANN model exhibits accuracy above 99% with an RMSE value below 4%. It can be concluded that ANNs can potentially be applied to predict rock behavior under load especially when such loads lead to failure.

Sep 7, 2022

By Nasser Madani, SULTAN ABULKHAIR

The abstract of the paper discusses the challenge of quantifying iron content in a coal deposit in Kazakhstan. The iron dataset is limited, coming from only three drill holes and some stope samples, while a large amount of geological information is available from legacy drill hole data. The paper proposes a workflow using multiple-point geostatistics to model geological domains and two-point geostatistics to model iron content within these domains. The results show that the direct sampling (DeeSse) algorithm effectively reproduces the complex seam layers, and sequential Gaussian simulation models the iron within each domain.

Mar 30, 2022

By Jürgen. F. Brune, CLAIRE STREBINGER, ADITYA JUGANDA, Gregory E. Bogin Jr

The abstract highlights the risk of methane gas explosions in underground coal mines and the potential of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to simulate such events and assess their impact on mine ventilation. The study focuses on developing CFD models for large-scale explosions in longwall mines, specifically simulating methane gas explosions resulting from face ignition during coal cutting. The research demonstrates the integration of a combustion model into a longwall mine ventilation model and shows how the availability of explosive gas mixtures significantly affects flame propagation and explosion pressure.

Mar 27, 2022

By Sunil Vytla, Agus Sasmito, Akash Adhikari, Srivatsan Jayaraman Sridharan, Purushotham Tukkaraja

Previous studies on blast fumes (carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide) clearance and workplace reentry time have overlooked the effects of toxic gases trapped in the muck pile. The currently available models for calculating the mine reentry times assume that all post-blast fumes are emitted upon detonation. However, recent studies reported that as much as 60 to 70% [1–5] of the fumes or gases produced during an underground development blasting could remain trapped in the adjacent rock mass or in the muck pile. Trapped fumes are slowly released [1–5], and when disturbed, high concentrations are released, representing a possible risk during the loading and transportation of the muck pile. In this study, mathematical models were developed using computational fluid dynamics to understand the behavior of the trapped fumes and their effect on mine reentry time. The three scenarios considered for this study include (i) gas emission source with no muck pile volume, (ii) gas emission source with non-porous muck pile volume, and (iii) gas emission source with porous muck pile volume. The estimated reentry times in all three scenarios were compared to see how porous media affects dilution time. It was observed that scenario 3, with fumes trapped in the muck pile, took a significantly longer clearance time (more than double) as compared to scenarios 1 and 2.

May 17, 2022

By Steven E. Mischler, Jay F. Colinet

The study analyzes the impact of the Continuous Personal Dust Monitor (CPDM) on reducing overexposures to coal mine dust. It compares compliance sampling data before and after the implementation of the CPDM and the 2014 MSHA dust rule. The results indicate a significant reduction in the percentage of samples exceeding the dust standard for various mining occupations, highlighting the effectiveness of the CPDM in improving miners’ health and safety.

Feb 22, 2022

By ETHAN FUSTER, Richard Ray Jr, STEPHEN LEE

The abstract states that horizontally-mounted jet fans are commonly used to ventilate vehicular tunnels due to their space and cost savings compared to fully ducted systems. It highlights the successful use of vertically-mounted jet fans in exhaust ventilation shafts for a passenger rail overbuild in New York City. The paper compares shaft dimensions, jet fan placement, and measured airflows, also comparing these measurements to predictions from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Mar 16, 2022

By Bo Hyun Kim, Mark K. Larson

This study was developed as part of an effort by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to better understand rock-mass behavior in longwall coal mines in highly stressed, bump-prone ground. The floor-heave and nofloor- heave phenomena at a western US coal mine could not be properly simulated in numerical models using conventional shear-dominant failure criteria (i.e., Mohr–Coulomb or Hoek–Brown failure criterion). The previous numerical study demonstrated these phenomena using a user-defined model of the s-shaped brittle failure criterion in conjunction with a spalling process in the FLAC3D numerical modeling software. The results of the FLAC3D modeling agreed with the observations of the relative amounts of heave from each gate-road system. However, the FLAC3D model adopted many assumptions and simplifications that were not very realistic from a physical or mechanical perspective. To overcome the limitations of the FLAC3D model, 3DEC modeling in conjunction with the discrete fracture network (DFN) technique was performed to better understand the true behavior of floor heave associated with underground mining in an anisotropic stress field. The effect of stress rotation in the mining-induced stress field was considered by using a different geometry of rock fractures in the coal seam. The heterogeneity of the engineering properties (i.e., cohesion and tensile strength) were also considered by using Monte Carlo simulations. Consequently, the 3DEC models using the DFN technique resulted in predictions of floor heave that agreed with observations of the relative amounts of heave from each gate-road system, but the cause of heave was mainly related to the degree of anisotropy instead of the size of the pillar.

Apr 14, 2022

By H. Jiang, Y. Luo

The study develops an automated, high-efficiency drilling control system to reduce respirable dust and increase energy efficiency in underground coal mines. It uses specific energy to evaluate efficiency and proposes a comprehensive drilling control algorithm based on laboratory tests. The algorithm optimizes drilling parameters to maintain high efficiency, reduce dust generation, and improve safety.

Feb 12, 2022

By Yong Pan, Srivatsan Jayaraman Sridharan, Purushotham Tukkaraja

Block cave mining method poses unique ventilation challenges compared to other underground metal mining methods. This research study focuses on assessing the airflow behavior in regulated airflow distribution systems by developing a 1:100 scaled block cave experimental model and a numerical model. This study also investigated gas flow behavior under various airflow conditions. Based on our findings, we observed that reduction in particle size and porosity of caved materials, decrease in cave footprint, and closure of undercut drifts would increase cave airflow resistance. The increased airflow is found beneficial for gas dilution regardless of its source locations, while the regulated airflow distribution system might deteriorate gas dilution situation when the source is located in the extraction drifts.

May 12, 2022

By A. M. El Shafey, Ahmed W. Hussein, Ibrahim M. Gaafar, Mona M. Fawzy, Mohamed Diab, Mohamed S. Abu El Ghar

The Quaternary stream sediments of the Diit area, southern Red Sea coast, Egypt, were mineralogically studied for their content of economic heavy minerals. The study area covered approximately 450 km2 and included three main parts: Wadi and Delta Diit, as well as Diit lens. The mineralogical investigation revealed that these sediments contain considerable amounts of placer ilmenite, magnetite, zircon, sphene, apatite, garnet, and rutile. Also present, in minor or trace amounts, are uranothorite, monazite, xenotime, fergusonite, khatyrkite, and gold. The magnetic fractionation tests, supplemented with the XRD and SEM mineral analyses, indicated the presence of Fe-oxide minerals as wuestite, hematite, and maghemite accompanied with magnetite as products for hand magnet separation. Ilmenite separation was carried out using a high intensity magnetic separator at a current of 1 A, while the paramagnetic minerals (e.g., garnet, pyroxene, amphibole, epidote, monazite, xenotime, and fergusonite) were separated as magnetic fraction at a current of 3 A. The non-magnetic minerals (e.g., zircon, apatite and rutile, uranophane, uranothorite, gold, and khatyrkite) were obtained at 3 A current. On a mineralogical and geochemical basis, the present work suggests that Diit stream sediments should be considered as a potential source for Ti, Fe, Zr, Zn, and Cu after the physical upgrading processes for concentrating the minerals carrying the aforementioned economic elements.

Jan 21, 2022