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By H. Wagner

INTRODUCTION One of the most important tasks facing the opera¬tors of deep-level gold mines is supporting the roof strata in the immediate vicinity of the stope faces. Some of the deeper gold mines operate at depths ex¬ceeding 3.0 km; the extreme mining depths and the tabular nature of the gold-bearing reefs result in high stress concentrations at the abutments of the stope faces. These, in turn, lead to extensive fracturing of even the hardest quartzites. Although most of these fractures develop in a stable manner, there have been many instances where rock failure occurred suddenly, resulting in a considerable amount of damage to the underground workings. Such violent rock failures commonly are known as "rock bursts," and they are typical of many hard-rock mines that are operating at great depths. To safeguard mining personnel and equipment against the effects of stable and unstable rock failures, adequate support must be provided to the fractured roof as quickly and as effec¬tively as possible. Traditionally, timber props and timber packs have been utilized to provide roof support in gold mine stopes up to 1.5 m wide. Both methods of support suffer from the fundamental disadvantage of generating sup¬port only in reaction to movement of the strata. Since unrestrained strata movement often results in a break¬down of the frictional forces that preserve the stability of the intensely fractured roof strata, it is essential that stope supports have rapid load-bearing characteristics. An equally important requirement is that the roof sup¬ports be able to accommodate displacements of the rock mass. A third requirement of roof supports in gold mine stopes is that they must be able to accommodate the high rates of stope convergence typical of rock bursts. The hydraulic prop is the obvious choice for sup¬porting the stope faces in deep-level hard-rock mines. Since hydraulic props can be installed with a positive setting load, they can provide roof support that is independent of strata movement. By equipping the hydraulic props with yield valves, they meet the require¬ment of being able to accommodate rock-mass displace¬ments. However, the requirement of being able to accommodate high rates of stope convergence without overloading or damaging the rock strata was rather difficult to meet. The first introduction of hydraulic roof supports into gold mine stopes showed that conventional hy¬draulic props, such as those used in coal mines, were completely unsuitable for a number of reasons, in¬cluding: 1) Since drilling and blasting are used to break the ore in gold mine stopes, supports installed close enough to be effective are exposed to the vigor of the blast. Conventional coal-mining props suffered extensive blast damage, despite being protected by a blast barricade. 2) The environmental conditions in gold mine stopes favor corrosion. The high quartz content and the abrasiveness of the ore further aggravate the problem by damaging the protective coatings on the hydraulic surfaces. Simply changing the design of gold mine props to have the piston project from the bottom rather than from the top resulted in dramatic improvements in the service life of the props. The improvement was attributable to external water in the stope washing the fine quartz grit away from the hydraulic surfaces, rather than concentrating the particles between the cylinder and piston of the prop. 3) The most obvious deficiency of conventional coal mining props was their inability to yield rapidly enough to accommodate the high convergence rates of rock bursts without overloading the supports. As a result of the first disappointing results with hydraulic supports in narrow hard-rock stopes mined by drilling and blasting, a comprehensive research and development program was undertaken. The hydraulic props resulting from several years of research and exten¬sive field trials are described herein. To date (1978), more than 130,000 of these props have been manufac¬tured and used successfully in a number of mines and under a variety of geological conditions. Although many of the detailed specifications are directed spe¬cifically to gold mining conditions, there are a number of points that are of general importance in the design of underground support systems for tabular excavations in hard-rock mines of any type. SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAPID-YIELDING PROPS Yield Requirements The yield requirements for hydraulic props in deep¬level hard-rock gold mines are summarized in the fol¬lowing paragraphs. Slow Yield Load: The design of the yield valve must allow the yield load to be preset to between 300 and 400 kN. This flexibility is necessary to account for the differences in the strength properties of the roof and floor strata. Drop in Load Under Slow Yield: The drop in sup¬port load during a slow yield should be as small as possible, but it should not exceed 5% of the slow-yield load. Rapid-Yield Load: The load exerted by the prop during periods of rapid stope convergence should be as close as possible to the slow-yield load. The rapid-yield load should not exceed the slow-yield load by more than 15% at yield rates of 1.0 m/s. The limitation of the upper valve of the yield load is important; it deter¬mines the hydraulic performance of the yield valve. The hydraulic props that satisfy this criterion have performed well, even under severe rock bursts. Load Changes Under Rapid Load: On some of the earlier rapid-yielding props, conditions of dynamic in¬stability were observed; these conditions resulted in a complete breakdown of support resistance. It is essen¬tial that the force oscillations during rapid yielding be as small as possible, not exceeding -*5% of the average rapid-yield load at a yield rate of 1.0 m/s. Longitudinal Resilience: During rock bursts, vibra¬tions of the roof and floor sometimes are observed. To

Jan 1, 1982

By H. Udin

G. KUCZYNSKI* and B. H. ALEXANDER*—This paper represents a most noteworthy attempt to evaluate experimentally the surface tension of a solid metal. Because of the great importance of such measurements, any proposed method should receive the closest scrutiny before the results can be considered reliable. In regard to the experimental method, we think that the marking of the gauge length by means of tieing knots in the wire may be the cause of some of the spread in the results. Such a knot may be expected to tighten slightly, and thus increase the gauge length, when placed under stress at high temperature. Although this effect would be very small, amounting at most to only a few times the wire diameter. A fairly tight knot in a wire will decrease the wire length by about ten times the wire diameter, thus only a slight tightening of the knot would cause considerable spread in the results. Upon plotting the stress strain curves from the authors' data, the writers found that there was a fairly consistent tendency towards an S-shaped curve, instead of a straight line. Such an effect could be caused by the tightening of the knots. The writers think, however, that the experimental results are fairly reliable, but that there may be other methods of interpreting them depending upon what mechanism is assumed to be responsible for the shrinkage of the wires. The authors have assumed that the stress due to surface tension results in viscous flow. It should be made clear that it has never been demonstrated that viscous flow can occur in metal crystals even at very high temperatures. The experiments of Chalmers13 on tin, which are so frequently quoted as giving evidence of viscous flow at low stresses are by no means satisfactory. In his experiments, Chalmers found that only the initial rate of flow was approximately proportional to stress. He also found that the rate of flow varied markedly with time which, in his experiments, was less than 2 hr. Inasmuch as there is no proof of viscous flow in metals, and the authors have brought forth no conclusive evidence on this point, it may be worth while to investigate other possible mechanisms of material transport which would account for the shrinkage of the wires. The writers wish to point out that in these experiments the shrinkage of the wires can be adequately explained, according to a self diffusion mechanism. Thus, if we assume a concentration gradient for self diffusion which is a function of the radius of curvature of the wires, and assume that diffusion will occur so that the total surface area is decreased, we find the following expression for the self diffusion coefficient: where k = Boltzmann constant r0 = initial radius of the wire T = absolute temperature ? = surface energy 8 = interatomic spacing t = time e = strain at zero applied stress Eq 19 may be used to evaluate the self diffusion coefficient of copper, using the strain measurements obtained by the authors for zero stress as obtained by extrapolating their curves for 5 rail wires. By inserting a reasonable value for the surface energy (1500 ergs per cm2) we find: -66,000 D = 5 X 10e RT [20] The activation energy is of the correct order of magnitude, but the frequency coefficient is much too high, indicating that surface diffusion may be playing an important role. This discrepancy in the action constant is much smaller than the corresponding discrepancy obtained by the authors for the viscosity coefficient. The writers by no means propose that this proves that the shrinkage of the wires is due to self diffusion but we merely wish to point out that there are explanations other than that given by the authors. In this, as in any kinetic phenomena, it is necessary to study the rate of the process before anything can be said about the mechanism. The determination of surface tension given by the authors is based upon an interpretation of the data which embody the concept of viscous flow. The final proof of this concept will be obtained only after the time relationships confirming the authors' Eq 15 have been conclusively established. The rough linearity of the stress strain curves obtained by the authors for experiments run the same length of time should not be considered as proving that viscous flow is occurring. H. UDIN (authors' reply)—All of the test specimens were annealed at 1000°C for an hour or more before preliminary measurements were made. During this anneal the wires recrystallize, and the greatest part of grain growth takes place. Also, the knots sinter at the cross-over points. This does not in itself eliminate the possibility of end errors, although it greatly decreases their probable magnitude. It is still possible that some extension occurs due to creep in shear at the sintered points. If so, this effect would be quite independent of and superimposed on the normal shrinkage or extension of the wire itself. Within the precision of the experimental results, straight lines satisfy the data as well as do any other simple curves. Until data of greater precision are obtained, it is futile to discuss any possible trends away from linearity. The disagreement between Kuczynski and Alexander's Eq 19 and our Eq 18 is one of semantics and mathematics, not mechanism of flow, since Eq 18 is based on the self-diffusion concept of viscous flow. It would be interesting to learn how the mathematics leading to Eq 19 deviates from that of Eyring and of

Jan 1, 1950

RUSSIA was the United States Number One source of manganese ore in 1948 when 34 pet of imports were received from that source, stated Norwood B. Melcher, assistant chief, ferrous metals and alloys branch, Bureau of Mines. In 1949, this country received only 20 pet of 1948 shipments from Russia, and only token amounts are now being received. Aggressive programming by industry and government resulted in prompt increases in shipments from major, producing sources; India, Gold Coast, and the Union of South Africa all increased exports to fill the vacuum left by Russia and provided an excess adequate to increase total imports approximately 290,000 short tons in 1949. Again in 1950, and with, even less ore from Russia, imports increased another 290,000 short tons. Since the shift from Russia as a source of manganese, the United States has received in total about 85 pet of its imports from India, Union of South Africa, Gold Coast, and Brazil in that order of importance. Producers of both home consumed and merchant ferromanganese have been able to adjust downward the manganese content of the home-consumed product and so obtain partial relief. Millions of tons of steel were produced in 1951 with a relatively low grade ferromanganese. This adjustment has been made without decreasing the quality of the steel, although with some increase in cost through introduction of new problems, including increased hand- . ding of material and additional removal of carbon. Forced into a pattern of price and grade structure such as exists today, the producer of ferromanganese must adopt one of three possible courses as a short-range program: 1-He may continue to deplete his stocks by producing standard (78 pet) ferromanganese and hope that the future will bring some form of relief; 2-he may attempt to produce 78 pet ferromanganese by paying higher prices for premium ores; or 3-he may drop the grade of ferromanganese and stretch stocks and future supplies of ore as far as possible. The present rundown condition of Indian railroads is attributed to the fact that the service has had no opportunity to recuperate since the beginning of World War II, while the demand for the movement of commodities has probably increased. The Union of South Africa has expanded its exports to the United States greatly since 1948, but, the showing of that country in 1951 was disappointing. Efforts have been made for some time by firms in the United States, at the urging of the manganese miners in the Union, to prevail on the railroad authority to grant and make available larger allocations of cars for manganese ore movement. As a whole, such efforts have been unsuccessful. Although the allocation of rail shipping has been the obvious factor in the decreased movement of ore, many other less determinate factors appear to be involved. Brazil, long an important supplier of manganese to the United States, has important manganese deposits in three areas, all of which are significant to this country. The Gold Coast is an important source of supply. Its metallurgical ore is particularly of significance because of its unusually high grade which permits considerable latitude in blending with the lower grade materials of South Africa and India. The Belgian Congo should have an output of 100,000 tons or more annually beginning this year. R. S. Dean presented two papers. One with K. M. Leute on hydrometallurgical methods for recovery of manganese from domestic ores and one as sole author on the so-called carbamate or Dean process. The two papers tied into each other. In the first mentioned he reviewed the various processes applicable to oxidized, and nonoxidized and reduced ores. The advantages of each .were pointed out. So far the only process tried on a substantial scale on oxidized ores was the SO2 process used at Las Vegas, Nev., on Three Kids ore during World War II. Many problems were encountered. Some of them were whipped while some of those remaining perhaps would have been whipped had time permitted. Since then work has been done elsewhere to avoid the formation of the troublesome thionates encountered at the Three Kids plant. Dean discussed the thionate and NO, processes as applied to oxidized ores. The only commercially used process on reduced ores is that of making electrolytic manganese. Among others that have been considered are the nitric acid process, the Bradley-Fitch ammonium sulphate process, and Dean's ammonium carbamate process. Dean's thesis was that extremely large tonnages of so-called low grade manganese ores are available, and that these should not be depleted in attempting to simulate a foreign metallurgical grade ore. He pointed out that the grade of the domestic manganese ores would be considered high if the same grade were found in copper ores. The selling price of electrolytic manganese and electrolytic copper are roughly the same. In addition to electrolytic manganese, he believes that domestic ores should be used to make exceptionally high grade products. These might be battery grade oxide or substantially pure oxide sinter, which might be used for high manganese alloys or for upgrading metallurgical grade manganese to produce a high manganese ferroalloy. The carbamate process is based on the fact that manganous oxide is readily soluble in concentrated ammonia solutions containing ammonium salts. In solutions of sufficiently high concentration the manganese exists as an anion. Lixiviants of ammonia and ammonium carbonate permit extraction of the manganese from reduced ores and the manganese can be recovered as carbonate by heating or by driving off ammonia. R. V. Lundquist presented a paper on upgrading high-silica ores or concentrates with sodium hydroxide to extract silica and to yield a product with a more favorable manganese: silica ratio. The NaOH is, regenerated in part by CaO.

Jan 1, 1952

By C. F. Allen, G. B. Walker

K. F. TROMP*—In dealing with the question of the most suitable kind of solid media for heavy density suspension processes Walker and Allen point out that the particle size of the solid media should not be taken too fine, as the viscosity increases with the area of the solid media and a low viscosity is essential lor high tonnage and accurate separation. A coarser particle size of the solid media will, in their opinion, of necessity give rise to a differential density in the bath (higher gravity at the bottom of the bath than at the top) but they advocate acceptance of the differential density rather than a higher viscosity. Though I fully agree with the choice the authors have made, I cannot subscribe to their view that only by accepting a differential density in the bath a coarse particle size of the solid media can be used. There certainly is another alternative: stronger agitation. Applying sufficiently strong vertical currents, a uniform gravity can be obtained quite well in a suspension of a coarse solid media. Of course, this is not a very attractive solution, for it means a degradation of the true gravity separation and a step backwards to hydraulic classification, which makes the washing dependent on size and shape of the particles. However, to a greater or lesser extent, this is what actually takes place in all the heavy density suspension processes relying on a uniform gravity in the bath. The so-called "stable" suspension processes make no exception. They all "stabilize" their suspensions by introducing or creating vertical currents, be it upwards or downwards or both, be it by hydraulic or by mechanical means. In fact, there is no such thing as a "stable" suspension in gravity separation, as the very reason for the use of suspensions in this field is the property that the solid media is able to settle and so facilitate the recovery. I have been enlarging on this point because the characteristics of the various processes can only be well understood and viewed from the same angle (from Bar-voys up to Chance) when the fact is recognized that mechanical or hydraulic agitation is a condition sine qua non for obtaining a uniform density from top to bottom in a suspension. Is a Cone-slraped Vessel Essenlial? Of the two alternatives for getting a low viscosity Walker and Allen have preferred correctly the sacrifice of uniform gravity in the bath instead of increasing further their vertical current arid agitation. The resulting differential density of the bath brings the problem of bow to prevent accumulation of intermediate gravity products in the bath, an accumulation which, if not prevented, would ultimately plug their cone. According to the authors an open-top cone combined with a downdraft current of the bath liquid would he the only suitable way to cope with such suspensions and they assume as a fact that "in any vessel other than a cone, such a differential density could not be tolerated." My experience is quilt: different. In my process, which has been in successful operation for more than a decade, differ-ential density of the suspension is applied ranging from values below 0.1 up to differentials above 0.5, according to the prevailing requirements of the individual plant. In this process, which is charac-terized by the use of horizontal currents in a suspension of differential density, the form of the vessel is of secondary importance and different types are in operation. It so happens that none of these are in the, form of a cone. The fact that 24 washboxes on my process have been installed and 12 others are under construction may constitute sufficient proof against the opinion that only a cone-shaped separator would be suited for differential density separation. Horizontal Currents in Differentia1 Den-sity Sepparation I myself have some doubts as to the suitability of a cone with downdraft for dealing with differential density (or, for that matter, any other washbox relying on vertical currents for removing the intermediate gravity products). It ap-pears to me that it is restricted to feed of small size only and even then with watch-fulness. If we take, for example, a piece of 2 in., the draft necessary to pull such a piece down to a zone wherein the den-sity of the suspension is, say, 0.03 higher, is quite considerable. For a suspension of, say, 1.6 sp gr the downdraft will have to be in the region of 3 in. per second. Unfortunately. most of the differential in density is in the part immediately below the reach of the top current which transports the floats. Consequently, we need the downdraft where we like it least: in the upper part of the cone. This entails the risk that light float particles are carried away with the downward current. This current of, say again, 3 in. per second would carry particles up to 1.3 sp gr and 3/8 in. size into the 1.6 gravity zone. This is prohibitive. It is also prohibitive because a downdraft of 3 in. per second in the upper part of the cone would require a tremendous circulation of medium. IIalf way up a 20 ft diam cone, a downdraft of 3 in. per second would correspond with 8500 gpm. With the downward current following the way of least resistance, the strength of the downdraft will not be exactly the same at different places of a cross area. If, as I anticipate, the center of the cone is favored, the strength of the downdraft will fall below the critical value near the

Jan 1, 1950

By John J. S. Sebastian

A laboratory-scale investigation was made of the basic problems involved in developing a ceramic heat exchanger to operate at high temperatures for using nuclear heat from gas-cooled process-heat reactors. Technical data were obtained on transferring heat by forced-convection from helium to air in a single-tube vitreous-alumina heat exchanger. Coolant air was passed through the annulus parallel with, and either concurrently or counter to, the flow of helium inside the tube. The data obtained pertain to removing heat from the helium. Average inside film coefficients were determined at mean surface temperatures of 200° to 1,570° F., inlet-gas temperatures of 1,450° to 2,665° F., and Reynolds numbers up to 560. The gas-to-surface temperature ratios were varied from 1.05 to 7.6. The tabulated results are shown in the appendix at the end of this report. The film coefficients of heat transfer were correlated by taking into account the physical properties of the helium at the average fluid temperature. With experimental conditions pointing to a laminar flow, the Nusselt number was found to decrease as the ratio of gas-to-wall temperature was increased to a value of 3. However, within the range tested, gas-to-wall temperature ratios above 3 did not affect the Nusselt number, regardless of the value of the Graetz number. Thus, beyond this point any increase in this ratio ceased to influence the heat-transfer relationship.

Jan 1, 1962

By S. M. Shelton

Ferrograde manganese ore or its equivalent is essential to the manufacture of every ton of steel produced; although it is well-known that there are largo deposits of low-grade ore in the United States, production of substantial amounts of ferrograde material from domestic sources presents a problem that becomes more and more critical as the stock piled ore is depleted through inability to obtain adequate supplies from foreign sources. Consequently, a program of laboratory and pilot-plant investigations designed to solve the problem of obtaining a domestic supply of manganese has been undertaken by the Metallurgical Division, Bureau of Mines. This paper is one of a new series that will include reports of results obtained in the various investigations conducted under the manganese program. The scope of the program and the organization that was set up to direct and supervise the work were discussed in the foreword of the first paper of this series, Report of Investigations 3506, Manganese Investigations 1. Concentration of Manganese Ores from the Drum Mountain District, Utah, by S. R. Zimmerley, J. D. Vincent, and C. H. Schack. Other reports will be published as the work progresses.

Jan 1, 1942

By G. L. Oldright

The data presented in this paper were collected at the smelter of the Consolidated Mining & Smelting Co. of Canada, Ltd., Trail (Tadanac), British Columbia. Many thanks are due to S. G. Blaylock, vice president and general manager, James Buchanan, smelter superintendent, and George Murray, assistant smelter superintendent, for their broad general policy in permitting these data to be taken and published. life are also grateful for the help given by the staff members stated in Paper XI, Report of Investigations Acknowledgment is given several excerpts from experiments by F. E. Lee, head of the research staff. INTRODUCTION The past reputation of zinc as an ingredient in lead blast furnace slags has been bad. Zinc is thought of as a cause of accretions in the shaft of the blast furnace, of hot tops, of the formation of "zinc mush" in the crucible and forehearth, of lead-rich slags, of viscous slags, and. of low capacity in smelting.

Jan 1, 1934

By Philip W. Holland

This Bureau of Mines report discusses the results of three independent reconnaissance geochemical surveys conducted in the vicinity of the Bush Dome reservoir in the Bureau-owned Cliffside field near Amarillo, Tex. The surveys consisted of (1) determining the helium content of area ground waters, (2) determining the helium content of area soil gases and ground waters, and (3) determining the helium content of soil gases collected on a grid sampling pat- tern in the Cliffside field area. The native natural gas in the Cliffside field contains about 1.8 percent helium. To date, approximately 54 billion cubic feet of gas containing approximately 39 billion cubic feet of helium has been injected into the center of the Bush Dome structure. The research work, which was completed under contracts, was done to determine if helium concentration levels in ground water and soil gas could he used as an indication of the presence of helium in a subsurface natural gas accumulation. Results of the surveys were positive in that helium-in-water and helium-in- soil-gas anomalies were detected in portions of the Cliffside field area. All helium analyses were performed by mass spectrometric techniques.

Jan 1, 1979

By H. R. Appell

The Bureau of Mines is experimentally converting cellulose, the chief constituent of organic solid waste, to a low-sulfur oil, All types of cellulosic wastes, including urban refuse, agricultural wastes, sewage sludge, wood, lignin, and bovine manure, have been converted to oil by reaction with carbon monoxide and water at temperatures of 350° to 400° C and pressures near 4,000 psig, and in the presence of various catalysts and solvents, Cellulose conversions of 90 percent and better (corresponding to oil yields of 40 to 50 percent) have been obtained. A continuous reactor for use at maximum conditions up to 500° C and 5,000 psig has been operated successfully, Using sucrose as a feedstock, operation in this system has permitted a simplified and preliminary chemical study of the conversion process. Oil yields of over 30 percent have been obtained with this unit.

Jan 1, 1971

By Walter B. Lenhart

This paper is one of a series on milling methods and costs being. published by the Bureau of Mines. The milling practices and special problems relating to grinding, tailings disposal, and choice of a treatment process at the Cardinal mill are discussed. The property of the Cardinal Gold Mining Co. is about 18 miles southwest of the town of Bishop, Inyo County, Calif., at an altitude of approximately 8,500 feet. The camp has been designated Bishop Creek by the postal authorities. The property comprises 33 mining claims, including fractions and millsite in sections 19, 20, 29, and 30, T. 8 S., R. 31 E. These claims are located in a general way along the strike of a band of quartzite.

Jan 1, 1938

By Lulie H. Crump

U.S. supply and demand data for petroleum and natural gas liquids, by States and regions, were tabulated for the years 1960 and 1965. Estimates arcs provided of State-by-State quantitative data for the petroleum and natural gas liquids industry that can be integrated into State, regional, and national energy balances by source, form, and consumer sectors, and used for determination of interstate and interregional energy flows. Tables 1-4 show the estimated total supply of petroleum available for consumption and the supply's distribution among the major consumer demand sectors (household and commercial, industrial, transportation, and electricity generation). To obtain summary figures for the major proportion of refined products by States, individual tables were compiled for the six major products (tables 5-16). To enable comparison of petroleum data with those for other energy forms, conventional volumetric data in barrels were converted to their British thermal unit (Btu) equivalents. Interregional shipments of crude petroleum and theoretical flow patterns for petroleum products are shown in figures 1-4.

Jan 1, 1969

By L. K. Weaver

The Bureau of Mines has started an engineering study of oil recovery by miscible-phase displacement. As a preliminary part of the investigation a literature and patent study was made to prevent duplication of work already done, to become acquainted with those actively engaged in research of this type, and to learn where the recovery method has been attempted. This bibliography gives results of this study. The bibliography includes 254 references to U.S. and foreign patents and published literature relating to miscible-phase displacement processes of oil recovery. It is divided into the following sections: (1) U.S. patents, (2) foreign patents, (3) literature references, (4) author index, and (5) publication and source reference. The patents and literature references are listed alphabetically by author by intervals of years. References to February 1963 are included.

Jan 1, 1963

By L. K. Weaver

The Bureau of Mines has started an engineering study of oil recovery by miscible-phase displacement. As a preliminary part of the investigation a literature and patent study was made to prevent duplication of work already done, to become acquainted with those actively engaged in research of this type, and to learn where the recovery method has been attempted. This bibliography gives results of this study. The bibliography includes 254 references to U.S. and foreign patents and published literature relating to miscible-phase displacement processes of oil recovery. It is divided into the following sections: (1) U.S. patents, (2) foreign patents, (3) literature references, (4) author index, and (5) publication and source reference. The patents and literature references are listed alphabetically by author by intervals of years. References to February 1963 are included.

Jan 1, 1963

By Adrian Brown

Pilot Hole ?X? was drilled to test the formations through which the ventilation shaft for the proposed U.S.B.M. demonstration oil shale mine will be drilled. Five permeability tests were performed at various stratigraphic levels within this hole. The test method used was that of pumping fluids out of the hole for three hours, using the air lift method, followed by a three-hour period where the recharge was observed. Transmissivity and permeability results were determined from these test data. The test procedure used is described and supporting data for the hydrologic tests are provided.

Jan 1, 1977

By Fred Leonard

This report is principally concerned with the engineering and economic feasibility of area surface coal mining systems other than draglines. This analysis evaluates shovel/ trucks, shovel/crusher/conveyors, and shovel/rail excavation and haulage systems for an assortment of geologic environments and production rates in the Powder River Basin (PRB). Shovel/trucks, front-end loaders trucks, and shovel/crusher/conveyors were studied in a multi-seam, dipping geologic area of the Four Corners Region. The Texas lignite engineering and economic research involved bucket-wheel excavators (BWE), BWE/backhoes, and scraper/backhoe combinations for overburden and coal excavation. The PRB truck/shovel study utilized the most recent computer simulation available in both the design and cost analyses. Detailed engineering analysis, followed by in-depth operating costs (operating and depreciation), result in a complete evaluation of each mining system. Cost comparisons of the different mining systems under similar geologic and production constraints are presented in the report to illustrate the estimated capital investment and production costs per ton of coal and bank cubic yard of overburden.

Jan 1, 1980

By M. Leroux, S. R. Rao, J. A. Finch

"Poor Pb-Zn selectivity during Pb flotation in laboratory tests on a Mississippi Valley-type Pb-Zn ore was traced to apH effect. In the pH range, 9.5 to 11.0 sphalerite floated readily without copper activation. Compared to sphalerite flotation with copper activation this procedure gave equivalent selectivity but reduced flotation rate.Possible mechanisms of this sphalerite flotation without copper activation are discussed. Activation by Fe(OH)2 is suggested, the Fe- + ions being derived from superficial oxidation of pyrite in the ore. IntroductionGalena and sphalerite commonly occur together. A typical procedure, using xanthate collectors, is to float the galena first, at pH - 8, followed by flotation of sphalerite after activation with copper (II) sulphate at pH - 10 (to depress pyrite).Flotation tests following this procedure in an undergraduate laboratory course with a Pb-Zn ore from Polaris failed to achieve consistent selective flotation of galena. Occasionally a considerable amount of sphalerite, even though unactivated with CUSO4, floated. This was traced to accidentally high pH. A systematic study was carried out which revealed that sphalerite floated readily in the pH range 9.5 to 11.0 without activation by CuSO4 This paper describes the results of the study and discusses a possible mechanism of this flotation of sphalerite."

Jan 1, 1987

By Karl A. Bauer, Cornelis Bezemer

The deposition of calcium carbonate scale on surface and subsurface production equipment creates an operation problem in many oil fields. The formation water in which the carbonate-scale-forming components are initially dissolved becomes supersaturated with calcium carbonate as a result of the drop in pressure during production. The continuous flow of a supersaturated solution through the production equipment results in the growth of a dense layer of calcium-carbonate crystals. For a scale layer to be built up, the supersaturated formation water should contact the walls of the production equipment. The tendency for scale to be deposited, therefore, will be low, if the crude has a low water cut and if the water is finely dispersed in the oil. A scale problem will occur, if at a high water cut part of the water is present as free water. The rate of scale deposition will then be approximately proportional to the rate of free water production. Depending upon where the formation water becomes supersaturated, scale may be deposited in the flow line only, in both flow line and tubing, and in some cases even in the perforations and in the formation near the wellbore. In the South Sumatran fields (Indonesia) the main difficulties encountered due to the deposition of calcium-carbonate scale have been restriction of flow through tubings and flow lines, wear and abrasion of plungers and liners, and stuck plungers or wellhead valves. So far, the only methods of combating the *Presently associated with Brunei Shell Petroleum Co., Ltd.. Seria. scale problem have been routine acidizing and additional well pulling. As for the pumping wells, it was estimated that some 50 percent of the total well-pulling effort was directly attributable to scale deposition. The most promising alternative was to prevent the deposition of calcium carbonate scale by means of chemicals. Inorganic polyphosphates such as sodium hexametaphosphate and trisodium polyphosphate are known to retard the formation of scale by the "threshold action". They are adsorbed on specific faces of the crystal nuclei and thus prevent crystal growth, thereby stabilizing supersaturation. Polyphosphates are effective at very low concentrations ( a few ppm), and far less than stoichiometric quantities are required to keep the scaling ions in solution. Recent investigations on barium sulfate scale1 have confirmed this mechanism. The types of polyphosphate mentioned can be applied as concentrated aqueous solutions either squeezed into the formation, lubricated down the annulus or injected via macaroni string. Several squeeze jobs with polyphosphate solutions have been carried out in the South Sumatran fields, however, with disappointing results. Lubrication down the annulus and injection through a macaroni string were not considered attractive in this area because of the kind of equipment and the degree of supervision these techniques require. Polyphosphates are also available in a granular, glassy form, which, in contrast with the readily soluble types already mentioned, show an extremely low

Jan 1, 1970

By David C. Kraft

Helical piles and ground anchors were used to meet critical design and constructability requirements for an urban forest Canopy Walk at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, GA. The 12-foot wide pedestrian walkway path was to be nestled among the treetops of a forest, extending to 600 ft. in length, and soaring 40 ft. high above the forest floor. Of particular concern during construction was that the foundation system for the temporary steel shoring system had to be non-invasive to the subsoil, could not damage the forest floor, trees, root systems, or foliage, and upon completion of the concrete walkway pour, could be removed, again without disturbing the subsoil. Accubrace, Inc. designed and installed all the helical foundation types, as well as provided steel braces, typically used in Tilt-Up building construction, for the walkway project. The braces, some extending to 43 ft. in length, were used to provide lateral support against wind loads for the walkway form. In addition, the braces acted as secondary support for lateral loads during the placement of wet concrete along the 600 ft. length of the walkway. Helical foundation products installed included vertical compression piles, ground anchors for tension rods, and ground anchors for the braces. The installation of the piles and anchors was particularly challenging since the forest floor elevation varied as much as 50 ft. due to the presence of a ravine. Information is provided on the subsoil conditions, required loads, design, installation, and acceptance criteria for each helical product type installed for the project. The results of vertical and lateral load tests on the helical piles in the pre-construction phase, conducted in conformance to project specifications are presented. Photographs to illustrate the nature and complexity of the project are included. The concrete pour for the walkway was successfully completed on December 12, 2009, and the walkway was opened for visitors in May, 2010.

Jan 1, 2011

Ferruginous manganese deposits have been known at Ripon Hills since the late 1950s. The main group of deposits occur in an area 6 km by 5 km and these were extensively investigated by Longreach Metals N.L. during1971 and 1972 for possible commercial exploitation.Ripon Hills is a dissectcd fault plateau 350 m above sea level formed by the uplift of a block of gently dipping Proterozoic shales, cherts, and dolomite. The plateau consists of chert breccia which is underlain by massive dolomite. The shales which are ferruginous and manganiferous overlie the chert breccia but are now only preserved, in places, in the broad depression and valleys of the plateau.The ore deposits occur as supergene replacement of the shales and were investigated by geological mapping, grid percussion and diamond drilling, and bulk beneficiation testing. Iron and manganese oxides erraticallyreplace Shale accompanied by the leaching of other minerals. The ore is composed of fine grained pyrolusite intergrown with fine grained hematite and locally containing extensively altered bixbyite and braunite. Thegangue mineral is mainly kaolin.The average grade, using a 15 per cent Mn cutoff, was 19 4 per cent Mn and 25·9 per cent Fe for a combined drill-proven, indicated, and inferred tonnage of 56,000,000 tonnes. The average depth of this mineralization from the surface is 11 m. Using a cutoff grade of 20 per cent Mn the average grade was 24·6 per cent Mn and 23·0 per cent Fe for a combined tonnage of 12,000,000 tonnes to an average depth of 8 m.The substantial drop in reserves occurs because a high proportion of the mineralized material contains less than 20 per cent Mn.It was shown that whereas the lower grade ore, despite erratic fluctuations in grade, could be beneficiated to specification grade by crushing, screening, and conductivity ore sorting, the higher grade ore could be beneficiatedto specification grade by crushing and screening only. The utilization of the higher grade ore was considered to constitute a more viable operation.There is potential for high grade manganese ore to be discovered in the Ripon Hills area at the contact of chert breccia and underlying dolomite.

Jan 1, 1977

By M. Craig Miller

As the trend continues in the U. S. toward inceased capital investment in longwall mining equipment and wider panels. the risk also increases for gotential financial and production loses due to undetected geologic anomalies. This paper describes how RIM Sm (Radio Imaging Method) is utilized in conjunction with more traditional exploration and interpretive methods to delineate fluvial channels. displacement faults and poor roof conditions in a Southeastern Ohio coal mine

Jan 1, 1990