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By Thorvald Wetlesen

Computer controlled drilling is now proven technology. It was first introduced by the development of the Furuholmen system for a prototype three boom tunneling jumbo in Norway in 1978. Now, 13 rigs with this concept are in operation in Europe, 3. in mining in England and. 10 in tunneling elsewhere in Europe. The system is also adapted to roadheader guidance. Practical experience has shown that the computer control system makes it possible to drive tunnels with a more accurate contour thus reducing the total amount of rock excavated, and where a full concrete lining is required a reduction in concrete volume is achieved. The total tunneling economy is improved. In the future we expect to see a wider range of instrumentation on jumbos, from the simple direction instruments to computer guidance systems for monitoring only, as well as fully automatic drilling to a programmed drilling pattern. More compact and reliable electronics will be available. Systems with low power consumption will fit easily into flameproof applications. Cabling complexity will be reduced by connection of sensors to serial signal lines.

Jan 1, 1989

By Shulin Xu, Moreno Pescara, Nicola Avagnina, Piergiorgio Grasso

The Roreto Tunnel is a shallow, twin-bore, road tunnel on the connection between the A6 and the A21 motorway in NW Italy. The challenges faced the design and construction of this tunnel derive from 1) the presence of groundwater, both phreatic and artesian; 2) excavation in loose and/or little cohesive materials; 3) excavation in cohesive materials containing water-saturated, sand lenses; and 4) surface constraints due to the urban environment. In this paper, these problems are examined and the rationale led to the optimum design choices and construction solutions explained. The experience should be useful to others when tunneling in similar situations.

Jan 1, 2003

By T. Tamagawa, I. Iwasaki, N. X. Fu, M. Kobayashi

A low-temperature-chlorination selective oxidation followed by aqueous chloride leaching and SX-EW for producing electrolytic copper, elemental sulfur and ferric oxide was investigated for hydrometallurgical processing of a chalcopyrite concentrate. In this article, the selective oxidation phase of the process is described. The selective oxidation requires a temperature well above the CuCl-FeCl3 eutectic points. The test procedure was developed with a batch reactor and then tested with a continuous reactor. The process was initiated by adding small amounts of chlorinated samples to a fluidizing bed of dead-roasted sulfide concentrate micropellets. The selectively oxidized samples thus prepared were shown to fully dissolve copper, while virtually all the iron remained undissolved.

Jan 1, 2000

By A. Redfern, B. G. D. Smart

The ultimate objective of the development work presented in the paper is to devise an appropriate method for relating powered support specification to geological conditions and mining practice, thus enabling the longwall method of coalmining to be successfully implemented throughout the varied coalfields of the world. The paper begins with a review of various methods previously used to determine support rating, each method being analysed with regard to its source, the logic and theory which constitute the method, and subsequent recommendations. An alternative approach is then proposed, the Powered supports being considered to be one of three foundations, sharing load with coal ahead of the faceline which acts as another foundation, and the waste behind the supports which acts as the remaining foundation. The load/deflection characteristics of the coal and waste, which in turn are related to geological conditions and mining practice, are shown to affect the load transfer on to and hence the specification of the powered support. In particular the characteristic of the waste foundation is shown to be affected by the caving mechanism, an alternative form to that mechanism accepted for British conditions being proposed and designated "parting-plane-controlled" caving. A finite element solution for a beam on elastic foundations was used to translate the above concepts into numerical results, these results being compared with data from Indian and Chinese operating conditions. The Indian case study examines the effect of using a conventional chock type of support in a one-web back mode when mining towards a roof break generated ahead of the face, while the Chinese case study compares measured subsidence over a longwall with "blocky" roof conditions with the model results. The comparisons are encouraging, suggesting that the approach used is worthy of further development.

Jan 1, 1986

By Jeffery H. Stricklin

Jim Walter Resources operates five underground coal mines with longwall faces in operation in four of the mines. Due to high air velocities (1000-1200 fpm) needed for methane control together with the friability of the coal, dust control on JWR longwalls offers unique challenges. We have tested many innovative measures to reduce respirable dust concentrations on longwalls with varying degrees of success. These measures include the "shearer clearer" system, different drum water spray configurations, sprays on the longwall belt, stageloader and crusher sprays, wetting agents in the spray water system, and homotropal ventilation. Water infusion of deactivated horizontal methane drainage holes in longwall panels is now being evaluated. A study was completed in November 1986 where water was infused into two horizontal de-gas holes. Personal gravimetric samplers were used to measure respirable dust concentrations and showed a significant reduction in the infused zone. A more in depth study will be conducted. This paper will describe the dust control measures presently used on JWR longwalls, give the results of past studies, and discuss new methods proposed to control longwall dust.

Jan 1, 1987

By B. J. Arnold

With the passing of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, many utilities are opting to switch to lower sulfur coal to meet new SO2 emissions requirements. This lower sulfur coal may be from new suppliers or it may be from current suppliers that modify existing cleaning plants or build new plants to produce this higher quality coal. New, sophisticated coal cleaning simulators are useful tools for optimizing cod cleaning circuit operating parameters to maximize the production of clean coal that meets more stringent specifications for SO2 emissions potential. The examples in this paper were developed using the Coal Cleaning Simulator (CCS), running under ASPEN PLUS™, that was developed under a Department of Energy project cosponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute. With advanced sensitivity analysis and optimization features, CCS allows a quick, efficient, cost-effective review of coal cleaning plant performance to meet current production goals and to plan future changes in plant operating parameters or circuitry configurations.

Jan 1, 1995

A number of factors have resulted in the widespread use of computer simulation as a day to day tool in the mineral processing industry, as is the case in most engineering disciplines. A number of simulation packages, both steady-state and dynamic are now available commercially. The developers of such software face an enormous challenge in maintaining and improving the packages due to the complexity inherent in such systems. This problem known as the software crisis faces all developers of complex software. Object-oriented (OOP) and design is a methodology which has been developed to try and minimise this problem. The use of the OOP paradigm in the devlopment of simulation software for mineral processing systems is explored in this paper and it is found that OOP techniques have major benefits for the design and development of such software.

Jan 1, 1992

By L. Watkins, M. O’Kane, A. Weir, D. Portefield

BHP Iron Ore initiated a program in January, 1995 at their Mt. Whaleback operation in Newman, Western Australia to develop a decommissioning plan for the waste rock material. The primary research program includes the development of technology for the long term performance of the waste rock dumps with respect to vegetation, slope stability, surface runoff, erosion, and water infiltration. This paper evaluates field performance of cover systems constructed on a horizontal and a sloped waste rock surface. The cover system is constructed using suitable run-of-mine waste material to minimize closure costs. The moisture is subsequently released to the atmosphere as evapotranspiration. Rainfall entering the waste material is buffered due to the presence of the cover material thereby significantly reducing net percolation to the underlying waste rock. The objective is to control acid rock drainage by preventing moisture movement into and through the waste rock material. Two years of field data are presented to illustrate low percolation rates to the underlying waste rock and key performance characteristics of the moisture store and release cover system design. Field data collected to date demonstrates that a moisture store and release cover system constructed with suitable run-of-mine waste material has good potential as a final acid rock drainage control cover system at the Mt. Whaleback site. The performance of the cover system on a sloped surface was significantly altered as compared to placing the cover system on a horizontal surface.

Jan 1, 2000

By R. R. Young

Prior to 1903, the world's supply of sulphur was primarily from surface deposits in Sicily. The discovery of the first salt dome sulphur deposit in 1867 and successful development of the Frasch process for recovering the sulphur resulted in a large part of this essential element being supplied from these mines since 1920. Although the basic process is the same today, engineering and technological developments have evolved to allow its application under many adverse conditions. These and other challenges for the industry in today's environment will be discussed in the paper.

Jan 1, 1979

By K. E. Laughery

The Nevada Barite industry has experienced a 277% growth over the last five years with a total production of 2,542,000 tons. Total production prior to 1970 approximates 2,700,000 tons dating back to 1907 Annual production, as can be seen in Table 1, has increased from 192,000 tons in 1971 to 723,000 tons in 1975. During this same period U.S production has increased from 825,000 tons to 1,056,000 tons. Nevada is now the leading producer with 69% of the market. The increase in the Nevada barite production is, of course, directly related to the increased demand for weight material coupled with the lack of other sources and the relative economic advantage of the Nevada barite, A significant tonnage of Nevada barite is utilized in the non-oil well market, principally at FMC's barite chemical plant at Modesto, California; however the growth has been in the oil well market.

Jan 1, 1976

By W. D. Monaghan, A. J. Kwitowski, A. L. Brautigam

Teleoperation is a technology that can provide significant health and safety improvements in mining operations by locating machine operators hundreds of meters away from the face area. The US Bureau of Mines recently developed a teleoperation system for continuous mining and haulage equipment. This system features near real-time closed-loop control. A prototype system was developed and demonstrated. This system could be used in thin-seam applications down to 36 in (914 mm). Provided are details of the teleoperation system, the results of testing and the expected applications of this technology.

Jan 1, 1996

By M. Hancer

The sign of the surface charge of selected potassium soluble salt minerals namely KClO4 , K2SO4 , KNO3, and KCl was determined from nonequilibrium electrophoresis measurements and found to be negative for each of the salt. Dodecylamine flotation of these salts revealed that the concentration of amine required for flotation increases in the order KClO4< K2SO4< KNO3<KCI. Precipitation of the amine collector colloid was not required for flotation of the oxyanion salts and in this case it appears that adsorption of the dodecylamine cation is sufficient to create the hydrophobic surface state. The order for flotation is explained in terms of surface hydration of these respective potassium salts based on contact angle measurements and FT Raman spectroscopic characterization of water structure.

Jan 1, 1999

By William A. Vogely, Lawrence J. MacDonnell

This section begins with an introduction to several key environmental laws. This is followed by a discussion of some of the issues raised by such environmental regulation. Finally the subject of regulatory reform is addressed. Overview of Selected Major Environmental Laws The number, type and complexity of environmental laws and regulations affecting mineral resources development have grown at an astonishing rate since the 1960s. The most significant laws and regulations are those addressing the use of the public lands; those concerned with air quality, water quality, and surface reclamation; and those defining government responsibility for its actions having important environmental consequences. The laws and regulations governing activities on the public lands will be taken up in the section 5.15C, "Minerals and Land Management." In this section we will concentrate on five primary laws: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. The Clean Air Act: The legislative and regulatory framework for controlling air pollution has developed in a series of steps. Most important for present purposes are the Clean Air Act of 1970 (P.L. 9 1-604) and the 1977 Amendments (P.L. 95-95). The rather complex air quality control scheme includes four key elements-national ambient air quality standards, state implementation plans, the prevention of significant deterioration program, and the non- attainment program. National Air Quality Standards. The 1970 Clean Air Act is a landmark law because it contains the first explicit recognition that pollution is a nationwide problem requiring a national control program. The federal government through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was to establish national air quality standards for at least the six pollutants named in the Act (sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, total suspended particulates, photochemical oxidants, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen dioxide). These standards were to be established so as to protect public health, "allowing an adequate margin of safety." The cost of achieving these standards is not to be considered. The 1970 Act unrealistically required that these standards be achieved in all areas of the country by 1975. As the program has developed, the air quality control regions are now to be designated as "attainment" or "nonattainment" with respect to each of the national standards. State Implementation Plans. Under the Act the states are given the primary role in achieving the ambient standards. States are to develop and implement control plans governing emissions from all existing and new sources. These plans can include emission limitations for existing stationary sources, transportation control plans to reduce emissions from mobile sources, and pre- construction review of new stationary sources to assure compliance with new source performance standards. The EPA must approve all state implementation plans. Sanctions are given to the EPA to be applied if states fail to submit acceptable

Jan 1, 1985

By Eckart Schneider

PROJECT The Walgautunnel is the heart of a new hydro scheme in Western Austria, which is supposed to go into operation in 1984. With it&apos;s length of 21,4 km, a bored diameter of 6,25 m and an internal operating pressure of 13,5 bar it will be the largest water conducting tunnel in Austria. Even compared with some of the country&apos;s world-famous highway tunnels like &apos;Tauern&apos; or &apos;Arlberg&apos; it has to be regarded as a major tunneling project. Owner is the Vorarlberger Illwerke AG, a power corpo¬ration founded in 1924. In the course of the past 6o years this company developed the &apos;Werksgruppe Obere Ill - Lünersee&apos;, consisting of 6 major power plants and 4 large reservoirs. The installed capacity is 1.114 MW in the generating and 529 MW in the pumping mode. The total power output amounts to 1.916 GWh. The water for power generation comes from the glaciers of the Silvrettagroup, as this corner of the Austrian Alps between Vorarlberg , Tyrol and Switzerland is called. The Walgauwerk utilises all the water accumulated by the existing schemes as well as the so far unused run-off water, passing by in the river Ill. The intake to the Walgau-Tunnel is situated right beside the lower reservoir of the recently completed pump-storage plant &apos;Rodund II&apos; at an elevation of 64o m above sea level. Though the head is a mere 162 m, 1 billion m3 of water will generate 356 GWh per annum. The power-output of the two Francis turbines is 86 MW.

Jan 1, 1983

By Nader Shahcheraghi, Verya Nasri, Mehdi Bakhshi, Ali Haghighat

An accidental fire load is one of the major loads considered in design of segmental linings in transit tunnel. Typically, a two-dimensional coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis (FEA) is conducted. The conventional approach involves using standard fire curves (temperature-time curves) which can lead to a significant overestimation of fire load and tunnel lining thickness in metro tunnels. The focus of this paper is on the cutting-edge approach, using 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of real train fires in metro tunnels and coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis (FEA) to accurately and cost-effectively design fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) segmental tunnel linings for large-scale metro projects.

Jun 23, 2024

By Harley G. Pyles

Rotary Percussion drilling has shown great improvement over rotary drilling, when hard roof is encountered. In addition, Rotary Percussion drills have eliminated the need for air drills in many applications. Improved drilling rates have been achieved but roof bolting is still a bottleneck in many operations and the demand for further improvement will continue. Drilling rates beyond current performance is limited by the capabilities of existing drill steels and bits to resist increased horsepower input. The most apparent immediate solution to improved drilling is to increase the strength and rigidity of the drill steels. Drilling experience indicates that a l-1/2" diameter or 1-5/8" diameter hole can be drilled as rapidly or &apos;more rapidly than the standard 1-3/8" diameter hole. Greater torque and thrust capacities can be achieved through the use of larger O. D. and I. D, steels, however, this is only possible if the larger hole sizes can be made allowable. Large diameter anchorage shells can be made available at a slight extra cost.

Jan 1, 1965

By L. G. Austin

The general manner in which the liberation function must change during size reduction is described. Data from float-sink (washability) analysis of a coal is used as an illustration, and a Locking Index is defined and calculated. Ash is not distributed equally with respect to sieve size but is concentrated more in the finest sizes. On the other hand, the ash is less locked with coal in the finer sizes than in the larger sizes. Further crushing showed decreased locking in intermediate sizes, but the material in the fine sizes (produced from breakage of highly locked larger sizes) was more locked than material of the same size in the feed. Future work is also discussed.

Jan 1, 1995

By Frank F. Aplan, Robert S. Thomson

A placer ore jig, typically used to recover fine gold, tin and diamonds from alluvial ores, has been modified to remove fine pyrite from minus 6.4 mm (-114 inch) coal. In parallel tests, it proved to be far superior to two conventional coal jigs, the Baum and the Baum-feldspar, in removing fine pyrite from coal. The Pan-Am placer jig was found to remove essentially all of the +28 mesh pyrite and from 99% to 90%, decreasingly, in the 28 to 200 mesh range. This jig also showed a superior performance to the Baum-Type jigs in removing fine coal from its associated refuse. The superiority of the Pan-Am placer jig is related to the strong emphasis given on the suction stroke and, hence, on consolidation trickling, whereas the Baum jigs principally emphasize the pulsion stroke during jigging.

Jan 1, 1995

By B. A. Rose

Coal is being thermally dried in ever increasing tonnages today. Because of fire and explosion hazards, it is important that drying equipment be designed for maximum safety in operation. It is well then that we review dryer design and operation to bring out those features and operating practices which will provide maximum safety to equipment and personnel. This paper presents the author&apos;s views regarding the fundamental requirements for safety and explains the Heyl and Patterson approach to the meeting of those requirements in the design and operation of their dryer.

Jan 1, 1962

By Lynn B. Hales, Randy Ynchausti, Jeffrey D. Mckay

Many consider rougher flotation control to be more of an art than a science. Some have even thought it impossible to make process control decisions and changes without human interaction. Controlling flotation bank pulp levels to maintain consistent pulling rates in the face of changing feed slurry flow rates, varying mineral types, and inconsistent reagent additions can be daunting. However, an advanced supervisory control strategy was installed on the plant floor to control an industrial rougher flotation circuit with little or no operator interaction. Plant staff monitored the flotation circuit under supervisory control and reported benefits of up to 4% improvement in copper recovery above that achieved with an older supervisory control strategy. To accomplish this work, a novel use of instrumentation to solve a flotation bank pulp level control problem was employed, a new implementation approach was used to correct some flaws in the older approach, and careful attention was paid to a few key process control principles. This paper discusses important aspects of these activities.

Jan 1, 2000