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By K. C. Li

ARSENIC and antimony are always grouped together by chemists, since they are both members of group V of the periodic table of elements and exhibit a general similarity in the formation of compounds. Metallurgists generally think of them as less closely related because they do not have similar uses. In metallurgical operations, especially lead and copper smelting, arsenic tends to go off as a vapor phase and collect as fume in the flues, while antimony tends to remain with the bullion. Broadly speaking, the frequency of occurrence, practical utility and the effects on associated metals of arsenic and antimony are such that the metallurgist is inclined to think of arsenic as a troublesome impurity in ores, but of antimony as a valuable constituent that is recovered either as a byproduct or through the metallurgical treatment of antimony ores. Estimating the world production of arsenic as about 40,000 tons annually, probably not more than about 200 tons yearly is produced and used in metallic form, whereas one half of the approximately 40,000 tons of antimony produced annually is metallic. ARSENIC The modern uses of arsenic differ little from ancient ones. Though it has been known from early times, its poisonous quality is almost the only one that yet finds extensive use. The shift in the past century from its utilization in poisoning people to the poisoning of insects, beginning in 1860, has not only led to a considerable increase in

Jan 1, 1953

By Edward K. Landis

Our Transactions contain so many suggestions of apparently trivial, yet really important, contrivances for the saving of time and

Jan 1, 1893

By K. R. Weller

The Ardlethan Tin Ltd. concentrator typically recovers 55% of the tin in a gravity concentrate at 51% grade from fresh ore assaying 0.5% Sn. Coarse gravity concentration is performed in a complex circuit involving Reichert cones, spirals, shaking tables and two regrind mills. The paper describes how flow and size-by-size sample data from a steady-state survey were used to construct a computer model of the plant involving 46 process streams. The data reduction involved a computer- aided mass balancing technique, recovery-size modelling of gravity concentrators and the use of a mineral dressing flowsheet simulator. The model was used to simulate possible rearrangements of the available equipment. Early simulations indicated that improved performance could be obtained by using spirals to-treat cone middlings or tailings rather than cone concentrates. A test spiral rig was used at Ardlethan to determine typical performances for all cone product streams and the results were incorporated in new simulations. A revised circuit was recommended and implemented by Ardlethan Tin as far as physical restraints within the plant would allow. Production figures show that a substantial increase in tin recovery and 10-15% increase in milling rate were achieved following the circuit changes, and these improvements were sustained over a six month period.

Jan 1, 1984

By M. K. Barnett

[ ] ENGINEERING research consists, broadly speaking, in the investigation of the effect of the variations in a number of factors on some property of a product or characteristic of a process. The unambiguous description of the product or process requires that the property or characteristic be expressible in quantitative terms. For the purpose of practical control, it is likewise desirable that the independently variable factors governing the product or process be quantities, although this ideal goal is not always attained. Maximum efficiency-i.e., the attainment of the maximum amount of reliable, useful information relating to the influence of the factors on the property of the product or characteristic of the process, for the least expense-is an important requirement for the satisfactory operation of a research organization. Obviously, a necessary condition for the attainment of maximum efficiency is an adequate knowledge of the specialized field in which the experimental research lies. While necessary, this condition is not sufficient. Proper attention must also be given to the general principles of experimental design together with the modem methods for the analysis and evaluation of experimental data. The present discussion is confined to a single design, the so-called "factorial" design. This design is of special interest in that it attains its goal, maximum efficiency, by directly departing from the

Jan 1, 1947

By Stewart, J. B.

THE property at which this work was done consists of a large deposit of potash salts occurring in massive beds of rock salt, overlain by 600 ft. of salt-impregnated shales and marls. It is in the Province of Cataluiia, Spain, about 45 miles from the railway station of Mauresa and about a mile south of Suria. In addition to sinking the shaft, the program of construction work laid out by the European owners (not Spaniards) included a single-track narrow-gage railroad from Mauresa to the mine; one large office building and several large shop buildings, all of brick and concrete with steel truss roofs; two extensive benches for the future recovery plant; and a large village of stone dwellings for employees. The pay-roll showed approximately 1200 to 1500 men employed. After two years' operation, ending early in the autumn of 1920, the shaft had been sunk 325 ft. and still had an equal distance to go to reach the potash; all tunnels for the railroad were done and the road-bed $0 per cent completed; only a little more than the foundations were completed for all the large buildings, and the excavations of the benches were about 75 per cent done-while only a fair start had been made upon the employees' village. This was the state of affairs when the European owners decided to offer this property under a one-year option to an American syndicate, providing that they agreed to carry on the entire building program and to sink the shaft as fast as was consistent with the quality of work which they demanded, for they wished the shaft to endure at least 200 years.

Jan 1, 1926

By H. K. Shearer

Oil production in north Louisianat in 1939 was 25,249,640 bbl., a decrease of 11.2 per cent from 1938. The only important increases in production were in the Cotton Valley and Shreveport fields, but Caddo, Homer, Sligo and Zwolle also made slight gains. Greatest decreases were in the Lisbon and Rodessa fields. Xatural gas production of 313,333 million cu. ft. was an increase of 5.6 per cent over 1938. The increase was accounted for in the Monroe field, while all other fields showed only minor variations from the production of the previous year. Well completions in 1939, as compared with 1938, were as follows: The decline in number of completions was due entirely to lack of proved areas for drilling, and would have been greater except for a revival of interest in the old Caddo shallow field. A majority of the wells completed during the year were in various old, shallow fields, so the average depth of drilling was much less than in several preceding years, notwithstanding a few very deep tests. No new fields were discovered, the only wildcat well reported as a producer being a very small oil well in northwestern De Soto Parish, which is of no apparent commercial importance. Deep gas-distillate production in the Cotton Valley formation was opened at Lake Bistineau and Lisbon, and oil at Shongaloo, but all these wells were too small to encourage additional drilling. Extensions and Developments Caddo Field.—More active drilling was donc in the 36-year old Caddo field in 1939 than in any of the newer fields, with completion of 133 oil

Jan 1, 1940

By H. K. Shearer

Oil production in north Louisianat in 1939 was 25,249,640 bbl., a decrease of 11.2 per cent from 1938. The only important increases in production were in the Cotton Valley and Shreveport fields, but Caddo, Homer, Sligo and Zwolle also made slight gains. Greatest decreases were in the Lisbon and Rodessa fields. Xatural gas production of 313,333 million cu. ft. was an increase of 5.6 per cent over 1938. The increase was accounted for in the Monroe field, while all other fields showed only minor variations from the production of the previous year. Well completions in 1939, as compared with 1938, were as follows: The decline in number of completions was due entirely to lack of proved areas for drilling, and would have been greater except for a revival of interest in the old Caddo shallow field. A majority of the wells completed during the year were in various old, shallow fields, so the average depth of drilling was much less than in several preceding years, notwithstanding a few very deep tests. No new fields were discovered, the only wildcat well reported as a producer being a very small oil well in northwestern De Soto Parish, which is of no apparent commercial importance. Deep gas-distillate production in the Cotton Valley formation was opened at Lake Bistineau and Lisbon, and oil at Shongaloo, but all these wells were too small to encourage additional drilling. Extensions and Developments Caddo Field.—More active drilling was donc in the 36-year old Caddo field in 1939 than in any of the newer fields, with completion of 133 oil

Jan 1, 1940

By B. K. Mozumdar

This paper describes the development and application of a dynamic simulation model of ground movement in an underground mine. Ground movement and related stress distributions with or without stowing are computed as the mining face advances. Pressure profiles plotted for different face positions indicate the presence of a front abutment with a maximum value of four times the original ground pressure but no back abutment in the gob. The surface strain is considerably reduced with increase in packing density in the gob up to a certain value. Beyond this value, the reduction in the strain is minimal, indicating an economic level of packing. As a result of model experiments with different physical systems and geological parameters, it has been concluded that when one of the coordinates for the subsidence and the strain curves is made dimensionless in terms of the critical width, the relationship will hold true for all physical situations. This was in agreement with the NCB observations for different panel lengths.

Jan 1, 1977

By C. K. McArthur

The subject of classification is so broad that this discussion is confined to what the author believes is of prime importance in connection with proper grinding and classification. The years past have witnessed many noteworthy changes in fine grinding and classification, which have been accompanied by a readjustment of ore-dressing flowsheets for the preparation of better ground and/or sized products at an expenditure of less power, steel and maintenance than formerly. Nowhere in the industry is more being done in the way of experimental work to lower costs than in grinding circuits, because, at best, grinding costs are high. Recent years have indicated that, on the average, finer grinding has a real application. Without careful preparation of the process feed, no operation can be highly efficient or successful. In an earlier paper, the findings of an extensive survey at representative concentrators were presented1. Also, in the year of 1935, a technical discussion was given by Dr. J. V. N. Dorr (Some Notes on Classification Trends in America) before the Chemical, Metallurgical and Mining Society of South Africa In both papers mentioned, much has been said regarding flowsheets, grinding and classification. The author is very familiar with these papers, having had considerable to do with the actual operation of the flowsheets, as well as large mills and classifiers in the work described. Some data from the second paper have been included in the following discussion. Circulating Load In this particular paper it seems advisable to deal with the classification phases of the work that to a major extent govern the success of any closed-circuit grinding unit. The question has often been asked in connection with a closed circuit: "What circulating-load ratio should be carried?" This is really an

Jan 1, 1939

By C. K. McArthur

The subject of classification is so broad that this discussion is confined to what the author believes is of prime importance in connection with proper grinding and classification. The years past have witnessed many noteworthy changes in fine grinding and classification, which have been accompanied by a readjustment of ore-dressing flowsheets for the preparation of better ground and/or sized products at an expenditure of less power, steel and maintenance than formerly. Nowhere in the industry is more being done in the way of experimental work to lower costs than in grinding circuits, because, at best, grinding costs are high. Recent years have indicated that, on the average, finer grinding has a real application. Without careful preparation of the process feed, no operation can be highly efficient or successful. In an earlier paper, the findings of an extensive survey at representative concentrators were presented1. Also, in the year of 1935, a technical discussion was given by Dr. J. V. N. Dorr (Some Notes on Classification Trends in America) before the Chemical, Metallurgical and Mining Society of South Africa In both papers mentioned, much has been said regarding flowsheets, grinding and classification. The author is very familiar with these papers, having had considerable to do with the actual operation of the flowsheets, as well as large mills and classifiers in the work described. Some data from the second paper have been included in the following discussion. Circulating Load In this particular paper it seems advisable to deal with the classification phases of the work that to a major extent govern the success of any closed-circuit grinding unit. The question has often been asked in connection with a closed circuit: "What circulating-load ratio should be carried?" This is really an

Jan 1, 1939

By S. K. Kawatra

The paper describes a system for on-line analysis of ash in solids in coal slurries for coal cleaning operations. The system consists of two sensors: 1) gama density gauge, and 2) ash sensor. The operational characteristics of each sensor are discussed.

Jan 1, 1980

By R. K. Agarwal

Transforming from a mere novelty field of science to a well-recognized branch of engineering, the scientific discipline of rock mechanics continues to mature. The past decade has witnessed an unprecedented in- fusion of scientific research approach into mine design. In the preceding year alone, there were six national and international congresses which also indicated the increased interest, in rock mechanics and participation by scientific personnel with diversified backgrounds. It may be presumptuous to conclude that the time, effort and money spent thus far on procedures for mine structure design have necessarily resulted in the evolvement of design techniques; but certainly the prospects of evolving such techniques art: more promising at present than ever before.

Jan 1, 1970

By H. K. Shearer

Oil production in north Louisiana in 1937 was 28,668,070 bbl., an increase of 1,896,925 bbl., or 7.1 per cent over 1936, as against an increase of 178 per cent from 1935 to 1936. Gas production of 301,148 million cu. ft. from gas wells and 17,330 million cu. ft. of casinghead gas, a total of 318,483 million, was an increase of 33,483 million cu. ft., or 11.7 per cent over 1936. Well completions numbered 716, with 411 oil wells, 175 gas wells and 130 dry holes; compared with 346, 109 and 78, respectively, in 1936. There were 58 wildcat dry holes. In addition to the wildcat producers described and tabulated with the fields, there were two small, shallow gas wells in Sabine and Tensas Parishes, which did not open fields of any present importance. At the close of 1937 there were only five wildcat tests actually drilling, with nine others shut down or temporarily abandoned. Chief interest during 1937 was in development rather than discoveries. The only real discoveries were two deep gas and distillate fields, Bear Creek and Ruston. There were also three completions of gas-distillate producers from deeper formations in old fields, of which the most important was at Cotton Valley, one discovery of oil in a previously known gas sand and five or six extensions of some importance. Geological Section The columnar section in south Arkansas (Fig. 1, p. 317) also applies in north Louisiana, with a few changes noted below. The oldest known formation in north Louisiana is a bed of rock salt. Except on salt domes, only one well at Rodessa has been drilled into this salt, but it has been penetrated by a number of wells in south Arkansas. Salt domes have been discovered near Vicksburg and Hattiesburg, Miss., and a deep well in Limestone County, Texas, has drilled into rock salt. In Louisiana the distance between the "interior salt-dome basin" and a salt dome of the "Gulf Coast salt basin" is hardly 60 miles. In short, evidence is accumulating to indicate that all of Louisiana, with the possible

Jan 1, 1938

By Dwain K. Butler

INTRODUCTION Characterization of a site for the prediction and simulation of dynamic events requires the determination of mechanical properties of the rock at stress/strain levels and rates and at a scale appropriate for the events and critical structures involved. The structures of interest can be on the surface, underground, or designed to impact and penetrate into the site (projectiles). Dynamic events of interest are equally diverse: seismic waves from distance earthquakes or explosions; close-in phenomena associated with earthquakes and explosions; vibrations associated with heavy equipment or machinery; and stress transients associated with impact and penetration. The complexity of site characterization depends on two factors not specifically related to the nature of the site itself: the stress levels generated by the dynamic event and the sophistication of the prediction and simulation techniques. For very high stress levels, such as occur near a nuclear detonation, and for low stress levels, such as occur during seismic wave propagation, site characterization is simplified, and often certain details of the site are not particularly important, such as shear strength variations in the case of very high stress levels. In the intermediate stress range, however, all descriptive relations are non- linear, a complete finite strain constitutive model is required, and all details of the site, such as lithology and fracture distribution, become important. The site characterization must be complete enough to support the most sophisticated prediction and simulation technique that will be applied to the analysis of the dynamic event. The procedures of site characterization are illustrated in this paper by a specific dynamic event, projectile impact and penetration, and a specific site, an outcrop of Dakota Sandstone near San Ysidro, New Mexico. The structure of interest was the projectile itself: nominally, 1.5 m in length, 0.165 m in diameter, 180 kg

Jan 1, 1984

By K. E. Beu

THE integrated intensity X-ray method of meas-uring retained austenite concentrations in hardened plain carbon or low alloy steels as proposed by Averbach and Cohen1,2 has the advantages of being a highly sensitive and precise quantitative method. The various phases of this method have been studied and several modifications have been developed which aid not only in reducing the time required per determination, but which also increase the possible accuracy of the method. A fundamental step in the original calculation procedure is to plot V.A(?) curves for austenite and martensite and to obtain VM/VA ratios from these curves.' In taking this ratio the absorption factor A (8) drops out since it is constant for a. given diffraction angle 8. The reason for eliminating A(?) in this manner is because it is apparently assumed

Jan 1, 1953

By T. K. Matthews

Minerals are mined as a one-time crop, and the processing of one ton of ore results in there being one ton less to be recovered from the deposit. Although some minerals occur in greater abundance than others, they are to a greater or lesser degree exhaustible. Depletion Allowances One of the distinctive features of the mineral industries is the allowance for depletion. The depletion allowance is a much maligned and misunderstood principal of our tax structure. Although imperfect in design, it has nevertheless served as a constructive incentive for the development and expansion of the minerals industry.

Jan 1, 1969

By Paul K. Krueger

SUMMARY Since 1970 the Federal Preparedness Agency has been using computer models to help establish the amounts of strategic and critical materials to be held in the National Stockpile. Fifty-three of these materials are metals or minerals. The following diagram shows the linkage of models used to estimate material requirements. [ ] The starting point for the models are estimates of the major components of GNP for some future period. These may be estimates purchased from a forecasting service or may be produced in-house. The projections are translated into industrial final demands using DITT (Demand Impact Transformation Tables), a system developed at FPA. Then using a version of the current Bureau of Economic Analysis input-output model, estimates are made of the gross output of each industry necessary to support the level and composition of GNP as specified by the macro-economic model.

Jan 1, 1977

By P. K. Chatterjee

The overall success of many strip coal mining operations depends primarily upon the efficient use of draglines to remove overburden. These machines require enormous capital investment and unless used efficiently the profitability of a venture is adversely affected. It is important that the dragline works continuously and it is imperative that the walking path and other facets of its operation be predetermined exactly so that the desired production rate is achieved with a minimum of non-productive time. Details of dragline operations which are of particular interest are walking path, prediction of best cut and positioning to maximize production, the angle of swing which produces the swiftest operation, optimum fill factor allowable for the type of material and conditions of ground, the maximum depth from which it can excavate and operating level with respect to the elevation of the high wall. The aims of the present paper are: 1. To establish a cut-off point in the cost-depth ratio. 2. Predict the most economic method of stripping in a given area using graphical plots of walking path implemented with information necessary to ensure optimum production. The optimum operating efficiency of the dragline in relation to the terrain and other conditions imposed on its operation will be evaluated. The model is based upon operating data which has been collected from site observations of a large strip coal mining operation in Central Queensland, Australia.

Jan 1, 1977

By E. K. Soper

It has been observed that where veins or other types of orebodies are intersected by cross faults, the continuation of the ore deposit below the fault is often of lower grade than that portion above the dislocation.' In some mines, the reverse of these conditions has been noted, and the richest ore is found to occur in that portion of the vein beneath the fault intersection. Such instances seem to be less frequent than those where the richest ore is above the offset. The important and widespread influence of fault and vein intersections upon the localization of ore shoots is well known,2 but the factors that govern the position of the ore shoot relative to the fault intersection seem to be less clearly understood. The richest ore may be above or below the fault, or it may occur at the point of intersection, or there may be no change. Recent observations made by the writer in mines in Idaho and Montana suggested a possible explanation for the changes in the richness of ore below certain types of fault intersections. These observations have been supplemented by a study of the literature containing detailed descriptions of ore deposits at a large number of mines in North America. The results of these studies are presented herewith in the hope that they may lead to further discussion of this important phase of ore deposition. Relative Age oF Faults Faults which intersect veins and other ore deposits may be either pre-mineral or post-mineral in age—that is, they may be older or younger than the deposits which they intersect. Many veins are formed along

Jan 1, 1918

By C. K. Leith

At the outset I would like to make it clear that I do not enter this discussion in a controversial spirit, but in an attempt to contribute something helpful to an understanding of a difficult problem. I have too high regard for the- sterling quality of the work of the men who have studied this subject in detail to offer anything in the way of essential contradiction to their statements of fact. Difference of opinion arises from differing valuation of the possible alternative hypothesis which these facts suggest. Some degree of recrystallization in limestone contact zones has been recognized by many investigators. Earlier investigators, for the most part, assigned an important, if not the most important, ro1e to recrystallization in development of these zones. With the growing recognition of introduction of ores and gangue materials into the contact zone from igneous rocks through the medium of primary magmatic solutions, there has been a tendency to ascribe to this process most, if not all, of the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the contact zonc. This has involved a correspondingly diminished emphasis on recrystallization of substances already there as a factor in the process, and in some cases even the complete elimination of this hypothesis. From detailed study of a few contacts, casual observation of others, and a general familiarity with the literature, some of us have been led in recent years to raisc the question whether the pendulum has not swung too far away from recrystallization toward direct introduction from igneous sources, and to argue for more recognition of the part played by recrysta11ization.l The inevitable sequence has been that those of us who have .taken this view have been charged, at least by inference, with emphasizing recrystallization to the total exclusion of the alternative process. Scientists, like other men, like to classify and pigeon-hole views under simple and definite designations, leaving out qualifications which would tend to make the classification more difficult to state. This has made the problem seem more definite and simple, but has tended to obscure the fact that the disagreement is primarily not one relating to essential facts, but one of

Jan 1, 1915