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By Peter Grandone

"INTRODUCTION The injection of water into partly depleted-oil-bearing formations as a means of supplying additional energy to flow oil wells now is recognized by the petroleum industry as an effective method of increasing the recovery of oil. The benefits to be derived from water-flooding oil sands were discovered accidentally more than 4o years ago, when oil producers in the Pennsylvania and western New York fields observed suustantial increases, in oil-production rates when water leaked past corroded casings of old wells into producing sands. This observation prompted some operators purposely to perforate or slit the casings opposite the producing formation in some of their wells to permit water to enter the formation. However, as many operators viewed the practice with skepticism and considered it to be in violation of oil-conservation principles,- systematic water-flooding was not initiated until the Pennsylvania legislature, in 1921, enacted a law authorizing water-flooding of oil sands in that State.Although water-flooding has been practiced in a haphazard manner for more than 25 years in Chautauqua and Montgomery Counties, Kansas, planned or systematic water-flooding in that State had its inception in 1935, when the legislature, following the example of Pennsylvania, also passed a lava/ authorizing water-flooding. The early operations and, to some extent, those still, practiced in the Chautauqua-Montgomery area consisted in raising or perforating the casing to allow water from upper strata to gravitate into underlying oil-producing formations. The extent to which this type of water-flooding affected petroleum production in the old stripper area of eastern Kansas is not known, but it is known to have increased oil production ap¬preciably from many leases.Following enactment of the law permitting water-flooding in Kansas, three operators inaugurated, in that same year, three organized flooding projects in three different counties of the southeastern part of the State. The first organized project on record was that of the York State Oil Co. in the Seeley pool, Greenwood County. On this project, the injection was started on May 15, 1935, into the Bartlesville sandstone at a top depth of 1940 feet."

Jul 1, 1944

By Staff

The goal of the U.S. Bureau of Mines diesel engine research program is to reduce exhaust emissions from diesel-powered equipment used in underground mines. This research has led to significant advances in aerosol measurement and to the development of more effective emission controls. This Information Circular contains reports of some of the presentations made at the Bureau's Information and Technology Transfer Seminar on Diesels in Underground Mines given in Minneapolis, MN, on September 29-30, 1992. The seminar emphasized the measurement and control of diesel particulate matter emissions. Topics covered include a discussion of the health issues associated with the use of diesel equipment underground, an overview of regulations, measurement techniques for diesel exhaust aerosol, levels of diesel exhaust pollutants found in mines, and modern emission controls. An appendix is included that contains a report describing the capabilities of the Bureau's diesel emissions research laboratory, two papers describing the effects of engine maintenance or: emissions, a paper describing the monitoring of carbon dioxide in mine air as an indicator of air quality, a glossary, and a list of abbreviations and acronyms.

Jan 1, 1992

[JAMES A. BARR Consulting Engineer Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee Washington) D.C. BEHRE DOLBEAR & COMPANY Consulting Mining Engineers and Geologists 11 Broadway New York 4, N. Y. BLANDFORD C. BURGESS Registered Professional Engineer Mining Consultant Monticello, Georgia GLENVILLE A. COLLINS Mining Engineer Uranium examinations Cable "Coins" 210 La Arcada Bldg. Santa Barbara, Calif. COWIN & CO. Mining Engineers and Contractors Consulting Shaft & Slope Sinking Appraisal Mine Development Reports Mine Plant Construction I- 18th St. S. W. B'ham, Ala., Phone 56-5566]

Jan 1, 1952

By Leroy E. Schulze

A review of development and a reevaluation of uses of the hydraulic air compressor are suggested by the constant changes in technology, which frequently make an old art valuable in solving current problems. Contacts with research workers in various branches of engineering indicate that this older method of producing compressed air may not be familiar to some or that its salient features might be useful in solving problems involving uses of compressed air. Briefly, a hydraulic air compressor may be described as an inverted siphon, consisting of an intake head where water and air are mingled, followed by a gravity-fall tube in which air is intimately mixed with the water and is compressed as the water pressure increases during the fall down the tube, then a separating, or stilling, chamber in which air bubbles rise to the surface of the water and collect in the upper portion of the chamber at a pressure equal to the weterhead maintained by the height of water in the discharge leg of the circuit. The water, which now contains only the fraction of air that has gone into solution, passes out of the separating chamber and rises up the discharge leg to the surface, which is, of course, at some suitable distance below the level of the intake. Present-day applications include (1) utilizing low hydraulic heads, which otherwise have little commercial values; (2) utilizing low hydraulic heads in reclamation work to supply compressed air, or in some instances to produce a small suction, for air-lift pumping (or for operation of air motors), with minimum attendance and without need for electric power; (3) utilizing medium heads, as at dam and lock installations, to produce compressed air for pneumatic operation of airlifts, gates, valves, and rubber gate seals; (4) utilizing underground waters, as in mines, to produce compressed air for general mine use; (5) using this method of isothermal compression of air in combination with standard compressors wherever hydraulic head is available, thereby securing the advantages of low-temperature intake to the mechanical compressors and reduction of moisture content below that of atmospheric air; (6) development of large air supply at pressures up to 150 p.s.i.g., which, after performing work in reciprocating or centrifugal expansion cylinders, is available at temperatures approximating -50° F. Possibilities in freezing and reheating should be mentioned which may prove economical for obtaining uniformly dry air for process work, wind-tunnel tests, or large air-conditioning installations, such as ventilation of underwater traffic tunnels, and may be economic for supply of supercharged air to gas-turbine plants.

Jan 1, 1954

By Paul Cameron Gilmour

Geologically, as distinct from economically, "porphyry copper (molybdenum, gold, silver, etc.) deposits" might be defined as large, disseminated and/or stock-work occurrences of copper-minerals, generally averaging less than 1 per cent cop-per. They are normally associated with small plutons which range in composition from granite to diorite, although, typically, they consist of quartz monzonite or granodiorite. Circumstantial evidence indicates that these "minor" granitic intrusions may represent the intrusive phases of post-orogenic, calc-alkaline volcanism, this conclusion being suggested by: 1. Texture and grain size. 2. Prevalence of intrusive breccias. 3. Relationship to unconformities and estimated depth of emplacement. 4. Spatial distribution in relation to orogenic zones. 5. Age of mineralization and igneous episodes

Jan 1, 1972

By Denis Labrie

Résumé Cent soixante (160) câbles d'ancrage ont été installés au toit de la rampe à la Mine-laboratoire de CANMET à Val-d'Or, Qué bec, Canada, pour prévenir toute dégradation suite à l'élargissement de la voie de roulage dans un secteur tournant à 180 degrés, communément appelé Virage Santa Barbara. Le roc à cet endroit est de nature bloqueuse et stratifiée, et son épaisseur au toit de la rampe est limitée à environ dix (10) mètres, le tout sous une couche de terrain meuble saturée en permanence. Le soutènement mis en place a été conçu pour former une zone de compression et supporter une strate de roc d?environ quatre (4) mètres d'épaisseur. Les critères de conception et les méthodes d'installation sont présentées. Un contrôle de qualité rigoureux a été effectué au moment de la mise en place du support, notamment en ce qui concerne la mise en tension des câbles eux-mêmes et la qualité du béton utilisé lors de l'injection. Des instruments de mesure seront mis en place sous peu pour dépister tout mouvement éventuel au toit de la rampe. Abstract Design and installation of an active mine ground support using tensioned cables at the Experimental Mine, Val-d?Or, Québec, Canada. One hundred sixty (160) cables were installed at the back of the ramp at the CANMET?s Experimental Mine located in Val-d?Or, Québec, Canada, to prevent any degradation of the ground after the enlargement of the roadway in a sector turning at 180 degrees, usually called Virage Santa Barbara. The nature of the rock mass in this area is blocky and stratified, and its thickness above the ramp does not exceed ten (10) metres. Eight (8) metres of soil, mostly saturated, cover the bedrock on top of the ramp. The ground support was designed to form a compression zone at the back, aimed to carry a strata of rock of around four (4) metres thick. The design criteria and the methods of installation of the ground support are described in the paper. A strict control of the quality of the grout used for injection and the tension placed in the cables was carried out during the installation of the support. Ground monitors will be installed soon, to detect any movement that could take place above the ramp.

May 1, 2001

By Marcel Labbé

La largeur de l?armature peut être modifiée selon les besoins du client entre 48 " et 64" de largeur totale, donc 2 sections de 24" à 32". Ceci permet à l?opérateur d?effectuer le démantèlement de l?équipement pour le déplacement dans les endroits restreints. Le déménagement d?un niveau à un sous-niveau devrait se faire dans un quart de travail de 8 heures. L?option de largeur permet au client de choisir un équipement adapté à son environnement de travail (1). La largeur de la table de forage peut être modifiée selon les besoins du client entre 48" et 96". Cette particularité permet une meilleure stabilité, et plus de précision dans le forage (2). Il y a 4 pattes hydrauliques à chaque coin pour la stabilisation lors de forage (3). La table de forage a 360° d?angle de forage sur 3 côtés du transporteur. La table peut sortir de chaque côté du transporteur de 40 ½" à partir du centre du transporteur pour faciliter la mise en place de la foreuse dans les endroits difficiles d?accès. La plage de forage est considérablement agrandie. Cette caractéristique qui fonctionne hydraulique, permet à l?opérateur de forer sans être obligé de changer la position du transporteur pour des changements de trous. Tous les types de foreuse peuvent être installés sur cette table de forage (4). Sa petite dimension lui permet d?accéder, par des monteries de 30" de diamètre, à des sites de travail de 2,5 mètres de hauteur et largeur. C?est un équipement adapté aux gisements filoniens. Ce genre de gisement est de moins en moins rentable pour les compagnies minières. La mécanisation des ces gisements va permettre de les rentabilisés en augmentant la productivité et la santé du travailleur, en réduisant la dilution (5). Les manettes de contrôle de la foreuse, les mouvements de la table de forage ainsi que le déplacement du transporteur ont été installés selon les recommandations d?un ergonome. Des recherches ont été effectuées par ce spécialiste sur les cas d?accident survenus avec l?utilisation de ce genre d?équipement. Il a déterminé les positions le plus confortable que l?opérateur doit prendre pour éviter les douleurs prolongées (6). Le système de roulement est composé de 4 roues pleines installées sur 4 planétaires de 9000 à 15000 livres de capacité munis chacun d?un moteur hydraulique. Des freins ont été installés sur les planétaires pour assurer la sécurité de l?opérateur et faciliter le positionnement du transporteur lors du forage. Des roues rétractables peuvent être installées pour faciliter l?accès sur rail (7). Ce transporteur peut être alimenté par une puissance électrique plutôt que par une puissance pneumatique. Cette puissance électrique est fournie par un Power Pack qui transforme l?énergie en puissance hydraulique. Ce type d?alimentation est employé lors du forage de développement, mais il peut aussi être utilisé pour le forage long trou. Cet avantage permet au client qui a un problème de pression d?air d?utiliser l?électricité. Par contre si vous utilisez l?électricité mais que dans un secteur isolé le gros courant électrique n?est pas accessible vous pouvez utiliser votre équipement en utilisant la puissance pneumatique. Le changement d?alimentation énergétique se fait facilement (8). Cet équipement est construit pour effectuer 4 types d?activités : forage de développement de niveau et sousniveau avec l?installation d?un bras porteur, forage et pose de câbles d?encrage pour soutènement de terrain, forage de production long trou et forage de monterie ascendante et descendante. L?avantage est que vous investissez dans un seul équipement au lieu de 2 ou 3. Cet avantage vous fait économiser dans votre budget d?équipement. En plus cet équipement est construit pour de dure travaux et ne contient aucun système électronique (9).

May 1, 2001

On June 4, Kennecott Utah Copper (KUC)marked the centennial of the founding of the original company. Bill Champion is president and chief executive officer of KUC. He said, “What has happened during the past 100 years far surpassed even the most optimistic visions of men like Daniel C. Jackling and Robert Gemmell when they promoted the concept of mass production techniques for a low-grade deposit of copper ore. At that time, it was a totally new way of doing things and the mining leaders of that day scoffed at the idea. They said it would never work,” Champion said. The company will celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime occasion with a few special projects, mainly for the benefit of our employees, said Louie Cononelos, director of government and public affairs for KUC. The company has designed and minted a commemorative copper coin that reflects early steam shovel and locomotive operations on one side, and today’s modern electric shovels and huge haulage trucks on the other side. “The history of the company stems from the ores of the Bingham Canyon Mine. That coin has been encased as part of a10-panel brochure that captures the company’s 100 year history,” he said. KUC also developed special centennial banners and comparable framed posters that were displayed throughout its operations and at selected community locations that have enjoyed a long-time partnership and special relationship with the company. Some of the plants also designed their own centennial hardhat decals.

Jan 1, 2003

Helium has probably aroused more varied scientific curiosity than any other single element. Discovered by spectroscopic examination of the sun during an eclipse in 1868, helium is now known to exist not only in the sun and other stars but on earth occluded in minerals, accumulated with natural gases in pockets in the earth's crust, and in the atmosphere surrounding the earth. Astronomers study its presence in the various stars of the universe for clues to their origin and history. Geochemists and geologists study its occurrences in rocks, minerals, and meteorites to determine the age of the earth and the manner of its formation. Pathologists study its effect on living tissues in search for the ideal combination with oxygen for artificial breathing mixtures in medicine, diving operations, and space vehicles. Chemists study its physical properties and use it to trace the sequence of events in reactions in which it does not participate. Geneticists and bacteriologists use it for special studies. Physicists study its behavior when liquefied and the behavior of materials cooled to nearly absolute zero by its use. Nuclear physicists learn more about the universe through study of the nuclear reactions that produce it. Through study of helium and greater knowledge of its origin and properties, science continues to unlock some of nature's more closely guarded secrets. Unknown on earth before 1895, and not discovered as a minor constituent of natural gas until 1905, helium with its simple atomic structure--a nucleus with two electrons orbiting in a closed shell--is a unique element. It is next to the lightest gas, only hydrogen is lighter. It occupies position number 2 in the Periodic Table of the Elements and heads the list of so-called "rare" or ?noble? gases. Most of the naturally occurring helium has an atomic mass of 4.003874 (oxygen = 16). A trace (1.7 x 10-5 mol percent) is the light isotope helium-3 whose atomic mass is 3.0169800 Unstable isotopes of mass numbers 5 and 6 have been authenticated. Isotopes of mass numbers 7 and 8 have been reported, but their existence is less well established. All the heavier isotopes are radioactive and are the product of nuclear reactions.

Jan 1, 1968

Jan 1, 2002

By F. E. Heuze

This article deals with the effects of high-explosive and nuclear explosions in rock masses. We first highlight the strong influence of geological discontinuities, such as joints and faults, on ground motion characteristics. Then, we briefly introduce the Discrete Element Method, as a new technique for numerical simulations. II is shown to be far superior to continuum-based approaches, when dealing with the dynamics of discontinuous media such as jointed rocks. Finally, we simulate the ground effects from a generic contained nuclear explosion, which bears some similarity to the SHOAL event in granite. This calculation is intended to emphasize the influence of the near-source geology on the distribution of energy, and on the motion at various azimuths in the medium.

Jan 1, 1991

By Steve Hubbard, Brad Marchant, Rolando Cuadra

"Triton Mining Corporation acquired the rights to Mina El Limon in Nicaragua in 1993 by international bid. The bid included the gold operations at Limon and an exploration concession of approximately 4000 km2. Triton assumed control of operations and exploration in May 1994.The Limon mine is located in west-central Nicaragua, approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Managua. The climate is tropical, characterized by a wet season from May through October, and a dry season November through April. Gold at Limon is associated with both banded quartz and silicified breccia veins in Tertiary volcanic rocks, belonging to the lower Coyol Group. Mining is from two open pits and one mechanized underground operation. A second underground mine is currently under development for production during 1997.This paper describes the expansion of the milling facility at El Limon from a nominal capacity of 400 tonnes/day, producing approximately 20,000 ounces of gold annually, to the existing 900 tonne per day mill operation. Engineering of the new mill facility was initiated in September 1994 and construction was completed a year later."

Jan 1, 1997

By Jo Katembo, Patty Bwando, Patient K. Ilunga, Yves Kalubi, Emman Mulaj

"From 2010, the dolomite concentration in the ore fed to the Usoke Plant increased, resulting in a significant increase in the gangue acid consumption and Mg build-up in the circuit, and thus an increase in the Mg:Co ratio in the plant solutions. This affected the Co salt grade, reagent consumption, filtration and drying capacity. Efforts were put in place to minimise the acid consumption and consequently the Mg dissolution (such as use of pre-diluted acid), but the benefits were negligible. Various efforts were then initiated by CHEMAF to improve the cobalt plant productivity (quantity and quality) by process changes, dual precipitation and seed recycle. The positive results obtained in the laboratory were successfully implemented on plant scale. A change in the process from a single-stage precipitation with Na2CO3 to dual precipitation using a combination of Na2CO3 and NaOH improved the capacity of the Co salt filtration by 30%, the Co salt grade and drying capacity by 50%, and reduced the reagent consumption by 22%. Implementation of precipitate seed recycle increased Mg rejection by 40%, improving the Co salt grade from 20% to 25%, and yielding a further drop in reagent consumption. INTRODUCTION CHEMAF (Chemicals of Africa), a mining company located in Katanga province of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been operating since 2003. The Usoke hydrometallurgical plant treats the Cu-Co ore from the Etoile pit to produce Cu cathodes via a leach–solvent-extraction (SX)–electrowinning (EW) circuit and Co salt via a selective precipitation process. The plant was designed to treat run-of-mine (ROM) ore grading 6% Cu and 1.5% Co; but, in 2008, due to a decline in grades, a heavy-media separation (HMS) plant was commissioned to enrich the low-grade ROM (3.5% Cu and 0.5% Co) up to 8% Cu and 1% Co before feeding it to the hydrometallurgical plant. Co is recovered by precipitation of Fe and Al with limestone, followed by Co precipitation as Co carbonate using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), also known as soda ash. 85% of the final effluent from cobalt precipitation is recycled back to the plant as process water; the balance, 15%, is bled out and compensated for by fresh water top up to control and retard the rate of sodium sulfate build up."

Jan 1, 2015

By Robert G. Bottge

The Bureau of Mines investigated the availability of the land in south-central Alaska for exploration and mineral development of locatable minerals under State or Federal laws. The land ownership for an area of nearly 72.5 million acres in south-central Alaska was divided into 3 availability categories and 15 subcategories. In July 1985, 31.0 million acres of the study area were available for mineral exploration and development, 6.2 million acres were available with restrictions, and 35.3 million acres were unavailable. About 23.6 million acres in the study area are underlain by mineral terranes. About 9.9 million of the 23.6 million acres are available for mineral entry, 2.4 million acres are available with restrictions, and 11.3 million acres are unavailable. While much of the land currently classified as unavailable will be reclassified once it is conveyed to the State or to Native corporations, about 22% of the unavailable lands underlain by mineral terranes are now Federal parks, preserves, wildlife refuges, wild and scenic rivers, and military lands, all of which are considered permanently unavailable for mineral exploration and development.

Jan 1, 1986

By H. S. COOLEY

TO talk about a "factor of economy" in connection with the wire ropes used in mining practice may be coining a new phrase. If such be the case it needs no other apology than that economy in wire rope usage is so bound up with the factor of safety as to justify a similarity in naming that makes one suggest the other. At the latest Wire Rope Research Conference, held under the auspices of the A. S. M. E., Re- search Committee and Engineering Foundation, data were introduced covering mine ropes working under

Jan 1, 1930

By Hidenori Hatta, Takero Watanabe, Hideo Yoshida

"The effect of the quenching rate on age hardening in an Al-6.0mass%Zn-0.75mass%Mg alloy sheet was investigated. The quenching rates and aging conditions were as follows: water quenching (WQ) or furnace cooling (FC) followed by pre-aging at 20°C,then artificial aging at 120, 160 or 200°Cwere performed. The peak strength of the FC and the WQ are very similarat120°C aging. It is important high strength was obtained even at the extremely slow quenching rate. On the other hand, the strength of the WQ significantly decreased compared to the FCat200°C aging. GP(I) zones were formed during the pre-aging at 20°C even if the cooling rate was very slow like the FC, and were transformed into the GP(II) ones at 70°C or higher and then into the ?’ phase. However, these zones were dissolved by reversion during heating to 200°C. Thus the strength of the WQ decreased. On the other hand, it is considered that an unknown cluster or GP zone with a thermal stability formed during the FC was not dissolved up to 200°C and was transformed into the ?’ phase. Therefore, a higher strength was obtained in the FC for the200°Caging.INTRODUCTIONAl-Zn-Mg alloys are widely available in commercial production because these alloy have lower quench sensitivity and can be produced by air cooling (AC). Heat treatable aluminum alloys are usually produced by water quenching (WQ) to increase their strength because a high cooling rate inhibits the precipitation of the stable phase during cooling and increases supersaturated solute atoms. However, Baba(1967)reported the strength of an Al-6%Zn-1.8%Mg(mass%) alloy without additional elements quenched by very slow cooling (15°C/min) was 96% of that quenched by WQ. Furthermore,the age hardening at room temperature (RT) occurs after annealing at 410°C followed by furnace cooling (FC, 0.5ºC/min or less)in these alloys. Therefore, the process of annealing at 410 to 430°C for 120 min followed by AC, and reheating at 230°C for 240 min, then cooling is recommended in the specifications (Japan Aluminum Association, 2011). Matsuda and Yoshida(1996)also recommended annealing at 300°C for Al-Zn-Mg alloy extruded products to inhibit age hardening at RT by precipitating the solute atoms and decreasing them in the matrix. It has been considered that the higher the content of excess quenched-in vacancy becomes by WQ, the higher aging rate at RT is obtained. Therefore,it is theoretically and commercially important to clarify the reason why the age hardening occurs relatively quickly in almost no excess quenched-in vacancies such as the FC, and why the same strength as the WQ can be obtained in the FC"

Jan 1, 2018

By Matthew J. Sheridan

The Bureau of Mines study described in this report was conducted in the Denver, Colo., area (1) to summarize existing conservation practices as related to the most beneficial utilization of deposits of sand and gravel; (2) to identify the conflicting positions of the aggregate producer, the mineral owner, nearby residents, and local government officials responsible for determining land status and for issuing operating permits; and (3) to show the need for planning in Denver and in other expanding communities toward obtaining the benefits of conservation of our rapidly dwindling mineral resources. In order to determine the effects of urbanization on the Denver aggregate industry, interviews were held with owners of sand and gravel operations, with producers of concrete and bituminous pavement, with city and county planning and zoning personnel, and with representatives of various interested organizations. The conservation and ultimate utilization of deposits of construction raw materials near expanding urban areas can best be accomplished by long-range land-use projection and the requesite cooperation of technically advised planning and zoning administrators, government officials, mineral producers, and land developers.

Jan 1, 1967

By A. F. Marques

The Azores islands are located on a triple junction where the American, African (AFR), and Euroasian (EUR) plates meet. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), oriented N-S, represents two branches of the T; an E-W branch defines the EUR/AFR boundary called the Terceira Rift. The nature and structure of this plate boundary, as well as the dynamics of the interaction of tectonics and volcanism remain unconstrained. The Azores plateau is seated on a mantle domain of anomalously low seismic S-wave velocities, and gravity and geoid anomalies, where the apparent thick crust is thought to relate to larger degrees of melting initiated at greater depths [1]. The cause of these anomalies is controversial but many authors consider the presence of an anomalously hot/wet enriched mantle probably supplied by a plume [2]. The geochemistry of the subaerial and most submarine lavas from the plateau reinforces the plume model beneath the Azores [3-4]. The origin, size and present location of the plume is under debate but an area near Terceira is the favoured plume centre [5]. [ ] SEAFLOOR HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS IN THE AZORES AREA (36ºN ? 40ºN) More than 150 active and fossil hydrothermal systems are known in the oceanic seafloor [6]. Many more are yet to be found on vast oceanic areas that haven?t been explored [7]. Ever increasing knowledge shows that modern seafloor hydrothermal systems can be hosted in felsic to ultramafic rocks, vary in size and shape and exhibit diverse amounts of sediment cover

Jan 1, 2011

By F. B. Waanders

Coal, as energy resource, possesses numerous characteristics and properties which all have an influence on its gasification behaviour. The two properties considered as critically important when evaluating a coal source for gasification is its mineral content and slagging behaviour. Research has indicated that slagging formation can be inhibited or even prevented by the addition of a fluxing agent. It is thus of great importance to understand the mineral interaction during gasification in order to select a suitable fluxing agent for the prevention of slagging and clinker formation in the gasifier. The aim of the present project is to evaluate the effect of iron as a fluxing agent and study the transformation of the mineral and added iron during gasification. A pre-determined amount of pure elemental iron (between 2wt% and 20wt%) was added to a base case coal sample in order to study the effect of the addition of iron to the coal. The transformation of the iron in conjunction with the possible iron containing minerals present in the coal was studied by means of Mössbauer analyses. Typical characterisation techniques included proximate analyses, ultimate analyses and ash composition analyses. The ash fusion temperature analyses (AFT) were used to study and predict the slagging behaviour of the iron-spiked coal samples. Even though AFT analyses only provide an average flow property, it gives a good indication of the changes that the iron addition induces on coal properties. FactSage modelling was carried out in conjunction with the Mössbauer and AFT analyses. From the proximate, ultimate and ash composition analyses it was clear that the coal used con-formed to the average characteristics measured over an extended time period. From the AFT values it was seen that an increase in the flow temperature occurred with the addition of pure elemental iron to the coal, which can be of importance for operational purposes as to raise the gasifier temperature and not to have slagging problems to occur in the gasifier. The Mössbauer data show that he-matite is the main Fe-component that forms from the pyrite originally present and from the added iron to the coal, consistent with FactSage modelling, which shows that the partial oxygen pressure determines which mineral species will form. This study opens up new possibilities when considering operational problems experienced in in-dustrial gasifiers. Successful completion of this study and a study to look at reducing conditions in the gasifier will also add to the knowledge that already exists regarding fluxing agents.

Jan 1, 2014

These proceedings consist of papers presented at Bureau of Mines Technology Transfer Seminars in August 1983 for the purpose of disseminating recent advances in mining technology in the area of large mobile surface mining equipment safety and health. The Bureau of Mines conducts several of these seminars each year in order to bring the latest results of Bureau research to the attention of the mining industry as quickly as possible.

Jan 1, 1983