Search Documents

By Alan Bye, Megan Little

Geology, and the detailed understanding of its properties, are fundamental to the optimal design and successful operation of any mine. To that end extensive fieldwork has been conducted at Anglo Platinum?s PPRust operation to collect geotechnical information both from exploration boreholes and in-pit mining faces. Since 1998, geotechnical data has been collected from over 337 km of exploration core, 7 km of exposed mining faces and more than 15 600 field and laboratory tests, in order to define the complete set of geotechnical properties for each rock type in the mining area. The geotechnical information collected is stored in two databases, SABLE Warehouse and MineMapper3D before it is imported into the Datamine mining software package. The geotechnical parameters, mining rock mass rating system (MRMR), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), fracture frequency per metre (FF) and rock quality designation (RQD), are modelled using geostatistics to generate a 3D geotechnical block model. Data is interpolated between exploration boreholes and exposed mining faces and modelling is constrained, using wireframes, by rock type and structural features. By having detailed geotechnical information available in a 3D model that can be readily accessed and interpreted, significant production optimisations, feasibility studies and planning initiatives can be implemented. From a slope design perspective the model is used to target data deficient zones and highlight potentially weak rock mass areas. As this can be viewed in 3D, the open pit slopes can then be designed to accommodate the poor quality area before it is excavated. It also follows that geotechnical zones can be readily identified and the slopes optimised accordingly. Rather than viewing the drill and blast department as an isolated cost centre and focussing on minimising drill and blast costs, the fragmentation requirements of the comminution and load and haul business areas are studied. It is well understood that chemical energy is the cheapest form of comminution and that major downstream benefits can be derived by increasing drill and blast expenditure. 238 blasts were assessed to determine the optimum fragmentation requirements for ore and waste. Based on the study a mean fragmentation target of 150 mm was set for delivery to the crushing circuit and a mean fragmentation of 230 mm was set for waste loading from the pit. Substantial benefits have been realised in the drill and blast department by developing empirical correlations that relate the MRMR values in the geotechnical model to a blastability index, fragmentation, required powder factor and costs. As the geotechnical model can predict changes in geotechnical conditions, the blasting

Jan 1, 2007

By J. Autio, H. Malmlund

The excavation damage zone (EDZ) caused by drill and blast excavation consists of intense damage adjacent to the remaining half barrel of the blast hole, new fracturing induced by the blast and reactivation of pre-existing fractures. The properties of intense microfracturing adjacent to the half barrels of remaining blast holes are based on study of rock samples from ZEDEX-tunnel and it’s extension at Äspö and the Research tunnel at Olkiluoto in Finland. The new and reactivated fracturing is based on results of mapping of slots cut in the rock in ZEDEX-project. The zone of increased porosity adjacent to half barrels, which penetrates to a depth of some centimeters was studied by using novel 14C-PMMA method. The penetration of the radial fractures, which is an order of magnitude deeper, was studied by mapping using color penetrant. Results of EDZ studies carried out at Äspö HRL in Sweden and in Research Tunnel at Olkiluoto show that the properties of EDZ can be affected significantly by engineering design. The result imply that the additional pore volume caused by distinct fracturing around the blast holes caused by state-of-the-art smooth blasting technique could be of the same order as that of the damaged zone adjacent to the surface of the half barrels. Durch Bohr- und Sprengarbeiten entstandene Eigenschaften der Auflockerungszone: Die durch Bohr- und Sprengarbeiten entstandene Auflockerungszone besteht aus einem großen, an das Resthalbrohr des Bohrloches angrenzenden Schaden, neuer Rissbildung und einer Reaktivierung der bereits existierenden Risse. Die Eigenschaften einer immensen, an die Halbrohre der Restbohrlöcher angrenzenden Mikrorissbildung beruhen auf einer Studie über die aus dem ZEDEX-Tunnel gewonnenen Gesteinsproben und deren Fortsetzung im Untertage-Labor Äspö (Hard Rock Laboratory, HRL) in Schweden und im Forschungstunnel bei Olkiluoto in Finnland. Die neue und reaktivierte Rissbildung basiert auf den Auswertungsergebnissen der Schlitze, die bei dem ZEDEX-Projekt ins Gestein geschnitten wurden. Die Zone der vermehrten, an die Halbrohre angrenzenden Porösität, die in ein paar Zentimeter Tiefe eindringt, wurde anhand der neuen 14C-PMMA-Methode untersucht. Das Eindringen der etwas tiefer gelegenen radialen Risse wurde anhand eines farbigen Eindringungsmittels untersucht. Die in Äspö und Olkiluoto durchgeführten EDZ-Studien zeigen, dass die EDZ-Eigenschaften wesentlich durch Engineering Design beeinflusst werden können. Das durch Bohrarbeiten verursachte Hohlraumvolumen der Rissbildung um den Tunnel herum ist ähnlich wie das Hohlraumvolumen der Bruchzone um die Bohrlöcher herum. Caractéristiques d’une zone endommagée par le creusement résultant d’un creusement par forage et dynamitage: La zone endommagée par le creusement résultant d’un creusement par forage et dynamitage présente un endommagement intense adjacent au demi-cylindre restant du trou de mine, une nouvelle fracturation et la réactivation des fractures préexistantes. Les caractéristiques de la microfracturation intense adjacente aux demi-cylindres des trous de mine restants reposent sur l’étude des échantillons de roche en provenance du tunnel ZEDEX et de son extension au laboratoire souterrain d’Äspö (« Hard Rock Laboratory » ou HRL) en Suède et du tunnel de recherche d’Olkiluoto en Finlande. La fracturation nouvelle et réactivée repose sur les résultats du placement des rainures sur la roche dans le projet ZEDEX. La zone de porosité accrue adjacente aux demi-cylindres et pénétrant à une profondeur de quelques centimètres à fait l’objet d’études recourant à la nouvelle méthode 14C-PMMA. La pénétration des fractures radiales, considérablement plus profondes, a été étudiée par placement en utilisant un agent pénétrant coloré. Les résultats des études EDZ effectuées à Äspö et à Olkiluoto montrent que les caractéristiques de l’EDZ sont susceptibles d’être affectées de manière significative par la conception technique. Le volume vide de fracturation résultant du dynamitage autour du tunnel est du même ordre que celui de la zone concassée autour des trous de mine.service.

Jan 1, 2003

By I. V. Filippova, Y. Foucaud, M. Badawi, O. Barrès, L. O. Filippov, S. Lebègue

Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) is one of the most common reagents used in the froth flotation process, in which it is an efficient dispersant as well as a powerful gangue minerals depressant. Due to its high affinity with a lot of minerals, mostly silicates, it adsorbs on their surfaces and prevents the adsorption of the collectors, maintaining them hydrophilic. Hence, Na2SiO3 is widely used in the flotation separation of rare earth minerals, zinc minerals, iron minerals, scheelite, fluorite, apatite, and many other minerals. For decades, authors have demonstrated higher efficiency of Na2SiO3 when it is used in combination with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), a common pH regulator. Among many well-known depressants, this system presented the best efficiency for many ores, including the Tabuaço scheelitebearing skarn studied herein. However, the mechanisms resulting in these strong positive synergistic effects are not well understood at the moment. Hence, the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to this ore, considered as a case study, to optimize the depressing conditions and to study deeply the flotation behavior of this system. Strong synergistic effects between the two reagents were exhibited by the RSM, mostly affecting the scheelite, fluorite, and calcium-bearing silicates recoveries. This was attributed to surface carbonation of the minerals by Na2CO3, subsequently leading to a better depression by Na2SiO3. Overall, a 1:1 ratio between the two reagents displayed the best results in terms of WO3 grade and recovery. To gain understanding in the molecular mechanisms responsible for the aforementioned synergistic effects, FTIR studies were combined with state-of-the-art molecular modelling (Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics at 300 K) on fluorite, an archetype of calcium minerals. Keywords: Synergistic effects, scheelite, depressants, FTIR, DFT calculations

Jan 1, 2020

By I. Mc Dougall

Finite element models were generated of two submerged arc furnaces of different geometries. A 48MW circular furnace and a 68MW 6-in-line rectangular furnace were studied. The electrodes, raw material, slag and molten metal were included in the model. ANSYS/Multiphysics was used to predict the current density distribution in the electrodes, raw material, slag and molten metal as a result of the three phase AC current. The effect of the electrode immersion on the current path was studied. The ?proximity effect? caused a pronounced asymmetry in the electrode currents in the circular furnace, whilst the electrode currents in the rectangular furnace exhibited radial symmetry. The current distribution in the melt in both furnaces indicated that the bulk of the current flows between phases. The current density is greatest between electrodes. Results were compared to qualitatively similar published work, operating experience and results of furnace dig-outs.

Jan 1, 2007

By M. Somerville, S. Sun

The liquidus temperature and viscosity of a range of melter slags produced in South Africa were determined. Drop-quench experiments were carried out on the supplied plant samples to determine the liquidus temperature and phase relations at sub-liquidus temperatures. The temperature measurement range covered 1300°C to 1630°C. Results from these experiments show liquidus temperatures for the melter slags to be in excess of 1500ºC with the chromium containing spinel as the primary crystalline phase. At lower temperatures, an olivine or pyroxene phase co-existed with the spinel phase. The viscosity of the slags was determined over a temperature range of 1350 to 1550°C, under a controlled atmosphere. Results show two orders of magnitude variation in the viscosity (0.2 to 20Pa s) with strong effects of slag chemistry and temperature. Slags with lower SiO2and Cr2O3concentrations were more fluid. Slags with the lowest FeOx and highest SiO2concentrations were the most viscous. These observations are in accord with general behaviour of silicate slags. While the presence of a spinel phase may have an effect on the viscosity of the melter slags, results obtained to date indicate a much stronger effect due to the presence of an olivine or pyroxene phase at lower temperatures. Keywords: phase equilibria, liquidus, viscosity, slags, olivine, spinel, pyroxene

Jan 1, 2004

By M. S. Shishvan, S. Klerkx, J. Sattarvand

The inaccurately drilled blastholes from the planned locations cause changes in the spatial distribution of explosive energy; some areas of the blast may receive a surplus of explosive energy, while others see a reduction. This results in less uniform fragmentation, reduces the efficiency of mining operations and increases costs. Additionally, it can lead to slope stability issues, flyrock, and uneven benches. To mitigate these problems, this study attempts to reduce differences in the explosive energy distribution (EED) through an optimization approach that adjusts the height of explosive columns in blastholes. Two optimization algorithms, the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Tabu Search (TS), are tested. The latter is preferred for its local search neighbourhood strategy that gives superior computation times. Applications on different blast patterns result in improvements of 0.53–1.54%, or 2.14–3.94% when only the affected blocks are considered.

Sep 1, 2021

By J. Little

It is common practice for underground mine plans to be created sequentially, where results from one planning process form the input data for another. While this is practical for manual methods, computerized optimization techniques should consider an integrated approach to creating the global mine plan. This is because optimizing an individual mine planning process, such as stope layouts, introduces a likelihood of increasing costs or decreasing revenues associated with other areas, such as production scheduling, as harmful decisions must be balanced. Considering the interaction and influence that individual underground mine planning processes have on each other during optimization will provide more profitable results than if these are ignored. Optimization techniques for stope layouts and production scheduling are reviewed. An integer programming model is proposed that allows for either integrated or isolated optimization. Both approaches are separately applied to a block model. The results demonstrate the model?s ability to produce optimal long-term sublevel stoping mine plans and the benefits of using an integrated approach. Keywords underground mine optimization, stope layouts, underground production scheduling, integer programming, mathematical programming application.

Oct 1, 2013

By J. P. Bergh

The advent of low-quality export coal demand has brought a new range of possibilities to the South African coal industry. Products that traditionally were only of value to the domestic or combustion industry sectors now have the potential to be exported, with only minor amounts of upgrading required through beneficiation. Comparatively high steam-coal export prices can be obtained for lowquality export coal, which enhances the economic feasibility of expanding low-quality thermal coal exports. There are, however, increasing concerns about the feasibility of lower quality thermal coal exports and the broader implications. These concerns relate to the environmental impact of low-quality thermal coal production for export and the inherent threat to the security of domestic thermal coal supply in South Africa. Against this background, this paper serves to explain the extended value chain in the production of export coal. The technical and economic advantages and disadvantages of low-grade exports versus coal production for domestic use are evaluated. The value chain estimation is calculated by the beneficiation modelling and characterization of two coals. Based on the value estimation, the lowgrade export production scenario, and finally the modelling of potential pollutant distribution, are described. Keywords coal beneficiation, techno-economics, thermal coal, dense medium processing, dry processing, fine coal processing, environmental impact.

Nov 1, 2013

By T. J. Kolokoto

This paper is based on a project conducted at Khomanani 2 shaft, Anglo American Platinum Limited. The main objective was to find an alternative support element in stopes to address the falls of ground (FOG) problem experienced at this shaft. Literature review was the major method used in the investigations. Resin bolts or any 1.5 m in-stope roofbolts were considered. The shaft was making use of 0.9 m long friction bolts, and these could not prevent the FOG experienced. Observations indicated that the FOG resulted in fall-out thicknesses averaging to 1.1 m, which is greater than the supported length of the friction bolts. The implementation of 1.5 m long bolts was recommended as a result of the project. These bolts will be able to address the fall-out thickness and provide sufficient support resistance to mitigate FOG. The chosen support element will result in a relatively small increase in support costs.

Jan 1, 2013

By M. Magnelöv, Du Sichen, U. Sjöström

An experimental study has been performed to investigate the behaviour and separation of inclusions at the interface between steel and slag. The study has been limited to liquid inclusions because they can be a potential problem in transient situations such as ladle changes in continuous casting of steel. Model experiments with water and silicon oils have been carried out to study the kinetics of separation of simulated inclusions at an interface. The properties of the inclusions and the slags have been varied by using different oils with different viscosities, densities and surface tensions. The effect of temperature of the liquids has also been examined. Measurements of the terminal velocity, rest time and the behaviour of the liquid inclusions at the interface have been recorded using a video camera. It has been found that the inclusions reach their terminal velocity early in the vessel and the experimental velocities differ somewhat from the values evaluated using ?intermediate law?. The results from the experiments have shown that the size of the inclusions has no appreciable influence on the rest time. Droplets of AK50 oil have been found to have considerably long rest time. A water film surrounding the droplet has been expected to be the main reason for the long rest time. The present study has also shown that the viscosity of the oil has certain effect on the rest time, but only to some extent, since viscosity has double functions. A higher viscosity provides higher resistance to the droplet entering the oil phase leading to longer rest time and at the same time damps the lateral movement of the droplet along the interface, leading to easier stabilization and shorter rest time. On the other hand, a high viscosity of the oil phase results in slow dissolution process. It has been concluded that a meaningful model of inclusion separation at the metal-slag interface must take the interfacial phenomena into consideration. Keywords: Inclusions, terminal velocity, rest time, dissolution.

Jan 1, 2004

By S. Jeon, J. Kim, H. Lee

Though the importance of the engineering rock mass properties such as deformation modulus, cohesion and friction angle is emphasized, the researches on the reliability of these values are rarely performed. By using modified Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy inference system, a fuzzy model was developed based on the data obtained from domestic tunnel construction sites, and the ability of prediction was compared with the empirical equations conveniently used for estimating these values, which finds that fuzzy model is better than empirical equation. Sufficiently large database, however, is required for training the fuzzy model for more accurate prediction. Obwohl die Wichtigkeit der technischen Eigentümer der Felsenmassen wie zum Beispiel Verformungsmodulus, Bindekraft und Reibungswinkel betont werden, wird die Forschung auf der Zuverläßigkeit dieser Werte selten durchgeführt. Mit modifiziertem Takagi Sugenos (TS) Flaumigenschlußsystem wird die Flaumigenmodelle von den Daten, die von inländischen Tunnelbaustellen erhalten werden, entwickelt. Zum Schätzen dieser Werte ist es viel günstig, Flaumigenmodell zu benutzen, als zu adoptieren die empirische Gleichung für die Fähigkeit der Voraussage. Genügende große Datenbank wird aber zum Ausbilden flaumigen Modells für genauere Voraussage erfordert. Quoique l'importance sur la caractéristique d'ingénierie de la masse de roche comme le module de déformation, la cohésion et l'angle de friction, soit soulignée, la recherche sur la confiance de ces valeurs est rarement effectuée. Avec le système modifié de Takagi-Sugeno(TS) fuzzy inférence, le nouveau modèle fuzzy s'est développé. Après avoir estimé sa valeur, nous pouvons savoir que ce modèle fuzzy, basé sur les données venant du chantier de construction de tunnel national, est mieux que l'équaton empirique. Pourtant plus de données de base sont indispensables pour produire le modèle fuzzy plus précis.

Jan 1, 2003

By B. E. Ydstie, B. F. Lund, K. R. Løvåsen, B. A. Foss

The paper presents sensitivity analysis for a dynamic model of submerged arc silicon furnaces. The model we study, called ?Simod?, was developed by Elkem in cooperation with NTNU and Sintef. It is today a much used tool in Elkem for operator training and analysis of the dynamic behaviour of the silicon production process. The aim of our work is to bring the simulator tool closer to industrial practice, and construct a mechanism to adapt the model to the behaviour of a running process, online. The paper presents the results of the sensitivity analysis that has been undertaken for important parameters in the Simod model. The parameters associated with the process inputs are electric power loss, loss of fixed C and reactivity of carbon. The output signals that have been investigated are fed quartz, tapped silicon and silica. The paper also interprets the results of the sensitivity analysis in a process operation context.

Jan 1, 2004

By M. Rakoma

Following the blasting fatality on 17 December 2009, Landau Colliery was forced to change from the blasting practices that had been utilized since the start-up of the mine. Since then, attempts have been made to optimize blasting results. The challenge is rooted to the mining environment - during the early life of the mine, mining took place in virgin areas, whereas currently mining is taking place in areas overlying old underground bord and pillar workings. The underground bord and pillar workings aggravate phenomena such as spontaneous combustion, hot holes, and sinkholes. The 2009 fatality was attributed to hot holes causing premature detonation. Landau has been struggling with poor results from their overburden and coal blasts; leading to poor fragmentation of overburden and the PI parting that lies between the No.1 and No.2 coal seams. An extensive literature survey was completed in order to identify possible alternative solutions that could be evaluated for this unique mining environment, which demands a high degree of caution during mining to ensure factors such as dragline stability and personnel safety. The literature survey confirmed that the previous blasting technique, which was mainly characterized by air decking, was indeed the more efficient, although it was deemed unsafe because of the possibility of hot holes and the high sensitivity of detonators. Potential modifications to the blasting technique were modelled in a Microsoft Excel simulation that was available from the mine, and pit visits were conducted in order to determine whether implementation would be a problem. From the model it is evident that results can be improved by changing the current burden and spacing ratio. Visiting the pit revealed that the tie-in pattern and drilling inaccuracies are contributing to problem areas.

Jan 1, 2013

By X. Pan

Slag-metal equilibrium experiments were conducted at 1500ºC and 1580ºC under 0.03 atm, 0.05atm and 0.83 atm CO partial pressures using silica and Cr-oxide crucibles. The complex slags belonged to SiO2-CaO-Al2O3-MgO-FeOx-CrOxand the metal phase to the Cr-Fe-C-Si-(S)systems. The carbon saturation of the metal phase was avoided using oxide crucibles and thus the results are pertinent to ferrochromium refining slags and processes. From equilibrium data and thermodynamic calculations the CrO /(CrO+Cr2O3) ratio in the slag was determined as 0.75, 0.80and 0.86 under 0.83 atm and 0.05 atm of CO pressure at 1500ºC and 0.03 atm and CO pressure at1580ºC respectively. The results clearly demonstrated that a higher chromium content of the metal results in higher Cr in the slag, and chromium in slag decreases with increasing SiO2. The results were also sensitive to the crucibles used as these oxide crucibles saturated the slag either with respect to SiO2or Cr-oxides. It was also demonstrated that the relative amount of CrO in the slag was higher when SiO2crucibles were used in accord with thermodynamic calculations. Iso-concentration curves for carbon and chromium of the metal phase in equilibrium with the slag were drawn on pseudo ternary SiO2–(AI2O3+CaO+MgO)–(Cr2O3+Fe2O3) diagram. The activity coefficients and activities of carbon and chromium of the metal phase were also calculated from the experimental data and available thermodynamics information and were plotted as iso-activity curves in the same pseudo ternary diagram. Keywords: Chromium, slag, equilibrium

Jan 1, 2004

By R. J. Fruehan

Slags have many useful functions in iron and steel making. In particular, slags are used to remove impurities such as sulphur, phosphorus and inclusions from the metal, and a large amount of research has been done in this area. Slags also insulate the metal thermally and form reactions with the atmosphere such as reoxidation and nitrogen pick-up. However, slags serve other more unique functions, several of which are reviewed in this paper. The role of slags in new iron smelting processes with regards to reduction of ore and gaseous desulphurization are discussed. In iron smelting processes, much of the reduction occurs by the reaction of carbon in the char and the metal suspended in the slag with iron oxide dissolved in slags. The slags also react with the gas resulting in sulphur removal from the process. The mechanisms of these reactions and pilot plant data for these processes are given in this paper. Slag formation within ferrous burden materials affects the cohesive zone and the performance of the blast furnace. Recent theoretical and experimental findings on this topic are presented. In the electric arc furnace, foamed slags are used to allow for higher power operation and productivity. Of particular interest, foaming in stainless steel production is more difficult than for normal steels. The foam index, or the ability of the slag to foam, for stainless steelmaking is similar to that for carbon steelmaking slags. The poor foaming is due to the lack of gas generation for the foam. Methods to increase foaming in stainless steelmaking are discussed.

Jan 1, 2004

By H. Urata, K. Ishii

To determine the effect of F ions in the molten alkali silicate systems on their structures, quenched Na2O-SiO2-NaF systems were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. The systematic increase of 1100 cm-1band intensity in the Raman spectra of the silicate melts accompanying the replacement of F for O provides the evidence for concomitant polymerization of melts. From the molecular dynamics simulation, it was confirmed that most of substituted F was mainly coordinated to Na+ ions but not Si4+ions. These results were consistent with the mechanism in which F associated with otherwise network-modifying Na rather than with network-forming Si. Since F was associated to Na+ ions, the replace of O ion by two F ions promote the polymerization of silicate melts. Keywords: fluorine; molten flux; slag structure; molecular dynamics simulation; Raman spectroscopy.

Jan 1, 2004

By L. Chen, G. A. Brooks, S. A. Nightingale

The dissolution of alumina and magnesia has been investigated using laser scanning confocal microscopy (alumina) and a rotating finger apparatus (magnesia) to assess the effects of temperature, composition and forced convection on the rate of dissolution in CaO-SiO2-Al2O3based slags. The two techniques have differing strengths and limitations, and provide complementary methods for studying dissolution. Alumina dissolution was studied for temperatures from 1477 to 1577°C. Based upon the data, the rate controlling mechanism was thought to be mass transfer control in the slag. The diffusion coefficients for the alumina particles are estimated to be in the range 10-11to 10-10m2.s. MgO degradation for sample rotation speeds of 50 to 800 rpm at 1500 and 1530°C was studied for both congruent and incongruent dissolution. The results show that the rate of dissolution for this is primarily controlled by a diffusion mass transfer mechanism for congruent dissolution except at the highest rotation speed. For incongruent dissolution, the mechanism is much more complex, with the morphology and distribution of the spinel reaction product having a significant effect. At high speeds and prolonged times, mechanical forces played a major role in the degradation process. Keywords; kinetics, corrosion, refractories, dissolution rate, inclusions, mass transfer, slags, steelmaking

Jan 1, 2004

By J. Lehmann, H. Gaye

A brief review of Computational Thermodynamics software concerning the modeling and prediction of reactions involving metals, slags and fluxes is presented. Their application for various steelmaking treatments is discussed. Examples concern phosphorus removal in BOF and EAF, ladle steel desulfurization, and specific treatments for inclusions control in semi-killed or Al-killed carbon and stainless steels.

By L. Li

The performance of microemulsified diesel and conventional diesel collectors in coal flotation was compared by flotation indicators, including combustible recovery, ash content of the clean coal, and the flotation index. An efficient separation with lower dosage was obtained using the microemulsified diesel collector. Under optimum separation conditions, the microemulsion consumption was 100 g/t less compared with diesel. The saving in diesel consumption using the microemulsion reached about 70%, disregarding the consumption of the surfactant and cosurfactant. Frothing tests showed that the frother dosage was decreased by using the microemulsion collector, because of the surfactant and cosurfactant added during preparation. The microemulsified diesel collector is superior to the conventional diesel collector in terms of diesel consumption and separation efficiency, but the selectivity requires further improvement. Keywords froth flotation, microemulsified collector, coal.

Nov 1, 2013

By K. M. Godiwalla, S. Ranganathan

The thermal state in submerged-arc furnaces (S.A.F.) producing ferro alloys is important for the conditions of both the grade of alloy produced as well as specific energy consumption. The temperature profile in the S.A.F. is affected by the endothermic chemical reactions and the rate of gas evolution. The gas evolution commences at about 900 C due to the reduction of iron in the ore. A first-principle-based 2-D model has been developed to predict the temperature profile in the furnace. In this study, four ores of different grades have been considered in order to simulate the thermal profile in the S.A.F. The influence of the composition of the ore on the thermal profile and its significance in rationalisation of charge distribution to optimise the process are discussed.

Jan 1, 2007