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By R. W. Fedors, S. T. Green, F. T. Dodge, D. B. Walter

Spatial and temporal temperature variations in a high-level radioactive waste repository drift can give rise to moisture transport within the drift. Knowledge of this moisture transport may be important to assessing the potential for corrosion of all metallic components in the drift. The model presented here shows one approach to simulating evaporation, transport, and condensation of water in large underground openings using a framework based on computational fluid dynamics. Simulation results that explicitly model water and latent heat transport are presented.

Jan 1, 2004

By Ruilin Yang

Blast vibration in the highwall from a cast blast in open pit mines or in the hanging walls from a stope blast in underground mines is a common concern. Vibration in such cases is a typical near-field situation where the distance from a blasthole to a point of interest varies significantly compared to the distance between the blast as a whole and the point of interest. Most existing blast vibration models are designed for far-field vibration using a single seed wave to represent all blastholes within a blast and do not simulate wave shape change over the distance. Using the site parameters from the analysis of signature hole vibrations, the present blast vibration model yields reasonable agreement with field measurements in terms of vibration amplitude and frequency. Case studies show that the model has been used successfully to assist field vibration control.

Jan 1, 2010

By D. Scott Scovira, Ruilin Yang

Blast vibration in the highwall from a cast blast in open pit mines or in the hanging walls from a stope blast in underground mines is a common concern. Vibration in such cases is a typical near-field situation where the distance from a blasthole to a point of interest varies significantly compared to the distance between the blast as a whole and the point of interest. Most existing blast vibration models are designed for far-field vibration using a single seed wave to represent all blastholes within a blast and do not simulate wave shape change over the distance.

Jan 1, 2010

By Alan Rice

Abstract-The mechanism by which stratiform ore deposits of PGE (platinum-group elements) are laid down in ultramafic igneous complexes is not completely clear. Early studies by the author and coworkers on numerical analyses of the convective cooling of low-Rayleigh-number magma chambers examined the effect of suspended crystal load on fluid density, and raised the possibility that the growth of the suspended crystal load during cooling could split a magma chamber into several convecting layers. The lower layers would have a higher content of refractory phases than the upper layers, which would consist of more evolved melt. This paper considers numerical modelling, as well as theoretical and experimental work in other fields dealing with suspended loads in fluids. The calculations, which are based on the physics of convecting magmas, yield quantitative relationships consistent with the observation that economically interesting stratiform PGE deposits are restricted to large magma bodies, and also yield estimation of the depth in a magma chamber at which certain grades of mineralization may occur.

Jan 1, 1997

By Alan Rice

The mechanism by which stratiform ore deposits of PGE (platinum-group elements) are laid down in ultrama?c igneous complexes is not completely clear. Early studies by the author and coworkers on numerical analyses of the convective cooling of low-Rayleigh-number magma chambers examined the effect of suspended crystal load on ?uid density, and raised the possibility that the growth of the suspended crystal load during cooling could split a magma chamber into several convecting layers. The lower layers would have a higher content of refractory phases than the upper layers, which would consist of more evolved melt. This paper considers numerical modelling, as well as theoretical and experimental work in other ?elds dealing with suspended loads in ?uids. The calculations, which are based on the physics of convecting magmas, yield quantitative relationships consistent with the observation that economically interesting stratiform PGE deposits are restricted to large magma bodies, and also yield estimation of the depth in a magma chamber at which certain grades of mineralization may occur.

Jan 1, 1997

By James A. Berberick

Research methods to develop an economic model for the determination of regional mineral advantage are discussed. An industrial complex conceptual framework is used to study potential mineral resource outputs of Kansas. A procedure for making a comparative cost analysis of potential outputs for a Kansas-based industrial complex is outlined and illustrated. Methods for estimating aggregate demand and for developing an input-output matrix for a hypothetical limestone complex are explained. The input-output matrix is expressed in physical units. A computer algorithm for converting physical production data and input cost data into total cost per unit of output information is briefly explained and flowcharted. Limitations and usefulness of this procedure in determining regional advantages are surveyed.

Jan 1, 1969

By S. Vivek

An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to measure the surface forces between silica surfaces immersed in solutions of hydrolysable cations and/or sodium oleate. Hydrophobic forces were observed at the pH range where the concentration of the singly-charged hydroxo-complexes (CaOH+ or MgOH+) in solution is the highest. In the absence of oleate, the adsorption of the hydroxo-complexes was indicated by the disappearance of the repulsive hydration force. These results suggest that the hydrolysable cations adsorb on silica as singly-charged hydroxo-complexes. Based on the results obtained in the present work, a model for the adsorption of hydrolysable cations has been developed.

Jan 1, 2009

By R. S. Datta

Regulations on sulfur emissions have caused the electric utilities to evaluate various methods of meeting them. Low-sulfur, low-volatile coals can be burned alone or blended with high-volatile? coals. This option may be a cost-effective alternative to the installation of scrubbers on coal-fired combustion systems. In some blending applications, problems may be encountered because the low sulfur content and high calorific value of the low-volatile or other clean coal allow it to economically upgrade extremely poor quality coal. While this is done to meet specification purposes, actual boiler performance may be dominated by the poorer quality coal. Thus, the reputation of the low-volatile or other clean coal suffers. As a result of laboratory and full scale testing, conducted over the last five years, a model has been developed to evaluate the relative combustion characteristics of various coals and coal blends. A database for different coals has been gathered. This paper presents the model and shows how power plants and coal mine personnel can use it to evaluate their coals from different sources. It can be used to blend two or more coals from different sources so that thee blended coal has flame stability characteristics which are similar to those of the baseline coal.

Jan 1, 1991

By Z Chang, S A. Mrozek

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. Antamina, Peru is the largest Cu-Zn skarn deposit in the world. Skarn mineralisation is focused around a multiphase Miocene intrusive complex comprising at least eight distinct phases identified by cross-cutting relationships, including truncated veins, xenoliths and chilled margins. Skarn alteration and mineralisation, as observed in drill core, remain open at depths exceeding 2.2 vertical kilometres.Porphyry intrusions occur as four major phases with subphases (from oldest to youngest): P1 (a, b), P2 (a, b), P3 (a, b) and two dykes of uncertain timing named Oscarina-1 and Oscarina-2. P1a is a hornblende-biotite quartz diorite porphyry with pervasive K-alteration, local endoskarn and 30–40 per cent sheeted quartz veins, all of which obscure original igneous textures. P1b dacite porphyry is a minor unit with <10 per cent phenocrysts and <3 per cent quartz veins. P1b cuts P1a; P2 dykes cut both units. P2a porphyritic biotite quartz monzonite contains K-feldspar megacrysts up to 4 cm long, local K-alteration and 2–80 per cent quartz stockwork veins. P2b biotite monzonite porphyry contains approximately 50 per cent phenocrysts and typically <10 per cent quartz veins. P3a (brown groundmass porphyry) and P3b (coarse phenocryst porphyry) are minor in volume and extent, and both cut P2 bodies. Oscarina dykes comprise two separate but parallel bodies. Oscarina-1 is a feldspar-phyric rhyolite porphyry, while Oscarina-2 is an intensely chloritised andesite porphyry. Oscarina-1 has a U-Pb (laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)) age of 10.1 ± 0.1 Ma, whereas P2 U-Pb zircon ages (LA-ICP-MS) range from 10.0 ± 0.2 Ma to 9.9 ± 0.3 Ma.All the intrusive phases contain quartz veins, with P1a and P2a having the most intensive K-alteration and most abundant quartz veins ± endoskarns. Each phase may have contributed to mineralisation at the right depths and within favourable wall rocks (ie marble) during uplift of the Antamina structural block. Therefore, a model of multiple intrusions during continuous uplift explains the vertically extensive (>2.2 km) skarn and mineralisation at Antamina.CITATION:Mrozek, S A, Chang, Z and Meinert, L D, 2015. A model for the intrusive sequence and Cu-Zn skarn formation at the Antamina deposit, Peru , in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 423–430 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

By I. M. Konduri

Theoretical investigation and laboratory experimentation have shown a great potential for jet fan ventilation in mines. Jet fans, also called induction fans due to the induction effect of the fluid jet to ventilate headings, may have particular application in remote-controlled production operations. This paper summarizes ongoing research using a scaled laboratory model. The model uses water as a fluid medium and simulates a typical 25m long heading of 1.5mx6m cross-section. The effects of various nozzle positions and designs have been investigated by using still photography as a tool for flow visualization. It is also found that the use of jets in combination with line curtains has enhanced the overall ventilating effect in the model entry.

Jan 1, 1996

By M. R. L. Blackwell

Over the period 1964 to 1969 Conzinc Riotinto of Australia undertook and completed an evaluation of a large low-grade copper orebody on Bougainville Island in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. From the outset it was clear that the geographic, climatic and topographic characteristics of the area would necessitate a heavy capital outlay on production and support facilities. Both the physical problems and the magnitude of the investment amplified the need for a thorough and rigorous evaluation of the various strategies for exploiting the orebody. In view of the number of independent and inter-related variables and the flow of new data, a computer-based evaluation process extended the scope and depth of the analysis considerably. The system used permitted an iterative assessment and re-assessment of the various strategies with the results becoming increasingly refined with time. This process encompassed the modelling of the orebody, the simulation of alternative operating strategies and the determination of the financial profitability of the project,

Jan 1, 2014

A model of dense medium cyclones is developed based on balancing the terminal velocities of the discrete particles due to the centrifugal force against a random turbulent eddy velocity. An expression of the form P - or Q _ 1 100 e."A where P is the partition number., is a function of cyclone efficiency, particle size and density differential between the particle and medium, and is the slurry spilt, is developed and may be used for regressing plant partition data. The above model provides an understanding of peculiarities of the partition curve such as asymmetrical tails, elevation of the cutpoint and elevation of the d50 with increasingly fine feed. The effect of feed variables such as particle size, medium viscosity and changes in spigot or vortex finder diameter is shown. A means of convoluting the partition curve with various feed washabilities is discussed together with how the above may be used to evaluate plant performance for a variety of feeds.

Jan 1, 1987

By M A. Mular, T Akroyd

A fundamental model, which considers the subprocesses of particle collection by bubbles in flotation, is applied to two comprehensive flotation surveys in the rougher stages of C3 concentrator, PT Freeport Indonesia. The flotation surveys focused on the collection of: cell-by-cell and size-by-size metallurgical, cell hydrodynamic, and pulp and surface chemistry information.The two surveys were conducted at significantly different feed tonnages, giving rise to significantly different feed particle size distributions, pulp densities and mean pulp residence times. A series of model simulations are performed with the aim of quantifying changes in copper recovery, on both a size-by-size and unsized basis, with changes in values of the hydrodynamic parameters and hydrophobicity of the copper sulfide mineral. This was carried out in an effort to identify the most promising route to increase overall copper recovery in roughing. It was found that by increasing the hydrophobicity of the copper sulfide mineral surfaces it became possible to optimise cell hydrodynamics, which targeted increased fine (-12 ¦m) copper sulfide mineral recovery but without adversely affecting coarse (+150 ¦m) copper sulfide mineral recovery.

Jan 1, 2007

By S R Grano

A fundamental model, which considers the subprocesses of particle collection by bubbles in flotation, is applied to two comprehensive flotation surveys in the rougher stages of C3 concentrator, PT Freeport Indonesia. The flotation surveys focused on the collection of: ? cell-by-cell and size-by-size metallurgical, ? cell hydrodynamic, and ? pulp and surface chemistry information. The two surveys were conducted at significantly different feed tonnages, giving rise to significantly different feed particle size distributions, pulp densities and mean pulp residence times. A series of model simulations are performed with the aim of quantifying changes in copper recovery, on both a size-by-size and unsized basis, with changes in values of the hydrodynamic parameters and hydrophobicity of the copper sulfide mineral. This was carried out in an effort to identify the most promising route to increase overall copper recovery in roughing. It was found that by increasing the hydrophobicity of the copper sulfide mineral surfaces it became possible to optimise cell hydrodynamics, which targeted increased fine (-12 µm) copper sulfide mineral recovery but without adversely affecting coarse (+150 µm) copper sulfide mineral recovery.

Jan 1, 2007

By Kimiaki Utsunomiya, Yasumasa Hattori, Yoshiaki Mori, Toyokazu Okubo

"The effect of various operating conditions on splashing behavior in a Peirce-Smith converter has been investigated with a 1/5.7 scale cold model. Dynamic similarity between the model and a commercial converter was attained by setting the modified Froude number in the model experiments in· the range for normal converter operation. It is known that for a given modified Froude number the dimensionless penetration length of gas into the liquid phase increases as the liquid density decreases. Moreover, penetration· length has a large effect on splashing behavior. Therefore, a heavy liquid, a mixture of water and lead concentrate was used as the liquid phase. It was concluded that the amount of splash dramatically decreases with a reduction in the buoyancy energy per, unit liquid mass and an increase in the horizontal distance between the tuyere tip and the edge of the mouth.IntroductionSubmerged gas injection is widely used in practice in ferrous and nonferrous pyrometallurgical operations to achieve large gas-liquid contact areas and good agitation of liquid for rapid chemical reaction. The common application in ·nonferrous industry is the Peirce-Smith converter with multi-tuyere for copper and nickel matte converting. This process has been used for over 100 years because of its effectiveness in mixing of the molten bath, as well as its merits of the engineering simplicity. However, the mechanisms which · determine the blowing performance is poorly understood, and the design and operating conditions of the Peirce-Smith converter varies widely from plant to plant, such as by diameter, length, mouth angle, tuyere position and level of molten matte. Smelters have continuously made an effort to increase converter productivity, implying maximum tuyere blowing rate. Above a certain critical blowing rate, splash of molten matte from the converter mouth becomes unacceptable because of dangerous ejection and accretion buildup around the converter mouth, which results in interference with effective hood sealing. In fact, a 1993 converter survey[!] reported that splash was a major limiting factor for blowing rate and 54% of responding plants from around the world regard it as a limiting condition[2]. In order to increase tuyere blowing rate a study of the effect of various operating conditions on splashing behavior is expected."

Jan 1, 2000

By Gregory O, Winters BI, Garlick C, Rogers H, Ye ZC

BHP New Zealand Steel produces iron from titaniferous ironsand by a direct reduction process comprising multi- hearth furnaces/rotary kilns/electric iron melters. The electric iron melter is a six-in-line rectangular submerged-arc furnace which takes the partially reduced ironsand (80% metallization) from the rotary kiln and completes the reduction process to produce iron of nominally 3% carbon. As the melter operates at around 1500 ¦C and under very hostile conditions, it is near-impossible to obtain any basic operating parameters such as the velocity and temperature distribution in the slag and in the molten iron. As a first attempt to understand the operating conditions inside the melter, a scaled room-temperature model using wax and water to represent the slag and iron, was constructed. This paper will report on some of the preliminary model results on the temperature distribution.

Jan 1, 1995

By C Garlick, O Gregory, H Rogers, B I. Winters, Z C. Ye

BHP New Zealand Steel produces iron from titaniferous ironsand by a direct reduction process comprising multihearth furnaces/rotary kilns/electric iron melters. The electric iron melter is a six-in-line rectangular submerged-arc furnace which takes the partially reduced ironsand (80 per cent metallisation) from the rotary kiln and completes the reduction process to produce iron of nominally three per cent carbon. As the melter operates at around 1500¦C and under very hostile conditions, it is near-impossible to obtain any basic operating parameters such as the velocity and temperature distribution in the slag and in the molten iron. As a first attempt to understand the operating conditions inside the melter, a scaled room-temperature model using wax and water to represent the slag and iron, was constructed. This paper will report on some of the preliminary model results on the temperature distribution.

Jan 1, 1995

By Cedric E. Gregory

"A study of model rectangular mine shafts has been made in the wind tunnel, with the aim of reducing air-flow resistance elements to a practicable minimum. An analysis of Table 7 shows an indicated average decrease in resistance of 28 per cent by adopting the over-all modifications involved in the configurations actually tested. Much greater reductions (up to 68 per cent) are indicated by extrapolating beyond the test results directly achieved. Intermediate partial reductions in aerodynamic resistance are shown for individual modifications, such as: (1) about 3 per cent for locating the lagging in the No. 4 (inside flush) position as against the No. 1 position - 8 per cent as against the No. 2 position - and 23 per cent as compared with position No. 3; (2) about 12 per cent for using lagging instead of steel meshwork along the divider separating the skipway from the service compartment; (3) about 14 per cent for using steel gridwork ladder stagings at 3-set intervals instead of similarly spaced wooden stagings; (4) about 12 per cent for using steel gridwork ladder stagings at 3-set instead of at 1-set intervals; (5) about 13 per cent for fitting a streamlined fairing (see Fig. 5) to the upstream face of the skipway divider. Contrary to expectations, an advantage of only 3 per cent is indicated for lagging in the inside flush (No. 4) position over the outside position (No. 1). This slight gain does not appear to warrant the cost of moving the lagging. However, if the lagging is already in the No. 2 or No. 3 position, there is an 8 and 23 per cent advantage respectively."

Jan 1, 1973

By Bilodeau M. L

The paper describes a model which has been developed to assess the economic charac- teristics of base metal investment in Canada and the effects of past, present and possible future sharing systems, particularly mining taxation systems, thereon. The model is illustrated by applying the 1976 Canadian tax system to the economic characteristics of base metal discoveries made in Canada during the 1951-1974 period.

Jan 1, 1977

By Aydin Shaterpour Mamaghani, Cemal Balci, Nuh Bilgin, Mucahit Namli, Hanifi Copur

"It is expected that more than 10 Billion USD will be spent in Istanbul in coming years on tunnel boring especially with EPB-TBMs. However, the geology of Istanbul is very complex. Geologic formations changing from Paleozoic to Cenozoic ages cause tremendous problems due to frequently changed rock formations and andesite and diabase dykes. This paper summarizes a universal model to predict the performance of EPB-TBMs which is created upon the data base collected from several projects. The model first is based on predicting field specific energy and power consumed of TBMs using geo-mechanical properties of the excavated material and TBM diameter. Later net production rate is calculated using field specific energy and power consumed by TBM. A methodology to predict machine utilization factor permits to calculate daily advance rates. The validity of the model is tested using the data obtained from two recent metro tunnel projects. 1. INTRODUCTION It is expected that in a near future a total length of 400 km will be excavated in Istanbul in a complex geology. Selecting proper tunneling equipment, organizing an effective operational management with the right tunneling crew will be a major concern for an efficient scheduling of the future projects necessitating to create a model to estimate daily advance rates. Several TBM performance prediction models with few on the prediction of machine utilization time were realized in the past. However, there is quite limited number of research studies on predicting the performance of EPB TBMs. Specially predicting daily advance rates in complex geology, in mixed face, in fractured rocks, in transition zones etc. are in big concern (Namli et al. 2013, 2014). The first experiences in Istanbul with a gripper type TBM was a nightmare, roof collapses caused big delays in tunnel excavation (Bilgin 1993). A typical example to EPB-TBM was Kadikoy-Kozyatagi tunnel, changing TBM from opened mode to closed mode with few modifications on the cutterhead resulted a tremendous increase in the daily advance rates (Bilgin et al. 2009). The data collected from several tunnelling projects served a basis to create a model to predict daily advance rates of EPB TBMs. Within the frame of a research program the validity of the model was tested in Uskudar-Umraniye–Cekmekoy-Sancaktepe metro project and very recently in Mecidiyekoy-Mahmutbey project."

Jan 1, 2016