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By Daniel Saramak

"Issues concerning effectiveness of the high-pressure comminution process in technological circuits of copper ore treatment were presented in the paper. Crushing processes taking place in high-pressure grinding rolls devices (HPGR) are currently one of the most efficient methods of hard ore size reduction in terms of the energy consumption. The HPGR products are characterized by a fine particle size and the micro-cracks formation in individual particles, which appear in downstream grinding processes, decreasing their energy consumption. The purpose of this paper was to analyse the effectiveness of a ball mill grinding process depending on the changeable conditions of run for the HPGR crushing process. The research programme carried out included crushing tests in the laboratory scale HPGR device at various settings of the operating pressure volume and selected qualitative properties of the feed material (i.e. particle size distribution). Particle size distribution analyses of all HPGR products were performed and in the next stage the material was a feed to the ball mill grinding process. Grinding process kinetics were investigated through the determination of mass recoveries of individual particle size fractions after defined grinding time intervals. The models, defining the grinding process effectiveness as a function of changeable conditions of HPGR process run, were determined on the basis of obtained results. Based on these models the optimal grinding time in a ball mill was specified which is, in turn, the basis for optimization of operation of the technological comminution circuits for a given material type. The obtained results proved that the application of HPGR devices in a given copper ore comminution circuit may improve the effectiveness of the downstream grinding process which leads to improvement of the entire circuit work efficiency through decreasing the process energy consumption and enhancing product size reduction."

Jan 1, 2014

By Alvin Kaufman

To aid industry and Government in planning water developments the Bureau of Mines in 1963 canvassed mineral producers to determine water use in 1962. Water use by the mineral industry comprises only 2 percent of the water withdrawn by industry as a whole. The major water-using mineral industries are natural gas processing, phosphate rock, sand and gravel, and iron ore. Analysis indicated the following conclusions: 1. Total water use and new water intake is dependent on the quantity of material processed and the process water requirements of the particular industry or commodity. 2. Recirculation is dependent on the processing requirements of a particular commodity, the manner in which the water is used, cooling and condensing requirements in certain large industries, the quality of new water intake, and the need to treat new and discharged water. 3. Consumed water is dependent on the quantity of water recirculated, the temperature and humidity in the area, and the proportion of water used for cooling and condensing. 4. A threefold increase in water use by the mineral industry by 1985 is forecast

Jan 1, 1966

By Roberts T. J, Thomson I. A

Mill scale, which contains a high proportion of magnetite and wustite, was added to the feed to the Whyalla grate kiln pellet plant during the production of acid pellets for domestic consumption. Its addition resulted in increased production -rates together with reduced consumptions of bentonite, fireclay and fuel. Mill scale was particularly beneficial when treating feed containing difficult to process, earthy, high ignition loss iron ores. Test work in the laboratory and subsequent plant experience showed that the magnetite and wustite oxidised in the drying and preheat sections of the travelling grate. The additional heat reduced gas flows through the grate kiln system, aided the drying of green balls containing earthy ores and increased the preheat strength of the balls. These advantages were offset to some extent by higher power consumptions to grind the harder mill scale and process difficulties caused by the contamination of mill scale with oil and coke.

Jan 1, 1974

By M. K. Larson

The U.S. Bureau of Mines and Cyprus Shoshone Coal Corp. conducted a study of deformation mechanisms in strata around a longwall gate road system at two sites in an underground coal mine near Ham, WY. Of particular interest was timedependent (on the order of several months) roof deformation. Strata above and below the coal seam are very weak, carbonaceous mudstones that have cohesionless planes of weakness oriented along bedding, which dips approximately 8° to 16° at N 49° E. An extensive array of instrumented roof bolts, roof extensometers, and biaxial stressmeters were installed during development mining at these two sites under variable depth of cover [I83 to 335 m (600 to 1,100 ft)], seam dip (10° to 16°), and top coal thickness [estimated to be 0.30 to 0.61 m (1 to 2 ft) on the downdip side of the entry]. Bolt load and roof deformation histories during the entry development periods were compared. Bolt loads at site 2 were less than those at site 1, which is consistent with the amount of overburden. Deformation magnitudes at site 2 were similar to those at site 1, but deformation rates were approximately 44% greater and nearly constant over time, whereas the deformation rates at site 1 decreased exponentially over time. Also, most deformation occurred above the bolt horizon at site two, but extensometer measurements at site 1 showed that a significant amount of deformation occurred within the bolt horizon. The most significant factor that influenced bolt tension and timedependent strata deformation was strength and Young's modulus of the strata. Finite-difference models support this conclusion.

Jan 1, 1996

By F. D. Rosi, F. C. Perkins, L. L. Seigle

An investigation was made of the mechanism of plastic flow in coarse grained specimens of both sponge and iodide titanium at low (-196°C) and high (500° and 800°C) temperatures. Deformation by slip occurs predominantly on a {1011} plane and in a <1120> direction over this entire temperature range, and secondary slip on {101-1} planes becomes more prevalent with overthisentireincreasing temperature.range, The crystallographic habit of the predominant twin planes becomes more prevalent with type is temperature-dependent, and deformation by twinning increases as the temperature of testing is lowered. Kink bands were not observed at -196OC and rarely at the high temperatures. A LTHOUGH the deform a tional mechanisms in . -titanium at atmospheric temperature have been extensively investigated," there is little information regarding the influence of testing temperature on these mechanisms. The only available data come from the recent work by McHargue and Hammond, who extended single crystals of iodide titanium at a temperature of 815°C. No significant changes in the types of slip and twinning planes were observed, but increased activity on the type I, order 1 pyramidal slip planes and on the type 11, order 2 twinning planes was reported. These planes contribute very little to the deformation process at room temperature.&apos;&apos; &apos; Since there is interest in titanium as a material for use at both low and high temperatures, the present investigation was undertaken to examine the slip and twinning behavior in coarse grained specimens of titanium at -—196", 500°, and 800°C in order to determine the general effect of temperature on the mechanism of plastic deformation. Experimental Material Used and Specimen Preparation—Both sponge and iodide titanium were used in the present investigation; chemical analyses appear in Table I. These materials were arc-melted under argon into 25 g slugs, which were then cold-rolled approximately 90 pct to a sheet thickness of 0.05 in. Since the strain-anneal technique was used for obtaining coarse grains, the cold-rolled sheets were made into tensile specimens which were then annealed to produce a relatively coarse uniform grain structure prior to critical straining. The details of the strain-anneal treatment. size of grains, and the method for preparing the specimen surface for optical microscopy have been described in a previous report.&apos; In order to obtain a wider spread in crystal orientation for the present work, it was necessary to vary the rolling schedule to reduce the degree of preferred orientation in the annealed sheets prior to critical straining. Methods for Tensile Testing—The apparatus for experiments at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (—196°C) consisted of two concentric stainless steel

Jan 1, 1957

By Jack M. Jodrey, Neil D. Donnell, O&apos

Bituminous sands of the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation in northern Alberta constitute the ore for the surface mining operation at Syncrude Canada Ltd. These sediments represent a complex succession of fluvial, estuarine and marine depositional environments. Grade prediction is realized through a combination of geological interpretation, computer modeling, and reference to past mining experience. Accurate forecasts of feed grade permit reliable predictions of volumes for removal to meet budgeted synthetic crude oil production. This planning facilitates efficient allocation of mining equipment and resources. The feed grade to the Extraction Plant is monitored at various points along the delivery system.

Jan 1, 1985

By W. L. Dudley

It is my desire to call attention to a new industry which was started about four years ago, through the discovery by Mr. John Holland, a resident of this city, of the methods employed in working the metal iridium. This metal has been known since the year 1803, having been discovered by Smithson Tennant while investigating the metallic residue which remained when platinum ores were dissolved in aqua regia. The metal is classed among the rare metals, as it is not found in large quantities, although it is quite widely distributed geographically. It is found in California, Oregon, Russia, East India, Borneo, South America, Canada, Australia, and in certain parts of France, Germany, and Spain. The principal sources of supply of the metal are Russia and California; it is nearly always found with either platinum or gold, is extracted from those ores as a by-product, and is always found in small grains or fine powder, the largest pieces being about the size of a grain of rice. In nature it is generally alloyed with other metals, and the two metals with which it is most commonly alloyed are platinum and osmium; the platinum alloy is called platin-iridium, and the osmium alloy osmiridium, or iridosmine. The grains of platin-iridium are

Jan 1, 1884

By J. F. Myers, F. M. Lewis

DISCUSSION L. E. Djingheuzian (Canadian Dept. of Mines and Technical Surveys, Ottawa)—In their Summary the authors say: "Reconciling the grinding efficiency with good metallurgy is still a problem." In the discussion of the first paper8 in his reply to W. I. Garms, Mr. Myers states: "Our grinding process with smooth I-in. balls has reduced by nearly one half the metallic losses in the fine micron sizes of the tailing. This is simply because less of the fine micron sizes are produced. Since the + 65 mesh size is the same as formerly, a higher percentage of the intermediate sizes are developed. These sizes have the highest floatability, require the least reagents, and use less floating time. "These factors contribute so heavily to the overall economies that dropping our power grinding gain from 28 pct back to 19 pct is a small detail. However, we feel that this is only a momentary situation and that eventually the best features of the grinding and flotation processes can be brought together, which is as it should be." Italics are mine. The above statements, to me, appear to be the answer to the opening statement in the Summary. Denoting the costs at different power grinding gains as: Power Grinding Power Grinding Gain, 28 Pct Gala, 19 Pct Cost of grinding G G1 Cost of flotation F F1 Value of metallic losses T T1 where G1 > G2 F3 < F, and T1 < T, we have: G1+Fl+T1<G +F+T. Since the authors accept the idea that "grinding in flotation plants becomes part of the &apos;conditioning&apos; of the feed to flotation",4 i.e., that in flotation the ball mill is primarily a conditioning machine, it can be postulated that Tennessee Copper grinding at cost G1 is more efficient than grinding at lower cost G. This can be directly inferred from the Conclusion of the paper. Mr. Myers also emphasizes this at the end of his reply to Mr. Garms: "that grinding is for the purpose of preparing flotation feed and not grinding per se." This, to me, in the final analysis means that when the efficiency of grinding is weighted against the conditioning factor, the former becomes a function of efficient conditioning, hence, within the system in which proper conditioning is the dominant factor, the best grinding efficiency is provided by grinding which will contribute towards the optimum conditioning. This brings us again to the statement: "that if every grinding unit were considered as a conditioner for each following step, efficient grinding plants would become much easier to design."&apos; In other words, grinding equipment should be balanced against the flotation equipment and against chemical reactions taking place in the system. F. C. Bond (Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co., Milwaukee)— The authors&apos; discussion of the probable ball motion in a slow speed high dilution mill is very interesting. When the 1-in. balls have worn down to about one fourth of their original weight they apparently first develop a flat surface; as wear progresses this flat face becomes concave, and other concave faces appear. It seems more probable that the first flat face may form at the softest part of the ball surface, and that each succeeding contact tends to force this flat face into sliding contact with a larger round ball; than that the flat faced ball tends to pair off with a particular round ball and to travel with it continuously. When the small worn ball has a flat face and is in sliding contact with a large round ball, the surrounding large balls will assume a more or less definite pattern, and slide against the worn ball, thus producing secondary concave faces. The primary concave face seems to be larger and better developed than the secondary faces. The ball charge can be divided into "concaves" which show at least one concave surface, "intermediates" which have developed flats or incipient concaves, and "rounds." Ball slippage is always present in a tumbling mill, and the mutual ball movement is necessarily a combination of rolling and sliding. The sliding motion is apparently concentrated upon the smaller worn balls which nest between the surrounding larger round balls. When each worn ball starts its upward path in the mill its primary flat or concave surface fits against a larger round ball, and the round ball slides upon it. The action may be something like that of the ball separator in a ball bearing, except that the worn sliding balls are always under considerable pressure. The material is ground under the combined influence of breakage 1—by impacts between falling balls and between falling and supported balls, 2—by being nipped between rolling balls, and 3—by being rubbed between the sliding balls. The rubbing action will be increased in the presence of worn balls with concave surfaces. The rubbing action probably produces a considerable portion of the finely ground slimes in the product. The worn balls commonly approach tetrahedrons in shape, and are very different from concavex, each of which has two equal opposed concave surfaces. Concavex were designed only to grind upon themselves, and not for use in combination with grinding balls. Their action in a grinding charge is very different from

Jan 1, 1952

As part of the Australian Mineral Industries Research Association (AMIRA) P9 project, methods of characterising both the ore and the machines in flotation circuits have matured considerably over the past 15 years. Machine characteristics include gas dispersion measurements, such as bubble size, gas hold-up and superficial gas velocity. Ores can be characterised in terms of floatability parameters on a size and mineral basis. Measurements have been performed on various copper plants in many countries around the world over the last 5 years. This paper outlines the cell and ore floatability characteristics of each copper plant and provides a discussion on the differences between these plants. In general, most porphyry copper ore bodies are processed at high tonnage through several parallel banks of cells at each stage of flotation. The floatability parameters of these copper ores are very similar in terms of rate of flotation and proportion of fast, slow and non-floating material. The cell characteristics are also similar, with superficial gas velocity, bubble sizes, and gas hold-up values being of similar magnitude. Investigation of the similarities and differences of the modem copper flotation circuits has allowed an increase in understanding of the particularities of copper flotation. Comparison against other copper circuits provides a benchmark and opportunities for future optimisation.

Jan 1, 2007

This paper outlines the advances made in vacuum filtration as developed by Outomec Process Filters and details the results obtained at a number of Australian installations. The first section of the paper details the technical advances made by the use of ceramic media in vacuum filtration and explains the reasons for the use of the technology. The second part of the paper discusses a number of Australian installations of the ceramic vacuum filter and where possible compares the actual experiences with those predicted from the test work which preceded the installations. The Ceramec Capillary Vacuum Filter is a vacuum disc filter which combines the proven mechanical attributes of a disc filter with exciting new ceramic vacuum technology from Outomec of Finland.

Jan 1, 1991

By Helen L. Cannon

BOTANICAL methods of prospecting for metalliferous ores are based on the premise that deposits at depth may be reflected chemically in surface vegetation. For the past several years, on behalf of the Atomic Energy Commission, the U. S. Geological Survey has investigated on the Colorado Plateau the application of botanical methods to uranium prospecting. Results suggest that orebodies may be found under a considerable cover of barren sandstone through the absorption of uranium and associated trace elements by plants growing at the ground surface. Plant physiologists have demonstrated that uranium is a necessary nutrient for plant growth and therefore is present in all plants.&apos; The amount present is small but measurable. The absorption of uranium by plants growing over ore deposits forms

Jan 1, 1955

By West RF, Pooley RH

An underground mine, a treatment plant and supporting facilities have been constructed at Lebong Tandai in Sumatra, Indonesia by PT Lusang Mining. Throughput is initially 50,000 tonnes per annum of ore with an inbuilt capability to expand to 100,000 tonnes per annum. Construction proceeded in parallel with design work on a tightly controlled critical path schedule. The very remote location of the mine, the difficult access and the fact that equipment was imported from many parts of the world presented a challenging project management problem. The transport system, which involves road, river and rail and support facilities on site had to be brought into full operation prior to the arrival of major equipment. Mine development involved the reopening of the old access drives and workings, refurbishing two shafts and the haulage system together with redevelopment of old stoping areas and the opening of new stoping areas. Ore production is now from three main areas using shrink and underhand stoping methods. Ore breaking and drive development is with conventional airleg mounted rockdrills and ANFO explosives. Exploration to locate and develop new reserves to replace ore mined is an ongoing activity.

Jan 1, 1986

By Rob Stewart

Acknowledgements ? Josef Macek(Manitoba Geological Services) ? Sally Goodman (SRK) ? Inco Geologists ? Rogerio Montiero ? Thompson Mine Geologists Introduction ? Regional Geology ? Thompson Geology ? Stratigraphy ? Sulphide Characteristics ? Conceptual Model ? Structural History ? Belt ? Thompson Mine ? 1D Deposit ? Ore Controlling Structures ? Using Structural Data to Guide Exploration ? Summary

May 1, 2006

By Harry Siewert

"The commissioning of the 4th concentrator (C4) at Freeport Indonesia in early 1998 increased total mill throughput from 130k to 230k tonnes per day. The C4 flowsheet consists of a single 38 ft diameter SAG mill, four 24 ft diameter ball mills followed by four banks of 4,500 ft3 WEMCO flotation cells.The design of the C4 rougher flotation circuit was based on the expectation that the copper and gold recoveries achieved with the 4500 ft3 flotation cells would be equivalent to or better than that achieved with the 3,000 ft3 flotation cells in the 3rd concentrator (C3) rougher circuit. This assumption was due to the fact that the C4 flotation feed size would be less than 15% +212 microns compared to the C3 rougher flotation feed size of less than 23% +212 microns. By mid 1998 it had become apparent that the C4 rougher flotation copper and gold recoveries were below those predicted.In order to determine the cause of the lower recoveries, stage by stage rougher flotation surveys were performed in all four concentrators. The results of the surveys showed that the C4 rougher flotation circuit had a lower recovery of +200 micron material than that achieved in the C 1, C2 and C3 concentrators. Through mineralogical analysis, it was determined that a majority of the copper contained in the +200 micron fractions was liberated and recoverable. This paper describes the steps taken to increase coarse particle recovery, overall plant recovery and the results achieved."

Jan 1, 2001

By Robert Slivinski, Kyle Hobbs, Michael Stern, John Willox, Brad Jewson

Prairie Mines & Royalty Ltd. produces over 12 million tonnes annually of thermal coal for TransAlta’s Sundance and Keephills power stations from the Highvale Mine. This opencast mine is next to a lake and is surrounded by cottages and farms, which means that blast vibrations and air overpressure have to be kept to a minimum.

Jan 1, 2008

By P. D. Lightfoot, C. Badeen, R. Turcotte, D. E. C. Jones

Following localized (i.e. hot-spot) ignition, there is a minimum pressure required for combustion to propagate in water-based commercial explosives. The latter is usually referred to as the ‘Minimum Burning Pressure’ (MBP) of the explosive. In the present work, both an apparatus based on hot-wire ignition and an associated methodology were developed to measure the MBP of water-based explosives. It was demonstrated that the MBP constitutes a sharp pressure threshold below which the probability of inducing sustained burning in these explosives becomes very small. It was found that each emulsion explosive tested has a distinct MBP value, which depends critically on its formulation. It appears that this test may offer a firm basis for the classification of emulsion explosives for regulatory purposes.

Jan 1, 2004

By F. Maciosek, D. Denton, J. Johnson

Researchers from the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and personnel from Coeur Silver Valley, Wallace, ID, conducted tests using rock strain strips and Split-Set rock bolts instrumented with strain gauges to monitor wall rock strain at the Galena Mine, Osburn, ID. The objective of the test was to identify whether strain on the rock bolts increased prior to a rock burst. Although results were inconclusive, researchers learned that the Split-Set rock bolts yielded in stick-slip fashion in the highly jointed walls of the stope. The bolts were also bent as stress was redistributed following blasting and subsequent movement along joints in the wall rocks.

Jan 1, 2004

By Fawad S. Niazi

Analysis of deep foundations in terms of axial capacity has been a topic of great interest in the soil-structure interaction problems. Soil behavior is governed by a series of complex stress-strain changes that occur during pile installation and subsequent loading. Owing to the difficulties and uncertainties on the basis of the soil strength-deformation characteristics, one of the most frequently followed design practice is to refer to the formulae correlating directly the pile axial capacity components of unit base resistance (qb) and unit shaft resistance (fp) to the data collected from cone penetration test (CPT), i.e. to the tip stress (qc or more proper qt), sleeve friction (fs), and shoulder pore water pressure (u2). The elementary basis for such formulations has been the idea of considering cone penetrometer as a mini-pile foundation. This has resulted in plethora of correlative relationships in the past over 60 years. Such correlations, although empirical, have been worked out on the basis of load test results from both instrumented and un-instrumented full scale piles and are able to accommodate many important variables. A quick review of the evolution process and development of such design formulations is presented with a view to propose recommendations for future research directions, where the latest version of CPT i.e. seismic piezocone test (SCPTu) can be used to advance from capacitysingularity to the complete axial pile load–displacement (Q–w) response.

Jan 1, 2013

By S. Onuki, T. Ando, M. Tejima, R. Enomoto, Y. Okada

"Al–Si–Cu–Mg die casting alloys are widely used in the automotive industry, and recent advancements in high pressure die casting technology enable heat treating products to achieve desirable properties. However, CO2emissions associated with die-casting production lines should be reduced to address the global warming issue. In this study, the relation between the microstructures and thermal stability of precipitates formed during isothermal aging at 423, 485, and 558 K of Al-11.0 mass%Si-1.8 mass%Cu-0.2 mass% Mg (JIS ADC12) was investigated using Vickers hardness tests and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hardness tests and TEM results showed that Si compounds and Al–Cu compounds enhanced the mechanical properties of the alloy and that the predominant compound affecting the mechanical properties differed between specimens treated at 423 K and those treated at 558 K. Moreover, additional aging at 423–458 K resulted in a material with a Vickers hardness higher than that of the isothermally single-aged material. Differential scanning calorimetry, differential elemental analysis, and selected-area diffraction analysis using TEM suggested that the combination of Al–Cu compounds precipitated at low aging temperatures and Si compounds precipitated during preliminary aging increased the mechanical strength, resulting in a maximum hardness of 130 HV.INTRODUCTIONAl–Si–Cu–Mg die casting alloys have well-balanced mechanical properties, machinability, and cast ability. These alloys are therefore widely used in the automotive industry because of their superior characteristics, accounting for>90% of the aluminum used in die casting production. As a substitute for iron-based materials, these alloys have contributed to the development of lightweight vehicles.Dong et al. (2014) reported that the heat treatment of die casting materials is effective for changing their dimensions under high temperatures as a result of the precipitation of solid-solution elements. Recent advancements in high pressure die casting technology have led to the application of heat treatments of Al–Si–Cu–Mg alloy products to reduce fuel consumption and satisfy customer needs. Although attempts to reduce CO2emissions have focused on fuel consumption in cars and fuel efficiency regulations have become increasingly strict in recent years, CO2discharged from production lines should also be reduced without adversely affecting the properties of the product. Heat treatments for artificial aging after solution treatment (T6 treatment) and after casting (T5 treatment) are CO2discharge sources, which together with a holding furnace account for >80 % of the CO2discharged during the casting process."

Jan 1, 2018

By W. M. McKewan

Magnetite pellets were reduced in flowing hydrogen at pressures up to 40 atm over a temperature range of 350° to 500°C. The rate of weight loss of oxygen per unit area of the reaction surface was found to be constant with time at each temperature and pressure. The reaction rate was found to be directly proportional to hydrogen pressure up to 1 atm and to approach a maximum rate at high pressures. The results can be explained by considering the reaction surface to be sparsely occupied by adsorbed hydrogen at low pressures and saturated at high pressures. PREVIOUS investigation1,2 have shown that the reduction of iron oxides in hydrogen is controlled at the reaction interface. Under fixed conditions of temperature, hydrogen pressure, and gas composition, the reduction rate is constant with time, per unit surface area of residual oxide, and is directly proportional to the hydrogen pressure up to one atmosphere. The reduction rate of a sphere of iron oxide can be described3 by the following equation which takes into account the changing reaction surface area: where ro and do are the initial radius and density of the sphere; t is time; R is the fractional reduction; and R, is the reduction rate constant with units mass per area per time. The quantityis actually the fractional thickness of the reduced layer in terms of fractional reduction R. It was found in a previous investigation2 of the reduction of magnetite pellets in H2-H,O-N, mixtures, that the reaction rate was directly proportional to the hydrogen partial pressure up to 1 atm at a constant ratio of water vapor to hydrogen. Water vapor poisoned the oxide surface by an oxidizing reaction and markedly slowed the reduction. The enthalpy of activation was found to be + 13,600 cal per mole. It was also found that the magnetite reduced to meta-stable wüstite before proceeding to iron metal. The following equation was derived from absolute reaction-rate theory4,8 to expfain the experimental data: where Ro is the reduction rate in mg cm-2 min-&apos;; KO contains the conversion units; Ph2 and PH2O are the hydrogen and water vapor partial pressures in atmospheres; Ke is the equilibrium constant for the Fe,O,/FeO equilibrium; Kp is the equilibrium constant for the poisoning reaction of water vapor; L is the total number of active sites; k and h are Boltzmann&apos;s and Planck&apos;s constants; and AF is the free energy of activation. Tenenbaum zind Joseph5 studied the reduction of iron ore by hydrogen at pressures over 1 atm. They showed that increasing the hydrogen pressure materially increased the rate of reduction. This is in accordance with the work of Diepschlag,6 who found that the rate of reduction of iron ores by either carbon monoxide or hydrogen was much greater at higher pressures. He used pressures as high as 7 atm. In order to further understand the mechanism of the reduction of iron oxide by hydrogen it was decided to study the effect of increasing the hydrogen pressure on rebduction rates of magnetite pellets. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The dense magnetite pellets used in these experiments were made in the following manner. Reagent-grade ferric oxide was moistened with water and hand-rolled into spherical pellets. The pellets were heated slowly to 550°C in an atmosphere of 10 pct H2-90 pct CO, and held for 1 hr. They were then heated slowly to 1370°C in an atmosphere of 2 pct H2-98 pct CO, then cooled slowly in the same atmosphere. The sintered pellets were crystalline magnetite with an apparent density of about 4.9 gm per cm3. They were about 0.9 cm in diam. The porosity of the pellets, which was discontinuous in nature, was akrout 6 pct. The pellets were suspended from a quartz spring balance in a vertical tube furnace. The equipment is shown in Fig. 1. Essentially the furnace consists of a 12-in. OD stainless steel outer shell and a 3-in. ID inconel inner shell. The kanthal wound 22 in. long, 1 1/2, in. ID alumina reaction tube is inside the inconel inner shell. Prepurified hydrogen sweeps the reaction tube to remove the water vapor formed during the reaction. The hydrogen is static in the rest of the furnace. The sample is placed at the bottom of the furnace in a nickel wire mesh basket suspended by nickel wire from the quartz spring. The furnace is then sealed, evacuated, and refilled with argon several times to remove all traces of oxygen. It is then evacuated, filled with

Jan 1, 1962