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By Richard H. Siller, Rex B. McLellan

A model for interstitial solid solutions has been considered in which a repulsive Potential exists between interstitial atoms in the solvent lattice. It has been shown that this model is consistent with the thermodynamic Properties of certain interstitial solid solutions. The model is then applied to the calculation of the variation of the diffusivity of carbon in au-tenite with composition. Although the energy levels at the saddle point, and thus the absolute values of dif-fusivity, cannot be calculated, it is shown that by taking the repulsive interactions between the diffusing atoms into account the functional form of the dependence of diffusivity on solute concentration can be derived. ThE composition dependence of the diffusivity, D, of carbon in austenite at a given temperature is well-known.'-3 smith3 tried to reconcile the observed composition dependence of D at 1000°C with the previously observed4 composition dependence of carbon activity using equations for D derived by arken5 and Fisher, Hollomon, and Turnbull,6 but was unsuccessful. In this paper we shall modify the approach of Fisher et al. by considering the "blocking" model7 for interstitial solid solutions, based on concept due to Speiser and Spretnak,' in which a repulsive potential exists between interstitial solute atoms in the solvent lattice, causing a certain number of interstitial sites to be "blocked" from occupancy by further solute atoms. We shall thus be able to describe the intimate relationship between the composition dependence of carbon diffusivity, a kinetic phenomenon, and the composition dependence of carbon activity in austenite. THEORY Consider for convenience one-dimensional interstitial diffusion in an fcc lattice in the [loo] direction. Fig. 1. Assume that solute atoms occupy octahedral sites only.7,9'10 These octahedral sites are located on {lOO} planes a/2Å apart. A solute atom, A, occupying an octahedral site on a {100 } plane denoted by 2, has twelve nearest-neighbor octahedral sites: four on plane 1, four on plane 2, and four on plane 3. Diffusion occurs when there is a net flux of solute atoms, through an imaginary plane shown with dashed lines, from plane 2 to plane 3. Fisher et al6. use the concept of activated complexes, as given in the theory of absolute reaction rates." They show that the number of solute atoms per cubic centimeter per second which pc — Fig. 1-Diagram showing the arrangement of octahedral sites (x) in the fcc lattice. pass in the direction of diffusion from activated to new interstitial position is: ?where C is the concentration of the solute in atoms per cubic centimeter, l/m + is the fraction of new interstitial positions corresponding to motion in the forward diffusion direction (transmission coefficient), ?F* is the free-energy difference between the activated complex and the reactants when each is in its standard state at the temperature of the reaction (independent of temperature and composition in the case of carbon in austenite), y is the activity coefficient of the solute species, and, finally, ym is the activity coefficient of the activated complex (assumed constant). The flux of atoms moving in the forward direction through an area of 1 sq cm perpendicular to the direction of diffusion is therefore: m+ Ym l ' atoms per second where is the distance between planes. The blocking model states that a nearest-neighbor octahedral site of a given solute atom has a probability, f, of being inaccessible to other solute atoms. The number of available sites for diffusion on a given plane will, therefore, depend on f, which is constant, and Nu, the number of solute atoms on that plane. The effect is to have more available sites in the diffusion direction, thereby increasing the net flux of solute atoms. This is reflected in the transmission coefficient, l/m. To calculate the transmission coefficient for solute

Jan 1, 1970

By A. Valenzuela

During the last years, Chile has been the largest copper producer, either as concentrates or cathodes. Copper obtained via pyrometallurgy is produced by seven smelters, which have carried out modernization plans to increase smelting capacity or to achieve environmental regulations established in the Chilean legislation. Thus, the present work updates technological innovations in smelters, environmental regulations and presents solutions for SO2 handling, particulate matter and arsenic. Also, the authors emphasize the important role of CODELCO Chile, the most important state-owned copper company, in developing technologies such as EI Teniente Converter and EI Teniente Slag Cleaning Furnace,

Jan 1, 2003

By Saul Hissaci de Souza

A liga de alumínio AA 7075 recebida no estado T6 (conformada e envelhecida artificialmente) sofreu tratamento térmico a 300°C com o objetivo de causar o engrossamento das partículas de MgZn2, intermetálico responsável pelo endurecimento do material. As amostras foram então deformadas 45% em redução de espessura por laminação e recozidas isotermicamente a 200°C e a 250°C por tempos variados para estudar a cinética de amolecimento por meio de medidas de dureza Vickers. Os resultados indicam que a cinética de amolecimento em ambas as temperaturas de recozimento aproxima-se do comportamento previsto pelo modelo Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) com boa concordância (coeficientes de correlação de 0,9725 e 0,9140 a 200°C e a 250°C, respectivamente), ainda que as micrografias ópticas da amostra recozida a 300°C por 4 horas não evidenciem a ocorrência de recristalização.

Oct 30, 2017

By R. H. Mullennex

Application of depositional analysis concepts is becoming an ever-increasingly more important and more useable tool in exploration and development of coals in the Appalachian basin. Over the past decade, a rather large number of studies, papers, and publications have addressed various aspects of depositional environments of coals and, to some extent, applications to development. As would be expected as regards a subject so complex as Pennsylvanian sedimentation in the Appalachian basin, certain academic studies have produced conclusions at variance in some aspects to those of other studies. Overall, however, there has been a building- block progression and general refinement with time of understanding of the depositional settings and other factors controlling Appalachian coal distribution, quality, and other minability parameters. Most attempts to explain coal seam characteristics have revolved around a basic deltaic model. Some have attributed certain seam attributes to upper delta plain deposition, other attributes to transitional-lower delta plain settings, and yet others to lower delta plain environments, and so on. While these approaches have provided valuable insight into some general coal characteristics, they are somewhat incomplete and are, in a sense, too broad for specific mine-scale applications. Further, it is apparent that in order for widespread peat accumulation to occur, there must be a drastic decrease in the energy of the depositional system and amount of sediment being brought in, compared to the active deltaic and coastal processes responsible for deposition of the large volume of clastic sediments that dominate the Pennsylvanian system of the Appalachians. Consideration of this fact implies that peats (coals) may not necessarily reflect depositional settings that are directly coincident with those associated with adjacent rocks. Cecil and Englund (1985) address this point, and quite correctly state that "the primary controls on major stages of peat formation are allocyclic processes involving paleoclimate, eustatic changes in sea level, and tectonics." While this statement is inarguable, it does not negate the importance and usefulness of depositional analysis in predicting reserve characteristics that may impact mining and marketability.

Jan 1, 1986

By Rainer Kahrger

This paper is a follow-up to the paper presented at the SME meeting in April of 1996. Since then, the El Abra facility has been started up, 9 months ahead of schedule, and has processed about 45 million tons of ore and produced over 700 million pounds of copper. For those unfamiliar with the El Abra materials handling and leaching facilities, a brief overview of the facility is provided. The paper will then deal in detail with such aspects of Conveyor 103, the long regenerative overland conveyor, including: actual running resistance starting and stopping procedures emergency brake test at 10,000 t/h Additionally, we shall take the opportunity to report on a catastrophic culvert collapse in October 1996, which stopped the conveyor abruptly at full speed and under high load condition, causing a belt breakage. We would like to use this opportunity to thank the management of El Abra and Cyprus Amax for providing assistance and allowing us to present this paper. The El Abra team deserves a great compliment for building this one billion dollar facility in record time in a remote area of a high-altitude desert with no existing infrastructure, and for bringing it so quickly up to full operating capacity. The El Abra management had to assemble a completely new operator team. Considering the above circumstances, it took a great effort by all involved to achieve success. The official performance test which was required by the lending banks was successfully concluded in November 1997.

Jan 1, 1998

The MineSight Schedule Optimizer (MSSO) is a new production scheduling tool developed by Mintec, Inc. using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) techniques. This tool was developed to solve the short- and medium-term schedule problems for surface and underground mining operations that involve multiple mining areas, multiple processes, multiple destinations and blending requirements. MSSO finds the optimum schedule in each period that achieves the objective while satisfying comprehensive product quality and quantity requirements as well as physical and technical constraints. Using the MineSight Planning Database (MSPD) as a central data hub, MSSO seamlessly works with MineSight 3-D (MS3D) block models and third-party data, MineSight Interactive Planner (MSIP), MineSight Haulage (MSHaulage) and MineSight Activity Planner (MSAP) to prepare data, formulate MILP models, calculate, report, fine-tune, save and visualize schedules. This paper presents the features and capabilities of MSSO. A case study is also given to demonstrate the applications of this new tool.

Jan 1, 2009

By David Hartley

United States Steel Corporation Minntac Mine is located at Mt. Iron, Minnesota, on the Mesabi Iron Range. The taconite pit is two miles long by a mile wide, with a maximum depth of 170 feet. This paper will deal with the radio remote control of locomotives engaged in the railroad haulage of crude ore and waste rock at this property.

Jan 1, 1970

By S J. Schafrik, E S. Gilliland, E C. Jong, J Waynert, C W. Weiss

Two commercially available through-the-Earth (TTE) communications systems were evaluated at an active underground longwall mine in West Virginia. One system utilises magnetic field (H-field) antennae while the other system utilises electric field (E-field) antennae to achieve communication. A large portion of this mine is overlain by an inactive gas-oil field composed of densely spaced wells. This feature provided a unique opportunity to determine the impact of cased wells on both TTE technologies. The following communication modes were investigated: surface to underground, underground to surface, underground to underground and real-time two-way communications. Standard deployments of the TTE systems using the manufacturer’s recommended procedures were able to achieve clear communications between underground and surface locations under certain circumstances. As a result, the design and deployment that will optimise TTE transmissions are unique to each system and to the specific area of the mine. This field study was conducted as a part of a larger multisite evaluation of available TTE systems in an effort to determine their operational sensitivity. The performance of these two TTE systems suggested that one may be preferable over the other depending on the conditions present during deployment.CITATION:Jong, E C, Schafrik, S J, Gilliland, E S, Weiss, C W and Waynert, J, 2015. Pairing magnetic and e-field through-the-Earth communication systems based on mine site conditions, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 245–252 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By John Birkinbine

The experience of the past five years has furnished opportunities to study and to partially explain the operation and some of the causes of the short blast of Warwick Furnace at Pottstown, Pennsylvania, as described in the paper read at the Lake Superior Meeting, in August, 1880.* The many inquiries concerning the details of furnace operation which followed the publication of the paper, and the expressed desire of furnace managers to be informed as to future operations of this plant, have encouraged the preparation of the following data. To make the record continuous, and add to the value of both contributions, the present paper commences where the review of a short blast of Warwick Furnace ended, and includes the data of another short blast of two months, and a subsequent continuous campaign of nearly five years, which, by comparison, we shall designate as "the long blast." Frequent visits to the plant in the five years, during which its operation could be studied, and correspondence with the manager, Mr. Edgar S. Cook, have given a knowledge as to general features and details, and the courtesy of the officers of the Company which has given free access to the books of record permits the presentation of data which it is believed will be welcomed by furnace managers. Interest will undoubtedly be increased by the remarkable results which Mr. Cook has achieved chiefly with anthracite coal in a furnace whose details of construction will scarcely be generally admitted as embodying advanced ideas, its height being but 55 feet, with a bosh diameter of 15 feet 6 inches, its bosh-slope comparatively flat, its crucible smaller than the average, and the heat of the blast never reaching 1000' Fahrenheit. At present writing the credit of the best anthracite blast-furnace practice recorded in our Transactions is conceded to be that pursued by Mr. Fackenthal, at the Durham furnace, and Mr. Cook, at War-

Jan 1, 1886

By J. W. Miller

From 1889, when the first railroad shipments of coal were made from McDowell County, W. Va., until today, the coals produced from the New River and Pocahontas groups have had a good reputation as premium low-volatile coals. Although there has been a large production from the Pocahontas No. 3 and. Pocahontas No. 4 beds, considerable reserves remain. This Bureau of Mines publication is one of a series appraising the Nation's coking-coal reserves by presenting data on the basis of which the practicability of upgrading marginal deposits to metallurgical standards can be determined. This study of the preparation characteristics of McDowell County coals is the second of the series to be undertaken in West Virginia. The Pocahontas No. 3 and No, 4 beds have not been included because their washing characteristics are well known.

Jan 1, 1954

By Derek Morris, Vito Saccheri

In the monitoring of seismic exploration (whether by explosive or vibratory energy sources), the intensity of shaking at neighboring structures can now be measured quite accurately and comprehensively with portable equipment. However, the interpretation of the results is open to considerable debate and mis-interpretation. One conventional approach is simply to compare the maximum measured peak particle velocity (PPV) with a permissible standard – usually 0.5 inches/sec (1.3 cm/sec) because this is the value generally referred to in the U.S. Bureau of Mines standard. This can be very conservative, both for surface structures, and especially for buried structures like pipes, for which absolute reliance on PPV obscures the true complexity of field problems. Quite apart from the fact that the full Bureau of Mines standard is actually a reasonably complex function of frequency (for the simple reason that in differing parts of the frequency spectrum, damage may be displacement or acceleration controlled), the effects of spatial direction and orientation are often ignored.

Jan 1, 2009

Mine planners must select a single pit for design with the knowledge that the grades on which this selection is made are uncertain. This uncertainty is often ignored through the use of deterministic models of grade. This makes the mine planner?s job simpler but does not necessarily lead to the ?correct? or ?best? selection. Grade uncertainty is typically modelled with conditional simulation which generates multiple possible realisations of grade that are equally probable (or improbable) to occur. Methods for incorporating grade uncertainty into mine planning to date have either been perceived as being too complicated, not accessible or too time consuming. This paper proposes a simple and efficient modelling approach to incorporating conditional simulation into pit optimisation, which would be able to be applied in currently commercially software. An example for Resolute Mining Ltd?s Syama Gold Project in Mali shows the range of ore, grade and value outcomes associated with generating pits through a variety of methods.

Feb 27, 2013

By D. W. Hayley

The rapid expansion of exploration drilling with anticipated production facilities for oil and gas in the Mackenzie Delta region of the Northwest Territories has created a demand for granular construction materials. This paper discusses the technique adopted and experience gained by the authors from several major resource evaluation programs in this remote area. The first part of the paper describes a methodology for deposit identification, logistics of helicopter and ground-based drilling operations and the sampling difficulties which are unique to permafrost: soils. The second part describes the exploitation of a large glaciofluvial deposit at YaYa Lake on Richards Island. Granular construction material is sparse in the delta region relative to projected demand. Exploitable sources of granular materials for aggregates or construction borrow are found in glaciofluvial deposits of Pleistocene age or in outcrops of Paleozoic bedrock. Glaciofluvial landforms can be located by reference to published surficial geology maps coupled with airphoto interpretation. Preliminary assessment of these features in a large region is most economically carried out during the summer months with a drill that is transportable by helicopter. Once prospective borrow pit sites are identified, a detailed ground-based winter drilling program must be undertaken to establish aggregate quality and quantity, and to provide information on natural features which could affect development. The glaciofluvial terrain has been highly modified by the formation of massive ground ice within the gravel deposits. This presents some unique pit development problems which are not encountered in a normal bedrock quarry operation.

Jan 1, 1977

Dust emissions from mining, material processing and ship loading operations (fugitive dust sources) are an environmental issue of increasing concern to both government regulators and the community. The main concerns relate to potential amenity, health and environmental impacts from the emissions. Therefore it is imperative that mining/ processing operations, as part of their overall environmental management, reduce fugitive particulate emissions to as low a level as is practicably possible. This technical paper outlines the mechanisms that lead to fugitive particulate emissions, the importance of understanding the exact cause of fugitive emissions, monitoring methods that can be used to quantify the emissions from specific sources, the use of atmospheric dispersion modelling in dust management and innovative dust management strategies including predictive meteorology and proactive management.

Jan 1, 2009

The Industrial Board of the Department of Commerce has been formed under the chairmanship of George N. Peek, formerly vice-chairman of the War Industries Board. This Board is to put into practical effect a program for the readjustment of prices for basic materials in such a fashion as to create a firm foundation on which the consumer can base his future purchases, and the producer can form necessary estimates. It has the assistance of the Council of National Defense. One of the first steps off the Board was to call into conference the leaders of industry. At these conferences the general conditions of the country are carefully considered and an effort made to determine and understand the principles that should be applied to permit the successful solution of the problem. It will be the endeavor of the Board to act promptly by consulting and interchanging views with these representatives of industry in the fullest and freest manner possible with a view to aiding and assisting industry in general to resume activities to the fullest practicable extent.

Jan 4, 1919

By Frazer E. J, Lwin T

Measurements of coulombic efficiency (QE) for zinc electrodeposition were carried out under mass-transfer-controlled conditions using a rotating disc electrode in synthetic acidic zinc sulphate solutions. Various methods of solution preparation and purifi- cation were investigated using reagents vary- ing from analytical grade to high purity; the purest solution was obtained-by dissolving 99.9999% zinc (Koch-Light) in sulphuric acid solution (BDH Aristar). Improvements in sol- ution purity did not necessarily increase QE, especially where apparently beneficial impur- ities (e.g., Pb) were initially present. The maximum QE obtainable through variation of temperature (T), current density-(i) and elec- trode rotation rate was established using a statistical optimization technique. The QE was determined principally by T and i, with significant interaction between these factors in the highest purity solution. QE contours, which gave an overall view of solution per- formance, were constructed and predictions about the response under conditions similar to plant practice were made. Wark's Rule (the dependence of QE on zinc/acid ratio) was obeyed in the purest solution over the range of composition commonly encountered in zinc plants. High concentrations of Na2SO4 and K2SO4, which occur in some plant solutions, were found to increase QE marginally ("1.2%). The intrinsic effects of individual impurities such as Cu and Ni were evaluated by additions (up to 5 ppm) to the purest solution. Decreases in QE were found to be minimal at the impurity levels normally encountered in zinc plants.

Jan 1, 1987

By J. E. Pahlman

One of the goals of the Bureau of Mines is to develop metallurgical pro-cesses that conserve energy and/or that take advantage of abundant domestic energy sources. Western lignites and subbituminous coals can be used for firing pellet induration and metallization furnaces. However, the refractory linings of these furnaces must be able to withstand attack from corrosive alkali metal oxides present in the ash of many of the low-rank fossil fuels. The Bureau of Mines conducted dynamic and static slag tests on high-alumina and alumina-silica refractories to determine their resistance to lignite ash slags. The investigations showed that increased alkali content in the lignite ash caused increased corrosion and erosion of the tested refractories. The degree of corrosion decreased with increasing alumina content, with the 99-percent-alumina refractories having the highest resistance. In general, the matrix phase was attacked preferentially to the alumina grains. Also, porosity reduction and tar impregnation enhanced the corrosion and erosion resistance. The 90-to 99-percent-alumina refractories are recommended for use as furnace linings in alkali slag environments.

Jan 1, 1979

By W. R. Johnson, M. Hansen, John M. Parks

AS part of a research project sponsored by the Signal Corps Engineering Laboratories, which had the objective of obtaining a magnet wire of good conductivity and low temperature coefficient of resistance, a comprehensive literature survey, supplemented by experimental work, revealed that a linear relationship exists for solid-solution alloys between the electrical conductivity, K, and the temperature coefficient, a, as expressed by the equation: k = a/ß where ß is constant for the solvent metal and a - per°C. tR0 It has long been known that the electrical conductivity at a given temperature and the temperature coefficient of resistance of binary alloys are related to their constitution by the LeChatelier-Guertler rules, as illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2: Rule 1—In alloy systems consisting of a heterogeneous mixture of two phases, the electrical conductivity and temperature coefficient vary as a straight line, if the composition of the alloys is given in volume percentage, Fig. 1. Rule 2—In solid solutions, the electrical conductivity and temperature coefficient are always lower than those of the solvent metal, and usually a considerable decrease occurs with the first small percentage additions of the solute metal, Fig. 2b. If the two components form a continuous series of solid solutions, the electrical conductivity and temperature coefficient curves take the form of a U-curve, Fig. 2a. That some kind of proportionality exists between electrical conductivity and temperature coefficient of resistance is implied by the LeChatelier-Guertler rules and by study of data such as those given by Smith and Palmer,' Fig. 3. Dellinger2 in 1910 first recognized this relationship in a number of commercial copper wires, ranging in conductivity from 94 to 100.7 pct I.A.C.S. He gave the ratio of temperature coefficient to the percentage of conductivity as a constant, C = 0.003939. A year later, Lindeck observed that the linear relationship was valid for a wider range of conductivity in "various sorts of copper," and concluded that the product of resistivity and temperature coefficient was 6.78x10-5 1.5 pct. Since then, this relationship seems to have been entirely ignored. Conductivity-Temperature Coefficient Relationship If the electrical conductivity of copper solid-solution alloys with phosphorus, silicon, arsenic, antimony, aluminum, nickel, manganese, and iron is plotted against the temperature coefficient of these alloys, the diagrams in Figs. 4 and 5 are obtained. Similar data were found with copper-rich solid solutions containing magnesium, cobalt, and titanium,'" as shown in Fig. 6. In all cases, a linear relationship exists. The point representing the highest

Jan 1, 1952

Commencing early in 1975, Saraji Mine in Central Queensland will product 3.56 million tonnes in the first year and then 4.57 million tonnes annually for the Japanese and European markets. The coal will be mined from a series of pits separated by corridors which will be mined at a later date. Through the corridors flow regional drainage structures and power lines. Relatively easy areas will be mined initially to assist the cash flow and to minimise start-up difficulties. For ease of scheduling it is desirable that pit lengths exceed 3 000m but this will not always be possible. Ramps were designed using 1 200m spacing and 5 per cent gradient as optimum but modified to suit specific conditions. One ramp will be in the end of each pit nearest the ROM hopper and stripping will commence from this end. The advantages so gained are shorter haul distances, immediate access to the coal after stripping and simplification of the excavation of the first ramp. Haul road location was defined by the minimum present value of construction plus operating costs. Road design utilised airfield construction charts because wheel loads were outside the range of available road design manuals. Low load resistance characteristics of

Jan 1, 1974

By John P. Weir

The coal industry is ever changing and complex. This article discusses some problems that must be faced and their projected economic effects. Coal's dominant market is for electric power generation. While growth rates in the 1980s will be nominal compared to historic growth rates, such growth will be substantial in absolute terms because it comes from a very large base. Higher growth is expected in the 1990s. History When looking toward the future, an examination of the past is helpful. Figures 1 and 2 present production and consumption statistics (expressed in short tons) on bituminous coal and lignite in the US from 1945 onward. After an all-time peak of 572 Mt (631 million st) in 1947, total production dropped to 356 Mt (392 million st) in 1954. Sustained growth in total production did not begin until the 1960s. Coal production from under-ground mines declined from more than 400 Mt (440 million st) in 1947 to about 295 Mt (325 million st) during 1965 to 1970. A further decline ensued until a strike in 1978 reduced production to only 218 Mt (240 million st). Underground mines produced 283 Mt (312 million st) in 1983. Coal production from surface mines has increased steadily since the early 1960s. While some of this increase has come from mines east of the Mississippi River, most has resulted from surface mines developed in the West. Production from surface mines west of the Mississippi River was 224 Mt (247 million st) in 1982. Total coal production from under-ground and surface mines, other than Western surface mines, continues to approximate levels of 40 years ago. In spite of several wage increases, increasing productivity in surface and underground mines enabled the coal industry to hold the average value f.o.b. mine to about $5.50/t ($5 per st) from the end of World War II to 1969. Under-ground mine productivity peaked at more than 13.5 t (15 st) per man-day in 1969. The Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 was a major factor in underground productivity declining to 7.6 t (8.4 st) per man-day in 1978. However, pro-

Jan 7, 1984