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By P D. Katsabanis

The dynamic tensile strength of geomaterials is known to be highly dependent on the strain rate of the load applied. This is significant in applications where the material is subjected to shock waves and impact loading. This paper proposes the use of a simplified method to determine the dynamic tensile strength of hard brittle rocks using an explosively impacted version of the Hopkinson Pressure Bar. A compressive stress wave was propagated in a sample, representative of the material of interest, by detonating a small charge at one end of a cylindrical sample. The tension wave, generated upon reflection at the free face, causes spalling in brittle materials. Strains at four points in the specimen were continuously measured and the dynamic tensile strength was determined by applying the one-dimensional wave theory.

Jan 1, 2010

By Brian R. A. Wood

Any defect activity resulting from an applied stimulus on a structure will generate a stress wave which travels in the medium under the laws of acoustics, thus the name of acoustic emission (AE). AE techniques can therefore provide information on the deformation of both surface and below ground structures, Two operating coal mines were monitored from the surface, and both mining activity and post mining microseismic activity were detected. The nature of the detected AE signals demonstrated that there were a range of deformation mechanisms in operation and that some predictive capabilities were possible with the technique.

Jan 1, 1992

By R. Steele

In addition to compliance with government emissions and reporting requirements, mining and mineral processing companies are increasing energy efficiency to reduce costs and become more competitive in the global marketplace. One of the major obstacles to identifying opportunities for increased energy efficiency is the lack of readily available data on energy use, and more importantly the energy use linked to production data, that identify energy reduction opportunities. As well as energy reduction, mining and mineral processing companies often struggle with the prediction of energy use, and are often penalized for under or over forecasting. Once again, it is the lack of timely information that makes this prediction difficult. This paper looks at expanding the use of a Manufacturing Execution Systems by integrating with Energy Solutions. This will provide automatic, timely information, at a granularity that makes it easier to identify energy reduction opportunities, reduce energy costs, and better predict energy use in a mining and mineral processing operation.

Jan 1, 2011

The principles of geometry and trigonometry are so continuously used by mining engineers for the purpose of accurately and intelligibly recording their measurements, that the writer is prompted to lay the following cursory remarks upon mine surveying before the members of this Institution in the hope of eliciting a free interchange of opinion upon details of this interesting branch of the profession. He proposes to deal with surveying only so far as it concerns the mining engineer, not to intrude upon the domain of the professional surveyor, and, in this instance, to discuss more especially that which may be termed the mechanical, rather than the mathematical side of surveying.In the latter part of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the present one, the usual underground surveying equipment in the English metalliferous mines, consisted of a magnetic needle in a fiat square wooden box of about 9-inch sides, a two-foot rule, a long cord, aud a stool, upon which to place the needle and box. The operator took his bearing by sending his assistant with the end of the cord as far in a straight line as the length of the cord would admit.On its being drawn that he held its end in one hand and placed the side of the compass-box against it with the other, and noted the bearing thus found either by a book entry, or by ticking it off with a piece of chalk on the board the compass lay in. He then measured the cord with a two-foot rule. It is needles to say that with these appliances the accuracy of the results were open to question, and mining surveying was not unduly popular.In the present day, engineers have the advantage of using instruments brought to such a state of perfection, and of employing such an exact system of underground surveying, that inaccurate work must usually be attributed either to lack of care, or lack of ability in the operator.

By M. Misra, I. A. H. Schneider

The flocculation of -38 pm calcite, hematite and kaolinite aqueous suspensions by the yeast Candida parapsilosis and products derived from rupture of the microorganism was studied. Flocculation of hematite suspensions by the microorganism and its derivatives readily takes place between pH 2.8 and 11.4. Maximum flocculation occurs at about pH 6.5. Flocculation of calcite suspensions by the microorganism and its derivatives readily takes place between pH 7.0 and 11.8. Maximum flocculation occurs at about pH 10.0. Flocculation of kaolinite suspensions was less than that for the other two minerals. However, a soluble fraction derived from the rupture of the organism functioned as a good flocculant for the mineral, albeit at an increased concentration, between pH 2.6 and 11.5. Maximum flocculation occurs between pH 6.8 and 7.2. An attempt is made to relate the behavior of the various systems to the surface characteristics of the minerals and the surface and chemical properties of microorganism and its derivatives. Experimentation used to evaluate the flocculation includes actual flocculation tests, microelectrophoresis measurements and scanning electron microscopy.

Jan 1, 1994

By David Smith

Construction of a new transportation link frequently requires crossing under an existing highway or railroad. Although traffic diversions may permit a cut and cover structure to be built, ‘zero impact’ tunnel solutions are becoming increasingly popular. The vertical clearance between the new tunnel structure and the existing highway or tracks may be very low; sometimes less than two meters. This leaves little room for error since any ground loss can rapidly translate into surface settlement. Problems can be avoided by maintaining the stability of the tunnel face and by minimizing ground movement around the tunnel lining. This paper examines construction methods that have been used to construct short tunnels with shallow cover, and highlights factors to be considered for future projects.

Jan 1, 2005

A mobile vacuum sweeper to remove loose coal and coal dust from underground coal mine workings was designed, built, tested, and evaluated. The design was based on an extensive test program. Pick up and conveying rates vs. air volumes, velocities, and nozzle shapes were determined for coal rubble in a laboratory pneumatic handling system. A gas/solids separation system was developed and tested in the laboratory capable of separating the solids loading from the vacuum system air stream to the very high degree required to preclude degradation of the ambient (mine) air. Two designs were made, one for belt conveyor and one for general district cleanup. The belt cleanup machine was chosen for test and demonstrated in an underground coal mine performing cleanup work in belt haulageways and on ribs.

Jan 1, 1975

By Nutter R. S.

A methodology has been developed for qualitative safety hazard evaluation and quantitative reliability analysis of mine monitoring and control systems. Detailed application of these techniques were made to two commercial monitor/control systems and to a West Virginia University distributed microprocessor-based system. A controlled environmental test was conducted on a set of one of the commercial system's outstations. A software reliability evaluation methodology was also developed and applied.

Jan 1, 1982

By K. G. Gorling, S. J. Wallden, N. B. Lindvall

It is the policy of The Metollurgical Society to provide, in the TRANSACTIONS OF THE METALLURGICAL SOCIETY OF AIME, a prompt and accurate medium for publication of reports of significant new research in both the scientific and engineering aspects of metallurgy. Papers submitted to the Society are judged by competent reviewers according to established criteria for technical merit, accuracy, originality, and presentation. STAFF: Editorial Director, Rixford A. Beals; Associate Editor, James J. Burke; Assistants, L. Capria and R. K. Larkin. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE METALLURGICAL SOCIETY: A. W. Thornton, Choirmon; Dennis Carney, John Chipman, J. C. Fulton, J. H. Hollomon, H. tl. Kellogg, A. E. Lee, R. Maddin, J. D. Sullivan, and O. Swan. Review and selection of manuscripts is under the supervision of the following Publications Committees: Extractive Metallurgy Division T. B. King. Cha~rmon; S. J. Dickenson, R. P. Hermsdorf, R. Schuhmann, Jr.. and P. T. Stroup. Institute of Metals Division: Robert Maddin, Chairman. F. Lincoln Vogel, Jr., Vice-chairman, W. A. Backofen, R. W. Balluffi, J. H. Bechtold, M. B. Bever, R. S. Busk, C. G. Goetzel, Paul Gordon, C. D. Graham. Jr., Robert F. Hehe-mann, R. I. Jaffee, F. E. Jaumot, Jr., lrving R. Kramer, A. J. Leno, Horold Margolin, C. J. McHorgue, Russell A. Meussner, J. 6. Newkirk, H. W. Paxton, G. E. Pell~ssier, I. S. Servi, Alan U. Seybolt, A. J. Sholer, and Sack Wahsburn. Iron and Steel Division: J. C. Fulton, Chairman; T. B King, F. C. Langenberg, W. O. Philbrook, and T. B. Winkler. Published bimonthly by the American Institute of Mining Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers Inc., 29 West 39th Street, New York 18, N. Y. Telephonne pennsylvania 6-9220.Petroleum Subscription Engineers$20 per year for non-AIME members in United States and North South and Central 6-9220.SubscriptionAmerica $25 toreign; $5 for AIME members. Single copies, $4.00, iinalo copies Southfpr;ign,andCentral $5 00. The AIME 'is $25not responsible for any statement made or opinion expressed in its publications Copyright 1958 1958 by the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc. . Registered coble address, AIME New York . . . Indexed in Engineering Index, Industrial Arts Index, ...and Chemical Abstracts . . . Application for second class mail privileges IS pending at New Yark, N. Y. Volume 212, Number 2.

Jan 1, 1959

By D. J. Pandelis, W. J. Schlittler

Auxiliary Equipment pumping systems to support primary, secondary and regrind grinding circuits will be the primary focus of this paper. Every grinding system is unique and requires special design considerations for proper application of pumps to transport mill discharge. To satisfy the majority of applications, a new series of pumps has been developed by Svedala, known as World Class Pumps. Selection of these newly developed pumps for each type of grinding circuit will be presented. Specific components of selection are materials of construction, piping system, classification method, material characteristics and slurry characteristics. Both horizontal and vertical pump applications will be reviewed with emphasis on rules of pump piping and sump design.

Jan 1, 1999

By Gyimah Kasali

Rapid Load Testing was performed as part of an extensive drilled pier testing program for the University of California Berkeley Capital Improvement Program. The purpose of the program was to: (1) Verify the axial compressive design capacity values for the planned 24" piers, and to estimate the capacity of the existing 30" CIDH piers, and (2) To evaluate the seismic performance of the proposed drilled shafts. The Fundex PLT was used since the loading period of the PLT is very similar to the period of a seismic event, making it an ideal tool to model the pier response to seismic events. "Performance-based design" of structures subject to seismic loads has been of particular interest to UC Berkeley Seismic Review Committee and the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center. The comparison of static tests to Rapid Load testing also provided valuable correlations. The program represents one of the most comprehensive drilled pier test programs on the West Coast. The testing program consisted of Rapid Load Testing using the Fundex PLT on 6 drilled piers. Rapid Load Tests were followed by conventional static compression and tension tests on selected piers, followed by another cycle of rapid load tests on the statically tested piers. The piers featured extensive instrumentation to allow detailed interpretation of the test result. Correlations were drawn to compare static load test result to that of the PLT in the particular soil profile, and the PLT also provided the data to analyze the ultimate seismic capacity of the piers. The load test results indicate that the ratio of interpreted failure load from the PLT data to the corresponding load from the static load test data is about 1.2 to 1.3 for the clayey soils underlying the test site. The results also indicate that the PLT offers an economical approach to defining the stiffness of drilled pier foundations subjected to seismic loads for use in performance-based design.

Jan 1, 2002

By Michael A. Staiano

The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude and sources of environmental noise from mining operations near populated areas, to de-scribe monitoring techniques, and to identify applicable existing noise abatement techniques. To this end, noise surveys of a representative sample of mines and quarries were conducted. Noise levels at site boundaries and near specific equipment and ensembles of equipment were measured. Noise exposures in terms of annual day-night sound level were calculated for the boundary noise measurement locations. In addition, the relative sound level contributions were estimated for the mining equipment noise sources affecting the boundary locations. Noise abatement methods falling into three categories were analyzed: equipment practices, operational/administrative practices, and equipment quieting. Selected applications of noise abatement methods were evaluated in hypothetical situations with emphasis upon machinery selection and use. Procedures for measuring noise around mining operations were provided.

Jan 1, 1981

By S. -H. Chang, C. -I. Lee, Y. -K. Lee

Based on results from triaxial compressive tests, an experimental damage model to simulate post-peak behaviours as well as nonlinear behaviours before peak strength was developed. In order to consider pre-peak behaviours, variations of elastic constants at each damage level were regressed by functions of confining pressure. In addition, post-peak behaviours were simulated successfully by using Hoek-Brown constants. As results, the experimental model could predict nonlinear behaviours, peak strengths and stiffness changes observed in experiments. Basé sur des résultats des essais compressifs à trois axes, un modèle expérimental de dommages pour simuler des comportements de poteau-crête aussi bien que des comportements non-linéaires avant la force maximale a été développé. Afin de considérer des comportements de pré-crête, des variations des constantes élastiques à chaque niveau de dommages ont été régressées par des fonctions de pression d'emprisonnement. En outre, des comportements de poteau-crête ont été simulés avec succès en employant des constantes de Hoek-Brunes. Comme résultat, le modèle expérimental a pu prévoir des comportements non-linéaires, des forces maximales et des changements de riidité observés dans les expériences. Auf Basis der Ergebnisse des dreiaxialen Drucktests wurde das experimentelle Schadensmodell, das sowohl das nicht-lineare Verhalten vor der maximalen Stärke als auch das Verhalten nach der maximalen Stärke simulieren kann, entwickelt. Um das Verhalten vor der maximalen Stärke zu berücksichtigen, wurden die Veränderungen der elastischen Konstante bei dem jeweiligen Schadensniveau durch die Funktionen des begrenzten Drucks zurückgegangen. Außerdem wurde das Verhalten nach der maximalen Stärke unter Benutzung von Hoek-Brown Konstanten erfolgreich simuliert. Schließlich konnte das experimentelle Modell das nicht-lineare Verhalten, die maximale Stärke und die Veränderungen bezüglich der Steifigkeit während der Experimente voraussehen.

Jan 1, 2003

By Tom Tallone

In the majority of metal and nonmetal mining operations, narrow vein deposits are being mined with slusher hoists. Thin; method of mucking is costly, due in part to its inherent labor intense operation and to its inability to muck 100 pct of the deposits. Mechanized equipment would greatly improve the material handling in narrow vein mining and would dramatically reduce the operational cost. The Compact Loader/Trammer, known as the "mini-mucker" has been developed to increase productivity of the load/haul/dump portion of the typical narrow vein mining cycle. This is Volume II of the final report and concerns the operation and maintenance of the mini-mucker. Volume I covers a general and design review of the activities on the subject contract and are available under separate cover.

Jan 1, 1985

By D. Van Tonder, C. Edwards

ABSTRACT Solvent extraction is used in many acid leach uranium circuits to upgrade and purify the uranium-bearing solution prior to final product precipitation. A number of strip options are available to recover the uranium from the loaded organic. This paper compares seven of these options on the basis of typical capital and operating costs for the solvent extraction circuit and downstream uranium processing and also considers other related issues. The aim is to provide an objective comparative assessment of these options that could be used as a qualitative guide in process selection or improvement.

Jan 1, 2013

By John F. McCoy

The United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) awarded a contract to Foster-Miller Associates, Inc. (FMA) to develop guidelines for designing, constructing, stocking and maintaining rescue chambers in underground mines. This report develops information and recommendations which could be used by a mine operator who desired to install a rescue chamber. Volume I covers the following major areas: atmospheric life support, configuration and construction, chamber location, power and lighting, equipment and supplies, communications, and psychological aspects and training. Volume II contains the following appendices: History of Barricading, Chamber Pressurization Considerations, Diffusional Infiltration of Gas, Compressed Air Storage, Location Examples, and Psychological Aspects.

Jan 1, 1983

By E. J. (Kirk) Conway

Thirty-five years ago underground coal mining equipment consisted of simple but rugged machines powered by electric motors and hydraulics. The machines were maintained by maintenance personnel armed with a basic knowledge of hydraulics, electricity, and mechanical design. Over the years the the machine has been transformed into powerful complex mining systems. The maintenance burden has also increased. During this period significant advances have been made in maintainability engineering and system design techniques. Many of these innovations and techniques are applicable to the design of underground mining equipment. The objectives of this project were to; (1) determine the extent to which maintainability design concepts and principles have been applied to the design of underground coal mining equipment, (2) try to assess the impact of equipment design for maintenance on productivity and safety, and (3) develop a maintainability design guideline to enhance the design of new or rebuilt equipment. An equipment design review was completed at ten operational coal mines. Interviews were also conducted with mine management, safety, and maintenance personnel to identify machine specific design advantages and problems. Visits were also made to six original equipment manufacturers to discuss the design of their equipment for maintenance. Volume I presents an overview of the protocol used and a summary of the findings. Volume II includes the maintainability design guide for underground mobile mining equipment.

Jan 1, 1989

By Jim Lauder, Russ Calow, Ken Maley, Michael Ounpuu, Stuart T. Caverly

"Stuart T. Caverly, Section Head XRF Laboratory, Jim Lauder, Systems Engineer, Russ Stuart T. Caverly, Section Head XRF Laboratory, Jim Lauder, Systems Engineer, Russ Concession Street, Lakefield, Ontario KOL 2HOAbstractOn-stream X-ray analyzers have become an integral part of modem milling operations. The calibration of these instruments is not difficult but must be performed carefully and with consideration for the principles of X-ray spectrometry. A discussion of successful calibration procedures as well as examples of several common mistakes is presented.IntroductionOn-stream X-ray analyzers (OSA) have become an integral part of modem mineral dressing plants. Advances in instrumentation and computer software make the analysis of process streams fast, accurate and precise. Proper instrument calibration that respects the fundamentals of X-ray spectrometry is essential if the data generated are to be reliable. Often the importance of this task is underestimated and delegated to a person with inadequate XRF training. Successful OSA calibration is the result of careful, systematic procedures.On-stream analysis is perhaps the most important tool that has been provided for the concentrator metallurgist. Combined with powerful, low cost PC's and distributed control systems, real-time elemental analysis affords today's metallurgist many opportunities to troubleshoot and optimize his process.Before OSA, operators had to be very experienced if they were to achieve good results. Even with hourly grab samples, most changes in control approach would still be based on visual cues from the circuit and gut instinct. Real-time analyses have changed that completely.The last two decades have seen a persistent drive to reduce production costs. Operations utilizing OSA have been the most successful in this endeavor. Direct benefits from the application of OSA are fairly obvious. Operators are able to make incremental changes in operational parameters (e.g. reagent addition, pH, cell level), and immediately monitor the effects. Variations in the characteristics of the mill feed can be identified and addressed immediately. More progressive operations have linked analyses to control loops to adjust process setpoints ( e.g. reagent additions), and to change them automatically according to formulas based on previous experience."

Jan 1, 1996

By John H. Lichtblau

There are three parties to the oil imports controversy: the domestic oil producers, whose side has just been ably summarized by Mr. Jameson; the oil importers; and the public. Domestic producers and importers are both motivated by economic self-interests, that is by their natural and legitimate desire for profit maximization, in their respective positions. Thus, domestic producers, rightly, regard every barrel of imported crude oil (with the exception of some specialty crudes) as a displacement of a barrel of their own crude. Hence, the lower the import Level the better they like it. Conversely, U .S. refiners whose plants are located at the seaboard or at certain inland waterways generally welcome a higher level of imports because refiner profits are based primarily on the spread between the crude oil price and the refined products price, since crude oil represents by far the refiner?s largest cost factor. The relatively low cost of foreign oil means therefore higher profits to those refiners able to process such oil, This applies particularly to integrated companies whose own domestic oil production is insufficient, to meet their refinery requirements but who have developed ample low-cost foreign oil supplies.

Jan 1, 1962

By Víctor Cárdenas

El presente trabajo describe el manejo de las herramientas de calidad que aportan a la reducción de riesgos en la compañía minera La Poderosa. Para determinar los defectos, causas y consecuencias, es necesario conocer el procedimiento de control de los mismos a través del diagrama de Ishikawa o el ciclo de PHVA. Esta metodología permite encontrar la solución a los problemas dentro del aseguramiento de la calidad, seguridad y productividad de una empresa, así como establece la fuente de la causa de los accidentes por lesiones, como de los daños a la propiedad privada. En consecuencia, su aplicación se ha estandarizado en las áreas de seguridad y medio ambiente de dicha minera desde hace dos años, obteniendo resultados muy satisfactorios como el Premio Nacional de Seguridad en minería subterránea otorgado por el ISEM.

Sep 13, 2001