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By P. MacPhail, G. S. Dobby, I. M. Flint

"The objective of the laboratory work described in this paper has been to develop a method f or producing small gas bubbles at moderate to high gas rates in a flotation column. Small bubbles are particularly important for attaining reasonable flotation rates of fine particles. An ultrasonic aerosol generator has been employed to add frother solution directly to the gas stream. Using porous glass and filter cloth spargers, aerosol frother addition has produced bubbles at 1/2 to 2/3 the diameter of those produced by conventional frother addition to the liquid, at a lower frother consumption.IntroductionGas bubbles are generated in a flotation column most commonly by forcing gas through a porous medium called a sparger. Typical sparger material includes rubber (pierced with small holes) , fabric (such as filter cloth), fritted glass, or porous metal (steel or bronze) . Solid sparger material is suitable for laboratory use; however, for industrial applications a flexible sparger such as rubber or fabric is necessary to prevent the eventual plugging of orfices with solid particles and/ or precipitates. An exception to this is the use of a gas liquid contactor external to the column in combination with pressure release of gas in water, a method that has been demonstrated to produce very small gas bubbles. The typical objective of bubble generation for flotation column purposes is to produce bubbles with diameter of about 0.1 cm (and less) at a gas superficial velocity of 1 cm/s to 3 cm/s. In general, the smaller the bubble, the better. In man y cases, though, there is little , or nothing, gained by generating bubbles less than about 0.05 ern in diameter.Several factors affect bubble size when generated by a sparger: gas rate, orifice diameter, sparger surface area, surfactant type, surfactant dosage, and static head. At very low gas rates bubble diameter is independent of flow rate and is proportional to orifice diameter. At the moderate gas rates encountered in flotation columns bubble diameter, db' is related to gas flow by: db oc vg n, where vg is superficial gas velocity (rate of gas flow per unit column area). For porous steel and filter cloth, n has a value of about 0.25 for vg between 0.2 cm/s and 2 cm/s(2). The magnitude of the effect of orifice diameter at these gas rates is unclear. The effects of frother type and concentration on bubble size issuing from a single orifice have been measur ed by Miagkovaru , shown here in Figure I(IS). The reduction in bubble diameter upon surfactant addition is due to the lowering of interfacial tension created by adsorption of surfactant at the gas liquid interface."

Jan 1, 1988

By Mary Fu, Helen Leung, Colin R. Phillips

In uranium mines, the median size of the aerosol has been found to be about 0.1 micron or less. Such small aerosols are readily deposited or "plated-out" on dosimeter interior surfaces resulting in the recording of a low dose. The "plate-out" properties of the CEA alpha dosimeter head are described with respect to aerosol properties in controlled experiments in the laboratory. A simple model is derived to estimate the amount of "plate-out" in the CEA head.

Jan 1, 1981

By R. J. Morrell

The Bureau of Mines developed a ground support system for use with an underground coal auger. The system consists of inflatable airbags that are inserted in the holes as they are drilled, and then gradually deflated to provide controlled roof caving. This paper presents results of laboratory and field tests of the system that show it to be technically feasible.

Jan 1, 1988

By R. Mumbi, M. Peart, E. Arinaitwe, B. Mbao, J. Zulu

Since 1925, xanthates have been widely used in sulfide flotation due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, and ability to float most value species. However, the industry's increasing need for safer and more selective alternatives, driven by low head grades, poor-quality, difficult-to-process ore with complex mineralogy, and stricter environmental regulations, has led to the development of Solvay's AERO® XR series of collectors. These custom-formulated products are based on greener chemistries and offer metallurgical benefits that are similar to or better than those of xanthates, without the safety concerns. Developed through Solvay's Flotation Matrix (FM) 100 approach, the XR series collectors are suitable for a wide range of applications, including the processing of Cu, Zn, and Cu-Ni, as well as the flotation of precious metals. This paper will highlight the differences between xanthates and XR series collectors, and present case studies of their successful commercial application at various global operations.

Jan 1, 2023

By James W. Bass

Atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) is an improvement in coal-fired boiler design that offers several advantages over conventional boilers. AFC can meet sulfur and nitrogen oxide emission regulations without the need for add-on flue gas treatment equipment. The relatively low combustion temperature inhibits ash melting, thus reducing slagging and fouling which can, in turn, increase a boiler's fuel flexibility. This report discusses, in general, AFBC technology and, in particular, progress at the 20-MW Pilot Plant built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) at its Shawnee Power Station near Paducah, Kentucky.

Jan 1, 1985

By F. Heivilin

Little did I know, in 1977, that when the A. P. Green Refractories Raw Material Manager showed me 5-6 burlap bags with samples of calcined high alumina bauxite in their testing lab that this was the start of China moving to be the number one user and producer of calcined refractory bauxite. According to Ted Dickson in his August 2008 Industrial Minerals article China produced about 4 million tons of calcined bauxite in 2007 using 2 million tons themselves. They imposed an export limitation of 970,000 tons in 2007 and 940,000 tons in 2008. A 10% growth will take up the difference between exports and production in 4 years. Two of these years are gone. It will take only 4 more years to eliminate the export quota in home use. Then they will be importing unless they increase production. Guyana was exporting over a half million tons in 1975 and sold less than 70,000 tons in 2002. Basai Metals Group bought Guyana?s deposits and is rose to 250,000 tons in 2007 and expects to produce 280,000 tons in 2008. PRICES According to the USGS Prices dropped from $172/per ton for Guyana calcines in 1980 just after the start of Chinese production to $122 in 1985. Guyana prices averaged around $120/ton from 1985 to 2005. China?s price dropped as low as $45/ton in 1995 undercutting Guyana and making it virtually impossible for anyone to get into the market. The price suddenly escalated to $550/ton FOB China in the summer of 2008 when China actually cut its exports in half. The price dropped in the fall as orders dropped. This is a four to five fold price increase. Is this a shortage of bauxite or a monopoly? Australia dropped out of the market in 2008 and Surinam, controlled by Alcoa, is not participating right now. Will these two come back in to make up the difference? Will the price hold up so they can make a profit? [ ] The low prices have undoubtedly affected the prices of the 60 and 79% alumina bauxite which can hold down the quantity of 80% plus calcined refractory needed in the world market. China is starting to upgrade lower quality bauxite up to 90% alumina. With high prices kaolin alteration to high alumina comes into play. The calcined bauxite is also used for proponents, Brown fused alumina, and abrasive grades which compete with Refractories. These and the tightness of supplies needed for metallurgical will hold prices up. TONNAGE China is the number one supplier and consumer of high alumina calcined bauxite in the world. Basai Metals Group Guyana (BMGG) is owned and controlled by Basai Minerals Group of China. This appears to be the second largest supplier. Australia has dropped production and Brazil is just starting to expand. It appears China is going to replace some of exports caused by the Export License 940,000 ton maximum in 2008 by raising Guyana?s (BMGG) production of calcined refractory grade bauxite. Companies exceeded restriction in 2007. Fines have been imposed for 2008. In August 2008 they appear on line to meet the 2008 quota. After August prices have dropped off as orders dropped due to the recession. Guyana was the largest producer in 1975 with 769,000 tons which decreased to less than 79,000 tons in 2002. The U. S. is a small part of the world production. I have used the United States charts to represent world imports because I have little data on what other countries import and pay FOB for their bauxite. China started exporting calcined 80% plus refractory bauxite to the United States in 1979 with 24,000 tons. By 1985 they were the number one importer with 169,000 tons. Guyana who had been number one in shipments to the United States gradually decreased to 36,000 tons in 2006. Guyana has been purchased by China BMGG and will increase there production to over 200,000 tons in 2009. Australia shut down production in 2008 and Surinam has elected to not send any Calcined bauxite to the United States. Imports to the United States from 1978 to present are as follows: [ ] Refractories are important because they affect 96% of the GNP. During the cold war we had stockpiles of 80% refractory grade bauxite

Jan 1, 2009

1. Any society of undergraduates at a technical school, comprising students in any branch of engineering, metallurgy, chemistry, geology, etc., may be recognized by the Board of Directors in its discretion as an Affiliated Student Society, and its name, together with the names of its president and its secretary, may be published in Mining and Metallurgy or the Directory of the Institute. The members of such a society will not be named individually on the membership list of the Institute, but may at any time be proposed for election as Student Associates or Junior Members of the Institute, in the usual way. 2. Membership in an Affiliated Student Society, certified by the official representative thereof, and accompanied by suitable testimony as to character and qualifications, will have special weight with the Membership Committee of the Institute, in its consideration of the proposal of a candidate for membership. The Affiliated Student Societies receive the following privileges: 1. A copy of Mining and Metallurgy free; 2. The use of Employment Service; 3. The use of Mining and Metallurgy for publicity purposes, such as printing notices of their activities, etc.; 4. Assistance in obtaining speakers for their meetings, lists of moving-picture films, etc. To retain the privileges of the Affiliated Student Society, its officers must keep in touch with the Secretary of the Institute and advise him of its activities. The foregoing plan is not confined to students in mining engineering or metallurgy. Any undergraduate society of engineers may avail itself of the privileges offered. Societies desiring to be recognized as Affiliated Student Societies are requested to make application to the Secretary of the Institute, giving particulars as to the nature, membership and officers. The following list gives the names of the Affiliated Student Societies as of December 1, 1929, and their presidents and secretaries.

Jan 1, 1929

PICK AND SHOVEL CLUB, CASE SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCE The last meeting of the year of the Pick and Shovel Club of Case School of Applied Science was held on May 20, 1919. The speaker, Dr. Zay Jeffries, gave a very instructive and interesting talk on the Metallography of Non-ferrous Metals. The club has had a very successful year in spite of the loss of a few months time through the S. A. T. C. Among the speakers for the year were Dr. F. R. Van Horn, Dr. C. H. Fulton, and Dr. W. R. Veazey of our school; Dr. E. S. Moore of Penn. State College; Dr. Ansel St. John, of the National Carbon Co.; and Mr. V. S. Bidle, of the W. S. Bidle Co. The graduating members wish the club the best of success for the coming year. BERTRAND R. WARMELING, Secretary.

Jan 7, 1919

1. Any society of undergraduates at a technical school, comprising students in any branch of engineering, metallurgy, chemistry, geology, etc., may be recognized by the Board of Directors in its discretion as an Affiliated Student Society, and its name, together with the names of its President and its Secretary, may be published in the MINING AND METALLURGY of the Directory of the Institute. The members of such a society will not be named individually on the membership list of the Institute, but may at any time be proposed for election as associates or junior associates of the Institute, in the usual way. 2. Membership in an Affiliated Student Society, certified by the official representative thereof, and accompanied with suitable testimony as to character and qualifications, will have special, weight with the Membership Committee of the Institute, in its consideration of the proposal of a candidate for membership or for Junior membership.

Jan 1, 1923

1. Any society of undergraduates at a technical school, comprising students in any branch of engineering, metallurgy, chemistry, geology, etc., may be recognized by the Board of Directors in its discretion as an Affiliated Student Society, and its name, together with the names of its President and its Secretary, may be published in the Bulletin or the Year Book of the Institute. The individual members of such a society will not be catalogued as individual members or associates of the Institute, but may at any time be proposed for election as members or associates of the Institute, in the usual way. 2. Membership in an Affiliated Student Society, certified by the official representative thereof, and accompanied with suitable testimony as to character and qualifications, will have special ,weight with the Membership Committee of the Institute, in its consideration of the proposal of a candidate for membership or for Junior membership.

Jan 1, 1917

1. Any society of undergraduates at a technical school, comprising students in any branch of engineering, metallurgy, chemistry, geology, etc., may be recognized by the Board of Directors in its discretion as an Affiliated Student Society, and its name, together with the names of its President and its Secretary, may be published in the Bulletin or the Year Book of the Institute. The individual members of such a society will not be catalogued as individual members or associates of the Institute, but may at any time be proposed for election as members or associates of the Institute, in the usual way. 2. Membership in an Affiliated Student Society, certified by the official representative thereof, and accompanied with suitable testimony as to character and qualifications, will have special ,weight with the Membership Committee of the Institute, in its consideration of the proposal of a candidate for membership or for Junior membership.

Jan 1, 1917

The Oregon School of Mines Society held its regular monthly meeting on the evening of October 23. This meeting was an informal reunion at which members gave accounts of personal experiences during the last three months. Many members of both junior and senior classes answered their country's call to arms and so did not return to college. The senior class is particularly well represented in the Army, as two men hold lieutenant's commissions and a third is already in France with a hospital unit. The junior class has also contributed men to various branches of the service. Plans for the regular meetings include discussions by members and lectures by outside authorities oil mining and allied topics. These meetings are open to the lower classes and all others interested. The Oregon School of Mines Society, composed of members of the junior and senior classes, has, joined with the sophomore and freshman relining students in purchasing a Liberty Bond under the name of the Miners' Club of 0. A. C. H. W. THOMS, President.

Jan 12, 1917

The annual spring excursion of the College of Mines, University of Washington, is being made to the Coeur d?Alene region of northern Idaho. A party of 15 students and, instructors is visiting the Bunker Hill and Sullivan mine, mill and smelter at Kellogg, and several mines and mills in the neighborhood of Wallace and Mullan.

Jan 5, 1917

The Mining and Metallurgical Club of the University of Toronto held a very successful meeting at the Engineers' Club on Jan. 29, 1917. Interesting papers on the Arizona Mining Districts and on the Creighton Mine at Sudbury were read. Several members of the freshman class who have changed from other branches of engineering to mining have been taken into the Club, so that we are now booming. We are also making an attempt to have more of our members apply for junior membership in the Institute, and hope to report favorably along these lines in the near future. C. A. RICHARDSON, Secretary.

Jan 3, 1917

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY On April 25, the Mining and Geological Society of Lehigh University held a meeting and elected. the following officers for the college year 1918-1919: C. S. SCHUBERT, President, C. G. GILMAN, Vice-president, H. TSAI, Secretary, E. D. HOLLINSHEAD, Treasurer, C. N. TOMLINSON, A. A. KORVES, Curators. After a short business meeting the Society was favored by three interesting and instructive talks. Mr. C. A. Bonine spoke on the "U. S. Geological Survey" and showed a number of beautiful lantern slides; Mr. R. Rosenbaum read a paper on "Geodes;" and Prof. B. L. Miller presented a brief discussion on "War Minerals." H. TSAI, Secretary.

Jan 7, 1918

COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES On February 21, 1918, the students of the Colorado School of Mines who are members or have applied for membership in the Institute re-organized the "Scientific Society of The Colorado School of Mines,? which has for its .purpose the study and discussion of mining problems. Its meetings will be held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, in Guggenheim Hall. Following are the officers R. W. GIBSON, President, W. A. CONLEY, Vice-president, F. L. SERVISS, Sec'y.-Treas. At present there are 62 members, seven of whom are Faculty members. F. L. SERVISS, Secretary.

Jan 5, 1918

MISSOURI SCHOOL OF MINES The Missouri Mining Association has enjoyed a very good year. Last October the society was reorganized and the following officers elected for the year: E. Ross HOUSHOLDER, President, ORE N. MANESS, Vice-president, WILLIAM REBER. Secretary, RUAL CHAVEZ, Treasurer. The head of our mining department, Prof. C. E. Forbes, is now serving as a Major in the United States. Army. We were fortunate in having. Prof. Chas. E. Locke, of Boston, with us for part of the winter to take charge of the senior mining work. During the autumn and winter months we had a number of informal smoker lectures in Norwood Hall. Among the speakers at these meetings were: H. A. Buehler, Missouri State Geologist; Chas. E. Locke, Boston, Mass.; V. H. Hughes, Tulsa, Okla.; Dorsey Lyon, Washington; D. C.; Prof. G. H. Cox, Professor of Geology, Rolla, Mo.; together with a number of returned alumni.

Jan 8, 1918

The University of Idaho Mining Society held a meeting on Oct. 23, and elected the following officers: President, Sam Bloom; Vice-President, Lloyd McDougall; Secty Treas, Jess W. Wade. Regular meetings are held on the first and third .Tuesdays of each month, for informal lectures and reports on technical subjects. The Mining Club of the University of Wisconsin has held four recent meetings On Oct. 17, sixteen new members were inducted, and a committee was appointed to buy a Liberty Bond. The second meeting, Oct. 31, was devoted to general entertainment, at the home of Professor McCaffery.

Jan 1, 1918

ASSOCIATED MINERS, UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO The following officers of the Associated Miners of the University of Idaho have been elected for the academic year for 1918-1919: President, Lloyd A. McDougal; vice-president, Russel D. Bowers; secretary-treasurer, Charles M. Otter. While the society has been somewhat quiescent during the existence of the S. A. T. C., we are now looking forward to an active session with the resumption of normal university life. CHARLES M. OTTER, Sec'y-Treas.

Jan 2, 1919

MINING ASSOCIATION, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA At a meeting of the Mining Association of the University of California, held Feb. 12, officers for the present semester were elected as follows: President, Richard C. Kerr, '19; vice-president, Glen T. O'Brien, '20; secretary, Kenneth V. King, '19; treasurer, Sam Grinsfelder, '20. KENNETH V. KING, Secretary.

Jan 4, 1919