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By Barnett LJ

The Kellogg slag fuming model is extended to apply to the Port Pirie plant which uses recuperative heating of secondary air. Exten- sive investigations of plant operations pro- vide parameters for use with the model, and verification that the resulting model provides simulation which is very close to actual plant performance. The model is used to_deter- mine optimum slag fuming operating conditions, and the results of several other investigations with the model are briefly described.

Jan 1, 1975

A review is presented of techniques cur- rently in use, or being developed, to enable the determination of virgin rock stress at consid- erable depth (> 1000 m) from small diameter sur- face drill holes (

Jan 1, 1975

By Eric S. Cheney

Sulfur isotopes are best used in conjunction with other geological studies to determine the origin of known deposits; concept-oriented exploration programs can then be developed to find similar deposits. Geochemical processes are capable of causing different S '41S" ratios in the minerals and fluids participating in natural reactions. Because the magnitude of the resultant isotopic difference is inversely proportional to temperature, sulfur isotopic studies can be used to determine the source of the sulfur in high temperature deposits. The narrow spread of sulfur isotopic values from ores related to cupolas of felsic intrusions suggests that the sulfur in the ore-forming fluids was derived from a fairly uniform source (such as the intrusions) rather than by heated ground water from the adjacent country rocks. However, geologic and isotopic evidence suggest that the sulfur of many nickel sulfide ores may have been derived from the country rocks rather than the associated mafic igneous rocks. This sulfurization hypothesis implies that mafic intrusions in sulfur-rich country rocks should be prime exploration targets. Sulfur isotopic analyses of sulfides in the mafic rocks may indicate whether sulfurization has occurred. In equilibrium geochemical reactions S" is concentrated in the minerals with the greater bonding strengths. Thus the isotopic compositions of coprecipitated sulfides that have not undergone exsolution may be used as geothermometers and to distinguish multiple periods of mineralization, post-ore metamorphism, etc. The sulfur isotopic compositions of coexisting sulfides at Butte, Mont., indicate that the copper minerals did not originate by simple replacement of pyrite. Geologic and isotopic evidence suggest that the mineralogical and isotopic zoning at Butte formed almost isothermally during the geochemical evolution of the ore-forming fluids upward and outward from the Central zone. Unidirectional reactions cause enrichment of S" in the products. At low temperatures the isotopic effects of bacterial and inorganic reactions are difficult to distinguish. Anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria apparently were responsible for the sulfur of Gulf Coast salt domes and for diagenetic pyrite in sandstone-type uranium deposits. Sulfur (and carbon) isotopic data suggest that the roll ore bodies of sandstone-type uranium deposits originated by limited inorganic oxidation of diagenetic pyrite rather than by bacterial activity. Accordingly roll ore bodies should be most numerous and thickest against those portions of the sandstone aquifer that contain pre-ore pyrite.

Jan 1, 1975

By John F. Papp

The Bureau of Mines has sampled microstructure of low-pressure flat flames by mass spectrometer for normal methane-oxygen-argon and for methane-oxygen-argon-bromotrifluoromethane flames. The physical and chemical phenomena, and the method of analysis of mole fraction data to evaluate net reaction rates are here considered in detail. Included is a computer program listing with output on one flame. Chemical species considered are CH4 , CO, CO2, H, H20, OH, Ar, H2, O2 , O, H2CO, CH3 , CF3Br, HF, HBr, Br, CH3Br, HCO, F2CO, CH2 CF2 , H02.

Jan 1, 1975

The Bureau of Mineral Resources has been engaged in regional geological and geophysical field work in the Alligator River and Cobourg Peninsula area since 1971, following the discovery of major uranium deposits. Geophysical work commenced with a regional airborne magnetic and radiometric survey which was followed up by some helicopter and ground work in August 1973. The interpretation of the earlier radiometric work is presented in conjunction with the results obtained from the follow-up work. Analyses of 100 outcrop and drill core samples collected have provided basic information on the physical properties and concentrations of uranium and thorium in various rock types. The uranium determinations were made by X-ray fluorescence and delayed neutron analysis, good agreement being obtained between the two methods. X-ray fluorescence was the main analytical technique used because of its ability to produce both uranium and thorium determinations.

Jan 1, 1975

By R. A. Busch

Sludge ponds of fine coal, fine soil, and water created behind large piles of coarse coal waste can present hazardous conditions; this is a Bureau of Mines report of the subsurface physical property data developed on the fine coal waste materials that make up the core areas of two typical coal waste impoundments. These data will help define more completely the engineering properties of this problem area of the structures. Additional calorific, chemical, and mineralogical data were obtained on the coal waste materials to determine possible uses or development of byproducts. The possibility of extracting alumina from coal ash was also investigated.

Jan 1, 1975

By Thomas V. Falkie

The new international fact of life that has emerged in the 70's is that foreign energy sources can no longer be considered either reliable or low in price. As a result, the United States is turning its full attention to its domestic energy resources. The figures about proved domestic reserves are often used to reassure us about the Nation's energy future: assuming a 50 percent recovery factor, there are at least 219 billion tons of recoverable bituminous coal and lignite, of which 31 percent is available by surface methods; proved reserves of crude petroleum and natural gas liquids total 34.3 billion barrels and 6.4 billion barrels, respectively. There is also about 4 billion tons of recoverable anthracite coal, a premium low-sulfur fuel of high heating value, which is all but priced out of the market because of the high costs of producing it. Total fossil fuel resources are even larger, although there are no guarantees concerning how much might become usable, and when, and at what cost. The figures, however, are impressive. They include the equivalent of about 200 billion barrels of oil potentially recoverable from high grade oil shale; 100 billion barrels in "heavy oil" deposits; and the equivalent of 25 to 35 billion barrels of oil in domestic deposits of "tar sands," and substantial quantities of conventional oil and gas resources. There is also the prospect of a significant increase in electric power generation

Jan 1, 1975

By Paul Kents

The Canadian Javelin Limited Cerro Colorado copper-porphyry deposit in Panama, possibly the largest known copper-porphyry, contains between 1350 and 450 meter elevations, drill proven and probable ore in excess of 3.0 billion tons averaging 0.65% of copper equivalent. The deposit is located in the Central Cordillera Range, straddling the Continental Divide at 1500 meter elevation. Local topography is very steep. Accessibility is difficult, all logistics made by helicopter, and only recently a 52 km. road from the Pan-American highway was completed into the area. The deposit was discovered in 1969, and since then 75 shallow exploratory holes and 98 deep holes, the deepest 1340 meters, totalling 45,000 meters have been drilled. Deep holes were drilled at the corners of a regular rectangular 150 meter grid.

Jan 1, 1975

Guide Io Ihe Preparailon Of Papers For Publication In The Journal Of The South African Institute Of Mining And Metallurgy The following notes have been compiled to assist authors in the preparation of papers for presentation to the Institute and for publication in the Journal. All papers must meet the standards set by the Council of the Institute, and for this purpose all papers are referred to at least two referees appointed by the Council.

Jan 1, 1975

By Smith I. W

Australia has, and faces, a growing problem with regard to the ability to meet the demand for liquid fuels from indigenous petroleum resources. The position for natural gas is better but there is no room for complacency. Since the coal resources are relatively extensive, interest in the prospect of producing liquid fuels from coal is in- creasing. The approaches to the production of gaseous and liquid fuels are briefly reviewed and the present status of coal conversion technology is discussed. Many problems remain to be solved and it is estimated (in the USA) that another 8-10 years will be required before any of the processes for liquid fuel production are considered sufficiently efficient and viable to go to a demonstration plant. Coals represent complex feedstocks and the effects of variations in coal properties on oil-from-coal processes are not fully understood. The thermal efficiencies of various coal conversion processes are considered in relation to their impact on coal requirements. The production of Australia's present requirement for liquid fuels by the only commercial process in operation would require a four-fold expansion in the local consumption of coal. Any assessment of the suitability of oil-from-coal processes currently under development overseas for Austra- lian coals and requirements must take heed of the differences in coal properties and motivation. The economic via- bility of processes for producing oil from coal will continue to be uncertain because of the large difference between the World price for crude oil and the actual production cost.

Jan 1, 1975

By J. D. Miller

The processing of residues derived from various operations in the mining and metallurgical industry for by-product recovery is becoming more prevalent. A principal target for by-product recovery is flue dust produced by conventional smelting operations. Flue dust from zinc smelters has been processed for many years for the recovery of cadmium (1,2). The cadmium recovery technique which consists of a selective sulfation roast, followed by a water leach and zinc dust cementation, produces a lead cake residue (see chemical analysis in Table I), which consists primarily of lead sulfate.

Jan 1, 1975

By Harold E. Thomas, Samuel S. M. Chan, Nicholas Bada

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed a technique for locating and evaluating bedding plane cracks in mine roof by an air-injection and hot-film flow logging technique. It is ultrasensitive to cracks and is especially useful for detecting the early stage of crack development. Potential applications include: (1) correlation with roof sag measurements, (2) locating cracks for grouting, (3) comparison of mechanical and resin roof bolt effectiveness, and (4) possible delineation of the fracture zone to confirm the arch hypothesis. The required equipment is inexpensive and simple to operate.

Jan 1, 1975

By Ernest L. Corp

Seepage forces computed by a finite-element flow program are combined with gravity forces in an elastic-plastic stress-analysis program to determine the stability of mine-waste slopes. Computer output provides a cross-sectional plot of the dam or embankment showing the safety factors for each element. The combined finite-element program called SEEP-SLOPE was used to analyze several trial embankments and the 1972 Buffalo Creek Dam failure Safety factors computed by the finite-element method (FEM) were compared with those computed by Bishop limiting-equilibrium method. For individual slip circles, there was little correlation between the factors of safety computed by the two methods. Both predict failure, but FEM shows a different mode of failure plus development of potential failure zones not indicated by conventional methods. Besides having a better theoretical basis than the Bishop method, FEM requires no assumptions regarding the location or geometry of the failure surface. As a result, the program will show progressive development of a failure zone, and areas can be pinpointed where remedial measures should be taken. In addition, nonhomogeneous cross sections can be analyzed, and zones of potential piping can be defined.

Jan 1, 1975

By H. R. Appell

The Bureau of Mines studied the conversion of a variety of cellulosic wastes, for example, sawdust, bovine manure, sewage sludge, urban refuse (free of metal and ceramics), etc., to heavy oils. The objective of the investigation was to determine the scope of the reaction and elucidate the chemistry involved. The reactions took place in the presence of synthesis gas and water or carbon monoxide and water under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures. Waste conversions above 90 pct, often near 99 pct, with oil yields in the range of 40 to 60 pct, were obtained in the temperature range of 250° to 425° C and pressure range of 1,500 to 4,000 psig. Because mild conditions were sought, most of the experiments were conducted at temperatures of 250° to 350° C and pressures of 1,500 to 3,000 psig. In general, lower viscosity products were obtained at higher reaction temperatures. Conversions and oil yields were significantly increased by operating in the presence of a high-boiling oil; either anthracene oil or oil recycled from the process was satisfactory. Synthesis gas containing 50 pct carbon monoxide gave satisfactory results as a replacement for carbon monoxide. Cobalt molybdate on alumina catalyst, used with sodium carbonate, gave a product of lower viscosity and lower oxygen content than sodium carbonate used as the sole catalyst. The waste-to-oil process has been successfully investigated in continuous flow equipment as well as in batch autoclaves.

Jan 1, 1975

By Joseph Cervik

Coal is a soft and brittle material. Drilling rates in the Pittsburgh coalbed using a drag bit exceed 3 ft/min at 2,500-pound thrust. However, maintaining the bit on a horizontal trajectory or parallel to bedding planes to attain lengths of 1,000 feet is difficult. This Bureau of Mines report presents a drill string configuration that can be guided through the coalbed. The angle of the borehole is measured periodically and by proper combinations of bit thrust and rotational speed (r/min), bit trajectory can be lifted or dropped to keep the bit in the coalbed. An example of a hole drilled to 2,126 feet is presented to show levels of thrust and rotational speed used to lift or drop the bit, the seemingly unexplainable events that occur, and the strategy used during drilling. Thrust levels during drilling range from 600 to 2,500 pounds. Hydraulic motors powered by a 30-hp, 440-volt motor provide ample power for drilling horizontal holes 2,000 feet long.

Jan 1, 1975

By G. B. Misra

While investigating on the aerodynamic resistance of airways supported with peripheral timber sets, at regular intervals, the following theoretical equations were developed by the author to estimate the resistance coefficient of such airways: [ ] for S < 1, where f is Darcy-Weisbach resistance coefficient of the airway, C is modified drag coefficient of the supporting member, D is equivalent diameter of the bare airway, 8 is ratio of the approach velocity over the sets to the average velocity of the bare airway, A is cross-sectional area of the bare airway, a is projected frontal area of the sets, A., is cross-sectional area of the air stream at the vena contracta inside the set, S is spacing of the sets, f, is resistance coefficient of the bare airway, l is length of aerodynamic influence of sets, p is perimeter of the bare airway, p, is setted portion of the perimeter of the bare airway, pe is unsetted portion of the perimeter of the bare airway, and P shielding factor. The equations were verified experimentally in a model rectangular airway supported with one- (bars), three-, and four-piece sets of square-section timber of three different sizes and were found to hold true. The work has been further extended to one-, three-, and four-piece sets of round timber of 2.6, 3.2, and 3.8 cm diam with the same experimental set up. Tests have been carried out for spacings of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, and 200 cm over a regime of flow defined by the Reynolds number (with respect to the equivalent diameter of the bare duct) ranging from about 1.5 X 106 to 5 X 106 using the same experimental techniques. The values of f are calculated in the manner indicated in [Ref. 1]. Unlike with square-section timber, the resistance coefficient f of the airway setted with round timber shows a distinct variation with the Reynolds number of flow. This conforms to observations made by Sales and Hinsley.2 In order to have a comparable value of f for all types of sets with all sizes of timber, it was necessary to select the value of f at a fixed Reynolds number of flow. Since f is chiefly a function of the drag coefficient of the sets, the appropriate Reynolds number RE is that with respect to the diameter of timber in the set. Considering the diameters of timber used and the regime of flow over which measurements were made, f was chosen at a value of RE = 20,000 in all cases. The f vs. S curves are maximal in nature and in conformity with theory, the f vs. 1/S curves are straight lines up to a value of S = 1 beyond which they show a distinct flexure. The observed values of 1, the length of aerodynamic influence of sets, agree with the relation 1 = 42 e, developed for square-section timber sets, thus suggesting that the shape of timber has little influence on the length of aerodynamic influence. The value of the modified drag coefficient CD for round timber was calculated in the same way as for square timber in Ref. 1, taking the contraction factor Z = 1.5 for round-edged constrictions. CD has an average value of 0.96 with a standard deviation of 6.08% as compared to the free stream drag coefficient of 1.2 at RE = 20,000 for long cylindrical obstructions The shielding factor [ ] is plotted against S/1 in [Fig. 1]. The curves are more or less independent of the size of timber, but are different for the different types of sets, possibly due to their different degree of symmetry. Values of f calculated by the author&apos;s [Eqs. 1 and 2], using experimental values of CD&apos; and [ ] and taking I = 42 e, are plotted in [Fig. 2] against experimentally measured values of f for different types of sets with different sizes of round timber. The values agree closely with a standard deviation of only 5%, thus establishing the veracity of the theoretical equations developed by the author for round timber as well. A comparison was made between the Xenofontowa4 equations (the only other reasonable relations available for the estimation of the resistance coefficient of supported airways) and the author&apos;s [Eqs. 1 and 2] by comparing in [Fig. 3] the values of the resistance coefficient f computed by the Xenofontowa relations with those experimentally measured by the author. In order to make

Jan 1, 1975

By B. Dimitriades

The Bureau of Mines measured the reactivities of 19 hydrocarbons known to be prominently present in automotive exhaust and ambient air in a smog chamber. Results agreed well with those obtained using two other smog chambers. Reactivity scales were developed for hydrocarbons and aldehydes using the results of this work and those of a previous study. Application of the reactivity scales to automotive exhaust samples gave fair agreement between predicted and observed rate-of-N02-formation values; however, predicted and observed ozone yields were neither in agreement nor did they correlate well. This lack of correlation for ozone yield was attributed to the inappropriateness of (1) the individual component reactivity data, (2) the reactivity classification scheme used, and (3) the linear summation method. In seeking to understand this problem and to develop more appropriate reactivity scales, the data were examined from a reaction mechanism standpoint, and further studies were suggested.

Jan 1, 1975

By Allen M. Newcome

The Ohio valley division of consolidation coal company has incorporated two new aspects within its coal mining concern. A new communication system, thru the cooperation of the c. & p. Telephone company, has been established in each of our mines with its central control in the general office building. In conjunction with this system, a Texas instruments 960 a computer has been incorporated into the system. The purpose for our computer is to provide modernization and improvement to our safety, production and maintenance programs. Thru proper use, the computer will help eliminate inaccuracies and inefficiences that have previously caused inaccurate analysis of problems. Due to federal requirements for more reliable communications in underground mines, Ohio valley division is making a concentrated effort to improve its communication systems. Systems such as the magneto phone and trolley phone have been looked at more critically. It was found that these systems are being used well beyond their limits. With these facts in mind, division personnel started looking for a system that would have these built in advantages: ease of maintenance and installation, increased reliability, low cost, and an inherent ability as a multiple use system.

Jan 1, 1975

After more than 20 years dependence on bituminous coal as a primary fuel for generating electricity, the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company initiated a one-year study on the economics of building an electric generating station using anthracite as a fuel. The study will be completed in December 1976. If the feasibility study so indicates, PP&L will consider installing four 400,000 kilowatt generating units for scheduled commercial operation in 1985. Each unit would consume up to one million tons of anthracite annually. Anthracite generally is more difficult and expensive to extract than bituminous coal, but it has a significantly lower sulfur content than the bituminous coal currently being used by PP&L, thereby eliminating the costs of installing sulfur emission controls at generating stations. Moreover, significant reductions in transportation costs may be realized because the utility&apos;s operating territory is situated in the center of the anthracite region in northeastern Pennsylvania. These advantages may indicate that the use of anthracite is more economical than bituminous coal to PP&L. ASBESTOS -Asbestos production in the U.S. dropped again in 1975 until it was just two-thirds of that in 1973. This was in spite of the very strong demand caused by the Quebec strike. The 7-month strike of the asbestos miners in Thetford Mines, Quebec cut off 55 percent of the normal supply of U.S. consumers. Apparent domestic consumption was less than 75 percent of that in 1974. The wage settlement will probably result in a 20 percent increase in asbestos prices.

Jan 1, 1975

By Wayne D. Gould

Planning for a project does not start with the announcement of the approval for a project. Planning actually begins when the project is only a prospect and it involves the years of experience of many people because their expertise influences the final decisions. In partial anticipation of the Pinto Valley project, as well as a search for improvement in the Copper Cities operation, two projects were undertaken. The first project was to substitute one 26" cyclone for three 20? cyclones in the single stage grinding circuit. The second project was to replace the Hunt air flotation cells with 300 cubic foot mechanical cells. The 300 cubic foot cells were just being introduced, consequently two types of cells were selected for testing. The results from both projects influenced the decisions on equipment for the Pinto Valley project.

Jan 1, 1975