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By David Muir, Slobodanka Vukcevic

Gold is commonly associated with copper minerals, particu­larly in the more geologically recent rocks of Northern Australia, Chile and the Pacific Rim. Traditionally, oxidised copper-gold ores are selectively mined and processed for gold by cyanidation, ensuring that levels of reactive copper in the ore are kept low to minimise cyanide consumption; whilst sulphide copper-gold ores are floated and gold is ultimately recovered as the by-product from copper smelting and refining (La Brooy, 1992). Very few process­ing options exist for treating copper ores which cannot be selec­tively mined or floated, and for treating floation tailings which often contain significant gold (Muir et.al.,1989). The ammonia-cyanide leach system stands out as a unique method of selectively extracting gold without copper using economic levels of cyanide (1-2 kg/t NaCN) and ammonia (1-5 kg/t). Although first patented in 1904, it proved difficult to control and predict per formance with different ores. However, recent research and development in Western Australia by Ruane (1991), Hayes and Corrans (1992), La Brooy et.al.(1991), Muir et.al.(1993), Muir and La Brooy (1993), has led to an under­standing of the mechanism, and the commercialisation of the process at the Paris Dump (W.A.), Akjoujt (Mauritania), and in the Eastern Transvaal (Laxen,1994). Efforts are now underway to pilot and develop a tailings treatment plant at Telfer following successful laboratory trials. To date, process optimisation has relied on trial and error and large numbers of tests covering a range of conditions. Thus the results are specific to the ore. At Murdoch University, process optimisation is now focused on measuring and control­ ling Eh, pH, NH3 [Cu(II)], and Cu-CN species at the optimum levels identified from the recent mechanistic studies. In this way, the optimum composition required to process any ore should be readily established and maintained.

Jan 1, 1995

By R. V. Vines, E. M. Wise

It is known qualitatively that the recrystallization behavior of platinum is dependent upon the amount and particularly the nature of impurities present, the amount of prior cold-work and the annealing time and temperature, but published data are limited. A study of the effects of cold-work and annealing temperature on the hardness of a sample of very pure platinum was undertaken to supply part of this information. Conclusions 1. The platinum used in the experiments had a probable platinum content of 99.99+ per cent, and had the following mechanical properties in the completely softened condition: Vickers hardness number, 39.4; ultimate tensile strength, 19,340 lb. per sq. in.; proportioilal limit, very low; elongation, 37.5 per cent in 2 inclles. 2. The effect of cold-rolling on the hardness is shown in Fig. 1. The hardness increases rapidly up to 10 to 15 per cent reduction and more slowly up to about 75 per cent reduction, beyond which it increases more rapidly. 3. The recrystallization temperatures for a 15-min. anneal, after cold-rolling 19, 39.5, 50.8, 66, 80.5 and 89.5 per cent reduction in thickness, are approximately 765°, 700°, 635°, 600°, 545' and 425°C., respectively. 4. The recrystallized grain size of this platinum is a function of the percentage of cold reduction, being larger the lower the percentage of cold-work. 5. Little or 110 grain grourtll resulted from subjecting recrystallized samples to higher temperatures or annealing for longer times. Prior Work As already mentioned, data on the recrystallization of platinum are scarce. Gmelin'sl handbook, which summarizes data published earlier than August 1938, lists values ranging from 400' to 810°C. for the minimum temperature of recrystallization of samples with rather indefinite

Jan 1, 1940

By Breaux B. Castleman

The ultimate test of a business strategy is whether it achieves the owner's objectives. Most shareholders are interested in growth and profits, and share values on stock exchanges are very often closely correlated with profit growth and profitability measured as return on equity (ROE). Strategic management, then, involves managing investments or resource allocations to optimize long-term growth and real return on equity, within reasonable limits of risk. Figure 1 shows a plot of the five year, weighted average ROE of a number of communications companies against their stock market valuations in 1983, measured as a ratio of market value to book value. The principal explanation of the differences in the relative valuations of the individual stocks is historical ROE, weighted toward the most recent years. Further analysis demonstrates the added importance of growth in explaining the differences in stock market to book ratios. [ ] Research conducted by Booz Allen and others in recent years suggests that the relationships between ROE and market to book multiples hold true in industry after industry. Furthermore, we have found that in assessing business strategies for companies in these industries, the analyses should focus on whether proposed strategies are likely to lead to consistent long-term growth in real ROE, without excessive leverage. Our research also reveals, however, that these approaches to strategy assessment are not consistently applicable in the natural resource extractive industries. Figure 2 shows a similar comparison of market to book values against five year average ROE for a group of nine mining companies in 1983. Market value of the shares shows little correlation with ROE. [ ] Analysis of the data for other extractive industries indicates a similar pattern; that is, low correlation between share values and

Jan 1, 1985

By G. B. Pryde

IN laying out a new mine, provision should be made for the ultimate recovery of as much coal in any given bed as is consistent with safety and economic mining. Though each mining district, if not each individual mine, has problems that make the adoption of any hard and fast rule impossible, certain basic principles are adapted to practically all conditions. One of the most vital is the provision for barrier pillars of ample dimensions to protect all haulage and permanent airways during the life of the property. Where conditions permit, room or butt entries should be driven on the strike or slightly to the raise and rooms turned at right angles to said entries. The width of rooms and room pillars is governed by conditions prevailing in the mines under consideration. A safe rule is: In advancing, extract not more than 25 to 35 per cent. of the entire seam; in exceptionally thick seams, considerably less than 25 per cent. should be taken. Rooms usually vary in length from 250 to 350 ft. (76 to 106 m.) with a barrier pillar of not less than 80 ft. between the last crosscut in rooms, and entry and room crosscuts should be driven on sights; room crosscuts should be driven at right angles to the direction of the rooms. In mines under excessively heavy cover or where roof conditions are bad, rooms should be driven narrow and a barrier pillar left at every fifth to tenth room. This barrier should be of such dimensions that one or more rooms, with pillars of usual dimensions, may be turned through it when the barrier is no longer required. Two of the advantages of such a barrier are the protection of the panel against peaking of roof load during pillar extraction and the easy closing of the entry in case of fire.

Jan 2, 1921

By Anthony D. Hammond

INTRODUCTION A two-dimensional approach for modeling narrow-vein deposits using the TECHBASE® software was implemented at Sunshine Mining for its use in the evaluation of mineral properties. This 2-D approach prevents the overestimation of high-grade tons typically associated with the use of fixed 3-D blocks and reduces the size of the model in computer memory. The method consists of constructing a two-dimensional model oriented along the average plane of the mineralized structure. This approach works well for single, multiple and intersecting veins with the condition that each vein is roughly planar with variation in dip or strike less than 30" in order to maintain a reasonable resolution in the process of projecting data onto a plane (Figure 1). Also, a precise identification of the hanging-wall and foot-wall location is critical in ensuring an accurate representation of the vein. By using various modeling techniques, the two-dimensional model estimates metal content, thickness, tonnage, economic and dilution parameters which will be ultimately used in the identification of minable reserves. The following is a generic description of the steps involved in modeling a steeply dipping vein. DATA ENTRY A typical project database consists of drillhole coordinates, survey information, assay data and any other quantitative or qualitative data. This database can be created inside the software or imported from any spreadsheet. TECHBASE® utilizes the concept of "fields" and "records" (columns and rows) for storing data. The use of "calculated fields" enables the user to expand on the manipulation of the database with minimum memory requirements. Another important feature of TECHBASE® is the ability to replicate the structure and format of the "tables" for its use in another project and the capability of running a series of repetitive tasks by means of batch and "runlog" files.

Jan 1, 1998

By G. A. Reinhardt

THE Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. has produced a large tonnage of 0.35 to 0.45 carbon forging steel, the acceptance of which was based on the physical properties of test specimens obtained by forging the original 5 3/4 in. (14.5 cm.) square bloom to a ¾ in. (1.9 cm.) round. Annealed and tempered specimens were required. The test bars were annealed by heating from 900 ° to 950° C. and cooling slowly in mica. The test bars were tempered by heating to 825° to 875° C., quenching in water, and drawing to 515° to 535° C. Immediately after heat treatment, the test pieces were machined to a diameter of 0.534 in. (1.38 cm.) and tested. Very good physical properties were obtained and no difficulty was experienced in meeting the specifications called for. ULTIMATE STRENGTH, ELONGATION, LB. PER SQ. IN. PER CENT. IN 4 IN. NOT LESS THAN Annealed specimens 78,230 to 92,450 18 Tempered 120,000 to 149,350 9 After experience oil this material, production of slightly higher carbon forging steel was started. The method of testing this material required that test blooms be either normalized or annealed. The normalizing consisted in heating to 850° to 900° C. and cooling in still air; the annealing, in heating to 850° to 900° C. and cooling in the furnace or in mica. From the treated bloom, the test pieces were taken either by core drilling or by sawing from points midway between the edges and the intersection of the diagonals. The cores or blocks were turned to a standard 2-in. test piece with a diameter of 0.564 in. and tested without further treatment. The physical requirements of the test pieces were:

Jan 7, 1919

Dilution in underground coal operations can be underestimated by up to five times during feasibility studies, with disastrous economic consequences. Every one per cent of stone waste introduced can reduce an in situ specific energy of 25 MJ/kg by some 0.25 MJ/kg and increases the abrasiveness of the run-of-mine coal. Where a wash plant is not in place, penalties imposed for not meeting contractual specifications alone can amount to some $A 1 million per year. This paper presents a method for monitoring, reporting and ultimately controlling dilution in an underground coal mining operation and presents the dilution trends from a continuous miner/longwall mine over an eight year period. The overall dilution level for the mine can be back-calculated by comparing the run-of-mine coal quality to the predicted in situ, undiluted quality. However, this will not identify the actual contaminant types, areas of the mine responsible for the dilution and the reasons for the dilution. This additional information is essential for controlling dilution to acceptable levels. Quality and horizon control using existing sampling information is generally only adequate for longer-term control purposes, and is not suitable for monitoring mining-induced dilution. The cost of close-spaced surface drilling to collect the information necessary for short-term control is prohibitive, particularly for deeper mines. However, much of this data can be collected through underground channel sampling and horizon control measurements taken during continuous miner development and longwall extraction. The mine runs the risk of not meeting contractual quality specifications and of increased equipment wear if this additional information is not available and the sources of dilution cannot be controlled. The information can also be used to plan longwall extraction heights on a short-term scale with resulting improvements in productivity.

Jan 1, 2003

By Robert G. Ditchburn

Dating seafloor mineralization at hydrothermal centres of submarine arc volcanoes is important for understanding deep-seated volcanic events that can produce deposits rich in base and precious metals. The activity ratios, 228Th/228Ra, 228Ra/226Ra (Bq.Bq-1) and 226Ra/Ba values (Bq.g-1) are used for dating barite- rich seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) in the age ranges 0.3 ? 12 years, 3 ? 35 years and 500 ? 15,000 years, respectively. Thus, the time elapsed to amass an economic deposit and, ultimately, its capacity for sustainable extraction, can be estimated. 226Ra/Ba and 228Ra/226Ra values have been measured in relatively young chimneys that were collected, 1998 to 2006, from hydrothermal sites at Brothers and Clark volcanoes (Kermadec arc) and East Diamante volcano (Mariana arc) to check these initial ratios, essential for calculating ages for older mineralization at the same sites, were not varying significantly. We found that the 226Ra/Ba value for fresh SMS mineralization at the Brothers NW caldera and East Diamante hydrothermal sites have been reasonably stable for 6 years and 2 years, respectively. At both sites, the 228Ra/226Ra value for fresh SMS has been stable for 5 years. This was established from young chimneys where the measured 228Ra/226Ra value could be corrected for radioactive decay using the age derived via the 228Th/228Ra method. However, long-term stability of the initial 226Ra/Ba and 228Ra/226Ra values has yet to be proven. These isotopes of Ra are used as a proxy for better understanding of the transfer of Ba from deep magmas to the seafloor, via the circulating fluids of the hydrothermal system.

Jan 1, 2011

By E. M. Wise, R. V. Vines

It is known qualitatively that the recrystallization behavior of platinum is dependent upon the amount and particularly the nature of impurities present, the amount of prior cold-work and the annealing time and temperature, but published data are limited. A study of the effects of cold-work and annealing temperature on the hardness of a sample of very pure platinum was undertaken to supply part of this information. Conclusions 1. The platinum used in the experiments had a probable platinum content of 99.99+ per cent, and had the following mechanical properties in the completely softened condition: Vickers hardness number, 39.4; ultimate tensile strength, 19,340 lb. per sq. in.; proportioilal limit, very low; elongation, 37.5 per cent in 2 inclles. 2. The effect of cold-rolling on the hardness is shown in Fig. 1. The hardness increases rapidly up to 10 to 15 per cent reduction and more slowly up to about 75 per cent reduction, beyond which it increases more rapidly. 3. The recrystallization temperatures for a 15-min. anneal, after cold-rolling 19, 39.5, 50.8, 66, 80.5 and 89.5 per cent reduction in thickness, are approximately 765°, 700°, 635°, 600°, 545' and 425°C., respectively. 4. The recrystallized grain size of this platinum is a function of the percentage of cold reduction, being larger the lower the percentage of cold-work. 5. Little or 110 grain grourtll resulted from subjecting recrystallized samples to higher temperatures or annealing for longer times. Prior Work As already mentioned, data on the recrystallization of platinum are scarce. Gmelin'sl handbook, which summarizes data published earlier than August 1938, lists values ranging from 400' to 810°C. for the minimum temperature of recrystallization of samples with rather indefinite

Jan 1, 1940

In order to meet the increasing demand for coal for their Newcastle Steel Works, the Broken Hill Pty. Co. Ltd., on June 5, 1937, approved of a scheme to sink a tunnel to the Victoria Seam at their Burwood Colliery. This seam was virgin at this locality and lay nominally horizontal at a depth of 320ft. vertical from the surface.For the purpose of despatch of the coal produced it was decided that the tunnel be equipped with a rubber belt conveyor system.This was a comparatively new departure in Australia, and, indeed, was one of the first installations of its kind in the world, designed to raise coal from considerable depth by this means. Later the tunnel was extended to the Borehole Seam, which lay nominally horizontal at a vertical depth of 600ft. from the surface. The whole installation is the subject of this paper.In planning a project of this kind, consideration had to be given to the following:-1. Location of tunnel with regard to existing surface railway sidings and shafts.2. Ultimate tonnage required.3. Width and construction of belt.4. Speed of belt.5. Inclination of belts.6. Number of belts and design of equipment.7. Cross-sectional area of tunnel.8. Inclination of tunnel.9. Surface drainage.10. Type of equipment for drifting the tunnel.11. Method of ventilating the tunnel during sinking.After the general layout and design of the scheme had been prepared it was decided that tunnel drifting would begin immediately and that the belt installation, together with the feeder plant, would be detailed and manufactured by the time the drift...

Jan 1, 1947

By J. Y. Kim, Kenneth Stowe, Stephen Chryssoulis

"A series of flotation tests was carried out on Brunswick Mining ore with various pH modifiers (soda ash, lime, KOH) and added ions (ferric, nitrate, sulphate) in the copper lead rougher circuit. The main objective was to identify downstream effects on sphalerite activation and subsequent zinc rougher flotation. Some significant differences in zinc flotation were obtained. Most notably, soda ash and nitrate ions had a positive impact and ferric ions a pronounced negative effect on selectivity.Selected products from the flotation tests were deslimed at 400 mesh, washed with methanol, air dried, placed in teflon vials purged with nitrogen and stored at -15 degrees C. Numerous liberated sphalerite and pyrite particles were selected under a stereoscope and placed in rows on indium foil. The surface compositions of the particles were analyzed with an innovative laser probe (LIMS). The very small analysis area of the LIMS enables the surfaces of individual grains to be characterized. In addition, the rapid analysis time allows a statistically significant number of grains to be analyzed quickly.Surface lead appears to play a major role in zinc activation/flotation. Possible mechanisms are proposed to explain the variations in metallurgical performance at the different test conditions.IntroductionAlthough the bulk composition of mineral grains is an important consideration for the mineral processor it is ultimately surface composition and topography (edges and dislocations preferred sites for reactions) that control reactivity in flotation and cyanidation (passivation, encapsulation and preg-robbing). Determination of the surface properties of particles from process streams poses a particular challenge for the surface chemist for a variety of reasons, including:"

Jan 1, 1994

By David J. Selleck, Eugene P. Pfleider

9.61. Introduction. Open pit mining methods produce more than 80% of all raw materials today in the United States. Much of this comes either from properties that formerly employed underground methods and were converted to open pit or from mines that ultimately must go underground when the economic stripping limit is reached. Generally the ores are transported over large vertical distances and techniques have been developed to do this economically. One approach is to combine conventional surface trucking, over relatively level roads, with the use of gravity and underground facilities. There are various modifications, depending upon the character of the orebody and the topography. Several schemes, as used in Sweden, Canada, and the United States, merit describing. One of the critical problems involved in the transference of ores from surface to underground is that of flow of bulk solids. Must it be crushed? Will it hang up in the transfer? What size and inclination of ore pass are required. How is the ore best fed onto the transporting device underground? As an example, the planning engineers for the Carol Project of the Iron Ore Company of Canada faced these problems in making their designs for the production and transportation of some 55,000 tpd from their Smallwood Mine in Labrador. Other operations, facing somewhat similar conditions, used other approaches of interest. This chapter describes some of the factors involved in the design, construction, and operation of a combination surface underground transportation system as applied to open pit mining operations. 9.62. Tunnel-Ore Pass Systems. The type, shape, dip, and size of the orebody, as well as the surface topographic features, generally estab-

Jan 1, 1968

By H. M. Howe

It is a grave objection to the present system (or rather lack of system) of mineralogical nomenclature that, in the very great majority of cases, the name of a mineral gives no hint of its chemical composition, one might almost say no suggestion, however faint, of anything connected with it or characteristic of it, chemical, physical, historical, geographical, geological, or lithological. In becoming acquainted with a mineral, in addition to learning its composition and important characteristics, one must also learn a name wholly unconnected with any of them. It has occurred to me that a system might be devised in which the name of each mineral should express at least an approximation to its ultimate composition. It is far easier to learn the names of most minerals than their compositions. Most of us are familiar with the names and appearance of many minerals, especially among the silicates, of whose compositions we have but a rough notion. It would be the aim of such a system to enable us, in making the one slight effort of learning the name of a mineral, by that same effort and involuntarily to learn its composition, which now requires an additional and a much greater effort. I have worked out a system designed to meet this requirement, and its description occupies the remainder of this article. Doubtless there are many devices on which could be based other systems fulfilling the requirement above set forth better than that about to be described does, and at the same time furnishing names

Jan 1, 1884

By C V. Putnis, T Geisler, A Putnis

In nature, ilmenite (FeTiO3) undergoes weathering through oxidation and removal of Fe to form an apparently continuous series of compositions from ilmenite to pseudorutile (ideally Fe2Ti3O9), and with further weathering, to leucoxene. To determine the mechanism of acid-leaching of ilmenite to ultimately form rutile, we have carried out an experimental study of ilmenite alteration in autoclaves at 150¦C in HCl solutions. Resulting products were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopy. In some experiments the solution was initially enriched in 18O and the distribution of the isotope in the alteration products mapped from the peak shift in the Raman spectra. The results indicate that the alteration may proceed in two stages, each with a sharp interface between the parent phase and the product. The alteration begins at the original ilmenite crystal surface and along cracks through which the fluid can migrate. The first alteration product is pseudorutile û no phases intermediate between ilmenite and pseudorutile were detected. The textural relationship between ilmenite and pseudorutile suggests a coupled dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism rather than a solid state continuous oxidation and Fe diffusion mechanism. The second stage involves a further dissolution-reprecipitation step to form rutile. Raman spectroscopy shows that the 18O is incorporated in the rutile during the recrystallisation. Throughout the alteration process the original morphology of the ilmenite is preserved although the product is highly porous. The rutile inherits crystallographic information from the parent ilmenite, resulting in a triply-twinned rutile microstructure.

Jan 1, 2008

By M Roper, M Lovitt

WMC Resources Olympic Dam Operation located in South Australia, is a poly metallic underground sublevel open stoping (SLOS) mining operation with a current annual production rate in excess of 9.0 Mt. Stope size, geometries, geotechnical considerations, drilling and blasting are critical components in stope performance. These factors are further influenced by stringent ventilation requirements due to the presence of airborne radioactive contaminants from uranium mineralisation. Stope planning is complex and mass blasting methodologies have been trialled at Olympic Dam with the view to reducing the frequency of stope blasts, improving stope stability, productivity and ultimately improving overall stope performance. A key aspect in the ability to undertake underground mass blasts of this scale is the application of i-konTM electronic initiation technology by Orica. In the past two years in excess of three million tonnes has been initiated utilising this electronic technology, with an average blast of 250 000 t ranging to the largest to date being 580 000 t. By providing flexibility in blast designs, the use of electronic detonators has allowed mass firings over multiple sublevels. This has resulted in a significant reduction in stope extraction steps compared to conventional pyrotechnic firings. The benefits of this reduction in the number of stope blasts are wide ranging from improved stability of interim stope voids between blasts, reduced blasthole damage, improved blast vibration management and reduction of complex changes to ventilation systems for blasting.

Jan 1, 2004

By Phillip O. Tyree, R. A. Metz, Joseph W. Mussey

Bio-epigenetic sulphur deposits occur in Pecos, Reeves and Culberson counties of far West Texas. Sulfate reducing bacteria, utilizing hydrocarbons as energy, transformed gypsum into replacement limestone and hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, retained in the pores of the replacement limestone, was subsequently oxidized by highly oxygenated groundwaters, and native sulphur precipitated. West Texas sulphur was first recognized at surface exposures by William P. Blake, a geologist attached to the Captain Pope Military/ Scientific Expedition of 1854. Attempts were made in the early 1900's to mine these sulphur vent exposures by a retort method, but the ventures met with little success. In 1967, Duval discovered a large sulphur deposit near some of the old sulphur works in Culberson County. Duval also expanded reserves in a small sulphur deposit in Pecos County. The Frasch process, developed for producing sulphur from Gulf Coast salt domes, proved successful in West Texas type sulphur deposits also. However, modifications of the process were necessary to provide economical and efficient sulphur recovery from the varied ore occurrences. West Texas conditions and logistics require the ultimate in productivity to be competitive in the domestic and foreign sulphur markets. Several companies, in addition to Duval, are producing or have produced sulphur in West Texas. As of June 1, 1984, a total of 29.87 million mt (29.4 million long tons) of sulphur had been produced west of the Pecos River. Duval corporation has produced more than 88 percent of that total.

Jan 1, 1992

By Phillip O. Tyree, Joseph W. Mussey

Bio-epigenetic sulphur deposits occur in Pecos, Reeves and Culberson Counties of far West Texas. Sulfate reducing bacteria, utilizing hydrocarbons as energy, transformed gypsum into replacement limestone and hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, retained in the pores of the replacement limestone, was subsequently oxidized by highly oxygenated groundwaters, and native sulphur precipitated. West Texas sulphur was first recognized at surface exposures by William P. Blake, a geologist attached to the Captain Pope Military/ Scientific Expedition of 1854. Attempts were made in the early 1900's to mine these sulphur vent exposures by a retort method, but the ventures met with little success. In 1967, Duval discovered a large sulphur deposit near some of the old sulphur works in Culberson County. Duval also expanded reserves in a small sulphur deposit in Pecos County. The Frasch process, developed for producing sulphur from Gulf Coast salt domes, proved successful in West Texas type sulphur deposits also. However, modifications of the process were necessary to provide economical and efficient sulphur recovery from the varied ore occurrences. West Texas conditions and logistics require the ultimate in productivity to be competitive in the domestic and foreign sulphur markets. Several companies, in addition to Duval, are producing or have produced sulphur in West Texas. As of June 1, 1984, a total of 29.87 million mt (29.4 million long tons) of sulphur had been produced west of the Pecos River. Duval Corporation has produced more than 88 percent of that total.

Jan 1, 1985

By J. B. Scott, J. S. Nelson, G. H. Kruse, W. S. Johnson, K. L. Zerneke

The economics of pressure tunnel design emphasize the utmost utilization of the least expensive pressure-resisting material available, namely, the rock surrounding the tunnel. A major difficulty in the design is the problem of transferring internal hydraulic pressure to the rock through a tunnel lining or membrane provided to maintain watertight conditions. The lining is necessary not only to prevent water loss, but to prevent the diffusion of water at high pressure through joints and fractures beyond the confines of the tunnel, an occurrence which could ultimately affect the stability of the rock mass through which the tunnel passes. Because of its toughness and ability to bridge localized areas of weakness, steel is used for a lining material whenever high internal pressures are involved. The steel lining is coupled to the surrounding rock mass through an annular ring of concrete backfill. It is paradoxical that the steel lining, needed primarily to assure water tightness, must of necessity be incorporated into the structure as a major pressure-resisting component, not to augment the bearing capacity of the concrete and rock, but to limit the strain for the safety and preservation of the steel lining itself. With the deformation modulus of the steel so much greater than that of the rock, the liner approaches its yield strength before the load capacity of the rock can be fully mobilized. An economical determination of plate thickness for steel liners is therefore dependent upon measurement of the properties of the surround-

Jan 1, 1970

By I. N. Zavarine

The observations presented in this paper were recorded during a study of the spheroidizing process. Spheroidization of cementite in steel is either brought about to develop a set of desirable mechanical properties or is an incidental result of mechanical and heat-treating manipulations. Physical properties of steel are materially influenced by the state of the cementite. Conversion of cementite from the lamellar to the spheroidal state is usually accompanied by a decrease of hardness and of strength and by an increase in ductility. The spheroidized structure is usually considered as an ultimate step in the process of the softening of steel. The unorthodox hardening of a 3.5 per cent Ni steel (SAE No. 2330) after a heat-treatment that previously proved entirely suitable for a complete spheroidization of cementite in carbon steels led to the observations that constitute the subject of the present paper. Experimental Procedure The steels used for the experiments described were bought on the market. All were in the form of 3/4-in. round bars. Their chemical compositions are given in Table 1. The spheroidization of cementite in steels can be obtained in several ways. The method used in the present work is, perhaps, the least known. It consists of cyclic heating and cooling of steel, the temperature being

Jan 1, 1939

By I. N. Zavarine

The observations presented in this paper were recorded during a study of the spheroidizing process. Spheroidization of cementite in steel is either brought about to develop a set of desirable mechanical properties or is an incidental result of mechanical and heat-treating manipulations. Physical properties of steel are materially influenced by the state of the cementite. Conversion of cementite from the lamellar to the spheroidal state is usually accompanied by a decrease of hardness and of strength and by an increase in ductility. The spheroidized structure is usually considered as an ultimate step in the process of the softening of steel. The unorthodox hardening of a 3.5 per cent Ni steel (SAE No. 2330) after a heat-treatment that previously proved entirely suitable for a complete spheroidization of cementite in carbon steels led to the observations that constitute the subject of the present paper. Experimental Procedure The steels used for the experiments described were bought on the market. All were in the form of 3/4-in. round bars. Their chemical compositions are given in Table 1. The spheroidization of cementite in steels can be obtained in several ways. The method used in the present work is, perhaps, the least known. It consists of cyclic heating and cooling of steel, the temperature being

Jan 1, 1939