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By C. H. North, L. E. Lynd, W. W. Anderson, H. Sigurdson

CONSIDERABLE uncertainty is revealed in the literature regarding the nature of the titanium minerals which make up the bulk of the heavy, opaque fractions of numerous beach sand deposits of the world. An investigation was made, therefore, of beach sand concentrates of North Carolina, Florida, Brazil, and India. Magnetic concentration, X-ray, and microscope data were obtained which show that these concentrates consist essentially of ilmenite and its alteration products. The alteration, brought about by oxidation and leaching of iron values, has resulted in upgrading the ores to a range of 56 to 64 pct TiO2, as compared with 52.7 pct in ilmenite of theoretical composition. Conclusions drawn regarding the nature of the dominant titanium-bearing mineral in beach sand deposits have been based mainly on chemical composition, specific gravity, and petrography. This material has usually been referred to as ilmenite or weathered ilmenite. It has also been referred to as arizonite because in chemical composition it resembles an occurrence in Arizona which was described by Palmer1 in 1909.

Jan 8, 1954

By L. Frank, Nason

THE complete statistics of zinc-ore production in the United States for 1916 are not yet available. The following figures are, therefore, only approximate. The total production of concentrates for this year, including New Jersey and Tennessee, amounts to 1,280,000 tons. Of this tonnage, five mines produced approximately 536,000 tons, or about 42 per cent. The remaining concentrates came mainly from the "Valley States," Missouri, Wisconsin, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The 1,280,000 tons of concentrates represent about 25,000,000 tons of crude or run-of-mine ore. Of the five mines producing the 42 per cent., the dimensions of three are approximately 25 by 1,500 by 2,000 ft. (7.6 by 457 by 610, m.) or more. Tour of the five mines are undoubtedly veins in the common acceptance of the term. They are located in great vein systems. The mines of "Valley States" have not, so far, been classed as veins; simply as "secondary deposits." The origin of these secondary deposits has been a warmly debated subject. Many geologists contend that they are the results of leaching from overlying and from adjacent rocks carrying but traces of zinc, these traces leached out and deposited in favorable loci. If this theory is correct, deposition is strictly limited to shallow depths. No volume of ore comparable to that of "true fissure veins" is to be expected. Just what this means to the future of zinc mining in these States is here indicated. The total zinc areas of these States amounts to about 9,124- sq. miles (23,631 sq. km.).- Assuming that 10 per cent. of this total will be more or less productive, there are 912 sq. miles (2,362 sq, km.) of "mineral? ground. The average depth of the operated mines is something like 100 ft. or less. In Bulletin 606, U. S. Geological Survey (1915), p. 202, Siebenthal makes the following statement: "The writer is informed by William Waugh, one of the drillers of the Stone City well, that cuttings from other wells which he drilled in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, Kan., have shown galena and sphalerite taken from a depth of 591 ft. (180.14 m.) and that the showing of ore at some places would be considered good enough to justify the sinking of a shaft had it been found in the Joplin district and at shallower depths." Leaving out of the question the prohibitive cost of such a shaft, there is

Jan 5, 1917

H. A. BUEHLER, Rolla, Mo. -I consider the lead .and zinc deposits of the Mississippi Valley to be the result of descending waters. There are many features that we have not determined and yet when you see the general field relations, it seems to me that the cause and effect can be well explained by descending circulation. In the Joplin-Miami district, for instance, the ore deposits are connected with openings or with old cavity fillings which have a direct connection downward from the surface to practically 300 ft. In the Miami camp, in the western part of the field, some of the deepest orebodies are directly connected with water, channels; the same condition has been obvious and always present with the shallower ores. I speak of one deposit that I have examined more thoroughly than any other in that district, the Admiralty property, which contains large openings or caves at the deepest levels. It seems to me that waters which would pass upward through 1800 ft. of dolomite would be saturated with lime and magnesia so far as the carbon dioxide of those waters would dissolve them, and therefore, on

Jan 1, 1918

By A. P. Herring, M. Hoover, D. W. Fuerstenau

The dissolution of nickel, copper, and cobalt from five different samples of well-characterized deep sea manganese nodules was measured as a function of temperature, pH, leaching time, and particle size. Nickel, copper, and cobalt extraction each respond to these variables in a different manner. The results of this investigation indicate that copper and nickel can be selectively dissolved from iron and manganese at moderately low pH, provided the reaction is given sufficient time. A high dissolution of cobalt with dilute sulfuric acid can only be achieved from nodules that have a low iron content (<5%). The most probable rate-controlling step for copper and cobalt dissolution is diffusion through the pores of the nodules, and for nickel dissolution chemical reaction appears to be rate-controlling.

Jan 1, 1974

By D. Brion, J. J. Prédali, J. Hayer

The need to grind volcanic-sedimentary ores very finely (d80 < 20 µm) so as to liberate Pb, Zn, and Cu sulfides from their pyritic gangue causes difficulties in selective flotation. The pyrite, which accounts for 70-80% of the mineral content, is insufficiently depressed by the usual pH and NaCN techniques. To determine better depressing methods, the surface evolution of pyrite during flotation was followed by ESCA spectroscopy to compare the stability range in the Eh-pH diagram. Surface iron hydroxide was formed, which is the main pyrite-depressing factor. NaCN appears to play a more restrictive part, since no ferricyanides were detected, except for very small amounts at pH 7.

Jan 1, 1980

By Norman F. Schulz

Relative fineness is an important characteristic of iron ore balling feeds. It is frequently expressed in terms of the Blaine Number which is determined by standardized permeametry procedures. Inconsistencies in Blaine Number specifications for balling feeds from different sources prompted an investigation of permeability methods. A revised procedure for permeametry tests was developed for use with conventional apparatus that yields an Effective Blaine Number which is similar to the Standard Blaine Number except that it more accurately describes the effective fineness of the actual test sample.

Jan 1, 1980

By Dale A. Augenstein, S. C. Sun

A primary concern in the solution of any solid waste disposal problem is the characterization of the material. In the past, available methodology for the determination of coal refuse characteristics has been severely limited by the inseparable combination of organic and inorganic matter of which the refuse is comprised. The recent development of an electronic, low temperature asher which removes the organic material without alteration of the inorganic constituents has opened new areas of coal and coal refuse research. This study deals with the development of methodology for the characterization of Pennsylvania anthracite refuse through utilization of the low temperature asher. Seven samples of anthracite refuse were examined for verification of the methodology developed and information concerning the characteristics of the refuse.

Jan 1, 1975

By K. H. Nimerick

A recent study has attempted to identify properties of hard-to-float coal that make them responsive to froth conditioning. Froth conditioning is the process of chemically enhancing the hydrophobic surface character of fine coal particles to improve their recovery by froth flotation. Since its introduction, froth conditioning has enabled recovery of an additional 1.9 Mt (2.1 million st) of coal. This study correlates field results to chemical, physical, and petrographic properties. The most direct correlation relates the coal&apos;s oxygen content to its response to froth conditioning. The higher the oxygen content, the greater the benefits of froth conditioning.

Jan 1, 1985

By S. Chander, V. N. Sharma

Nickeliferous laterite ore from Sukinda, Orissa (India), consists of very fine particles agglomerated into larger aggregates. The ore is chemically and mineralogically complex and presents many characterization and beneficiation problems. In this study the results of a detailed investigation to characterize the ore by several techniques are discussed. Various techniques used for characterisation include elemental analysis, electron microscopy, electronspectroscopy for chemical analysis, x-ray and electron diffraction, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses, EDAX analysis, Mössbauer and infrared spectroscopy. Generally one method compliments the other and it is shown that a combination of several techniques is necessary to fully characterize the ore. The scope and limitations of the techniques are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1980

By R. Hogg

INTRODUCTION As mineral particles are made smaller and smaller, it follows that their surfaces assume a greater and greater importance. In the extreme, the colloidal systems are characterized by the complete dominance of surface over bulk properties. Surface characteristics and properties will clearly influence any fine-particle processing operation. Comminution, for example, is a process of creating new surface. Agglomeration, on the other hand, may involve the reduction of surface area and the forces involved are generally surface forces. All mineral separations, solid-solid as well as solid-fluid, involve the treatment of two or more phases (solid plus liquid and/or gas). As the interfacial area increases, so will its effects on processing. Both physical and chemical separations are influenced by interfacial phenomena. Gravity separations are usually performed in a liquid phase and may be affected, for example, by the wetting characteristics of the solids. Flotation processes, of course, are based on the exploitation of differences in surface properties. Hydrometallurgical processing usually involves interfacial chemical reactions, e.g. leaching. The rates of such reactions depend on surface area and may be influenced by electrochemical effects in the electrical double layer at the solid-liquid interface, or by adsorption of reactant and/or product species from solution. In characterizing a mineral surface, it is important to consider first the surface area, since this determines the relative importance of the interfacial effects. The structure and chemical composition of the surface, which may depend on segregation of impurities within the solid and on adsorption from the external environment as well as on the bulk composition of the solid, will generally determine such

Jan 1, 1980

By H. A. Hamza, N. E. Andersen

Emulsions have long occupied an important position in many industries. In the petroleum industry, where enhanced oil recovery techniques such as steam stimulation, flooding, etc. are being increasingly practiced, emulsions are very frequently produced. Characterization of these emulsions are an important prerequisite for monitoring and evaluation of the recovery processes. Emulsion properties will also determine the type of treatment required to separate and recover the oil phase. A variety of laboratory, pilot-scale and field-generated emulsions were characterized. Coulter technique results for size analysis are compared with microscopy (image analysis) and laser light scattering methods; Coulter determined oil contents are compared with gravimetric and volumetric methods of analysis.

Jan 1, 1980

By Roger C. Ilsley

The $2.1 billion Milwaukee Water Pollution Abatement Program (MWAP) requires the construction of several miles of underground openings at depths up to 350 feet for the conveyance and storage of sewage and storm water overflows. The system will include approximately 27km (17 miles) of deep tunnels ranging from 3m (10 f t.) to 9m (30 f t.) in diameter, 26 shafts and a pumping station cavern. The facilities will be located primarily in Silurian Age dolomites of the Niagara Group. The rock is characterized as competent with vertical to sub-vertical orthogonal jointing and predominantly thin shale bedding planes. The site investigation was carried out incrementally, commencing on an area wide basis, becoming site specific as facility plans were developed. To achieve cost savings through uniformity and continuity, a computerized data bank was established. Software was developed during the initial stages of the program for the production of borehole logs, structure contour maps, geologic profiles and summaries of data for statistical evaluations. This paper discusses in general terms the collection, compilation and presentation of data necessary for the characterization of the rock mass.

Jan 1, 1984

By J. E. Russell, Y. J. Wang

In this paper, we report the results of a study of the characteristics of Texas lignite based on a proximate analysis data base previously published by the Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin and the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The original impetus for this study was the desire to perform a parameter study in connection with the siting of potential underground gasification tests in Texas. A numerical model of the gasification process was available and required proximate analysis data, among other parameters, as input. If proximate data were available for a particular site, a prediction of the product gas quality could be made. However, in preliminary siting studies, it would be advantageous to know what the desirable characteristics of the lignite are, in order to target general areas for drilling. Consequently, a parameter study was in order. This paper presents the methodology required to systematically vary proximate analysis parameters and estimate the corresponding energy content for various group(or formation)-facies classifications of Texas lignite.

Jan 1, 1983

By Mary Sue Coates

Characterization of the rock mass in which deep underground structures are to be located is of critical importance to the feasibility and design of the structures. The process involves areal studies, subsurface exploration and extensive testing to obtain comprehensive data on the rock units which will enclose the excavated structures. The Illinois Deep Hole Project provides an example of characterization of rock at great depth describing the types and variety of tests and studies which were utilized and the results obtained.

Jan 1, 1984

By W. J. Croft, R. J. Arnott

A series of commercial titanium diboride powders have been characterized in terms of X-ray crystallography, composition, particle size distribution, and particle shape. These materials were used in sintering experiments from which the effect of impurities on the sintering temperature was observed. Transmission electron microscopic observations have been made on Ion milled and chemically milled hot pressed material. Dislocations have been observed as well as grain boundary phases. Limited bonding between grains seems to account for poor mechanical properties. Observations have been made of preferred crystallographic orientation in hot pressed material.

Jan 1, 1985

By Donald F. Saunders

Means and relative standard deviations were calculated for eU, eTh, K, and their ratios for aerial gamma-ray spectral data in 29 quadrangles at 1:250,000 scale. Known or suspected uraniferous provinces were characterized by: 1) Higher eU, eTh, and K means (due to generally higher radioelement concentrations); 2) Higher relative standard deviations for eU, eU/eTh, and eU/K (reflecting the presence of local uranium enrichments); and

Jan 12, 1979

By Donald F. Saunders

Means and relative standard deviations were calculated for eU, eTh, K, and their ratios for aerial gamma-ray spectral data in 29 quadrangles at 1:250,000 scale. Known or suspected uraniferous provinces were characterized by: 1) Higher eU, eTh, and K means (due to generally higher radioelement concentrations); 2) Higher relative standard deviations for eU, eU/eTh, and eU/K (reflecting the presence of local uranium enrichments); and lower mean eU/eTh and eU/K values (showing uranium loss from "average" rocks to form local enrichments). "Uranium favorability indexes," i.e., combinations of the sensitive variables, show an excellent qualitative relationship to known occurences and geologic favorability. Results appear to confirm the existence of long-term crustal uranium provinces formed at the time of emplacement of the oldest known rocks.

Jan 1, 1980

By R. H. Sweetser

THERE are SO many conditions affecting blast-furnace results that it is hard to get satisfactory comparative data on the working of two furnaces, and much more difficult to get comparable results from the use of two entirely different fuels. The several advantages of charcoal over coke as a blast-furnace fuel have doubtless been apparent to many managers; but probably the conditions for comparative tests of the two were never so favorable as during the year 1905, at the works of the Algoma Steel Co., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, which comprise two modern blast-furnaces, well equipped, though of comparatively small capacity. For four consecutive months one of these furnaces was run with charcoal and the other with coke. Then the charcoal-furnace ran for a while with part charcoal and part coke; and, still later, with coke only. The ore-mixtures were about the same in the two furnaces, and, of course, all the climatic conditions were identical. The dimensions of the two furnaces, and their work with the different fuels, are given in Table I.

Jan 5, 1908

By B. VISWANATH

T HE Mysore iron works, at Bhadravati, about 2000 ft. above sea level in the Shimoga district of Mysore, British India, is served by a meter gage branch line of the Mysore State Railways. The works which were designed and erected by Perin & Marshall, who still act as consulting engineers, are surrounded by a thickly wooded country which sup- plies about 400 tons per day of wood for fuel. The ore deposits lie 20 miles to the south, and limestone quarries are close by the works. The Bhadra river sup- plies the works and the town with the necessary quantity of water. Dwelling houses for the employees

Jan 1, 1930

By Ralph H. Sweetser

AT the end of 1943 the charcoal pig iron capacity of the United States was at the lowest point in over 1110 years, with only one strictly charcoal blast furnace in operation, and all others permanently out of blast except one in Tennessee d reported to he running on part charcoal and part coke. Such a decrease in production has taken place in spite of the O.P A.&apos;s high-premium price on charcoal pig iron of +34 per ton f.o.b. furnace in Michigan. Depletion of the hardwood supply within fifty mlles or inure of the blast furnace is the reason why; the deplorable lack of reforesting is the cause.

Jan 1, 1944