Analysis and optimization of mineral processing and coal-cleaning circuits — Circuit analysis

In mineral processing and coal cleaning operations, there are two classes of unit operations used in the separation processes. The first type — crushing, grinding, pelletizing and settling — modifies the size distribution of the feed. The second type — heavy media, sizing, flotation, magnetic, electrostatic and jigging — separates the particles. In these latter unit operations, the size distribution is not changed; rather, the feed stream is split into a product and waste stream based on subtle physical and physicochemical differences between the different types of feed particles. In separation unit operations, the mathematical functions, representing the behavior of the unit operations, are easy to manipulate. Thus, a number of theorems, useful to both the plant designer, and the plant engineer, can be proven.The work presented in this paper makes the fundamental assumption of linearity as do all current plant design analysis systems. The linearity assumption states that in a separation operation, there is no particle-particle interaction effecting the probability that a particle will be selected for the product or waste stream. In other words, if one doubles or triples the feed rate to a unit operation, the fraction of particles of a given characteristic selected to appear in the product stream remains unchanged. In actuality, this assumption is not true because higher feed rates affect the behavior of separation operations. However, when designing a plant, one can calculate the feed rate to a given unit operation and then select a piece of equipment large enough to handle the computed tonnage. Thus, the designed circuit behaves linearly.     

An analysis of medium losses in coal washing plants

A major operating cost in dense-medium separation is in replacement of lost medium solids. The loss of medium solids, being costly, plays a crucial role in determining the economics of any preparation operation. Coal washeries that employ dense-medium cyclones often attempt optimization of the processes by varying the vortex or the spigot diameter and the feed relative density. While these changes help in closer control of the separation process, they also result in medium losses due to changes in the medium split ratio (ratio of the medium flow rate in overflow to underflow). Since medium solids are lost by adhesion to products and as magnetic separator effluent, the effect of the change in medium split ratio on the drain-and-rinse screens and, hence, the magnetic separator circuit needs to be studied. In Tata Steel's coal washeries, at Jharkhand India, which employs primary and secondary dense-medium cyclones in series to produce clean coal, middlings and rejects, reducing the relative density of feed medium, had an insignificant effect on the medium split ratio. On the other hand, changing the cone ratio (ratio of the overflow diameter to the underflow diameter) changed the relative density and the flow rates through the cyclone outlets, thus affecting the performance of the magnetite recovery circuit.A systematic study through laboratory tests and a detailed plant sampling campaign helped in identifying the causes of magnetite loss. Upon implementation of the recommendations, the magnetite losses decreased, resulting in a saving of approximately US$27,500 per annum. The study also helped in evolving some checkpoints for plant operators for identifying magnetite losses.     

An appreciation of galena concentration using a steady-state flotation model

A general-purpose computer program has been developed for the steady-state modelling of flotation plants. It permits simulation of flotation banks, made up of any number of cells, interconnected if necessary through a regrind unit. Specification of the fresh feed material in terms of the relative amounts and flotation-rate behaviour of its flotable components is necessary so that the program can then calculate the concentration of these components in all the plant streams.The use of the program for plant investigation is demonstrated using data for a lead concentration plant. The model was fitted to steady-state plant data and then tested by comparing the predictions of the model with actual plant measurements at a second feed condition. Full circuit simulation results are also presented to show how steady-state modelling can be used to give information on the likely response of the plant to other changes in feed material and the benefits which might result from rearrangements of the circuit.     

Geomagnetic Hazards to Conducting Networks

Geomagnetic disturbances can disrupt the operation of conductingnetworks, such as power systems, pipelines and communication cables. In power systems,geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) flow to ground through power transformers,disrupting their operation and causing transformer heating, increased reactive power demand,and generating harmonics that can cause relay misoperation. In extreme cases these effectscan lead to power blackouts such as occurred on the Hydro-Québec system during a geomagneticstorm in March 1989 leaving 6 million people without power for 9 hours.Geomagnetic disturbances are the result of eruptions on theSun that send high energy particles streaming out into space. When these particles reach theEarth they interact with the magnetic field, generating currents that flow down into the ionosphere.The most intense currents are associated with the aurora and occur in an east-west bandacross Canada. It is the magnetic field produced by these ionospheric currents that is seen on theground as a magnetic disturbance.Prevention of geomagnetic effects on power systems hasfocussed on blocking the flow of GIC in the system. However, such measures are expensive andmany utilities rely on forecasts of geomagnetic activity to help them operate during disturbances.The Canadian Geomagnetic Forecast Service, operated by Natural Resources Canada,has been in operation since 1974 and now provides long term and short term forecasts for threelatitude regions of Canada.Research is needed on all aspects of the problem; from newinformation about solar eruptions for improving forecasting services; to understanding systemresponse to disturbances. Research on geomagnetic disturbances is conducted by the CanadianGeomagnetic Forecasting Centre and a number of active groups at Canadian universities; whileresearch on geomagnetic effects is conducted by affected industries, often in collaborationwith the forecasting centre.     

A theoretical analysis and control study of open-circuit grinding

Regrinding is an essential step in many mineral processing flowsheets as a final preparatory step for mineral separation. It is normally carried out in open-circuit ball mills or rod mills. Wide fluctuations occurring in the hardness and size distribution of feed materials to regrinding mills result in a nonuniform product fineness and processing inefficiency. Using a previously developed regrinding model, this paper presents the dynamic analysis and design considerations of a control system for open-circuit grinding, using the traditional P-, PI-, and PID-control algorithms. This study shows the utility of simple analysis techniques in designing a mineral process control system with special attention given to the effect of sampling and analysis time on control system performance.     

Dynamic model of flotation cell banks — circuit analysis

While all mineral industry flotation circuits are stable, they are sensitive to low-frequency perturbations in the feedrate. In both countercurrent and cocurrent circuits, the lead cell is more sensitive to feed variations. The frequency response predicts the amount of extra cell capacity needed to handle the maximum feed due to a sinusoidal forcing function. Feedback loops are more significant than sump delays. The countercurrent $\text{4 × 4}$ circuit floating quartz, with a 200-sec retention time, requires 75 minutes for the concentration of quartz in the input to the first cell to reach 95% of its steady-state value. Countercurrent circuits were found superior to cocurrent circuits in all respects.     

旋挖钻机回油系统及补油系统的分析和应用

旋挖钻机的回油系统及补油系统在整车液压系统中具有重要作用,是影响整车液压油液的通畅循环和各执行元件的平稳起停的重要因素,进而影响着整车运动部件的和谐运转。因此,合理科学的设计回油系统及补油系统是旋挖钻机技术提升的重点。通过对液压油冷却系统中回油系统及补油系统管路的设计方式、存在的问题、改进措施及改进前后性能比较的详细阐述,进一步综合分析了回油及补油系统之间的相互作用。     

CYG-300型多功能全液压钻机的设计

主要介绍了CYG-300型多功能全液压钻机的总体结构和液压系统的设计及其主要功能。该钻机采用负载反馈系统,动力头双液压马达和两挡手动变速,使之输出4挡不同无级变化的扭矩和转速;在液压系统给进回路中设置相应的控制阀,增加了钻机的旋喷功能,使得钻机适用范围更广,实现功能更多。野外试钻表明,该钻机运行情况良好,钻进能力强,操作方便。     

Linking dynamic elastic parameters to static state of stress: toward an integrated approach to subsurface stress analysis

Stress is the most important parameter to understand basin dynamics and the evolution of hydrocarbon systems. The state of stress can be quantified by numerical geo-mechanical modelling techniques. These techniques require static elastic parameters of the rocks as input, while tectonic and gravitational forces are given as explicit boundary conditions to compute the local state of stress at different scales. We developed a technique to determine the density and elastic constants at seismic frequencies using full Zoeppritz inversion on angle-dependent seismic reflection data. The dynamic elastic parameters as obtained from seismic data differ from their static equivalents, which are necessary to determine the static state of stress. The dynamic elastic parameters are related to their static equivalents through experimentally obtained relations. In these rock-physics experiments, the static and dynamic elastic parameters are measured simultaneously during different external loading conditions. The experiments used here are all carried out in a tri-axial pressure machine under equal axial stresses. Then pre-stack seismic data analysis in combination with the relation between the static and dynamic elastic parameters, from the rock-physics experiments, provides the input parameters for geo-mechanical modelling.     

Dynamic implication of biomass energy consumption on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from panel data analysis

The present article examines the dynamic linkages between biomass energy consumption, capital stock, human capital and economic growth across selected Sub-Saharan African countries based on dynamic heterogeneous panels of a mean group (MG) and pooled mean group (PMG) techniques. The finding based on PMG as the preferred method reveals that biomass energy consumption, capital stock and human capital are statistically significant, which means aforementioned variables have positive significant impact on economic growth in the countries studied. When an alternative panel estimation techniques of panel cointegration, dynamic OLS (DOLS) and fully modified OLS (FMOLS) are applied, the result based on panel cointegration technique reveals that biomass energy consumption, capital stock, human capital and economic growth are cointegrated as null hypothesis of most statistics are rejected at 1 % level of significance. The finding based on FMOLS shows that biomass energy consumption, capital stock and human capital positively influences economic growth at 1 % level and same result is obtained from panel OLS. The result based on DOLS however reveals that biomass energy consumption and capital stock are significant at 1 % on economic growth while human capital is insignificant. Considering its positive effect on economic growth with little or no environmental degradation when compared with fossil fuel uses, consumption of biomass energy is more preferable in these countries therefore is the best option to adopt by the policy makers of Sub-Saharan African countries.     

动力触探杆长修正系数试验研究

动力触探是一种应用广泛的原位测试技术,其动探杆长最大可达到上百米,在实际应用中需要进行杆长修正,目前规范中关于动力触探杆长修正问题,给出了以牛顿弹性碰撞理论和弹性杆波动理论为基础的两种修正方法,依据两种理论得出的修正系数是截然不同的。动力触探试验成果应该如何进行杆长修正,是限制该方法应用的重大问题。针对动力触探杆长修正问题,提出了室内模型试验,并依据砂砾石和均质砂两种地基土进行不同杆长的重型动力触探模型试验,杆长分别为2.0、8.9、16.4、23.4、30.0、36.0 m。通过试验,得到重型动力触探杆长修正系数。分析认为,重型动力触探杆长修正规律符合牛顿弹性碰撞理论,且与地基土材料特性无关。     

深部岩柱在动态扰动下力学响应的数值模拟

在复杂应力状态下对深部岩柱动态扰动的力学响应进行了数值模拟。通过改变侧压系数,来改变岩柱所受的地应力状态,进而分析不同应力状态下岩柱对外界动力扰动的力学响应;通过改变动态扰动的作用时间,来分析动态扰动时间的变化对处于不同应力状态下的岩柱稳定性的影响。数值模拟结果表明,动态扰动对巷道岩柱破坏的触发与岩柱所处的地应力状态密切相关,侧压系数越小,外界的动态扰动对其影响就越明显。动态扰动的作用时间也是影响巷道岩柱稳定的重要因素,随着应力波作用时间的延长,动态扰动给巷道稳定性带来的影响越大。     

Numerical algorithm for the dynamic analysis of base-isolated structures with dry friction

This paper deals with the techniques for solving ordinary differential equations with essential nonlinearity arising from the representation of frictional force by the sign function of the relative velocity. This problem is connected with dynamic behavior studies of base-isolated structures with dry friction devices.Mathematical evidence is presented concerning the inaccuracies of the solution which are connected with the representation of the frictional force by the sign function. An approximation of this sign model is made on the basis of the appropriate linearization of a small part of the frictional force function. A numerical algorithm for the dynamic analysis of base-isolated structures with dry friction is proposed. Numerical tests are carried out for establishing the exactness of the proposed techniques. The obtained results prove the accuracy of the techniques.     

盾构隧道抗震分析的静力推覆方法

利用动力时程法对盾构隧道进行抗震分析时,计算时间长,工作量大,土体本构以及阻尼的选择困难,不利于工程设计广泛应用。为了解决这些困难,借鉴地上结构静力推覆分析方法的思想,并结合盾构隧道的地震响应主要由周围土体的地震响应所控制的这一特点,改进了静力推覆方法中的水平加载模式,提出了适用于盾构隧道抗震分析的静力推覆分析方法,并引入了隧道倾斜度的概念来衡量隧道的抗震性能。此法通过对计算模型施加沿地层深度方向分布的倒三角侧向水平位移,来模拟地震对盾构隧道的作用,概念清楚,考虑了隧道与周围土体的相互作用,避免了在动力时程分析中所涉及的土体本构和阻尼的选择、计算模型边界条件等复杂问题,大大降低了盾构隧道抗震分析的难度,同时,可以得到隧道的抗震能力曲线。与动力时程分析的对比结果表明,在弹性阶段,此法的计算结果合理,具有较高的精度,适用于盾构隧道抗震设计。     

基于梯度分析法的长江上游水库群供水-发电-环境互馈关系解析

长江上游水资源耦合系统优化调控涉及供水、发电和生态需水等相互竞争、不可公度的调控目标。其供水-发电-环境互馈协变机制难以数学解析和刻画，多维目标效益均衡优化调控难以实施。为此，以多目标优化、运筹学理论及方法为基础，提出了基于梯度分析法的供水-发电-环境两两互馈关系研究方法。通过多目标约束优化方法求解长江上游水库群联合优化调度在供水-发电-环境目标空间的最优解集，并进行插值构造了供水-发电-环境互馈关系多维空间曲面，以此为基础，采用一阶差分近似求解供水对环境和发电对环境偏导函数值，以量化环境对供水变化和发电变化响应的梯度，进而解析环境-供水和环境-发电间互馈协变关系。该方法为水库群优化调度多目标互馈关系研究提供了一种新的思路。     

基于梯度分析法的长江上游水库群供水-发电-环境互馈关系解析

长江上游水资源耦合系统优化调控涉及供水、发电和生态需水等相互竞争、不可公度的调控目标。其供水-发电-环境互馈协变机制难以数学解析和刻画，多维目标效益均衡优化调控难以实施。为此，以多目标优化、运筹学理论及方法为基础，提出了基于梯度分析法的供水-发电-环境两两互馈关系研究方法。通过多目标约束优化方法求解长江上游水库群联合优化调度在供水-发电-环境目标空间的最优解集，并进行插值构造了供水-发电-环境互馈关系多维空间曲面，以此为基础，采用一阶差分近似求解供水对环境和发电对环境偏导函数值，以量化环境对供水变化和发电变化响应的梯度，进而解析环境-供水和环境-发电间互馈协变关系。该方法为水库群优化调度多目标互馈关系研究提供了一种新的思路。     

参数反演在岩质高边坡变形与稳定分析中的应用

由于边坡岩体本身的非均质性和赋存环境的复杂性,以及边坡岩体的力学特性参数及赋存环境总是处在动态的演化过程之中,因此,决定参数取值是数值计算中的一个难点,它直接关系到计算成果的准确性与可靠性。在材料参数反演分析的基础上,对三峡永久船闸边坡的开挖效应进行了分析,并进一步分析了三峡船闸的应力变形状态,旨在对船闸运行期的变形稳定分析提供依据。     

Probabilistic analysis of strip footings based on enhanced Kriging metamodeling

Two advanced Kriging metamodeling techniques were used to compute the failure probability of geotechnical structures involving spatially varying soil properties. These methods are based on a Kriging metamodel combined with a global sensitivity analysis that is called in literature Global Sensitivity Analysis-enhanced Surrogate (GSAS) modeling for reliability analysis. The GSAS methodology may be used in combination with either the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) or importance sampling (IS) method. The resulting Kriging metamodeling techniques are called GSAS-MCS or GSAS-IS. The objective of these techniques is to reduce the number of calls of the mechanical model as compared with the classical Kriging-based metamodeling techniques (called AK-MCS and AK-IS) combining Kriging with MCS or IS. The soil uncertain parameters were assumed as non-Gaussian random fields. EOLE methodology was used to discretize these random fields. The mechanical models were based on numerical simulations. Some probabilistic numerical results are presented and discussed.     

The separation mechanism and application of a tapered diameter separation bed

Research on recycling waste printed circuit boards is at the forefront of preventing environmental pollution and finding ways to recycle resources. A wet process for reclaiming metals from printed circuit boards applying a tapered diameter separation bed is described, and the separation mechanism of the device is proposed. The motion of a particle in the tapered diameter fluid flow field and particle separation within this field were studied. As the material passes through the fluid field, along with the water, differences in particle density, granularity, and shape cause particles to follow at different trajectories. A tapered diameter separation bed was used to process 1?C0.074?mm-sized crushed material from discarded printed circuit boards. The separation efficiency of 91.77?% and the recovery rate of 95.79?% for recovered metal were achieved with a discharge water flow rate of 4.5m³/h, a material feed rate of 300?g/min, and an obliquity of 30°. For ?0.074?mm printed circuit boards, the metal recovery is 93.42?% and the separation efficiency is 77.63?% when the water discharge is 2?m³/h, the obliquity is 35o, and the material feed rate is 450?g/min. The superfine products in a size range of ?0.074?mm can be recovered effectively under suitable operating condition using the tapered diameter separation bed. It indicates that the lower separation limit of the tapered diameter separation bed can be close to zero. The technique will prevent environmental pollution from waste printed circuit boards and allow efficient recovery.     

Numerical analysis of sampling disturbances in clay soils

In this paper, an insight is provided into the quality of soil samples during the penetration of soil samplers. An updated Lagrangian finite element formulation with the second Piola–Kirchhoff stress rate (the Truesdell stress increment) to account for the large deformation behaviour near the sampling tube is used to determine the mechanical disturbances to a soft clay. The penetration of the sampler is simulated by splitting a group of nodes ahead of the penetration route up to a sufficient depth and applying incremental displacements to match the geometric configuration of the sampling tube. Consolidation effect is included to account for the rate of penetration. Thin-layer elements are added at the inside wall of the sampling tube to model the soil–sampler interface. The numerical results show that the central core of the sample is subjected to three distinct stages of vertical strain history, compression–extension–recompression, with the primary irrecoverable disturbances due to the compression stage ahead of the sampler. The degree of disturbance for a frictionless sampler was found to be constant after a penetration depth of 75 per cent of the sample tube diameter, while for a frictional sampler the degree of disturbances keeps increasing as the penetration proceeds. The results of a parametric study to determine the influence on sampling disturbances due to the rate of penetration, the thickness and the tip angle of the sample tube and sampler type are also presented.