M. Dehvedar; P. Moarefvand; A.R. Kiyani; A. R. Mansouri
Abstract
Inadequate hole cleaning can lead to many problems in horizontal and directional wells. In this work, we tried to investigate the cutting transport phenomenon by an experimental directional drilling simulator, considering the differences between the operational and experimental conditions. The inclination, ...
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Inadequate hole cleaning can lead to many problems in horizontal and directional wells. In this work, we tried to investigate the cutting transport phenomenon by an experimental directional drilling simulator, considering the differences between the operational and experimental conditions. The inclination, fluid type (water, foam, viscous, and dense), rotary speed (0 and 110 rpm), nozzle bit size (4, 6, and 8 mm), and stabilizer location (8 and 95 cm from the bit) were included in the tests as the main parameters. It could be concluded that the nozzle size and the stabilizer position influenced the hole cleaning time. In vertical wells, by decreasing the nozzle size from 8 mm to 4 mm, the hole cleaning time was increased. The presence of stabilizer reduced the cleaning time, and optimizing the stabilizer position reduced the probability of cutting bed formation in all inclinations. Finally, a third polynomial equation was fitted between the dimensionless mass and the dimensionless cleaning time.
M. Taghvaeenejad; M.R. Shayestefar; P. Moarefvand
Abstract
At different stages of mining, we always face a degree of uncertainty. Some of these uncertainties, such as the amount of reserve and grade of the deposit, are due to the inherent changes in the deposit and directly affect the technical and economic indicators of the deposit. On the other hand, the heavy ...
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At different stages of mining, we always face a degree of uncertainty. Some of these uncertainties, such as the amount of reserve and grade of the deposit, are due to the inherent changes in the deposit and directly affect the technical and economic indicators of the deposit. On the other hand, the heavy costs of the exploration sector often limit the amount of exploratory information, which necessitates the use of accurate estimation methods. In this work,we examines the modeling and estimation results using the conventional and simple kriging methods and the effects of the diverse indicators used in the classification of mineral storages or the parameters defining these indices. 127 exploratory boreholes with an average depth of 95 m are used to build the block model of the deposit in the Data Mine software. After the statistical studies, the 3D variographic studies are performed in order to identify the anisotropy of the region. A grade block model is constructed using the optimal variogram parameters.Then, using various methods to estimate the block model uncertainty including the kriging estimation variance, block error estimation, kriging efficiency and slope of regression, the mineral reserves are classified according to the JORC standard code. Based on different cut-off grades, the tonnage and average grade are calculated and plotted. In this work, an innovative quantitative method based on the grade-number and grade-volume fractal model is used to indicate the classification of mineral reserves. The use of fractal patterns due to the amplitude of the variation is greater and more important than the standard and provides us with a better understanding of the deposit changes per block. The existence of a minimal difference between the use of the standard and fractal patterns in the slope of the regression method indicates less error and is a proof of more reliable results.
Rock Mechanics
M. M. Samieinejad; N. Hosseini; K. Ahangari
Abstract
In order to analyze the slope stability in open-pit mines, the structural parameters of rock mass such as persistence and spatial orientation of discontinuities are characterized through field surveys, which involve spending high costs and times as well as posing high risks of rock toppling and rock ...
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In order to analyze the slope stability in open-pit mines, the structural parameters of rock mass such as persistence and spatial orientation of discontinuities are characterized through field surveys, which involve spending high costs and times as well as posing high risks of rock toppling and rock fall. In the present work, a new application of terrestrial digital photogrammetry is introduced for characterizing the rock mass structural parameters through preparing photogrammetry images from open-pit walls and building stereomodels. The data extracted from processing the stereo-model generations using photogrammetry images with different focal distances are highly consistent with the data collected through field surveys. However, it must be noted that the weather conditions, natural lighting angle, and applied observation scale may considerably affect the results obtained from stereomodel processing. Nevertheless, by taking into account the parameters such as time, cost, and full access to the required data, this new method can effectively be used in the estimation of rock mass structural parameters for analysis of steep slopes in open pits.
E. Emami Meybodi; Syed Kh. Hussain; M. Fatehi Marji; V. Rasouli
Abstract
In this work, the machine learning prediction models are used in order to evaluate the influence of rock macro-parameters (uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, and deformation modulus) on the rock fracture toughness related to the micro-parameters of rock. Four different types of machine ...
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In this work, the machine learning prediction models are used in order to evaluate the influence of rock macro-parameters (uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, and deformation modulus) on the rock fracture toughness related to the micro-parameters of rock. Four different types of machine learning methods, i.e. Multivariate Linear Regression (MLR), Multivariate Non-Linear Regression (MNLR), copula method, and Support Vector Regression (SVR) are used in this work. The fracture toughness of mode I and mode II (KIC and KIIC) is selected as the dependent variable, whereas the tensile strength, compressive strength, and elastic modulus are considered as the independent variables, respectively. The data is collected from the literature. The results obtained show that the SVR model predicts the values of KIC and KIIC with the determination coefficients (R2) of 0.73 and 0.77. The corresponding determination coefficient values of the MLR model and the MNLR model for KI and KII are R2 = 0.63, R2 = 0.72, and R2 = 0.62,0.75, respectively. The copula model predicts that the value of R2 for KI is 0.52, and for KII R2=0.69. K-fold cross-validation testing method performs for all these machine learning models. The cross-validation technique shows that SVR is the best-designed model for predicting the fracture toughness mode-I and mode-II.
S. Sepehri; R. Shirinabadi; N. Hosseini Alaee; E. Moosavi; A. H. Bangian Tabrizi
Abstract
In this research work, a 3D numerical modeling technique is proposed based on the 3D particle flow code in order to investigate the failure mechanism of rock foundations. Two series of footings with different geometries and areas are considered in this work. The failure mechanism obtained is similar ...
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In this research work, a 3D numerical modeling technique is proposed based on the 3D particle flow code in order to investigate the failure mechanism of rock foundations. Two series of footings with different geometries and areas are considered in this work. The failure mechanism obtained is similar to that of the Terzaghi’s but there is a negligible difference in between. Lastly, one equation is presented to calculate the bearing capacity based on the results achieved from the numerical model and the Mohr-Coulomb theory. The sensitivity analyses are performed on the friction angle, cohesion, and footing width. The results obtained are compared with the corresponding results given by the equations given by Terzaghi and Meyerhof. This comparison demonstrates a good agreement between them. In the friction angle sensitive analysis, the amounts of the bearing capacity diagram are very close to Meyerhof’s, which overlap with each other.
Rock Mechanics
M. Hosseini
Abstract
Temperature has a significant role in many actions performed on rocks. An example would be the effect of temperature on rocks in the burial of nuclear waste, geothermal energy extraction, deep oil well drilling, and fires in tunnels. In addition, due to diurnal/nocturnal as well as seasonal temperature ...
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Temperature has a significant role in many actions performed on rocks. An example would be the effect of temperature on rocks in the burial of nuclear waste, geothermal energy extraction, deep oil well drilling, and fires in tunnels. In addition, due to diurnal/nocturnal as well as seasonal temperature variations, rocks undergo a process of heating and cooling. In the present work, the effect of temperature as well as heating and cooling cycles on the rock properties was studied. The utilized samples included tuff, andesite, and sandstone. In addition to natural samples, concrete was also studied in this research work. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of temperature on the tensile strength of rocks and the velocity of longitudinal waves in a single heating and cooling cycle of samples as well as evaluating the effect of the number of heating and cooling cycles on the tensile strength of rocks and the velocity of longitudinal waves. In order to investigate the effect of temperature on the tensile strength of rocks as well as the velocity of longitudinal waves in a single heating and cooling cycle, the samples were heated in a furnace. After cooling the samples, the Brazilian and the sound velocity tests were carried out on them. These tests were conducted at the three temperatures of 100, 200, and 300 °C. In order to examine the effect of the number of heating and cooling cycles on the tensile strength and the velocity of longitudinal waves, the samples were heated up to the temperature of 100 °C and then cooled down in order to reach the room temperature. In this case, the work was conducted in the three modes of 5, 10, and 15 cycles. The test results showed that the velocity of longitudinal waves and the tensile strength of samples decreased but their porosity increased. Reduction in the tensile strength varied in different rocks so that the greatest and lowest reduction in the tensile strength was observed in concrete and andesite, respectively.
Exploitation
M. Mohtasham Seyfi; J. Khademi Hamidi; M. Monjezi; A. Hosseini
Abstract
Methane gas emission, accumulation, and explosion are the most important risk factors in underground coal mines. Hence, having a knowledge of methane gas emission potential in underground coal mines is of crucial importance in preventing the explosion risk, loss of life, and property, and providing miners' ...
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Methane gas emission, accumulation, and explosion are the most important risk factors in underground coal mines. Hence, having a knowledge of methane gas emission potential in underground coal mines is of crucial importance in preventing the explosion risk, loss of life, and property, and providing miners' safety. The purpose of this work is to provide the prediction maps for the C1, C2, and B2 coal seams gas contents, and to identify high gas content panels in the Parvadeh No. 1, Tabas coal mine. For this, the data collected from exploratory boreholes is put into geostatistical analysis in ArcGIS in order to estimate the coal seams gas content in unsampled points using the kriging estimation method. Reviewing the gas content maps has revealed that seams of C1, B2, and C2 have gas contents more than 15 cubic meters per ton in about 84%, 55%, and 22% of the understudied area, respectively. The present work highlights the potential and the need for implementation of a methane pre-drainage system, particularly in deeper longwall panels.
H. Azmi; P. Moarefvand; A. Maghsoudi
Abstract
Delineation of oxide and sulfide zones in mineral deposits, especially in gold deposits, is one of the most essential steps in an exploration project that has been traditionally carried out using the drilling results. Since in most mineral exploration projects there is a limited drilling dataset, application ...
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Delineation of oxide and sulfide zones in mineral deposits, especially in gold deposits, is one of the most essential steps in an exploration project that has been traditionally carried out using the drilling results. Since in most mineral exploration projects there is a limited drilling dataset, application of geophysical data can reduce the error in delineation of the sulfide and oxide zones. For this purpose, we produced a 3D model of Induced Polarization (IP) data using the ordinary kriging technique. Then the modelling results were compared with the drilling data. The results obtained showed that the 3D geophysical models would properly delineate the sulfide and oxides zones. This work presents a new application of the IP results for separation of these zones. In addition, the conducted variography in this work suggests reducing the profile spacing of dipole-dipole IP arrays down to 25 m. This would properly enrich the integration of geophysical and geological results in the modelling of gold deposits.
E. Bahri; A. Alimoradi; M. Yousefi
Abstract
There are different exploration methods, each of which may introduce a number of promising exploration targets. However, due to the financial and time constraints, only a few of them are selected as the exploration priorities. Instead of the individual use of any exploration method, it is common to integrate ...
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There are different exploration methods, each of which may introduce a number of promising exploration targets. However, due to the financial and time constraints, only a few of them are selected as the exploration priorities. Instead of the individual use of any exploration method, it is common to integrate the results of different methods in an interdependent framework in order to recognize the best targets for further exploration programs. In this work, the continuously-weighted evidence maps of proximity to intrusive contacts, faults density, and stream sediment geochemical anomalies of a set of porphyry copper deposits in the Jiroft region of the Kerman Province in Iran are first generated using the logistic functions. The weighted evidence maps are then integrated using the union score integration function in order to model the deposit type in the studied area. The weighting and integration approaches applied avoid the disadvantages of the traditional methods in terms of carrying the bias and error resulting from the weighting procedure. Evaluation of the ensuing prospectivity model generated demonstrate that the prediction rate of the model is acceptable, and the targets generated are reliable to follow up the exploration program in the studied area.
M. Hosseini Nasab; M. Noaparast; H. Abdollahi
Abstract
Due to the decreasing production of nickel and cobalt from sulfide sources, the Ni and Co extraction from the oxide ores (laterites) have become more prevalent. In this research work, the effects of calcination prior to leaching, acid concentration, percent solid, pH, and stirring speed on the nickel ...
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Due to the decreasing production of nickel and cobalt from sulfide sources, the Ni and Co extraction from the oxide ores (laterites) have become more prevalent. In this research work, the effects of calcination prior to leaching, acid concentration, percent solid, pH, and stirring speed on the nickel and cobalt recoveries from an iron-rich laterite ore sample were investigated using different organic acids. Then the response surface methodology was implemented in order to optimize the various parameters. By the design of experiments, the compound optimal concentrations of the three different organic acids (gluconic acid: lactic acid: citric acid with a ratio of 1:2:3) were 3.18 M, and S/L = 0.1, pH = 0.5, and the stirring speed = 386 rpm. With the aid of kinetic studies, a temperature of 75 °C, and a test time of 120 minutes, the highest nickel and cobalt recoveries were 25.5% and 37.6%, respectively. In the optimal conditions, the contribution of the percent solids to the nickel recovery was the most and negative, after which the contribution of pH was negative, and finally, the acid concentration had a positive effect. In the optimal conditions, the acid concentration, pH, and solid content were, respectively, important in the cobalt recovery. The SEM results showed that the surface of feed and residue particles in the optimal conditions was not significantly different, and the laboratory data was fitted to a shrinking core model. The results obtained indicated that the reaction rate was controlled by the diffusion reaction at the particle surface, and the activation energies of 11.09 kJ/mol for nickel and 28.04 kJ/mol for cobalt were consistent with this conclusion
Hafeezur Rehman; Wahid Ali; Kausar sultan Shah; Mohd Hazizan bin Mohd Hashim; Naseer Muhammad Khan; Muhammad Ali; Muhammad Kamran; Muhammad Junaid
Abstract
Support design is the main goal of the Q and rock mass rating (RMR) systems. An assessment of the Q and RMR system application in tunnelling involving high-stress ground conditions shows that the first system is more appropriate due to the stress reduction factor. Recently, these two systems have been ...
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Support design is the main goal of the Q and rock mass rating (RMR) systems. An assessment of the Q and RMR system application in tunnelling involving high-stress ground conditions shows that the first system is more appropriate due to the stress reduction factor. Recently, these two systems have been empirically modified for designing the excavation support pattern in jointed and highly stressed rock-mass conditions. This research work aims to highlight the significance of the numerical modelling, and numerically evaluate the empirically suggested support design for tunnelling in such an environment. A typical horse-shoe-shaped headrace tunnel at the Bunji hydropower project site is selected for this work. The borehole coring data reveal that amphibolite and Iskere Gneiss are the main rock mass units along the tunnel route. An evaluation of the proposed support based on the modified empirical systems indicate that the modified systems suggest heavy support compared to the original empirical systems. The intact and mass rock properties of the rock units are used as the input for numerical modelling. From numerical modelling, the axial stresses on rock bolts, thrust bending moment of shotcrete, and rock load from modified RMR and Q-systems are compared with the previous studies. The results obtained indicate that the support system designed based on modified version of the empirical systems produce better results in terms of tunnel stability in high-stress fractured rock mass conditions.
Mineral Processing
S. Feizollahi; A. Azizi
Abstract
The extraction behavior of Cu(II) ions from a real sulfate liquor obtained from the heap leaching stage of a copper oxide ore was investigated using a chelating reagent, Chemorex CP-150 in kerosene. A comparative study was also carried out on the extraction capability of Cu(II) ions using other solvents ...
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The extraction behavior of Cu(II) ions from a real sulfate liquor obtained from the heap leaching stage of a copper oxide ore was investigated using a chelating reagent, Chemorex CP-150 in kerosene. A comparative study was also carried out on the extraction capability of Cu(II) ions using other solvents including D2EHPA and Cyanex 272.Chemorex CP-150 demonstrated an effective and selective extraction performance of copper with the amount of extracted Fe less than 15%. Also the results obtained indicated that more than 66.4% and 96.99% of Cu were transferred to the organic phase in a single extraction stage using 15% (v/v) Chemorex CP-150 at the A:O phase ratios of 1:1 and 1:4, respectively. In addition, the McCabe-Thiele diagram exhibited that two extraction stages were required to achieve the maximum amount of Cu at a 1:1 phase ratio under the optimal conditions (25 °C, pH 2.5, and 20 min contact time). Also, thermodynamic data proved that the extraction process was slightly endothermic (ΔH = 7.62 kJ/mol), indicating the relatively smaller heat effects on the formation of a single complex species (CuR2). Stripping of copper from the loaded organic phase was also conducted, and it was found that ~99.38% copper could be recovered using 165 g/L H2SO4 at a 2:1 A:O phase ratio after 5 minutes stripping.
Rock Mechanics
K. Abdolghanizadeh; M. Hosseini; M. Saghafiyazdi
Abstract
Natural and artificial materials including rocks and cement-based materials such as concrete and cement mortar are affected both physically and chemically by various natural factors known as weathering factors. The freeze-thaw process, as a weathering factor, considerably affects the properties of rocks ...
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Natural and artificial materials including rocks and cement-based materials such as concrete and cement mortar are affected both physically and chemically by various natural factors known as weathering factors. The freeze-thaw process, as a weathering factor, considerably affects the properties of rocks and concrete. Therefore, the effect of the freeze-thaw process on the physical and mechanical properties of materials should be taken into account in areas with the risk of this process. Given that few studies have been conducted on the effect of the freeze-thaw process on the fracture toughness, in this work, we aimed at investigating the effects of the freeze-thaw cycles and freezing temperature on the mode I and mode II fracture toughness of cement mortar. To this end, specimens were exposed to 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 freeze-thaw cycles, and the mode I and mode II fracture toughness was determined in different cycles. The effect of freezing temperature in a freeze-thaw cycle on the mode I and mode II fracture toughness was also investigated. The damage factor was also defined based on the effective porosity of cement mortar, and its changes with the number of freeze-thaw cycles and mode I and mode II fracture toughness were studied. Finally, the decay function model provided by Mutluturk was investigated. According to the results obtained, the mode I and mode II fracture toughness of cement mortar decreased linearly with increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The mode I and mode II fracture toughness decreased linearly with increase in the freezing temperature in a freeze-thaw cycle. The damage factor increased with increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles, and, additionally, its relationship with mode I and mode II fracture toughness exhibited a linear behavior.
H. Hassani; A. Agah
Abstract
In this work, Fe3O4@TiO2@V2O5 is synthesized via functionalization of Fe3O4 with TiO2 and then modifying with V2O5. The characterization of the synthesized nano-catalyst is performed using several methods including XRD, TEM, SEM, EDS, TGA, and VSM. This nano-catalyst impressively catalyzes the synthesis ...
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In this work, Fe3O4@TiO2@V2O5 is synthesized via functionalization of Fe3O4 with TiO2 and then modifying with V2O5. The characterization of the synthesized nano-catalyst is performed using several methods including XRD, TEM, SEM, EDS, TGA, and VSM. This nano-catalyst impressively catalyzes the synthesis of 3,3-di-indolyl oxindoles (with an 85-98% yield in 10-80 minutes). Furthermore, the introduced catalyst can be reused in at least five successive reactions with no significant catalytic activity loss. The effects of some influencing parameters on the catalytic efficacy of Fe3O4@TiO2@V2O5 are also assessed. The appropriate product is attained for a wide range of isatins and indoles. Using an inexpensive and reusable catalyst and using the H2O solvent puts this methodology in the green chemistry domain.
H. Geranian; Z. Khajeh Miry
Abstract
In this work, we aim to identify the mineralization areas for the next exploration phases. Thus, the probabilistic clustering algorithms due to the use of appropriate measures, the possibility of working with datasets with missing values, and the lack of trapping in local optimal are used to determine ...
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In this work, we aim to identify the mineralization areas for the next exploration phases. Thus, the probabilistic clustering algorithms due to the use of appropriate measures, the possibility of working with datasets with missing values, and the lack of trapping in local optimal are used to determine the multi-element geochemical anomalies. Four probabilistic clustering algorithms, namely PHC, PCMC, PEMC, PDBSCAN, and 4138 stream sediment samplings, are used to divide the samples into the three clusters of background, possible anomaly, and probable anomaly populations. In order to determine these anomalies, ten and eight metal elements are selected as the chalcophile and siderophile elements, respectively. The results obtained show the areas of approximately 500 and 5,000 km2 as the areas of the probable and possible anomalies, respectively. The composite geochemical anomalies of the chalcophile and siderophile elements are mostly dominant in the metamorphic-acidic-intermediate rock units and the alkaline-metamorphic-intermediate rock units of the studied area, respectively. Besides, the obtained anomalies of the four clustering algorithms also cover about 65% of the mineralized areas, all mines, and almost 60% of the alteration areas. The validity criterion of the clustering methods show more than 70% validity for the obtained anomalies. The results obtained indicate that the probabilistic clustering algorithms can be an appropriate statistical tool in the regional-scale geochemical explorations.
Saeed Nazari; Alireza Arab Amiri; Abolghasem Kamkar Rouhani; Fereydoun Sharifi
Abstract
In this work, we simulate the frequency-domain helicopter-borne electromagnetic (HEM) data over the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) earth models. In order to achieve this aim, the vector Helmholtz equation is used to avoid the convergence problems in Maxwell’s equations, and the ...
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In this work, we simulate the frequency-domain helicopter-borne electromagnetic (HEM) data over the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) earth models. In order to achieve this aim, the vector Helmholtz equation is used to avoid the convergence problems in Maxwell’s equations, and the corresponding fields are divided into primary and secondary components. We use the finite difference method on a staggered grid to discretize the equations, which can be performed in two ways including the conventional and improved finite difference methods. The former is very complex in terms of programming, which causes errors. Furthermore, it requires different programming loops over each point of the grid, which increases the program’s running time. The latter is the improved finite difference method (IFDM), in which pre-made derivative matrices can be used. These pre-made derivative matrices can be incorporated into the derivative equations and convert them directly from the derivative form to the matrix form. After having the matrix form system of linear equations, Ax = b is solved by the quasi-minimal residual (QMR). IFDM does not have the complexities of the conventional method, and requires much less execution time to form a stiffness or coefficient matrix. Moreover, its programing process is simple. Our code uses parallel computing, which gives us the ability to calculate the fields for all transmitter positions at the same time, and because we use sparse matrices thorough the code memory space, requires to store the files is less than 100 MB compared with normal matrices that require more than 15 GB space in the same grid size. We implement IFDM to simulate the earth’s responses. In order to validate, we compare our results with various models including the 3D and 2D models, and anisotropic conductivity. The results show a good fit in comparison with the FDM solution of Newman and the appropriate fit integral equations solution of Avdeev that is because of the different solution methods.
kausar Sultan shah; Naeem Abbas; Li Kegang; Mohd Hazizan bin Mohd Hashim; Hafeez Ur Rehman; Khan Gul Jadoon
Abstract
The rocks in the studied area are prone to deterioration and failure due to frequent exposure to extreme temperature variations and loading conditions. In the context of rock engineering reliability assessment, understanding the energy conversion process in rocks is critical. Therefore, this research ...
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The rocks in the studied area are prone to deterioration and failure due to frequent exposure to extreme temperature variations and loading conditions. In the context of rock engineering reliability assessment, understanding the energy conversion process in rocks is critical. Therefore, this research work aims to assess the energy characteristics and failure modes of pink and white-black granite subjected to uniaxial compression loading at various temperatures. Samples of pink and white-black granite are heated to a range of temperatures (0 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, 900 °C, and 1100 °C), and their failure modes and energy characteristics including total energy, elastic energy, and dissipated energy are studied by testing preheated samples under uniaxial compression. The results show that the dissipation energy coefficient initially rises rapidly, and then falls back to its minimum value at the failure stage. The micro-structures of granite rock directly affect its elastic and dissipation energy. Axial splitting failure mode is observed in most of the damaged granite specimens. After heating granite to 600 °C, the effect of temperature on the failure mode becomes apparent.
Mohammad Reza Samadzadeh Yazdi; Mohammad Reza Tavakoli Mohammadi; Ahmad Khodadadi
Abstract
Arsenic is one of the heavy metals and nearly all its compounds, especially organic compounds, are toxic. The wide spectrum of diseases caused by this element has led to evaluation of the toxicity of different arsenic species and identification of the major natural and anthropogenic pollution sources ...
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Arsenic is one of the heavy metals and nearly all its compounds, especially organic compounds, are toxic. The wide spectrum of diseases caused by this element has led to evaluation of the toxicity of different arsenic species and identification of the major natural and anthropogenic pollution sources of it in the nature. Mining activities are among the main sources of anthropogenic pollution of soil and water by arsenic. The purpose of this study was geochemical modeling of different arsenic species in the wastewater of the tailings dam of Mouteh Gold processing plant in Iran to evaluate the effect of pH and temperature on the stability of these components. Modeling was done using MINTEQ software. The results showed that arsenic species at different pH values under study were H3AsO3, H2AsO3- and HAsO32-, and their actual concentration in the plant wastewater were negligible. MINTEQ software introduced H3AsO4, H2AsO4-, HAsO42- and AsO43- as arsenic V species at different pH values, of which HAsO42- and AsO43- were the main components of arsenic in plant wastewater. Given the low toxicity of arsenic V species and their easier elimination relative to arsenic III species, in the current conditions, the plant wastewater is in a good status in terms of arsenic pollution. Also temperature changes have little effect on the concentration of various arsenic species in the wastewater.
Hojat Naderi; Mahmoud Abdollahy; Navid Mostoufi
Abstract
Kinetics of the chemical leaching of chalcocite from a low-grade copper ore in a ferric sulfate medium was investigated using the constrained least square optimization technique. The experiments were carried out for different particle sizes in both the reactor and column at constant Eh, pH, and temperature. ...
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Kinetics of the chemical leaching of chalcocite from a low-grade copper ore in a ferric sulfate medium was investigated using the constrained least square optimization technique. The experiments were carried out for different particle sizes in both the reactor and column at constant Eh, pH, and temperature. The leaching rate increased with increase in the temperature. About 50% of the Cu recovery was obtained after 2 hours of reactor leaching at 75 o C using the -0.5 mm size fraction. Also about 50% of the Cu recovery was obtained after 60 days of column leaching for the +4-8 mm size fraction. For the fine-particle leaching, the first leaching step was fast, and the rate controlling step was diffusion through the liquid film. The results obtained show that as the leaching proceeds, the chemical reaction control appears. Finally, accumulation of the elemental sulfur layer in the solid product together with the jarosite precipitate causes change in the controlling mechanism to solid diffusion. For the coarse-particle leaching, diffusion through the solid product appeared from the initial days of leaching.
M. Filbandi Kashkouli; A. Kamkar Rouhani; Ali Moradzadeh; H. Assi
Abstract
Magnetotelluric (MT) method is an electromagnetic technique that uses the earth natural field to map the electrical resistivity changes in subsurface structures. Because of the high penetration depth of the electromagnetic fields in this method (tens of meters to tens of kilometers), the MT data is used ...
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Magnetotelluric (MT) method is an electromagnetic technique that uses the earth natural field to map the electrical resistivity changes in subsurface structures. Because of the high penetration depth of the electromagnetic fields in this method (tens of meters to tens of kilometers), the MT data is used to investigate the shallow to deep subsurface geoelectrical structures and their dimensions. In order to have a higher accuracy in modeling the MT data, dimensions of the subsurface structures should be determined. The objective of this research work is to determine the dimensions of subsurface structures in an oil field located in the southwest of Iran. Using parameters such as the normalized weighted index, ellipticity, and Wall's rotational invariant measure, this goal could be achieved. Using the ellipticity factor at the frequency range of 1-320 Hz, the earth can be represented as a 2D form. However, at lower frequencies, the earth should be represented as a 3D form. In most MT stations, the normalized weighted index has indicated that the earth is in a 2D form on the surface or shallow subsurface, although it is represented by a 3D shape at higher depths. In this regard, the Wall's rotational invariant measure shows more heterogeneity. This measure indicates that the earth is in the 2D and 3D forms on the surface or shallow subsurface, and is perfectly 3D at higher depths, although the earth dimensions cannot be determined in some certain frequency ranges. The earth in both the shallow and deep parts of the studied area has a high heterogeneity.
Mineral Processing
M. R. Heydartaemeh
Abstract
In this research work, the Ni-Zn Ferrite Mineral Nanoparticles (NZFMN), as a novel nanoadsorbent, was used for the removal of the Green Malachite (GM) dye from aqueous solutions by in a batch and fixed bed column. Firstly, the NZFMN adsorption properties were investigated. The effects of the process ...
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In this research work, the Ni-Zn Ferrite Mineral Nanoparticles (NZFMN), as a novel nanoadsorbent, was used for the removal of the Green Malachite (GM) dye from aqueous solutions by in a batch and fixed bed column. Firstly, the NZFMN adsorption properties were investigated. The effects of the process parameters including the contact time, adsorbent dosage, solution pH, and GM initial concentration were also studied. Thence, GM was quantitatively evaluated using the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms and the pseudo-first- and second-order models. The adsorption data for the adsorption equilibrium was found to be described well using the Freundlich isotherm model. The results obtained for the AFM and SEM analyses showed that the particle size was less than 100 nm. Also the BET analysis showed that the surface area for NZFMN was 120 . The results obtained also showed that the adsorption capacity and removal percentage of GM on NZFMN from wastewater was about 90%. Consequently, NZFMN was found to be a good adsorbent for wastewater purification.
Mineral Processing
M. Jahani Chegeni
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the milling operation of ball mills helps mineral processing engineers to control and optimize them, and therefore, reduce their consuming power. In this work, the milling operation of ball mills is investigated using two methods, i.e. DEM and combined DEM-SPH. First, a pilot ...
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A deeper understanding of the milling operation of ball mills helps mineral processing engineers to control and optimize them, and therefore, reduce their consuming power. In this work, the milling operation of ball mills is investigated using two methods, i.e. DEM and combined DEM-SPH. First, a pilot scale ball mill with no lifter is simulated by both methods. Then another pilot scale ball mill with eight rectangle lifters is simulated again by both methods. The effects of lifters on ball shoulder and toe points as well as on creation of cascading and cataracting movements for balls are studied by both methods. At the present time, there is not enough measured data available for dense slurries interacting with the coarse particulates available in the public domain that can be used adequately to validate these types of predictions. The results obtained indicated that fluid slurry in the mill lowered the charge shoulder by about 28 cm and 25 cm in the no-lifter and eight-lifter cases, respectively. However, it raised the charge toe by about 36 cm and 6 cm in the no-lifter and eight-lifter cases, respectively.
S. Mohammadi; M. Babaeian; M. Ataei; K. Ghanbari
Abstract
This work incorporates the DEMATEL-MABAC method for quantifying the potential of roof fall in coal mines by means of the coal mine roof rating (CMRR) parameters. For this purpose, considering the roof weighting interval as a quantitative criterion for the stability of the roof, the immediate roof falling ...
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This work incorporates the DEMATEL-MABAC method for quantifying the potential of roof fall in coal mines by means of the coal mine roof rating (CMRR) parameters. For this purpose, considering the roof weighting interval as a quantitative criterion for the stability of the roof, the immediate roof falling potential was quantified and ranked in 15 stopes of Eastern Alborz Coal Mines Company. In this regard, on the basis of the experts’ judgments, the fuzzy DEMATEL method was used for designation weights of the parameters, and the MABAC method was incorporated to quantify and rank the stopes (alternatives). “UCS of roof” and “joint spacing” in the immediate roof were found to be the most important parameters that controlled roof falling in stopes; and “joint persistence” was also found to be a quite significant parameter. Finding confirms that overall strength of rood rock mass plays a main role in the falling potential. Comparison of the coefficients of determination (R2) between the weighting interval and proposed model with that and original CMRR indicated more than 15% increase, which represented that the new proposed model was more accurate to quantify roof quality. The findings of this work show that using this combined method and specializing the CMRR method for a given mine geo-condition to assess the quality of the roof and its potential of collapse possesses a higher performance when compared with the original CMRR method.
A. Moeini; S. Mohammadnejad
Abstract
A comprehensive utilization of concentrated seawater is crucial in order to promote the development of the desalination industry as a key solution to global freshwater. Debromination of the desalination plant effluent as well as the bromine product extraction are two parallel goals, which have been the ...
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A comprehensive utilization of concentrated seawater is crucial in order to promote the development of the desalination industry as a key solution to global freshwater. Debromination of the desalination plant effluent as well as the bromine product extraction are two parallel goals, which have been the subject of many research studies as well as industrial operations. In this investigation, bromine extraction is investigated experimentally form the effluent of the Konarak desalination plant located in Chabahar bay, Iran. For this purpose, an air blow-out method is used, and the effects of the operating parameters including the temperature, pH, and chlorine gas flow rate are examined in a continuous reactor. The parameters are optimized, and the trend is discussed in details. The bromine concentration of the sample collected from the Pozm Tiyab area, close to the plant discharge point, has been determined to be 1.172 g/L using ion chromatography. A pre-concentration procedure is conducted in order to reach a concentration of 3.100 g/L by evaporation. A reactor with the dimensions of 60 mm × 800 mm is designed and assembled for the experimental studies. In order to investigate the operating parameters, a central composition design (CCD) method is used. Among the factors studied, only the chlorine gas flow rate has a substantial effect on the bromine recovery, and the effects of the other two factors are negligible in the pH range of 2-3 and the temperature range of 50-70 °C. At the three chlorine concentrations of 1, 1.5, and 2 L/min, the bromine production increases almost linearly with the increasing chlorination injection rate. The Br2 gas is recovered with a maximum rate of 93.8% and a bromine loss of 185 mg/L in the mother liquid. The optimum operating parameters to achieve this recovery are a pH of 2.5, a temperature of 60 ˚C, and a chlorine gas flow rate of 1.5 L/min.
F. Ghadimi; A. Hajati; A. Sabzian
Abstract
The Mighan playa/lake is characterized as a closed catchment. In the recent years, the rapid industrialization and urbanization has resulted in a pollution area in the city of Arak. In this work, we focus on six regions around the playa/lake to study the distribution of heavy metals in the waters and ...
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The Mighan playa/lake is characterized as a closed catchment. In the recent years, the rapid industrialization and urbanization has resulted in a pollution area in the city of Arak. In this work, we focus on six regions around the playa/lake to study the distribution of heavy metals in the waters and their contamination risk. A total of 32 water samples are analyzed to determine the contamination degree of heavy metals, i.e. Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn. The heavy metal pollution index, heavy metal evaluation index, and degree of contamination are utilized to assess the pollution extent of these metals. The spatial distribution patterns reveal that the waters in different areas of playa/lake are in a good condition. The island, lake in playa, and the Wastewater Mineral Salts Company are most seriously polluted with Pb, being higher than the standard of drinking water quality limit. Water in the wastewater treatment plant is polluted with Hg and As. The correlation matrix, factor analysis, and cluster analysis are used to support the idea that Pb may be mainly derived from the atmospheric input, and As and Hg from the wastewater treatment plant, agricultural lands, and domestic waste. Many native and migratory birds live in the Mighan playa, which is exposed to heavy metals. Therefore, it is required to monitor heavy metals in the Arak playa and to manage the municipal, industrial, and agricultural activities around it and to reduce them.
