Canada Centre For Mineral And Energy Technology Research Articles

Characterization of Four Copper Materials for Application as Reference Materials for High Precision Copper Isotope Analysis by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Multi-Collector Mass Spectrometry

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma multi-collector mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) allows rapid, in situ, highly precise measurements of Cu isotope ratios of native Cu and Cu-bearing minerals. However, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cu-metal isotope standard NIST SRM976 that is commonly used to calibrate LA-MC-ICP-MS Cu isotope measurements of native Cu is no longer available. We have investigated the suitability of four Cu metal materials, SSC-1, SSC-3 and SSC-4 (cathode Cu metal rods) and CUPD-1 (Cu anode sawings), originally developed by the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) as certified reference materials for trace element analysis, as Cu isotope reference materials for LA-MC-ICP-MS analysis and solution nebulization (SN) of Cu. The Cu isotopic composition and homogeneity of these four materials were characterised by SN- and LA-MC-ICP-MS, and are reported for the first time. The bulk Cu isotopic compositions, expressed as δ65CuSRM976 in per mil (‰) relative to NIST SRM976 with combined uncertainties (U, k = 2), of SSC-1, SSC-3 and SSC-4, determined utilizing SN-MC-ICP-MS, are identical within analytical uncertainty at 0.03 ± 0.07‰ (n = 29), 0.04 ± 0.04‰ (n = 28), and 0.05 ± 0.08‰ (n = 29), respectively; the composition of CUPD-1 is 2.14 ± 0.08‰ (n = 28). The compositions are 0.01 ± 0.07‰ (n = 29), 0.04 ± 0.06‰ (n = 29), 0.03 ± 0.06‰ (n = 28) and 2.15 ± 0.06‰ (n = 28), respectively, relative to the European Reference Material ERM®-AE633 Cu isotope standard. The Cu isotope homogeneity of the four new reference materials was assessed by determining whether multiple individual in situ Cu isotope measurements made by LA-MC-ICP-MS analysis (43 µm spot size), using each of the other three reference materials as a calibrator, approximate a single normal distribution. We also investigate whether there are statistically significant differences between the mean δ65Cu values of three independent data sets for each of the Cu isotope reference materials using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Normality tests (graphical assessment of normal distribution quantile-quantile plots, and the Shapiro-Wilk, Jarque-Bera and reduced chi-squared statistic tests) show that: 1) the Cu isotope data acquired on SSC-1, SSC-3, SSC-4 and CUPD-1 do not depart significantly from a normal distribution, 2) the scatter of the Cu isotope data is due to analytical uncertainty with 95% confidence, and 3) there are no other significant sources of scatter; e.g. heterogeneity of the reference materials. The results of one-way ANOVA reveal that the mean difference of the δ65Cu value for each of the reference materials SSC-1, SSC-3, SSC-4 and CUPD-1 is statistically not significant at the 0.05 level. The mean δ65CuSRM976 values with combined uncertainties (U, k = 2) of SSC-1, SSC-3, SSC-4 and CUPD-1, determined by LA-MC-ICP-MS using each of the other three reference materials as a calibration standard, are 0.03 ± 0.09‰ (n = 132), 0.05 ± 0.09‰ (n = 154), 0.03 ± 0.09‰ (n = 144) and 2.14 ± 0.10‰ (n = 106), respectively. These values are in agreement with those determined by SN-MC-ICP-MS analysis at the 95% confidence level and have excellent precision (2 s.d. ≤ 0.10‰). These results suggest that SSC-1, SSC-3, SSC-4 and CUPD-1 can be considered isotopically homogeneous at a spatial resolution of 43 μm, and they are suitable reference materials for calibration and quality control of in situ and solution nebulization Cu isotope analyses of Cu.

New development of expert system module for a decision-making on mine stope stability in underground blasthole mining operations

This is the first report on the research and development (R&D) project for the development of an expert system for 3D stope stability assessment, for underground blasthole mining operations with delayed backfill, at depths from 500 to 2000 m below the ground surface. A new expert system module called the stope stability assessment program (SSAP) was developed based on the data generated from a state-of-the-art 3D elasto-plastic finite element analysis developed by the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET), heuristic rules and case histories. This module mimics the rational processes of rock mechanics experts in providing recommendations to mine operators to make decisions on strategic mine planning and feasibility studies. As a result, planning and decision-making can occur in a quick and efficient manner to minimise the risk of ground failure and optimise mining costs. Consequently, the risks regarding mine safety and productivity can be properly managed.

Preconcentration of traces of gold, silver and palladium on activated carbon and its determination in geological samples by flame AAS after wet ashing

A simple, rapid and cost effective preconcentration method is described for the determination of traces of gold (Au), silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd) in geological samples by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The method is based on sorption of analytes (Au, Ag and Pd) on powdered activated carbon (AC) at pH ∼1 in hydrochloric acid (HCl) medium. The samples are decomposed by aqua regia — HCl treatment. The quantitative sorption (better than 92%) of analytes is obtained on AC (in absence of complexing agent), by simply manipulating optimal conditions. The unique feature of the method is, the analytes are recovered quantitatively from AC by oxidizing and completely solubilising the carbon using concentrated nitric acid (HNO 3) and perchloric acid (HClO 4) i.e. by wet ashing. The method of wet ashing has several advantages over conventional dry ashing. The accuracy of the method is evaluated by analysing, five Canada centre for mineral and energy technology (CANMET) standards; MA-3, MA-1b, FER-1, SU-1A, and CPB-1. In addition, ASK-3 and one inhouse standard, kolar gold field (KGF) samples was also analysed. As no standard for Pd is available, its accuracy was evaluated by standard addition method. The method was applied on numerous geological samples for the determination of Au, Ag and Pd down to 0.1 ppm (based on 10 g sample) within ±10% R.S.D. ( n=5). The method could easily be adopted by any laboratory as the inputs are minimal (AC), inexpensive and easily available.

Evaluation of Laboratory Test Methods for Alkali-Silica Reactivity

Abstract In 1991, the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) initiated a major research project dealing with preventive measures against alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete. The main objective of the above project is to develop a comparative field and laboratory engineering database on the longterm effectiveness of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) in controlling and/or reducing expansion and cracking in concrete due to ASR. The results obtained to date indicate that the effectiveness of SCMs in controlling expansion due to ASR is a function of various parameters such as the composition and proportion of the different types of SCMs in concrete (for example, fly ash, slag, silica fume), the total cementitious materials and/or total alkali content in the system, and the reactivity level of the aggregate. Accelerated concrete prism and mortar bar expansion test methods can be used in the laboratory to predict the long-term performance of SCMs in controlling expansion due to ASR.

Petroleum Coke and Coal Start-Up Testing in Bubbling Fluidized Bed Combustors

Bench-scale and 160 MWe demonstration tests were conducted for petroleum coke and high volatile bituminous coal blends. The bench-scale apparatus was a 100-mm-dia reactor located at the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET), Energy Research Laboratories. The demonstration tests were conducted on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) 160 MWe Shawnee Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion (AFBC) Unit located at Paducah, Kentucky. Five and ten percent nominal volatile petroleum cokes were tested in the bench-scale unit. In addition, for the five-percent petroleum coke blends of 25, 50, and 75-percent petroleum coke, with the balance coal, were also examined at the bench scale. Eight start-up tests have been conducted with 50 percent blend of green delayed petroleum coke at the Shawnee AFBC unit. The bench-scale tests revealed that the volatile content in the petroleum coke was the primary factor affecting start-up. The tests showed that the volatile content from the coke and coal ignited at similar times; the char required longer to ignite. Bench-scale tests showed adequate start-up performance with blends up to 75 percent petroleum coke. Cold start-ups were conducted at the Shawnee AFBC Unit with 7 to 10 percent volatile green delayed petroleum coke. In all the start-ups, the operating temperature of 816°C was reached within 15 min of introducing the petroleum coke blend; this is similar to when high volatile bituminous coal was used. One start-up required a longer time because limestone had to be used to generate the bed. Local hot spots (982°C) were noticed in several start-ups for short periods, but subsided when additional air was supplied. Although more difficult to control, TVA routinely starts the Shawnee AFBC Unit with 50 percent shot petroleum coke and 50 percent high volatile bituminous coal.

Research and development activities on high efficiency separation process technologies for carbon dioxide removal from industrial sources at University of Regina, Canada

This paper describes research and development activities at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada on “Optimization of CO 2 Extraction Process Technologies”. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop better and more effective CO 2 separation processes which can be used to recover CO 2 from industrial sources such as coal-fired power plants and coal gasification complexes at the lowest possible capital and operating costs. The research program has been supported by Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Saskatchewan Energy and Mines, Prairie Coal Ltd., the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET), Fluor Daniel Inc. (USA), Sulzer Chemtech (Switzerland), Wascana Energy Inc., and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Currently, six parallel and complementary projects have been carried out at the Process Systems Laboratory. These projects are: (i) Searching for new sterically hindered amines for high capacity absorption of carbon dioxide, (ii) Formulation of high carbon dioxide absorption capacity solvents using chemical and physical absorbents, (iii) Searching for high performance random and structured packings for absorption and regeneration towers, (iv) Studies of material corrosion by gas treating solvents (including the use of corrosion inhibitors), (v) Parameter estimation of gas absorption with chemical reaction processes using optimization techniques, (vi) Process optimization and cost studies of co-production of CO 2 and electricity using co-generation concepts. Results and progress of these research projects will be reported. Their economics and technical feasibility will be described and their practical implications will be discussed.

96/03329 - Research and development activities on high efficiency separation process technologies for carbon dioxide removal from industrial sources at University of Regina, Canada

Abstract This paper describes research and development activities at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada on “Optimization of CO2 Extraction Process Technologies”. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop better and more effective CO2 separation processes which can be used to recover CO2 from industrial sources such as coal-fired power plants and coal gasification complexes at the lowest possible capital and operating costs. The research program has been supported by Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Saskatchewan Energy and Mines, Prairie Coal Ltd., the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET), Fluor Daniel Inc. (USA), Sulzer Chemtech (Switzerland), Wascana Energy Inc., and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Currently, six parallel and complementary projects have been carried out at the Process Systems Laboratory. These projects are: (i) Searching for new sterically hindered amines for high capacity absorption of carbon dioxide, (ii) Formulation of high carbon dioxide absorption capacity solvents using chemical and physical absorbents, (iii) Searching for high performance random and structured packings for absorption and regeneration towers, (iv) Studies of material corrosion by gas treating solvents (including the use of corrosion inhibitors), (v) Parameter estimation of gas absorption with chemical reaction processes using optimization techniques, (vi) Process optimization and cost studies of co-production of CO2 and electricity using co-generation concepts. Results and progress of these research projects will be reported. Their economics and technical feasibility will be described and their practical implications will be discussed.

Investigations of supplementary cementing materials for reducing alkali-aggregate reactions

The use of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) in reducing expansion of concrete and mortar caused by alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) was investigated by the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) under contract to Lafarge Canada. A total of 15 fly ashes, slags, condensed silica fumes and natural pozzolans were chosen, to give a wide range in physical-chemical features of SCMs commercially available in Canada. One reactive carbonatic and two reactive siliceous aggregates were used in combinations with these SCMs and a high-alkali normal Portland cement. The effectiveness of an SCM in reducing the deleterious expansion was compared with that of a low-alkali cement. The effective high-alkali cement replacement levels were also established for the effective SCMs. Most but not all of the SCMs were useful in suppressing the expansion. For those which were judged to be effective, the effective cement replacement levels were 15%, or possibly greater, for the condensed silica fumes; 20–30% for the natural pozzolans, 40–40% for the fly ashes; and 50–65% for the slags. The desirable characteristics of the SCMs for reducing the expansion were revealed by multiple linear regression analysis to be (1) high total of SiO 2 + Al 2O 3 + Fe 2O 3, (2) particles finer than 45 μm, and (3) low alkali content.

Development of a 16-MWth Coal-Water/Heavy Oil Burner for Front-Wall Firing

The Canadian program of coal-water fuel (CWF) technology development has included the demonstration of “commercial” burners for CWF in both coal and oil-designed utility boilers. The demonstrations clearly showed that these burners were prototypes, and were, in fact, modified oil burners that were mismatched to the rheological properties of the CWF. As the demonstrations were proceeding, a simultaneous research program was undertaken by the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) of Energy, Mines and Resources (EMR) Canada in which the basic principles governing atomization and combustion of CWF were studied. Key results from the fundamental studies which led to the development of a novel prototype dual fuel CWF/oil burner are described. In the various stages of development, the burner was scaled up from 1.5 MWth to an industrial scale of 16MWth for demonstration in a 20-MW(e) oil-designed industrial utility boiler and for a single-burner commercial operation in an oil designed package steam boiler. A brief summary of the burner performance in these demonstrations is also given in this paper.

Experience with cast blasting in Canadian surface coal mines

Abstract Canadian surface coal mines are highly mechanized and use a wide variety of mining equipment in overburden handling. Larger equipment has resulted in cost reductions. It is however, considered that given the topography and volume of the materials handled at some Canadian mines that further cost reductions can only be obtained by developing and applying different methods of excavation and transportation of overburden materials. The Surface Mining Laboratory of the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) is closely working with the industry in an effort to develop such technologies for Canadian mines. One such technique pursued as part of this major overall project is the blast casting of overburden. This paper reports on an on-going CANMET project on blast casting carried out in collaboration with Fording Coal Ltd., a major Canadian surface mine coal producer. This case history also serves to illustrate the type of applied research carried out by CANMET as part of its current emph...

The Computer Modelling of Surface Mining Operation

The Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET)/Calgary Coal Research Laboratory and the National Research Council in Ottawa established a joint working research group with industry to develop and test various computer models for application in surface coal mining operations in western Canada The first part of the paper deals with the problems the group experienced during the past two years especially having model specification and requirements defined and understand site management practices The second part of the paper deals with site specific development of general mine model for Trans Alta Utilities' Highvale Mine in Alberta. Described here are the development of an interactive truck/shovel model for their three pit operation, selection and application of dragline model for tandem operation with the extended bench method, criteria for operational model of the five seams operation with selective mining approach Potential model application for other mining companies are also discussed. An overall structure for interactive dynamic event-based models of surface mining operation is introduced. Examples of logic diagrams for some selected events are also presented

Relationship Between Pozzolanic Activity and Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Selected Canadian Fly Ashes

Raymond E. Davis and his associates appear to have coined the term “fly ash” in 1937. Following the pioneering studies by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the Hungry Horse Dam, the use of fly ash for massive hydroelectric structures increased rapidly in the U.S., with ASTM issuing the first standard in 1954. In 1982, Canada issued a National Standard, CAN 3-A23.5-M82, entitled “Supplementary Cementing Materials and Their Use in Concrete Construction.” Because of the increasing interest in fly ash utilization, Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) initiated research in the area of supplementary cementing materials in the early 1970's and has since published several comprehensive reports on the subject [1,2]. At the University of Calgary, we are studying Canadian fly ashes and their use in concrete, through an investigation of the physical, chemical, mineralogical and pozzolanic properties of fly ashes from fourteen sources across the country. We report here preliminary results from this study.

Canmet Uses Microcomputers to Transfer Foundry Technology

The technology transfer activities of the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) are described with special reference to the Canadian foundry industry. The significance of this industry in Canada is discussed and contrasted to the size and diversity of its member firms. The characteristics of the industry have resulted in the existence of technological barriers to efficient and productive foundry operations. CANMET, through the activities of PMRL, the Physical Metallurgy Research Laboratories, provides assistance to the industry by the acquisition, development and transfer of foundry technology. To ensure effective communication of this technology to the industry, CANMET has supplemented conventional technology transfer techniques with the use of microcomputers. Examples are provided of CANMET technical software created to transfer technology to Canadian foundries using cupola furnaces. These examples show that sophisticated and extensive technical information can be transferred easily to persons having neither a strong technical background nor the ability to program a computer. It is concluded that microcomputers supported by appropriate technical software offer a highly effective medium for the transfer of technology from CANMET to the Canadian foundry industry. Résumé Le transfert des acquis technologiques dè CAMNET est décrit ici en relation plus particulière avec le secteur des fonderies canadiennes. La place qu'occupe ce secteur industriel au Canada y est discutée en tenant compte de la diversité et de l'importance relative des compagnies participantes. Des industries affichent certaines caractéristiques communes qui sont liées a l'existence de barrières technologiques concernant l'efficacité et la production. CANMET par l'entremise des laboratoires de recherche en métallurgie physique (LRMP) assiste ce secteur industriel par l'acquisition, le développement et le transfert de technologie liée aux fonderies. Afin d'assurer une communication efficace de cette technologie à l'industrie, CANMET améliore et complète les méthodes conventionnelles de transfert de technologie par l'utilisation de micro-ordinateurs. Comme exemple, mentionnons des programmes d'ordinateur mis au point par CANMET concernant la technologie liée aux fonderies canadiennes qui utilisent des cubilots. Ceci permet avec plus de facilité de communiquer des informations de haute technologie à un personnel qui possède surtout une solide expérience pratique plutôt que la compétence pour programmer un ordinateur. En conclusion il apparaît que l'usage de micro-ordinateurs avec des programmes techniques pertinents offre un moyen efficace de communiquer de la technologie de pointe au secteur des fonderies de l'industrie canadienne.

The properties of a 0.45 Pct V steel pipe and the effects of some variation in composition

It can be concluded that 1219 mm (48 in) OD x 15 mm (0.60 in) pipe to API specification 5LS706 pipe for Arctic service can be produced from steel containing 0.06 pct C, 1.9 pct Mn, 0.45 pct V, and 0.06 pct Mo when the plate is reheated to 1230 °C, rolled on a fairly light mill and made into spiral pipe. Tests on sections of one of the slabs used in this trial when rolled in a laboratory mill at Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) with two reheating temperatures of 1150 and 1250 °C showed that with a reheating temperature of 1150 °C the plate had a 20 °C lower transition temperature. It is, therefore, possible that pipes with improved toughness could be achieved if a lower reheating temperature was used in the production rolling. It would also appear that although adequate weld metal toughness was achieved for Arctic grade pipe when using standard manganese molybdenum wire and a basic flux, improved toughness was obtained on an experimental weld when using a ‘Tibor 22’ wire. Further data from experimental heats indicated that welds of improved toughness could be produced in a steel with lower, more usual, nitrogen contents and that this would not alter the strength or toughness of the pipes under given rolling conditions. Furthermore, tests on plates from one of the ingots rolled with heavier reductions in the primary rolling stage gave higher strength from which it would appear that higher strength grades than x 70 could be produced from this steel with suitable rolling schedules.

Radioactive ore analysis by optimized radioisotope X-ray fluorescence technique

A method for analyzing U and Th in radioactive ores by radioisotope excited X-ray fluorescence is described. For the proposed analysis, the theoretical and experimental factors that affect the sensitivity of the radioisotope XRF technique were investigated. Minimum detection limits of 13 ppm and 108 ppm can be achieved for U and Th, respectively, with a total counting time of 1000 s on a powdered ore sample. Results obtained in the analyses of radioactive ores from Turkey and BL-5 candidate reference uranium ores from CANMET (Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology) are reported.

Pit slope manual, supplement 2–5. Structural geology case history : Martin, D; Piteau, D; Herget, G Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 77-24, Dec 1977, 29P

Pit slope manual, supplement 2–5. Structural geology case history : Martin, D; Piteau, D; Herget, G Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 77-24, Dec 1977, 29P

Pit slope manual, supplement 10-1. Reclamation by vegetation, vol 1. Mine waste description and case histories : Murray, D R Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 77-31, Dec 1977, 120P

Pit slope manual, supplement 10-1. Reclamation by vegetation, vol 1. Mine waste description and case histories : Murray, D R Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 77-31, Dec 1977, 120P

Pit slope manual, supplement 2-2. Domain analysis program : Ramsden, J; Cruden, D; Herget, G Canada Centre for mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 77-19, Dec 1977, 60P

Pit slope manual, supplement 2-2. Domain analysis program : Ramsden, J; Cruden, D; Herget, G Canada Centre for mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 77-19, Dec 1977, 60P

Pit slope manual, supplement 10-1, reclamation by vegetation, Vol 2: Mine waste inventory by satellite imagery : Murray, D R Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 77-58, Dec 1977, 216P

Pit slope manual, supplement 10-1, reclamation by vegetation, Vol 2: Mine waste inventory by satellite imagery : Murray, D R Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 77-58, Dec 1977, 216P

Estimation of upper bounds to rock slopes by analysis of existing slope data. Wall stability in the South Roberts pit - an example of the use of previous slopes : McMahon, B K Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 76-14, Aug 1976, 64P

Estimation of upper bounds to rock slopes by analysis of existing slope data. Wall stability in the South Roberts pit - an example of the use of previous slopes : McMahon, B K Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) report 76-14, Aug 1976, 64P