A new framework for evaluation of rock fragmentation in open pit mines

The main purpose of blasting in open pit mines is to produce the feed for crushing stage with the optimum dimensions from in situ rocks. The size distribution of muck pile indicates the efficiency of blasting pattern to reach the required optimum sizes. Nevertheless, there is no mature model to predict fragmentation distribution to date that can be used in various open pit mines. Therefore, a new framework to evaluate and predict fragmentation distribution is presented based on the image analysis approach. For this purpose, the data collected from Jajarm bauxite mine in Iran were used as the sources in this study. The image analysis process was performed by Split-Desktop software to find out fragmentation distribution, uniformity index and average size of the fragmented rocks. Then, two different approaches including the multivariate regression method and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory(DEMATEL) technique were incorporated to develop new models of the uniformity index and the average size to improve the Rosin-Rammler function. The performances of the proposed models were evaluated in four blasting operation sites. The results obtained indicate that the regression model possesses a better performance in prediction of the uniformity index and the average size and subsequently the fragmentation distribution in comparison with DEMATEL and conventional Rosin-Rammler models.

Prediction of rotary drilling penetration rate in iron ore oxides using rock engineering system

Prediction of the drilling penetration rate is one of the important parameters in mining operations. This parameter has a direct impact on the mine planning and cost of mining operations. Generally, effective parameters on the penetration rate is divided into two classes: rock mass properties and specifications of the machine. The chemical components of intact rock have a direct effect in determining rock mechanical properties. Theses parameters usually have not been investigated in any research on the rock drillability. In this study, physical and mechanical properties of iron ore were studied based on the amount of magnetite percent. According to the results of the tests, the effective parameters on the penetration rate of the rotary drilling machines were divided into three classes: specifications of the machines, rock mass properties and chemical component of intact rock. Then, the rock drillability was studied using rock engineering systems. The results showed that feed, rotation, rock mass index and iron oxide percent have important effect on penetration rate. Then a quadratic equation with 0.896 determination coefficient has been obtained. Also, the results showed that chemical components can be described as new parameters in rotary drill penetration rate.

Numerical simulation of UCG process with the aim of increasing calorific value of syngas

The determination of operational parameters in the underground coal gasification(UCG)process should be considered in two aspects:first,the total coal in each UCG panel must be gasified and second,the calorific value of the produced gas should be acceptable.The main aim of this study is to present a model that meets these aspects and increasing the calorific value of syngas during this process.In order to achieve those aims,eight different increasing scenarios were devised for total gasification of coal per panel.These scenarios included:increasing oxygen injection rate(scenario 1),the amount of steam injection(scenario 2),operation time(scenario 3),cavity pressure(scenario 4),increase operation time and cavity pressure simultaneously(scenario 5),increase steam injection speed and oxygen injection rate simultaneously(scenario 6),increase in cavity pressure,operating time,steam injection rate and oxygen injection rate simultaneously(scenario 7)and also simultaneous increase in the operating time and steam injection rate(scenario 8).The results showed that for producing syngas with a higher calorific value,the following parameters had the most positive effects respectively:operation time,cavity pressure,steam injection rate and oxygen injection rate.Finally,the model validation was performed for the Centralia LBK-1 UCG pilot and the results showed that this model is very close to reality.