Browsing by Subject "Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory"

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    Demolition of a Shallow Bed and Reconstruction of a Deep Bed Sintering Pot Facility at the Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory January 2008 through October 2009
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2009-10-15) Englund, David J
    Describes the process of the demolition of a shallow bed and reconsruction of a deep bed sintering pot facility at the Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory.
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    Development of a Mathematical Model for Fine Screening
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2004-04-16) Pletka, Jeremy
    Usim Pac mineral processing plant simulation software is used by the University of Minnesota's Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory Concentrator Modeling Center to simulate taconite plant operations. Its ability to simulate fine screening is limited, since the present suitable models assume a constant partition curve for a given set of screens and do not account for changes in operating conditions. As it is well known that the fine screen unit operation is sensitive to operating conditions such as feed density, loading, and size, it becomes clear that for accurate simulations, the model will require modifications. Consequently, a series of tests was performed on a pilot scale unit where several of the operating conditions were varied. Partition curve parameters were then related to operating conditions for relevant mineral components.
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    Improving Taconite Processing Plant Efficiency by Computer Simulation
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2007-03-30) Bond, William M; Ersayin, Salih
    This project involved industrial scale testing of a mineral processing simulator to improve the efficiency of a taconite processing plant, namely the Minorca mine. The Concentrator Modeling Center at the Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory, University of Minnesota Duluth, enhanced the capabilities of available software, U sim Pac, by developing mathematical models needed for accurate simulation of taconite plants. This project provided funding for this technology to prove itself in the industrial environment. As the first step, data representing existing plant conditions were collected by sampling and sample analysis. Data were then balanced and provided a basis for assessing the efficiency of individual devices and the plant, and also for performing simulations aimed at improving plant efficiency. Performance evaluation served as a guide in developing alternative process strategies for more efficient production. A large number of computer simulations were then performed to quantify the benefits and effects of implementing these alternative schemes. Modification of makeup ball size was selected as the most feasible option for the target performance improvement. This was combined with replacement of existing hydrocyclones with more efficient ones. After plant implementation of these modifications, plant sampling surveys were carried out to validate findings of the simulation-based study. Plant data showed very good agreement with the simulated data, confirming results of simulation. After the implementation of modifications in the plant, several upstream bottlenecks became visible. Despite these bottlenecks limiting full capacity, concentrator energy improvement of 7% was obtained. Further improvements in energy efficiency are expected in the near future. The success of this project demonstrated the feasibility of a simulationbased approach. Currently, the Center provides simulation-based service to all the iron ore mining companies operating in northern Minnesota, and future proposals are pending with non-taconite mineral processing applications.
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    Site History: Oliver Iron Mining Company Shops and Laboratory, Canisteo District, Coleraine, Minnesota
    (1997-04) Nunnally, Patrick D
    The Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory (historically known as the Oliver Iron Mining Company Shops and Laboratory) is a complex of buildings situated on the north side of the town of Coleraine, Itasca County Minnesota (Figure 1, Plates 1, 2). Originally created by the Oliver Iron Mining Company, part of the United States Steel Corporation, in support of its operations in the Canisteo Mining District, the facility was initially constructed in 1906 with modifications until at least 1963. In 1962, U.S. Steel moved its research laboratory from Duluth to the Coleraine facility. By 1986, as mining activity on Minnesota's Iron Range decreased, U.S. Steel negotiated an agreement with the University to carry out its research activities under contract with the Natural Resources Research Institute. Under this arrangement the staff, and much of the equipment, was transferred to the University. U.S. Steel retained ownership of the property until October 16, 1996, when it officially transferred title to the University. In 1995 the University applied to the Economic Development Administration, a federal agency, and to the Minnesota Legislature for grants to renovate the facility, which included the proposed removal of some buildings. Both sources have been obtained. Consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, resulted in a finding that the property was historically significant and was eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The property is significant for its association with the development of the Mesabi Iron Range. This report discusses the history of the Oliver Iron Mining Company Shops and Laboratory in the context of theĀ· company's activity in the western Mesabi. After a brief discussion of ore conditions in the western Mesabi, and how those posed particular obstacles to successful mining, the report discusses the activities of the Oliver Iron Mining Company. The final section of the report addresses the facility in greater detail. The Oliver Iron Mining Company Shops and Laboratory is eligible for nomination to the National Register under Criterion A, for its association with the development of iron ore on the Western Mesabi. Although the property has been modified, it retains sufficient integrity to convey its historic significance. The period of significance for the property extends from 1906, when the oldest extant buildings were constructed on the site, to 1947, which marks the National Register's "50 year rule." This report, however, discusses the continued evolution of the site and its functions beyond 1947 in the interest of developing a more complete history of the facility and its use. Accordingly, there is a discussion of the research function at the Oliver Iron Mining Company as it developed in Duluth in 1943, was moved to the Coleraine facility in 1962- 63, and continued through the transfer of the facility to the University of Minnesota in 1986. Sponsored applied mineral research continued at the facility after that point, but the transfer to public ownership provides an appropriate end date for this history.
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    Taconite Concentrator Modeling the Next Phase
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2007-08-29) Ersayin, Salih
    The Concentrator Modeling Center, within the University of Minnesota Duluth, Natural Resources Research Institute's Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory (CMRL) was established in 1998. Following an evaluation of current capabilities and limitations, the Center set its short-term objective as gaining the capability of carrying out reliable taconite plant simulations by using conventional modeling and simulation techniques. The long-term target was to achieve liberation-based simulations of taconite plants. The short-term objectives were achievable by improving the existing capabilities, whereas the long-term objective required development of an integrated size reduction/liberation model and its incorporation into the software, Usim Pac, used by the Center as a base. It was anticipated that completion and validation of such a model would take several years.