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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    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.