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Date submitted2021-01-28
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Date accepted2021-04-21
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Date published2021-06-24
Unusual metasomatites (phyolithites) in the Kolvitskiy gabbro-anorthosite rock mass: composition and structural position
Complex mineralogical, geochemical, and geological-structural characteristics of a rare collection stone of violet color, phyolithite, in the southwestern part of the Kola Peninsula. This is a metasomatic rock formed under the conditions of brittle deformations on gabbro-anorthosites of the Paleoproterozoic Kolvitskiy rock mass. As a result of potassium metasomatosis, the plagioclase of the initial rocks was replaced by a fine-grained mica aggregate of muscovite-phengite composition with inclusions of Va-aluminoseladonite (up to 20-30 microns). Ba-aluminoseladonite contains 6.6-10.5 % by weight of BaO. Manganese is the only chromophore that accumulates in the rock during metasomatosis. It is manganese that provides the purple-violet color of pseudomorphs of mica according to anorthite. The phyolithites is depleted by REE and has a positive Eu-anomaly. The phyolithites are confined to the areas of fracturing of the north-eastern strike, located in the zone of dynamic influence of the north-western closure of the Onega-Kandalaksha rift of the Riphean age. Other formations (injection conglomerates and lamproites) are also associated with the formation of this structure, which owe their origin to an intense fluid flow.
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Date submitted2020-11-20
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Date accepted2021-03-30
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Date published2021-06-24
Petrochemical features of tholeiites from the Shaka ridge (South Atlantic)
The article presents original data of chemical composition of tholeiitic basaltoids and andesites, dredged from the Shaka Ridge (South Atlantic) in the course of field research in spring 2016 on the scientific expedition vessel “Akademik Fedorov”. The analytical part of the work on estimating the contents of petrogenic, trace and rare-earth elements was carried out using the classical method (“wet chemistry”), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The studied samples demonstrate elevated concentrations of large-ion lithophile elements, or LILE, (Ba, Rb, Pb) and light rare earth elements, or LREE, (La, Ce, Nd, Sm) relative to high field strength elements, or HFSE, (Nb, Ta) and heavy rare earth elements, or HREE, (Dy, Yb, Lu). The specifics of trace element geochemistry suggest a significant contribution of crustal or subduction components to the magmas of the Shaka Ridge. Discrimination diagrams of basaltoids and allied rocks with fields of different geodynamic settings indicate that they were formed in the setting of the mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). The reason behind the appearance of subduction and crustal marks in the rocks is possibly associated with assimilation of crustal matter by magmas or lies in their inheritance from the mantle source.
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Date submitted2020-09-10
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Date accepted2020-11-25
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Date published2021-06-24
Formation conditions of noble metal mineralization in sulfide cobalt-copper-nickel ores of Kamchatka (on the example of Annabergitovaya Schel ore occurrence)
The authors present research results, the purpose of which is to study the specifics of noble metal mineralization and its genesis in sulfide cobalt-copper-nickel ores of the Kamchatka nickel-bearing province. The paper is dedicated to one of its many ore occurrences called Annabergitovaya Schel (Annabergite Gap). The material composition of platinoid, silver, gold, bismuth and tellurium minerals, as well as sulfarsenides in the ores of this occurrence was investigated. Based on the data of mineral formation sequence and the use of geosensors, conclusions were drawn regarding the genesis of noble metal mineralization. Formation of platinoid minerals, silver and gold at the Annabergitovaya Schel ore occurrence is mainly associated with the epigenetic effect of post-ore granitoids on ore-bearing intrusion rocks of the Dukuk complex of the cortlandite-norite formation and on syngenetic ores. An early association of noble metal minerals is represented by sperrylite, irarsite, and rare unnamed phases of Pt + Ir + Te. Irarsite and Pt + Ir + Te phases were formed at the contact-metasomatic stage. Sperrylite can be assumed to be of magmatic origin. Silver sulfides and tellurides, silver and palladium bismuth tellurides, and native gold were formed at the late, hydrothermal-metasomatic, stage. The occurrence conditions of mineral parageneses, associated with noble metal mineralization, correspond to the formation of shallow-depth metasomatic rocks (≤5 km). Sub-developed quartz-feldspar metasomatites, associated with the formation of early platinoid arsenides and sulfarsenides, are in equilibrium with circumneutral solutions (pH of 4.5-6.5) at temperatures of 350-600 °C. Late hydrothermal association with Pd, Ag and Au minerals is close to propylites and was formed at pH values of 4.5-6.5 and temperature of 150-350 °C.
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Date submitted2020-08-20
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Date accepted2021-04-01
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Date published2021-06-24
Features of the mineral and chemical composition of the Northwest manganese ore occurrence in the Highveld region, South Africa
- Authors:
- Aleksandr N. Evdokimov
- Benedict L. Pharoe
The Northwest manganese ore mineralisation is located at a relative distance from traditionally known manganese mining areas in a new manganese-bearing region (Highveld) in the Northwest Province, Republic of South Africa. The ore occurrence was studied on farms: Buchansvale 61 IQ, Weltevreden 517 JQ, Rhenosterhoek 343 JP and Kafferskraal 306 JP. The data obtained from studying the geology of the area pointed out to interests regarding the development criterias for search of similar ore mineralisations in the northwest region of South Africa. The ore occurs predominantly in the form of powdered manganese wad, manganese nodules and crusts, confined to the karstic structures of the upper section of the dolomites. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive link (SEM-EDS) and X-ray fluorescence were utilized to unveil the mineral and chemical composition of the ore samples. The present study therefore presents the results on both chemical and mineral composition of manganese ores, and their depth and longitudinal distribution. Karstic areas causing an increased local thickness of the ore body were identified. The geochemical and microspcopic study of the ores indicates their supergene nature. The main ore minerals includes cryptomelane, lithiophorite, purolusite, hollandite and romanechite associated with impurity components of Ba, Ce, Co, La, Cr, Zn and V.
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Date submitted2020-08-03
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Date accepted2020-12-13
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Date published2021-06-24
Tectonic and magmatic factors of Li-F granites localization of the East of Russia
- Authors:
- Viktor I. Alekseev
We have investigated tectonic and magmatic factors of Li-F granites localization of the East of Russia. The study is based on the ideas of Far Eastern geologists about the deep structures of intraplate activity. A model of a source structure with mantle heat sources and ore-forming magmatic complexes was used. We carried out a special metallogenic analysis of the East of Russia as applied to the rare metal-tin-bearing formation of subalkaline leucogranites, including Li-F ones. Source structures are the main factor in the tectonic and magmatic development of the East of Russia, localization of ore-forming granites and the formation of rare-metal-tin ore regions. On deep layers of source structures there are areas of the mantle and earth's crust decompaction, heat, magmas and fluids sources, as well as granitoid cryptobatholiths. Relatively large massifs of leucogranites, small intrusions of tin monzonitoids and Li-F granites are concentrated near the modern surface. The source structures correspond to the rank of the ore region. The source structures in the South of the region are: Badzhalskaya, Miao-Chanskaya, Ippato-Merekskaya, Hogdu-Lianchlinskaya, Arminskaya, etc.; in the North: Pevekskaya, Kuiviveem-Pyrkakayskaya, Kuekvun-Ekiatapskaya, Iultinskaya, Telekayskaya, Central Polousnaya, Omsukchanskaya, etc. Three types of ore regions have been identified according to the degree of source structures and Li-F granites erosion. We have also outlined the patterns of source structures evolution and their place in the geological history of ore-bearing granites. A classification of source structures and its comparison with the classifications of regional intrusives and metallogenic subdivisions are proposed. It has been established that, despite the diversity of tectonic, geological and petrological settings in the East of Russia, the intrusions of Li-F granites are regulated by the same tectonic and magmatic factors. The tectonic and magmatic factors of Li-F granites localization in the East of Russia are identified and classified as geophysical, orogenic, geoblock, magmatic, metasomatic and disjunctive.
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Date submitted2020-07-27
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Date accepted2021-03-30
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Date published2021-06-24
New data on the granite pedestal of the monument to Peter the Great “The Bronze Horseman” in Saint Petersburg
In order to expand and popularize knowledge about the stone decoration of Saint Petersburg, we present new data on the mineralogy and petrography of the famous Thunder-Stone, the parts of which were the basis for the monument to Peter the Great – the legendary “Bronze Horseman”. In the course of studying geological documentation of the monument's granite base, we examined the mineral composition and internal structure of granite, as well as the fragments of a pegmatite vein and veinlets found in it. 25 single-mineral samples were collected from the available micro-scaled shear fractures within the pedestal surface and studied by electron microscopy, electron probe and X-ray phase analysis. It was established that K-Na feldspar in the granite composition was represented by microcline, whereas micas were represented by annite-siderophyllite and muscovite. Accessory minerals included monazite, xenotime, thorite, zircon, rutile, apatite, fluorite, Ti-, Nb-, Ta-bearing minerals, uranium phosphates. The presence of topaz is characteristic of pegmatites. The revealed structural and textural features of four granite boulders in the monument pedestal, as well as mineralogical and chemical composition of their rock-forming and accessory minerals, showed the similarity of this rock to Precambrian biotite-muscovite granites and topaz-containing pegmatites (stockscheiders) of the late formation phase of the Vyborg rapakivi granite massif. The research results are considered as the basis for further geological and mineralogical study of the Thunder-Stone origin and determining the place of its separation from the primary source.
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Date submitted2020-06-11
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Date accepted2021-03-30
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Date published2021-06-24
Crystal morphology of spherical viruses
- Authors:
- Yury L. Voytekhovsky
The article discusses modern views on the structure of spherical virus capsids, which have the shape of icosahedrons (icosahedral viruses). Each face of icosahedron is composed of a single-layer closest packing of protein globules, which can have different orientation relative to the edges of icosahedron. If the lines of globules are parallel to the edges of icosahedron, then the capsid has a point symmetry group I h (with symmetry planes), if they are not parallel – the symmetry group I (without planes). From a mathematical point of view, in both symmetry groups there are series that unite equally (up to similarity) arranged capsids. They are connected pairwise by transitions to dual forms (homologous series). A hypothesis is formulated that the largest spherical viruses can have even more diverse and complex capsid structures. Along with icosahedron, their basic forms can be any simple shapes, allowed in I h and I symmetry groups (8 in total). A suggestion is made that transitions within similarity series and between homologous series have a phylogenetic significance. There are known spherical viruses of both symmetry groups. For example, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has a symmetry group I h and belongs to a well-known series. The crystallographic approach allows to construct a strict morphological classification of spherical viruses. This is important for their early recognition and separate examination. The article demonstrates practical application of crystal morphology in the study of viral systems – an urgent problem of geoecology and life protection.
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Date submitted2021-03-17
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Date accepted2021-04-12
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Date published2021-06-24
Application of the resonant energy separation effect at natural gas reduction points in order to improve the energy efficiency of the gas distribution system
- Authors:
- Andrei M. Schipachev
- Alena S. Dmitrieva
Maintaining the gas temperature and the formation of gas hydrates is one of the main problems in the operation of gas pipelines. Development and implementation of new effective methods for heating the gas during gas reduction will reduce the cost of gas transportation, solve the problem of resource and energy saving in the fuel industry. Study is aimed at increasing the energy efficiency of the natural gas reduction process by using a resonant gas heater to maintain the set temperature at the outlet of the gas distribution station (GDS) and prevent possible hydrate formation and icing of the station equipment. Paper considers the implementation of fireless heating of natural gas and fuel gas savings of heaters due to the introduction of a thermoacoustic reducer, operating on the basis of the Hartmann – Sprenger resonance effect, into the scheme of the reduction unit. By analyzing the existing methods of energy separation and numerical modeling, the effectiveness of the resonant-type energy separation device is substantiated. Modification of the reduction unit by introducing energy separating devices into it will allow general or partial heating of natural gas by its own pressure energy. Developed technology will allow partial (in the future, complete) replacement of heat energy generation at a gas distribution station by burning natural gas.
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Date submitted2020-12-02
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Date accepted2021-04-21
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Date published2021-06-24
Modeling the processes of deformation and destruction of the rock sample during its extraction from great depths
Article investigates the change in the geophysical properties of rocks in the process of extracting the rock sample from great depths. Evaluation of changes in effective elastic properties, porosity and permeability of rock samples during extraction was carried out by means of finite element modeling. Assessment of the critical dimensions and orientation of internal defects, leading to the destruction of the rock samples during extraction from great depths, has been made based on the methods of linear destruction mechanics. Approach that makes it possible to calculate the change in the mechanical properties, porosity and fracturing of reservoir rocks in the process of extracting the rock sample from depths to the surface is proposed. Use of refined data on the mechanical properties of recoverable rock samples makes it possible to increase the accuracy of digital geological models required for geological exploration, determination of reservoir properties and oil and gas saturation of a field, and development of oil and gas deposits. Application of such models is especially relevant at all stages of the fields development with hard-to-recover reserves.
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Date submitted2021-03-12
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Date accepted2021-04-12
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Date published2021-06-24
Increasing the efficiency of phosphate ore processing using flotation method
The paper presents flotation of two phosphate ore samples of different origin. Statistical analysis was used to study the effect of operating parameters on flotation efficiency. The paper proposes to increase the efficiency of flotation processing of magmatic phosphate ore with a low grade of the valuable component (P 2 O 5 = 10.88 %), containing nepheline and feldspars, by means of direct anionic flotation. Authors present an optimization of anionic flotation using tall oil fatty acids mixed with anionic phospholane as an anionic collector. The effect of adding soda ash to compensate for the influence of calcium cations on technological parameters of P 2 O 5 flotation was examined. The results of studying the flotation of nepheline ore (flotation tailings of magmatic phosphate ore) showed that replacement of phospholane with oxyethylated isotridecanol allowed to obtain a high-quality concentrate. It was estimated that with the addition of Na 2 CO 3 in the amount of 2,000 g/t, a concentrate was obtained with the grade and recovery of phosphorus pentoxide equal to 39.15 and 94.19 %, respectively. The paper proposes to increase the efficiency of flotation processing of sedimentary phosphate ore with a low grade of the valuable component (P 2 O 5 = 22.5 %), containing gypsum and quartz, by means of desliming followed by anionic or cationic reverse flotation. Tall oil fatty acid with anionic phospholane was used as a collector in anionic reverse flotation, and amine was used in cationic reverse flotation. Sodium tripolyphosphate was used as a P 2 O 5 depressant. It was found to be an effective depressant in both anionic and cationic flotation. When analyzing the statistical plan, it was estimated that the maximum grade of the valuable component in the concentrate (P 2 O 5 = 31.23 %) and the recovery to concentrate of 95.22 % were obtained in the chamber product at amine consumption of 950.88 g/t and sodium tripolyphosphate consumption of 500 g/t.
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Date submitted2020-12-11
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Date accepted2021-03-30
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Date published2021-06-24
Development of new compositions for dust control in the mining and mineral transportation industry
Dust control in summer and winter periods is a topical problem associated with conducting open pit mining operations; however, at negative temperatures the additional requirements are imposed on dust suppressants. Preventive compositions are proposed, in which light and heavy gas oils, obtained from catalytic cracking and delayed coking, are used as base components. Involvement of heavy fractions allows to increase the flash point, thereby reducing the flammability of dust suppressant, improve its adhesion properties by increasing the content of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and reduce the cost of the final product. In order to improve low-temperature and adsorption properties of developed dust suppressants, heavy oil residues (cracking residue and tar) are included in their composition in various concentrations: 2-10 wt.%. Alternative compositions of dust suppressants, obtained by water emulsification of vinylated alkyd oligomer, are developed; the ability of this dispersion to form strong films on dusty surfaces is examined. The efficiency of using aqueous solution of vinylated alkyd oligomer as a summer dust suppressant is demonstrated. The results of this study include the development of new preventive compositions with improved low-temperature properties and confirmation of the theoretical part of the study by the results of performance tests on a laboratory facility.Alternative compositions of dust suppressors have been developed, which were obtained by emulsifying a vinyl alkyd oligomer (VAO) in water; the ability of this dispersion to form strong films on dusty surfaces has been studied. The efficiency of using an aqueous solution of vinyl alkyd oligomer in the summer period as a dust suppressant is shown. The results of this study are the development of new prophylactic formulations with improved low-temperature properties and confirmation of the theoretical part of the study by the results of tests of operational characteristics in a laboratory facility.
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Date submitted2020-07-29
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Date accepted2021-03-30
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Date published2021-06-24
Model of baddeleyite recovery from dump products of an apatite-baddeleyite processing plant using a CVD6 concentrator
The paper is devoted to developing a model of baddeleyite recovery from dump products of an apatite-baddeleyite processing plant using centrifugal concentrators. The relevance of the work arises from the acquisition of new knowledge on the optimization of technological parameters of centrifugal concentrators using Knelson CVD (continuous variable discharge) technology – in particular, setting the frequency of valve opening and the duration of valves remaining open. The purpose of the research was to assess the applicability of CVD technology in the treatment of various dump products of the processing plant and to build a model of dependencies between the concentrate and tailings yields and the adjustable parameters, which will allow to perform preliminary calculations of the efficiency of implementing this technology at processing plants. The research objects are middling and main separation tailings of the coarse-grained stream and combined product of main and recleaner separation tailings of the fine-grained stream. The study uses general methods of mathematical statistics: methods of regression analysis, aimed at building statistically significant models, describing dependence of a particular variable on a set of regressors; group method of data handling, the main idea of which is to build a set of models of a given class and choose the optimal one among them. Authors proposed an algorithm for processing experiment results based on classical regression analysis and formulated an original criterion for model selection. Models of dependencies between the concentrate and tailings yields and the adjustable parameters were built, which allowed to establish a relationship between the concentrate yield and the valve opening time, as well as a relationship between the tailings yield and the G-force of the installation.
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Date submitted2021-03-04
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Date accepted2021-04-05
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Date published2021-06-24
Justification and selection of design parameters of the eccentric gear mechanism of the piston lubrication and filling unit for the mining machines maintenance
Piston pumps are widely used in the lubrication systems of mining machines. When carrying out technical maintenance (MOT), including lubrication and filling works, at the site of operation of mining machines due to the remoteness from repair shops and warehouses of fuels and lubricants (FAL), mobile repair shops ( MRS), maintenance units (MU) and mechanized filling units (MFU) are used. The specificity of carrying out maintenance is to create conditions for the supply of oils, working fluids and lubricants to the corresponding systems of mining machines for their refueling. Existing piston pumps and pumping units, as a rule, are single-flow, and the piston is driven by a crank mechanism driven from the engine through a worm gear. The emergence of unique, hydraulic, low-mobility mining machines in open pit mining required a significant increase in the power of the MU and MFU oil pumping units, primarily for greases. However, the traditional design of the drive design of a crank-type piston pump unit at a power of over 80 kW does not allow achieving the specified operating time, it is accompanied by intensive wear of the drive elements and increased dynamics during operation. In addition, it is necessary to apply various designs of pumping units for the supply of liquid and grease lubricants. Thus, it is necessary to develop new circuit solutions for pumping units of the crank type, to improve mobile refueling facilities with a modernized design of the pump unit drive of the mobile lubrication and filling station MRS.
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Date submitted2020-11-20
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Date accepted2021-03-30
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Date published2021-06-24
Regularities of changing the dimensions of the main bore of the cylinder of TMZ-450D diesel engine during the technological process
The article deals with the problems arising during the mechanical and thermal treatment of the TMZ-450D diesel engine cylinder, which is the base part of the engines of small-sized generators and compressors, which are widely used for mobile units in the oil and gas and mining industries. It was found that the metal in the casting has a non-uniform structure, the density of which ranges from 6.75 to 7.25 g/cm 3 . Redistribution of dislocations and residual stresses in the casting leads to significant changes in the size and shape of the main bore. In addition to the successive changes in size specified by the technology due to the removal of the designated allowance, the dimensions and shape change arbitrarily, uncontrollably in the course of the technological process. It is shown that artificial aging by a thermal method does not provide the desired dimensional stability; therefore, it is proposed to supplement it with natural aging after rough boring for six months. It was revealed that the use of morally and physically outdated equipment makes it necessary to increase the number of finishing operations of honing and, accordingly, to increase the labor intensity of cylinder manufacturing. The use of a two-position boring machine is substantiated, on which the transitions of semi-finishing and fine boring are combined. This completely eliminates the copying of errors that arose when changing the base on previous operations. The use of a two-position modular boring machine ARS-4/Ts of increased accuracy and rigidity significantly increases the accuracy of the bore hole, which makes it possible to reduce the number of honing operations. A variant of the technological process of mechanical and heat treatment is proposed, including natural aging, the use of double boring on a modular boring machine, which will reduce the number of honing operations to one, including rough and finish transitions.
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Date submitted2020-10-05
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Date accepted2021-03-30
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Date published2021-06-24
Improving the efficiency of relay protection at a mining and processing plant
The paper presents the results of constructing effective relay protection in the power supply system of a mining and processing plant (MPP). A brief description of the MPP is given, the power supply and substitution circuits used to calculate the short-circuit currents are given. A statistical analysis of failures in the electric network of the MPP has been carried out, which makes it possible to draw conclusions about the nature of failures ranges. Analysis of the registered faults shows that a significant part of them are line-to-earth faults, which in most cases turn into multiphase short circuits, which are interrupted by overcurrent protection. In order to improve the efficiency and reliability of the relay protection, the power supply scheme of the MPP was refined and analyzed. The calculation of the short-circuit currents was made, which made it possible to calculate the settings of the relay protection and give recommendations on the place of its installation and adjustment in order to ensure the normal operation of electricity consumers. To reduce the number of failures to the cable insert on the line leaving the administrative and household complex (AHC), and to increase the reliability of power supply to consumers, it is advisable to divide the capacities of the existing 10 kV line into two parallel ones by laying a second line. It is recommended to install a current cut-off on the line outgoing to the AHC, the feasibility of the installation of which was shown by calculations. This will reduce the chance of failures to the cable gland. Data on the setting currents of overcurrent protection and current cut-off are given on the selectivity card.
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Date submitted2020-05-15
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Date accepted2020-06-12
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Date published2021-06-24
One of the ways to increase the durability of the sectional pump balancing ring
- Authors:
- Nikolai P. Ovchinnikov
The article presents the results of scientific research aimed at struggling the adhesive wear of parts of sectional pumps balancing ring, where the drainage units pumping equipment of the Russian Federation underground kimberlite mines was used as an object of research. It has been theoretically proven and experimentally confirmed that if there is data on the total operating time of a sectional pump in transient modes per day, using the constructed regression model, it is possible to calculate with high accuracy the average operating time of its balancing ring unit to failure. The constructed regression model is applicable only to sectional pumps of drainage units of underground kimberlite mines in the Russian Federation. It is possible to increase the durability of the balancing ring by reducing the acceleration and deceleration time of the sectional pump; for safe operation, it should be at least 10 s. Pilot tests carried out indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method for prompt identification of the critical axial displacement of the sectional pump rotor through the vibration of the discharge tube. The introduction of this method will reduce the cost of repair work to restore the performance of parts of the hydraulic foot to a minimum.