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Date submitted2024-03-20
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Date accepted2024-11-07
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Date published2025-02-27
Analysis of the stress state of rocks transformation near a horizontal well during acid treatment based on numerical simulation
The article presents an overview of the assessment and modelling of the stress state of rocks in the near-wellbore zone of horizontal wells during acid stimulation of the formation for improving the efficiency of oil and gas field development. A numerical finite element model of near-wellbore zone of the reservoir drilled by a horizontal section was compiled using one of oil fields in the Perm Territory as an example. The distribution of physical and mechanical properties of the terrigenous reservoir near the well was determined considering transformation under the action of mud acid for different time periods of its injection. Multivariate numerical simulation was performed and the distribution of horizontal and vertical stresses in near-wellbore zone was determined with regard for different values of pressure drawdown and changes in stress-strain properties depending on the area of mud acid infiltration. It was found that a change in elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio under the influence of acid led to a decrease in stresses in near-wellbore zone. Analysis of the stress distribution field based on the Coulomb – Mohr criterion showed that the minimum safety factor of rock even after the effect of mud acid was 1.5; thus, under the considered conditions of horizontal well modelling, the reservoir rock remained stable, and no zones of rock destruction appeared.
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Date submitted2023-09-05
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Date accepted2024-11-07
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Date published2025-02-25
Investigation of the accuracy of constructing digital elevation models of technogenic massifs based on satellite coordinate determinations
At all stages of the life cycle of buildings and structures, geodetic support is provided by electronic measuring instruments – a laser scanning system, unmanned aerial vehicles, and satellite equipment. In this context, a set of geospatial data is obtained that can be presented as a digital model. The relevance of this work is practical recommendations for constructing a local quasigeoid model and a digital elevation model (DEM) of a certain accuracy. A local quasigeoid model and a DEM were selected as the study objects. It is noted that a DEM is often produced for vast areas, and, therefore, it is necessary to build a local quasigeoid model for such models. The task of assessing the accuracy of constructing such models is considered; its solution will allow obtaining a better approximation to real data on preassigned sets of field materials. A general algorithm for creating both DEM and local quasigeoid models in the Golden Software Surfer is presented. The constructions were accomplished using spatial interpolation methods. When building a local quasigeoid model for an area project, the following methods were used: triangulation with linear interpolation (the least value of the root mean square error (RMSE) of interpolation was 0.003 m) and kriging (0.003 m). The least RMSE value for determining the heights by control points for an area project was obtained using the natural neighbour (0.004 m) and kriging (0.004 m) methods. To construct a local quasigeoid model for a linear project, the following methods were applied: kriging (0.006 m) and triangulation with linear interpolation (0.006 m). Construction of the digital elevation model resulted in the least aggregate value of the estimated parameters: on a flat plot of the earth’s surface – the natural neighbour method, for a mountainous plot with anthropogenic topography – the quadric kriging method, for a mountainous plot – quadric kriging.
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Date submitted2023-07-04
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Date accepted2024-05-02
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Date published2025-02-25
Study of the pore structure in granite and gabbrodolerite crushed stone grains of various sizes
- Authors:
- Elena E. Kameneva
- Viktoriya S. Nikiforova
The results of a study on the pore structure of crushed stone grains of various sizes, obtained through staged disintegration of gabbrodolerite and microcline granite – rocks differing in texture, structure, and mineral composition – are presented. Research conducted using X-ray computed microtomography revealed that disintegration leads to changes in the pore structure of the rocks. The increase in overall porosity and pore concentration in the crushed stone grains is associated with the formation of newly developed pores of various sizes and sphericity. A clear relationship between the porosity of the crushed stone grains and their size is absent, which is due to the textural and structural characteristics as well as the mineral composition of the original rocks. The scale factor is evident only in the case of gabbrodolerite, which is characterized by a fine-grained structure, massive texture, and stable mineral composition. Fine gabbrodolerite grains exhibit lower pore concentration compared to larger grains, which aligns with the statistical theory of rock strength, according to which the probability of defects (pores and microcracks) decreases as the sample size diminishes – the smaller the grain size, the higher its strength. In contrast, for porphyritic granites with an uneven grain size, the trend is reversed – smaller grains are more porous. A study of the porosity of individual rock-forming minerals in granite showed that pores are unevenly distributed in the granite crushed stone grains. The highest concentration of pores is typical for microcline. The presence of brittle and porous microcline inclusions in the granite crushed stone grains leads to the formation of new pores and microcracks, whose number increases with the repeated application of load during staged disintegration.
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Date submitted2023-06-25
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Date accepted2024-11-07
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Date published2025-02-25
Study of wormhole channel formation resulting from hydrochloric acid treatment in complex-type reservoirs using filtration and X-ray computed tomography methods
- Authors:
- Andrei A. Аbrosimov
The primary function of hydrochloric acid treatment (HAT) is to create the maximum number of high-conductivity channels in the near-wellbore zone of the reservoir to restore its permeability and enhance hydraulic connectivity between the undisturbed part of the formation and the well. The objective of this study is to physically model HAT on core samples from the Orenburg oil and gas condensate field and to research the impact of such treatment on the structure of the pore space of rocks related to complex-type reservoirs. The complexity of the rock's pore space and the low permeability of the formations are distinguishing features of the study object. For this reason, HAT is a widely applied method for production intensification, necessitating the verification of acid injection rates, where the success criterion is the formation of high-conductivity filtration channels (wormholes) in the near-wellbore zone. These channels significantly expand the drainage area of wells, thereby bringing additional reservoir sections into development. The study examined the characteristics of filtration channel development resulting from acid treatment. Their structure was characterized and analyzed using X-ray computed tomography. The complex study confirmed the accuracy of the selected injection rate and provided practical recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of HAT.
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Date submitted2024-03-18
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Date accepted2024-11-07
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Date published2025-01-14
Public-private partnership in the mineral resources sector of Russia: how to implement the classical model?
A comparative financial and economic analysis is conducted of different public-private partnership (PPP) models for industrial infrastructure construction projects in an underdeveloped resource-rich region. The Stackelberg game theory-based model is used to build a parametrized family of bilevel mathematical programming models that describe an entire spectrum of partnership schemes. This approach enables a comparison of different strategies for the distribution of infrastructure investments between the government and the subsoil user and hence a scenario of transformation of Russia’s current PPP scheme into the classical partnership model, which is practiced in developed economies. To this end, a database is created on fifty polymetallic deposits in Transbaikalia, and a comparative analysis is conducted of Stackelberg-equilibrium development programs that implement different PPP models. The numerical experiment results show the classical PPP model to be most effective in the case of a budget deficit. The analysis helps assess the economic consequences of a gradual transformation of the partnership institution in industrial infrastructure construction from investor support in the Russian model to government support in the classical scheme. Intermediate partnership models, which act as a transitional institution, help reduce the budget burden. These models can be implemented by clustering the deposits, developing subsoil user consortia, and practicing shared construction of necessary transport and energy infrastructure. The intensification of horizontal connections between subsoil users creates favorable conditions for additional effects from the consolidation of resources and can serve as a foundation for a practical partnership scheme within the framework of the classical model.
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Date submitted2023-04-06
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Date accepted2023-12-27
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Date published2024-04-25
Localization of sites for the development of geomechanical processes in underground workings based on the results of the transformation and classification analysis of seismic data
The paper considers an approach to localizing the intervals of development of geomechanical processes in underground structures based on the classification and transformation of seismic data. The proposed approach will make it possible to identify the intervals of fracturing, rock decompression, water inflow and other geomechanical processes when interpreting the results of seismic surveys. The technique provides for the formation of matrices of longitudinal (Vp), transverse (Vs) velocities and velocity ratios (Vs/Vp) along the research profile to perform sequential filtration. The filtration results serve as the basis for the formation of a bank of informative materials for further classification. Based on the domestic KOSKAD 3D software, four approaches have been implemented for a combined digital model of the Vp, Vs and Vs/Vp parameters. One of the key elements in the classification process is to combine grids to increase the probability of detecting intervals with heterogeneous identification features. The result of the application of this methodical approach is the construction of a comprehensive interpretative model, on which potential zones of geomechanical risks development are clearly manifested.
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Date submitted2022-10-29
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Date accepted2023-10-25
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Date published2024-04-25
Assessment of rock massif sustainability in the area of the underground research laboratory (Nizhnekanskii Massif, Enisei site)
The study presents the results of the research on geodynamic and geological conditions of the Enisei site (Krasnoyarsk Krai), chosen for the construction of an underground research laboratory. The laboratory is being built at a depth of 500 m to assess the suitability of the rock mass for burying high-level radioactive waste. The rocks consist of weakly fractured gneisses, granites, and dikes of metadolerites. Field observations were conducted on bedrock outcrops. They included the determination of rock mass quality indicators, measurement of rock fracturing, and a rating classification of stability using N.Barton's method. GNSS observations were also made to monitor surface deformations. These data were used to develop a three-dimensional structural model, including lithology, fault disruptions, intrusive bodies, elastic-strength properties of rocks, and the sizes of zones influenced by faulting. It will serve as a basis for boundary conditions and the construction of three-dimensional variational models of stress-strain states, identifying zones of concentration of hazardous stresses, and planning in situ geomechanical experiments in underground mines of the laboratory. The obtained values of the modified QR index for the main types of rocks allowed their classification as stable and moderately stable, corresponding to strong and very strong rocks on Barton's scale and the massif rating according to geomechanical classification.
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Date submitted2022-06-25
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2024-02-29
Determination of the accuracy of leveling route based on GNSS/leveling and Earth gravitational model data SGG-UGM-2 at some typical regions in Vietnam
- Authors:
- Bui Thi Hong Tham
- Phi Truong Thanh
This paper presents the accuracy of leveling routes determined by using GNSS/leveling at three grades and Earth gravitational model data SGG-UGM-2 in four regions of Vietnam by calculating the difference between the measured height anomalies and the model of pairs of points. The calculation is made based on the total points of three grades for four regions (99 in the Northwest, 34 in the Red River Delta, 130 in the Central Highlands, and 96 in the Mekong River Delta) with the leveling routes, connected between pair of points in each region are 189, 92, 294, and 203. The calculated results of the percentage of accuracy of the leveling routes of the four regions have shown that most of the leveling routes are satisfactory (grades I-IV, and technical leveling). The determination of the accuracy of the leveling route is completely applicable to other areas when the points have simultaneous ellipsoid and leveling heights and it also helps managers and surveyors to predict the accuracy of the height points when the above-mentioned leveling routes are connected and to take reasonable measures when implementing the project.
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Date submitted2023-03-20
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Date accepted2023-09-20
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Date published2023-10-27
Experimental simulation of a system of swamp biogeocenoses to improve the efficiency of quarry water treatment
Mining activities were producing large quantities of wastewater contaminated with nitrogen compounds and metals. With insufficient treatment, these pollutants are released into the environment and have a toxic effect on living organisms. Constructed wetlands are now widely adopted as wastewater treatment systems because of the combination of physical, chemical and biological processes for the removal of contaminants. In this study, an experimental system was modeled to improve the efficiency of the quarry wastewater treatment of a mining enterprise by sharing the higher aquatic vegetation: broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia L.), common water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica L.), jointed rush (Juncus articulatus L.) and lower aquatic vegetation (Chlorella sp.). Concentrations of nitrogen compounds and metal were analyzed both in the model and in the treated solution of quarry wastewater for calculation of treatment efficiency. Concentrations of the pollutants in the tissues of the higher aquatic vegetation were analyzed to assess the accumulation capacity and efficiency of translocation of the pollutants. The results of the experimental study showed the practical applicability of the constructed integrated treatment system to reduce the concentration of pollutants in quarry wastewater, as well as increasing the efficiency of treatment by introducing lower aquatic vegetation into the system
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Date submitted2023-03-14
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
The wireless charging system for mining electric locomotives
The electric vehicles development has a high potential for energy saving: an energy-saving traffic control can reduce energy resource consumption, and integration with the power grid provides the ability of daily load pattern adjustment. These features are also relevant for underground mining. The critical element of vehicle-to-grid integration is the charging infrastructure, where wireless charging is promising to develop. The implementation of such systems in underground mining is associated with energy efficiency issues and explosion safety. The article discusses the development and research of a wireless charging system for mining electric locomotive A-5.5-600-U5. The analytic hierarchy process is used for justification of the circuitry and design solution by a comparison of different technical solutions based on energy efficiency and safety criteria. A complex computer model of the wireless charging system has been developed that gives the transients in the electrical circuit of a wireless charging system and the high-frequency field density distribution near the transmitting and receiving coils in a 3D setting. An approach to ignition risk evaluation based on the analysis of high-frequency field density in the charging area between the coils of the wireless charging system is proposed. The approach using a complex computer model is applied to the developed system. The study showed that the wireless charging system for mining electric locomotives operating in the gaseous-and-dusty mine is technically feasible and there are designs in which it is explosion safe.
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Date submitted2022-08-24
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Date accepted2023-02-15
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Date published2023-08-28
Modelling of the stress-strain state of block rock mass of ore deposits during development by caving mining systems
The article is devoted to the analysis of approaches to modeling the stress-strain state of a block rock mass in the vicinity of a single mine workings and in the area of rock cantilever influence during the development of the Khibiny apatite-nepheline deposits. The analysis of the existing in international engineering practice ideas about tectonic disturbances as a geomechanical element and the experience of predicting the stress-strain state of a block rock mass was carried out. On the basis of the analysis, the formulation of the basic modeling tasks is carried out and its main results are presented. Methodological recommendations for solving similar problems were developed.
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Date submitted2022-07-15
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Date accepted2022-12-13
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Date published2023-02-27
Assessment of the efficiency of occupational safety culture management in fuel and energy companies
The results of development, testing and implementation of the process of occupational safety culture management in a fuel and energy company including the assessment of current state, assessment of deviation, formation of control action and its implementation are presented. Using the methods of mathematical analysis, the components of occupational safety culture and criteria for their evaluation were developed. As a control action, a procedure for conducting behavioural safety audit was elaborated and implemented. Proceeding from the results of analysing average ratings of safety culture components among the employees prior to and after the introduction of behavioural safety audit, it was concluded that there was a statistically significant increase in the average values of 12 out of 16 ratings of safety culture components. Analysis of the results of 1,011 audits showed the absence of an “alarm area” at the enterprise. Introduction of the developed process management model promotes an increase in the efficiency of attaining a high level of occupational safety culture in fuel and energy companies.
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Date submitted2022-05-06
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Date accepted2022-11-17
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Date published2023-02-27
Comprehensive study of filtration properties of pelletized sandy clay ores and filtration modes in the heap leaching stack
There are the results of a study of the factors determining the formation and changes in the filtration properties of a heap leaching stack formed from pelletized poor sandy-clay ores. An analysis of methods of investigation of filtration properties of ore material for different stages of heap leaching plots functioning is carried out. Influence of segregation process during stack dumping on formation of zones with very different permeability parameters of ore has been established by experimental and filtration works. The construction and application of a numerical model of filtration processes in pelletized ores based on laboratory experiments is shown. By means of solution percolation simulation at different irrigation intensities the justification of optimal stack parameters is provided in terms of the geomechanical stability and prevention of solution level rise above the drainage layer.
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Date submitted2022-07-15
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Date accepted2022-12-13
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Date published2023-02-27
Mathematical modelling of displacement during the potash ores mining by longwall faces
In favourable mining conditions, in particular at the Starobinskoye potash deposit (Belarus), longwall mining systems are used. They cause a high human-induced load on the subsoil, including intense deformation of the ground surface. The presented investigations are aimed at studying the dynamics of the ground surface displacement during the longwall face advance. Mathematical modelling was carried out in an elastic-plastic formulation with numerical implementation by the finite element method. The condition for the roof rocks collapse was opening of the contact between the seams when its boundaries were reached by shear fractures or formation of the tensile stresses area at the outcrop. With the working front advance, an increase in subsidence is observed, followed by its stabilization to a value determined by the process parameters of mining operations and the physical and mechanical properties of collapsed rocks. In this case, each point of the ground surface experiences sign-alternating horizontal deformations: when the front approaches, it causes tension, and when it moves away, compression. The obtained results of mathematical modelling are in good agreement with the data of instrumental measurements of the ground surface displacements, which indicates the adequate description of the rock mass deformation during the slice excavation of sylvinite seams by longwall faces.
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Date submitted2022-10-10
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Date accepted2023-01-19
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Date published2023-12-25
Assessment of the possibility of using leucoxene-quartz concentrate as raw material for production of aluminium and magnesium titanates
Leucoxene-quartz concentrate is a large-tonnage by-product of development of the Timan oil-titanium field (oil-saturated sandstones) which is not commercially used at present. High content of titanium compounds (to 50 % by weight) and lack of industrial, cost-effective, and safe technologies for its processing determine a high relevance of the work. Conventional processing technologies allow increasing the concentration of TiO2, but they are only a preparation for complex and hazardous selective chlorination. The process of pyrometallurgical conversion of leucoxene-quartz concentrate into aluminium and magnesium titanates was investigated. It was ascertained that the temperature of solid-phase reaction in Al2O3-TiO2-SiO2 system necessary for the synthesis of aluminium titanate (Al2TiO5) is 1,558 °С, and for MgO-TiO2-SiO2 system – 1,372 °С. Scaling up the process made it possible to synthesize a significant number of samples of titanate-containing products, the phase composition of which was studied by X-ray phase analysis. Two main phases were identified in the products: 30 % aluminium/magnesium titanate and 40 % silicon dioxide. In products of pyrometallurgical processing in the presence of aluminium, phases of pseudobrookite (3.5 %) and titanite (0.5 %) were also found. It was ascertained that in magnesium-containing system the formation of three magnesium titanates is possible: MgTiO3 – 25, Mg2TiO4 – 35, MgTi2O5 – 40 %. Experiments on sulphuric acid leaching of samples demonstrated a higher degree of titanium compounds extraction during sulphuric acid processing. An integrated conceptual scheme for processing leucoxene-quartz concentrate to produce a wide range of potential products (coagulants, catalysts, materials for ceramic industry) was proposed.
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Date submitted2022-05-12
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Date accepted2022-09-15
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Date published2022-12-29
Problem solution analysis on finding the velocity distribution for laminar flow of a non-linear viscous flushing fluid in the annular space of a well
- Authors:
- Vasiliy I. Nikitin
Modern drilling fluids are non-linear viscous media with an initial shear stress. In classical scientific works on hydromechanical modeling of drilling fluids motion in pipes and annular channels the Shvedov – Bingham approximation and Ostwald – de Waale power-law model were used, which did not fully account for behavior of technological fluids in a wide range of shear rates. This article presents a numerical solution for a mathematical model of drilling fluid motion of the three-parameter Herschel – Bulkley rheological model in the annular space of the well. The Herschel – Bulkley model in the rheological equation takes into account the presence of initial shear stress and a tendency for viscosity to change with shear rate, which distinguishes it from the Ostwald – de Waale and Shvedov – Bingham models. The target function in solving the equation of motion is the velocity distribution in the radial direction of the upward flow of the flushing fluid. The analysis of obtained solution is based on the theory of velocity profile influence on quality of cuttings removal during wellbore cleaning. Due to peculiarities of mathematical statement of the task, which supposes necessity of differential equation of motion solution, Wolfram Mathematica computational software has been used as a calculation tool. The analysis of numerical solution allowed to draw conclusions about the possibility of its application in evaluation of velocity profile when drilling fluid moves in annular space of the well. The possibility for application of modified excess coefficient as a relative quantitative parameter for evaluation of velocity profile uniformity was substantiated.
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Date submitted2022-03-01
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Date accepted2022-05-25
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Date published2022-12-29
Study on the rheological properties of barite-free drilling mud with high density
Improved drilling and reservoir penetration efficiency is directly related to the quality of the drilling mud used. The right choice of mud type and its components will preserve formation productivity, stability of the well walls and reduce the probability of other complications. Oil and gas operators use barite, less often siderite or hematite weighting agent as a weighting component in the composition of drilling muds for the conditions of increased pressure. But the use of these additives for the penetration of the productive formation leads to the reduction of filtration characteristics of the reservoir, as it is almost impossible to remove them from the pore channels. Therefore, barite-free drilling mud of increased density based on formic acid salts with the addition of carbonate weighting agent as an acid-soluble bridging agent is proposed. The results of experimental investigations on rheological parameters of barite-free solutions are given and the obtained data are analyzed. Based on the comparison of results it is recommended to use high-density drilling mud on the basis of formic acid salts (sodium and potassium formate) and with the addition of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide with molecular mass of 27 million.
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Date submitted2022-05-12
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Date accepted2022-09-06
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Date published2022-11-03
Morphometric parameters of sulphide ores as a basis for selective ore dressing
To assess the possibility of selective disintegration and reduction of overgrinding of hard-to-reproduce ores, optical microscopic and X-ray microtomographic studies were carried out and quantitative characteristics of morphological parameters of disseminated and rich cuprous ore samples from Norilsk-type Oktyabrsky deposit were identified. Among quantitative morphological parameters the most informative are area, perimeter, edge roughness, sphericity, elongation and average grain spacing for disseminated copper-nickel ores; area, perimeter, edge roughness and elongation for rich cuprous ores. The studied parameters are characterized by increased values and dispersion in ore zones, which is especially important for fine-grained ores, which are difficult to diagnose by optical methods. Three-dimensional modelling of the internal structure of sulphide mineralisation samples was carried out using computed X-ray microtomography, which allows observation of quantitative parameters of grains, aggregates and their distribution in the total rock volume and interrelationship with each other. The evaluation of rock pore space by computer microtomography made it possible to compare the results obtained with the strength characteristics of rocks and ores, including those on different types of crushers. The obtained quantitative characteristics of structural-textural parameters and analysis of grain size distribution of ore minerals allow us to evaluate the possibility of applying selective crushing at various stages of ore preparation
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Date submitted2022-06-20
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Date accepted2022-09-06
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Date published2022-11-03
Adaptive approach formation using machine vision technology to determine the parameters of enrichment products deposition
In this paper, an adaptive approach has been developed for automatic initialization of the thickening curve using machine vision technology, which makes it possible to determine with high accuracy the material parameters necessary for the design of thickening and clarification apparatuses. Software has been developed that made it possible to search for the coordinates of the condensation critical point in automatic mode. Studies on two samples of materials (tailings of apatite-containing ores and gold-bearing concentrate) were carried out and made it possible to statistically prove the reproducibility of the results obtained using the parametric criteria of Fisher and Bartlett. It has been established that the deposition curves are approximated with high accuracy by the Weibull model, which, together with the piecewise linear approximation, makes it possible to formalize the method for determining the critical point coordinates. The empirical coefficients of the Weibull model for two samples are found, and the final liquefaction and settling rates of the studied materials are determined.
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Date submitted2022-06-20
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Date accepted2022-10-10
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Date published2022-11-03
Monitoring of grinding condition in drum mills based on resulting shaft torque
Grinding is the most energy-intensive process among all stages of raw material preparation and determines the course of subsequent ore beneficiation stages. Level of electricity consumption is determined in accordance with load characteristics forming as a result of ore destruction in the mill. Mill drum speed is one of process variables due to which it is possible to control ore destruction mechanisms when choosing speed operation mode of adjustable electric mill drive. This study on increasing energy efficiency due to using mill electric drive is based on integrated modelling of process equipment – grinding process and electromechanic equipment – electric drive of grinding process. Evaluating load torque by means of its decomposition into a spectrum, mill condition is identified by changing signs of frequency components of torque spectrum; and when studying electromagnetic torque of electric drive, grinding process is monitored. Evaluation and selection of efficient operation mode of electric drive is based on the obtained spectrum of electromagnetic torque. Research results showed that with increasing mill drum speed – increasing impact energy, load torque values are comparable for the assigned simulation parameters. From the spectra obtained, it is possible to identify mill load condition – speed and fill level. This approach allows evaluating the impact of changes in process variables of grinding process on parameters of electromechanical system. Changing speed operation mode will increase grinding productivity by reducing the time of ore grinding and will not lead to growth of energy consumption. Integration of digital models of the technological process and automated electric drive system allows forming the basis for developing integrated methods of monitoring and evaluation of energy efficiency of the entire technological chain of ore beneficiation.
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Date submitted2022-04-14
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Date accepted2022-07-21
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Date published2022-11-03
Technological mineralogy: development of a comprehensive assessment of titanium ores (exemplified by the Pizhemskoye deposit)
Technological mineralogy of titanium ores is the basis for assessing their complexity. It enables, from a unified standpoint, to trace the entire course of changes in mineral matter through operating procedures, including beneficiation, processing, and obtaining target industrial products. The study targets are Pizhemskoye ilmenite-leucoxene sandstones, which are distinguished by a complex polymineral composition. Along with the main ore components, there are other metals with different speciation (isomorphic admixture, independent mineral phases). The optimal set of mineralogical analysis methods for the predictive assessment of their further use is substantiated exemplified by titanium ores of the Pizhemskoye deposit, which are complex, noted for a variable content of iron oxides and contain rare earth metals. Examinations by X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirm that the main titanium phases of sandstones are pseudorutile and a polymineral aggregate, “leucoxene”. Considering the granulometric peculiarities of the magnetic and non-magnetic fractions of the gravity concentrate, the prospects of technologies for processing titanium raw materials are discussed. Along with the problems of obtaining high-quality raw materials, the transformations of mineral phases as a result of extreme impacts and their physicochemical properties as a consequence of isomorphic substitution of a part of Ti atoms with natural modifier agents (Fe and V) in the synthesis of titanium oxide nanostructures for industrial applications are considered (photocatalytic nanoreactor).
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Date submitted2021-07-05
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Date accepted2022-07-21
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Date published2022-11-10
Fragmentation analysis using digital image processing and empirical model (KuzRam): a comparative study
The rock fragmentation reflects the degree of control of blasting. Despite the accuracy of screening analysis to determine the size distribution of blasted rocks, this technique remains complex and long because of the large volume of blasted rocks. The digital image processing method can overcome these constraints of accuracy and speed. Our method uses the empirical model of KuzRam and numerical method (Digital image processing) through two image processing software’s (WipFrag and Split-Desktop) to analyze the particle size distribution of rocks fragmented by explosives in Jebel Medjounes limestone quarry. The digital image processing is based on the photography of the pile of blasted rock analyzed using image processing techniques. The objective of this work is to evaluate and compare the results obtained for each blast from the two methods and to discuss the similarities and differences among them. Three different blasts with the same design were analyzed through the two methods. The result of the KuzRam model gave idealistic results due to the heterogeneity of the structure of the rocks; although, this model can be used for an initial evaluation of blast design. For better efficiency of the explosion, we proposed a new fragmentation indicator factor in order to compare the fragment produced to the estimated ideal size obtained from the KuzRam model by incorporating the blast design parameters and the rock factor. Both image processing gives close results with more accuracy for the Split-Desktop software. Our method can improve the efficiency and reduce crushing costs of the studied career.
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Date submitted2022-04-29
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Date accepted2022-07-21
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Date published2022-11-10
Deep structure, tectonics and geodynamics of the Sea of Okhotsk region and structures of its folded frame
The use of the zonal-block model of the earth's crust for the construction of regional tectonic schemes and sections of the earth's crust based on a complex of geological and geophysical data makes it possible to consider the resulting maps and sections as tectonic models. The main elements of such models are blocks with an ancient continental base and interblock zones formed by complexes of island arcs, an accretionary prism, or oceanic crust. The developed geotectonic model of the Sea of Okhotsk region reflects the features of the deep structure, tectonics, and geodynamics. The Cimmerian Novosibirsk-Chukotka, Verkhoyansk-Kolyma, Kolyma-Omolon, and Amur folded regions and the Alpides of the Koryak-Kamchatka and Sakhalin-Sikhote-Alin folded regions are developed along the northern, western, and southern boundaries of the Sea of Okhotsk megablock with a continental crust type. From the east, the megablock is limited by oceanic basins and island arcs.
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Date submitted2022-05-04
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Date accepted2022-06-15
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Date published2022-07-26
Prospecting models of primary diamond deposits of the north of the East European Platform
As a result of a comprehensive study of the geological structure and diamond presense of the northern part of the East European Platform, generalization of the data accumulated by various organizations in the USSR, the Russian Federation, and other states, three main prospecting models of primary diamond deposits have been identified and characterized: Karelian, Finnish, and Arkhangelsk. Geological, structural, mineralogical, and petrographic criteria of local prediction, as well as the features of the response of kimberlite and lamproite bodies in dispersion haloes and geophysical fields, are considered using known examples, including data on the developed M.V.Lomonosov and V.P.Grib mines. It is shown that the most complicated prospecting environments occur in the covered areas of the Russian Plate, where, in some cases, the primary diamond-bearing rocks are similar in their petrophysical properties to the host formations. The buried dispersion haloes of kimberlite minerals in the continental Carboniferous and Quaternary deposits are traced at a short distance from the sources. Differences in the prospecting features of magnesian (Lomonosov mine) and ferromagnesian (Grib mine) kimberlites are also shown. Conclusions about the diamond potential of the model objects of various types are given in this paper.
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Date submitted2021-05-31
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Date accepted2022-03-24
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Date published2022-07-13
Mathematical model of linear and non-linear proppant concentration increase during hydraulic fracturing – a solution for sequential injection of a number of proppant types
It is known that much of the technology aimed at intensifying fluid inflow by means of hydraulic fracturing involves the use of proppant. In order to transport and position grains in the fracture, a uniform supply of proppant with a given concentration into the fracturing fluid is ensured. The aim of the operation is to eliminate the occurrence of distortions in the injection program of proppant HF. A mathematically accurate linear increase of concentration under given conditions is possible only if the transient concentration is correctly defined. The proposed approach allows to correctly form a proppant HF work program for both linear and non-linear increase in proppant concentration. The scientific novelty of the work lies in application of a new mathematical model for direct calculation of injection program parameters, previously determined by trial and error method. A mathematical model of linear and non-linear increase of proppant concentration during HF was developed. For the first time, an analytical solution is presented that allows direct calculation of parameters of the main HF stages, including transient concentrations for given masses of the various types of proppant. The application of the mathematical model in formation of a treatment plan allows maintaining correct proppant mass distribution by fractions, which facilitates implementation of information and analytical systems, data transfer directly from a work program into databases. It is suggested to improve spreadsheet forms used in production, which would allow applying mathematical model of work program formation at each HF process without additional labour costs. The obtained mathematical model can be used to improve the software applied in the design, modelling and engineering support of HF processes.