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Date submitted2023-10-31
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Date accepted2024-11-07
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Date published2025-01-24
Specifics of magnetotelluric studies in Antarctica
One of the priority areas of scientific research in Antarctica is the study of its deep structure. Most of the continent is covered with a thick ice sheet, so the main geoscientific data are acquired using geophysical methods, among which magnetotelluric (MT) ones have the greatest penetration depth and insignificant environmental impact. The possibility of acquiring high-quality MT data in the conditions of the sixth continent has long been questioned. The work is aimed at studying the specifics of magnetotelluric survey in Antarctica. The following tasks were set: to summarize the world experience of studying Antarctica using MT sounding methods; to identify factors that negatively affect the high-quality data acquisition; to determine methods for minimizing the influence of these factors. The article analyses geophysical studies conducted by the magnetotelluric sounding method in the Antarctic region from 1964 to the present. The application of the method is complicated by the following: extremely low temperature affects the drop in the batteries capacity, freezing of the non-polarizing electrodes solution, and changes in the strength properties of materials. Electromagnetic noise occurs during strong winds; proximity to the magnetotelluric field source can violate the plane wave principle on which the method is based. The ice sheet covering most of Antarctica does not allow acquiring optimal values of the contact resistance of the electrode grounding; the extended coastline distorts the acquired data. Studies of the influence of factors complicating the MT sounding method in the coastal and central parts of Antarctica made it possible to formulate recommendations for preparing equipment and adapting the work procedure, modifying the processing flow and a set of measures to ensure safety, the implementation of which will both allow safe performance of geophysical investigations and high-quality data acquisition.
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Date submitted2024-04-11
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Date accepted2024-11-07
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Date published2025-01-17
Thyristor booster device for voltage fluctuation reduction in power supply systems of ore mining enterprises
The article is devoted to solving the problem of voltage fluctuations in the power supply systems of ore mining enterprises. The connection of high-power consumers with abruptly variable operating mode (for example, high-voltage mining excavators) causes voltage fluctuations and sags, disabling electrical equipment, communication, and automation devices in the 6-10 kV distribution network, which disrupts technological processes, etc. The use of existing solutions and methods to reduce voltage variations caused by dynamic loads is not effective. To solve the problem, booster transformers with high-speed thyristor switches can be used to work out switching the control steps towards increasing or decreasing the voltage. The authors offer a new circuitry solution for a thyristor booster device (TBD) with a pulse-phase control method. The purpose of the research is to determine the control laws of TBD, which enable to effectively reduce voltage fluctuations from dynamic load in the power supply systems of mining enterprises. The article provides a schematic diagram of the TBD and describes the principle of operation of the device. Some modes of increasing and decreasing the output voltage of the TBD, as well as the basic mode (without voltage addition) are provided. Mathematical modeling of TBD control processes was carried out and adjustment characteristics were set taking into account the load power factor. On a simulation computer model of a 6 kV electric network with a dynamic load, the verification of the adjustment characteristics of TBD obtained during mathematical modeling was carried out. Based on the research results, the laws for regulating the output voltage of TBD were established. The TBD effective control range with normal permissible limits of odd harmonics have been determined. The conducted research will make it possible to implement the device control system.
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Date submitted2024-04-08
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Date accepted2024-06-13
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Date published2024-12-25
Analysing the problems of reproducing the mineral resource base of scarce strategic minerals
The results of studying the scarcity of strategic minerals in the Russian Federation are presented, domestic consumption of which is largely provided by forced imports and/or stored reserves. Relevance of the work is due to aggravation of the geopolitical situation and a growing necessity to meet the demand of national economy for raw materials from own sources. Analysis of the state of mineral resource base of scarce minerals in the Russian Federation was accomplished, problems were identified and prospects for its development were outlined taking into account the domestic demand for scarce minerals, their application areas and the main consumers. Reducing the deficit through the import of foreign raw materials and the development of foreign deposits does not ensure the reproduction of the domestic mineral resource base, independence of the country from imported raw materials as well as additional competitive advantages, economic stability and security. It was ascertained that a major factor holding back the development of the mineral resource base is insufficient implementation of new technological solutions for the use of low-quality ore. Improving the technologies in the industry is relevant for all types of scarce minerals to solve the problem of reproducing their resource base. Taking into account the prospects for the development of the resource base for the minerals under consideration (manganese, uranium, chromium, fluorspar, zirconium, titanium, graphite) requires a set of legal and economic measures aimed at increasing the investment attractiveness of geological exploration for subsoil users at their own expense without attracting public funding. The proposed measures, taking into account the analysis of positive experience of foreign countries, include the development of junior businesses with expansion of the “declarative” principle, the venture capital market, various tax incentives, preferential loans as well as conditions for the development of infrastructure in remote regions. The proposed solution to the problem of scarcity of strategic minerals will make it possible in future to present measures to eliminate the scarcity of certain types of strategic minerals taking into account their specificity.
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Date submitted2022-09-05
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Date accepted2023-09-20
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Date published2024-04-25
Modeling the efficiency of seasonal cooling devices when changing the statistical distribution of weather conditions
The climatic factor of warming, which is evidenced by a significant number of scientists and research teams in Russia and the world, has a significant impact on the cryogenic state of permafrost soil, the preservation of which is one of the most common principles of construction in the North. The influence of projected climatic changes in planning up to 2050 on the efficiency of seasonal cooling devices, the principle of operation of which is based on seasonal soil freezing, is considered. The conducted modeling has shown that in a situation of stable climate, the preservation of the cryogenic state of permafrost soil is realized without the use of additional measures. With warming with a trend of 0.1 °C per year, seasonal cooling devices do not ensure the preservation of the current level of the cryogenic state of the soil and additional measures are required to increase their efficiency in the summer. In the case of more extreme warming with a rate of 0.25 °C per year, the modeling results show that seasonal cooling devices do not significantly affect the rate of soil thawing and the solution to the problem should be its complete replacement with systems with year-round action.
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Date submitted2023-07-07
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Date accepted2023-09-20
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Date published2024-02-29
Isotherm and kinetic adsorption of rice husk particles as a model adsorbent for solving issues in the sustainable gold mining environment from mercury leaching
One of the techniques used in extracting gold in small-scale gold mining is mercury amalgamation. However, the use of mercury presents significant health and environmental hazards, as well as suboptimal efficiency in gold extraction. This study explores the possibility of the use of rice husk as a prototype adsorbent for mercury removal from its leaching in mining environments. To support the analysis, the rice husk adsorbent was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectrophotometers and Brunauer − Emmett − Teller analysis. To investigate the removal of Hg from aqueous solutions, batch adsorption experiments were conducted, and the efficiency was optimized under various parameters such as contact time, rice husk dosage, and initial concentration of mercury. Kinetic and isotherm investigations were also carried out to gain a better understanding of the adsorption properties. The kinetic adsorption was analyzed using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order. Furthermore, the isotherm adsorption was analyzed using ten adsorption isotherm models (i.e., Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin – Radushkevich, Flory – Huggins, Fowler – Guggenheim, Hill – de Boer, Jovanovic, Harkin – Jura, and Halsey). The amount of mercury absorption increased with increasing contact time, adsorbent mass, and initial concentration of mercury. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model is the best model that can be applied to describe the adsorption process. Analysis of the adsorption results obtained shows that the adsorption pattern is explained through the formation of a monolayer without any lateral interaction between the adsorbate and adsorbent. In addition, the formation of multilayers due to inhomogeneous pore distribution also occurs which causes a pore filling mechanism. We found that the isotherm phenomena are near the Jovanovic models with the maximum adsorption capacity) of rice husk found to be 107.299 mg/g. As a result, rice husk could be a promising option for wastewater treatment due to its fast and efficient removal capacity, as well as its affordability and eco-friendliness. The predicted thermodynamic studies using the Flory – Huggins isotherm model show that the adsorption process is endothermic, spontaneous, and physisorption. The impact shows that the utilization of rice husk can be used and fit for the current issues in the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
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Date submitted2023-08-16
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Date accepted2023-10-24
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Date published2023-10-27
Results of complex experimental studies at Vostok station in Antarctica
Scientific research in the area close to the Russian Antarctic station Vostok has been carried out since its founding on December 16, 1957. The relevance of work to study the region is steadily increasing, which is confirmed by the Strategy for the Development of Activities of the Russian Federation in the Antarctica until 2030. As part of the Strategy implementation, Saint Petersburg Mining University solves the comprehensive study issues of the Vostok station area, including the subglacial Lake Vostok, related to the development of modern technologies and technical means for drilling glaciers and underlying rocks, opening subglacial reservoirs, sampling water and bottom sediments, as well as carrying out comprehensive geological and geophysical research. For the successful implementation of the Strategy, at each stage of the work it is necessary to identify and develop interdisciplinary connections while complying with the requirements for minimizing the impact on the environment. During the season of the 68th Russian Antarctic Expedition, the staff of the Mining University, along with the current research works , began research of the dynamic interactions between the forces of the Earth, from the deepest depths to the surface glacier. Drilling and research programs have been completed. The drilling program was implemented jointly with colleagues from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute at the drilling complex of the 5G well. The research program included: shallow seismic studies, core drilling of snow-firn strata, study of the snow-firn strata petrostructural features, studies of cuttings collection filters effectiveness when drilling snow-firn strata and the process of ice destruction in a reciprocating rotational method, bench testing of an acoustic scanner. As a result of drilling in 5G well at the depth range of 3453.37-3534.43 m, an ice core more than 1 million years old was obtained.
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Date submitted2022-03-25
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Date accepted2022-09-06
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Date published2022-12-29
Autoclave modeling of corrosion processes occurring in a gas pipeline during transportation of an unprepared multiphase medium containing CO2
The problem of selecting a method for ensuring the reliability of the unprepared fluid transport facilities of an unprepared fluid in the presence of carbon dioxide is considered. Carbon dioxide corrosion is one of the dangerous types of damage to field and main pipelines. It has been shown that dynamic autoclave tests should be carried out during staged laboratory tests in order to determine the intensity of carbon dioxide corrosion and to select the optimal method of protection. A hypothesis about the imperfection of the existing generally accepted approaches to dynamic corrosion testing has been put forward and confirmed. A test procedure based on the use of an autoclave with an overhead stirrer, developed using elements of mathematical modeling, is proposed. The flows created in the autoclave provide corrosive wear of the sample surface similar to the internal surfaces elements wear of the pipelines piping of gas condensate wells. The autoclave makes it possible to simulate the effect of the organic phase on the flow rate and the nature of corrosion damage to the metal surface, as well as the effect of the stirrer rotation speed and, accordingly, the shear stress of the cross section on the corrosion rate in the presence/absence of a corrosion inhibitor. The given results of staged tests make it possible to judge the high efficiency of the developed test procedure.
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Date submitted2021-10-15
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Date accepted2022-09-06
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Date published2022-11-10
Experimental research on the thermal method of drilling by melting the well in ice mass with simultaneous controlled expansion of its diameter
- Authors:
- Danil V. Serbin
- Andrey N. Dmitriev
During the seasonal work of the 64th Russian Antarctic Expedition in 2018-2019 at the “Vostok” drilling facility named after B.B.Kudryashov (“Vostok” station, Antarctic) specialists of Saint Petersburg Mining University conducted experimental investigations on the process of drilling by melting with simultaneous expansion of wells in the ice mass. A test bench and a full-scale model of a thermohydraulic reamer-drilling tool were developed, manufactured and tested for the research. The first bench tests of the full-scale model proved its efficiency and suitability for experimental drilling with simultaneous expansion of wells in ice mass; its operational capabilities were determined and the drawbacks that will be taken into account in future were found out. The article substantiates the choice of constructive elements for thermohydraulic reamer-drilling tool. It is determined that the technology of full diameter drilling with simultaneous expansion of the well in ice mass can be implemented by combining contact drilling by melting and convective expansion with creation of forced near-bottomhole annular circulation of the heated heat carrier. Dependencies of expansion rate on main technological parameters were determined: active heat power of heating elements in penetrator and circulation system, mechanical drilling rate, pump flow rate. According to the results of investigations, the experimental model of thermohydraulic reamer-drilling tool will be designed and manufactured for testing in conditions of well 5G.
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Date submitted2021-10-19
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Date accepted2021-11-30
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Date published2021-12-27
Potential technological solution for sampling the bottom sediments of the subglacial lake Vostok: relevance and formulation of investigation goals
The subglacial Lake Vostok in Antarctic is a unique natural phenomenon, its comprehensive study involves sampling of water and bottom surface rocks. For further study of the lake, it is necessary to drill a new access well and develop environmentally safe technologies for its exploration. This article discusses existing and potential technologies for sampling bottom surface rocks of subglacial lakes. All these technologies meet environmental safety requirements and are conducive for sampling. The authors have proposed an alternative technology, using a walking device, which, due to its mobility, enables selective sampling of rocks across a large area from a single access well. The principal issues, related to the implementation of the proposed technology, are investigated within this article. This report is prepared by a team of specialists with many years of experience in drilling at the Vostok Station in Antarctic and in experimental work on the design of equipment and non-standard means of mechanization for complicated mining, geological and climatic conditions.
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Date submitted2021-01-20
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Date accepted2021-03-15
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Date published2021-04-26
Improving the quality of electricity in the power supply systems of the mineral resource complex with hybrid filter-compensating devices
- Authors:
- Yurii A. Sychev
- Roman Yu. Zimin
The urgency and necessity of choosing and justifying the structures of hybrid filter-compensating devices based on series and parallel active filters to improve the quality of electricity in the power supply systems of enterprises of the mineral resource complex is shown. Mathematical models of hybrid filter compensating devices based on parallel and series active filters have been developed. Based on these mathematical models, computer simulation models of the indicated hybrid structures have been developed. The results of simulation showed the effectiveness of the correction of power quality indicators in terms of reducing the level of higher harmonics of current and voltage, as well as voltage deviations. The degree of influence of filter-compensating devices on the power quality indicators, which determine the continuity and stability of the technological process at the enterprises of the mineral resource complex, have been revealed. It has been established that a hybrid filter-compensating device based on a parallel active filter can reduce the level of higher harmonics of current and voltage by more than 90 and 70 %, respectively, and based on a series active filter, it can reduce the level of higher harmonics of voltage by more than 80 %. Based on the simulation results, the possibility of compensating for the reactive power of a hybrid structure based on parallel active and passive filters has been revealed. The possibility of integrating hybrid filter-compensating devices into more complex multifunctional electrical systems for the automated improvement of the quality of electricity is substantiated, as well as the expediency and prospects of their use in combined power supply systems based on the parallel operation of centralized and autonomous sources of distributed generation.
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Date submitted2020-07-02
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Date accepted2021-02-16
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Date published2021-04-26
Development of viscoelastic systems and technologies for isolating water-bearing horizons with abnormal formation pressures during oil and gas wells drilling
Article provides a brief overview of the complications arising during the construction of oil and gas wells in conditions of abnormally high and abnormally low formation pressures. Technological properties of the solutions used to eliminate emergency situations when drilling wells in the intervals of catastrophic absorption and influx of formation fluid have been investigated. A technology for isolating water influx in intervals of excess formation pressure has been developed. The technology is based on the use of a special device that provides control of the hydrodynamic pressure in the annular space of the well. An experiment was carried out to determine the injection time of a viscoelastic system depending on its rheology, rock properties and technological parameters of the isolation process. A mathematical model based on the use of a special device is presented. The model allows determining the penetration depth of a viscoelastic system to block water-bearing horizons to prevent interformation crossflows and water breakthrough into production wells.
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Date submitted2019-10-15
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Date accepted2019-11-19
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Date published2020-10-08
Oilfield service companies as part of economy digitalization: assessment of the prospects for innovative development
- Authors:
- Svetlana V. Razmanova
- Olga V. Andrukhova
The digital transformation of the economy as the most important stage of scientific and technological progress and transition to a new technological structure is becoming one of the determining factors in the development and competitiveness of the domestic upstream sector. Prospects for innovative development of oilfield service companies are the key technological areas within the first project of the Hi-Tech Strategy of the German Government until 2020 – “Industry 4.0”. The purpose of this study is to assess the prospects for innovative development of the domestic oilfield service industry in the context of the digitalization of the oil and gas industry. The subject of the research is the process of the formation of key technological lines of “Industry 4.0” and their impact on the domestic oil and gas sector. The research is based on logical-theoretical and empirical analyses. The main factors that determine processes of digital transformation in the oil and gas industry are considered; the results of digitalization processes in the largest foreign and Russian industry companies of the upstream and oilfield services segments are presented. The information base is made up of data from oilfield service and oil and gas producing companies, presented on the official websites of companies in the public domain on the Internet. It has been proven that, unlike the world's leading companies in oilfield services segment, independent domestic oilfield service companies provide mainly traditional service technologies in a fairly narrow range. The limited scope of functioning and technological capabilities of Russian companies is explained by the lack of necessary investment in development and expansion of business, as well as interest on the part of the state and corporate sectors in the development and replication of domestic technologies and the formation of a full-fledged oilfield services market in Russia.
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Date submitted2020-05-06
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Date accepted2020-05-24
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Date published2020-06-30
Revisiting the evolution of deformation zones under platform conditions in the case study of the Kungur Ice Cave (Cis-Urals)
- Authors:
- Nataliya V. Lavrova
Observations in mining tunnels and caves allow to identify composition and development specifics of fault structures under subsurface conditions at various stages of geological history. Basing on the existing formation model of Kungur Ice Cave karst system, author examines the transformations of deformation zones, occurring in the mass of interlaid sulfate and carbonate rocks under platform conditions. Morphologic specifics of vertical structures – organ pipes, developed within one of the gypsum-anhydrite units, are defined by evolution stages of disjunctive faults, penetrating the entire rock mass of the Ice Cave. Point infiltration of surface waters and formation of a single channel, where rock softening and taluses from overlapping deposits gradually occur, are currently considered to be the initiators of pipe formation. At a later stage a sink forms on the surface, increasing the amount of water coming to the karsting mass. However, the size of debris in the talus, incommensurate with the pipe head, rounded arches of separate pipes, fragments of feeder channels, characteristic for artesian conditions of underground water circulation, faceted rock debris from overlapping deposits, specifics of wall structure all define the priority of pipe formation over grottos and cave galleries. Plastic properties of gypsum sediments and processes of their hydration define secondary modifications of pipe walls up to complete filling of the voids and formation of secondary pillars with subsequent renewed formation of vertical channels – significantly smaller in diameter and formed by infiltration waters when subject to corrosion.
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Date submitted2020-01-09
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Date accepted2020-01-17
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Date published2020-02-25
Methodology for Calculating the Stability of the Polymer Operating String in Permafrost
- Authors:
- V. A. Stetukha
- I. I. Zheleznyak
The goal of this paper is to develop a methodology for calculating the stability of an annular cross-section string casing made of polymer material used for the development of mineral deposits by underground leaching in permafrost formations. The aim was to determine the geometric parameters of the casing and to ensure its operational reliability. The relevance of the research is associated with the peculiarities of external influences on the string, for example, a geotechnological well operating in permafrost formation under conditions of additional exposure to ice pressure during freezing of water in the borehole annulus. This effect is usually accompanied by deformation of the casing due to ice pressure, which can lead to string collapse, abnormal operation and the risk of contamination of the geological environment. The proposed calculation method for a polymer casing is based on simulation of objects using the finite element method. We used the spatial finite elements to model the interaction of key elements of the geotechnological natural-technogenic complex: a polymer casing, ice in the annulus space and homogeneous or heterogeneous rock masses adjacent to the well. The results of the study are presented in the form of tables and patterns of displacements, which reflect stresses and strains in the elements of the calculation scheme. The analysis of the obtained results confirms the possibility of using polymer casings of different technological purposes in various conditions of permafrost formation, including extreme ones. The results of the redistribution of pressure created by ice during the freezing of water in the borehole annulus to the rock mass and the string are evaluated. Interdependent deformations of the rock mass and operating string during freezing of water in the borehole annulus are determined. The necessity of considering the properties of the rock mass in determining the pressure on the string is established. The conditions for the collapse of the string with a different combination of its parameters are revealed.
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Date submitted2019-05-30
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Date accepted2019-09-04
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Date published2020-02-25
Prospects for industrial methane production in the mine n.a. V.M.Bazhanov using vertical surface wells
The estimated methane resources in the coal stratum of Donbass are 798.5 billion m 3 , including 119.5 billion m 3 in the Donetsk-Makeevsky area. Such significant potential implies that methane can be used not only for industrial production and energy purposes but also as a commodity for the chemical industry. However, in practice, commercial production of methane from coal seams, as is done in the fields of the USA, Canada, India, and China, is not carried out, and methane, obtained as a by-product, is utilized for ensuring the safety of the main technological processes for coal mining. The main reasons for this are the difficult mining and geological conditions of bedding, low thickness and permeability, which does not allow to separate methane production into an independent type of activity due to its low profitability, especially with the use of new technologies based on hydraulic fracturing of coal seams. The assessment of the possibility of industrial methane production in the mine n.a. V.M.Bazhanov in the Donetsk-Makeevsky area of Donbass, which reserves equal to 23.7 billion m 3 , showed that a significant part of the methane reserves is concentrated in coal seams and interlayers with a gas content of 18.5-20.7 m 3 /m 3 . Moreover, in the host rocks, methane is practically in a liberated state. This circumstance makes possible the commercial production of methane for its utilization from the unloaded rock mass by wells drilled from the surface, without the use of hydraulic fracturing technology. The paper discusses the technology of methane extraction by a degassing well drilled from the surface into a coal-bearing stratum unloaded from rock pressure in a mining field of the 4th eastern face of the m 3 seam of the mine n.a. V.M.Bazhanov and its subsequent use as the fuel of an electric generator. It is shown that over the entire period of operation of the pilot well, the volume of actually produced methane exceeded the design value by 23 %, and the cost of the gas produced amounted to 1535 rubles per 1000 m 3 , which is more than 3 times lower than the market price for natural gas for consumers in the Russian Federation. This made it possible to make a conclusion about the possibility of industrial extraction of mine methane using vertical surface wells for its subsequent utilization in power plants, which does not imply the usage of hydraulic fracturing technology.
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Date submitted2019-04-28
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Date accepted2019-06-28
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Date published2019-10-23
Determination of Optimal Fluorine Leaching Parameters from the Coal Part of the Waste Lining of Dismantled Electrolytic Cells for Aluminum Production
- Authors:
- N. V. Nemchinova
- A. A. Tyutrin
- V. V. Somov
When aluminum is obtained by electrolysis of cryolite-alumina melts when the baths are sent for capital repairs, a solid technogenic product is formed – waste lining of electrolytic cells (WLEC). The volume of formation of WLEC is 30-50 kg per 1 ton of aluminum. Currently, it is mainly stored at landfills near industrial enterprises, causing harm to the environment. However, this technogenic raw material contains valuable components (fluorine, aluminum, sodium) that can be extracted to produce fluoride salts, which are in demand during the electrolytic production of aluminum. The objects of research were samples of the coal part of the waste lining of dismantled S-8BM (E) type electrolytic cells of «RUSAL Krasnoyarsk» JSC (Krasnoyarsk) of RUSAL company. According to the X-ray experiment diffraction analysis (using a Bruker D8 ADVANCE diffractometer) of the phase composition of the samples, it was found that the main fluorine-containing compounds are cryolite, chiolite, sodium and calcium fluorides. The total fluorine content in the studied samples averaged 13.1 %. We conducted studies on the leaching of fluorine from WLEC with a solution of caustic alkali (NaOH concentration – 17.5 g/dm 3 ). The process was carried out in a mechanically agitated reactor using a BIOSAN MM-1000 top drive laboratory stirrer with a two-blade nozzle. By the method of mathematical planning of a three-factor experiment, the mutual influence of three leaching conditions on the optimization parameter was established – the extraction of fluorine in solution (in percent). The maximum recovery of fluorine from WLEC to the leach solution averaged 86.4 % and was achieved with the following indicators:processtemperature–95 ° C, the ratio ofliquidtosolidphase–9:1,duration– 210 min.
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Date submitted2019-05-20
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Date accepted2019-07-12
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Date published2019-10-23
Development of Manufacturing Technology for High-Strength Hull Steel Reducing Production Cycle and Providing High-Quality Sheets
The article presents the results of scientific research and industrial experiments aimed at the development of technology to reduce the production cycle of high-strength hull steel. The technology includes an improved reduced heat treatment of ingots made using rare-earth metals and uphill teeming of large sheet ingots. The proposed technology for the preliminary heat treatment of ingots eliminates the high-temperature phase re- crystallization operation, which is unnecessary, according to the authors, since it does not allow partial crushing (grinding) of the metal dendritic structure and homogenization. When using the proposed technology of reduced pre- treatment, phase and structural stresses are sharply reduced. Experiments have shown that the modification of steel with rare-earth metals has a positive effect on the crystallization of ingots, changing the macro- and microstructure of alloy steel. The developed manufacturing technology of high-strength hull steel provides a high level of sheet quality and a reduction in the production cycle time by 10-12 %.
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Date submitted2019-01-16
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Date accepted2019-03-07
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Date published2019-06-25
Sintered sorbent utilization for H2S removal from industrial flue gas in the process of smelter slag granulation
- Authors:
- A. B. Lebedev
- V. A. Utkov
- A. A. Khalifa
Authors suggest removing hydrogen sulfide from the hot industrial gas at temperatures 200-300 °C and its subsequent interaction with Fe 2 O 3 . For this purpose the following sorbents have been proposed: a mixture of iron oxide and fly ash; iron oxide and pumice; different samples of red mud (bauxite treatment residues containing iron oxide). To prevent dusting and loss of absorbing capacity, the sorbents were shaped into porous granules with other metallic oxides. Materials utilized in the study were obtained the following way: mixing of Fe 2 O 3 with fly ash; sintering of the mixture with red mud. The blend contains aluminum oxide and silica, which can act as matrix shapers, alkali oxides and fluxing agents that reduce the temperature during metal sintering. After the samples had been saturated with sulfur, they were positioned in a venting reservoir, where under the temperature 600-700 °C desorption to the initial state occurred by means of passing an air flow through the sorbent layer. In the process of this operation, sulfur dioxide was released and reactive metal oxides re-emerged. Desorption also generated a small amount of elemental sulfur and sulfuric acid. Absorbing capacity was assessed at higher temperatures, efficiency of H 2 S removal reached 95-99.9 %. Proposed technology of air cleaning is recommended to use in metallurgic processes with elevated atmospheric pollution, e.g. granulation of melted blast-furnace slag.
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Date submitted2018-01-15
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Date accepted2018-02-28
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Date published2018-06-22
About the role of hydrafed calcium carboaluminates in improving the technology of complex processing of nephelines
- Authors:
- V. M. Sizyakov
- V. N. Brichkin
The scientific justification and development of the method for industrial synthesis of complex aluminates of alkaline earth metals is an innovative solution that determined several directions in the development of technology for complex processing of nepheline raw materials. It ensures the production of high-quality metallurgical alumina, the effective utilization of nepheline sludge and production of new types of multipurpose by-products. The modern development of these technical solutions is associated with ensuring the energy efficiency of the synthesis of hydrafed calcium carboaluminates (HCCA) and increasing the level of purification of aluminate solutions. The conditions for synthesizing HCCA with the use of calcareous materials of natural and technogenic origin have been experimentally determined, which makes it possible to isolate the average particle diameter as one of the determining factors of this process. The effect of the turnover of the hydrogarnet sludge on the removal of kinetic limitations in the process of deep desalination of aluminous solutions is theoretically justified. The conditions of a two-stage dosage of HCCA are experimentally determined. It is shown that the optimum ratio of the amount of the reagent supplied in the first and second stages is about 3: 2. At the same time, the maximum degree of precipitation of silica provides the production of aluminate solutions with a silicon module at the level of 95,000, which is achieved by using a HCCA synthesized based on chemically precipitated calcium carbonate in the processing of wastes from the production of mineral fertilizers.
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Date submitted2017-11-09
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Date accepted2018-01-02
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Date published2018-04-24
Analyis of government support tools for mining companies in the Russian Arctic zone
The paper focuses on the development of mining companies in the Russian Arctic zone in the context of searching for new ways to improve government control over the development of the Arctic zone. Existing outer restrictions imposed upon Russia and changes in the global financial market not only determined a paradigm shift to regional government control, but also dictated the need to search for new mechanisms of state influence on the regional economy. Primarily it concerns the development of growth zones based on utilizing resource potential, creation and implementation of tools aimed at attracting investments to the Arctic zone and offsetting the factors of northern appreciation for mining companies. With this in mind, government support of specific regional development projects is becoming an urgent issue. The authors analyze new approaches to the development of public management in the Russian Arctic zone, for mining companies in particular, aimed at creating special economic conditions that would stimulate the operation of plants extracting mineral resources. Research methodology is based upon the analysis of factors restricting economic development and growth of the Russian Arctic zone and mining companies in the first place, as well as analysis of possible tools to support mining plants operating in the Arctic territories (advanced development zones, industrial clusters, «supporting zones»). The authors define priority goals and prospects of implementing such operation mode for mining companies in the Arctic zone, and propose a list of possible measures of government support needed to stimulate development of mining companies and the entire Arctic economy of Russia.
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Date submitted2017-09-22
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Date accepted2017-11-17
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Date published2018-02-22
The problem of cadastral appraisal of forest lands taking into account the infrastructure of the forestry fund
- Authors:
- V. F. Kovyazin
- A. Yu. Romanchikov
Forest lands are the main means of production in the forest sector. For the most territories in the Russian Federation there are established methods of cadastral appraisal, but not for the forest regions taking up 2/3 of the country’s area. In 2002 Russian Government made an attempt to solve this problem and recommended a method of cadastral appraisal for the lands of the forestry fund. However, the method did not find practical application and was dismissed in 2010, and no substitution followed. In each subject of the Russian Federation private appraisers offer their own options of forest land valuation, but their results differ significantly even for the lands with comparable species of wood, productivity, site quality and age composition of the stand. Moreover, valuation organizations do not take into account forest infrastructure. Authors propose a universal method suitable for the entire territory of the country, which will allow to calculate specific cadastral value of the forest lands taking into account taxation indices of the wood stands growing there. The method is suitable not only for the objective cadastral valuation of the forest lands – reasonable rental payments will provide an opportunity to develop transport infrastructure in the forestry fund, especially forest roads and bridges, and to make timely arrangements for plant maintenance, forest protection and reproduction, which will have a significant influence on social and economic development of forest regions in Russia.
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Date submitted2016-11-21
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Date accepted2017-01-23
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Date published2017-04-14
Prospects of obtaining samples of bottom sediments from subglacial lake Vostok
- Authors:
- N. I. Vasilev
- G. L. Leichenkov
- E. A. Zagrivnyi
The paper proves the timeliness of obtaining and examining bottom sediments from subglacial Lake Vostok. Predictive geological section of Lake Vostok and information value of bottom sediments have been examined. Severe requirements towards environmental security of lake examinations and sampling of bottom sediments rule out the use of conventional drilling technologies, as they would pollute the lake with injection liquid from the borehole. In order to carry out sampling of bottom sediments from the subglacial lake, it is proposed to use a dynamically balanced tool string, which enables rotary drilling without any external support on borehole walls to transmit counter torque. A theoretical analysis has been carried out to assess the operation of the tool string, which is a two-mass oscillatory electromechanical system of reciprocating and rotating motion (RRM) with two degrees of freedom.
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Date submitted2016-10-28
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Date accepted2017-01-08
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Date published2017-04-14
Problems of mineral tax computation in the oil and gas sector
- Authors:
- N. G. Privalov
- S. G. Privalova
The paper demonstrates the role of mineral tax in the overall sum of tax revenues in the budget. Problems of tax computation and payment have been reviewed; taxpayers and taxation basis of the amount of extracted minerals have been clearly defined. Issues of rental content of natural resource taxes are reviewed, as well as problems of right definition of the rental component in the process of mineral tax calculation for liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons. One of important problems in mineral tax calculation is a conflict between two laws – the Subsoil Law and the Tax Code of Russian Federation (26 th chapter). There is an ambiguity in the mechanism of calculating amounts of extracted mineral resources – from the positions of the Tax Code and the Subsoil Law. The second problem is in the necessity to amend the mineral tax for oil extraction the same way as it has been done for gas extraction, when characteristics of each field are taken into account. This will provide a basis for correct computation of the natural resource rent for liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons. The paper offers recommendations for Russian authorities on this issue.
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Date submitted2016-09-08
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Date accepted2016-11-18
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Date published2017-02-22
Plume tectonics – myth or reality?
- Authors:
- Yu. I. Daragan-Sushchov
The paper is dedicated to the role of mantle plumes in the formation of large igneous provinces. From different regions of the world facts are mentioned that contradict key points of plume tectonics. Closer attention is paid to classical volcanic provinces on Hawaiian islands and in Iceland, as well as to Siberian and Deccan Traps, oceanic plateau Ontong Java, Central Atlantic magmatic province, Alfa and Mendeleev Ridges in the Arctic Ocean. A conclusion is drawn that plumes are a special case of mantle-lithospheric flows, which according to deep geophysics are often located horizontally which leaves out their plume origin. Heated masses of mantle substance under young volcanic regions or rift zones of mid-ocean ridges do not emerge from the depth in the form of a straight column, but rather have arbitrary shapes, skewing to the sides and having outgrowths, offshoots, spherical bulges. Vertically rising flows of hot magma (plumes) are not a cause, but an effect of a lithospheric split and rise of magmatic substance due to decompression. A conclusion is made that it is unproductive to exaggerate the shapes and sizes of plumes and use them to explain all the diversity of endogenous processes.
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Date submitted2015-08-26
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Date accepted2015-10-16
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Date published2016-04-22
Reserch of modernized perforator-hammer for drifting special roadway the underground mines «Metrostroy»
- Authors:
- D. A. Yungmeister
The article describes the design of modernized hammer-perforators for tunnel complexes for construction of auxiliary mine workings of «Metrostroi», St Petersburg, protected by patents. The article deals with assembly variants of the executive device of percussion type for breaking faces of complicated structure. Particular attention is paid to hammers working in the mode of the «counter-shearing» accomplished by dual jackhammers. The results of experimental tests to determine pike penetration into rock array for different values of rock hardness and pressing force. It is noted that the proposed solution replaces manual labor, reduces working cycle time.