Version 5.0 provides raster data structures (convenient for storing grided geophysical data) and quadtree data structures (the company’s own unique grid cell structure, which allows large blocks of homogenous data to be stored as one cell, thus saving computer memory space). Full topology, another feature, means boundary information can be stored. This information indicates what is on either side of a grid cell boundary. This was previously the property of vector data structures only.
Other enhancements include
* raster modeling;
* linear network analysis, useful to structural geologists who wish to have the computer calculate the shortest path between two grid cell intersections for determining dip directions and dip angles, for example;
* 3-dimensional display;
* increased point limits;
* geometric transformations;
* pointquad capabilities (which means the program is equipped with an algorithm to handle large-point files efficiently);
* non-linear Voronoi (handy for making ore reserve calculations using the polygon method);
* calls to external user-written procedures; and
* the availability of a programmable macro language (which means one can customize one’s own menues).
Roof-bolter I
Underground scissor lift units can now be converted to mechanized screening and bolting units with the addition of a screen boom and drill boom.
Miller Technology of North Bay, Ont., has designed and tested the concept at a Falconbridge mine in the Sudbury area.
The screen boom handles 6×150-ft rolls of screen in one piece, thus reducing overlaps and double-bolting. The telescopic boom lifts screen rolls into the racks and positions the screen tight to the back and walls for bolting.
A track-mounted unit is designed for backs up to 21 ft high.
Options include: track or rubber-tired carriers; air-, diesel- or electric- powered carriers; stabilizer jacks; pneumatic or all-hydraulic drills and booms; grid canopy and left or right fold-out wings.
Roof-bolter II
Northern Consolidated Equipment Sales & Services is marketing the diesel-powered Minecat unit which renders roof-bolting a one-man operation and eliminates the need for several costly trips to the workplace.
Features include stabilizers for leveling the unit; air motor hydraulic functions; a hydraulically powered manlift; screen rack; 150 ft of hoses and reels for air and water; and a stoper cradle.
New Centrifugal Pumps
A new, horizontal centrifugal pump is now available from Peacock Inc. of Mississauga, Ont. The pump is single-tage and close-coupled, with end- suction.
Called the Weir Isoglide, the pump is available with cast iron, bronze or stainless steel impellers, or complete stainless steel pump construction.
Features include: four different shaft sizes; 32 frames; and interchangeable seals and bearings.
Unique “Conveyor”
A new pipeline/conveyor now is in operation in Stoney Creek, Ont., near Hamilton.
The pipeline conveyor, constructed by Southern Ontario Technologies, is a heavy-duty bulk conveying system constructed of wheeled containers inside of a heavy-duty tube. The wheeled container is pushed from one end of the tube to the other by low-pressure air.
The conveyor is used by Southern Ontario Technologies to move crushed rock, coal and woodchips.
New Bits
Montreal-based Sandvik Rock Tools North America has introduced a line of drill bits, manufactured by its Swedish parent.
Called the Dual Property (dp) range of cemented carbide drilling tools, the new bits are said to be effective in all hard and abrasive rock formations including breccia and glacial overburden.
The DP 55 cemented carbide grade bit has cone-shaped buttons. Compared with spherical button bits used in drilling non-abrasive rock formations, the DP 55 bits increased penetration rates by 20% to 25%, Sandvik says.
The DP 65 bit is engineered for heavy-duty drilling in abrasive rock formations. These bits are 25% to 30% more wear-resistant than existing bits, a company release says.
Sandvik employs some 340 people in Canada in 10 different locations It has sales of about $70 million.
Winter Gloves
Winter gloves, available in nine different styles are available from Edmont Canada of Cowansiville, Que.
The Polar Grip gloves feature a waterproof pvc exterior, resistance to salt and chemicals, rought finish for griping power and warm foam insulation.
Contoured design gives natural shape for snug fit, warmer hands and less finger fatigue.
Available in tan brown, fluorescent orange or oil-resistant green.
Compressed-air Oil-separator
A unique method of separating residual oil from compressed air condensate is being marketed by Canadian Air Compressor.
The Ultrasep Oil-Water Separator uses as patented physical separation and activated carbon filtering system to reduce the oil content in condensate removed from compressed air to below 20 mg per l.
Collected oil is then disposed of separately.
Features include a pressure relief and silencing chamber for clean, quiet operation; three vessel sizes, from 80 to 880 l; impact-resistant polypropylene construction and sampling valve.
MicroMiner
A new AutoCAD enhancement software product for geologists and mining engineers is being marketed by M. Slinn Engineering Services of Vancouver.
Called MicroMiner, the software package allows 3-dimensional models of orebodies to be created from existing plans and sections. This allows for the creation of plans or sections along any plane.
The software was developed in consultation with Inco Ltd. Slinn Engineering first trained Inco engineers and geologists in how to use AutoCAD effectively in 3-D. They, in turn, described how they wanted MicroMiner to work and suggested features and improvements.
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