This work presents a quantitative predicting likely acid mine drainage (AMD) generation process t... more This work presents a quantitative predicting likely acid mine drainage (AMD) generation process throughout tailing particles resulting from the Sarcheshmeh copper mine in the south of Iran. Indeed, four predictive relationships for the remaining pyrite fraction, remaining chalcopyrite fraction, sulfate concentration, and pH have been suggested by applying the gene expression programming (GEP) algorithms. For this, after gathering an appropriate database, some of the most significant parameters such as the tailing particle depths, initial remaining pyrite and chalcopyrite fractions, and concentrations of bicarbonate, nitrite, nitrate, and chloride are considered as the input data. Then 30% of the data is chosen as the training data randomly, while the validation data is included in 70% of the dataset. Subsequently, the relationships are proposed using GEP. The high values of correlation coefficients (0.92, 0.91, 0.86, and 0.89) as well as the low values of RMS errors (0.140, 0.014, 150.301, and 0.543) for the remaining pyrite fraction, remaining chalcopyrite fraction, sulfate concentration, and pH prove that these relationships can be successfully validated. The results obtained also reveal that GEP can be applied as a new-fangled method in order to predict the AMD generation process.
In this paper, an attempt was made to find out two empirical relationships incorporating linear m... more In this paper, an attempt was made to find out two empirical relationships incorporating linear multivariate regression (LMR) and gene expression programming (GEP) for predicting the blast-induced ground vibration (BIGV) at the Sarcheshmeh copper mine in south of Iran. For this purpose, five types of effective parameters in the blasting operation including the distance from the blasting block, the burden, the spacing, the specific charge, and the charge per delay were considered as the input data while the output parameter was the BIGV. The correlation coefficient and root mean squared error for the LMR were 0.70 and 3.18 respectively, while the values for the GEP were 0.91 and 2.67 respectively. Also, for evaluating the validation of these two methods, a feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) with a 5-20-1 structure has been used for predicting the BIGV. Comparisons of these parameters revealed that both methods successfully suggested two empirical relationships for predicting the BIGV in the case study. However, the GEP was found to be more reliable and more reasonable.
In this paper, we investigate a probabilistic approach in order to predict how acid mine drainage... more In this paper, we investigate a probabilistic approach in order to predict how acid mine drainage is generated within coal waste particles in NE Iran. For this, a database is built based on the previous studies that have investigated the pyrite oxidation process within the oldest abandoned pile during the last decade. According to the available data, the remaining pyrite fraction is considered as the output data, while the depth of the waste, concentration of bicarbonate, and oxygen fraction are the input parameters. Then the best probability distribution functions are determined on each one of the input parameters based on a Monte Carlo simulation. Also the best relationships between the input data and the output data are presented regarding the statistical regression analyses. Afterward, the best probability distribution functions of the input parameters are inserted into the linear statistical relationships to find the probability distribution function of the output data. The results obtained reveal that the values of the remaining pyrite fraction are between 0.764% and 1.811% at a probability level of 90%. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis carried out by applying the tornado diagram shows that the pile depth has, by far, the most critical factors affecting the pyrite remaining.
In this paper, after determining an appropriate experimental design and testing scheme to test th... more In this paper, after determining an appropriate experimental design and testing scheme to test the shear performance suitably, the impacts of pretension and shear interfaces on fibreglass rock bolts were investigated. For this purpose, at the first stage, the double shear testing apparatus was modified to address the issues and shortcomings of the established testing methodology. Then, 20-tonne and 30-tonne rock bolts were tested with pretension loads of 0 kN, 10 kN, 15 kN, and 20 kN for each test scheme. For this, a 40 MPa small aggregate concrete was used for all samples to simulate the host rock. The grout used to anchor the rock bolts was mixed to the product’s recommended guidelines to ensure close resemblance to field mixtures. To maintain consistency, all samples were manufactured with the same concrete and grout recipes. The results of double shear tests revealed that increasing the pretension also increased the confining pressures at the shear interfaces for clean joints. T...
In this paper, eight shear tests were carried out utilising a double shear with infilled shear in... more In this paper, eight shear tests were carried out utilising a double shear with infilled shear interfaces after determining an appropriate experimental design and modified testing scheme. For this, two rock bolts, 20-tonne and 30-tonne, were tested with modified double shear testing apparatus at different pretension loads. The infilled test scheme was conducted with 5mm thick sandy clay infilled shear interfaces. A 40MPa small aggregate concrete was used for all samples to simulate the host rock. Based on the shear profiles, it was found that all samples followed a three-part failure profile consisting of elastic, strain softening and failure regions. The results of double shear tests revealed that the 20-tonne rock bolt saw a significant overall decrease of approximately 30% in its failure displacement response as opposed to the 30-tonne samples’ which saw a 6% increase. Also, it was concluded that the 30-tonne samples outperformed the 20-tonne rock bolts by up to 30%, irrespective...
The low grade wastes produced by coal washing plant often contain pyrite which may be oxidised an... more The low grade wastes produced by coal washing plant often contain pyrite which may be oxidised and produce acid mine drainage (AMD) if it is exposed to the atmosphere. AMD is characterised by high concentrations of iron, high sulphate and low pH and it is ...
ABSTRACT Modelling of the removal of synthetic dyes from aqueous solutions by adsorbents is impor... more ABSTRACT Modelling of the removal of synthetic dyes from aqueous solutions by adsorbents is important to develop an appropriate treatment plan using adsorption process. This paper presents a computational fluid dynamic model incorporating the Langmuir isotherm scheme and second-order kinetic expression to describe the adsorption process. The governing equation of the model was numerically solved using PHOENICS software to simulate synthetic dyes adsorption from the aqueous system. The experimental results presented in this study and taken from the literature for the removal of synthetic dyes were compared with those results predicted by the numerical model. The predicted outputs of the model match the experimental measurements satisfactory. A sensitivity analysis of the major parameters that influence the percent of dye removal from solution phase has been carried out. Three of the main parameters taken into account were the kinetic rate constant, amount of dye adsorbed at equilibrium and the Langmuir isotherm constant. It was found that the model is most sensitive to the amount of dye adsorbed at equilibrium. This effect is most obvious at the early stages of the adsorption process when the rate of dye removal is very fast. Quantification of the reaction mechanism allows developing an appropriate remediation strategy based on the adsorption process.
Abstract In this paper, pyrite oxidation process resulted from an abandoned coal waste pile in no... more Abstract In this paper, pyrite oxidation process resulted from an abandoned coal waste pile in northeastern Iran was evaluated by a combination of three-dimensional (3D) geo-electrical data inversion and two-dimensional (2D) numerical modeling of long-term pyrite oxidation and multi-component reactive transportation of the oxidation products. To achieve the goal, 42 solid samples were obtained from different depths of two trenches excavated over the pile. The samples were analyzed for the fraction of pyrite remaining within the waste particles. Besides, the mole fraction of oxygen at various depths of the pile was measured in situ. The results reveal that pyrite oxidized considerably at the shallower depths where oxygen diffused. Simultaneously, 2D geo-electrical surveys were conducted on four parallel profiles over the waste pile. Afterward, the measured apparent resistivity values were assembled into a 3D data set and further modeled by inverting these data. The results show that, horizontal slices of the 3D resistivity model almost correspond with the geochemical data. Besides, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software called PHOENICS was modified to numerically solve the governing equations of oxygen diffusion, pyrite oxidation and solute transport applying a finite volume technique and considering all sources and sinks related to the chemical reactions. The results show that the oxidation occurred in the upper layers of the pile which almost correspond with the geo-electrical data interpretation. Moreover, the predicted results show that further pyrite oxidation would generate more products that reach the pile base in the future. Eventually, a reclamation scenario was suggested by covering an impermeable cap on the pile surface. The results reveal that this process would prevent oxygen diffusion to the pile which in turn limit pyrite oxidation process and acid mine drainage generation, in the waste particles and it would lead to termination of the transportation of oxidation products within the pile by surface recharge.
Geological interpretation and seismic imaging on data acquired from complex media, especially whe... more Geological interpretation and seismic imaging on data acquired from complex media, especially when accompanied by a thick layer of salt and/or anhydrate, is always a controversial task. The aim of this study is to introduce a method for seismic imaging of complex structures and study the folding scenario of the Zagros overthrust in SW Iran based on the improved seismic image processed by the proposed method. A diffraction based version of the common reflection surface stack method, called the common diffraction surface (CDS), was selected to enhance quality of seismic image from the Zagros fold-thrust belt. The 2D CDS method was also developed here to 3D partial CDS. Consequently, three sets of 2D and a set of 3D seismic data were processed with the conventional Kirchhoff prestack time migration and the partial common diffraction surface methods. Geological models released in previous studies of the Zagros overthrust were used as the base model of interpretation. Structural interpretation on seismic sections with new method was in accordance with previous geological models and improved in some parts where the new method could enhance quality of the seismic image. Seismic structural interpretation shows the inner part of the belt was subjected to folding, uplift and erosion. This mechanism constituted a resistant mass in the Dezful Embayment in front of the SW moving thrust and folds. This resistant mass formed tightly folded or thrusted and highly shortened structures in the Izeh zone and High Zagros area. In the oil rich zone of the Dezful Embayment, the thick evaporate-rich Gachsaran Formation, decouples the folding & Behshad Jodeiri Shokri
Introducing and applying an appropriate strategy for reservoir modeling in strongly heterogeneous... more Introducing and applying an appropriate strategy for reservoir modeling in strongly heterogeneous and fractured reservoirs is a controversial issue in reservoir engineering. Various integration approaches have been introduced to combine different sources of information and model building techniques to handle heterogeneity in geological complex reservoir. However, most of these integration approaches in several studies fail on modeling strongly fractured limestone reservoir rocks of the Zagros belt in southwest Iran. In this study, we introduced a new strategy for appropriate modeling of a production formation fractured rock. Firstly, different rock types in the study area were identified based on well log data. Then, the Sarvak Formation was divided into nine zones, and the thinner subzones were used for further fine modeling procedure. These subzones were separated based on different fracture types and fracture distribution in each zone. This strategy provided sophisticated distribution of petrophysical parameters throughout the grids of the model, and therefore, it can handle strong heterogeneity of the complex reservoir. Afterward, petrophysical parameters were used to produce an up-scaled 3D gridded petrophysical model. Subsequently, maps of petrophysical properties were derived for each zone of the Sarvak Formation. Evidences achieved in this study indicates Sarvak Formation zone 2 as the target production zone with better performance of reservoir rock and the southwestern part of the field as area of maximum porosity.
Abstract The Sabzevar ophiolite, with its colored melange zone, is a highly disintegrated ophioli... more Abstract The Sabzevar ophiolite, with its colored melange zone, is a highly disintegrated ophiolite complex located at the northern boundary of the central Iranian microcontinent. A large number of chromite pods occur in this area, which needs to be explored. In this study, a mathematical – geological genetic model is advanced as an exploratory tool that provides information for further exploration activity. A petrogenetic model of chromite ore was established on the basis of a geodata information database. This database consists of information from similar chromite mines from around the world. A detailed investigation of the geological, mineralogical and petrological characteristics of chromite pods in the Sabzevar region was conducted along with detailed petrological samplings, thin section studies and mineralogical analysis. In the next step, we developed a conceptual genetic model that defines areas with a high probability of the existence of chromite pods. The model was later refined using such parameters as a critical genetic factor (CGF) and critical reconnaissance criteria (CRC). Next, a linear function, which is a combination of these factors, provided promising regions as intrinsic geological units (IGU). Finally, a 3D model of lithological units depicting the IGU for chromite pods exploration is proposed.
Abstract Coal washing operation is now being carried out in the Alborz-Sharghi plant, located in ... more Abstract Coal washing operation is now being carried out in the Alborz-Sharghi plant, located in northeast of Iran. This can in effect create a number of environmental problems. In this research, different geophysical surveys were conducted to investigate the leachate flow pathways and time-dependent transportation of contaminants in downstream of the plant which is situated between a coal waste pile and tailings impoundments. The very low frequency survey identified the most likely contamination zones and flow pathways. Furthermore, two-dimensional resistivity models obtained by the inversion of geoelectrical data (measured with the use of a dipole–dipole array incorporating a time-laps technique) showed the contaminated plumes with low resistivity values (<1 Ω m). To carry out a time-laps technique, 2-D geoelectrical surveys were repeated at same profiles by a time interval of 6 months. The results distinguished a time-dependent movement of the plume in a lateral and longitudinal form as well as its further extension to the deeper layers towards the groundwater table. This was also verified by the results obtained by the induced polarization measurements.
In this paper, an abandoned waste coal pile, which is resulted from Alborz-Sharghi coal washing p... more In this paper, an abandoned waste coal pile, which is resulted from Alborz-Sharghi coal washing plant, NE of Iran was mineralogically and geochemically characterized to evaluate pyrite oxidation, acid mine drainage (AMD) generation, and trace element mobility. After digging ten trenches and vertical sampling, a quantitative method including the atomic absorption test, and the quality-based methods including optical study were carried out for determination of pyrite fractions in the waste pile. The geochemical results revealed that the fraction of remaining pyrite increased with depth, indicating that pyrite oxidation is limited to the shallower depths of the pile which were confirmed by variations of sulfate, pH, EC, and carbonate with depth of the pile. To evaluate the trend of trace elements and mineralogical constituents of the waste particles, the samples were analyzed by using XRD, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES methods. The results showed the secondary and neutralizing minerals comprising gypsum have been formed below the oxidation zone. Besides, positive values of net neutralization potential indicated that AMD generation has not taken in the waste pile. In addition, variations of trace elements with depth reveal that Pb and Zn exhibited increasing trends from pile surface toward the bottom sampling trenches while another of them such as Cu and Ni had decreasing trends with increasing depth of the waste pile.
In the 20-years vision document of sustainable development of Iran, or the 2025 development visio... more In the 20-years vision document of sustainable development of Iran, or the 2025 development vision document, the most important aim is to become the first industrialized country in the Middle East in 2025. This study aims to define production trend in mining section, especially chromite ore, to reach the goals of sustainable development plan in mining section of Iran. In the first step, chromite market conditions of Iran including production and consumption were defined. Then its place toward the other countries in the region and the world had been cleared. Finally, a dynamic panel estimation technique was employed using relevant data from chromite producing countries. Lifetime of reserves, chromite production, Hubert curve, curve of price of the metal, intensity of use factors, supply and demand, and finally the socioeconomic changes were selected as decision making criteria. These parameters were optimized by CCD method. The results from the panel regressions reveal that Iran should reach the goals of sustainable developments in this section by four steps. Besides, it should reduce its chromite production to extend chromite reserves lifetime, produce more ferrochrome to make added value, not to export anymore chromite ore and finally smooth its political condition.
Over the past 22 years, coal washing operation in the Anjir Tangeh plant, in Zirab, northern Iran... more Over the past 22 years, coal washing operation in the Anjir Tangeh plant, in Zirab, northern Iran has produced large piles of refuse materials containing pyrite. This paper presents the geochemical characterisation of these refuse materials to evaluate pyrite oxidation. Three trenches were made at about 4 m depth on a specific part of the refuse pile surface. Altogether, 25 solid samples were taken in 0.5 m intervals and geochemically analysed. Results show pyrite oxidation at low depths and subsequent leaching of the oxidation products. Presence of carbonate rocks raised pH of the drainages arising from refuse pile.
To remove some of the ambiguities in a heterogeneous oil reservoir, a three dimensional model of ... more To remove some of the ambiguities in a heterogeneous oil reservoir, a three dimensional model of the reservoir would be constructed by application of newly introduced methods. The aim of this study is to define an accurate and efficient model of a complex reservoir in southwest of Iran and accurately derive the geological and geometrical properties of the reservoir for well location proposal. Seismic data in addition to well logs were used for that purpose. A corner point grid was used in this study, and a generic global scale-up method was combined with previous result for reservoir simulation. The final model pointed out the heterogeneous characterization of the reservoir and proved the advantage of combining these methods in constructing accurate and efficient reservoir models. According to these models, it is concluded that the reservoir has different productive zones in different members that was not cleared in the previous models.
Acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution is considered to be the most serious water pollution problem i... more Acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution is considered to be the most serious water pollution problem in mining areas. AMD containing iron sulfates and other components can affect the receiving water bodies. Pyrite oxidation and AMD generation can be considered as important processes that may take place in the wastes produced by coal mining and coal washing operations in the Golestan
This work presents a quantitative predicting likely acid mine drainage (AMD) generation process t... more This work presents a quantitative predicting likely acid mine drainage (AMD) generation process throughout tailing particles resulting from the Sarcheshmeh copper mine in the south of Iran. Indeed, four predictive relationships for the remaining pyrite fraction, remaining chalcopyrite fraction, sulfate concentration, and pH have been suggested by applying the gene expression programming (GEP) algorithms. For this, after gathering an appropriate database, some of the most significant parameters such as the tailing particle depths, initial remaining pyrite and chalcopyrite fractions, and concentrations of bicarbonate, nitrite, nitrate, and chloride are considered as the input data. Then 30% of the data is chosen as the training data randomly, while the validation data is included in 70% of the dataset. Subsequently, the relationships are proposed using GEP. The high values of correlation coefficients (0.92, 0.91, 0.86, and 0.89) as well as the low values of RMS errors (0.140, 0.014, 150.301, and 0.543) for the remaining pyrite fraction, remaining chalcopyrite fraction, sulfate concentration, and pH prove that these relationships can be successfully validated. The results obtained also reveal that GEP can be applied as a new-fangled method in order to predict the AMD generation process.
In this paper, an attempt was made to find out two empirical relationships incorporating linear m... more In this paper, an attempt was made to find out two empirical relationships incorporating linear multivariate regression (LMR) and gene expression programming (GEP) for predicting the blast-induced ground vibration (BIGV) at the Sarcheshmeh copper mine in south of Iran. For this purpose, five types of effective parameters in the blasting operation including the distance from the blasting block, the burden, the spacing, the specific charge, and the charge per delay were considered as the input data while the output parameter was the BIGV. The correlation coefficient and root mean squared error for the LMR were 0.70 and 3.18 respectively, while the values for the GEP were 0.91 and 2.67 respectively. Also, for evaluating the validation of these two methods, a feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) with a 5-20-1 structure has been used for predicting the BIGV. Comparisons of these parameters revealed that both methods successfully suggested two empirical relationships for predicting the BIGV in the case study. However, the GEP was found to be more reliable and more reasonable.
In this paper, we investigate a probabilistic approach in order to predict how acid mine drainage... more In this paper, we investigate a probabilistic approach in order to predict how acid mine drainage is generated within coal waste particles in NE Iran. For this, a database is built based on the previous studies that have investigated the pyrite oxidation process within the oldest abandoned pile during the last decade. According to the available data, the remaining pyrite fraction is considered as the output data, while the depth of the waste, concentration of bicarbonate, and oxygen fraction are the input parameters. Then the best probability distribution functions are determined on each one of the input parameters based on a Monte Carlo simulation. Also the best relationships between the input data and the output data are presented regarding the statistical regression analyses. Afterward, the best probability distribution functions of the input parameters are inserted into the linear statistical relationships to find the probability distribution function of the output data. The results obtained reveal that the values of the remaining pyrite fraction are between 0.764% and 1.811% at a probability level of 90%. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis carried out by applying the tornado diagram shows that the pile depth has, by far, the most critical factors affecting the pyrite remaining.
In this paper, after determining an appropriate experimental design and testing scheme to test th... more In this paper, after determining an appropriate experimental design and testing scheme to test the shear performance suitably, the impacts of pretension and shear interfaces on fibreglass rock bolts were investigated. For this purpose, at the first stage, the double shear testing apparatus was modified to address the issues and shortcomings of the established testing methodology. Then, 20-tonne and 30-tonne rock bolts were tested with pretension loads of 0 kN, 10 kN, 15 kN, and 20 kN for each test scheme. For this, a 40 MPa small aggregate concrete was used for all samples to simulate the host rock. The grout used to anchor the rock bolts was mixed to the product’s recommended guidelines to ensure close resemblance to field mixtures. To maintain consistency, all samples were manufactured with the same concrete and grout recipes. The results of double shear tests revealed that increasing the pretension also increased the confining pressures at the shear interfaces for clean joints. T...
In this paper, eight shear tests were carried out utilising a double shear with infilled shear in... more In this paper, eight shear tests were carried out utilising a double shear with infilled shear interfaces after determining an appropriate experimental design and modified testing scheme. For this, two rock bolts, 20-tonne and 30-tonne, were tested with modified double shear testing apparatus at different pretension loads. The infilled test scheme was conducted with 5mm thick sandy clay infilled shear interfaces. A 40MPa small aggregate concrete was used for all samples to simulate the host rock. Based on the shear profiles, it was found that all samples followed a three-part failure profile consisting of elastic, strain softening and failure regions. The results of double shear tests revealed that the 20-tonne rock bolt saw a significant overall decrease of approximately 30% in its failure displacement response as opposed to the 30-tonne samples’ which saw a 6% increase. Also, it was concluded that the 30-tonne samples outperformed the 20-tonne rock bolts by up to 30%, irrespective...
The low grade wastes produced by coal washing plant often contain pyrite which may be oxidised an... more The low grade wastes produced by coal washing plant often contain pyrite which may be oxidised and produce acid mine drainage (AMD) if it is exposed to the atmosphere. AMD is characterised by high concentrations of iron, high sulphate and low pH and it is ...
ABSTRACT Modelling of the removal of synthetic dyes from aqueous solutions by adsorbents is impor... more ABSTRACT Modelling of the removal of synthetic dyes from aqueous solutions by adsorbents is important to develop an appropriate treatment plan using adsorption process. This paper presents a computational fluid dynamic model incorporating the Langmuir isotherm scheme and second-order kinetic expression to describe the adsorption process. The governing equation of the model was numerically solved using PHOENICS software to simulate synthetic dyes adsorption from the aqueous system. The experimental results presented in this study and taken from the literature for the removal of synthetic dyes were compared with those results predicted by the numerical model. The predicted outputs of the model match the experimental measurements satisfactory. A sensitivity analysis of the major parameters that influence the percent of dye removal from solution phase has been carried out. Three of the main parameters taken into account were the kinetic rate constant, amount of dye adsorbed at equilibrium and the Langmuir isotherm constant. It was found that the model is most sensitive to the amount of dye adsorbed at equilibrium. This effect is most obvious at the early stages of the adsorption process when the rate of dye removal is very fast. Quantification of the reaction mechanism allows developing an appropriate remediation strategy based on the adsorption process.
Abstract In this paper, pyrite oxidation process resulted from an abandoned coal waste pile in no... more Abstract In this paper, pyrite oxidation process resulted from an abandoned coal waste pile in northeastern Iran was evaluated by a combination of three-dimensional (3D) geo-electrical data inversion and two-dimensional (2D) numerical modeling of long-term pyrite oxidation and multi-component reactive transportation of the oxidation products. To achieve the goal, 42 solid samples were obtained from different depths of two trenches excavated over the pile. The samples were analyzed for the fraction of pyrite remaining within the waste particles. Besides, the mole fraction of oxygen at various depths of the pile was measured in situ. The results reveal that pyrite oxidized considerably at the shallower depths where oxygen diffused. Simultaneously, 2D geo-electrical surveys were conducted on four parallel profiles over the waste pile. Afterward, the measured apparent resistivity values were assembled into a 3D data set and further modeled by inverting these data. The results show that, horizontal slices of the 3D resistivity model almost correspond with the geochemical data. Besides, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software called PHOENICS was modified to numerically solve the governing equations of oxygen diffusion, pyrite oxidation and solute transport applying a finite volume technique and considering all sources and sinks related to the chemical reactions. The results show that the oxidation occurred in the upper layers of the pile which almost correspond with the geo-electrical data interpretation. Moreover, the predicted results show that further pyrite oxidation would generate more products that reach the pile base in the future. Eventually, a reclamation scenario was suggested by covering an impermeable cap on the pile surface. The results reveal that this process would prevent oxygen diffusion to the pile which in turn limit pyrite oxidation process and acid mine drainage generation, in the waste particles and it would lead to termination of the transportation of oxidation products within the pile by surface recharge.
Geological interpretation and seismic imaging on data acquired from complex media, especially whe... more Geological interpretation and seismic imaging on data acquired from complex media, especially when accompanied by a thick layer of salt and/or anhydrate, is always a controversial task. The aim of this study is to introduce a method for seismic imaging of complex structures and study the folding scenario of the Zagros overthrust in SW Iran based on the improved seismic image processed by the proposed method. A diffraction based version of the common reflection surface stack method, called the common diffraction surface (CDS), was selected to enhance quality of seismic image from the Zagros fold-thrust belt. The 2D CDS method was also developed here to 3D partial CDS. Consequently, three sets of 2D and a set of 3D seismic data were processed with the conventional Kirchhoff prestack time migration and the partial common diffraction surface methods. Geological models released in previous studies of the Zagros overthrust were used as the base model of interpretation. Structural interpretation on seismic sections with new method was in accordance with previous geological models and improved in some parts where the new method could enhance quality of the seismic image. Seismic structural interpretation shows the inner part of the belt was subjected to folding, uplift and erosion. This mechanism constituted a resistant mass in the Dezful Embayment in front of the SW moving thrust and folds. This resistant mass formed tightly folded or thrusted and highly shortened structures in the Izeh zone and High Zagros area. In the oil rich zone of the Dezful Embayment, the thick evaporate-rich Gachsaran Formation, decouples the folding & Behshad Jodeiri Shokri
Introducing and applying an appropriate strategy for reservoir modeling in strongly heterogeneous... more Introducing and applying an appropriate strategy for reservoir modeling in strongly heterogeneous and fractured reservoirs is a controversial issue in reservoir engineering. Various integration approaches have been introduced to combine different sources of information and model building techniques to handle heterogeneity in geological complex reservoir. However, most of these integration approaches in several studies fail on modeling strongly fractured limestone reservoir rocks of the Zagros belt in southwest Iran. In this study, we introduced a new strategy for appropriate modeling of a production formation fractured rock. Firstly, different rock types in the study area were identified based on well log data. Then, the Sarvak Formation was divided into nine zones, and the thinner subzones were used for further fine modeling procedure. These subzones were separated based on different fracture types and fracture distribution in each zone. This strategy provided sophisticated distribution of petrophysical parameters throughout the grids of the model, and therefore, it can handle strong heterogeneity of the complex reservoir. Afterward, petrophysical parameters were used to produce an up-scaled 3D gridded petrophysical model. Subsequently, maps of petrophysical properties were derived for each zone of the Sarvak Formation. Evidences achieved in this study indicates Sarvak Formation zone 2 as the target production zone with better performance of reservoir rock and the southwestern part of the field as area of maximum porosity.
Abstract The Sabzevar ophiolite, with its colored melange zone, is a highly disintegrated ophioli... more Abstract The Sabzevar ophiolite, with its colored melange zone, is a highly disintegrated ophiolite complex located at the northern boundary of the central Iranian microcontinent. A large number of chromite pods occur in this area, which needs to be explored. In this study, a mathematical – geological genetic model is advanced as an exploratory tool that provides information for further exploration activity. A petrogenetic model of chromite ore was established on the basis of a geodata information database. This database consists of information from similar chromite mines from around the world. A detailed investigation of the geological, mineralogical and petrological characteristics of chromite pods in the Sabzevar region was conducted along with detailed petrological samplings, thin section studies and mineralogical analysis. In the next step, we developed a conceptual genetic model that defines areas with a high probability of the existence of chromite pods. The model was later refined using such parameters as a critical genetic factor (CGF) and critical reconnaissance criteria (CRC). Next, a linear function, which is a combination of these factors, provided promising regions as intrinsic geological units (IGU). Finally, a 3D model of lithological units depicting the IGU for chromite pods exploration is proposed.
Abstract Coal washing operation is now being carried out in the Alborz-Sharghi plant, located in ... more Abstract Coal washing operation is now being carried out in the Alborz-Sharghi plant, located in northeast of Iran. This can in effect create a number of environmental problems. In this research, different geophysical surveys were conducted to investigate the leachate flow pathways and time-dependent transportation of contaminants in downstream of the plant which is situated between a coal waste pile and tailings impoundments. The very low frequency survey identified the most likely contamination zones and flow pathways. Furthermore, two-dimensional resistivity models obtained by the inversion of geoelectrical data (measured with the use of a dipole–dipole array incorporating a time-laps technique) showed the contaminated plumes with low resistivity values (<1 Ω m). To carry out a time-laps technique, 2-D geoelectrical surveys were repeated at same profiles by a time interval of 6 months. The results distinguished a time-dependent movement of the plume in a lateral and longitudinal form as well as its further extension to the deeper layers towards the groundwater table. This was also verified by the results obtained by the induced polarization measurements.
In this paper, an abandoned waste coal pile, which is resulted from Alborz-Sharghi coal washing p... more In this paper, an abandoned waste coal pile, which is resulted from Alborz-Sharghi coal washing plant, NE of Iran was mineralogically and geochemically characterized to evaluate pyrite oxidation, acid mine drainage (AMD) generation, and trace element mobility. After digging ten trenches and vertical sampling, a quantitative method including the atomic absorption test, and the quality-based methods including optical study were carried out for determination of pyrite fractions in the waste pile. The geochemical results revealed that the fraction of remaining pyrite increased with depth, indicating that pyrite oxidation is limited to the shallower depths of the pile which were confirmed by variations of sulfate, pH, EC, and carbonate with depth of the pile. To evaluate the trend of trace elements and mineralogical constituents of the waste particles, the samples were analyzed by using XRD, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES methods. The results showed the secondary and neutralizing minerals comprising gypsum have been formed below the oxidation zone. Besides, positive values of net neutralization potential indicated that AMD generation has not taken in the waste pile. In addition, variations of trace elements with depth reveal that Pb and Zn exhibited increasing trends from pile surface toward the bottom sampling trenches while another of them such as Cu and Ni had decreasing trends with increasing depth of the waste pile.
In the 20-years vision document of sustainable development of Iran, or the 2025 development visio... more In the 20-years vision document of sustainable development of Iran, or the 2025 development vision document, the most important aim is to become the first industrialized country in the Middle East in 2025. This study aims to define production trend in mining section, especially chromite ore, to reach the goals of sustainable development plan in mining section of Iran. In the first step, chromite market conditions of Iran including production and consumption were defined. Then its place toward the other countries in the region and the world had been cleared. Finally, a dynamic panel estimation technique was employed using relevant data from chromite producing countries. Lifetime of reserves, chromite production, Hubert curve, curve of price of the metal, intensity of use factors, supply and demand, and finally the socioeconomic changes were selected as decision making criteria. These parameters were optimized by CCD method. The results from the panel regressions reveal that Iran should reach the goals of sustainable developments in this section by four steps. Besides, it should reduce its chromite production to extend chromite reserves lifetime, produce more ferrochrome to make added value, not to export anymore chromite ore and finally smooth its political condition.
Over the past 22 years, coal washing operation in the Anjir Tangeh plant, in Zirab, northern Iran... more Over the past 22 years, coal washing operation in the Anjir Tangeh plant, in Zirab, northern Iran has produced large piles of refuse materials containing pyrite. This paper presents the geochemical characterisation of these refuse materials to evaluate pyrite oxidation. Three trenches were made at about 4 m depth on a specific part of the refuse pile surface. Altogether, 25 solid samples were taken in 0.5 m intervals and geochemically analysed. Results show pyrite oxidation at low depths and subsequent leaching of the oxidation products. Presence of carbonate rocks raised pH of the drainages arising from refuse pile.
To remove some of the ambiguities in a heterogeneous oil reservoir, a three dimensional model of ... more To remove some of the ambiguities in a heterogeneous oil reservoir, a three dimensional model of the reservoir would be constructed by application of newly introduced methods. The aim of this study is to define an accurate and efficient model of a complex reservoir in southwest of Iran and accurately derive the geological and geometrical properties of the reservoir for well location proposal. Seismic data in addition to well logs were used for that purpose. A corner point grid was used in this study, and a generic global scale-up method was combined with previous result for reservoir simulation. The final model pointed out the heterogeneous characterization of the reservoir and proved the advantage of combining these methods in constructing accurate and efficient reservoir models. According to these models, it is concluded that the reservoir has different productive zones in different members that was not cleared in the previous models.
Acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution is considered to be the most serious water pollution problem i... more Acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution is considered to be the most serious water pollution problem in mining areas. AMD containing iron sulfates and other components can affect the receiving water bodies. Pyrite oxidation and AMD generation can be considered as important processes that may take place in the wastes produced by coal mining and coal washing operations in the Golestan
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Papers by Behshad Jodeiri Shokri