Dimension Stone - Exploration and Exploitation in parts of Lokoja, North-Central Nigeria
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2020-04-23 |
| Journal | Journal of applied science and environmental management |
| Authors | N. Egesi, J.I. Nwosu |
| Institutions | University of Port Harcourt |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: Diamond Materials for Dimension Stone Processing
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: Diamond Materials for Dimension Stone ProcessingâThis analysis connects the material requirements for high-precision dimension stone processing, as detailed in the research paper, with the advanced MPCVD diamond solutions provided by 6CCVD. The focus is on supplying high-durability Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) necessary for industrial cutting and polishing tools.
Executive Summary
Section titled âExecutive Summaryâ- Application Focus: The research highlights the exploration and exploitation of hard dimension stones (Granite, Gneiss, Migmatite) in Nigeria, requiring robust processing techniques.
- Critical Tooling Requirement: Extraction and separation of dimension stone blocks rely on precise and delicate techniques, specifically diamond wire saws and diamond belt saws.
- Material Demand: Rock strength values up to 36 MPA (for Migmatites) necessitate extremely durable, high-quality diamond segments for efficient cutting and minimal tool wear.
- 6CCVD Value Proposition: 6CCVD supplies high-grade, large-format Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) plates, which are the foundational material for manufacturing the industrial saw segments and cutting inserts referenced in the study.
- Customization Advantage: We offer PCD plates up to 125mm in diameter, allowing tool manufacturers to optimize segment size and geometry for maximum cutting speed and longevity in hard rock applications.
- Quality Assurance: 6CCVDâs advanced CVD growth and polishing capabilities ensure the diamond material possesses the necessary thermal stability and fracture toughness required for high-stress quarrying environments.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâThe following data points extracted from the research paper define the material challenges faced by diamond tooling in the Lokoja dimension stone industry.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Rock Strength (Migmatites) | 36 | MPA | Critical stress for cutting tools (Quarry 5) |
| Min Rock Strength (Marble) | 16 | MPA | Lower stress requirement (Quarries 2, 6, 8) |
| Max Aggregate Abrasion Value (AAV) | 27.0 | % | Granite-Gneiss (Indicates high abrasive wear potential) |
| Max Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) | 26.1 | % | Granite-Gneiss (Indicates high impact requirement) |
| Acceptable AIV Standard Limit | <35 | % | Required standard for Aggregate Impact Value |
| Max Absorption | 0.73 | % | Granite-Gneiss (Relates to porosity and cutting fluid interaction) |
| Primary Cut Stone Width | 1 | m | Dimension of cut blocks requiring diamond wire/belt saws |
| Mine Depth | ~7 | m | Operational depth at Kporokpo site |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe research and industrial processes detailed in the paper highlight several stages where high-performance diamond materials are essential for achieving the required precision and efficiency.
- Exploration and Analysis: Initial petrographic analysis and rock strength testing (MPA, AAV, ACV, AIV) are performed to determine suitability for dimension stone production, guiding the selection of appropriate diamond tooling grades.
- Quarrying Techniques: While some blasting is used for aggregates, the production of dimension stone requires more precise and delicate separation methods.
- Precision Cutting: Large blocks are separated using advanced diamond tooling:
- Diamond Wire Saws: Used for large-scale, deep, and precise cuts (1m width).
- Diamond Belt Saws: Used for secondary cutting and shaping.
- Light and Selective Blasting: Employed using primacord (a weak explosive) to minimize damage to the stone structure.
- Mineral Processing & Finishing: Primary cut blocks (Migmatites, Granite Gneisses) are transported to secondary cutting and polishing plants. This final stage requires high-quality diamond polishing pads and lapping films to achieve the required aesthetic finish and surface quality.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & Capabilitiesâ6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the advanced MPCVD diamond materials required to manufacture the high-performance tooling necessary for the efficient and sustainable exploitation of dimension stone.
Applicable Materials
Section titled âApplicable MaterialsâThe primary material required for industrial cutting and grinding tools in this application is Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD), known for its extreme hardness, abrasion resistance, and thermal stability.
| 6CCVD Material | Specification | Application Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Grade PCD | Plates up to 125mm diameter; Thickness 0.1”m - 500”m. | Ideal for manufacturing large, durable segments for diamond wire saws and belt saws used to cut high-MPA rocks (e.g., 36 MPA Migmatites). |
| High-Purity SCD | Thickness 0.1”m - 500”m; Ra < 1nm polishing. | Used for ultra-precision micro-tooling or specialized wear parts where extreme edge retention is critical, such as final polishing heads. |
| Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) | Custom doping levels available. | Potential for electrochemical applications in quarry water treatment or specialized sensor applications within the mining environment. |
Customization Potential
Section titled âCustomization PotentialâThe research highlights the need for precise, large-scale cutting equipment. 6CCVDâs capabilities directly address the manufacturing requirements for this tooling:
- Custom Dimensions: We provide PCD plates up to 125mm in diameter, enabling tool manufacturers to design optimized, large-format diamond segments for deep cuts (7m mine depth) and wide blocks (1m width).
- Advanced Polishing: Our capability to achieve surface roughness of Ra < 5nm on inch-size PCD ensures that the diamond segments have minimal friction and maximum cutting efficiency, extending tool life when processing abrasive materials like Granite-Gneiss (AAV 27.0%).
- Metalization Services: We offer in-house metalization (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu) crucial for robust bonding of the diamond segments to the tungsten carbide or steel tool body, ensuring mechanical integrity under high-stress quarrying conditions.
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering SupportâThe variability in rock properties (16 MPA Marble vs. 36 MPA Migmatite) requires tailored diamond solutions. 6CCVDâs in-house PhD team can assist tool manufacturers and engineers with:
- Material Selection: Optimizing the diamond grade (e.g., grain size, binder content) of PCD to match the specific hardness and abrasive characteristics of the target rock (e.g., high AAV/ACV Granite-Gneiss).
- Tool Design Consultation: Providing technical data on thermal management and fracture toughness of our CVD diamond materials to ensure tool longevity in demanding dimension stone projects.
- Global Logistics: Offering reliable global shipping (DDU default, DDP available) to support international tool manufacturing and supply chains, including those operating in North-Central Nigeria.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.
View Original Abstract
The study area Lokoja is the home to the confluence between Rivers Niger and Benue. Dimension stone is cut or quarried stone in accordance with specific dimensions, generally more abundant and are used in greater quantities than ore minerals in pavement and several other constructional activities. The objective of the paper is to present prospects and a lead of rocks in Lokoja area for the production of dimension stone. The rocks in the area are being quarried as aggregates or mined as dimension stone and they met quality parameters of the rocks which includes, must be durable, easy to quarry, work, cut and polish. The particular stones selected depend upon the local weathering conditions which can be determined by amounts of industrial gases present and availability of the rocks locally. The rocks identified are marbles, granite gneisses, migmatites and biotite granites. The granites are being quarried for aggregates, marbles are powdered for cement production while migmatites and granite gneisses were mined for dimension stone.The results of Rock Strength (MPA), Rock Class Factor and Swell Factor are within acceptable standard limits except for migmatites with RS 36%, RCF 7% and SF 1.25%, which is above the limit when compared with previous analysis of AAV 22.0%, ACV23.3%, AIV18%and Absorption 0.54% in Boki area. The dimension stone were separated by more precise and delicate techniques, such as diamond wire saws, diamond belt saws, in the mine the cut dimension stone width are 1m, while many are rectangular in shape. They occur in the same geologic setting of the basement complex of Northcentral Nigeria. In the area investment has been at relatively low stage more investment will significantly increase production of the dimension stone for local usage, export and economic growth.
 Keywords:Dimension stone, durable, available, maintenance, migmatite, Lokoja