Selection of an Appropriate Quarrying Technology for Dimension Stone Quarries Using Combined Multi - Criteria Decision - making Method, Case Study at Hoa Quang Bac Quarry
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2025-10-10 |
| Journal | InĆŒynieria Mineralna |
| Authors | Vinh Pham, Anh V. Nguyen, Vinh Pham |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: Diamond-Based Quarrying Optimization
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: Diamond-Based Quarrying OptimizationâExecutive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThis research paper validates the economic and technical superiority of advanced diamond cutting technologies over traditional methods (blasting, wedging) in dimension stone quarrying. The findings directly support the use of high-performance Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) materials, a core offering of 6CCVD, for optimizing industrial cutting tools.
- Application Focus: Optimization of dimension stone quarrying technology (e.g., granite, marble) using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM).
- Methodology: A combined Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Promethee II ranking method was used to evaluate seven quarrying alternatives against six critical criteria.
- Key Criteria Weights: The most influential criteria were Quarrying Cost (C1, 43.40%) and Block Quality (C2, 25.43%), confirming the industry demand for cost-effective, high-yield extraction.
- Optimal Technology: The combination of Disc Sawing and Diamond Wire Sawing (M5) was ranked as the optimal technology (Rank 1) due to its superior block quality and minimal stone loss.
- Performance Validation: The optimal diamond-based method achieved the highest possible positive rating (9) for Block Quality and the lowest possible negative rating (1) for Stone Loss.
- 6CCVD Value Proposition: The reliance on high-efficiency diamond cutting tools (saws and wires) creates a direct need for 6CCVDâs custom, large-area PCD plates, essential for manufacturing durable and high-yield cutting segments.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâThe following data points were extracted from the AHP and Promethee II analysis, highlighting the critical factors driving the selection of diamond-based cutting technology.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHP Consistency Ratio (CR) | 0.033242 (3.32%) | N/A | Ensures expert assessment reliability (Target < 10%) |
| C1 Weight (Quarrying Cost) | 0.43404 | N/A | Highest weighted criterion (Negative) |
| C2 Weight (Block Quality) | 0.25426 | N/A | Highest weighted criterion (Positive) |
| C6 Weight (Stone Loss) | 0.14518 | N/A | Significant negative criterion |
| Optimal Technology (M5) Rank | 1 | N/A | Disc Sawing + Diamond Wire Sawing |
| M5 Block Quality Rating (C2) | 9 | N/A | Very High (Highest possible positive score) |
| M5 Stone Loss Rating (C6) | 1 | N/A | Very Low (Lowest possible negative score) |
| Disc Sawing Depth | 15 - 20 | cm | Depth depends on soft or hard rock |
| Diamond Wire Sawing Function | Cuts bottom plane and vertical/horizontal planes | N/A | Used for high-precision, large-block separation |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe optimization study utilized a rigorous, two-stage MCDM approach to select the most appropriate quarrying technology for the Hoa Quang Bac dimension stone quarry.
- Criteria and Alternative Definition: Six criteria (C1-C6: Cost, Quality, Safety, Time, Environment, Loss) and seven alternative technologies (M1-M7, including blasting, wedging, disc sawing, and diamond wire sawing) were defined.
- Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): Expert opinions were collected using a pairwise comparison scale (Saaty scale 1-9) to determine the relative weights of the six criteria.
- Consistency Verification: The Consistency Ratio (CR) was calculated to ensure the reliability of the expert judgments. A CR of 3.32% confirmed high correlation and consistency.
- Promethee II Ranking: The Promethee II method was applied to rank the seven alternative technologies based on the previously calculated criteria weights. This method calculates positive and negative outranking flows to determine a net outranking flow (phi value).
- Technology Selection: The technology with the highest net outranking flow (M5: Disc Sawing combined with Diamond Wire Sawing) was selected as the optimal solution, demonstrating superior performance across the weighted criteria, particularly in minimizing stone loss and maximizing block quality.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & CapabilitiesâThe research confirms that high-precision diamond cutting methods are essential for maximizing block quality (C2) and minimizing stone loss (C6). 6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the foundational diamond materials required for the next generation of high-performance disc saw segments and diamond wire beads.
Applicable Materials
Section titled âApplicable MaterialsâTo replicate or extend the efficiency gains demonstrated by the optimal M5 technology, the following 6CCVD materials are required for tool manufacturing:
- Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD): Essential for the cutting segments used in both disc saws and diamond wire beads. 6CCVD offers Industrial Grade PCD plates/wafers optimized for extreme mechanical stress, high wear resistance, and thermal stability required in stone quarrying applications.
- Custom PCD Dimensions: We provide PCD plates up to 125mm in diameter, allowing tool manufacturers to design large, high-durability segments for disc saws used in deep cuts (15-20cm).
- Substrates: We offer robust substrates up to 10mm thick, suitable for mounting large PCD segments, ensuring mechanical integrity during high-force cutting operations.
Customization Potential for Tool Optimization
Section titled âCustomization Potential for Tool OptimizationâThe paper emphasizes the need for smooth cutting planes to improve block quality. 6CCVDâs advanced fabrication capabilities directly address this requirement:
| Requirement from Paper | 6CCVD Customization Solution | Technical Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| High Block Quality (C2) | Ultra-Low Roughness Polishing: PCD polishing down to Ra < 5nm (for inch-size PCD). | Ensures superior segment edge quality, leading to smoother cuts and reduced micro-fractures in the stone block. |
| Segment Integration | Custom Metalization: Internal capability for Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu layers. | Facilitates robust, high-temperature brazing of PCD segments onto the tool body (disc or wire bead), maximizing tool life and operational safety. |
| Custom Tool Geometry | Precision Laser Cutting: Custom shaping and sizing of PCD wafers/plates. | Allows tool designers to optimize segment geometry for specific rock types (soft vs. hard rock) and cutting sequences, directly impacting consumed time (C4) and stone loss (C6). |
| Large-Scale Production | High-Volume PCD Wafers: Supply of PCD wafers up to 500”m thick and 125mm in diameter. | Supports mass production of diamond wire beads and large disc saw segments necessary for industrial quarry operations. |
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering Supportâ6CCVDâs in-house PhD team specializes in the material science of MPCVD diamond. We can assist engineers and scientists working on similar Dimension Stone Quarrying Optimization projects by providing consultation on:
- Selecting the optimal PCD grain size and binder composition for specific rock mechanics (magmatic, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock).
- Designing metalization stacks for maximum thermal dissipation and mechanical bonding strength in high-wear environments.
- Tailoring diamond material thickness (0.1”m to 500”m) to balance cost (C1) and tool durability.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.
View Original Abstract
Nowadays, unselected quarrying technologies for dimension stone quarries, including manual and traditional technologies to modern technologies, have been applied in the whole nation. These technologies include blasting with detonation fuse , blasting with explosive , splitting wedge , diamond wire sawing, disc sawing, diamond wire sawing combined with splitting wedge and disc sawing combined with diamond wire sawing and splitting wedge. Due to characteristics of each technology, there exist different quarrying cost, consumed time, safety, environment and stone loss . Therefore, it is difficult for the quarries to select the most suitable one of the technologies. Basing on the comprehensive assessment of the criterion above to select the most proper technology for each dimension stone quarry, the paper used multi - criteria decision - making method combining between Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for selecting criteria weigh and multi - criteria ranking method Promethee II for ranking the technologies. The study was applied to Hoa Quang Bac quarry and technology combining disc sawing and diamond wire sawing was choosen as the most appropriate technology for mine.