A Feasible Plan for Gaging Individual Wells

C. P. BOWIE, San Francisco, Cal.-In my work with the U.S. Bureau of Mines, I have been detailed to report on oil storage containers, and in going around the country I have, been much interested in, the possibilities in the use of concrete for such containers. In talking with a good many people, I have discovered that concrete is being used A good deal for a wide variety of oils ranging from 14° to as high as 40° Bé., especially, by some of the western railroads:, If any member has had experience, in storing gasoline in concrete, I should like to learn of it. DORSEY HAGER, Tulsa, Okla.-Mr. M J. Munn, formerly .with the U. S. Geological Survey, acid connected with the Gypsy Oil Co., until a short time ago, has invented a invented a method for the application of concrete to the storage not only of crude oil but of refined products:. The Cosden Oil Co., of Tulsa, is now working on that plan, and, expects to store refined products in concrete tanks. THE CHAIRMAN (I.N. KNAPP, Ardmore Pa.).-I have had considerable experience in building masonry tanks for gas Holders. I do not believe it is possible to build a concrete or masonry tank of any kind. With hydraulic cement, mortar, which will be absolutely water-tight, unless the bottom and inner wall, after completion are waterproofed with some impervious material. The same will be true of oil tanks, the bottom and inner face of which must be made impervious to oil. Masonry tanks are intended to be sunk in the ground. All that the wall of the tank then amounts to is a retaining wall to keep the excavation in shape and to receive an impervious coating. The bottom of, a; tank, when empty, must be protected by a relief valve from any hydraulic: pressure acting from below. At ordinary prices, for sheets, a tank 100 ft. diam by 20 ft. deep can be built of steel much quicker and cheaper than of masonry. Several years, ago I saw very large oil storage tank under construction in California the bottom and sides being concrete. The sides were, sloped at about the single of repose for the material excavated: If you build a steel oil tank, you can get. .men for the work who do nothing else, and you, are likely to get a satisfactory job; but if you wish to build a concrete or masonry tank it is almost: impossible to find men skilled in building absolutely water-tight masonry Work. The general idea is that any laborer can mix up concrete in any old way and make a,