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Institute of Metals Division - Microstructure of Iron Silicon Alloys as Developed by the Powder Metallurgy ProcessBy R. Wachtell
IN order to study better the phenomena at work in various phases of diffusion of the Fe/Si system when compounded and alloyed by powder metallurgy methods, several attacks have been planned. Electrical, hardness and other measurements have been discussed e1sewhere.l,2 The metallographic phenomena will be considered here. Concerning the metallography of the ferrosilicon alloys, some initial discussion is in order. As this laboratory discovered to its chagrin, there are many traps that lie in wait for even the experienced metal-lographer when he deals with alloys of high silicon content. Chief of these is probably the anomalous behavior of these materials under conventional etching techniques. We have before us, for instance, Corson's paper" of 1928, wherein is mentioned and illustrated (probably for the first time) the peculiar "barley shell" structure sometimes found in these alloys. Again in 19412 he same author reports the structure in 5-14 pct silicon irons. Houghton and Becker mention its presence' but make only tentative effort to explain it. In 1943, Hurst and Riley6 discussed the "barley shell" and declared it to be a false structure, resulting from the peculiar and characteristic film-forming propensities of the alloy. At about the same time, Wrazej7 proved correct the contentions of Hurst and Riley, establishing pretty well the mechanisms of formation and identifying the constituents involved. Hurst and Riley6 a1so describe in their paper (1943) a "cracked film" structure, also a pseudo-morph, the precise nature of which they do not suggest. Careful examination of such a film reveals that it not only cracks but begins to curl away from the surface of the metal and peel, much in the manner of flaking paint. The careful microscopist will be able to focus on the topmost edge of the flake, and, by optical sectioning, follow it down to the metal surface. We have been able, by oblique illumination of such specimens, to observe the raised segment of the film, the shadow that it casts, and the mating segment on the metal into which it fits. As late as 1946, Hurst and Riley8 found occasion to correct misinterpretation of this "cracked film" structure in a work by others on a 12 pct Si/Fe alloy. The "barley shell" and "cracked film" pseudo-morphs are not the only ones encountered in studies of these materials. A third pseudomorph, which may, however, have some structural significance is a fine striation of the surface. Closely spaced and parallel striae extend entirely across single grains. Each grain shows a different direction for the striae, and different closeness of the spacing. The regularity of this structure, and the fact that the striae do not cross from one grain to another, suggest that the structure is a film cracking controlled in some way by the crystal plane orientation of the surface being etched. In general it is wise for the metallographer dealing with these alloys to cultivate a feeling of uncertainty not only of the more complex questions of interpretation, but also of the basic question of whether that which he sees is indeed a true representation of the structure. We have taken, as a first test of the validity of a structure, its reproducibility "in situ" after repolishing and re-etching of the samples. Thus we knew the "barley shell" to be false (fig. 1) even before encountering the definitive works on the subject. The Metallography of Silicon Diffusion in Laminate Bars: As a first step in the study of the metallography of the diffusion process, we have pressed a series of laminate bars. These bars, or "sandwiches" as we have termed them, were pressed with covering layers of iron powder, and a "filler" of the Fe/Si master alloy under study. Bar dimensions were approximately %, x 3 x 1/4 in. The total
Jan 1, 1951
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Producing–Equipment, Methods and Materials - Laboratory Study of Paraffin DepositionBy E. B. Hunt
Paraffin deposition has been studied in the laboratory under conditions simulating deposition in well tubing. A theoretical analysis has been made of the cooling of the oil and the precipitation of paraffin from the oil as it flows up the well tubing and through surface flowlines. It is proposed that paraffin deposits are initiated by the precipitation of paraffin directly on or adjacent to the pipe wall and grow by diffusion of paraffin from solution to the deposit. This mechanism is consistent with laboratory and field observations, and has proved useful in the design and interpretation of laboratory paraffin-deposition tests. Tests have been made of the effect of plastic pipe coatings and chemical additives on paraffin deposition. INTRODUCTION Paraffin deposits which form in well tubing and surface flowlines interfere with production and must be removed. Over the years much progress has been made in developing and improving methods of removing these deposits after they form. Much less progress has been made in developing methods of preventing or inhibiting the formation of paraffin deposits. This is due, it is believed, to the lack of knowledge of the mechanism of paraffin deposition, the absence of satisfactory laboratory testing methods and the difficulties in evaluating the results of field tests of preventive treatments. The present investigation was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of paraffin deposition and to develop suitable laboratory tests for studying the inhibition of paraffin deposition in well tubing and surface flowlines. Current theories on the mechanism of paraffin deposition have been evolved from field observations, from laboratory studies of various factors which might be involved in paraffin deposition, and from laboratory paraffin-deposition tests.1-9 Paraffin deposits have been formed in the laboratory by immersing a cold finger into a hot wax-oil solution and by flowing hot wax-oil solutions through cooled pipe or over cooled plates. These laboratory conditions differ in important features from field conditions, and the observed deposition behavior is not entirely field-like." Thus, there is reason to question the field applicability of the results of these tests. The present investigation was undertaken to determine how to perform and interpret laboratory paraffin-deposition tests to obtain information on the inhibition of deposition in the field. The paraffin problem in the broadest sense encompasses the formation of any predominantly organic deposit in well tubing, surface flowlines and other equipment in contact with crude oil or gas. The present investigation was limited to paraffin deposition involving the precipitation of paraffin wax from solution by cooling and its concentration in a deposit on a cooled surface. This probably excludes its applicability to those problems arising from asphaltic-base crudes, but not those arising from paraffin-or mixed-base crudes. This also excludes its applicability to emulsion and congealing oil problems which are often included as part of the paraffin problem. The phenomenon of cooling appears to be the controlling factor in paraffin deposition involving the precipitation of paraffin wax and its concentration in the deposit. Deposits of this type are usually found in the field only where cooling occurs. Early in this laboratory investigation, it was not found possible to form deposits under constant temperature conditions from a wax-oil slurry, either by steady flow through pipe or by gas-lift up a pipe. Thus, the investigation was limited to situations involving cooling. THEORY The relationships involved in establishing the temperature profiles in an oil stream as it flows up well tubing with a linear (geothermal) pipe-wall temperature distribution or through surface flowlines with essentially constant pipe-wall temperature are presented in the Appendix. The relationship between radial distance in the pipe and the rate of cooling of the oil is then combined with a relationship between cloud point and rate of cooling to develop the pattern of formation of a wax cloud in the oil. The following discussion of paraffin deposition under various laboratory and field conditions is based upon this development which is presented in the Appendix. PARAFFIN DEPOSITION IN SURFACE FLOWLINES The average temperature of the oil coming out of a well is somewhat higher than the ground temperature. Thus, the oil continues to cool on its trip through the surface flowline, and wax deposition can occur. The temperature distributions calculated from Eq. A-4 are given in Fig. 1. As can be seen, almost all the cooling occurs in the first 500 ft from the wellhead. In addition, the radial temperature gradient near the wall decreases rapidly with distance and becomes very small after a few hundred feet. Thus, growth of a paraffin deposit would be expected to decrease rapidly with distance from the wellhead and become negligible after a few hundred feet, since growth is dependent on concentration gradient. Wax precipitation and diffusion of wax to the already
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New York Paper - The Iron Deposits of Daiquiri, Cuba (with Discussion)By Waldemar Lindgren, Clyde P. Ross
To the miner, as well as to the geologist, the eastern part of Cuba is a most interesting region. Here we find, in contrast to the moderate relief predominating elsewhere in the island, an imposing mountain range, the Sierra Maestra, extending east and west parallel to the coast, its precipitous front facing the blue Caribbean Sea. In a geological sense this range is largely an unknown land, the only well-explored region being that in the vicinity of Santiago. The range also contains the most important mineral deposits of the island. They comprise, first, a series of iron deposits yielding a partly hematitized magnetite with low content of phosphorus; second, a remarkable copper-bearing vein at El Cobre; and third, various manganese deposits. Probably more deposits will be found, for the larger and western part of the range is as yet little explored and its slopes are covered by a thick tropical jungle. The following notes are based on a short visit by the senior author in January and February of 1914 to the mines at Daiquiri, El Cobre, and Mayari. For many courtesies and great assistance he is deeply obliged to Charles F. Rand, President of the Spanish-American Iron CO.; to George W. Pfeiffer, General Manager, and to the several members of his staff. Geological Features of the Sierra Maestra For our knowledge of the geology of the Sierra Maestra we are indebted to reconnaissance work by Fernandez de Castro, R. T. Hill, Mr. C. Hayes, T. W. Vaughan, and A. C. Spencer. The summary by the latter three geologists furnishes the best guide to the region.' The range is undoubtedly outlined by a great east-west dislocation. Its southern slope drops abruptly to the sea, while on the north side a much gentler declivity leads down to the rolling plateau of Tertiary limestone which occupies much of the adjacent part of the island. Viewed
Jan 1, 1916
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Part X – October 1969 - Papers - Effects of Sulfide and Carbide Precipitates on the Recrystallization and Grain Growth Behavior of 3 pct Si-Fe CrystalsBy Martin F. Littmann
Inclusions of MnS and Fe3C have been introduced into single crystals of 3 pct Si-Fe to study their effects on recrystallization behavior and textures after cold rolling and annealing. The presence of MnS in (110) [001] and (111)[112] crystals inhibited primary grain growth and promoted secondary recrystallization but did not alter the texture significantly after annealing at 1200°C. The presence of Fe3C in (llO)[OOl] and (100)[001] crystals caused a refinement of the primary re crystallized grain size but did not promote secondary recrystallization. THE texture behavior of single crystals of 3 pct Si-Fe during deformation and recrystallization has been studied by numerous investigators. The early work of Dunn' followed by Decker and Harker2 involved relatively small cold reductions. More detailed studies of Dunn3'4 and of Dunn and Koh5'6 involved a reduction of 70 pct and recrystallization at 980°C for several crystals. Walter and Hibbard7 studied a greater variety of initial orientations and sought to relate the textures to those of polycrystalline material. Attention was focused on the nucleation process during early stages of annealing and on surface energy effects in studies by Walter and Dunn8 and by HU.9'10 One of the most extensive investigations has been reported by T. Taoka, E. Furubayashi, and S. Takeuchi.11 Most of this work has been conducted using relatively pure crystals with minimal amounts of precipi-tate-forming elements such as carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. Recently, however, S. Taguchi and A. Sakakura have observed that AIN precipitates can alter the recrystallization textures of rolled (100)[001] crystals.12 The present studies were initiated to determine effects of MnS and Fe3C precipitates on recrystalli-zation and grain growth behavior of rolled single-crystals of 3 pct Si-Fe. Both of these types of inclusions play significant roles in the recrystallization behavior leading to the formation of the (110)[001] or cube-on-edge texture in commercial grain-oriented silicon iron. It is well known that (110)[001] primary grains are formed by recrystallization of (110)[001] or (11 l)[ 112] crystals after cold reduction of about 60 pct or more. Crystals of these orientations, therefore, were selected for study of the effect of MnS in-clusions on grain growth. On the other hand, a major component of the texture of cold-rolled, polycrystal-line 3 pct Si-Fe is the (100)[011] orientation. The function of Fe3,C inclusions is of interest for this orientation. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The single crystals used are listed in Table I and were obtained from commercial Si-Fe alloy processed to produce (110)[001] and (100)[001] texture by secondary growth. The cube-on-edge material was 0.59 mm thick. Suitably large (110)[001] crystals 25 mm wide were selected and their orientations were determined using an optical goniometer. Etch pits for texture determination were formed by a ferric sulfate solution. The other crystals used in the study with (100)[001], (100)[011], and (111)[112] orientations were obtained from sheet which contained large grains developed from secondary recrystallization by a surface-energy driving force.13 Most crystals had a (100) plane very nearly parallel to the sheet surface and the rolling direction could be selected readily. The same sheet also contained a few crystals with (111) planes parallel to the sheet surface, these also being a result of growth by surface energy. The crystals selected from the sheet were about 25 mm wide and 0.25 to 0.28 mm thick. As shown in Table 11, the crystals already contained about 0.070 to 0.10 pct Mn. Inclusions of MnS were incorporated into crystal 36 in the following manner. The crystals were first sulfurized by holding them Table I. Initial Orientations of Crystals Crystal No. Initial Orientation Thickness, mm Special Treatment 34 (I10) [00l]* 0.59 None 36s (110) [001] 0.59 Sulfide precipitates added 30,40 (111)[Ti21 0.28 None 43s (III) [Ti21 0.28 Sulfide precipitates added 37 (100) [Oll] 0.30 None 37C (100) [01I] 0.27 Carbon added 41 (100) (01I] 0.25 None 41C (100) [OI11 025 Carbide precipitates added 42 (100) [OOl] 0.25 None 42C (100) [001] 0.25 Carbide precipitates added *Tilted 4 deg to r~ght about R.D. Table II. Compositions of Crystals Special Treatments Base Analysis ~ ______________________£________________Crys- Crystals Pct Si Pct C Pct Mn Pct S Pct N Pct Al tal Pct C Pct S 34.36 2.93 • 0.099 <0.005 - 0.0014 36S 0.011 30.37 to 42 2.78 0.0057 0.070 0.001 0.0008 0.0011 43S 0.022 37C 0.029 -41C 0.028 -42C 0.026 *Estimate 0.004 pct. Oxygen estimated <0.003 pct on all samples
Jan 1, 1970
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Technical Notes - A New Technique for the Measurement of the Formation Factors and Resistivity Indices of Porous MediaBy M. R. J. Wyllie, F. Morgan, P. F. Fulton
The importance of formation factor, F, not only in electric logging but as a fundamental rock parameter has recently been stressed.',: The desirability of investigating the range of variation of the resistivity index exponent, n, in the relationship I = S ;", where I is the resistivity index and Sw the water saturation as a fraction of the void volume of a porous medium, has also been urged.3 The magnitude and variation of n with saturation and rock texture is a subject not only of theoretical interest but also one of prime importance in the interpretation of electric logs. A simple technique has recently been developed which enables both F and u to he measured with high accuracy and which may also find acceptance as a convenient method for the determination of irreducible saturation attainment in the restored state method of core analysis. Experience has taught that reproducible measurements of F are possible only if the resistance measuring electrodes are so arranged with respect to a plane face on a porous medium that they are able to make electrical contact with substantially all entry pores in that plane. In practice this may be achieved by using a platinized-platinum gauze electrode backed by some absorbent material (such as felt) which has been saturated with a fluid identical with that used to saturate the porous medium. Applicatiorl of pressure to the electrode and absorbent material then forces the gauze against the plane face of the porous medium and simultaneously squeezes saline solution through the meshes of the gauze. By this means the electrode is in continuous aqueous contact with all pores and satisfactory and reproducible low resistance contact with the porous medium is achieved. Clearly this method, although satisfactory for measurements of F, cannot be applied to the making of continuous resistance measurements on a porous medium while capillary pressure desaturation is being carried out. However, accepting the principle that for satisfactory results electrical contact must be made between a measuring electrode and all pores adja- cent to that electrude, methods of bringing electrodes into intimate contact with the surfaces of porous media were investigated. Two methods were ultimately found to be satisfactory: in the one, the metal electrode is formed on the required portion of the porous medium by the use of a metal spray gun, while in the second the electrode is painted on with an ordinary camel's hair brush. The first method has the advantage of permitting the use of any metal which can be sprayed, but has the disadvantage of requiring rather elaborate and expensive equipment. The second method is presently limited to silver electrodes although in principle other metals, e.g. platinum or gold, could be used. Moreover, the method is so simple and cheap, and has been found to be so satisfactory that it will be described in some detail. The core being investigated is cut into a right circular cylinder and is extracted and dried in the usual manner. The ends are then lightly painted with silver conducting paint* of the type used in printed electrical circuits. The quantity of paint used is not critical but the recommended, minimum compatible with entirely coating the core ends is recommended, particularly on the end that contacts the barrier. The core is then dried at atmospheric temperature for one hour or for shorter periods at any suitable elevated temperature up to about 110°C. It will be found that silver coatings so prepared are not only strongly adherent but also permeable and the core may be the core may be desaturated by the ordinary capillary pressure technique through one of the coated faces. The same permeability is characteristic also of thin metal coatings formed using the spray-gun technique. An ordinary Lucite capillary pressure desaturation cell has been adapted to a form suitable for measuring the resistivity of the saturated silver faced cores both at 100 per cent saturation (i.e., F) and at intermediate saturations down to the irreducible minimum. This has been achieved as follows: A Coors porcelain barrier, having a displacement pressure of c 30 psi was grooved across a diameter. Dimensions of this groove were c 1 mm deep and 1 mm wide at the top. The groove was then painted thickly with silver conducting paint, the paint in the groove being extended lightly over the edges of the groove for a distance of c 1 mm on each side. A 30 gauge silver wire was then arranged in the groove in a form of a spring bow, each end of the silver being held at diamet~ically opposite ends of the groove by means of plastic cement. The arc of the bow at its highest point was arranged to be a millimeter or so above the face of the barrier, while one end of the bow wire was led by means of a pressure-tight connection through the wall of the capillary pressure cell. The groove in the barrier was then Surrounded by suitably cut portions of Kleenex in the conventional manner so as to ensure capillary continuity from core to barrier, and the core placed on the barrier. The weight of the core distorted the silver spring bow and good electrical contact was thereby made between the outside of the cell and the lower painted silver electrode. Electrical connection to tile top painted silver
Jan 1, 1951
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Part VIII – August 1968 - Papers - Carbide Precipitation on Imperfections in Superalloy MatricesBy P. S. Kotva
Dislocation substructures in superalloy matrices of varyzng co)npositions have been studied. In general, it has been found that the alloys can be classified into ''high", ''medium", and "low" stacking fault energy classes based on the type of dislocation substructure observed in the matrix and that the substructure can be correlated to the stacking fault energy. The effect of different types of dislocation substructure and dislocation reactions on the intragranulur precipitation of carbide phases has been studied. In a Ni-Cv-Mo-Fe matrix, precipitation of MC carbides in association with stacking faults has been observed. In most superalloys, solid-solution strengthening and precipitation hardening are the chief mechanisms employed to achieve strength. The latter contribution to strength is usually achieved by the precipitation of / in certain wrought alloys. Insufficient attention has been given to the problem of obtaining strength in su-peralloys by controlling precipitation of carbides on imperfections within the matrix. The present work was undertaken to investigate the dislocation substructure in various superalloy matrices, to study the effect of such substructure on subsequent precipitation of carbides in the matrix, and to investigate whether certain modes of precipitation of carbide phases found in austenitic stainless steels2"4'6 would occur in nickel-base alloy matrices with dislocation substructures of the same type as those found in austenitic steels. 1) EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES Five-pound heats of the various alloy compositions reported here were vacuum-cast. The ingots were given light deformation by rolling to break up the as-cast structure and then homogenized for 24 hr. HASTELLOY alloy X (nominal composition: Ni-2OCr-17Fe-8Mo-0.05C) was homogenized at 2150°F and In-cone1 625 (nominal composition: Ni-20Cr-5Fe-8Mo-3.5Cb-0.05C) was homogenized at 2280°F. Fabrication of 0.004-in. sheet was achieved by cold rolling with intermediate annealing treatments being carried out at the same temperature as those used for homogeniza-tion. Each solution anneal was followed by quenching. The aim of this procedure was to redissolve as much of the primary carbide phase as possible. Samples of the 0.004-in. sheet were cut and encapsulated in quartz capsules and then heat-treated in the tube furnaces. Thin foils were prepared using an ethanol-10 pct perchloric acid bath at 32°F and at a voltage of 22 v. A "window" technique was employed. Observations were made on a JEM-7 electron microscope operating at 100 kv. 2) EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS a) Types of Dislocation Substructure. Fig. 1 shows a schematic correlation between stacking fault energy, SFE, and the type of dislocation substructure observed in various matrices of nickel- and cobalt-base alloys. A precise quantitative determination of stacking fault energy is not implied in the figure but the correlation between stacking fault energy and the type of dislocation substructure obtained allows alloys to be divided into three classes in analogy with the classification employed by Swann and ~uttin~' for binary alloys of copper. Class I alloys are associated with a "high" SFE and show a cellular substructure of dislocations as typified by the micrograph of a thin foil of pure nickel deformed 4 pct at room temperature in Fig. 2. With decreasing SFE the tendency toward cell formation is lessened and dislocations tend to be arranged in coplanar groupings. Examples of this class of alloys with "medium" SFE are provided by the mi-crostructure of solution-heat-treated, quenched, and deformed thin foils of HASTELLOY alloy X, "Waspaloy" (prior to any aging), and Inconel 625. Fig. 3 shows a thin-foil micrograph of an alloy of Inconel 625 composition, solution-heat-treated, quenched, and deformed 5 pct at room temperatures. No evidence of any cell structure can be obtained in materials of "medium" stacking fault energy, Fig. 3, even after severe deformation. The stacking fault energy of the alloy shown in Fig. 3 is, however, not low enough to make the dissociation of dislocations visually obvious. As stacking fault energy decreases further, with successive addition of solute in the matrix, there is an increased tendency toward dissociation of dislocations and cross slip becomes progressively more difficult. Eventually, when the stacking fault energy is "low" enough, complete dissociation of dislocations is seen to occur as shown in Figs.
Jan 1, 1969
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Coal - Economics of PegmatitesBy Paul A. Taylor
MUCH information concerning pegmatites which was thought to be true a few years ago has been proved false, and what is now actually known about some pegmatites is not true of many others. The erratic and seemingly unpredictable structure and variable composition of this class of mineral deposits has been widely emphasized. Even parts of the same pegmatite body exhibit marked differences in texture, mineral composition, width, and attitude. Constructive geological thinking in respect to pegmatites now aims to establish general laws rather than to stress the confusing diversity of features having no special economic significance. Substantial progress has been made in classifying different types of these deposits according to general features, internal structure, mineralogy, and origin. In some cases it has even been possible to block out tonnage reserves in advance of mining. It is still easy, however, to make highly erroneous predictions after a preliminary examination of a pegmatite prospect. Pegmatites are important to the economic well being of the country and to its military security. They furnish virtually all the feldspar, strategic mica, beryl, columbium, tantalum, and caesium utilized in the United States, as well as sundry other minerals and significant amounts of lithium and rare earth minerals and gems. With the exception of vermiculite, occasional ilmenite-rutile, and perhaps soda-lime feldspar and garnet deposits, basic pegmatites are of little economic importance. Consequently in this paper, as in common parlance, the term pegmatite generally relates to coarsegrained acidic rocks or what is aptly called giant granite. Available data indicating the size and importance of the production and trade in specified pegmatite minerals are summarized in Table I. Geological Features Much of the latest thinking on the economic geology of pegmatites is now available in a 115-page monograph' by a group of experts who participated with geologists of the Federal Geological Survey in the widespread wartime investigations. Doubtless the most significant feature of the monograph is indicated by the title, The Internal Structure of Pegmatites, but it also contains a vast amount of other new information and includes the assimilated concepts of many earlier writers, whose works are given in a comprehensive list of references. The shape, size, attitude, and continuity of many pegmatite bodies is controlled by the structure of the older rocks in which they occur. If the older rocks are easily penetrated, e.g., biotite schist, most of the pegmatites in a given district will be found outside the parent granite mass as exterior pegmatites. Marginal pegmatites are more prevalent if the older rocks are massive, unsheared, and sparingly jointed. Networks of pegmatites are abundant in highly-jointed rocks. In strongly foliated schists the bodies are usually lenticular, whereas in highly-folded areas they assume tear drop, pipe or pod-like, bow-shaped, or sinuous forms. Jahns2 recognizes five major shape classes: l—dikes, sills, pipes, and elongate pods; 2— dikes, sills, pipes, and pods with bends, protuberances, or other irregularities; 3-—trough-or scoop-shaped bodies with or without complicating branches; 4—bodies with the form of an inverted trough or scoop; and 5—other bodies, including combinations of the above and miscellaneous shapes. Many pegmatite deposits are scarcely big enough to be recognizable as such. Most of them, in fact, are small tabular deposits less than 4 in. wide and usually without economic concentrations of minerals. On the other hand, some pegmatites are more than a mile long and over 500 ft wide. The ratios of length to breadth range from 1 : 1 to 1 : 100. Although the vertical dimension bears no invariable relationship to strike length, tabular deposits or large lenses are often symmetrical enough to show nearly as much continuity down dip as in their horizontal extension, and some pipes or pods are amazingly persistent in the vertical plane. Small pegmatites often string along a fairly definite trend line; in a given district major bodies may lie roughly parallel, and where only a few of them do not, the erratically disposed bodies generally differ in composition from those conforming to the regular pattern. This does not apply, however, in all districts. Characteristically, pegmatite veins pinch and swell or split into branches. When they pinch out entirely it is often possible to find a new body by prospecting the extension of the strike or dip, but the chances of finding a hidden deposit are ordinarily too uncertain to justify much subsurface prospecting. Diamond drilling may yield valuable information as to the continuity of known deposits whose upper portions are well-exposed. Some deposits, in fact, can be proved up for hundreds of feet by surface trenching and then intersected by drill holes at various depths like any other vein-like deposit. Others twist and branch, apparently defying all efforts to explore them short of actual mining.
Jan 1, 1954
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Part VI – June 1968 - Papers - The Structures of Faceted/Nonfaceted EutecticsBy J. D. Hunt, D. T. J. Hurle
A uariety of eutectic structures are formed in faceted/nonfaceted eutectics. The various structures are explained in terms of the absence or presence of small facets in the liquid groove. Regular structures are produced when, for purely geometric reasons facels cannot form. The presence of a facet in the liquid groove leads to the formation of an irregular or a cell-like complex regular structure, due to the relative immobility of the groove. A classification of eutectics was proposed by Hunt and jackson, based on the presence or absence of facets on the primary phases (the absence of facets may be predicted from the dimensionless entropy of melting2). Eutectics were divided into three groups: 1) eutectics in which both phases grow in a nonfaceted manner; 2) eutectics in which one phase grows faceted, the other nonfaceted; 3) eutectics in which both phases grow faceted. It was suggested that regular1 rodlike or lamellar structures1 should be formed in the first group, that irregular or complex regular structures1 should be formed in the' second, and that irregular structures1 should be formed in the third. Recently it has been shown that the structural classification is incomplete. Regular rodlike structures (InSb-NiSb eutectic3), or broken lamellar structure (Bi-Zn eutectic, Fig. 8), are formed in alloys of the second group when the faceted phase has a large volume fraction. Hunt and jackson' argued that regular structures could form in faceted/nonfaceted systems, but that such structures would be unstable in the presence of microfacets on the lamella of the faceting phase, because the growth rate at a point on such a facet would depend on the kinetic undercooling at the point of nu-cleation on the facet, and not on the local kinetic undercooling. In these circumstances it would not be possible to consistently balance the compositional and kinetic undercooling over a lamellar structure and thus obtain a stable isothermal interface. In this paper we discuss in detail the origin of the various structures formed in faceted/nonfaceted systems, pointing out that the most important factor promoting the formation of a regular structure is the absence of a facet in the liquid groove. 1) FACET FORMATION IN SINGLE-PHASE MATERIALS Facets form when there is an energy barrier for the addition of a new solid layer on an existing solid. When a barrier is present,2 growth proceeds by the lateral movement of steps across a crystallographic plane. The rate-controlling stage of the process occurs when the step is first formed. Hulme and Mullin6 have shown that faceting in single-phase materials can only occur when both interface curvatures are convex with respect to the solid and when the surface is tangential to the facet plane. When even one of the curvatures is concave a facet does not form because new layers of solid from adjacent regions can always feed the facet plane, Fig. 1. Growth under these conditions is then as easy as elsewhere. Similar considerations will apply to eutectic growth; consequently the shape of the faceted phase is extremely important. 2) LAMELLAR SPACING CHANGES IN EUTECTICS Jackson and Hunt7 have shown that the interface undercooling AT of a growing lamellar interface (neglecting kinetic undercooling) is related to the lamellar spacing, A, and growth velocity, v, by an expression of the form: where m, Ql, and nL are constants of the system given in Ref. 7. Eq. [I] is plotted for fixed v in Fig. 2. Jackson and Hunt postulate that a regular eutectic grows near, but to the right of the minimum in the AT vs A curve. They argue that the spacing cannot be to the left of the minimum because the interface is then unstable to fluctuations in A. It cannot grow too far to the right, because when the spacing becomes too wide an isothermal interface can no longer be maintained over the large-volume-fraction phase.7 It is argued that during any change in growth rate the lamellar spacing remains in the permitted range by the movement of lamellar faults. When the spacing is too wide, the fault, shown in Fig. 3, moves to the left; when the spacing is too narrow it moves to the right. The faults, however, have to be formed. heir formation has been shown to occur when local regions deviate considerably from the spacing defined by the lamellar When the spacing is locally too narrow (it passes to the left of the minimum, Fig. 2), pinching off of the narrow phase occurs. When the spacing is locally too wide, the interface on the large volume-fraction phase can no longer be maintained as an iso-
Jan 1, 1969
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Factors Affecting Bank Slopes In Steam-Shovel OperationsBy Louis Cates
AT THE annual meeting of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers in February, 1923, the Chairman of the Committee on Ground Movement and Subsidence appointed a subcommittee to work out a form of questionnaire and to collect data on subsidence and ground movement resulting from underground metal- and coal-mining operations, and on ground movement and safe slopes in connection with open-cut metal-mining operations. The author was requested to take charge of the collection of data and the preparation of a questionnaire in connection with the Committee's studies of open-cut metal-mining operations, this paper is a summary of the work carried on and information received therefrom up to February, 1924. The first approach to the problem of safe slopes is to gather all information that pertains to finished slopes; in other words, the steepest economic angle from the horizontal that will stand in order to uncover the ores to be mined and be safe while the extraction of the ore at the base of these slopes is in progress. Whether or not this angle is 35° or 45° depends on many factors. The number of benches maintained to take care of falling rock and their height and width are direct functions of this overall slope. The slope is here taken to mean the angle from the top edge of the pit through the edges of the respective lower benches to the bottom of the pit. If we accept this definition of the slope, it might save some confusion as there would be a difference if one took the line from the top edge of excavation to the toe of the bottom slope. This latter slope would not be constant, but would vary with the number of benches. The depth of the various ore faces will vary, of course, depending on the deposit; Table 1 shows this to range from 50 ft. to 1100 ft. The geology is an important factor, as are the climatic conditions under which one is operating. A saturated condition in some rock structure causes rock flows; in the Panama Canal excavation, slides have run on a ratio of as low as one on ten, which is a 10 per cent. grade, or a slope of less than 6° with the horizontal. Slopes as steep as 60° have been noted in the Utah Copper operations, so that a wide divergence will possibly be
Jan 8, 1924
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Producing-Equipment, Methods and Materials - Production Behavior of a Water-Blocked Oil WellBy K. H. Ribe
Water often enters an oil reservoir during completion or workover operations on a well and forms a partial "water block" to oil production. A mathematical study of radial two-phase flow, neglecting capillary effects, has been employed to study the formation of such a water block and subsequent re-moval by production from the well. The effects of reduced oil permeability about the well on the well productivity were studied. The fluid saturation distributions about the well during formation and removal of the water block have also been computed. Several relative permeability relations and viscosity ratios were employed. If water has invaded the formation, its influence through relative permeability effects alone can cause the following. 1. Oil productivity will be depressed for extended periods after production is resumed and will build up only gradually as the water is removed. 2. Oil injected for treatment of water blocking will delay rather than promote restoration of full well productivity by enlarging the region invaded by water. Thus, unless the specific action of chemicals contained in the oil is needed, oil injection appears undesirable. INTRODUCTION During oilwell workover operations, water may enter the oil-bearing formation from the wellbore. When production is resumed, oil must flow through the region invaded by this water. The presence of this region can cause both well productivity and oil production rate to be low and oil to be produced with high water-oil ratio for some time after production is initiated. This situation is sometimes described as a water block. The introduction of water into the formation may result in other actions which also lead to reduction in well productivity and which are also usually included in the connotation of the broad term, water block. Often considered, for example, are the possibilities of clay swelling by contact with fresh water and the formation of emulsions with the formation oil. If it is suspected that such specific actions have taken place, remedial treatments are undertaken which usually involve the injection of chemicals in oil. Since the introduction of water, even in the absence of specific interactions with the formation or oil, will cause a temporary water block (which might be misinterpreted as evidence of a more severe situation), it is of importance to evaluate the magnitude and duration of this blocking which results purely from the reduction in relative permeability to oil in the vicinity of the wellbore. It is also of interest to evaluate the effect of oil injection on the productivity of a well blocked by water in this manner. Inasmuch as this unfavorable condition may persist for some time, it may lead to premature condemnation of a workover or premature abandonment of a potentially productive pay zone. A quantitative evaluation of the influence of water entry on the oil productivity through changes in relative permeability was made by solving a radial form of the Buckley-Leverett equation. The distribution of water saturation around the wellbore during the entry of water was calculated and was followed by a similar calculation of the saturation distribution during the period of resuming production. At any stage in the removal of the invading water, knowledge of the distribution of its saturation permitted calculating the attendant loss in oil productivity. The influence of the shape of the relative permeability relationships was also evaluated by carrying out the calculations for two hypothetical cases. Further, the effect of the oil-water viscosity ratio was examined by repeating the calculations, for several ratios of unity and greater, with the same relative permeabilities. Fi-nally, results are presented to show how the length of time a well must be swabbed to resume production depends on the length of time it has been subjected to invasion by water. STATEMENT OF THEORY Differential Equations Water is assumed to enter a producing formation which is initially at the connate-water saturation and contains no gas. The water and oil are treated as in-
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Industrial Minerals - Summary of the Natural Graphite Industry with Notes on Recent TrendsBy A. B. T. Werner, J. J. Schanz
A survey of the world's sources and markets for natural graphite and some predictions of future trends are presented here. The authors feel that there is no indication of major changes in sources of graphite over the next few years, but it is possible that the importance of domestic graphites as opposed to foreign carbons may increase in the more distant future. U.S. consumption of natural graphite, which has been in general decline for the past six years, and will probably continue downhill with the virtual disappearance of some markets. However, other markets such as bearings, brake linings and crucibles will probably grow. Natural graphite is the name given to all the naturally occurring mineral forms of carbon that crystallize in the hexagonal system. Natural graphite~ are generally divided into three broad classifications that are based on physical rather than chemical differences — crystalline flake, Ceylon amorphous and other amorphous. Crystalline flake graphites occur as thousands of small individual flakes disseminated throughout the ore and closely resemble shiny black fish scales. Ceylon amorphous graphite is mined from narrow veins of almost pure mineral. It is produced in lump form and often has a coarse platy or needlelike structure. Other amorphous graphites include all those that are extremely fine-grained and have a crystalline structure that is not visible under normal circumstances. In the primary raw material markets, the graphite's country of origin is also important. Crystalline flake graphites may, for example, be of the Alabaman, Bavarian or Madagascan types; Ceylon amorphous graphite may have originated in Montana or Ceylon; and other amorphous graphites may come from Mexico, Hong Kong or Korea. The distinctions between the graphites from each particular locality are small yet important, for the country of origin will signify certain inherent physical characteristics and will often give an idea of the amount of graphitic carbon contained in the shipment in question. .In certain instances, however, even this is not enough, since the actual mine at which the graphite is produced may have to be known before its true commercial value can be ascertained. Thus, the Madagascar flake graphite shipped from the Sahalambo mines of the Societe des Graphites de la Sahanavo is a thick flake which is known to be especially suited for use in crucibles, while the dull black earthy amorphous material formerly mined at Cranston, R.I., was ideal for stove polish. Synthetic, artificial, electric furnace and manufactured are terms used to describe graphites made from coke. These graphites will be considered in this paper only to the extent that they enter competition with natural graphite. DOMESTIC SOURCES OF NATURAL GRAPHITES Natural graphites have been produced from mines in Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and other states. The exception is the crystalline minerals resembling Ceylon graphite that have come from Montana and the amorphous meta-anthracites from Rhode Island. All the products mined have been flake graphite. In 1960, production was reported only in Texas and Pennsylvania. The Alabama graphite deposits of flake in quartz-mica schists are found southeast of Birmingham in a narrow belt that extends for about 60 miles southwest from Delta in Randolph County to Verbena in Chilton County. Since the long-run prospects for Alabama graphites appear to be fairly bright, especially if regular production of high quality output becomes possible, regional ore reserves of all kinds, including indicated and inferred, are estimated to be of the order of 25 million tons. Of this amount, 14 million tons are of the weathered variety. Alabama graphites are favored by their relative ease of mining, and by the fact that special methods of milling have been developed at the larger properties. In addition, the steady rise in ocean freight rates for Madagascar graphites, the tendency among crucible manufacturers to use flakes of a smaller size, and the possibility of producing other salable byproducts in addition to the graphite are favorable to Alabama producers. Against
Jan 1, 1962
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Coal - Coal Washing in Colorado and New Mexico - DiscussionBy J. D. Price, W. M. Bertholf
A. C. RICHARDSON*—First of all, [ think that the paper represents a lot more work, study, and correlation than has been indicated by the brief talk by Mr. Price. I like the way he started out and described the areas from which the samples were obtained, the locations of the washing plants, the available tonnages, and other background information with which to evaluate the data he submitted later on. Then I like the way in which he described the various types of washing plants, the tonnages handled and the difficulties of the washing problems; showing the amount of material that lies close to the specific gravity at which the washing separation is made. Later he gave figures from washing plant operations showing recoveries and cleaning efficiencies. He then discussed his own plant at Pueblo. It is the same old plant, I think, that I worked around a good many years ago. It is unusual to find a plant treating nearly 5000 tons of coal a day on tables. But this table plant is, I believe, more efficient than is indicated by the figures that Mr. Price gave. To determine the efficiency of a cleaning operation or to compare it with another it is necessary to consider the quantity and character of the material close to the specific gravity at which the separation is made. It is not fair, I believe, to penalize the table operation by something like 4 pct of out-of-place-material as he has done here. The variety and difficulty of the coals that he has to wash, the continuous shift and change in their composition make a very difficult cleaning problem and the table performance is excellent. I believe that the information in this paper will be of interest and value to anyone operating or planning to build a coal cleaning plant in this or other areas; particularly where the cleaning of fine coal is a problem. The data may be used for comparative purposes in determining the relative efficiencies of other cleaning plant separations. E. D. HAIGLER*—What is a Baum jig? J. D. PRICE (authors' reply)—A Baum-type jig is one in which the pulsations of the water is secured by means of a pulsating air current applied on top of the water. I imagine you are all familiar with the old plunger-type jig which is in effect a U tube in which a plunger on one side of the U, moving up and down, causes a corresponding pulsation on the far side of the jig. In the Baum jig, the pulsating air current is applied on the surface of the water on one side of the U tube of the jig and gives a corresponding pulsation on the other. It is also commonly known as a pneumatic jig. The control of the rise and fall of the water in the jig body proper is under much better control than it is in any of the other type jigs. Mr. Richardson could enlarge on that feature, for I know that he has had considerable experience with these jigs. A. C. RICHARDSON—You have asked how to control a Baum-type jig. The pulsations in a Baum jig can be modified and regulated to a marked degree by the amount of water admitted to the jig and by the adjustments of the valve which regulates the manner in which air is admitted. The number of pulsations per minute is controlled by the number of cycles of the air valve. Thirty to forty cycles per minute is a good speed for large jigs treating coarse sizes of cod. With an air valve it is possible to modify the time-velocity curve of the pulsating water to some extent which in turn determines the action in a jig bed. Within limits the following parts of the air valve cycle may be regulated: (1) the rate and period of air admission, (2) the period of air expansion, (3) the rate and period of air exhaust, and (4) the period of air compression. The rate and period of air admission determines the acceleration of the water at the beginning of the pulsion stroke and the amplitude of the stroke. The period of air expansion, after inlet port is closed, is one in which the water has reached the desired velocity, positive acceleration reduced, and the bed held in a mobile condition. The rate and period of the air exhaust can be adjusted to modify the degree of suction and so modify the manner in which the particles in the bed stratify. The compression period, alter the exhaust port closes and before the intake port opens may be used to advantage in retarding the downward velocity of water during the suction stroke. An ideal jig stroke is one in which during the up stroke the bed is lifted slowly in a mass and opens up like an accordian with the bottom layers dropping away first. With the bed open and mobile the particles adjust themselves according to their hindered settling rates. During the down stroke, while the bed is still open the particles of high specific gravity are accelerated toward the bottom layers. It is possible to approach this stroke with all types of jigs but it is less difficult to approximate it with a Baum jig.
Jan 1, 1950
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Institute of Metals Division - Dynamic Formation of Slip Bands in AluminumBy N. K. Chen, R. B. Pond
IN the study of slip band* formation, there have been many examples to show that they do not always appear as lines traversing the entire crystal, but as segments whose ends seem to vanish in their path through the crystal. This characteristic appearance of slip bands has been witnessed under the optical microscope at various magnifications'-' and also under the electron microscope.' A typical example of this behavior seen with the optical microscope is shown in Fig. 1. However, the slip band studies were generally conducted on polished surfaces of single or poly-crystalline metals which had been previously deformed; i.e., the load was generally released so that the observation could be made. Any picture of slip bands so obtained can represent the surface phenomenon only in a static state of the strained material. The conditions prior to their formation cannot be definitely and clearly assigned. Thus, while a segmented slip band may suggest that slip is a growth process as supposed by the theory of the nucleation of slip,V he usual appearance of suddenly and fully developed slip bands around the crystal has generally been considered as a consequence of uniform shear of the entire slip plane akin to a cataclysmic process. Little clear-cut information is available with regard to the speed at which a slip band forms, its direction of motion, the geometry of its position with regard to its neighbors, and its dependence on orientation. A description is given in this paper of experimental apparatus by which the progressive formation of slip bands can be recorded while the specimen is undergoing deformation. Qualitative and quantitative data on the dynamic formation of slip bands will be presented with special interest concerning the propagation of slip bands, the spacing of slip bands, and their relations to strain hardening. Views on the formation of slip bands are discussed and a mechanism of the unit process involved in the formation of a slip band is proposed. Preparation of Specimens Single-crystal specimens of high purity aluminum (99.997 pct), 1/8 in. square in cross-section and 1% in. long in gage length, were made by the method of gradual solidification from the liquid state. Since no machining work could be introduced in preparation of crystals of such small size, a special mold was designed for casting them to final shape. The mold consisted of two, separate, high purity graphite blocks. Generally, 20 molds were packed together in one container so that 20 specimens could be obtained by one casting operation. This was desirable since it was possible by this method to obtain groups of crystals with similar orientations. The as-cast crystals were carefully clipped from the gate, etched, and homogenized for 24 hr at 600°C. They were then very gently polished using a 4/0 paper, re-etched, and finally electrolytically polished after the method previously described by Chen and Mathewson.6 The crystallographic orientations were determined using a back-reflection, Laue method. Tensile Testing and Photographic Method The tensile testing equipment for these tests was composed of a specially designed microtensile machine, microload cell and microclip gage with necessary appurtenances. The members of the microtensile machine consisted of three parts, as shown in Fig. 2. The chassis is equipped with an oil cylinder, A, and piston, the piston being part of the movable cross-head, B. Pressure in the oil cylinder is controlled and regulated by an external pneumatic-hydraulic cell, C, which is connected to the cylinder by a Vs in. high pressure copper tube. This cell is half filled with hydraulic oil and has a needle valve, D, on the oil exit side as well as a needle valve, E, on the gas inlet side. A quick-acting valve, F, as well as a pressure gage is provided for the gas side. The oil exits into the load piston on the microtensile machine. By connecting a tank of inert gas to the gas inlet, regulated pressures were provided over the oil so that the oil would leave the cell at a rate determined by the setting of the exit needle valve, the gas pressure, and the pressure of the oil in the load piston of the microtensile machine. With this pneumatic-hydraulic appurtenance it was possible to
Jan 1, 1953
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Geologic Setting Of The Copper-Nickel Prospect In The Duluth Gabbro Near Ely, MinnesotaBy G. M. Schwartz, D. M. Davidson
THE Duluth gabbro outcrops containing sulphides of copper, nickel, and iron are located on both sides of State Highway No. 1 an airline distance of 8.5 miles southeast of Ely in northeastern Minnesota. The region of known sulphide occurrences includes parts of sections 5, T. 61 N., R. 11 W., and parts of sections 25, 26, 32, 33, and 34, T. 62 N., R. 11 W. These sections, given in Fig. 1, are all in Lake County, Minnesota. Part of the area, which lies entirely within the Superior National Forest, is shown on the topographic map of the Ely quadrangle. The original discovery was made in 1948 when a small pit was opened in weathered gabbro rubble for use on a forest access road. A shear zone had caused unusual decomposition in this glaciated area, and the resulting copper stain was noted by Fred S. Childers, Sr., an Ely prospector, who began searching the outcrops along the base of the intrusive. He was joined in further exploration by Roger V. Whiteside of Duluth. In the summer of 1951 a small diamond drill was moved into the area and a hole 188 ft deep was drilled, passing through 11 ft of glacial drift into sulphide-bearing gabbro. This paper is a preliminary report on the geology of the newly discovered ore. The Duluth gabbro is one of the largest known basic intrusives and may be defined as a lopolith.1 It extends northeastward from the city of Duluth as a great crescent-shaped mass that intersects the shore of Lake Superior again near Hovland, 130 miles to the northeast, see Fig. 2. The distance around the outside of the crescent is nearly 170 miles. The form of the intrusive is simple at Duluth where it ends abruptly north of the St. Louis River; at the east end, however, the gabbro splits into two elongated, sill-like masses separated mainly by lava flows and characterized by minor irregularities. The outcrop reaches a maximum width in the central part where it is about 30 miles across, and a maximum thickness of about 50,000 ft. It may be significant that the sulphides occur at the base of the thickest part. The lopolith has segregated into rock types ranging from peridotite to granite. The most abundant types are olivine gabbro, gabbro, troctolite, anorthosite, and granite. Of lesser importance quantitatively are peridotite, norite, pyroxenite, magnetite gabbro, and titaniferous magnetite. Grout estimates that two-thirds of the gabbro at Duluth is olivine gabbro. Variations in the percentages of plagioclase, augite, olivine, and magnetite-ilmenite constitute the only essential differences found among the basic rock types. The predominant mineral is plagioclase, mainly labradorite. Plagioclase and olivine seem to have crystallized early, and the olivine rich rocks, usually troctolite, are found in the lower part. Segregations of titaniferous magnetite are abundant near the base of the gabbro along the eastern part and also occur far above the base. These have recently been described in detail by Grout' Near the top, segregation has produced a gradation to granite, or "red rock," as it is known locally. This consists of quartz, red feldspar, and hornblende. The red rock forms a. zone with a maximum width of nearly 5 miles but is quantitatively unimportant from Duluth northward for 35 miles. In Cook county, where the gabbro splits, each of the two sill-like masses has a red rock top somewhat thicker in proportion to the gabbro below than in the main central mass. The intrusive ranges from coarse to medium in grain size and from granitoid to diabasic in texture. Throughout much of the Duluth gabbro in Minnesota banding and foliation are well developed, as Grout has emphasized! The bands are mainly a result of variation in the percentage of minerals, as in troctolite with alternating bands high in olivine and in plagioclase. A few bands may consist largely of one mineral, as is true of some segregations of magnetite. Many of the banded rocks show a clearly developed parallelism of platy plagioclase crystals, and both banding and foliation are believed to conform to the floor of the lopolith. Throughout its extent in Minnesota the Duluth gabbro dips east and south toward Lake Superior. It is generally believed to extend beneath Lake Superior and is found as a smaller mass exposed along the north side of the Gogebic district in Wisconsin and Michigan. The dip at and near the base ranges along most of its length from 20 to 40°, but at places the internal banding dips even more steeply. The dip of the upper part is much less, and if it is assumed that the flows along the north shore of Lake Superior are a dependable indication, it does not exceed 15º. The formations shown in Table I which are intruded by the gabbro range from Keewatin to Middle Keweenawan in age. They present a significant picture. At the top, the gabbro and its accompanying
Jan 1, 1952
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Geophysics - Rubeanic Acid Field Test for Copper in Soils and SedimentsBy R. E. Delavault, H. V. Warren
In normal soils there are usually 10 to 50 parts of copper in every million parts of .soil. Only 0.2 to .5 pct of this copper can be found by any simple cold chemical attack. Now, with rubeanic mid reagent paper, a prospector or field geologist can detect as little us 4 ppm of readily available copper ill soil. This degree, of sensiticity is enough to determine the presence. of copper anamalous an as and, ecentually, to discouer copper mineralization. Circumstances determine whether it is better to make analyses in the field or in a permanent laboratory. The rubeanic acid test described in this article has been designed primarily for field use: it is simple and virtually foolproof, and it requires a minimum of field kit." It is sensitive, easily de- • Ed. Note: Persons Interested in purchasing kits suitable for rubeanic acid prospecting can obtain information by writing Eldrico Geophysical Sales Ltd., 633 Hornby Street. Vancouver 1, B.C. The University of British Columbia does not produce these kits for sale and has no financial interest in their production tecting 4 ppm of readily extractable copper in a soil. This is by no means a quantitative test, but it is accurate enough to provide a valuable indicator of copper anomalous areas for both prospectors and field geologists. The easiest method for detecting metal deposits that do not produce visible float or stains is to make a simple chemical test for the metal in overlying soil, or in the silt of a stream that may have picked up metal farther upstream. In Brief: Testing for copper may be done easily by shaking a soil sample with strong acetic solution in a small test tube and pouring the mud into a small filter, the tip of which rests upon a strip of reagent paper impregnated with rubeanic acid (di-thio-oxamide). When copper is present—and only when it is—a blue spot develops. The more copper, the darker the spot. If the copper content is merely the small amount present everywhere, there is a pale blue or hardly visible spot; if it is abnormally high, the spot will be dark. There are, of course, intermediate cases where the experienced geochemist cannot tell offhand whether a medium-strength spot represents rich agricultural soil, weak copper mineralization, or distant rich copper mineralization. Reagents and material are inexpensive; the test may be readily done on the spot with a simple kit easy to pack and handle. Anyone interested in general problems of soil sampling as applied to prospecting may refer to an article recently presented to the AIME. In exploration work it is the contrast between the metal content of anomalous and background areas that is important; absolute values become of greater interest when an anomalous area is being investigated in detail. With specific reference to copper, it has been the authors' experience that the amounts of metal extracted from anomalous and normal soils with buffer solutions of decreasing pH show better contrast if an acid reagent is used. This contrast tends to increase with increasing acidity until 3 to 4 pH is reached. Using a short cold attack on unheated soil, it has been found that further increases in acidity do not produce better results, and only increase the hazards involved in carrying strong acids. An acidity of about pH 4 is satisfactory for direct determination of copper by dithizone. But dithizone itself introduces some problems: it must be made up fresh at frequent intervals, and with some soils, notably those with much ferric iron, oxidation mag take place before all the copper has reacted with the dithizone. Rubeanic acid keeps its strength unimpaired for long periods, is unaffected by oxidation, and is practically specific for copper at pH 4. Consequently it seems an ideal reagent to use in prospecting for copper. History and Background: Rubeanic acid (systematic name: dithio-oxamide (SC-NH2) has long been known as a spot test reagent for some heavy metals with which it gives a number of compounds. Only copper and some metals of the platinum family are believed capable of providing any ru-beanate compounds under conditions of moderate
Jan 1, 1959
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Institute of Metals Division - The Study of Grain Boundaries with the Electron MicroscopeBy J. F. Radavich
Many heats of steel of low carbon value have been known to produce brittle pieces of steel. The brittleness is believed to be due to the impurities located within the grain boundaries. Such brittle steels have been examined with an optical microscope to ascertain the nature and the amount of the impurities present at the grain boundaries. Due to the relatively low resolving power of the optical microscope, the impurities are not visible in fine detail. The writer obtained some sheet steel and proceeded to determine the location of the impurities and to show the application of the electron microscope to the study of grain boundaries. One sample was known to be capable of becoming embrittled, whereas another sample was believed to be much less susceptible to embrittlement. Treatment of Specimens The specimens were embrittled by annealing above the A3 point under mildly oxidizing conditions. One piece of ingot iron could not withstand a 90" bend, whereas another piece of ingot iron was not affected and could withstand a 90" bend. The brittle piece was then annealed at a high temperature in a hydrogen atmosphere. The annealed ingot iron was termed cured and could withstand a 90" bend very easily. The three specimens examined will be designated as brittle, good. and cured in the discussion that follows. Procedure The sizes of the specimens were as follows: one piece of brittle ingot iron-3/8 by 35 in.; one piece of good ingot iron-96 by 1/8 in.; one piece of cured ingot iron-36 by 54 in. The specimens were too small to be polished by hand and therefore were mounted in bakelite. The polishing procedure was carried out in the conventional manner with the use of 1/0 through 3/0 papers, and the final polish was done with alumina on a billiard cloth. The specimens were then etched in a 4 pct solution of picral in alcohol, and then they were examined through an optical microscope. An area was chosen that showed distinct grain boundaries, and an effort was made to keep near this area when pulling the replicas REPLICA TECHNIQIJE The replica technique used in the preparation of the replicas for examination under the electron microscope is described in Electron Metallography.' It consists essentially of the following steps: 1. Obtaining a suitably etched specimen. 2. Applying a swab of ethylene di-chloride on the surface. 3. Applying a formvar solution on the surface. 4. Placing a screen on any desired spot. 5. Breathing on the fornivar layer. 6. Applying scotch tape on the screen and film. 7. Pulling the film and the screen up with the Scotch tape. 8. Separating the screen from the Scotch tape. This replica technique is very similar to the one described by Harker and Shaefer. However, with the added step, the percentage of replicas removed is very much higher regardless of the length of the time from the etching of the specimen to the actual pulling of the replica. The replicas were then shadow cast with manganese at a filament height to replica distance ratio of 1 1/2:7. This produced a very high contrast replica for use in the electron microscope. One of the dificulties encountered with this study was the restricted area of the specimen. The width of the specimens was the same as that of the 200 mesh nickel supporting screen. In order to increase the effective area, the screens were cut down as shown in Fig 1. The arrow indicates the direction in which the replica was pulled. This operation made it possible to obtain a large percentage of good replicas. Fig 3 shows an electron micrograph of a brittle piece of ingot iron and a grain boundary that was polished mechanically. The surface is very rough probably due to the incomplete removal of the flowed layer by the picral etchant. The grain boundary does show evidence of impurities. It was decided to electropolish the specimens to obtain a much smoother surface than the one obtained by mechanical polishing. ELECTROPOLISHING The specimens were cut in half to expose the metal on the back side. The exposed metal had sufficient area to make good electrical contact and electropolishing was carried out easily. The conditions for electropolishing were 0.9 amp, 35 volts, and 25 sec. in an electrolyte composed of 850 cc of ethyl alcohol, 100 cc distilled water, and 50 cc of perchloric acid. The polished specimens were then etched in the 4 pct picral solution for a shorter time than was necessary for
Jan 1, 1950
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Institute of Metals Division - Effect of Alpha Solutes on the Heat-Treatment Response of Ti-Mn AlloysBy R. I. Jaffee, F. C. Holden, H. R. Ogden
Alpha solutes increase the strengths of Ti-Mn alloys through solid-solution strengthening. The substitutional a addition, aluminum, decreases, and the interstitial solutes, carbon and nitrogen, increase the rate of nucleation and growth of a from ß. The best combinations of properties of a-ß alloys are obtained when there is a sufficient quantity of a phase in the structure to dissolve the a solutes. OF the many different titanium-base alloy systems, the predominant alloy type is the a-ß alloy. The properties of the a-ß alloys are dependent on solid-solution strengthening and heat-treatment effects involving the a-ß ratio and transformation reactions. Another variable which influences the mechanical properties of a-ß alloys is the a-stabilizer content of the alloy. An a solute may be present as an intentional addition, such as aluminum, or as an impurity element, such as carbon, oxygen, or nitrogen. It is known that these a stabilizers, when added to titanium, form single-phase alloys which are not heat treatable but which obtain their strength from solid-solution strengthening. Thus, it would be expected that a additions to a-ß alloys would increase the strength of the alloys by solid-solution strengthening of the a phase. In addition, they would affect the transformation kinetics of the ß-to-a reactions and other processes based on the instability of the ß phase. The effects of heat treatment and structure on the mechanical properties of Ti-Mn alloys have been shown in a previous paper.6 This system offers a good base to demonstrate the effects of typical a solutes on the properties of a-ß alloys. The three a solutes described in this work are aluminum, representative of a substitutional a solute, nitrogen, representative of an interstitial a solute, and carbon, representative of an interstitial compound-forming element. The effects of heat treatment and microstructure on the properties of a alloys containing these three elements are described in concurrent publications. Some of these data are used for base-line points in several of the curves used for illustration herein. Experimental Procedures Iodide titanium was used as the base for all of the alloys studied in this work. The alloys were prepared as ½ lb ingots by double arc melting in an argon atmosphere. The ingots were forged to ¾ in. rounds, vacuum annealed for 6 hr at 900°C at a pressure of 10 ' to 10-5 mm of Hg to remove hydrogen, and hot swaged to 1/4 in. diam rod. After me- chanical descaling, test specimens were prepared for heat treatment. The alloys used in this study together with the fabrication temperatures are given in Table I. Heat treatments were done in argon. For the most part, the specimens were sealed in Vyeor capsules under a partial pressure of argon. Quenching was accomplished by breaking the capsule under water. Other cooling methods used included oil quench, argon cool (simulated air cool in an argon atmosphere), and furnace cool. The times for the various heat-treating temperatures are given in Table 11. The tests performed on the alloys consisted of tensile tests on ? in. diam specimens, hardness tests, and microimpact tests. Specimen sizes have been adequately described in a previous publication.' The micrographs presented in this paper were taken from specimens cut from the shoulders of broken tensile specimens. Final polishing was done with Linde B on a slow-speed wheel, and the specimens were etched with a 1½ HF — 3½ HNO, solution. Ti-N-Mn Alloys The transformation diagram and microstructures of the Ti-0.1 pct N-Mn alloys used in this investigation are given in Fig. 1. The effect of small nitrogen additions on the binary Ti-Mn diagram is to raise the ß-transus temperature with little effect on the a solubility of manganese. Also, as has been noted previously,' high manganese-content alloys containing nitrogen, when quenched from temperatures high in the ß field, contain a subgrain boundary phase which appears to be nitrogen-rich a. Marten-site is formed when alloys containing less than about
Jan 1, 1956
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Electrical Logging - The Relation Between Electrical Resistivity and Brine Saturation in Reservoir Rocks (See Discussions by G. E. Archie. p. 324, and by M. R. J. Wyllie and Walter. D. Rose. p. 325)By C. R. Bailey, H. F. Dunlap, Ellis Shuler, H. L. Bilhartz
Data are presented which indicate that the saturation exponent, n, in the equation, R. = R100S-11, relating core resistivity, I:,. to the resistivity at 100 per cent saturation. R100. and to the saturation, S. may vary appreciably from the value of two which is usually assumed for this exponent when interpret ing well logs. Values ranging from one to two and one-half have been found on (.ore sample investigated to date. Attempts to correlate this saturation exponent with porosity or permeability of the core have not been successful. The saturation exponent is apparently not a function of the interfacial tension between the brine and the displacing fluid. Some evidence is given indicating that the resistance of the core is not a unique function of the saturation but depends upon the manner in which this saturation was achieved. Equipment and technique are discussed for measurement of resistivities in core plugs in which water saturation can be varied. lNTRODUCTION A number of investigations of the resistivity-saturation relationship for un-c~~nsolidated sands and consolidated (.ore samples have been reported in the literature. According to most of these: R. = R¹ººS², where R² = the resistivity of a formation at saturation S, and R¹ºº= the resistivity of the formation at 100 per cent water saturation. Much of this work was (lone on unconsolidated sands desaturated by gas or oil. Hen-clerson and Ynster worked exclusively with dynamic systems, flowing oil or gas through consolidated cores. There is some doubt as to how well this reproduces static reservoir conditions. Jakosky and Hopper³ onsidered also the case of consolidated core plugs, but the oil-water distribution in the emulsions which they used to saturate their cores is almost certainly different from that occurring in reservoirs. Recently Guyod quotes the results of some Russian work which indicates that n may vary from 1.7 to 4.3. No experimental details of this work are available. In connection with electric log interpretation it is important to know the value of the saturation exponent. For example, if in a given reservoir it is found that the resistivity is three time.; the resistivity observed when the reservoir is 100 pel. cent 'saturated with water, this fact would be interpreted as indicating a water saturation of 33 per cent if the saturation exponent were 1 and a water saturation of 6-1 per cent if the saturation exponent were 2.5. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD In the work to be described it was assumed that reservoir conditions are most nearly obtained when core plugs are desaturated by the capillary pressure technique referred to in numerous places in the literature, as for example. in Bruce and Welge's paper.' In this technique the core. saturated 100 per cent with brine, is placed in contact with a ceramic disc permeable to brine but not to the displacing medium for the displacement pressures used. Pres-ure is then applied to the displacing medium and brine forced out of the core through the ceramic disc. Fig. 1 shows the core plug in place in the cell in which resistivity and saturation measurements are made. Fig. 2 shows the schematic electrical diagram wed to make resistivity measurements on the core plug. A four-electrode type circuit is used, employing a Hewlett-Packard model 400A. AC vacnum tube voltmeter. The 60-cycle AC current througli the core is adjusted to 1 milliampere and measured by noting the voltage drop across the calibrated 100-ohm resistor. The vo1tages appearing at probes 1, 2, 3, and 4 are then successively measured. Voltage drops across the top, center, and bottom portions of the core are obtained by sublracting the voltages appearing at successive probes. This technique avoids any polarization or other high contact resistance phenomena which may develop at the current input electrodes. Resistances which may develop between the core and the probes, and which are small compared to the 1-megoam input impedance 01' the vacuum tube voltmeter will (obviously not affect the measurements allpreciably. Any very appreciable resistallces which may develop at any of the probe wires are detected and allowed for by inserting a 1-megohm resistor in series with the voltage measuring probe. If the probe resistance is actually zero, the new voltage measured after insertion of the I-megolim resistor will be approximately one-half of that previously measured. since the input impedance of the vacuum tube voltmeter is itself 1 megohm. If an! appreciable probe resistance has developed, the new voltage is found to be appreciably greater than one-half of the previously measured voltage. Such probe resistance; have been found to develop only occasionally and usually can be traced to poor connections betwern the core
Jan 1, 1949
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Institute of Metals Division - Role of the Binder Phase in Cemented Tungsten Carbide-Cobalt AlloysBy J. T. Norton, Joseph Gurland
IN spite of the extended use and high state of practical development of the cemented tungsten carbides, the structure of these alloys is still a matter of considerable controversy. The characteristic high rigidity and rupture strength of sintered compacts have been attributed to a continuous skeleton of tungsten carbide grains, formed during the sintering process. This view is based mainly on the work of Dawihl and Hinnuber,1 who reported that a sintered compact of 6 pct Co maintained its shape and some of its strength after the binder was leached out with boiling hydrochloric acid. After leaching, only 0.04 pct Co was reported to remain in the compact. They also showed that the assumed increasing discontinuity of such a skeleton, as the cobalt content is increased, could be made to account for the observed discontinuous increase of the coefficients of thermal expansion, the loss of rigidity, and the impaired cutting performance of alloys of more than 10 pct Co. Contradictory evidence was cited by Sanford and Trent,' who mentioned that a sintered compact was destroyed by reacting the binder with zinc and leaching out the resulting Zn-Co alloy. The skeleton theory also does not account for the observed change of strength of sintered compacts as a function of cobalt content. If the skeleton is responsible for the strength, the latter would be expected to decrease with increasing binder content. Actually, the strength increases and reaches a maximum around 20 pct Co. In addition, tungsten carbide is brittle and undoubtedly very notch sensitive. The highest value found in the literature for the transverse rupture strength of pure tungsten carbide prepared by sintering is 80,000 psi.3 herefore, such a skeleton does not easily account for a rupture-strength value of 300,000 psi and higher, commonly found in sint.ered tungsten carbide-cobalt compacts. In view of the conflicting data present in the literature, experiments were undertaken to determine whether the sintering of tungsten carbide-cobalt alloys leads to the formation of a carbide skeleton or whether the densification behavior and the properties of cemented compacts are consistent with a structure of isolated carbide grains in a matrix of binder metal. The specimens were prepared from powders of commercial grade. Tungsten carbide powder ranged in particle size from 0 to 5x10-4 cm. Mixtures of tungsten carbide and cobalt were ball milled in hexane for 48 hr in tungsten carbide lined mills. After milling, the specimens were pressed in a rectangular die (1x1/4x1/4 in.) at 16 tons per sq in. NO pressing lubricant was used. Sintering of the tungsten carbide-cobalt compacts was carried out in a vertical tube furnace equipped with a dilatometer (Fig. I), by means of which the change of length of the powder compacts could be followed from room temperature to 1500°C. An atmosphere of 20 pct H, 80 pct N was maintained inside the furnace. Decarburization of the samples was prevented by the presence of small rings of graphite inside the furnace tube. The temperature of the sample was measured by a platinum-platinum-rhodium thermocouple, which also was part of a temperature control system able to maintain a constant temperature within ±100C. Pure tungsten carbide compacts were prepared by sintering the carbide without binder or by evaporating the binder from sintered compacts in vacuum at 2000°C. Since complete densification of these samples was not desired, they were sintered only to 60 or 80 pct of the theoretical density of tungsten carbide. The specimens were prepared for metallographic examination by polishing with diamond powders and etching with a 10 pct solution of alkaline potassium ferricyanide. Cobalt etches light yellow and the carbide gray. The amount of porosity is exaggerated since it is difficult to avoid tearing out carbide particles, especially from incompletely sintered samples. Experimental Observations A number of specific experiments were carried out in order to study some particular aspect of the sintering problem. The details of these experiments, together with their results, are as follows: Electrolytic Leaching: The binder was removed by electrolytic leaching from sintered tungsten carbide-cobalt compacts for the purpose of determining the continuity of the carbide phase. The method used was based on the work of Cohen and coworkers4 on the electrolytic extraction of carbides from annealed steels. If the sample is made the anode, using a 10 pct hydrochloric acid solution as the electrolyte, the binder is dissolved, but the rate of solution of tungsten carbide is negligible. A current density of 0.2 amp per sq in. was applied. As shown in Fig.
Jan 1, 1953
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Drilling - Equipment, Methods and Materials - Use of Bumper Subs When Drilling From Floating VesselsBy A. Lubinski, W. D. Greenfield
Bumper subs are currently used in offshore operations to permit a constant weight to be carried on the bit while drilling, regardless of the vertical motion imparted to the drill pipe by drilling vessel heave. As shown in this paper. the vertical motion of the lower end of the drill pipe (the bumper sub end) may be appreciably greater than the vessel heave. Therefore, the necessary stroke of bumper .rubs for successful operation is greater than thought in fie past. Also, there is an appreciable tendency of the drill pipe to buckle above the unbalanced type of bumper sub. Thus, more drill collars than previously used should be carried above unbalanced bumper subs to keep drill pipe straight. INTRODUCTION Drilling bumper subs are placed in the drilling string for various reasons. This paper is concerned with their use only as an expansion and contraction joint while drilling from a floating rig. In this application the bumper subs are normally located just above the drill collars and their function is to allow the driller to maintain accurate weight control on the bit regardless of up-and-down movement of the drilling vessel. This paper analyzes the effects of bumper subs on the drilling string and presents recommendations for their future use. When subjected to vertical oscillations, the drilling string behaves like a long, distributed system of mass and spring. The magnitude of vertical motion at the bumper sub is always greater than the heave of the drilling vessel due to the dynamic reponse of the drilling string. The ratio of these motions increases with the length of the drilling string, and may reach values of 1.5 or even 2 with strings 16,000 ft long. Thus, the total travel required in bumper subs can be considerably more than the motion of the drilling vessel. Lack of knowledge of this fact could have contributed to problems previously experienced with bumper subs. This fact can also lead to fatigue problems in the drilling string for very deep wells. Satisfactory operation should be obtainable whether hy-draulically balanced or unbalanced bumper subs are used in the drilling string. Theoretically, the balanced sub is preferable since its use does not require placing drill collars above the bumper sub to prevent drill-pipe buckling, an inherent characteristic of the unbalanced bumper sub. The current method of calculating weight of drill collars required to prevent helical buckling of drill pipe above unbalanced bumper subs is erroneous. Placing drill collars above the sub to prevent drill-pipe buckling has the same effect on dynamic response as increasing the length of the drilling string by an equal weight of drill pipe. Thus, total travel required in the subs is increased. Means for calculating the correct weight, which is much greater than previously thought, are given in this paper. BALANCED VS UNBALANCED BUMPER SUBS A drilling bumper sub is essentially a telescopic joint capable of transmitting torque at every position of its stroke. Thus, it allows the operator to isolate the weight of the drilling string from the weight of the drill collars above the bit. This permits the driller on a floating rig to maintain accurate control over the weight on bit — a control that is unaffected by vertical motion, due to wave and tide action of the drilling vessel. UNBALANCED BUMPER SUBS The unbalanced bumper sub is simply a splined tele~copic joint (Fig. I). Ordinarily, this arrangement will operate satisfactorily, but the presence of drilling fluid under pressure results in a pressure force that acts downward on the drill collars and bit, tending to open or extend the bumper sub. This downward force is equal to the pressure drop across the bit times the area indicated by diameter d2 in Fig. 1. Denoting this force by Fd, and the pressure drop across the bit by ?p yields Fb = (p/4)d22(?P) .........(1) There is also an upward-directed force given by Fu = (p/4) d22-d21)(?p) .......(2) which puts the drill pipe immediately above the bumper sub in compression, resulting in helical buckling. However, buckling is actually more severe than expected in that buckling occurs as if the compression were equal to Fd, rather than to Fu. This surprising phenomenon is well known as far as tubing is concerned;1-3 but, in contrast with the case of tubing, this force may shorten drill pipe only a few inches. Thus, this cannot explain the operating difficulties that sometimes have been encountered. However, having the drill pipe in compression and helically buckled is contrary to current practice; therefore, drill collars whose weight in mud is equal to the force Fd should be added above the bumper sub. Since the value of Fd depends on the pressure drop across the bit, the