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By C. F. Mabery

So far as the elementary composition of petroleum is known, it may be briefly stated. Petroleum consists principally of a few series of hydrocarbons, with admixtures of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen derivatives in comparatively minute proportions, which may be regarded as impurities to be removed in the preparation of commercial products. But as each series is represented by many homologs, in the aggregate, crude petroleum is an extremely complex mixture of hydrocarbons and their derivatives. In part, these hydrocarbons individually conform in structure to the system of synthetic hydrocarbons whose structure is well defined and represented by the typical series CnH2n, + 2, C.H2n, the series CnH2n,-2, CnH2,-a, the members of which have not been sufficiently studied to establish their structure, and the series CnHz,e composed of the aromatic group, benzene and its homologs. Hydrocarbons of greater density contained in the portions of petroleum that cannot be distilled without decomposition doubtless have less hydrogen than is represented by these formulas. Since to every hydrocarbon there is a definite temperature, even in vacuum, at which its constituent carbon and hydrogen atoms fall apart, and since for the heavier bodies this temperature is not much above 360" C. in vacuum, it is evident that some other method than distillation must be devised for their separation if anything further is to be learned concerning their individual constitution. Classification of Petroleums There is such a wide variation in the composition of petroleum from Merent fields, it would seem possible to make a classification on this basis were it not that no single variety is entirely free from hydrocarbons contained in others. Such a classification has been suggested of the exceptionally pure Pennsylvania petroleum, the sulfur oil from Trenton limestone and other sources, the California oil with its large amount of nitrogen (quinoline) derivatives, and the Russian oil, composed chiefly of the naphthene hydrocarbons.' A commercial distinction is made

Jan 1, 1921

By Branko Ladanyi

In reviewing the current issues in rock mechanics, the author puts an' emphasis on problems related with the needs of extrapolation in scale and time, and of establishing proper conceptual models, especially in connection with the most recent large-scale and long-term projects such as underground disposal of nuclear waste. In such projects, where valid case histories will not be available for many years to come, the observational method can only be successful if combined with a proper framework approach, such as general rock mass classification systems and behavioral models.

Jan 1, 1982

By Richard R. Klimpel

This paper takes the liberation model recently developed by Klimpel and Austin for liberation from a binary system and reduces the over-all model form to a number of useful limiting cases. General use of the complete model form, while quite broad in utility, requires a numerical integration computer program for prediction of liberation given a specified minor component grain size distribution coupled with an optimization algorithm such as linear programming in order to back- calculate the associated grain size distribution from experimental data. In this paper, analytical solutions to the model are achieved for various assumed distributions of the minor component. These solutions are algebraic equations capable of predictive use with a hand calculator and back-calculation with very simple trial and error search procedures. The use of these special model solutions is illustrated on several sets of experimental liberation data, and the approach is shown to have practical utility.

Jan 1, 1984

By Parke A. Dickey

Potential differences between strata of shale and sandstone have been recognized for about 15 years, and they form the basis of the electrical logging of oil wells. Hitherto these potentials have been ascribed solely to electro-¦ chemical reactions caused by the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole through which they are generally measured. Observations by the author in wells empty of water and in a mine shaft suggest that potential differences between sandstones and shales are natural and specific properties of the rocks, although they are moditied in measurement by the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole. The cause of these potentials probably is to be sought in the relative polar adsorptive capacities of quartz and clay particles. Introduction The existence of potential differences in the surface of the earth has been known for some time, and their measurement has facilitated the discovery of geological discontinuities such as ore bodies. The technique of measurement has been well established.1-3 In measurements in oil wells, it has been found that the potential of shales with respect to some arbitrary reference is very nearly constant in any one well, at least below the zone to which meteoric water has gained access. Sandstones and some other types of sedimentary rocks have a difference of potential with respect to shale that is negative arid may attain a value of 200 millivolts or more. The difference of potential, as usually measured commercially with water in the hole, is distributed over about one foot vertically at the top and bottom contacts of the sandstones. The sharpness of the curve at the formation contacts can be improved by using a short electrode that is close to the wall of the hole' These potentials generally have been ascribed to the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole. Potentials have been found, however, in wells in which no water was present. In the course of experiments in electrical logging in pennsylvania, carried out by the pennsylvania Geological Survey, observations were made of several phenomena that hitherto have not been described, to the author's knowledge, ill the published literature. The potential differences across the contacts of sandstone and shale are called ill this paper "natural potentials," as distinguished from the potentials caused by electroendosmosis (electrofiltration) and concentration differences, which will be discussed subsequently. Potentials in Cored WeLl In the spring of 1942, the author measured the potentials in an exploratory well (Day 13, near Grand Valley, Pa.) which had been cored With diamond tools. The potentials were first measured with fresh water in the hole. * null balance potentiometer was used in this and all the other measurements described in this paper. One nonpolarizing porous pot electrode, containing copper sulphate solution and

Jan 1, 1946

By Parke A. Dickey

Potential differences between strata of shale and sandstone have been recognized for about 15 years, and they form the basis of the electrical logging of oil wells. Hitherto these potentials have been ascribed solely to electro-¦ chemical reactions caused by the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole through which they are generally measured. Observations by the author in wells empty of water and in a mine shaft suggest that potential differences between sandstones and shales are natural and specific properties of the rocks, although they are moditied in measurement by the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole. The cause of these potentials probably is to be sought in the relative polar adsorptive capacities of quartz and clay particles. Introduction The existence of potential differences in the surface of the earth has been known for some time, and their measurement has facilitated the discovery of geological discontinuities such as ore bodies. The technique of measurement has been well established.1-3 In measurements in oil wells, it has been found that the potential of shales with respect to some arbitrary reference is very nearly constant in any one well, at least below the zone to which meteoric water has gained access. Sandstones and some other types of sedimentary rocks have a difference of potential with respect to shale that is negative arid may attain a value of 200 millivolts or more. The difference of potential, as usually measured commercially with water in the hole, is distributed over about one foot vertically at the top and bottom contacts of the sandstones. The sharpness of the curve at the formation contacts can be improved by using a short electrode that is close to the wall of the hole' These potentials generally have been ascribed to the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole. Potentials have been found, however, in wells in which no water was present. In the course of experiments in electrical logging in pennsylvania, carried out by the pennsylvania Geological Survey, observations were made of several phenomena that hitherto have not been described, to the author's knowledge, ill the published literature. The potential differences across the contacts of sandstone and shale are called ill this paper "natural potentials," as distinguished from the potentials caused by electroendosmosis (electrofiltration) and concentration differences, which will be discussed subsequently. Potentials in Cored WeLl In the spring of 1942, the author measured the potentials in an exploratory well (Day 13, near Grand Valley, Pa.) which had been cored With diamond tools. The potentials were first measured with fresh water in the hole. * null balance potentiometer was used in this and all the other measurements described in this paper. One nonpolarizing porous pot electrode, containing copper sulphate solution and

Jan 1, 1946

By B. Fernow

(Read at the Philadelphia Meeting, February, 1878.) THE question of preserving the forests in this country is an important one, not only to trades using wood but to the whole nation, and though agitated for many years has not received that general consideration which its broad bearing demands. Those who are interested in and working for reform in the treatment of American forests are looking to the government for help, suggesting the creation of a commission to study the conditions of forests at home and abroad, and hope that a sound system of managing the woodlands will be thereby inaugurated. This reform will cost time and money, all the more because the government can bring to bear upon private owners hardly any power but that of good example and encouragement. There is, however, another aspect of the question to which I wish to draw your attention, namely; the more economical use of the valuable material which our forests offer, a more careful and exhaustive utilization of its constituents in all cases where wood or its products are applied. The wasteful consumption of wood in the United States is in every way so enormous as to justify the statement that by merely adopting an economical husbandry in this particular the destruction of forests might be delayed for many years, while the neglect of this imperatively needed and immediately practicable reform deprives legislative remedies of much of their value. In this regard I wish to draw the attention of metallurgists, especially those who are interested in the manufacture of charcoal iron, to a more economical and profitable use of wood in iron manufacture. For thousands of years of human history wood was the main, nay, the only material used for fuel. Mineral coal came into use only in the fourteenth century, and it is only recently that it has largely displaced its less carbonaceous predecessor as fuel. The art of concentrating carbon in the form of charcoal for easier transportation and readier use in distant places was, according to Pliny, known to the ancients long before Christ, and was practiced in all countries, especially in connection with the iron- manufacture.

Jan 1, 1878

By R. J. Lutton

Empirical data from 91 rock excavations have been used to construct a family of slope curves on a chart relating excavation height and inclination. The highest and steepest slopes from each excavation are plotted and connected by a line. The 31 1ines appear to establish one or two geometrical slope fields through which the curves are projected. The curves apparently represent a lumped eflect of many factors too complex to be considered individually. Important factors such as geological structure or ground-water conditions can dominate the picture, but where these factors do not overshadow others, the slope chart should be useful for estimating or checking optimum inclination. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAE) has been engaged since 1962 with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in a joint research program to develop nuclear excavation technology. The Corps is responsible for collecting the requisite data on engineering and construction problems associated with nuclear excavation. The ultimate objective is to develop a capability to use nuclear explosives as a construction tool on public works projects such as harbors and canals. The present study on empirical inclination-height curves for conventionally excavated slopes is an outgrowth of an investigation' sponsored by the USAE Nuclear Cratering Group on applicability of data from existing excavations in establishing guides for engineering judgment in crater excavation. Data were generously contributed by over 50 mining companies among other organizations. Inasmuch as several companies preferred that their contribution be anonymous, all data are treated so here. Some Factors Affecting Stability Many factors affect or are suspected of affecting the stability of excavated slopes, e.g., adverse structural orientation, degree of structural ordering, ground water, climatic conditions, mechanics of excavation, and plan-profile configuration. Such factors are lumped together in developing a slope chart. Obviously geological structure and ground water can overshadow all other factors. Where such is the case, the simplification of slope charts may give an erroneous picture (not conservative enough). A further complication results from the fact that the concept of stability may vary according to the use of the excavations. For example, slope adjustments that would be regarded as failure in a powerhouse excavation, might be tolerable in a mining operation. Mine slopes are continually being modified by further excavation, and instability that would develop in a similar permanent excavation slope over a period of years might not have time to develop in a mine. Inclination vs. Height Charts Charts of inclination vs. height for particular formations or conditions have been used in the past as an aid for designing excavation slopes. Some of these have been based upon empirical analyses of collections of data and experience. MacDonald" and Lane have presented slope tables and charts for excavated and natural slopes in relatively weak sandstone and shale. Coates' has shown an inclination-height chart for slopes in incompetent rock. Most organizations have developed slope design criteria which relate bench widths, heights, and inclinations to use in various rocks. Slope data collected in present studies can be similarly used to develop inclination-height charts; however, a plot of all slopes on such a chart shows very little because of the wide spread of the data. Reasons for the dispersion of points are: (1) many slopes are not carried at optimum inclination, particularly in mines where maintaining roadways and following irregularities of ore bodies are more important than achieving steep inclinations; (2) many engineers and geologists with varied backgrounds and viewpoints have been involved in designing these slopes; and (3) each slope is characterized by a unique combination of factors affecting stability and in turn optimum inclination. Significant curves can sometimes be constructed where the points can be grouped into related clusters from the same excavation. The essence of this approach appears when only two slopes from each excavation are considered—the highest slope and the steepest slope, connected by a line segment (Fig. 1). This reduces considerably the usable data because in many cases only one of these two slopes is available. Nevertheless, the concession seems justified. Construction of Slope Curves Ninety-one pairs of points and connecting line segments were assembled in this study. The line segments were assumed to approximate a geometrical slope field (Fig. 2), and a family of curves has been visually projected through to represent the slope field. It should be

Jan 1, 1971

By J. C. Cook

In solution-mining of underground salt and similar minerals, using drilled wells for access, it is desirable to monitor the lateral growth pattern of the resulting fluid-filled cavern. Therefore, a process of seismic surveying from the surface of the ground has been conceived in which the amplitudes of waves reflected from and transmitted through the soluble formation are measured. The large acoustic impedance contrast between solid and fluid should produce striking amplitude anomalies, especially if shear waves are employed, since thick fluid bodies are opaque to shear waves. Horizontally-polarized (SH) shear waves are best for preventing conversion to P waves at the numerous horizontal interfaces in the ground. Field tests to date have shown that a truck-mounted, half-ton hammer striking horizontally against the end of a trench produces usable SH-wave energy at lateral distances up to about 850 ft. Horizontally-directed explosive wave sources were effective to about 2000 ft. Conventional magnetic-tape recording and processing were used, but with the detecting geophones oriented to favor SH waves. An irregular solution cavity in bedded salt at 500-ft depth has apparently been located by SH-wave and SV-wave reflections. Further field work is planned to corroborate and extend this result. The Brine Cavity Research Group, an association of 11 chemical and salt producing companies, is supporting this work. Major deposits of salt in tabular beds lie beneath some 300,000 sq miles of land in the central and northeastern U.S. This salt is a basic source of soda ash and chlorine, and has been extracted as brine from drilled wells for about a century. During the past two decades, the U.S. solution-mining industry, following the lead of European operators, has greatly improved the extraction process through the application of engineering and science.' In 1957, the Brine Cavity Research Group, an association of 11 chemical and salt producing companies, was formed. This group proceeded to attack certain common problems through the support of research. An outstanding problem has been that of determining the shape and location of the growing solution cavities in the underground salt, so that measures can be taken to maintain operating efficiency. The problem has been partially solved by the Dowel1 sonar mapping service, which employs a pulse-echo device lowered into the cavity through the well.2 However, the working range of this equipment is at present insufficient for large cavities, and echoes are not returned from highly sloping walls nor from behind such obstructions as rock debris. Therefore, an independent means of mapping the cavity, for example, from the surface without interfering with operation of the well, would be desirable. THEORY OF THE METHOD Seismic waves are the only physical agent known to be capable of sufficient resolution and penetration to define typical solution cavities from the surface of the ground. The geometry is unfavorable: cavity widths are generally less than half their depths below the surface; resolution and lateral location of boundaries and channels to within 50 ft at depths of 500 to 3000 ft is desirable. Conventional seismic surveying, as used for petroleum prospecting, is probably not the answer: isopach mapping, for example, is not thought accurate enough to define the cavity by the slight additional delay time it would introduce (of the order of 0.005 sec for a 50 ft-thick cavity in hard Paleozoic rocks). Refraction surveying has also been considered, but seismic specialists see little promise in it for this problem. In 1957, in correspondence with industry personnel, the writer suggested a seismic method based upon careful measurement of reflection amplitudes. As Table I illustrates, seismic reflection coefficients r for typical brine-rock interfaces are considerably higher than those for typical interfaces between different kinds of solid rock. This fact can be utilized in two ways, illustrated in Fig. 1: 1) If the cavity roof is reasonably flat (which it may sometimes be since the unsaturated top brine will be in contact with an insoluble rock stratum), extra-strong seismic reflections will be received from the salt stratum where the solid has been replaced by liquid.

Jan 1, 1964

By Persifor Frazer

MR. Theodore D. Rand has made some interesting observations on the serpentines of Chester and Delaware counties, Penna., in which he suggests that the outcrops of this rock are detached from each other, and that while a comparatively narrow belt, running nearly east and west, mill include them all, the strike of each outcrop differs considerably from the direction of this narrow belt; and that it results that these isolated exposures exist on the map, as it were, in echelon, the easternmost end of each lying northwest of the western extremity of its neighbor. As he elsewhere remarks, this is important, if established, and the writer spent a day or two recently on the ground in the study of this phenomenon. One thing would seem to follow from such a state of facts, viz., that this serpentine at least must have been of secondary origin, for it is difficult to conceive of a rock which occurs intercalated in numerous horizons of a different formation, and agreeing with the latter in bedding, unless the former were an altered product of the latter. It is true that one might account for it by the supposition of an original unconformable deposit, which had been broken by a number of faults and distorted by throws to the northwest; but this hypothesis would do violence to the observed facts relating to the measures along with which the serpentine occurs, and in which no such distortion has been observed. * Thus for determining, by evaporative test, the calorific power of a coal, the ultimate constitution of which is known, it is requisite, that, besides the quantity of coal consumed and the weight of the water evaporated, the temperature and chemical composition of the escaping gases, or gaseous residue, shall be quantitatively determined, the same as solid residues of ash and unconsumed fuel. In observance of such requirements, the Heizversuchstation of Munich has been in operation since 1879. This consists of a permanent boiler plant, constructed on the principle of the calorimeter, with special provision for avoiding errors from loss of heat—snch, namely, as arise from radiation and conduction, and from the varying proportions of water in steam.—Muck. Steinkohlen-Cliemie, 1881, 146. See Proc. Min. and Geol. Sect., Acad of Nat. Sci., 1850 and 1881, pp. 9 and 28.

Jan 1, 1884

By R. E. Lindstrom, D. G. Peterson, H. J. Heinen

Alkaline alcohol solutions were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Mines for improving the desorption rate of gold and silver from metal-laden activated carbon generated in gold processing circuits. Factors affecting the desorption, such as temperature, alcohol content, type of alcohol, and alkalinity, were studied. Nearly complete metal desorption was obtained in 5 to 6 hr at 80º C using a solution containing about 20 vol-pct alcohol and 1 pct sodium hydroxide. Sodium sulfide was shown to be effective for selectively precipitating silver from the carbon strip solutions, thereby providing a means for producing high- purity gold by subsequent electrolysis.

Jan 1, 1976

Jan 1, 1914

By F. C. Schora, H. P. Meissner

COUNTERCURRENT staged processes involving chemical reactions between solid and gas streams are becoming more common. Such operations are generally carried out in a series of fluidized beds with each bed acting as a stage. Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a series of stages located in a single column, with a solid stream moving down through this column from stage to stage counter to a rising gas stream. The reduction of iron oxides with hydrogen and carbon monoxide is one of the reactions which can be advantageously carried out in such a countercurrent system. Calculation of the performance of a countercur-

Jan 1, 1961

By D. Krammer, E. S. Machlin

The effect of a brior high-temperature creep strain on the low-temperature ductility of commercially pure nickel has been evaluated. The low-temperature (-196°C) ductility decreases linearly with an increase in prior high-temperature (920°C) creep strain. The effect is experimentally correlated to the formation of inter crystalline cracks and voids during the prior high-temperature creep strain. The magnitude of the effect is also believed to be a function of the notch sensitivity of the material. SEVERAL mechanisms have been presented to explain the process of inter crystalline cracking in metals undergoing high-temperature creep. zenerl has suggested that grain boundary relaxation of shear stresses could build up high stresses at ob- stacles to grain boundary shear and thereby nucleate a crack. Chang and rant' have experimentally demonstrated that cracks do form at obstacles to grain boundary shear such as lines where three grains meet. The role of vacancies in the mechanism of high-temperature inter crystalline cracking has been explored by Machlt with the conclusion that the nu-cleation of voids by vacancy condensation is almost

Jan 1, 1960

Jan 1, 1934

By Subhas G. Malghan

The response of feldspar flotation to tallow diamine dioleate collector in the presence of sulfuric acid is studied using batch flotation experiments. Application of this nonhydrofluoric acid (non-HF) reagent system in the flotation of mineralogically and chemically different feldspar ores is compared with that of the conventional hydrofluoric acid system. The dependence of flotation recovery and concentrate grade on feed particle size distribution, conditioning time, pulp density, and pH, combined variation of collector and acid addition rates, sodium hydroxide concentration in the collector solution, and initial pulp pH Prior to conditioning is studied. The results have been discussed in relation to applicability of the non-HF system to plant trials, and the nature of the collector adsorption in the selective flotation of feldspar.

Jan 1, 1982

By Howard A. Meyerhoff

Nonmetallic rock and mineral products are so diversified that any generalizations regarding the industries based upon them are of doubtful value and can be misleading. They are geared to every phase of the national economy and respond sensitively and immediately to any economic change, but the responses vary with the individual products. They are also affected by political and competitive factors to a degree that is disconcerting and, at times, ruinous to operators, owners, and stockholders of mineral properties. It is not unusual to find these special factors functioning in reverse of general trends insofar as individual products are concerned. As this summary is being written in the final weeks of 1949 production statistics for the year are not complete, but it is obvious that few, if any, new production records will be set, and that 1949 level, will, in general, be lower than those of 1948. The decline in output is not alarming and reflects in large part the tendency of users, who have been finding sources of supply more dependable to rely on prompt deliveries rather than on inventories to meet immediate needs. Except for the government's program of stock piling which, insofar as it has worked at all, is of more direct interest and benefit to foreign than to domestic producers, industrial inventories have been further reduced, and the neater balance between production and consumption has freed capital for the manufacturer and has cut down the serious hazard of substantial inventory losses. There are no quantity products and only a few special products that cannot be supplied in quick response to current demands. Normal development of a few nonmetallic industries has been retarded by the government's unpredictable application and irrational interpretation of antitrust laws, and by extension of preferential tariffs to new countries and new products. Synthesis is likewise a potent threat. in certain fields, but otherwise it is difficult to make a review of 1949 read much differently from a review of 1948. Changes have been qualitative rather than quantitative, except for a few operations that have been pinched out by the relentless competition that characterizes many of the industrial mineral industries.

Jan 1, 1950

By Gerald Laswell

Jan 1, 1976

By C. Hosten, K. V. S. Sastry, D. J. Kawulok-Englund

Since the last decade the iron ore processing industry has undergone drastic changes from supplying screened and natural ores to manufacturing tailored concentrates and pellets. Increased need for the beneficiation of lower grade iron ore deposits and the increased demand for higher grade concentrates necessitate finer grinding of iron ores before concentration. The normal filtration stations used in the past are experiencing difficulties in dewatering the finely ground concentrates to moisture levels acceptable for balling. In addition to finer grinding, applications of complex beneficiation techniques has decreased the filterability of the concentrates and create problems in filtration of iron ore concentrates. An overview of the filtration literature indicates there are few research reports on the dewatering of iron ore concentrate slurries. There exists a need to understand the principles and mechanisms involved in the filtration of iron ore concentrate slurries with a goal of developing more efficient filtration techniques. This paper presents the results from the first phase of our research program that included the development of a reproducible benchscale filtration technique and the investigation of the filtration behavior of eight iron ore concentrates.

Jan 1, 1984

By T. M. Geffen, J. L. Sanderlin, F. F. Craig, D. W. Moore

Scaled reservoir models have been used to study the effect of gravity on oil recovery performance in frontal-drive operations; namely, water, gas, or solvent flooding. The difference in density between the reservoir oil and the injected fluid causes their segregation, resulting in a non-uniform advance of the fluid front. In the laboratory flow tests, which simulated both five-spot and linear injection operations in flat reservoirs, the viscous, capillary, and gravity forces present in these operations were scaled. Dyed fluids were used so that the gross movement of the injected fluid could be observed. The studies covered a range of injection rates, formation thicknesses, and rock and fluid properties normally encountered in field operations. The results of the model tests indicate that the volume of the reservoir contacted by the injected fluid at its breakthrough into the producing well is less than that expected based on information which neglects gravity effects. This difference can often be as much as 80 per cent by gas or water injection in uniform sand bodies. Preliminary flow tests on a non-uniform sand body indicate that the uniformity of the flood fronts may in some situations be influenced to a much greater degree by permeability variations within the rock body than by gravity effects. The magnitude of fluid segregation due to gravity is controlled by the average injection rate, rather than day to day or week to week variations. INTRODUCTION One of the important factors controlling the oil recovery from a frontal-drive operation, such as water, gas, or solvent injection, is the volumetric sweep efficiency. This factor is a measure of the gross portion of the reservoir that is contacted by the displacing fluid. The volumetric sweep efficiency is influenced by gravity effects, well arrangements, and variations in rock permeability within the reservoir. The gravity effects are due to the displacing fluid being of different density than the reservoir oil. This causes the displacing fluid to move preferentially toward either the top or bottom of the formation. Non-uniform advance of the flood front can be caused by the relative positions of the injection and production wells. Variations in rock permeability also result in an uneven advance of the displacing fluid. Gas zones, representing paths of low resistance, may result in non-uniform movement of the injected fluid. The more uneven the advance of the displacing fluid, the lower is the volumetric sweep efficiency and thus the lower the oil recovery efficiency. The effects of well arrangement and permeability variations, upon the gross movement of the injected fluid have been the subjects of extensive investiga-ti0ns.1,2,3,4,5,6 Gravity effects have been recognized as being present in frontal-drive operations'.' but there has been little quantitative measure of their magnitude. Very likely the reason gravity effects have not been studied is that this problem does not lend itself to simple experimental or mathematical analysis. The development of reservoir modeling techniques has made possible a quantitative determination of the effect of gravity on fluid segregation and thus upon the oil recovery performance of frontal-drive operations. This paper presents a progress report on a laboratory investigation of gravity effects in fully liquid-saturated, horizontal, uniform as well as non-uniform systems. These results were obtained from scaled experiments on both linear and five-spot systems within the range of conditions normally encountered in secondary recovery operations. This study is concerned with the gross movement of the injected fluid to the time it first reaches the production wellbore. Therefore, it should be emphasized that the results of this paper can not be used to determine the effect of gravity segregation on oil recovery efficiency at abandonment conditions. MODEL SCALING The science of scaling models is relatively new as applied as petroleum production problems, Many of the scaling techniques have been adaptions of those used in basic studies of heat and fluid flow. There are

Jan 1, 1958

By F. Rosenblum, P. Spira, F. Kitzinger

The possibility of increasing the efficiency of mineral processing plants by means of computer control has prompted metallurgists to examine their flowsheets more critically in order to develop practical control strategies. Control schemes in use to date generally rely on the automation of traditional and previously manually regulated control loops, e.g., the addition of reagents to maintain a constant assay or a constant pH. This approach is predicated on the availability of well established primary sensors such as pH electrodes or on-stream analyzers. Noranda Research Center, in cooperation with Noranda Group concentrators, has developed a froth level monitor and a pulp density meter adaptable to this type of control. Although some of the basic principles on which they are based have been known for some time, their incorporation into the design of reliable, direct-reading instruments which can be interfaced with a computer is believed to be novel.

Jan 1, 1980