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By H. H. Reamer, B. H. Sage

Attempts have been made to predict the volumetric and phase behavior of naturally occurring hydrocarbon mix-turesl-6 but these methods have not been extended to the higher pressures and tem-peratures that are currently encountered in some producing formations. Furthermore, the methods of prediction at present avail-able have not been tested in a sufficient number of cases to ensure their applica-bility to all naturally occurring hydrocar-bon mixtures, even at the lower pressures and temperatures. For these reasons the behavior of a number of hydrocarbon mix-tures from a field in which the subsurface pressures are above 4500 lb. per sq. in.t and the temperatures are in the neighbor-hood of 250°F. was investigated. Method The objective of this program was to determine the volumetric behavior of ma-terial as it existed in the reservoir as a function of pressure, temperature and com-position. Strictly speaking, this cannot be accomplished in any simple fashion. How- ever, the variations in composition that are encountered within a producing reservoir may be approximated roughly by means of mixtures made up of two arbitrarily chosen constituents. Experience indicates that the liquid and gas phases from a high-pressure gas trap afford a simple source of material for this purpose. Throughout this discus-sion the samples of the gas phase and liquid phase from the production trap will be called the "trap-gas sample" and the "trap-liquid sample," respectively. The volumetric behavior of both of the trap samples was determined throughout the temperature interval between 100" and 250°F. at pressures up to 5000 lb. per sq. in. In addition, the behavior of eight different mixtures containing varying proportions of the two trap samples was studied throughout the same temperature and pressure intervals. The experimental results yielded information concerning the specific volume of the material as a function of pressure, temperature and the relative quantity of the trap samples. The relative amount of each of the paraffin hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight than n-hexane was determined for each of the trap samples. In addition, the specific weight, viscosity and average molecular weight of the hexanes-and-heavier fraction of the trap-liquid sample were determined as well as similar information for each of five fractions separated from this material by distillation. From these data the weight fractions of each of the components from methane through pentane were determined for the trap samples and eight systematically chosen mixtures. Materials The gas and liquid samples were obtained from the production trap of a well in the Rio Bravo field in California during the fall of 1939. Information concerning the condi- 70

Jan 1, 1941

By H. H. Reamer, B. H. Sage

Attempts have been made to predict the volumetric and phase behavior of naturally occurring hydrocarbon mix-turesl-6 but these methods have not been extended to the higher pressures and tem-peratures that are currently encountered in some producing formations. Furthermore, the methods of prediction at present avail-able have not been tested in a sufficient number of cases to ensure their applica-bility to all naturally occurring hydrocar-bon mixtures, even at the lower pressures and temperatures. For these reasons the behavior of a number of hydrocarbon mix-tures from a field in which the subsurface pressures are above 4500 lb. per sq. in.t and the temperatures are in the neighbor-hood of 250°F. was investigated. Method The objective of this program was to determine the volumetric behavior of ma-terial as it existed in the reservoir as a function of pressure, temperature and com-position. Strictly speaking, this cannot be accomplished in any simple fashion. How- ever, the variations in composition that are encountered within a producing reservoir may be approximated roughly by means of mixtures made up of two arbitrarily chosen constituents. Experience indicates that the liquid and gas phases from a high-pressure gas trap afford a simple source of material for this purpose. Throughout this discus-sion the samples of the gas phase and liquid phase from the production trap will be called the "trap-gas sample" and the "trap-liquid sample," respectively. The volumetric behavior of both of the trap samples was determined throughout the temperature interval between 100" and 250°F. at pressures up to 5000 lb. per sq. in. In addition, the behavior of eight different mixtures containing varying proportions of the two trap samples was studied throughout the same temperature and pressure intervals. The experimental results yielded information concerning the specific volume of the material as a function of pressure, temperature and the relative quantity of the trap samples. The relative amount of each of the paraffin hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight than n-hexane was determined for each of the trap samples. In addition, the specific weight, viscosity and average molecular weight of the hexanes-and-heavier fraction of the trap-liquid sample were determined as well as similar information for each of five fractions separated from this material by distillation. From these data the weight fractions of each of the components from methane through pentane were determined for the trap samples and eight systematically chosen mixtures. Materials The gas and liquid samples were obtained from the production trap of a well in the Rio Bravo field in California during the fall of 1939. Information concerning the condi- 70

Jan 1, 1941

By J. F. Myers

THE Tennessee Copper Company's operations are in the Ducktown Basin, in the extreme southeast corner of Tennessee. The ore is of the heavy sulphide type, the predominating sulphides being pyrite, pyr-rhotite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite. The gangue is a micaceous schist, with varying amounts of free quartz. The mining operation develops two classes of ore, each of which is concentrated by the flotation process in separate mills. Table 1 shows a typical analysis of the ore treated in each mill. TABLE 1.-Typical Analysis of Ore Treated Composition, Per Cent Mill Tons Capacity Cu Fe S Zn London 1,350 1.41 28.4 20.2 1.10 Isabella 850 0.69 44.7 31.6 0.31 LONDON MILL The London mill was built in 1922, with a capacity of 400 tons per day. This was gradually increased to 600 tons by 1926, to 900 tons in 1928, and to 1350 tons in 1938. Fig. 1 shows the crushing and grinding flowsheet in 1928, when the capacity was 900 tons; Fig. 2, the crushing and grinding flowsheet that was developed by 1938, for the treatment of 1350 tons per day. A comparison of these flowsheets reveals that this increase in tonnage, with a subsequent improved operation, was accom-plished with identically the same major equipment. Improving a concentrator's capacity, metallurgical results, and costs as time goes by is a commonplace practice, and is accomplished in various ways, depending upon the local conditions. The reason for presenting the data of how this was accomplished in the mills of the Tennessee Copper Co. is that a fast-running rod mill plays such an interesting role

Jan 1, 1940

By E. A. Steigerwald, G. L. Hanna

The influence of work-hardening exponent on the variation of fracture toughness with material thickness was studied for high-strength steel, aluminum, and titanium alloys. The results indicate that, when materials are compared at similar fracture toughness to yield strength ratios, the material with the lower work-hardening exponent undergoes the transition from flat to slant fracture at a larger thickness than material with a high work-hardening exponent. In the thickness range where complete slant fracture is obtained the reverse is true and a lower work-hardening exponent results in a lower fracture toughness. The influence of work-hardening exponent on fracture toughness is, therefore, dependent on the particular fracture mode. In the transition region a low work-hardening exponent is beneficial for fracture toughness while in the 100 pct slant region it is detrimental. THROUGH the use of fracture mechanics analyses, the influence of geometric variables on the crack propagation resistance of structures can be interpreted with reasonable consistency. However, in order to gain a more complete understanding of the fracture process, the influence of material parameters on crack propagation must be defined and coupled to the macroscopic fracture mechanics approach. The work-hardening exponent, which characterizes specific material behavior, may serve as an effective parameter to allow some degree of coupling to be accomplished. In the extension of a crack in a specimen of suitable dimensions the propagation process occurs in a stable manner when the crack extension force is balanced by the resistance to crack extension, which exists in the material at the crack tip. As the applied stress, and therefore the crack extension force, on the specimen increases, the resistance also increases primarily because the effective plastic zone at the crack tip, which is the main energy absorption process, becomes larger. Since the work-hardening rate of a material influences the stress-strain relationship, it will also influence the energy absorption process in the plastic enclave at the crack tip and hence should have an effect on crack propagation. A number of studies have been made correlating the strain-hardening exponent or the strain to tensile instability with the ability of a material to resist fracture. Gensamer1 concluded that a low-strain-hardening exponent would result in a steep strain gradient at the base of a notch. He reasoned that a large work-hardening coefficient would result in high-energy ab- sorption due to the increased area under the stress-strain curve. Larson and Nunes2 experimentally observed in Charpy tests on steels heat-treated to below 200,000 psi yield strength that the energy to failure in the fibrous mode, i.e., above the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature, was logarithmically related to the strain-hardening exponent. In order to avoid the complicating effects present in studying materials which undergo a brittle-to-ductile transition, Ripling evaluated the notch sensitivity of a variety of fcc metals with varying work-hardening exponents.3 The results indicated that the relative notch sensitivity, as determined from tests on specimens with a sharp notch, decreased with increasing values of strain hardening. Although the energy required for ductile or fibrous fracture increases with increasing work hardening, high-strength steels often exhibit improved crack propagation resistance when heat-treated to obtain low values of strain hardening.4,5 An analysis of whether low strain hardening is beneficial or detrimental to crack propagation resistance must depend on the particular fracture criterion involved. At temperatures where the material is relatively ductile and the development of a critical strain is required for fracture, high strain hardening increases the energy required to produce failure. In the transition region and below, however, a critical stress law appears to be valid6 and a low rate of work hardening may produce superior resistance to semibrittle crack propagation. The experimental program is aimed at studying these possibilities and determining the specific influence of strain hardening on the crack propagation resistance of several high-strength materials. MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE The alloys, chosen as representative of various classes of high-strength materials, are summarized in Table I. The heat treatments evaluated along with the smooth tensile properties are presented in Table 11. Pin-loaded sheet tensile specimens were employed to determine the smooth tensile properties. A strain gage extensometer (measuring range 0.200 in.) was used at a strain rate of 0.02 in. per in. per min. The work-hardening exponents were determined from the stress-strain curves generated in the smooth tensile tests and the assumption that the portion of the stress-strain curve beyond the yield point can be described by the power relationship: where a is the true stress, P is the true plastic strain,

Jan 1, 1969

By R. G. Treuting, R. M. Brick

Despite the basic importance of slip in the plastic deformation of metals, and the considerable experimental investigation, thought, and speculation that have been devoted to the fundamental nature of these processes, surprisingly few data have been reported regarding the microscopic appear- ance and distribution of slip lines,‡ the external manifestation of the slip process. Photographs hitherto reproduced in the literature are in general at low or unspecified magnifications with no correlation to the prior shear. A single-crystal cylindrical tensile specimen of alpha brass about 1/2 in. in diameter, one of many previously prepared by H. L. Burghoff,1 was available for study. A plane about 3/16 in. wide, parallel to the specimen axis and normal to the plane containing the slip direction and the specimen axis, was ground and metallographically polished along the entire 5-in. gauge length. Heavy etching produced a surface free of both scratches and flow. The specimen was strained in tension until slip markings first became visible on the polished surface (Figs. 1 and 2). Re-stressing the crystal caused additional markings to appear at an initially lower stress than previously was required. Stretching the specimen to produce a dense concentration of slip lines caused such variations in level in the polished surface (normal to the slip direction) that microscopic study at higher magnifications became impossible. After annealing 15 hr. at 850°C, the specimen recrystallized to form two grains with a boundary approximately normal to the specimen axis and about midway along its length. Each was X-rayed, and two planes were again polished along the length of the specimen, in this case each parallel to the slip direction in one of the two crystals. A light longitudinal scratch parallel to the specimen axis was drawn down the center of each plane. A Huggen-berger extensometer was attached to the crystal A, whose slip plane would have the higher resolved shear stress of the two, and the specimen was again strained in tension.

Jan 1, 1942

By R. M. Brick, R. G. Treuting

Despite the basic importance of slip in the plastic deformation of metals, and the considerable experimental investigation, thought, and speculation that have been devoted to the fundamental nature of these processes, surprisingly few data have been reported regarding the microscopic appear- ance and distribution of slip lines,‡ the external manifestation of the slip process. Photographs hitherto reproduced in the literature are in general at low or unspecified magnifications with no correlation to the prior shear. A single-crystal cylindrical tensile specimen of alpha brass about 1/2 in. in diameter, one of many previously prepared by H. L. Burghoff,1 was available for study. A plane about 3/16 in. wide, parallel to the specimen axis and normal to the plane containing the slip direction and the specimen axis, was ground and metallographically polished along the entire 5-in. gauge length. Heavy etching produced a surface free of both scratches and flow. The specimen was strained in tension until slip markings first became visible on the polished surface (Figs. 1 and 2). Re-stressing the crystal caused additional markings to appear at an initially lower stress than previously was required. Stretching the specimen to produce a dense concentration of slip lines caused such variations in level in the polished surface (normal to the slip direction) that microscopic study at higher magnifications became impossible. After annealing 15 hr. at 850°C, the specimen recrystallized to form two grains with a boundary approximately normal to the specimen axis and about midway along its length. Each was X-rayed, and two planes were again polished along the length of the specimen, in this case each parallel to the slip direction in one of the two crystals. A light longitudinal scratch parallel to the specimen axis was drawn down the center of each plane. A Huggen-berger extensometer was attached to the crystal A, whose slip plane would have the higher resolved shear stress of the two, and the specimen was again strained in tension.

Jan 1, 1942

By John T. Crawford

Introduction Loading and hauling systems are evaluated in open pit mining for new properties, expanding existing operations, changing systems or equipment, and equipment replacement analysis. The objective of such evaluations is to determine the equipment needed to handle planned tonnages at the lowest cash flow cost. Cash flow costs are used to combine capital outlays with operating and maintenance costs. Leasing costs could be substituted for capital costs with appropriate modifications to calculation procedures. These modifications will not be covered. This chapter will describe methods of evaluating loading and hauling systems, concentrating on some of the more often raised questions concerning quantitative data. While the methods described are not the only ones in current use, they have a record of proven reliability. The shovel and haulage truck system is used In the examples because of its common use in open pit mines. In medium to large open pit mines, electric shovels and diesel-electric drive haulage trucks are normally used. The basic ideas presented in this chapter apply to all loading and hauling systems, with appropriate modifications. The process of performing a shovel and haulage truck evaluation can be time-consuming and tedious because of the quantity of data involved, but it is not particularly difficult. The examples used to Illustrate shovel and haulage truck evaluation are based on a hypothetical open pit mine operating 350 days per year producing 31 750- 000 t (35,000,000 st, 100,000 stpd) annually, of which 11 110 000 t ( 12,250,000 st, 35,000 stpd) are ore. Selection of the optimum shovel and haulage truck fleets will be shown. The principal sources of data for the examples or any other equipment evaluation are equipment manufacturers and actual operations. Whenever possible, actual operating experience should be used to verify estimates. The quantitative data presented herein are unrelated to a specific existing mining operation.

Jan 1, 1979

By H. C. Lukens, E. V. Potter

The volume of hydrogen released from electrolytic manganese at various temperatures and pressures was determined in a previous investigation1 as part of a study to determine the most practical procedure for removing the hydrogen from electrolytic manganese metal. No attempt was made to determine the absolute volume of gas in the metal at any temperature and pressure; the volume of gas released showed only the variation in solubility with temperature and pressure. The results were very similar to those obtained by Sieverts and Moritz.² Both sets of data show a minimum solubility between 500' and 700°C., but they differ in certain respects; on cooling from 500°C., our results showed an increase in solubility of about 7 C.C. as compared with an increase of 34 C.C. per 100 grams shown by Sieverts. Furthermore, the transition temperatures, as indicated by sharp breaks in the solubility curves, did not agree well with Sieverts' data. This information was of secondary importance in the earlier investigations, and the solubility at low temperatures and the transition temperatures were subject to considerable error. Therefore, a subsequent investigation, reported in this paper, was made to measure the absolute solubility at temperatures from room temperature through the melting point and make more accurate observations of the transition temperatures. Apparatus and Method The apparatus and method were essentially the same as those described in the previous work,' as shown in Fig. I. At high temperatures, the small tube containing the thermocouple in the sample container A frequently broke off, so for some of this work the thermocouple was placed outside the sample container and protected by a quartz tube of about the same wall thickness as the sample container. No significant difference was found in the transition temperatures obtained in the two ways. The automatic temperature controller was used in these tests in the regions where there was little change in solubility with temperature. In the neighborhood of the transition points a continuously variable autotransformer was used instead of the automatic controller, and the power input to the furnace was adjusted so that the temperature increased or decreased at a very slow, uniform rate through the transition range. This procedure was followed because the temperature oscillations produced by the controller were too great compared with the transition range, and the transi- . tion points determined under such conditions were less accurate. Absolute Solubility Procedure ad Results The absolute solubility of hydrogen in manganese could be determined most

Jan 1, 1947

By E. V. Potter, H. C. Lukens

The volume of hydrogen released from electrolytic manganese at various temperatures and pressures was determined in a previous investigation1 as part of a study to determine the most practical procedure for removing the hydrogen from electrolytic manganese metal. No attempt was made to determine the absolute volume of gas in the metal at any temperature and pressure; the volume of gas released showed only the variation in solubility with temperature and pressure. The results were very similar to those obtained by Sieverts and Moritz.² Both sets of data show a minimum solubility between 500' and 700°C., but they differ in certain respects; on cooling from 500°C., our results showed an increase in solubility of about 7 C.C. as compared with an increase of 34 C.C. per 100 grams shown by Sieverts. Furthermore, the transition temperatures, as indicated by sharp breaks in the solubility curves, did not agree well with Sieverts' data. This information was of secondary importance in the earlier investigations, and the solubility at low temperatures and the transition temperatures were subject to considerable error. Therefore, a subsequent investigation, reported in this paper, was made to measure the absolute solubility at temperatures from room temperature through the melting point and make more accurate observations of the transition temperatures. Apparatus and Method The apparatus and method were essentially the same as those described in the previous work,' as shown in Fig. I. At high temperatures, the small tube containing the thermocouple in the sample container A frequently broke off, so for some of this work the thermocouple was placed outside the sample container and protected by a quartz tube of about the same wall thickness as the sample container. No significant difference was found in the transition temperatures obtained in the two ways. The automatic temperature controller was used in these tests in the regions where there was little change in solubility with temperature. In the neighborhood of the transition points a continuously variable autotransformer was used instead of the automatic controller, and the power input to the furnace was adjusted so that the temperature increased or decreased at a very slow, uniform rate through the transition range. This procedure was followed because the temperature oscillations produced by the controller were too great compared with the transition range, and the transi- . tion points determined under such conditions were less accurate. Absolute Solubility Procedure ad Results The absolute solubility of hydrogen in manganese could be determined most

Jan 1, 1947

By C. Q. Payne

The art of crushing ores and other materials by means of rolls is a comparatively recent one. While the first record of rolls using iron crushing-surfaces dates hack to the year 1806, when they were employed in Cornwall, their principal developmcnt has taken place during the past 30 years. To Stephen R. Erom belongs the credit of the pioneer in introducing the belted high-speed roll, which has had its origin and a marked development in this country. His notable contrib'ution to the art was in the use of a single bed-plate or frame supporting the roll-shafts, and to which levers holding the mova, ble roll-bearings were pivoted. He also made use of steel tension-rods to support the crushing-strains, and of hammered-steel tires for the crushing-surfaces. These changes brought the design of crushing-rolls to a high level. Following closely thereon, about 1885, W. R. Eckart conceived the idea of the swivel or ball-and-socket support for the roll-shaft bearings. This is an excellent mechanical conception, especially for bearings held against a spring pressure, and while it may not be necessary for all types of rolls, yet it has been quite generally adopted by other roll-designers, and illustrates the refinement which roll-construction has now reached. Other engineers, as, for example, Argall, Vezin, Roger, and Sturtevant, to mention only a few among many, have also given the closest attention to the various details of rolls, such as the frame, springe, bearings, and shafts, and have developed many novel and original designs. It has remained, however, for the boldness and originality of Mr. Edison to extend the field of crushing-rolls in two new directions, and to cause them to ex-

Jan 1, 1913

By Carl F. Floe, Michael B. Bever

ACCELERATED by the demands of war, research and development work in nonferrous physical metallurgy has continued at a rapid pace during the past year. In particular, advances have been made in processing and fabrication, especially of the light alloys, and in the surface treatment of metals. Theoretical physical metallurgy, although less active, has not been neglected and the year has brought forth some -notable contributions to our understanding of the fundamental structure of metals and their behavior in service. Of course, much work that has been done cannot be publicly discussed because of wartime restrictions.

Jan 1, 1945

By Fred A. Hale

Owing to the large area included in the Yellow Pine mining district, and the varied nature of its mineral deposits, a detailed geological description of the district could be covered only in an extensive monograph. This paper is intended as a description of the most prominent geologic features only with special reference to those of economic importance. The first mention of the district was in 1903 by J. E. Spurr, who briefly describes the structural geology of the Spring Mountain range. In 1906, H. F. Bain2 briefly described the Potosi mine. James J. Hillla of the United States Geological Survey, visited the district for a brief period in 1912, the result of which is an excellent reconnaissance report, covering the district in some detail but necessarily with brevity. Since that time, articles covering special features of the district have appeared in the technical press, including some by the writer, and a notable description of the Boss mine, by Adolph Knopf,4 appeared in 1915. Development of the district during the past few years has progressed so rapidly and with so many notable discoveries, particularly with reference to the rare metals, that a further description at this time may prove of interest. The writer's acquaintance with the district is based on 7 years' continuous residence in the vicinity, beginning with the spring of 1910. A. Location and Topography The Yellow Pine mining district is situated in the southwestern portion of Clark County, Nevada, about 300 miles northeast of Los Angeles, along the line of the Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. The district extends from Mt. Olcott on the north to the California line on the south,

Jan 1, 1918

By H. R. Stahl

The disseminated lead district of Southeast Missouri lies 70 miles south of St. Louis. The only metal of economic importance in the ore is lead, but minor amounts occur of iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, nickel, silver and cadmium. These minor metals, as might be expected, tend to concentrate in both the flotation and table middlings. In the past, some zinc has been recovered by differential flotation. The silver and cadmium tend to associate with the zinc, and some recovery is made of these two metals at the smelter. The lead occurs as galena, or lead sulphide. The minor metals are also present as sulphides. The presence of oxidized lead is suspected, but has not been definitely proved. The gangue is chiefly dolomitic limestone, with small amounts of sandstone and shaly glauconitic and chloritic minerals. The ore contains about 3.25 per cent lead, occurring as galena disseminated through the gangue. Some of the galena is very finely disseminated, and the mineral in the gravity tailings, or chat; is seldom or never in the free state. The method of treatment of the ore has been evolved over a period of 75 years; hence probably is not far from correct. The milling processes have tended toward simplification during the past 15 years, but recoveries have never been sacrificed for the sake of simplicity. In many cases, simplification of flowsheets has led to better recoveries and operating economies. A simplified flowsheet is shown in Fig. I. The St. Joseph Lead Co. operates four mills in the Flat River district, with a normal total capacity of about 21,000 tons per day, divided as follows: Federal mill, 11,000 tons; Leadwood mill, 4500 tons; Desloge mill, 3400 tons and Bonne Terre mill 2400 tons. The methods of concentration used at these plants are similar in principle; they differ mainly in details and in the type and size of the equipment used. The process of concentration may be divided into five main steps; i.e., dry crushing, wet grinding, classification with its attendant desliming, tabling and flotation. A brief description of these processes will be given, noting important differences in the various plants, and also noting the more important changes or developments of the past few years. Dry Crushing The run-of-mine ore is hoisted in skips, the capacity of these skips ranging from 23/4 tons to 81/4 tons. At the Desloge plant, the ore is hoisted in 2-ton mine cars on self-dumping cages. All ore is hoisted at shafts adjacent to the various crushing plants, no ore being transported on the surface. Primary breaking at all the mills is accomplished with 9E Telsmith breakers. Preliminary screening is provided ahead of most of these crushers, either by station-

Jan 1, 1943

By H. R. Stahl

The disseminated lead district of Southeast Missouri lies 70 miles south of St. Louis. The only metal of economic importance in the ore is lead, but minor amounts occur of iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, nickel, silver and cadmium. These minor metals, as might be expected, tend to concentrate in both the flotation and table middlings. In the past, some zinc has been recovered by differential flotation. The silver and cadmium tend to associate with the zinc, and some recovery is made of these two metals at the smelter. The lead occurs as galena, or lead sulphide. The minor metals are also present as sulphides. The presence of oxidized lead is suspected, but has not been definitely proved. The gangue is chiefly dolomitic limestone, with small amounts of sandstone and shaly glauconitic and chloritic minerals. The ore contains about 3.25 per cent lead, occurring as galena disseminated through the gangue. Some of the galena is very finely disseminated, and the mineral in the gravity tailings, or chat; is seldom or never in the free state. The method of treatment of the ore has been evolved over a period of 75 years; hence probably is not far from correct. The milling processes have tended toward simplification during the past 15 years, but recoveries have never been sacrificed for the sake of simplicity. In many cases, simplification of flowsheets has led to better recoveries and operating economies. A simplified flowsheet is shown in Fig. I. The St. Joseph Lead Co. operates four mills in the Flat River district, with a normal total capacity of about 21,000 tons per day, divided as follows: Federal mill, 11,000 tons; Leadwood mill, 4500 tons; Desloge mill, 3400 tons and Bonne Terre mill 2400 tons. The methods of concentration used at these plants are similar in principle; they differ mainly in details and in the type and size of the equipment used. The process of concentration may be divided into five main steps; i.e., dry crushing, wet grinding, classification with its attendant desliming, tabling and flotation. A brief description of these processes will be given, noting important differences in the various plants, and also noting the more important changes or developments of the past few years. Dry Crushing The run-of-mine ore is hoisted in skips, the capacity of these skips ranging from 23/4 tons to 81/4 tons. At the Desloge plant, the ore is hoisted in 2-ton mine cars on self-dumping cages. All ore is hoisted at shafts adjacent to the various crushing plants, no ore being transported on the surface. Primary breaking at all the mills is accomplished with 9E Telsmith breakers. Preliminary screening is provided ahead of most of these crushers, either by station-

Jan 1, 1943

By George B. Clark

THE " Munroe effect" of shaped explosive charges was discovered by Charles E. Munroe more than 50 years ago (in 1888), but it was not until World War II that it was put to any practical use. Both Allied and Axis armies used the principle effectively in bazooka projectiles, artillery projectiles and in fixed shaped charges. The first two were used primarily to combat tanks and other armor and the latter to assault pillboxes and other fixed concrete emplacements. Many engineers and others who saw the military application of the jet effect of shaped charges believed application would be possible in many industrial fields where blasting is used, such as mining and quarrying. Some work has already been done on the problem of making shaped charges applicable to mining operations. Experimentation conducted at the National Tunnel and Mines' was directed primarily along the lines of use of shaped charges for secondary blasting in connection with long-hole stoping methods. Experimentation initiated earlier and conducted by the author2 at the University of Utah on a more scientific basis was directed at revealing the basic principles of the functioning of shaped charges, as well as the feasibility of using them in mining operations after the principles of their operation had been clearly defined. It was found that: (I) a given design of charge required an optimum standoff to make it most effective, either in penetrating solid rock or steel (see Fig 3); (2) for a given design of charge there exists an optimum ratio of charge diameter to charge height above which the increase in effectiveness of the charge decreases rapidly (see Figs 4 and 5); (3) partial confinement has the effect of making charge performance much more consistent; (4) the higher power and higher velocity explosives tested are much more effective than relatively low-strength explosives; and (5) shaped charges may be adaptable to mining operations in secondary breakage and drilling blasting holes. Fig I is a diagrammatic sketch of the action of a shaped charge for two types of cavities, while Fig 2 shows the approximate manner in which the jets are believed to be formed when an explosive wave encounters the cavity, approaching it from the top. The experimentation already completed has laid the foundation for further research in the study of shaped charges. Standoff effects, effect of the strength of explosives and other features have been fairly well established. Such elements in the design of shaped charges as (I) geometry of cavity liners, (2) relative horizontal dimensions of explosive column, (3) effect of

Jan 1, 1947

By JOHN S. HEARDING

ON the Minnesota Ranges, 600 million tons of material have been moved in the past three years to produce 172 million tons of direct-shipping iron ore. Increasing wage rates and cost of equipment and supplies, coupled with the larger amount of waste material to be moved in comparison with the quantity of ore make it imperative that tile industry adopt all practices and methods which will enable it to move earth at progressively lower costs. Drilling. Prior to and during the war practically all blastholes drilled were 6-in. in diameter and put down by drills using strings of tools weighing from 2000 to 3000 lb. Present trends indicate that heavier drilling equipment making 9-in. holes wit11 3000 to 6000 lb tools will be more economical. Holes up to 12 in. diameter will be made with this equipment. Forging and hardening practices for bits to increase footage is receiving attention. One manufacturer expects to market 9-in. bits having sintered carbide inserts in the reaming and cutting edges. Oxygen and oil to burn holes in the rock are being tested for making blastholes at a considerably greater speed than can be obtained with a blasthole drill on the same size hole. To dale, however, the cost has been prohibitive.

Jan 1, 1949

By V. E. Christensen

AT most smelting plants, forced draft, induced by high stacks or fans, is used to carry the gases away from the furnaces, roasters, or sintering plants. Gases moving under forced draft carry varying amounts of solids in the form of dust and fume. Where the weight of the solids is material, and the metal content high, it is usually profitable to treat the gases to recover these solids. Baghouses, Cottrell treaters, and settling chambers are the common forms of plants used to recover solids from gases. To check on the efficiency of these plants it is necessary to know the volume of gas leaving the plant and the amount of solids carried by the gas. As the volume of gas is equal to the product of the velocity of that gas and the cross-sectional area of the flue, the determination of the volume includes the measurement of the area of the cross section and the determination of the velocity. The velocity is generally measured by means of the Pitot tube and Ellison differential pressure gage, although low velocities are best determined by means of an anemometer. The dust concentration is determined by passing a measured volume of sample through a filter and weighing the dust caught. From this the dust concentration per unit of volume may be calculated. It is necessary to assume that the gas is homogeneous or that each cubic foot of the gas contains the same weight of dust as every other cubic foot. Having the volume of gas passing through a flue per unit of time, and the dust concentration of the gas per unit of volume, the amount of solids may easily be calculated.

Jan 1, 1935

By Walter Miller

A surprising development during the year was the continued high demand for petroleum products and the high level of crude oil charges to the stills. Generally speaking, the petroleum industry during 1946 succeeded in producing a greater quantity of crude oil and petroleum products than in any of the war years, and considerably exceeded the production of any prewar year. Daily crude still charges averaged between 4,700,000 and 4,800,000 bbl per day for 1946 and about equaled the 1945 record, although most pessimistic 1945 guesses, predictions, or fears ranged, for 1946, from only 3,900,000 to 4,400,000 bbl per day. In spite of the high crude charge to the stills, total stock of crude oil was higher at the end of the year by some 7,000,000 to 8,000,000 bbl. A similar story holds regarding stocks of the principal refined products. Gasoline on hand at year's end was two to three million barrels lower, and was considered low for the expected demand during the coming high consuming season, while stocks of light and heavy fuel oils, although some higher than a year previous, hardly reached a comfortable level. The trend in gasoline of high octane number, which has resulted in a marked rise in. the antiknock quality by the end of 1945 (five or six numbers higher than during the war and one number higher than the prewar quality of civilian motor gasoline of 1941) was abruptly arrested by an acute shortage of metallic lead for manufacturing tetraethyl lead. Government action in the form of lead price control, rationing, and the setting of octane ceiling specifications to conform to the reduced ethyl lead compound available were enforced until abrogated at the end of the year. It will be interesting to see how rapidly the octane levels will resume the rising trend, as more metallic lead slowly becomes available for making greater quantities of ethyl lead compound. As octane quality rises over present levels the disadvantage of the refiner without catalytic cracking equipment will increase. Gasoline made by catalytic cracking, without addition of ethyl lead, approximates 77 octane by the official ASTM Motor Method test, compared with 66 for gasoline generally similar in volatility made by the older thermal cracking operation. Catalytic gasoline shows an even greater improvement in the Research octane number, the comparison being roughly 86 Research versus 71 Research octane for the thermal cracked product. This higher differential in Research octane is credited by many, although not universally so, as contributing to better road performance, and consequently resulting in a more desirable product marketwise. In some parts of the country a premium of roughly one fourth cent per gallon is now being paid for gasoline with higher Research octane made possible by including catalytic cracked product in the final blends. If such price differentials in favor of catalytic gaso-

Jan 1, 1947

By Walter Miller

A surprising development during the year was the continued high demand for petroleum products and the high level of crude oil charges to the stills. Generally speaking, the petroleum industry during 1946 succeeded in producing a greater quantity of crude oil and petroleum products than in any of the war years, and considerably exceeded the production of any prewar year. Daily crude still charges averaged between 4,700,000 and 4,800,000 bbl per day for 1946 and about equaled the 1945 record, although most pessimistic 1945 guesses, predictions, or fears ranged, for 1946, from only 3,900,000 to 4,400,000 bbl per day. In spite of the high crude charge to the stills, total stock of crude oil was higher at the end of the year by some 7,000,000 to 8,000,000 bbl. A similar story holds regarding stocks of the principal refined products. Gasoline on hand at year's end was two to three million barrels lower, and was considered low for the expected demand during the coming high consuming season, while stocks of light and heavy fuel oils, although some higher than a year previous, hardly reached a comfortable level. The trend in gasoline of high octane number, which has resulted in a marked rise in. the antiknock quality by the end of 1945 (five or six numbers higher than during the war and one number higher than the prewar quality of civilian motor gasoline of 1941) was abruptly arrested by an acute shortage of metallic lead for manufacturing tetraethyl lead. Government action in the form of lead price control, rationing, and the setting of octane ceiling specifications to conform to the reduced ethyl lead compound available were enforced until abrogated at the end of the year. It will be interesting to see how rapidly the octane levels will resume the rising trend, as more metallic lead slowly becomes available for making greater quantities of ethyl lead compound. As octane quality rises over present levels the disadvantage of the refiner without catalytic cracking equipment will increase. Gasoline made by catalytic cracking, without addition of ethyl lead, approximates 77 octane by the official ASTM Motor Method test, compared with 66 for gasoline generally similar in volatility made by the older thermal cracking operation. Catalytic gasoline shows an even greater improvement in the Research octane number, the comparison being roughly 86 Research versus 71 Research octane for the thermal cracked product. This higher differential in Research octane is credited by many, although not universally so, as contributing to better road performance, and consequently resulting in a more desirable product marketwise. In some parts of the country a premium of roughly one fourth cent per gallon is now being paid for gasoline with higher Research octane made possible by including catalytic cracked product in the final blends. If such price differentials in favor of catalytic gaso-

Jan 1, 1947

By H. David Swain

On Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea, Bougainville Copper Ltd. (BCL) has successfully applied electronic data processing (EDP) techniques to pit operations and mine planning. Though the EDP program is not complete, BCL has realized significant improvements in short and long range mine planning, and equipment and manpower utilization. About 80% of BCL's 4000 employees are Papua New Guinea nationals, and most have little education or training. The operational characteristics of the computer equipment, however, have been quickly adapted by users with low educational standards.

Jan 3, 1979