Search Documents

By M. R. Geer, J. D. Davis, H. F. Yancey

ALTHOUGH the mechanical cleaning of coal is carried out at plants on the surface, preparation is actually begun at the face in the mine. Here the character of the coal and the amount, character, and distribution of the impurities within the bed may be seen. Blasting methods, dust-allaying procedures, location of mining cut with respect to bands of impurity, and the practice of discarding segregated impurities underground, all have an important bearing on the successful operation of surface cleaning units. The most important single characteristic of both coal and its associated impurities from the standpoint of cleaning is specific gravity. Other characteristics related in one way or another to the preparation of coal are rank, petrographic composition, structure and hardness, and friability. These and still other coal properties are discussed in the first section of this chapter and impurity characteristics in the second. COAL CHARACTERISTICS RELATED TO PREPARATION Rank As a result of work done over a period of several years by committees of the American Society for Testing Materials and the American Standards Association, standard specifications are now available showing the classification of coals according to rank and quality of grade. The term "rank" expresses the degree to which the original coal-forming material has been changed by metamorphism through successive stages from peat to anthracite. Table 1 shows the classification of coals according to rank as devised by the committees of the organizations mentioned. The basic scheme of classification for the higher-rank coals is according to fixed carbon content, calculated to the dry, mineral-matter-free basis. Groups of lower rank are divided

Jan 1, 1950

By J. E. Lawver, J. D. Raulerson, Charles C. Cook

The agriculture industry has made great strides during the past decade to increase agriculture yields through increased use of fertilizers. Increased use of fertilizers may prevent, or at least delay, mass starvation due to the alarming increase in world population. Phosphate was added to soil as a plant nutrient in the form of calcined bones at least 2000 years ago (Anon., 1964), and man has used phosphate minerals as a source of fertilization in one form or another for at least 100 years. During 1977 the world produced about 116 Mt of phosphate rock, with about 86% used for fertilizers and another 4% for animal feed supplements. More than three-fourths of the total production comes from the United States, Morocco, and the Soviet Union. From a mineral beneficiation point of view, the major sources of phosphate rock and the methods of beneficiation can be classified as follows: marine deposits not containing appreciable carbonate minerals, marine deposits requiring a francolite carbonate mineral separation, igneous deposits not containing appreciable carbonate minerals, and igneous deposits requiring apatite carbonate mineral separation. [ ] Guano, mostly from Chile and Peru, accounts for 0.1% of the total world production, and the calcium phosphates from Ocean, Nauru, and Christmas Islands and the aluminum and iron phosphates from Brazil and Aruba account for less than 4% of the world production and are thus not considered in this classification (Lawver, et al.). At present, marine phosphorite deposits account for about 75% of the world's production; the igneous deposits account for 20%. The igneous deposits low in carbonate minerals are easily concentrated by crushing, grinding, and apatite flotation. The most important igneous deposits are those of the Kola Peninsula, USSR (Woodrooffe, 1972). The igneous deposits high in carbonate materials are of corn appreciably more difficult to beneficiate, but they have been concentrated by froth flotation for a number of years. An interesting but rather complicated flowsheet of this type is at Phalabonva, in the Republic of South Africa (Lovell, 1976). The Phalaborwa deposit is an igneous complex of pyroxenite with a central core of carbonatite surrounded by a serpentine- magnetite-apatite rock called phoscorite. The phoscorite containing about 10% P2O5, 35% magnetite, and 35% calcium magnesium carbonate is currently being processed. The process involves comminuting the material for fiberation and subjecting it to a copper float using a potassium amyl xanthate as collector and triethoxybutane as a frother followed by a magnetic separation of the tailings to produce a feed for phosphate flotation. This process produces a phosphate concentrate containing greater than 36% P2O5 at a P2O5 recovery ranging from 75 to 80%. Considerable success has been claimed for recovering apatite from carbonate-bearing ores at the Jacupiranga Mine of Serrana S/A (Silva and Andery, 1972). The carbonatite currently being mined contains an average of only 5% P205 and is concentrated using a unique flotation process (Andery, 1968) to yield 96% P205 concentrates. The ore contains about 12% apatite, 5% magnetite, 80% calcite plus dolomite, and minor amounts of phlogopite, olivine, zircon, ilmenite, and pyrochlore. Feed preparation consists of crushing to -31.75 mm (-1 M in.), rod milling in closed circuit with hydrocyclones to about 92% (-50 mesh), and two-stage cyclone desliming of the -50 mesh sands at 20 m. Weight recovery in the deslimed feed is normally 85 to 88% and the corresponding P2O5 recovery is usually about 90%. The deslimed feed is conditioned at 60 to 70% solids for 15 min at pH = 8-10 with 0.6 kg/t of causticized starch for iron oxide and calcite-dolomite depression. The conditioned slurry is diluted to 20 to 30% solids, about 0.2 kg/t of fatty acid or soap collector is added to the conditioner discharge, and the reagentized ore is subjected to rougher-scavenger flotation with additional fatty acid added to the scavenger float. The scavenger concentrate is returned to rougher circuit distributor, and the rougher concentrate froth is subjected to two stages of cleaner flotation to yield a final apatite concentrate analyzing 36 to 38% P205. Flotation recovery of P205 is, in general, above 90% when treating fresh carbonatite. The high-carbonate flotation tails normally analyze 1 % P2O5 or less and are suitable for portland cement production. The marine deposits. Types 1 and 2 of central Florida are representative of enormous reserves of phosphate rock that will undoubtedly account for much of the world's production in the near future. Until very recently the sedimentary deposits high in carbonate minerals (Type 2) have not been considered reserves due to the difficulty in making a francolite-carbonate separation. Although no commercial plant has yet been built to beneficiate Type 2 ore, laboratory and pilot plant data indicate the process is viable. If so, the reserves of Florida and similar deposits throughout the world will be substantially increased. A discussion of the beneficiation of these two types of sedimentary deposits and the relation of the resulting concentrates to the fertilizer industry of the United States is the subject of this paper.

Jan 1, 1981

By Frederic L. Kadey

Diatomite is a siliceous, sedimentary rock consisting principally of the fossilized skeletal remains of the diatom, a unicellular aquatic plant related to the algae. Thus, it has been formed by the induration of diatomaceous ooze, and consists mainly of diatomaceous silica, a form or variety of opal which is first formed in the cell walls of the living diatom. Diatomaceous silica is not generally regarded as a synonym or the equivalent for diatomite, although it has been so used at various times. Accurately, diatomaceous silica is the preferred name for the principal mineral component of which the rock, diatomite, is composed. The terms diatomaceous earth and kieselguhr are used as synonymous with diatomite. The designations tripoli, tripolite, infusorial earth, etc., were used at one time but are now obsolete. With the changing nomenclature, these terms that were at one time correct when proposed and used for generations would be considered incorrect if used today in the light of current knowledge. The designation diatomite is reserved for those accumulations of diatomaceous silica that are of sufficient quality, size, and minability to be considered of potential commercial value. Processed diatomite possesses an unusual particulate structure and chemical stability that lends itself to applications not filled by any other form of silica. Foremost among these applications is its use as a filter aid, which accounts for over half of its current consumption. Its unique diatom structure, low bulk density, high absorptive capacity, high surface area, and relatively low abrasion are attributes responsible for its utility as a functional filler and as an extender in paint, paper, rubber, and in plastics; and as an anti-caking agent; thermal insulating material; catalyst carrier; and chromatographic support; polish, abrasive, and pesticide extender to name a few representative applications. The United States is the principal producing country, although diatomite is found in numerous other locations. Geology Composition and Morphology Diatomaceous silica qualifies as a. mineral of organic origin in much the same way that aragonite and collophane do. The silica of the fossilized diatom skeleton closely resembles opal or hydrous silica in composition (SiO2 • nH2O) .4, 12, 203 The silica is of acute biological significance, not only for the cell wall component, but also for the basic life process.45, 51 Without silica, cell development ceases .31 In addition to bound water, varying between 3.5 and 8%, the siliceous skeleton may also contain, in solid solution, or as part of the Si02 complex, small amounts of associated inorganic components-alumina, principally-and lesser amounts of iron, 46, 49, 55 alkaline earths, alkali metals, and other minor constituents.59, 63, 67 Boron is reported to be an essential element for diatom growth .52, 58 Since diatomaceous silica is not pure hydrous silica but contains other intimately associated elements, there is good reason to consider it a distinct type or variety.4 Associated with the diatomaceous silica, and integrated as part of the diatomite, may be variable amounts of organic matter, soluble salts, and particles of rock-forming minerals that were syngenetically deposited or precipitated with the diatom frustules. Sand, clay, carbonate, and volcanic ash are typical common contaminants. Other contaminating minerals may be present, such as feldspar, mica, amphiboles, pyroxenes, rutile, zircon-the result of weathering, then transporting, and subsequent redeposition of surrounding land masses. Commercial diatomite may also contain fragments and particles of

Jan 1, 1983

By J. L. Gillson

IN a brief summary of the many occurrences of fluorspar in our western states, it is not possible to go into detail in regard to the geology, mining and milling methods, and reserves about individual deposits. Rather a broad review is made of the occurrences and an analysis of how the western deposits may fit into our future domestic economy is presented. GENERAL STATEMENT ON FLUORSPAR SITUATION Fluorspar has been used for years as a flux in the manufacture of basic open-hearth steel, in foundry cupolas for melting pig iron, in the manufacture of opalescent glass and in the preparation of hydrofluoric acid. In 1880 the annual production of fluorspar in the United States was around 4000 tons per year. By 1900 it was up to 21,656 tons and between 1902 and 1908 it averaged about 40,000 tons annually. Prices were then so low, by present standards, that it seems impossible to believe now that mining could have been performed profitably at the price levels then prevailing. In 1890 fluorspar sold at the mines for $6.70 per ton, in I901 for $5.81, in 1916 for $5.92. When the United States entered World War I, fluorspar production and price skyrocketed; the production reached 263,817 tons in 1918, with prices above $20.00 per ton, and prices were even higher in 1919 and 1920. After 1920, the domestic production fell from the 1918 level to about 125,000 tons annually and the average price dropped back to about $I8.00 per ton. By 1935 the average price had fallen to $15.00, but in 194o with a rising demand the average price of all grades had gone back up to $20.31. Today it is 75 per cent higher than in 1940 and presumably the price of acid grade at least would be even higher if it were not for price ceilings. The first subsequent year that the domestic production exceeded that of 1918 was 1941, and the 1944 production is expected to exceed 400,000 tons, 'or over one and a half times that of 1918. In five-year periods, average production and imports were as are shown in Table I. [ ] Many people concerned with the consumption of fluorspar believe that the postwar period ahead will show a repetition of price trends of the last such period. They believe that imports will be- again an important factor in the available supply and the price will fall back gradually toward the prewar level. The following basic factors are pertinent in analyzing this conclusion:

Jan 1, 1945

By H. A. Wheeler

History ILLINOIS has so recently attained the third place in the oil production of the United States that few realize its great importance, or are aware of its highly profitable character. Since 1907 Illinois has furnished about 15 per cent. of the United States output and about 10 per cent. of the world's production. The value of the output in 1913 is estimated at $30,000,000, of which about $20,000,000 is profit. The present prosperity dates from 1905, but efforts have been made since 1865 to develop production and geologists have been very sanguine as to its future for over 25 years. Had the oil operators been as confident as the geologists, the field would have been opened at least 30 years earlier. For the rich Eastern Illinois oil field is located along the La Salle anticline, that was mapped 46 years ago by Professor Worthen in the

Jan 5, 1914

By Dermot M. Ross-Brown

Introduction Slope angles are one of the major factors affecting the shape of the final pit and the location of the walls Due to differences in geology, the optimum slope angles vary from pit to pit and within different parts of the same pit. Indeed, it is not unusual to have different slope angles for the top and bottom portions of the same cross section. The optimization of these slope angles is a major study in itself and this chapter is intended as a general introduction to the subject. It is not intended to be a comprehensive text for the absolute beginner The objective is to put the various aspects of slope stability analysis into relative perspective by describing the vari¬ous analytical techniques available and indicating when each may be most appropriately used References are made to the many excellent texts and papers on slope stability for the reader who does not have a formal training in soil or rock mechanics. In writing this chapter, an assumption has been made that a tentative mining plan has been drawn up, includ¬ing a preliminary estimate of the slope angles. It has also been assumed that all the necessary field and laboratory data has been collected and reduced to a form suitable for input into the stability analyses.

Jan 1, 1979

By Peter M. Anderson

IN recent years many prophets have arisen who hold that gold has outlived its days and that its monetary use is now an anachronism. These prophets include well-known politicians, economists and businessmen. Some of them have called it a joke that metal should be dug up at heavy cost in Africa and elsewhere and shipped to the United States of America only to go underground again at Fort Knox. Others have claimed that all the gold in the world could be sunk in the ocean without anyone being the poorer. The fact that you have invited me to address you on the future of gold may perhaps reflect the fears caused by these various predictions. At present the prophets' taunts show no sign of coming true. The demand for gold is greater than ever before, although stocks held are the largest in history. Nearly all governments have gone to great lengths to suppress any demand that might be made by the public; they have reserved to themselves the right to hold gold and have lost no opportunity of satisfying their own demands. Where the public has been allowed to buy gold, the demand has proved impressively strong. In India the price of gold equals about $82 per fine ounce, having been $90 earlier in the year; in Egypt $65 to $70, after having been $87, and elsewhere it is even higher. In Palestine, for instance, the golden sovereign is traded at about £5, equivalent to $86 per fine ounce, having been nearly £6, equivalent to some $100 per fine ounce, earlier in

Jan 1, 1947

By W. T. Lankford, Low J. R., Gensamer M.

The problem of sheet metal formability is one which has received a vast amount of attention during recent years. In spite of the great amount of study and experimental work which has been devoted to this problem, many of its fundamental aspects are still not well understood. No generally satisfactory test has been developed which is capable of providing a reasonably adequate evaluation of sheet metal formability, particularly in borderline cases. Anomalies persistently arise in which a lot of supposedly satisfactory material exhibits excessive breakage when formed. This lack of suitable technological tests greatly hinders the design of new parts and the substitution of new materials in parts of existing design, frequently necessitating considerable costly trial and error experimentation on an actual production basis. When, at the beginning of World War 11, it became apparent that mass production methods of forming would bc required in the aircraft industry if the large numbers of military aircraft needed were to be supplied, renewed attention was focussed on the problem of sheet metal formability. It was widely recognized that the formability requirements placed on sheet metals had been steadily increasing in severity through the years, especially as greater and greater emphasis was placed on streamlined designs with the resultant freer application of doubly curved surfaces. The recent advent of several new high strength aluminum alloys of more limited formability than some of the older alloys also served to emphasize the need for new approaches to the problem. It seemed evident that progress in the technology of sheet metal forming would depend to a great extent on the development of more reliable criteria for the evaluation of formability. Although the problem is admittedly very complex, the most logical approach appeared to be through studies of the fundamental material properties of sheet metals, especially under complex stress conditions simulating those prevailing in actual forming operations. Most previous investigations have failed to make full use of existing knowledge of fundamental material properties, and in many instances have attempted correlations with properties which are now recognized as being ambiguous in nature. This investigation was undertaken, therefore, with the aim of developing methods for the study of the flow and fracture of sheet meta1s under combined stresses, and of making use of such methods as might be developed in

Jan 1, 1947

By Low J. R., Gensamer M., W. T. Lankford

The problem of sheet metal formability is one which has received a vast amount of attention during recent years. In spite of the great amount of study and experimental work which has been devoted to this problem, many of its fundamental aspects are still not well understood. No generally satisfactory test has been developed which is capable of providing a reasonably adequate evaluation of sheet metal formability, particularly in borderline cases. Anomalies persistently arise in which a lot of supposedly satisfactory material exhibits excessive breakage when formed. This lack of suitable technological tests greatly hinders the design of new parts and the substitution of new materials in parts of existing design, frequently necessitating considerable costly trial and error experimentation on an actual production basis. When, at the beginning of World War 11, it became apparent that mass production methods of forming would bc required in the aircraft industry if the large numbers of military aircraft needed were to be supplied, renewed attention was focussed on the problem of sheet metal formability. It was widely recognized that the formability requirements placed on sheet metals had been steadily increasing in severity through the years, especially as greater and greater emphasis was placed on streamlined designs with the resultant freer application of doubly curved surfaces. The recent advent of several new high strength aluminum alloys of more limited formability than some of the older alloys also served to emphasize the need for new approaches to the problem. It seemed evident that progress in the technology of sheet metal forming would depend to a great extent on the development of more reliable criteria for the evaluation of formability. Although the problem is admittedly very complex, the most logical approach appeared to be through studies of the fundamental material properties of sheet metals, especially under complex stress conditions simulating those prevailing in actual forming operations. Most previous investigations have failed to make full use of existing knowledge of fundamental material properties, and in many instances have attempted correlations with properties which are now recognized as being ambiguous in nature. This investigation was undertaken, therefore, with the aim of developing methods for the study of the flow and fracture of sheet meta1s under combined stresses, and of making use of such methods as might be developed in

Jan 1, 1947

By D. A. Flanagan, P. B. Crawford

A study has been made of the feasibility of storing liquid meihane at low pressures in undergrohd caverns. Methane liquefies at — 258°F at atmospheric pressure. It is shown that the methane evaporation rates will rapidly decrease and cool the surrounding rock so that at the end of one month they would be between 50 Mcf/hr for a cavern of 25-ft radius and 700 Mcf/hr for a cavern of 100-ft radius. At the end of 10 years, the evaporation rates would be 18 and 100 Mcf/hr, respectively, for caverns of the same radii. The evaporation rates may be reduced by a factor of 2 to 10 by the application of insulation. The cost for mining the caverns is estimated to be $.75 to $1.25/Mcf of storage. This is substantially less than surface storage; it is believed to be safer and to result in lower maintenance, savings in space and savings in strategic materials. INTRODUCTION During the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in the economic feasibility of liquefying methane. Methane liquefaction is being considered for tanker transport; in addition, liquefaction is being reconsidered for shaving peak gas demands. Several articles have described natural gas liquefaction and the progress of the tanker in making trial runs from the United States to Great Britain to determine the feasibility of tanker transport. At the present time, pipelines are not designed to supply peak gas loads during extremely cold periods such as are oiten encountered in the North and Northeast. Gas is being stored in underground reservoirs en-route to its destination, but in many instances satisfactory storage in porous reservoirs has not been practical, especially along the Eastern seaboard where few petroleum reservoirs have been found. In England and other foreign countries, it is unlikely that satisfactory porous structures could be found, and it may be desirable to mine or excavate the rock to obtain storage. By storing the methane near the consumption point, product availability can be increased during periods of need. Methane liquefies at - 258OF at atmospheric pressure, and 1 cu ft of liquid methane will make about 600 cu ft of gaseous methane. Methane liquefaction for shaving peak gas demands was conducted in Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1940's. The Cleveland plant was designed to liquefy 4 MMcf/D of natural gas.' Development of several low-temperature processes has resulted in some improvements in the design of low-temperature storage vessels. Liquefied-methane storage vessels can be designed for various evaporation rates. The desired rate will depend on the reason for liquefaction. For shaving peak gas demands, the desired evaporation rates would be low, possibly between 0.2 and 1.5 per cent/day. For methane tanker transport and supply, the evaporation rates must be high and must equal the total daily rate of supply. It is apparent that the cost of storage facilities will depend on the objective and will vary appreciably. Surface storage of methane may cost between $3,000 and $20,000/MMscf, depending on the size and design. The failure of the surface storage vessels at Cleveland, with the resulting injury and loss of many lives, has caused considerable emphasis to be placed upon developing new, safer and improved methods of storing liquid methane. Storage of liquefied propane and butane in underground salt domes has been very satisfactory. The per-barrel cost of underground storage for any sizeable capacity is very small compared to the cost of surface storage for LPG mixtures. The larger the capacity of the underground storage, the less is the per-barrel cost. Numerous advantages appear to exist if liquefied methane could be satisfactorily stored underground, the principal advantages being increased safety, lower initial cost, lower maintenance cost, savings in space and savings in strategic materials. The purpose of this paper is to determine the feasibility of storing liquid methane underground in mined caverns. If a large spherical cavern is dug underground and is filled instantaneously with liquid methane, the surface of the sphere may approach the liquid methane temperature almost instantaneously. The temperature distribution for a sphere of radius r. in an infinite medium, initially at one temperature with spherical surface kept at T, from time t = 0, is given by Eq. 1.'

By Enid C. Plante, K. L. Sutherland

PRACTICAL metallurgists are unanimous in stating that oxidation of mined sulphide ore adversely affects separation of the constituent minerals under standard conditions in a mill. Frequently, the need for different operating conditions in different plants is attributed either to the extent of oxidation of the mineral surfaces or to soluble oxidation products. The investigations reported in this paper study the effect of oxidation on the primary condition necessary for flotation, namely that of adhesion of an air bubble to the mineral. OXIDATION PRODUCTS FROM SULPHIDE MINERALS Weinig and Carpenter1 state that the relative rates of oxidation of some sulphides are: FeAsS > FeS2 > CuFeS2 > ZnS >PbS > Cu2S tetrahedrite. They also show that oxidation is rapid at first, that sulphides of older geological formations are more stable than those of recent date and that mixtures oxidize more rapidly than any one mineral alone. The more rapid oxidation of mixtures is borne out by results of Gottschalk and Buehler2 who found that PbS, ZnS and CuS oxidized 8 to 20 times faster when pyrite was present. Only the end products of oxidation, sulphate and the metal ion, were identified in these tests. Gaudin3 states that pyrite is difficult to oxidize in the laboratory. Winchell,4 using pyrite containing 99.98 pct FeS2, allowed water to percolate through a bed of this ground material. At the end of three months only a trace of Fe +++and S04- were found. Even after 10 months the quantity of Fe+++ was only 7.8 mg and S04- 25.5 mg per liter of percolating solution. Carmichael5 confirmed Winchell's results on the slow oxidation of pyrite. Usually the oxidation of sulphide surfaces has been conducted in neutral or acid solutions, the acidity being caused by the oxidation products. Eliseev and Nagirnyak6 found that treatment of pure pyrite with lime gave only thiosulphate, but considered it possible that thiosulphate was obtained not by oxidation of the pyrite itself, but by oxidation of calcium disulphide. Mitrofanov7 suggested that thiosulphate was formed by the following process: oxidation of sulphide to give free sulphur (this frequently happens with marcasite), followed by oxidation of the sulphur to sulphur dioxide and reaction of the sulphur dioxide with sulphur to give thiosulphate. Ferric and ferrous hydroxides, or similar compounds, were shown to be present. The Research Staff of the United Verde Copper Co.8 treated ore from the United Verde mine with lime. Thiosulphate, sulphide and polysulphides were stated to be

Jan 1, 1947

By W. F. Boericke

INTRODUCTION THE Wisconsin zinc district, or the Upper Mississippi lead. and zinc district as it is also termed, lies in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, and embraces adjacent portions of Illinois and Iowa. It includes Iowa, Grant, and Lafayette counties in Wisconsin, and Jo Davies county in Illinois. In Iowa, Dubuque formerly produced considerable lead, but there has been little mining there in recent years. The map, Fig. 1, shows the entire district, with roads, railways, streams, and the various towns, or "camps," around Which the mines. are clustered. The hatchwork indicates the areas iii which lead and zinc have been mined. The district is about 60 mi. (96 km.) north and south and about 40 mi. (64 km.) east and west. Not all of the territory is mineral bearing, and there are considerable areas that are believed to be barren. The grouping of the mines is patchy and irregular, though certain broad zones of mineralization extend almost the full width of the district, as from Mineral Point west through Mifflin and Livingston, and from Shullsburg west through New Diggings and Hazel Green. It is worth noting that the best mines of the district have, to date, been found within 10 mi. east or west of the fourth principal meridian line, thus lying within a long, narrow, north-and-south belt extending the length of the district. In a field as large as the Wisconsin, which has only within com-paratively recent time been worked intensively for zinc, the. chances are good for, opening new and important orebodies in parts of the district not yet, or insufficiently, prospected. However, the prospecting has been most successful around, or adjacent to, the old lead diggings of nearly a century ago, and the camps that were well known then are still centers of activity. In their order of importance they are: New Diggings, Benton, Mifflin-Livingston, Galena, Linden, Hazel Green, Shullsburg, and Highland.

Jan 8, 1919

By R. A. Morgen

THE binary system lead-antimony has been the subject of compre-hensive investigations in these laboratories by Dean1 and his associates. The effect of a third constituent on this system, particularly on the lead-rich alloys in which dispersion hardening ,was found, has a commercial value as well as an academic interest. This paper covers the effect of the addition of copper, bismuth and tin, all of which are likely to be found in commercial lead-antimony alloys, and is divided into three parts, as follows: I. The System Lead-Antimony-Copper II. The System Lead-Antimony-Bismuth III. The Lead Corner of the System Lead-Antimony-Tin These three systems are of three different types, and hence may be considered as covering three general kinds of additions. Bismuth forms no compounds with either lead or antimony and forms solid solutions with both. Copper forms several compounds with antimony as well as solid solutions but with lead it forms a two liquid layer system and no appreciable solid solution. Tin is soluble in both lead and antimony in the solid state and also forms a compound with antimony. The effect of small amounts of bismuth on the lead-antimony alloys is small, having no appreciable effect on the solubility of antimony. The temperature of the solidus floor is lowered appreciably by the presence of bismuth, cutting down the range of heat treatment. Copper, on the other hand, due to compound formation, increases the apparent solubility of antimony. The excess antimony is tied up with the copper finally and so is not available for dispersion hardening. The net result of addition of small amounts of copper is to shift the dispersion hardening peak of the

Jan 1, 1927

By Walter Crafts

Structural steels containing chromium have become widely used in the last 20 years. In the earlier part of this period the major applications were in chromium-molybdenum aircraft tubing and similar special high-strength steels. During the past 10 years there has been a notable expansion in the use of chromium-bearing steel for structural purposes when welding was utilized for fabrication. The chromium-bearing steels introduced by Saklatwallal (chromium-copper), Kinzel2 (chromium-manganese-silicon), and Schultz3 (chromium-copper) are being extensively used at the present time. General Effects of Chromium Chromium is so widely known for its carbide-forming tendency that its capacity to stabilize oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus is often overlooked. In low-carbon steels of the structural type these so-called secondary characteristics become more prominent. For this reason also, chromium in structural steel is definitely a toughening agent. As the carbon content is increased, the more widely known hardening effect becomes more evident. In low-carbon steels chromium increases the notched-bar impact strength substantially. This property persists at subzero temperatures and is utilized for low-temperature service in chromium-copper steel.4 Chromium also reduces any tendency to strain-aging embrittlement. In addition to improving the toughness of steels with the usual impurities, chromium has the specific property of counteracting the brittleness induced by high phosphorus.5,6 In steels low in carbon and alloys, chromium has an almost negligible effect on tensile strength, and a hardening influence is noticeable only in the stronger steels. The ductility of welds adjacent to the base plate is also improved by chromium, both in the range of foolproof welding steels having strengths of less than 80,000 lb. per sq. in. as well as in the higher strength steels.

Jan 1, 1939

By Walter Crafts

Structural steels containing chromium have become widely used in the last 20 years. In the earlier part of this period the major applications were in chromium-molybdenum aircraft tubing and similar special high-strength steels. During the past 10 years there has been a notable expansion in the use of chromium-bearing steel for structural purposes when welding was utilized for fabrication. The chromium-bearing steels introduced by Saklatwallal (chromium-copper), Kinzel2 (chromium-manganese-silicon), and Schultz3 (chromium-copper) are being extensively used at the present time. General Effects of Chromium Chromium is so widely known for its carbide-forming tendency that its capacity to stabilize oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus is often overlooked. In low-carbon steels of the structural type these so-called secondary characteristics become more prominent. For this reason also, chromium in structural steel is definitely a toughening agent. As the carbon content is increased, the more widely known hardening effect becomes more evident. In low-carbon steels chromium increases the notched-bar impact strength substantially. This property persists at subzero temperatures and is utilized for low-temperature service in chromium-copper steel.4 Chromium also reduces any tendency to strain-aging embrittlement. In addition to improving the toughness of steels with the usual impurities, chromium has the specific property of counteracting the brittleness induced by high phosphorus.5,6 In steels low in carbon and alloys, chromium has an almost negligible effect on tensile strength, and a hardening influence is noticeable only in the stronger steels. The ductility of welds adjacent to the base plate is also improved by chromium, both in the range of foolproof welding steels having strengths of less than 80,000 lb. per sq. in. as well as in the higher strength steels.

Jan 1, 1939

By A. Becker, J. A. Slankis

Equipment has been developed to utilize natural 8 Hz electromagnetic fields to measure rock resistivities. Telluric and magnetotelluric surveys have detected resistivity variations associated with geological contacts and metallic sulfide deposits. The fundamenfa1 premises of these methods are illustrated by the results of surveys across a Pleistocene-Precambrian contact in the Ottawa Valley and a near-surface sulfide deposit in Northern Quebec. Such interfaces are characterized not only by variations in apparent resistivity, but also, unexpectedly by the spatial anisotropy of the electric fields and the presence of a strong vertical magnetic field component in their vicinity. Standard geophysical electrical and electromagnetic methods (Heiland, 1940) for the determination of the electrical properties of the ground and the search of good electrical conductors necessitate the use of a transmitter and receiver which are coupled galvanically or inductively through the ground. The electrical properties of the ground are deduced from either the transfer function, or the impulse response, of the transmitter — ground — receiver system. Where deep penetration is desired these methods require powerful transmitters whose weight and size increase the cost and reduce the speed of operation. It is possible however, to resort to another class of electrical prospecting methods which employ ambient, natural electromagnetic fields in place of a transmitter.'-' In the audio and subaudio frequency ranges, these fields are generated by thunderstorm activity. At some distance from the seat of the disturbance, the e.m. fields propagate as plane waves with a horizontal magnetic field component. The incident wave, of course, induces currents in the ground. Where the ground is homogeneous the relation between the horizontal magnetic and horizontal electric fields vectors is particularly simple:' /E/ = \[SpT/H/ (1) where: /E/ = magnitude of horizontal electric field in millivolts/kilometer (RMS) /H/ = magnitude of the orthogonal inducing magnetic field in milligammas (RMS) p = rock resistivity in ohm-meters i = frequency of measurement in c/s In practice, the ground is seldom an homogeneous half space, lateral conductivity variations exist, (in the case of base metal prospecting these are the features actually sought) and the two field vectors are no longer simply related. The ratio of E to H is still useful, however, for the determination of an "apparent" ground resistivity. From a theoretical view point, the general problem of a two dimensional fault or dyke anomaly can be separated into two distinct cases. In the first case, where the e.m. energy propagates in a direction normal to the strike, the horizontal magnetic field remains constant and is oriented along the strike of the formation.3 As shown by d'Erceville and Kunetz," all the information about the anomaly is contained in measurements of the electric field component. In fact, away from the interface, the electric fields are proportional to the square roots of the resistivities:

Jan 1, 1970

By Oliver Bowles

DIMENSION stone is a convenient term applied to stone sold in blocks or slabs of specified shapes and usually of specified sizes, as contrasted with crushed, broken and pulverized stone, discussed in another chapter. Dimension stone includes cut stone, rough building stone, ashlar, rubble, paving blocks, curbing and flagging. Riprap-large, irregular blocks used for shore protection-is classed more properly with crushed and broken stone. COMPOSITION, VARIETIES AND PROPERTIES Stones used as blocks or slabs are of many kinds. The principal varieties are granite, sandstone, limestone and marble. Slate is covered in another chapter. Granite is a visibly granular crystalline rock consisting essentially of feldspar, quartz, and mica or hornblende. Limestone consists essentially of calcium carbonate, with which may be associated certain impurities such as clay, sand, or iron oxide. Dolomites and magnesium limestones used as dimension stone are classed with the high- calcium limestones, as they are used in the same way. Marble is a crystalline form of limestone. Sandstone consists essentially of silica in the form of sand grains cemented together into a coherent mass. Although rock occurrences are numerous and widespread, the ex- acting requirements of use condemn all but a small fraction of them for commercial use as dimension stone. No deposit that has closely spaced cracks, lines of weakness, or joints can be so used because sound blocks of moderate to large size are demanded. Uniform texture and grain size, constant and attractive color, and freedom from impurities that may cause stains or deterioration usually are required also. Hardness is a variable property. Granites are as hard as or harder than steel while limestones and marbles may be scratched easily with a knife. The hardness of a sandstone depends upon the degree of cementation of the grains. Workability depends to a considerable extent on hardness, but the degree of hardness has little influence on use except when stones are subjected to severe abrasion, as on steps or floors. "Texture" as applied to stone relates to the arrangement, uniformity, and size of the constituent grains.

Jan 1, 1949

By Harry V. Warren

During the past few years the author has had an opportunity to examine a number of base-metal mines in the western United States, France and Spain. Nearly all of these mines produced some silver, and laboratory studies of the relationship between the silver and the various base-metal minerals in the ore have given some interesting and, it is to be hoped, enlightening facts. As this work was undertaken primarily to ascertain the amount of silver chemically associated with, not controlled by, the various base-metal minerals, the laborious and not always satisfactory method of picking out "pure" samples of each mineral from many localities was employed. However, the results obtained have justified the time that has been spent. Not only have the conclusions arrived at in different mining areas been in accordance with one another but in many instances they have afforded scientific support or explanations for much of the knowledge that operators in the various camps have acquired by practical experience. Although many of the conclusions are not new, many of the facts are, and the results, if they do nothing else, serve to confirm the findings of some of the other workers in this field, particularly the work of Nissen and Hoyt1 and of F. N. Guild2. Dr. S. G. Lasky3 has suggested a novel method for determining from a series of algebraic equations the amount of silver controlled by each of the base-metal minerals but I doubt very much whether his method can be justified, chiefly because there appear to be more variables to be considered than the few that appear in his equations. Typical Examples of Irregular Silver Distribution Combination Mine, New Mexico, U.S.A.—In this mine an examination of the assay plans either of the mine or of the average mill feed or products

Jan 1, 1935

By John Birkinbine

The experience of the past five years has furnished opportunities to study and to partially explain the operation and some of the causes of the short blast of Warwick Furnace at Pottstown, Pennsylvania, as described in the paper read at the Lake Superior Meeting, in August, 1880.* The many inquiries concerning the details of furnace operation which followed the publication of the paper, and the expressed desire of furnace managers to be informed as to future operations of this plant, have encouraged the preparation of the following data. To make the record continuous, and add to the value of both contributions, the present paper commences where the review of a short blast of Warwick Furnace ended, and includes the data of another short blast of two months, and a subsequent continuous campaign of nearly five years, which, by comparison, we shall designate as "the long blast." Frequent visits to the plant in the five years, during which its operation could be studied, and correspondence with the manager, Mr. Edgar S. Cook, have given a knowledge as to general features and details, and the courtesy of the officers of the Company which has given free access to the books of record permits the presentation of data which it is believed will be welcomed by furnace managers. Interest will undoubtedly be increased by the remarkable results which Mr. Cook has achieved chiefly with anthracite coal in a furnace whose details of construction will scarcely be generally admitted as embodying advanced ideas, its height being but 55 feet, with a bosh diameter of 15 feet 6 inches, its bosh-slope comparatively flat, its crucible smaller than the average, and the heat of the blast never reaching 1000' Fahrenheit. At present writing the credit of the best anthracite blast-furnace practice recorded in our Transactions is conceded to be that pursued by Mr. Fackenthal, at the Durham furnace, and Mr. Cook, at War-

Jan 1, 1886

By R. W. Parsons, P. R. Chaney

Oil recovery by the imbibition mechanism can be important in fractured carbonate reservoirs with a bottom water drive. Laboratory experiments were performed on water-wet carbonate rocks to model this process. The results are interpreted in light of the applicable scaling laws. The imbibition production behavior of a pillar of rock subjected to a slowly rising water table can be synthesized from data on total immersion experiments on small rock samples. If the rate of water table rise is slow enough and if the physical properties are such that the imbibition zone is of a small vertical extent, then only the final oil recovery on the small samples need be known. Applying laboratory imbibition data to a real reservoir should be done with caution because of possible wettability problems and the unknown behavior of two-phase flow in fractures. INTRODUCTION The spontaneous taking up of a preferential wetting fluid into a porous medium with the simultaneous expulsion of the contained fluid is termed imbibition. One of the many physical imbibition processes is the production of oil by the taking up of water into a water-wet reservoir rock. In certain types of heterogeneous reservoirs, e.g., fractured, it is realized that imbibition alone may be the dominant mechanism. Theoretical studies of imbibition oil recovery have followed several lines of attack. The behavior of certain mathematically tractable and conceptually simple models have been analyzed. Birks1 considered a bundle of vertical capillaries model, while Perotti et al.2 and Kelemen3 used a model of a series of vertically oriented fractures. If the oil production behavior from a block of reservoir rock is known, then the cumulative behavior of a vertical stack of these blocks subjected to a rising water table can be determined by a method outlined by Aronofsky et al. 4 Knowing the capillary pressure and relative permeability functions should uniquely set the imbibition behavior for a given sample. Solutions of the partial differential equations describing the process, however, present some formidable problems. Digital computer techniques have been applied to displacement processes in which the capillary pressure has been included.5"8 More recently, similar techniques have been used by Blair 9 to calculate countercurrent imbibition behavior. The fact that imbibition behavior is described by the usual fluid flow equations (Darcy's Law and continuity equation) implies that the derived scaling laws should apply equally to this situation. Use of model experiments to study imbibition has been employed by Graham and Richardson 10 and Mattax and Kyte,11 who actually tested the scaling law applicability. This study is concerned with scaled model imbibition experiments on water-wet carbonate rocks. Of particular interest is the slowly rising water table experiment. This simulates a highly fractured reservoir with the water table rising uniformly through the vertical fracture system. Experiments were performed on different sized samples and with different rates of rise of the water-oil interface surrounding the rock pillar. Total immersion imbibition experiments on smaller rock samples were performed to test the basic linear scaling laws and to see if these simpler tests could be used to synthesize the rising water table experimental results. THEORY IMBIBITION SCALING LAWS Scaling laws for the flow of two incompressible immiscible fluids in a porous medium have been presented by Rapoport.12 These are derived directly from Darcy's Law for the individual phases and the continuity equation. Results from a laboratory model experiment will duplicate those from some reservoir prototype if a constant proportion is maintained among the three forces acting on the fluids — the capillary pressure gradient, the gravitational gradient and the flowing pressure gradient. Operation of the model (i.e., fluid injection or withdrawal) must be conducted in accordance with specific equations. If the

Jan 1, 1967