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By Lloyd Emory

THE region known as. Guyana or Guiana stretches along the north coast of South America from the mouth of the Orinoco River in Venezuela to the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil. Politically, it is divided into British, Dutch, and French Guiana, extend¬ ing into Venezuela on the north and into Brazil on the south. Because the area is within the sweep of the northeast trade winds and of approximately the same latitude, plant' and animal life are fairly uniform throughout. The geology is very similar as far as the northern coast is concerned. The drainage is taken care of by a number of large rivers that flow northward directly into the sea. The Courantyne River, which roughly divides the area into half, is the eastern boundary of British Guiana.1 The lower reaches of this river are also the center axis of an ancient bay that at one time indented the coast-line at this point. The old shore-line and, in fact, successive shore-lines can be traced from near the present coast-line in, the northwest district of British-Guiana, south-east and inland, crossing the Essequibo River near Dahli, the Demerara near Christianburg, the Berbice at the mouth of the Kuruduni River and the Courantyne at Vaka-Kuyaha Falls. The line then swings around to the northeast and again approaches the coast near St. Lau-rent in French Guiana. This article will be confined to British Guiana and largely to the valley of the Demerara River, but for geographic names .and topographic details it might, however, apply to Dutch Guiana as well. British Guiana, which comprises about 90,000 sq. mi. and is as large as England, Scotland, and Wales combined, may be divided into three belts, the alluvial belt or coastal plain, the foot-hill area (often spoken of as the sand clay belt), and the hinterland.

Jan 1, 1928

LOCAL SECTIONS (There are 60 Local Sections in the United States, 4 Foreign ) ADIRONDACK Established June 18, 1952 Paul W Allen, Chairman William Webb, Vice-Chairman Edwin Briggs, Secretary-Treasurer National Lead Company Mac Intyre Development Tahawus, New York Paul W Allen, Section Delegate R G Fleck, Alternate Section Delegate

Jan 1, 1954

By L. A. Wright, J. F. Emerson

The Pine Creek mine, owned by Union Carbide Nuclear Co., Div. of Union Carbide and Carbon Corp., is one of the world's largest producers of tungsten. The mine is located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 25 miles north- west of Bishop, Calif. Prior to 1948, production from the property came either from surface pits or from underground workings above A level haulage tunnel. The tunnel is at an elevation of 10,900 ft, which left 500 to 600 ft of vertical backs to the surface outcrops. Heavy production demands during World War II hastened the planning for long range development of orebodies below A level. A 7000-ft haulage tunnel, 1500 ft below A level, was started in 1943 and completed in early 1947. This haulage tunnel is at an elevation of 9400 ft and is known as Zero tunnel.

Apr 1, 1956

By A. W. Schlechten, A. H. Larson

Equilibrium H2S/H2 ratios were determined as functions of temperature (500o to 900°C) and composition in a hydrogen-circulation apparatus. Within the composition range studied there exists a two-phase region of "Zr3S4" and "ZrS2". The upper composition limit of this two-phase region is hounded by a disulfide phase and is practically constant over the temperature range investigated. The lower composition limit of this two-phase region is bounded a "Zr3S4 " phase and varies appreciably with tem- perature. The upper composition limit of the homogeneous region of the disulfide phase is not definitely determined, but it appears to he bounded by the stoichiometric composition of ZrS2. The lower composition limit of the homogeneous region of the Zr3S4 phase could not he determined due to the extremely low values of the equilibrium H2S/H2 ratios. Various thermodynamic quantities are evaluated from the data. PUBLISHED free-energy data for the Zr-S system are practically nonexistent. Strotzer, Biltz, and Meisel1 measured the sulfur pressures for the reaction 2ZrS2(s) + S2(g) = ZrS3(s) in the temperature range 783" to 874°C. The average heat of reaction calculated from the temperature dependence of the sulfur pressure is -47 keal. It should be noted, however, that according to these investigators, the two-phase region as determined by sulfur pressure constancy under isothermal conditions extended from approximately ZrS2, 3 to ZrS2.7. From consideration of X-ray data they concluded that the homogeneous regions of the disulfide and trisulfide phases are ZrS1.8-2.0 and ZrS2.8-3.2, respectively. Hahn and coworkers2 have made a structure study of the zirconium sulfide phases. They summarized the zirconium sulfide phases as follows: the compounds ZrS3 and ZrS2 with narrow homogeneous regions, a "Zr3S4" phase with a homogeneous region roughly within the limits of ZrSl.5 and ZrSo.9, the compounds ZrS and Zr4S3, and a "Zr3S2" phase with a homogeneous region within the limits ZrSo.8 and ZrSo.5. It is noted that the compounds ZrS and Zr4S3 are only formed in the gaseous state through sublimation of a phase which has the approximate composition of the compound. This paper describes the determination of the stability of the zirconium sulfide phases by a hydrogen-reduction method in which hydrogen is circulated over the heated sulfide until equilibrium is attained. The resulting H2S-H2 mixture is then analyzed. Partial molar free energies, enthalpies,

Jan 1, 1964

By H. Foster Bain

Steel for any large structure must be imported, the Hanyang works being entirely unable to supply local demand. The United States Steel Products Co. has warehouses and small stocks at Shanghai and at normal times there are heavy importations from Europe. It is difficult to obtain any accurate index of prices, but comparison of customs valuations with Pittsburgh quotations shows angles, bars and plates to have averaged $10 gold per ton higher in China in 1914, while on galvanized and tinned plates the excess was- $38 per ton. The margin since has been greater. Previous to the war little machinery was manufactured in China. There were shipyards at Shanghai and at Hong Kong which built a small number of engines, and small foundry and repair works are found at a number of ports. Their capacity was limited and the difficulties and delays incident to transport in China so numerous that in practice every important mine has a small foundry, boiler works, and machine shop. This must be taken into account in plans for work in the country. While skilled workmen can be found it is to be noted that most of them have been trained

Jan 1, 1921

Executive HENRY A. BUEHLER, Chairman ERLE V. DAVELER EDGAR RICKARD JOHN M. LOVEJOY WILLIAM WRAITH J. V. W. REYNDERS, Consultant Finance HENRY KRUMB, Chairman E. E. ELLIS PAUL D. MERICA H. G. MOULTON, Consultant Admissions RALPH M. ROOSEVELT, Chairman GEORGE D. BARRON DONALD M. LIDDELL WILBER JUDSONW. D. B. MOTTER, JR.

Jan 1, 1934

By J. S. Lasater

Resu1ts of experinmental measurernents of heat capacities and thermal conductivities of some typical porous rocks are presented. Measured heat capacities agree closely with va1ues calculated front known chenlical . compositions of the rocks. On the basis of this agreement, heat capacitir.7 of fluid-satttrated rocks were calc~ililted. Therrnal conductivities of the rock samples were measured under varioits conditions of fluid saturation. From these data therrnal dif-fvsivities were calculated. A significant variation of thermal diflusivity with trnlperature is indicated. Knowledge of the thermal characteristics of fluid-bearing porous rocks has become increasingly important with the development of thermal oil-recovery processes. Reliable thermal data for petroleum reservoir rocks are not available and approximate values are generally assumed for reservoir calculations. 'The effects of temperature, pressure and fluid saturation on thermal properties of porous rocks have not been carefully studied. The purpose of the present work was to measure and report the thermal characteristics of some typical porous rocks. A group of eight sedimentary rock samples, including limestone, shale, sandstone and silt-stone, was selected for the study. Properties reported include heat capacities, thermal conductivities and thermal diffusivities. The effect of fluid saturation on these properties was also considered. Determinations of thermal properties require precise measurements which are time consuming and difficult to reduce to a routine basis. Methods have not been developed for measurement of thermal proper-ties under conditions of pressure, temperature, and fluid saturation, which may be encountered in thermal recovery processes. As one approach to these problems, some preliminary work on methods of estimating thermal properties from other more readily measurable characteristics of the rock-fluid system is reported. The samples selected for the studies were oilfield cores from within, or closely associated with oil-productive zones. Descriptions of individual samples are given in Table 1. Clay minerals present in the samples were determined by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Quartz content was estimated from DTA cooling curves. For all but the thermal conductivity tests, a representative 200-gm sample of each core was disaggregated, thoroughly extracted in diox-ane and oven dried at 100°C. The cleaned and dried sample was care- fully split into appropriate portions for the several tests. Chemical analyses of the samples were obtained to permit calculations of heat capacities by methods which are outlined later. Resuits of chenlical analyses are given in Table 2. Heat contents of the test samples were measured by a Runsen-type calorimeter. The heat content of the unknown sample is measured relative to the known heat content of platinum. The apparatus is referred to as a relative error type because of the comparative measurements, and has the advantage of canceling systematic errors. Experimental results are reproducible within 0.5 per cent. A temperature base of 298.16 K is taken for heat content measurements. Measurements were made at five temperatures (260, 440, 620, 800 and 980° F). It was necessary to preheal the sample above the maximum experimental temperature to eliminate volatile constituents. Assuming the weight loss on pre-heat, ing was mostly water, a correction to the observed heat content was made to account for the water originally present in the sample. This latter procedure was followed in the determination of calculated heat contents as will be described later. The apparatus and the method of measure-

By W. D. Robertson, D. A. Koss, A. J. Goldman

THE significance of the hcp (E) structure, which appears when Fe-Cr-Ni alloys (stainless steels) are transformed martensitically, has been the subject of considerable study and speculation.'-7 It has been proposed that the hcp structure is an intermediate phase in the transformation: fcc (austenite) — hcp (E) -bcc (0, martensite). However, recent studies by transmission electron microscopy6,7 have indicated that the hcp structure may be a consequence of the large shear strain (10 deg) associated with the fcc to bcc transformation. That is, the transformation to a bcc structure is accompanied by extensive dissociation of dislocations in the parent austenite, which has a low stacking-fault energy.'-'' X-ray diffraction analysis of the transformed alloy reveals a pattern of lines corresponding to an hcp structure, together with the parent austenite and the bcc product. The fact that the hcp structure is observed only in association with the bcc product in these alloys1'4'6'7 lends support to the conclusion that the hcp structure is a secondary product of the transformation. But, the evidence is circumstantial and more definite resolution of the two possibilities mains to be obtained. If the hcp structure is an intermediate product of the transformation, as in 1) above, then two distinct Ms temperatures should be observed, Ms and To evaluate this possibility, three different techniques that are particularly sensitive to the structural changes accompanying such transformations have been used in an attempt to detect two transformation temperatures in an Fe-15.1 Cr-11.7 Ni alloy: 1) high-sensitivity differential thermal analysis, 2) the temperature dependence of resonant frequency (elastic moduli), and 3) internal friction of cylindrical specimens vibrating in either longitudinal or torsional modes. To obtain the necessary sensitivity, a differential thermal analysis technique was developed for the purpose, Fig. 1. The differential temperature between a nickel standard and the specimen was amplified to produce a sensitivity of 0.02OC (0.7 v) in temperature difference. The specimen and the standard were surrounded by a copper block and the entire assembly was immersed in a solution of methyl and ethyl alcohol, freezing point, - 140OC, which provided the necessary thermal stability to reduce temperature fluctuations to negligible proportions. A cooling rate of about 1.5OC per min was obtained by bubbling liquid nitrogen through the liquid bath. In order to calibrate the experiment with respect to the evolution of heat in the transformation from fcc to hcp structures, differential cooling curves were obtained for an Fe-19.8 Mn alloy, which transforms martensitically to E.'"-' a Ms(e) temperature of 145°C was clearly defined by a temperature

Jan 1, 1964

By Walter L. Crow

MUCH has been published on highly technical phases of grinding. Very little has been written on how a mill man can improve his operations by determining the optimum size assortment of grinding balls that should be added as a makeup charge. This ball rationing is not to be confused with the ball ration used as an initial charge when the mill is started up. Ball rationing is considered for one or more of the following purposes: 1) to increase throughput of the mill, 2) to reduce the power required per ton of ore ground to the desired size, 3) to reduce steel consumption per ton of ore ground, 4) to improve product size, and 5) to lower retention time of ore in the mill.

Jan 7, 1957

By J. Hall Carpenter, James E. Lawver

Shortly after the passage of the Taconite Amendment in Minnesota, several mining companies announced their intention to build new magnetite taconite plants and another announced its intention to augment present facilities. It is clear that Minnesota will enjoy an expanding magnetite taconite industry, but despite the fact that the reserves are large, eventually they will have to be supplemented by oxidized deposits. Furthermore, not all producers have magnetite taconite reserves. Due to the extensive oxidation of most of the western part of the Mesabi Range, there are no large blocks of unaltered magnetite taconite that lend themselves to open pit operations. Unless a commercial process can be developed to concentrate the oxidized, or so- called "nonmagnetic", taconite and semi-taconite, the existing mines operating in the western part of the range will be forced to shut down when the direct shipping, wash and gravity ores are depleted, or are no longer salable, because of their poor quality compared to high-grade pellets. KNOWN PROCESSES COSTLY The enormous reserves of the oxidized iron- bearing formation have offered a tantalizing challenge to metallurgists for many years. In fact, several processes for concentrating certain types of oxidized ore have been successful at both laboratory and pilot plant level, but to date no process for concentrating semitaconite or oxidized taconite has reached commercial fruition. Magnetic roasting, followed by low-intensity magnetic separation1, has shown considerable promise because the high iron recovery makes the ratio of concentration of many of the oxidized ores more favorable than that of magnetite taconite. However, the capital and operating costs are high and, in many cases, a high- grade concentrate cannot be made without resorting to flotation of the magnetic concentrate. Hence, most research groups are investigating alternate methods of concentration with the hopes of reducing the cost.

Jan 9, 1965

By H. G. Doll

THIS paper discusses a method and apparatus for determining the dip of formations traversed by a drill hole, by means of electrical measurements in the hole. The process consists in recording the Spontaneous Potentials present along three oriented generatrices in the hole. By comparison of the three curves thus obtained, after application of a correction factor to compensate for any deviations of the hole, the dip angle and the dip direction are determined. Excellent accuracy is obtained for dip angles over 10°. Because the method is simple and the apparatus rugged, the measurements are rapid and reliable; consequently, they can be made at all the levels that are of interest at any time after the well has been drilled. Mechanical cores are not needed to evaluate the dips. A convenient, timesaving procedure is to perform the dipmeter survey at the time the electrical log is taken, using for both operations the same cable and truck. Actual examples of results obtained in wells of the Gulf Coast area are given.

Jan 1, 1944

By S. L. Lopata, E. B. Kula

A variation of yield and tensile strength with direction has been noted in heat-treated 4340 steel which had been warn-worked by rolling in the austenitic condition prior to quenching. Measurements by X-rays showed a preferred orientation of martensite crystals. Various ideal preferred orientations of martensite were calculated by assuming a preferred orientation for austenite and transforming this to martensite by the Kurdjumov -Sachs and Nishiyama relationships. Comparison with the measured preferred orientation showed that the ideal rolling texture for austenite in 4340 steel could be expressed as a (112) [111] texture with a component of (110) [112]. No evidence was found for any fiber axis in the rolling direction, or fop- a (123) [412] texture. The observed martensite pole figures can be adequately accounted for by these ideal austenite textures and by the Kurdjumou-Sachs or Nishiyama transformation relationships between austenite and martensite. ALTHOUGH preferred orientations are found in cold-rolled steel sheet and in many nonferrous metals, they are not generally encountered in wrought, heat-treated high-strength steels, since such steels are generally not cold worked sufficiently to develop a strong texture, and any texture that is present is removed during heat treatment by the phase transformations taking place. This report gives details on a preferred orientation found in warm-rolled and hardened 4340 steel. In a recent study, a special combination heat-treating and working technique was used in which 4340 steel was deformed in the austenitic condition, and before re crystallization of the austenite could occur, quenched to form martensite.' Since the austenite was unrecrystallized, it was cold worked and hence could have contained a preferred orientation which could be transmitted to the martensite on quenching, and this in turn could be manifested as a directionality of mechanical properties. Such a directionality of properties was found as a result of working, and this prompted an X-ray study of the preferred orientation. Literature Survey— Rolling Texture in Face-Cen-tered-Cubic Austenite—M a preferred orientation is found in a rolled and hardened steel, it is first appropriate to consider what texture existed in the austenite as a result of the rolling but prior to the transformation to martensite. The changes taking place as a result of the austenite-martensite transformation are then considered. In view of the instability of austenite in 4340 steel at low temperatures, no direct determination of the austenite texture was made. However, an estimate of the texture for austenite in 4340 steel may be made by considering the textures found for other face-centered-cubic metals. Barrett' has reviewed the rolling textures for many materials. The most common orientation in face-centered-cubic metals has the (110) planes parallel to the rolling plane and the [112] directions parallel to the rolling direction, or (110) [112]. Other orientations found are (112) [111], as well as (100) [001], (110) [001], and others. Beck and his co-workers, using quantitative pole figures, report that (123) [121],3 later corrected to (123) [412],4 better describes the ideal orientation. smallman5 reported that the ideal preferred orientation for high-purity face-centered-cubic metals is (123) [121], but that there is a transition to (110) [112] as solid solution elements are added. The latter texture tends to occur more readily at lower temperatures. This transition between the two textures was explained by differences in the slip characteristics with concentration or temperature. More recently, Jones and Fell6 concluded that the (123) [412] texture for face-centered-cubic metals could equally well be represented by a mixture of (110) [112] and (112) [111] textures, and hence it had no physical reality. From the above results it can be seen that there is no agreement on the "ideal" texture for fcc metals and, hence, no firm basis for assuming a texture for austenite in 4340 steel. Therefore, the orientations (110) [112], (123) [412], and (112) [111] have been considered in the following.* *The (123) [4121 is identical to the (123) [121] rotated 90 deg. Orientation Relationship between Austenite and Martensite—When martensite forms from austenite, certain crystallographic planes of the martensite are parallel to planes in the austenite. This orientation relationship was first determined by Kurdjumov and

Jan 1, 1960

By L. A. Panek

Using an approach based on the theory of similitude, the author develops a general equation and related concepts that provide new insights to an old problem. The load-bearing capacity (strength) of a square, rectangular, or cylindrical prism of a brittle material such as rock, coal, or concrete is expressed as the mathematical product of a size effect, a shape effect, and a function of the mechanical properties (deformability, cleat/joint spacing, and friction) of the pillar, roof, and floor materials. Through an application of multivariate statistical analysis, the results of assorted tests (laboratory and in situ) and observations of failed pillars can be combined into a fundamental scaling equation, which provides a unified, consistent approach to the estimation of mine pillar strength. The form of the equation is sufficiently general to be able to incorporate refinements in the characterization of the structural parameters, as they become available through future analysis and experimentation. Analysis of the published test data suggests that pillar compressive strength (per unit of area) is proportional to the cube root of the pillar width, and that the height effect can be described as the superimposing of a variable size effect (characteristic of the material) on the constant width effect.

Jan 1, 1981

By Norris Johnston, Carrol M. Beeson

For many years the permeability of reservoir sands has been measured by flowing air through a cleaned and dried core sample. This differs from the true reservoir permeability in one important respect: the rock particles in the reservoir are surrounded by interstitial water, not air, and their physical shape and condition of hydration are greatly dependent thereon. Permeability as defined must be measured with a single-phase fluid. Since no means exist for removing the oil and gas from a core sample by simply flowing water through it, the sample must be cleaned and then resatu-rated with water before testing. The present discussion attempts to show that after the cleaning process a considerably different permeability is determined with salt or fresh water than is obtained with air. The postulate is made that the salt-water permeability is probably closer to the true reservoir permeability than is the measurement with air. This is discussed in relation to both physically possible and economically feasible measuremerits. Data On more than 1200 core samples are given to show the nature of the effects observed, and a plea is made for others to consider water permeability measurements as a routine necessity, eventually replacing air permeability in regions where the differences are great. Introduction Permeability is defined1 as a "a measure of the capacity of a porous medium to transmit fluids, when there is no interaction between the solids and the fluid." Darcy's law of liquid flow in porous media states: kA?P QµL/A?L [I] where Q represents milliliters of liquid of viscosity p centipoises passed per second through a porous medium of permeability k darcys and cross-sectional area A sq. cm. under a pressure gradient ?P/L atmospheres per centimeter, the flow being understood to be laminar or viscous, not turbulent. This equation defines the darcy. For the case of radial flow in a uniform sand, such as usually exists in the neighborhood of a well in an oil or gas sand, Darcy's law becomes:2 Here h is the net sand thickness in feet, Pe and Pw are pressures at the drainage radius4 and well radius, and re and rw are these radii, respectively. The productivity index3 is defined as the barrels of liquid produced per day per pound per square inch mean pressure differential between ferences and well bore, and is thus: By further definition, the specific productivity index is: or in terms of practical units, and allowing for shrinkage:

Jan 1, 1945

By H. J. Snyder

Both the room-temperature and 600°F (315°C) primary solid-solution phase boundaries for the silver comer of the Ag-Cd-In temary system have been determined using X-ray diffraction and metallo-graphic techniques. Solid solubility of indium in silver at room temperature and 600°F (315°C) is shown to be between 20.3 and 21.7 wt pct, and corrects the previously extrapolated value of 18 wt pct appearing in the literature. The solid solubility of cadmium in silver at room temperature, not previously established, is shown to be between 34.9 and 41.3 wt pct. The solid solubility of cadmium in silver at 600°F (315°C) is confirmed as 43.2 wt pct. The shape of the primary phase boundary line for the subject temary system appears straight at room temperature and curves con-vexly towards the solvent (silver) comer at 600°F (315°C). THIS investigation was undertaken to initiate development of the Ag-Cd-In ternary diagram by establishing the primary solid-solution phase boundary in the silver corner of the diagram. At the present time, a diagram for this ternary system is not available, while this system appears to offer potential for a variety of uses. One alloy in the system has already proven to be useful as a control rod material in nuclear reactors.1"3 To encourage additional exploration of the potential of the system an understanding of its ternary diagram would be beneficial. It is towards this end that the present study is directed. LITERATURE SURVEY In undertaking this study, a comprehensive literature survey was first conducted to find information that would be useful for guidance. Useful knowledge did result from investigating the respective solubilities of indium and cadmium in silver as indicated in the binary constitutional diagrams of the systems Ag-In and Ag-Cd and also reviewing possible shapes of ternary primary phase boundaries. Weibke and Eggers~ used metallographic techniques to establish the system In-Ag as illustrated in Fig. Is This diagram shows that silver in the solid state is capable of dissolving approximately 18 wt pct In. This solid solubility of indium in silver holds true from room temperature up to 1276°F (691°C), then decreases continuously up to 1'761°F (960.5"C), the melting point of the silver. The solid-solubility limit of indium in silver established by Weibke and Eggers has been confirmed by Hume-Rothery and Reyno1ds. G Durrant' used a method which consisted of microscopic examination of quenched specimens to establish the Cd-Ag system as displayed in Fig. 2.' The primary phase boundary of Fig. 2 proved to be in good agreement (ie., within 1 wt pct) with other studies*'1' of the Ag-Cd system made using X-rays and metallog-

Jan 1, 1968

By Louis Katona

The practical execution of the design for rolling-mills presented by the writer at the Paris meeting* of thc Iron and Steel Institute in 1900 involves the determination of some questions not yet discussed, among which is the determinatioir of the amount of power required to perform the rolling of pieces of iron and steel of given dimensions. It is necessary to know this factor if we would put motors of proper capacity to the respective pairs of rolls, or, rcciprocally, if, having standard motors at our disposal, we would design grooves to suit them. Moreover, this factor is involved in giving right dimensions to every part of the rolls and housings. Expert designers of engines for driving rolling-mills of the present type receive very indefinite directions, such as: that the motor is to drive a light, medium or heavy train; that it must work with fly-wheel or reversing gear; that the number of revolutions per minute should not exceed 40 or 60, and that at a given speed the power developed should be from 100 to 200 H. P., or from 1,000 to 2,500 13. P. It frequently happens, however, that an cngine of 200 H. P. is forced under the circumstances to press or develop as much as 300 H. P., while, on the other hand, the ,1,500-11. P. engine may be rolling-stock which could be worked with a maximum expenditure of 60 to 80 H. P. Of course such variatior~s as these do not permit the best adjustment of parts or the best economy of power and fuel. The design of roll-trains is even more vaguely limited. Every part of a train, from the point where it connects with the engine to the last groove in the rolls, bears evidence that there are no rules for calculating even approximately the dimensions of the main-shafts, couplings, pinions, gears, rolls, trunnions,

Jan 1, 1904

By C. R. Swarts

The use of compressed air or gas in oil wells for raising crude oil to the surface has, within the last year, become a dominant factor In production engineering. Previous application of this principle was largely confined to oil wells that had been pumping for a considerable length of time. In the Seminole area, the gas-air lift has been applied to wells imniediately after natural flow has ceased and in some cases while the wells were still flowing. This early application of the gas-air lift has been watchcd with intense interest by the petroleum industry, both with respect to methods of application and mechanical installations and to the effects on immediate and ultimate production. Methods of Application The Seminole pool at its inception contained sufficient gas associated with the oil to cause natural flow. As no frce gas was found in the main productive horizon, the Wilcox sand, all the gas present was dissolved in the oil, hence the natural flowing life was short, rarely lasting over 45 days. When natural flow ceased, high fluid levels were common, and as depth and crookedness of holes were obstacles to efficient pumping, the gas-air lift was used almost exclusively in raising the oil to the surface. Because of the high gravity of the oil, 41" A. P. I., and its high gasoline content, and also because of the desire to obtain production before offset wells became productive, quantity of production was the aim of the operators and a method of flow was used whereby this aim could be fulfilled. One of the outstanding features of this method consisted in flowing the wells through the annular space between the tubing and rasing. By this means a greater quantity of fluid could be handled than by flowing through the tubing of the size in ordinary use. Wells that would produce only a few hundred barrels on the pump were by this rnethod made to produce as high as 7000 bbl. on the lift. A few days or wreks of production at that rate meant a large recovery of oil. Casing of 636 in. diameter was commonly used as a production string with a 5 3/16-in. liner set on top of the oil sand. Upset tubing for irtro-

Jan 1, 1928

SINCE it seems to me that guns are of greater importance in the art of casting than any of the other things that are made by it, and that they require more foresight and care because they need many perfections, I wish now to repeat certain useful and necessary precautions in corroboration, for though I have already spoken to you of them in some detail, the power has not been granted me to pass with one breath completely through a subject with many parts. Therefore it will not be wearisome to you to hear the same thing told again, because it will not be without amplification of some pertinent points. For this reason I have prepared the present discourse, which I have called admonitions. The first of these concerns the making of the pattern upon which the

Jan 1, 1942

By J. J. Brown

Wilkes-Barre Meeting, Julie, runs., THE ore-hearth was the earliest type of furnace used in smelting Mississippi Valley lead-ores, which are very pure, and low in silver-content. The first smelters made no attempts to recover lead from the smoke; and since about 15 per cent. of the lead -in the charge escaped in this manner, early practice with the hearth was decidedly wasteful. At most of the large smelting-plants blast-furnaces with auxiliary roasters were substituted for the hearths long ago. But, upon the introduction of the Lewis and Bartlett bag-process for collecting fume, the ore-hearth was used by companies engaged in the manufacture -of pigments, simply on account of the large percentage of fume made by it. In fact, the extraction of lead was kept down by the use of hot blast and other devices. During recent years, however, several smelting companies have realized that the preliminary roasting of galena for the blast-furnace is not economical, and have, therefore, replaced the roasting-furnace with a modification. of the old Scotch hearth, in which a large percentage of the lead in a charge is recovered directly as pig-lead, while the remainder passes partly into fume and partly into slag low enough in sulphur to be charged into the blast-furnace without further treatment. The results obtained have proved so satisfactory, both As to recovery and operating-expense, that one eminent metallurgist has predicted the universal use of the ore-hearth on non-argentiferous ores. The-ore-hearth, thus employed as an adjunct to a blast-furnace plant, is rather a desulphurizer than a smelting-furnace proper,-the chief object being to make a blue slag suitable for the cupola-furnace. Hence, no special care is taken to obtain from it a large lead-extraction. * Head of Department of Ore Dressing and Metallurgy, Oklahoma School of Mines and Metallurgy, Wilburton, Okla.

May 1, 1911

By E. F. Kingsbury

ONE of the well-known and important uses of the noble or precious metals has been for electrical contacts. In fact, the elements of this group, comprising gold, silver and. the six platinum metals, have been called "noble" because of their ability to resist heat and corrosion, properties which. were early found to be of importance in good contacts. Of these, platinum and its iridium alloys, palladium, and silver, have been extensively used. In recent years the electrical industry has been responsible for about one-eighth of the total consumption of the platinum metals in the United States. Information is not available as to what part of this one-eighth has been used for contacts but it is certainly an important one. SUBSTITUTES FOR PLATINUM During the past 20 years a considerable number of contact alloys have been proposed in the patent literature largely with the aim of more or less replacing platinum by gold or silver, and some of these alloys are finding increasingly widespread application as the reliability of their performance becomes established. From even the partial data at hand it appears that this substitution by the less precious metals has replaced at least one-half of the amount of platinum that the entire electrical industry would otherwise be consuming at the present time. While the subject is of considerable interest to the metallurgist it is even more so to the electrical engineer and it is surprising that the literature records no systematic and' comprehensive investigation along these lines. Practically all the scattered work on noble metal contacts has centered around platinum as a standard and has had two more or less distinct aims. One of these has been the replacement of platinum by cheaper materials, and the other, the development of materials of superior electrical performance. The merit, of a contact metal has been assumed to be dependent on its infusibility, and since the more precious metals have the higher melting points there has naturally been an association of the two qualities in the sense that the more precious were

Jan 1, 1928