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By N. A. Gokcen

EQUILIBRIA in the reactions between gases and liquid metals have been the subject of many interesting investigations. The experimental realization of true equilibrium, however, is questionable in certain cases due to the lack of conclusive studies in reaction rates. It -will be shown here that a systematic interpretation of rate studies with the analysis of prevailing experimental conditions leads to valuable practical information. The reactions of particular interest are: H2(g) +S(inFe) - H2S(g) [1] H2(g) +O (inFe) =H2O(g) [21 2H2(g) + SiO2(s) = 2H2O(g) + - (inFe) [3] The usual and perhaps the most convenient method of investigation may be illustrated with reaction 1. A stream of gas mixture consisting of H2 + H2S is passed over or bubbled through the liquid metal at constant temperature. The ratio of H2S/H2 in the entrant mixture is fixed in each experimental run, and, therefore, the composition of melt varies until the establishment of equilibrium. The purpose of this paper is to derive a formula expressing the minimum time required for the establishment of equilibrium and to compare the calculated values from such a formula with the available data. Equations Reaction 1 is used for the purpose of illustrating the derivation. Let E represent the equilibrium and X the nonequilibrium sulphur in weight percent at any time t in minutes. For the sake of simplicity, it is first assumed that E > X although the results are of general applicability without restriction. It has been shown by Morris and Williams' that within a difference of 1 pct S or less, i.e., E-X5 1.00, the value of K'1 = Ph2s/Ph2.S% is very nearly constant. The maximum ratio of available Ph2s/Ph2 = H,S/H,, from which sulphur can be absorbed by metal, is equal to H2S/H2 in equilibrium with E (which equals H2S/H2 in the entrant gas), minus H,S/H, in equilibrium with X. Thus: Available H2S/H2 = EK'1 - XK'1 [4] Eq. 4 expresses that sulphur can be absorbed by metal from the H2S/H2 in the entrant gas until the gas leaving the metal assumes a value of H2S/H2 which is in equilibrium with the dissolved sulphur X at that time. H,S constitutes up to approximately 1 pct of the gas mixture. Its disassociation into H2 and SL is about 1 pct at 1600°C, hence, the H2S/H2 impinging on the surface of metal is very close to that in the entrant gas. The rate of flow of hydrogen entering the reaction chamber is kept constant experi-

Jan 1, 1954

By Worthen Bradley

A BETTER understanding of what is happening in the domestic quicksilver industry, and what is likely to happen, can be had after reviewing some of the highlights of the past four years. Hitting the high spots in chronological order, they are: February 1939-Army and Navy Munitions Board starts investigation on civilian and war needs of certain "strategic materials," including quicksilver, with a view to recommending stock piles. Every known producer is canvassed by the end of the year.

Jan 1, 1942

By Vsevolod Krivobok

THE re-crystallization of metals has been the subject of much scientific investigation, some of which has resulted in a better understanding of this extremely important and interesting phenomenon. Unfortunately, while many have propounded theories of re-crystallization, but a few have presented experimental evidence as to how it takes place. If this can be determined the question, why re-crystallization occurs, may be answered more definitely. Re-crystallization in single phase metals consists of a complete rearrangement and re-sizing of the grains, of which the structure is composed, while the type of structure remains the same. That is to say, if the structure before re-crystallization is composed of a number of polyhedral grains of different shape and size, a particular spot after re-crystallization will be seen to consist of grains in no way different from the original except in size and shape. The re-crystallized grains may be smaller or larger, depending on the treatment received; and, while the re-crystallization may be brought about by means of heat treatment only in passing through a critical range, yet it is common knowledge that single phase metals subjected to cold working are possessed of a tendency toward re-crystallization, even if the heating does not reach critical range. The study of re-crystallization would, of course, be much easier if we had single crystals of any metal as the original material with which to study the phenomenon of re-crystallization, since it would permit the observation of structural changes at what amounts to enormous magnification, by changing the scale of the specimen. In metals of more normal grain size the crystal boundaries introduce complications, but the process, it may be assumed, is essentially the same. Such an opportunity

Jan 2, 1926

By A. N. Winchell

Petrographic studies of over 1400 rock and mineral samples, and studies of their field relations, show that there is a complete gradation between sandstone and limestone; the lime-silicate rocks were produced by recrystallization of limestone; mineralization and silicification occurred after silication and at considerably lower temperature; carbonation occurred at still lower temperatures. IN CONNECTION with law suits between mining companies at Bingham, Utah, a few years ago, the writer made petrographic studies of more than 1400 rock and mineral samples in thin sections, and also careful studies of their field relations. In petrographic studies, even when an area is studied intensively, attention is commonly centered very largely on the unusual features of special interest, so that the relative abundance of rock types (or minerals or textures) can only be determined by a study of map areas outlined largely by field methods, and cannot be based directly on microscopic work. It is very uncommon, and usually impossible, to take samples at regular short intervals along and across formations. It is precisely because such methods were used at Bingham that the work presents a rare opportunity for determining, on a microscopic basis, the relative abundance of rock types and the continuity of gradations between rock types. At the same time, a study was made of the alteration of sediments under the influence of igneous intrusions, with results that are believed to be of interest and importance.

Jan 3, 1924

Institute of Metals Division Iron and Steel Division Extractive Metallurgy Division Council J H Scaff (IMD) Chairman, Robert W Shearman, Secretary, J S Smart, (IMD), P T Stroup, (EMD), A W Schlechten, (EMD), J S Marsh, (ISD), A W Thornton, (ISD), M E Violin, (MED), D S Eppelsheimer, (MIED) Journal of Metals Editorial Advisory Committee J S Smart, Jr, Chairman, W A Dean, J C Kinnear, Jr, T D Jones, Evan Just, John Marsh, M Tenenbaum Pacific Northwest Regional Conference A Y Bethune, General Chairman, Frank N Marr, Chairman, General Arrangements, R J Lapee, Chairman, C P Love, (EMD Program), W M Armstrong, Chairman, Physical Metallurgy Program, L W Heinzinger, Chairman (ISD Program), J P Spielman, Chairman, (MIED Program) New England Regional Conference K H Mairs, Chairman, W A Backofen, Vice-Chair¬man, Delmar E Trout, Secretary, G W Coleman, Treasurer, F H Wilson, Past Chairman, Members at Large Sidney Siegel, Boston, G F Donahue, Connecti¬cut Representatives from Connecticut Frank Chudy, J E Chafey Representa¬tives from Boston N L Reed, E Gordon

Jan 1, 1955

By Lyon F. Terry

IN contemplating the prospects of natural gas being transported from the fields where it is produced to such distant points as Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City, and New England, let us review the advance that natural gas has made and the projects currently scheduled for construction. This may give us a perspective of the point in the long-range development of the natural gas business in which we now find ourselves, and some basis for judging the further expansion of the industry. Authentic statistics of the total marketed production of natural gas in the United States have been compiled by the Bureau of Mines since the year 1906. The growth of the business is indicated by the following data on marketed production for each ten-year interval since 1906:

Jan 1, 1947

By H. G. Schneider

THE Smackover oil and gas field lies in Ouachita and Union Counties, Ark., in the south-central part of the state, in T.15 and 16S., R.15, 16, and 17W. It is 10 miles north of El Dorado, the principal business and railroad center in the south-central part of the state, and extends from the town of Smackover in all directions. Productive territory having an aggregate area of nearly 55 sq. mi. has been developed. It extends 6 miles from north to south and 12 miles from east to west. The field may be divided into two parts: the east district, which includes the area east of the town of Smackover, and the west district, which includes the area west of the town of Smackover. In relation to the neighboring productive fields of Arkansas, the Smackover field is 9 miles north of .the El Dorado oil and gas field, 8 miles slightly west of north of the East El Dorado oil and gas field, and 16 miles east of the Stephens oil field. Smackover was discovered in May, 1922, when the Oil Operators Trust drilled well No. 1 on the J. T. Murphy farm, in the southeast quarter of sec. 8, T. 16S., R.15W. This well is located almost, on the top of the Norphlet dome and was drilled to the Nacatoch sand. It had an initial open flow volume of 30,000,000 cu. ft. of dry gas per day, and a rock pressure of 950 lb. per sq. in. In July, 1922, the V. K. F. Co. completed the first oil well in sec. 29, T.15S., R.15W., on the north side of the Norphlet dome, and 3 miles north of the first gas well. This well started the active development of the north and northwest sides of the dome.1

Jan 3, 1924

By L. S. Castleman, L. L. Seigle

THE formation and growth of intermetallic phase layers is of considerable practical importance to metallurgists interested in diffusion bonding and cementation processes and has been the subject of extensive qualitative investigation. In contrast, it is somewhat surprising that so little quantitative data have been amassed. The need for additional fundamental work was pointed out by Mehl in 1936,' and persists to a large extent to the present day. The early studies have been reviewed by Rhines,2 and his conclusions have been summarized by Lustman and Mehl3 substantially as follows: 1) All phases that are stable at the temperature at which diffusion occurs will appear in the interdiffusion of two metals; however, in some cases, certain of the phases may be too thin to be observed and identified easily. 2) The isothermal growth of intermetallic phases generally obeys a simple parabolic equation of the form X2 = Kt, where x is the thickness of the alloy layer, K the temperature dependent reaction rate constant, and t the time. 3) The rate of thickening varies with temperature according to the Arrhenius equation k = Ae -Q/RT , where k is the parabolic rate constant, A, a temperature independent constant, Q the heat of activation for the process, R the gas constant, and T the absolute temperature. Subsequently, Lustman and Mehl made a quantitative study of the laws of growth in intermediate layers in a number of binary systems, in which one of the components was either zinc or cadmium, and the other component was one of the following: nickel, copper, silver, cobalt, gold, iron, or Monel metal; the interdiffusion times used were for the most part less than 24 hr. It was found that the simple parabolic law was not obeyed in general, but that a generalized parabolic law of the form xn = kt was valid, where n was a temperature dependent constant; also,

Jan 1, 1959

By AIME AIME

THE week, of April 5 will long be remembered by those that attended the Birmingham meetings of the Open-Hearth and Blast Furnace committees of the A.I.M.E. Iron and Steel Division. Birmingham iron and steel own received the 450 delegates with open arms; described and discussed their southern metallurgical practices and problems and compared experiences with their northern brother metallurgists in two days of technical sessions on Wednes-

Jan 1, 1937

Institute of Metals Division Iron and Steel Division Extractive Metallurgy Division Council A W Thornton (ISD), Chairman, R W Shearman, Secretary, C S Barrett (IMD), J C Kinnear, Jr (EMD), John Chipman (ISD), J S Smart, Jr (IMD), A W Schlechten (EMD), M E Volin (MED), D S Eppelsheimer (MIED) Journal of Metals Editorial Advisory Committee J S Smart, Jr, Chairman, W A Dean, J J Golden,T D Jones, Evan Just, J C Kinnear, Jr, M Tenenbaum Pacific Northwest Regional Conference E R Marble, General Chairman, Marshall Huntting, Assistant General Chairman, W C Douglass, Mining Chairman, H C Hughes, Mining Chairman for British Columbia, W C Douglass, Mining Chair¬man for United States, Paul Billingsley, Geology Chairman, W D Nesbeitt, Miner¬als Beneficiation Chairman, H D Kelley, Industrial Minerals Chairman, J G Johnston, Metals Chairman, Lloyd Banning, Iron and Steel Chairman, W G Rouillard, Extractive Metallurgy Chairman, E C Roberts, Physical Metallurgy Chairman, D A Pifer, Mineral Industry Education Chairman, Frederick Brien, General Arrangements Chairman Metals Branch Membership Committee C M Squarcy, Chairman, R C Cole, Harold Mar¬golin, M E Nickel, S K Scovil Bylaws Committee A W Thornton, Chairman, W R Hibbard, Jr, J S Smart, Jr (IMD), John Chipman, T S Washburn (ISD), T D Jones, J D Sullivan (EMD)

Jan 1, 1956

By George W. Doffing

Numerous contradictory statements have been made in the past regarding the importance of the seasonal influence of demand for motor fuel on prices of oil securities. It has often been said that the time to buy oil securities is in the spring, or just prior to the heavy consuming season for gasoline. The fallacy of this argument is brought out in the following paragraphs. Seasonality of Oil-security Prices The indexes used in this paper as indicators of prices of oil securities and general industrials are those compiled by Standard Statistics Co. The oil producing and refining stock index includes 14 representative petroleum companies, while the all-industrials index is made up of 347 issues. All figures are stated as relatives, with 1926 = 100. The primary basis of the index, and one that gives a good weighting of the relative importance of the company within the industry, is the total market value of the stock issue outstanding; i.e., the market price times the number of shares outstanding. Adjustments are made for the addition or elimination of issues from the group index, for stock dividends, split-ups, stock rights, et cetera. At the present time the oil producing and refining index includes the following companies: Atlantic Refining Co., Consolidated Oil Corporation, Continental Oil Co., Gulf Oil Corporation, Humble Oil & Refining Co., Ohio Oil Co., Royal Dutch Co., Shell Union Oil Corporation, Socony-Vacuum Oil Co., Standard Oil Company of California, Standard Oil Co. (Indiana), Standard Oil Co. (New Jersey), Texas Corporation, Union Oil Company of California. In calculating the seasonal for oil-security prices several periods have been selected as indicat,ive of major changes in the industry, as follows: 1. 1918 through 1936. This gives an over-all picture of the industry during the motor-vehicle, motor-fuel era. 2. 1927 through 1936. This period includes the control stages, both voluntary and coercive. 3. 1927 to September, 1933. This is the pre-code period of control.

Jan 1, 1937

By R. W. Raymond

The important question of the metallurgical value of the coals of the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast is to be settled, of course, by practical experiment. Meanwhile, as I have had occasion to point out, the proximate analyses of these coals throws little light upon it, and is, indeed, likely to mislead the metallurgist, if he compares it with the results of similar analyses upon bituminous and semi-bituminous coals. With the view of showing how large a proportion of the material usually classed as(" volatile matters " consists of combined water, or oxygen and hydrogen presumably in chemical combination, I have collected a number of ultimate analyses from various sources, in the following tables. The numbered analyses in the first table are as follows: No. 1. Monte Diabolo coal—Analyst, H. S. Munroe, Col. School of Mines. 2. Weber Canon, Utah, " " " 3. Echo Canon, " " " " 4. Carbon Stat'n, Wyoming, " " " 5. " " " " " 6. Coos Bay, Oregon, " " " 7. Alaska, " " " 8. " " " " 9. Canon City, Colorado, " Dr. T. M. Drown, Philadelphia. 10. Baker Co., Oregon, " " " 11. Blockcoal,SandCr'k,Ind., " Prof. E. T. Cox. This table affords some suggestive comparisons, to facilitate which a remark or two, explanatory of its construction, will be useful. In the ultimate analysis of coals, the proportions are frequently calculated (as, for instance, in the report for 1872 of Prof. Cox, State

By Shiro Ban-ya, John Chipman

Using the same experimental method previously described, the activity of sulfur in a number of quaternary and more complex liquid iron alloys at 1550oC is determined. A "cross-product term zj.zk is determined for each of the quaternary alloys to take account of the mutual effects of the combinalion on the indi-vidual contributions to In 5 The interactiotl coefjicienls delermined for ternary solutions and cross-pvoducl coefficierlts from the quaternary systems are used to estimate the activity coefficient of sulfur in more complex alloys. OUR recent papers 1,2 have described new determinations of the activity of sulfur in Fe-S binary and Fe-S-j ternary solutions, but the practical applications of these data require the estimation of activity of sulfur in more complex systems. Previously, Sherman and chipman3 devised an approximate method for calculating the activity of sulfur in complex systems by summing the contributions to the logarithm of the activity coefficient of each element in the alloy. This procedure is more successful, as one of us has pointed out,4 when the concentration variable is taken as zs = ns/(nFe — nS t CLJ~ nj) rather than the conventional atom fraction x~ = nS/(nF, + nS + Enj). In the former definition, which is based on analogy to interstitial solutions, the value assigned to uj is normally +1 for metallic and -1 for nonmetallic elements." In addition, however, the effects of mutual interaction between alloying elements must be considered for the accurate estimation of the activity of sulfur in more complex systems. The purpose of this investigation has been to devise a more reliable method for estimating the activity coefficient of sulfur in nmIticomponent iron alloys. The measurements were carried out on some quaternary systems Fe-S-j-k for combinations of silicon, chromium, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, and tungsten. Manganese was not included since the experimental method has been found unsatisfactory for volatile, sulfide-forming elements. The experimental method was the same in every detail as described previously. 1,2 The concentrations of sulfur, silicon, chromium, and copper in the quenched metals were determined by chemical analysis but those of nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, and tungsten were calculated from charged amounts. Iron sulfide was included in the charges in amounts estimated to furnish approximately the final sulfur content. CALCULATION W2 have shown2 that when zs and zj are the concentration variables in a ternary Fe-S-j solution the logarithm of the activity coefficient S = a~/zg is a linear function of the variables as and aj defined as follows:

Jan 1, 1970

By L. J. Buteau, R. E. Reed-Hill, W. A. Slippy

In a zirconium {1121} twins tend to have coherelzt boundaries and thus do not usually taper to a point when they intersect a grain boundary. Under the proper conditions, a (1121) twin may deform a boundary in such a manner as to clearly rcveal the twinning shear. Measurements of these grain-bounrlary rotatzons yield a value of 0.63 for the (1151) twinning shear. The magnitude of the observed shear and its shear sense are in excellent agreement with the assumption that the second undis-torted plme (K2) for this form of twinning is the basal plane (0002). The present value of the tzvinninz shear, which is approximately three limes larger than Rapperport&apos;s value? is in excellent agreement with reported results of Sokuskii and Prolsenko.5 RECENTLY westlake&apos; reported a study of the twinning modes of zirconium based on ~ap~er~ort&apos;s2 values for the twinning elements. He observed that two of the modes, (1012) and {1122), can be explained by relatively simple dislocation models. A workable model for (1121) twinning, however, proved to be very complex and questionable. Because Rapperport&apos;s second undistorted plane, (K2), for (1121) twinning has large indices, {ll2l6), it is possible that the difficulty in defining a model for (1121) twinning lies in an incorrect value for K2. A measurement of this twinning element has therefore been made, using a method based on observations of the shear displacement of grain boundaries at positions where they are intersected by (1121) twins. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES The zirconium specimens were deformed in tension on an Instron machine either at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77ºK), or prestrained at liquid nitrogen temperature and then further deformed at room temperature. Straining at 77°K was employed in order to nucleate (1 121) twins in large numbers, since simple ropm-temperature tensile deformation favors (1012) twinning. Specimens were machined from 1/2-in.-thick plate. The material was arc-melted sponge zirconium annealed to an ASTM grain size 4 and containing, in parts per million, 380 Fe, 880 0, <40 Hf, 32 N, and < 5 H. The specimen gage length and diameter were 1.25 and 0.130 in., respectively. To insure a gage section initially free of twins, the last 60 thousandths of the specimen diameter was removed by acid machining.

Jan 1, 1963

PERSONAL (Members are urged to send in for this column any notes of interest concerning themselves or their fellow-members.) Members and guests who registered at Institute headquarters during the period Oct. 10 to Nov. 10, 1914: Jintaro Kojima, Ashio, Japan. E. R. Hinckley, Seoul, Korea. J. Homer Stover, Trenton, N. J. S. A. Taylor, Pittsburgh, Pa. Kirby Thomas, New York, N. Y. Lawrence Addicks, Douglas, Ariz. Keijiro Nishio, Tokyo, Japan. Noel Cunningham, Bethlehem, Pa. Alexander K. Hamilton, Chicago, Ill. E. C. Vigeon, London, England. Harold N. Lawrie, Portland, Ore. S. E. Fairchild, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa. C. Spence Thomas, Cardiff, Wales. W. C. Schmidt, Jr., New York, N. Y. Henry Tackmann, New York, N. Y. Kenneth C. Browne, New York, N. Y. Dr. David T. Day has resigned his position with the U. S. Geological Survey and opened an office at 1331 F Street, N. W., Washington, D. C., for practice as a consulting engineer.

Jan 12, 1914

By H. G. Schneider

The Smackover oil and gas field lies in Ouachita and Union Counties, Ark., in the south-central part of the state, in T.15 and 16S., R.15, 16, and 17W. It is 10 miles north of El Dorado, the principal business and railroad center in the south-central part of the state, and extends from the town of Smackover in all directions. Productive territory having an aggregate area of nearly 55 sq. mi. has been developed. It extends 6 miles from north to south and 12 miles from east to west. The field may be divided into two parts: the east district, which includes the area east of the town of Smackover, and the west district, which includes the area west of the town of Smackover. In relation to the neighboring productive fields of Arkansas, the Smackover field is 9 miles north of the El Dorado oil and gas field, 8 miles slightly west of north of the East El Dorado oil and gas field, and 16 miles east of the Stephens oil field. Smackover was discovered in May, 1922, when the Oil Operators Tnist drilled well No. 1 on the J. T. Murphy farm, in the southeast quarter of sec. 8, T.16S., R.15W. This well is located almost on the top of the Norphlet dome and was drilled to the Nacatoch sand. It had an initial open flow volume of 30,000,000 cu. ft. of dry gas per day, and a rock pressure of 950 lb. per sq. in. In July, 1922, the V. K. F. Co. completed the first oil well in sec. 29, T.l5S., R.l5W., on the north side of the Norphlet dome, and 3 miles north of the first gas well. This well started the active development of the north and northwest sides of the dome.] The field was extended westwards, when oil was discovered in the Nacatoch sand, during October, 1922, in sec. 4, T.l6S., R.l6W., 51/2 miles west of the original gas well. This opened up the so-called "light oil district," which is located on a structural terrace, for which the name

Jan 1, 1924

(Members are urged &apos;to, send in for this column any notes of interest concerning themselves or, their fellow-members.) Members and guests who registered at Institute headquarters during the period Sept. 10 to Oct. 10, 1915: George H. Blakemore, Sydney, N. S. W. W. B. A. Dingwall, San Antonio, Tex.. H. Haege, Sydney, N. S. W. R. H. Jeffrey, London, England. C. A. Filteau, New York, N. Y. H. S. Emlaw, Spring Lake, Mich. Myron R. Walker, Cerro de Pasco, Peru. Y. T. Woo,&apos; Tientsin, China. William R. Grunow, Morenci, Ariz. A. L. DeDeken, LouVain, Belgium. E. DeGolyer, Norman, Okla. K. P. Swensen, Tokyo, Japan. William W. Elmer, Tuttletown, Cal. Charles Enzian, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Huntington Adams, Iquique, Chile. C. F. Schnepp, Cobalt, Ont., Canada. W. Ray Cox, for several years Mineral Inspector of the General Land Office at Portland, Ore., has been appointed Professor of Mining and Metallurgy in the School of Mines, Oregon Agricultural College, Corvallis, Ore.

Jan 11, 1915

By L. C. WYMAN

THIS paper discusses what mining reports should contain when presented to the California State Corporation Department, to accompany applications for the sale of stock to the general public, but the principles involved apply to mine financing everywhere. Such reports should &apos;be as clear and concise as possible, endeavoring to tell the truth in as few words as necessary. Should the engineer be aware that his report is to be used in connection with the sale of stock to the general public, he should consider the public as his client as well as the person who actually employs him. It is always required that the engineer be favorably known and of recognized standing. The following points should be given careful attention : 1. A legal description and location of the property. 2. Transportation conditions, and how they may be expected to affect the operating costs. 3. A brief history of the property, its production record as to tonnage, grade, and character of the ore should be given. Should the property have suspended operations for any reason, this should be given. Any details of former operating costs should be given, especially as to how any improvement could be made, due to better methods which might be employed.&apos; 4. The main geological features and whether they are such as to lead the engineer to believe that the mine may possibly &apos;be exhausted or the ore of such grade as to be no longer profitable. If he considers them favorable, he should give his reasons for the belief that further development work may produce profitable results. A map showing these features should be submitted, and it is not necessary that such map be highly colored or contain any more than the essential matters. 5. Other mines in the district, or those with similar

Jan 1, 1929

By H. R. Spedden, A. M. Gaudin, M. P. Corriveau

A preliminary study of silver ion adsorption by sphalerite in ion exchange column with influent electrolyte marked with radiosilver is described. Rapid ion exchange occurs at first followed by slow reaction controlled perhaps by solid state diffusion. One experiment with radiocopper instead of radiosilver is reported briefly. IT has been known for many years that sphalerite is floated after it has been activated by a metallic cation, particularly copper.&apos; The activation of sphalerite by copper is known to be an exchange of an atom of copper for an atom of zinc at the surface of the sphalerite.2,3 It has been estimated from various guesses of the available mineral surface that the depth of the copper-bearing coating is of the order of thickness of one atom. However, the exact mechanism of the activation process is unknown. A number of metals other than copper act in the same general manner."&apos; " In particular, it has been known that silver replaces zinc at the surface of sphalerite. As copper is usually divalent, whereas silver is monovalent, it may well be assumed that there are differences, perhaps major differences, in the detailed scheme of activation by these two cations. Furthermore, since silver has unusual photoelectric properties and may be a contributor to the fluorescence of sphalerite, a study of its activating mechanism might open up some interesting avenues for exploring these other phenomena. The choice of silver as an activator of sphalerite was suggested also by the fact that its radioactive tracer, silver 110, is particularly convenient in that it has a long half-life and is energetic enough to permit counting through a counter window. The experimental technique selected, therefore, included the preparation of solutions of silver nitrate con- taining a proportion of active silver nitrate sufficient to give convenient counting data. In further considering the method to be used, a desirable choice seemed the use of batch experimentation in which a given solution was allowed to act on a certain lot of mineral for a given length of time at a given temperature, this period of mutual reaction being followed by analyses of the separated solid and solution. But an alternative method seemed more attractive. This is the method now so familiar to the users of ion-exchange resins, which was first made famous by the Russian chromatographer, Tswett.6-8 It consists in forming the mineral into a porous column through which the solution is allowed to flow at a constant rate. The usual method of allowing a batch of solid to react with solution is the equivalent of a single plate distillation operation while the chromatographic or ion-exchange column is a multiple-plate method—the multiplicity of the plates being represented by the reciprocal of the rate of flow of solution through the column. It seemed to us that the chromatographic method had such

Jan 1, 1952

By J. S. Seawright

Haulage is a costly feature in the operation of an open pit mine, whether it be iron, copper, or limestone. The National Iron Co. has adapted an old underground method to the open pit inclined skip haulage to bring the ore from the pit bottom to the crusher or beneficiation plant. The Rockover skip has been placed in operation where limited areas have retarded or eliminated use of long rail or road slopes. Deep and narrow orebodies subject to rapid increase in depth that discourage use of conveyor belts and necessary crushing plants are ideal for this system. The skip haulage method was developed to combine the desirable features of conveyor, truck, and rail haulage and at the same time avoid the draw- backs. The skip was designed to follow the natural angle of repose of the pit wall and can vary from 25° to 45°. Open-pit skips now in operation show that the installation is successful and provide the

Jun 1, 1955