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By E. A. Anderson

THE copper-zinc phase equilibrium diagram has been the sub-ject of many investigations. Until recently, however, the boundary of the terminal solid solution of copper in zinc (eta) has not been thoroughly investigated. This paper reports determinations of the solid solubility of copper in zinc at temperatures from 100° to 400° C., the course of the liquidus and solidus for the eta solid solution and determinations of the peritectic temperature and peritectic point for the reaction between epsilon and the melt to form eta. The liquidus of the eta phase was determined by thermal analysis and the solidus by the microscopical examination of specimens quenched from temperatures above and below the solidus. The temperature of the peritectic horizontal was obtained by thermal analysis and the com-position at the peritectic point was determined by extrapolation of the solid solubility boundary of the eta phase to the peritectic horizontal. The solid solubility boundary of the eta solid solution was investigated very carefully. Particular care was used to achieve equilibrium in the alloys at each temperature selected. The X-ray, electrical con-ductivity and microscopical methods were used in determining the solid solubility limits. The X-ray method measures the changes in the solvent lattice with increasing solute content and in this manner locates the composition of the alloy at which no further change in the solvent lattice takes place, the limit of solid solubility. The method of electrical conductivity measures the conductivity of the alloys of a graded series of compositions, whereby the solubility limit is indicated by a discontinuity in the conductivity-

Jan 1, 1934

By Laurance Reid

HIGH compression ratios, resulting from high injection pressures and relatively low recovery process pressures, constitute a major problem, which has confronted those engaged in gas recycling for condensate production since the beginning of that practice. Despite the numerous process developments and improvements, no entirely satisfactory solution for this prob-lem has been presented to date. Often, where the residue gas from the recovery process must be recompressed for subsurface injection, there is a substantial difference between the required injection pressure and the plant-operating pressure required to produce maximum recovery of condensate. These limitations result in high compression ratios, which, in turn, neces-sitate excessive compressor investment and operating cost. As an alternative, the operating pressure may be increased in order to lessen the compressor requirements but such a saving often is purchased at the expense of decreased condensate recovery, caused by operation at the higher pressure. Regardless of the choice, the net result is a diminished return on the capital invested in the project. The goal of future development in this field must be the complete recovery of all valuable hydrocarbon components in the reservoir fluid at pressures that, regarded as compressor suction pressure, will require minimum compressor horsepower to inject the residue gas into the formation. A com-pression ratio of 1.5 has been established as an optimum for modern compressor equipment." Therefore, in order to con-form to this optimum condition, a 3000-lb. injection pressure would require that the condensate recovery process be operated at 2000 lb. per sq. inch.

Jan 1, 1940

By C Gunther

The term metamorphism as commonly used means any change in a rock in either form or composition, from whatever cause. By metasomatism, according to Lindgren, is meant a metamorphism that involves a change in the chemical composition of a rock by the addition or subtraction of substance. Certain types of metamorphism are due to the action of mineralizing solutions, and are closely connected with ore deposition; they form, therefore, valuable guides in the exploration for ore-deposits. Other types of metamorphism are due to regional processes, and are not connected with ore deposition. By dynamo-regional metamorphism is meant a primary alteration of rocks over large areas under conditions of pressure, flow- age, and heat. This process produces schists and gneisses from either sediments or igneous rocks. It is thought that there is little migration of minerals or of elements in dynamo-regional metamorphism, and that the changes are due chiefly to recrysallization and rearrangement of original minerals in bands with their major axes oriented normal to the direction of greatest pressure. Under these conditions limestones are commonly altered to marble, and sandstones to quartzite, basic igneous rocks to greenstone or serpentine, while rocks of normal or acid com- position commonly yield the usual types of schist or gneiss. Dynamo-regional metamorphism, extending over large areas, has no connection with mineralizing processes, and is, therefore, no guide to ore deposits; while this process has certain features, such as characteristic mineral associations, in common with contact metamorphism, the results of the two processes may usually be distinguished without difficulty.

Jan 1, 1932

By Charles Pack

DIE castings may be defined as metal castings made by forcing molten metal, under pressure, into a metallic mold or die. It is necessary to keep this definition in mind to avoid confusing this process with other permanent-mold casting processes. The fundamental principles of the process have been known and practised many years. The simplest application is embodied in the modern linotype machine in which molten metal (usually tin-lead alloy) is forced under pressure into a metallic mold. The pressure is derived from a piston and cylinder immersed in the molten metal. Progress in the art of die casting may conveniently be divided into threee groups: Machine for imparting pressure to the metal, material for the die or mold, casting alloys. CASTING MACHINES The problem of delivering molten metal under pressure into a die is comparatively simple, when dealing with low-fusing-point alloys, as the alloys of lead and tin, but it is much more complicated when dealing with metals of higher fusing points, such as the alloys of zinc, aluminum, and copper. Although the art of die casting is comparatively new and, to a large extent, unknown, the records of the patent office are replete with patents on the subject. Fig. 1 shows the Underwood machine patented in 1902; this is probably one of the first machines designed for the production of commercial die castings. The relation of this machine to the linotype casting machine is clearly. apparent. A cylinder and piston are immersed in the molten metal, the application of power to this piston forcing the molten metal, under pressure, into the mold or die. The Doehler machine, Fig. 2, patented in 1907, is based on the same general principles. This machine is used to a large extent at the present time, throughout the United States, for the production of zinc, tin, and lead alloy die castings.

Jan 2, 1919

By Karl V. Lindell

THE Jeffrey mine of the Canadian Johns-Manville Co., Asbestos, Que. has operated for a number of years, supplying the parent company, Johns-Manville, raw material for asbestos products. The mine is situated in the 70-mile-long serpentine belt running from Asbestos, Que. on the west to East Broughton on the east. This district is the most important producing area in the world of quality spinning-fiber asbestos, with 11 operating mines supplying 70 pct of the world's needs. The Jeffrey mine, located 90 miles from Montreal and approximately 35 miles southwest of Thetford, accounts for 50 pct of the Canadian asbestos output. Production from the Canadian serpentine belt is the chrysotile asbestos, which is considered the best available for spinning. Consumers in the United States prefer the clean, fine fibers of the Canadian chrysotile of the type produced by the Jeffrey mine. Mining In 1881, when the mine was first opened, all work, including drilling, was done by hand. The deposit, located on a hillside, was first worked as a sidehill cut by hand drilling 15-ft holes and blasting with black powder. The fiber was chiselled from the broken rock. Hand derricks, later powered by horses, were used to raise the rock as the pit deepened. Eventually, the pit became so deep that derricks were, by necessity, replaced by aerial tramways. In the late 1930's, further deepening of the open pit, with the resulting constriction of the pit bottom brought about the need for altering the mining system then in use. The high ratio of overburden to be handled to mill ore mined and the value of surface structures, not company property, that would be destroyed in expanding the area of the pit, definitely indicated vertical rather than horizontal expansion would have to be used. One exception to this was that a small area on company property to north and east of the pit could be opened up. The mining problem then resolved itself into two phases; make the small lateral expansion and as rapidly as possible choose a mining method that would expand the mine vertically. Several methods for vertical expansion were studied and rejected. Methods considered included shrinkage stoping, block caving, glory holing, and various modifications of open workings. Block caving was finally accepted as the most suitable method of underground development. Cost factors and production were important factors in the decision, also, the asbestos mines in the Thetford area were already having success with this method. Original plans provided for the lateral expansion of the open mine where possible and beginning the underground operation. This program was based on the open pit being worked out in 1954, with the underground development and production gradually increasing until the open mine was depleted. In 1949, the plan was changed to allow underground development to progress at maximum so that underground output would be 550 tons per hr by 1951. Any deficit in ore would be mined from the open pit. This change permitted extending the life of the open pit through 1964 and in this time would make available a large quantity of readily attained ore. Block Caving at The Jeffrey Mine Plans for the underground operation were formulated on a 12,000-ton-per-day basis, and the adaptability of block caving methods to high production presented a desirable situation. As shown in the main-haulage plan, a continuous loop was laid out for smooth operation of the underground railroad from the loading points to the underground crusher. A feature encountered at the Jeffrey mine, as well as other asbestos mines using caving methods, is the large size of caved material, requiring that ore be crushed before hoisting.

Jan 1, 1952

THE opening session* was held in the hall of the Franklin Institute, on Tuesday evening, June 20th, President Holley in the chair. The President introduced. Mr. Franklin B. Gowen, who addressed the Institute as follows MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN : It has been made my pleasant duty to welcome you to the city of Philadelphia, but in so doing I shrink, with some natural reluctance, from appearing before an audience so much better fitted than I am to cope with the subjects which are usually presented to your association, and I can assure you that no trembling neophyte, first venturing within the groves of the Academy, or walking, with sacred reverence, in the gardens of Plato, felt more natural dread at the consequence of his own temerity than I do in appearing before an audience composed of gentlemen belonging to a scientific society of which I am but too sensible that until now I have been a member only in name. In olden times, upon entering a temple sacred to the worship of any deity, it was customary to lay some offering upon the altar, and, in following this custom, it will be my duty, before entering upon the more pleasant part of the task which is assigned me, to call your attention to a subject with which I have been somewhat familiar, and which is entirely within the scope of your investigations, in the belief that I may throw out some hints or some suggestions of a pro¬cess that may be fully developed by some of you, and eventually lead to the introduction of that which may be of service to the human race. The satirist who described the philosopher whom he met, as engaged in the process of extracting sunbeams from cucumbers, * A joint discussion of the subject of Technical Education, by the members of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Institute of Mining Engineers, was held in the hall of the Franklin Institute, on Monday evening, June 19th, and Tuesday morning, June 20th. This discussion has been printed in a separate pamphlet by both societies.

Jan 1, 1877

By Fred E. Carter

AT first sight, the platinum group of metals seem of little import to we, the people," although actually the life of the common man is much influenced by them; this influence is usually indirect, hence his lack of knowledge and interest. He generally associates platinum with high-class jewelry and lets it go at that. Were 11e to go deeper, he would find that platinum metals play their part in his food supply, his clothing. his health, his transportation, his home. And the technical man is in general only slightly better informed, for he usually does not realize how necessary platinum metals are in the manufacture of the many construction materials and chemical products with which he is acquainted. Certainly, our daily lives would be profoundly affected if platinum were suddenly to become unavailable.

Jan 1, 1944

By J. A. Singmaster

A REPORT that it did not pay to use present-day galvanized iron on account of the short life of the material, accompanied by proofs of the state-ment in the form of a tabulated history of the first costs of various kinds of building materials and their main-tenance expense, started an investigation of modern galvanized products. At the very outset it was apparent that our experience with galvanized products was by no means unique. Correspondence with the State Agricultural Depart-ments, the Agricultural Experiment Stations, the County Agents and State Granges all over the United States brought a mass of complaint on this same score. Visits to large buyers of galvanized sheet and wire revealed the same condition coupled with an ever-increasing use of substitutes for galvanized iron. We believe, therefore, that the title of this article is fully warranted by the experience of the consuming public. A study of the proceedings of the various societies having to do with the testing and use of sheet iron and steel products revealed a tremendous amount of work on the life of the base metal itself. Great stress was laid on differences in life of various types of iron and steel, the difference amounting at best to months rather than years. Very little recent attention has been paid to a study of the life of the zinc coating and the causes of its present-day lack of durability. There have been some real exposure studies published, how-ever, which show that the weight of the zinc coating determines the protection afforded by the galvanizing, which is of far greater influence on the life than the base-metal composition. An interesting paper was published by the Phillipine Journal of Science in 1916, entitled: "Galvanized Roofing in the Phillipines," a contribution from the Bureau of Science of the Phillipine Island Government. The author, Mr. Arguelles, found on 18 old galvanized sheets, after from 30 to 35 years' exposure, from 2.3 to 4.1 oz. of zinc per sq. ft. of sheet and sums up the study by saying: Of the various factors influencing the durability of galvanized iron which have been studied with a view towards accounting for the difference in behavior of old and modern sheet, it appears evident that the greater weight of zinc per unit of area on the former accounts for the greater durability.

Jan 10, 1922

By J. E. Hilliard, H. E. Cook

It is shown that for systems having a miscibility gap the spinodal composition (c,) in the vicinity of the critical temperature (Tc) is related to the equilibrium composition (c,) by where cc is the critical composition. This expression is exart for the limit T — Tc and is a good approximation down to (T/Tc) - 0.9. If the miscibility gap meets the composition of the pure components THE recent theoretical treatment by cahn1,2 on spinodal decomposition of solid solutions has revived interest in methods of estimating the chemical spinodal, * i.e., the locus on a binary phase By use of the appropriate expression, the spinodal can be drawn on the Phase diagram almost by inspection with an accuracy comparable to that of lengthy calculations in which a free-energy function is fitted to the phase diagram. Satisfactory agveemenf is also obtained with spinodals comPuted from experimental free-energy curves. where G is the Gibbs free energy of the homogeneous solution and c the atomic fraction of component 2, the derivative being evaluated at constant temperature (T) and pressure (P). (These subscripts will hereafter be omitted from the partial derivatives.) If experimental measurements of G as a function of c and T are available in a single-phase region above the spinodal, then these can be extrapolated to obtain a series of metastable free-energy isotherms in the two-phase region, and from these isotherms a series of spinodal compositions can be calculated. Because the value of is very sensitive to experimental errors, an elaborate analytic procedure is required for

Jan 1, 1965

W. H. BASSETT,* Waterbury, Conn. (written discussion ?).-The effect of reducing gases on hot solid copper has been known for many years in the copper industry, and precautions taken to guard against it in the general practice in copper heating and annealing. In view of the statement that Bengough and Hill, in 1910, were the first to suggest the possibility of the formation of gas within the copper itself, it is interesting to note that in Harper's Magazine for April, 1904, an article, "Life and Diseases of Metals," by Professor Heyn, illustrated the effect of reducing gases on copper by a photograph, which is shown in Fig. 1. This he entitled "Copper burst asunder by disease." After referring to the effect of hydrogen on steel, he makes the following remark: "Similar symptoms of poisoning, caused by hydrogen or gases containing hydrogen (as gas for lighting purposes), are apparent in copper when exposed to red heat. Not every kind of .copper is susceptible to this poisoning in equal degree. Copper per-fectly free of cuprous oxide is entirely exempt from poisoning. Most of the various coppers of commerce, however, contain cuprous oxide, formed during the smelting process while exposed to atmospheric influences. In such coppers, containing cuprous oxide, hydrogen causes a terrible disease on the copper being heated red hot. The copper bursts asunder and is permeated by cracks. This disease is practically incurable and can be eradicated by resmelting only. The results work destructively according to the amount of cuprous oxide contained in the copper." It must have been evident to Professor Heyn, as it was to us on reading this article, that the bursting asunder of the copper was clue to the formation of steam. Practical copper heaters have known for many years that it was quite possible to produce blisters, or large gas holes, in the interior of copper plates or bars by heating to a high temperature in reducing gases. These facts, of course, do not detract from the value of the study of the action of hydrogen gas that has been made by Mr. Pilling, but simply illustrate that the practical effect of reducing gases on furnace-refined copper has long been a troublesome factor in the heating or annealing of that metal.

Jan 1, 1919

By Philip J. Shenon

IN 1947 the mining industry strove desperately to regain operating normalcy. During the first part of the year the industry in this country was plagued with labor shortages, strikes, and portal-to-portal lawsuits. Then followed the uncertainty of Government policy with respect to subsidies and tariffs; and the long and bitter controversy as to whether we are a nation of mineral "haves" or "have-nots." As the year progressed the labor supply impoved somewhat and the Taft-Hartley law brought partial relief to strike-troubled industry. The uncertainty with respect to tariffs was partly answered by President Truman on April 29 when he announced the suspension of the 4¢ import duty on copper until March 31, 1949, and later, near the close of the year, by the announcement of the tariff agreement signed by the United Nations at Geneva. By this agreement tariff rates are to be adjusted downward, or "bound" at their present levels, for three years, on commodities amounting to some 60 per cent of United States trade. Effective Jan. 1, 1948 the rate of duty will be substantially reduced on ores, concentrates, or metals of zinc, aluminum, copper, manganese, tungsten, iron, steel, barytes, nickel, cadmium, and antimony.

Jan 1, 1948

By N. S. Bornstein, M. A. DeCrescente

ThE nickel and cobalt base superalloys employed in gas turbine engines under some conditions' oxidize at an accelerated rate when exposed at elevated temperatures to atmospheres containing minor quantities of sea salt. It is generally agreed by investigators in the field that the major steps comprising this phenomena of accelerated oxidation, also called hot corrosion or more commonly, sulfidation, are a) a slag composed primarily of Na2S04 is formed on turbine components, b) the protective oxide scale is rendered ineffectual, c) the slag reacts with. the substrate to form metal sulfides, and d) the substrate is rapidly oxidized. Sodium sulfate, a minor constituent of sea salt, is formed within the gas turbine engine from the reactions between NaC1, the major constituent of sea salt, and the oxides of sulfur.' Depending upon concentration, engine compression ratio, and temperature, the Na2S04 will be present in the gaseous or condensed state. It has been determined that in order for sulfi-dation to occur the Na2S04 must be present in the condensed state.' Although a number of sulfidation mechanisms have been postulated, there is no consistent explanation of oxide scale breakdown and subsequent catastrophic oxidation. Some investigators believe that after oxide scale breakdown, the Na2SO4 reacts with the substrate to form lower-valent sulfur compounds. The accelerated rate of oxidation is due to oxidation of a nickel-sulfide phase." Other investigators believe that sulfur from the fused salt reacts with chromium in the alloy to form chromium-rich sulfides; thereby depleting the alloy of an element which imparts oxidation resistance.3,4 This publication will demonstrate that the accelerated rate of oxidation associated with sul-fidation is due to interactions between Na20, a con-stituent of NazSO.,, ancl the substrate. The aim of this study was to separate and determine the effect of compounds of sulfur and sodium on the oxidation kinetics of various nickel-base superalloys, in order to elucidate the sulfidation mechanism. The work reported herein is sponsored in part by the Naval Ship and Development Center-Investigation of EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The nickel base alloys B-1900, U-700, and Waspaloy were chosen for this study. The nominal compositions are presented in Table I. The specimens, approximately 1 in. by 1 in. by 0.060 in. received in the "as cast" condition were polished with 600 grit emery, washed, and rinsed with acetone immediately prior to oxidation experiments. Sulfida-tion attack was duplicated in the laboratory by apply-ing a saturated aqueous solution of Na2S04 onto the al loy substrate and subsequently exposing the specimens in oxygen at elevated temperature. The method of Na2S04 application is described elsewhere in detail.6 In another set of experiments the affected substrate microstructure associated with sulfidation was reproduced free of the normal oxide scale, by reacting and diffusing elemental sulfur into the alloy. The experimental procedure is also described elsewhere in detail. All oxidation studies were performed using an Ainsworth thermobalance type RV-AU-1, which is readable to 0.01 mg and is reproducible to ±0.03 mg. The specimens, introduced into a heated furnace, were exposed in the temperature range 800" to 1000°C

Jan 1, 1970

By Tell Ertl, Ernest E. Burgh

INTRODUCTION THE Bureau of Mines is operating an oil-shale mine 10 miles west of Rifle, Colo., as part of its Synthetic Liquid Fuels program. The purpose of operating this mine is twofold: First, to supply oil shale to an experimental processing plant; and second, to develop practices and select methods for mining oil shale on a commercial scale at the lowest practicable cost. The second purpose-that of finding out how to mine oil shale most cheaply-entails considerable mining research. Since the drilling of oil shale probably will be one of the major items of the mining cost, factors that influence drilling speeds were investigated. One phase of the drilling program was the development of a successful hard-surfaced rock-drill bit1 that can be used for drilling long holes in oil shale without changing bits. During that phase, drilling speeds were measured and drill cuttings were collected for assay and for screen sizing. When the cuttings from the individual tests were compared, a definite relationship was shown to exist between the drilling speed and the coarseness of the drill cuttings. PROCEDURE Measurement of Drilling Speeds All drilling in the tests was done with a Model UMB-D-99W Gardner-Denver wagon drill. Round-lugged drill steel, 1 ¼ in. in diameter was used in 6, 12, and 18 ft lengths with 2 1/8 -in. Timken H-type bits hard-faced with acetylene tube borium. The tests were made in the lower adit of the Bureau of Mines oil-shale mine; the grade of the oil shale drilled ranged from 18.6 to 42.7 gal per ton. During the experiments air pressure varied between 75 and 90 psi while water pressure remained fairly constant at 75 psi. All holes were drilled almost horizontally. Each drill hole was thoroughly cleaned of cuttings after being collared. The advance of the drill along the carriage was measured and recorded as the drilling speed in inches per minute. Method of Collecting Cuttings To facilitate the collection of cuttings, each drill hole was collared in a smooth, vertical portion of the oil-shale breast (Fig 1). A galvanized-steel sheet was fastened to the breast below the area in which the hole was to be drilled. The cuttings washed out of the drill hole by the drilling water were guided by the steel sheet into a wooden box. The cuttings that remained in the drill hole after the drill was withdrawn were scraped out and placed in the same box as the cuttings washed out of the hole. After the cuttings from a 1-min. drilling interval were collected, they were placed in flat metal pans. The fines were allowed to settle and the clear water was decanted. The cuttings then were dried in the sun.

Jan 1, 1947

By Evan Just

Attempting to analyze a 25-year forecast after less than a third of the time has elapsed may seem premature. The President's Materials Policy Com- mission's report necessarily painted with a broad brush and made no claim for pinpoint accuracy in its predictions. More importantly for present purposes, it made no attempt to predict the detailed courses of production and consumption during the period forecasted. Several statistical highs and lows may very well lie between now and 1957, so comparing recent figures with points taken from the report on a straight-line basis would be illogical. Moreover, the report assumed that the general trend of consumption-domestic and foreign-would be upward. Contrarily, domestic figures were lower in 1957 than in 1950. Therefore, to project curves from 1950 through 1957 leads to conclusions that are probably false. Many in the industry would feel more uncertain about forecasting 1975 domestic conditions now than they would have been in 1950, even though nearly a third of the 25 years has elapsed. In making comparisons, several statistical problems are encountered. The Paley report figures for 1950 were estimated in several cases and corrected figures vary as much as 10 pct. For example, the report placed 1950 lead consumption at 800,000 tons, whereas actual consumption was 885,000 tons. Obviously, in comparing more recent figures with the report's projections, adjustments must be made for positions taken in error from the start. Over the long pull, such discrepancies will probably be insignificant, but they must be noted in comparing short-term changes.

Jan 10, 1959

The term metamorphism as commonly used means any change in a rock in either form or composition, from whatever cause. By metasomatism, according to Lindgren, is meant a metamorphism that involves a change in the chemical composition of a rock by the addition or subtraction of substance. Certain types of metamorphism are due to the action of mineralizing solutions, and are closely connected with ore deposition; they form, therefore, valuable guides in the exploration for ore- deposits. Other types of metamorphism are due to regional processes, and are not connected with ore deposition. By dynamo-regional metamorphism is meant a primary alteration of rocks over large areas under conditions of pressure, flowage, and heat. This process produces schists and gneisses from either sediments or igneous rocks. It is thought that there is little migration of minerals or of elements in dynamo-regional metamorphism, and that the changes are due chiefly to recrystallization and rearrangement of original minerals in bands with their major axes oriented normal to the direction of greatest pressure. Under these conditions limestones are commonly altered to marble, and sandstones to quartzite, basic igneous rocks to greenstone or serpentine, while rocks of normal or acid com- position commonly yield the usual types of schist or gneiss. Dynamo-regional metamorphism, extending over large areas, has no connection with mineralizing processes, and is, therefore, no guide to ore deposits; while this process has certain features, such as characteristic mineral associations, in common with contact metamorphism, the results of the two processes may usually be distinguished without difficulty.

Jan 1, 1932

Discussion of the paper of Earl S. Bardwell, presented at the Butte meeting, August, 1913, and printed in Bulletin No. 79, July, 1913, pp. .1429 to 1441. H. O. HOFMAN, Boston, Mass. (communication to the Secretary*) :-It is pleasing to the originators of the planimetric determination of oxygen in refined copper to see that the method has been taken up by a large smelting plant to be used in every-day work after it has been simplified to suit the new conditions. Several years ago Huntington and Desch 1 had improved our mode of working. They projected the developed negative on to a screen, traced the outlines of the picture with a pencil, drew a border, and measured one constituent with. the planimeter. In order to give the work greater precision, they divided the area into squares of 1 cm. side, shaded the

Jan 11, 1913

By U. N. Bhrany, N. Arbiter

F. C. Bond (Consulting Engineer, Processing Machin-Dept., AllisChalmers Manufacturing Co., Milwaukee) This is a very comprehensive paper. It deals with 1) size distribution functions, 2) energy-particle size relationships, and 3) criteria for grinding efficiency. The method of analysis used consists of tracing the increase and decrease of successive Tyler scale screen fractions as grinding progresses. The treatment is based upon the assumption that the work done in grinding is concentrated entirely upon the coarse size fractions in the mill. It is postulated that when a feed consisting entirely of particles of one size fraction is batch ground that finer fractions increase at a constant rate as grinding progresses, until finally each in turn begins to be ground and to decrease in amount. It is shown that under these conditions the empirical Gates-Gaudin-Schuhmann log-log size distribution plot can be logically explained. It is difficult to imagine any condition of ball mill operation, or any probability analysis, which would result in no grinding contacts on the finer particles present. However, the authors' postulate must be accepted if their conclusions are to be sustained. They conclude that the equation expressing the for mation rate of each size fraction can be resolved into the G.-G.-S. size distribution equation, and that the curvilinear portion of the log-logsize distribution line represents the only particle sizes which are being ground as well as produced. The author's statement that the G.-G.-S. Eq. 4 applies only to the finer portion of the size distribution while the Rosin-Rammler Eq. 6 applies over the whole size distribution range certainly supports the view that an exponential equation of the Rosin-Rammler type corresponds more closely to actual size distribution than does the power law G.-G.-S. equation. However, the G.-G.-S. equation is used to derive Eq. 8 and Eq. 9, which state that the energy required to grind a ton through a particular mesh varies inversely as the particle size to the exponent -a , whic h is the slope of the extended G.-G.-S straight line. This is stated to apply to both batch and continuous grinding. The G.-G.-S. slope exponent thus becomes very important in all crushing and grinding analyses by this method. The authors include some data which can be used to test their conclusions, as described below: We will consider grinding a feed composed of 14 mesh (1190u) to -200 mesh (74u). The average of 17 Allis-Chalmers grindability tests on quartz gives a work index (Wi) of 12.77. The -200 mesh product should have 80 pct passing 41.6u or P = 41.6. The equivalent 80 pct passing size of the 14 mesh feed particles is considered to be the particle diameter, as is true for spherical particles. Thus F is 1190u. In the work index equation 10 wi 10 wi 127.7 127.7 P f 41.6 1190 = 16.1 kw-hrperton. In Table I the ball mill exponent for quartz is 1.0 and from Eqs. 9 and 10: w=kw-hr/ton =Constan/(do/di) = 16.1 ton so that (1190) Constant/ Constant and the Constant equals 259. The tons per horsepower-hour value is 0.0464, in agreement with Table IV. The exponents for other minerals are listed in Tabl e 11. In Table IIA, the kilowatt hours per ton required to grind these minerals between the same sizes as the quartz, both by the authors' method and the work index equation, are listed. According to the authors kw-hrperton = 259/(16.1)".

Jan 1, 1961

By T. J. Whalen, M. Humenik

The liquid surface tension of copper-nickel ad copper-nickel-titanium-carbon alloys and the wettability of titanium caybyde by these alloys have been measuhed. It was found that the surface tensions of the binary copper-nickel alloys Lie on a smooth curve between the end members, copper and nickel. The addition of small amounts of titanium and carbon has nO effect on the surface tensions of copper-nickel alloys. Small additions of nickel to copper significantly reduce the contact angle of Ike alloy with titanium carbide. From a Gibbs treatment, nickel is shown to be adsorbed at the titanium carbide-alloy interface. X HE microstructure of two-phase materials has been shown to be influenced largely by the interfacial energies between the phases present.' , In systems prepared by powder metallurgy techniques and densi-fied in the presence of liquid phase, a precise analysis of microstructure and interfacial energy relationships requires a knowledge of the solid-solid interface energies and liquid-solid interface energies. However, marly metal-nonmetal systems are characterized by the "sweating" of the liquid during sintering, and in these systems wettability is a principal consideration. The wetting in turn is dictated by the various interface energies of the system, as shown in Fig. 1 for a liquid drop formed on a solid substrate. The equation which expresses the vectorial balance of surface forces in the horizontal plane, at the point of contact, A, is given by: where ssv = solid-vapor interface energy sSL = solid-liquid interface energy sLV= liquid-vapor interface energy 6 = contact angle measured through the liquid phase. The angle and the surface tension, slv, can be measured accurately by the sessile drop method.3, The absolute value of the surface energy of the solid cannot be determined by this method, but with reasonable changes in the composition of the liquid only, the value of ssv can be considered constant. The changes in contact angle, then, can be attributed to changes in sSL and sLV and since sLV can be measured, the changes in sSL can be determined. Several studies have indicated that the surface and bulk properties of solid alloys can be correlated with electronic structure. The catalytic activity of copper-nickel alloys was reported to follow the dband vacancies in these alloys.5 Nickel has been considered to have 0.6 holes per atom in the d-band. The addition of copper to nickel is thought to bring about a filling of the d-band of nickel, since each copper atom contributes one electron. Thus, at an atomic concentration of 60 Cu-40 Ni (62 wt pct Cu-38 wt pct Ni) the d-band is believed to be full, and magnetic measurements support this view.6 If the electronic structure is influencing a property of the alloy, this property should show some sort of discontinuity as the composition changes from one side of the 60 Cu-40 Ni composition to the other. Since the catalytic activity can be considered as a surface property of the alloy, it is logical to assume that other surface properties, such as surface tension, may also be influenced by electronic structure. The suggestion has been made that there is a correlation between the solid titanium carbide-liquid Cu-Ni alloy interfacial energy and d-band filling.7 One purpose of this investigation was to determine if the changes taking place in the electronic structure with compositional changes in the solid copper-nickel alloys were reflected in the surface tension values of the liquid alloys. Such a change, if present, would lend support to the suggestion that one can refer to discrete energy bands in the liquid state. Other purposes of the present study were to investigate in detail the wettability in the system copper-nickel-titanium carbide, and to discuss the possible processes which take place during wetting in this system.

Jan 1, 1961

By Robert J. White

Strong's equation for calculating bottom-hole pressure reduction due to gas cutting of drilling mud is corrected, resulting in a simpler equation which is easier to use. Use of the equation is illustrated by examples. It is shown that reduction of weight of a 10 lb/gal mud by 50 per cent at the surface due to gas cutting produces only n 3 per cent decrease in hydrostatic head at the bottom of a 5,000-ft well. It is also shown that at the surface 5 volumes of air per volume of mud are required to reduce the apparent mud weight from 8.5 to 6.5 lh/gal in a 3,000-ft well. Illustrative graphs are included to show the effect of various degrees of gas cutting on apparent mud weight at depths of 2,000, .5,000 and 10,000 ft and to show variation of apparent mud weight, with depth for a 100 lb/cu ft (13.37 lb/gal) mud gas cut to 90 lb/cu ft (12.03 lb/gal) at the surface. INTRODUCTION In 1938, Strong' published the following equation for calculating reduction in bottom-hole pressure due to gas cutting of drilling mud h = 1/D [p + pn/100 In p + p(1-n/100)/p(1- n-100)] where: h = depth in feet P = pressure in atmospheres at depth h due to mud column only D = hydrostatic pressure in atmospheres of a col-umn of uncut mud 1 ft high p = back pressure at well-head (in atmospheres) n/100 = fraction by volume of gas in mud at well-head at back pres-sure p This equation was recently found to contain an error due to an incor-rect expression for variation of vol-ume fraction of gas with pressure. Values calculated by the original equation are close to the correct values for small percentages of gas for which it was derived but become increasingly erroneous as the gas content increases and are completely unusable at the very high gas con-tents employed in aerated mud. DERIVATION The nomenclature used is the same as in Strong's paper. The pres-sure dP exerted by a lamina of thickness dh at a depth h ft is ex-pressed by Eq. 1 where x = volume fraction of gas at depth h dP = D (l - x)dh . . . (1) When we express x in terms of the wellhead per cent gas n, the well-head pressure p and the pressure P at depth h, the result is Eq. 2. x = (np/p+p)/(100-n) + (np/P + p) When this is substituted in Eq. 1 and rearranged to separate the var-iables the result is dh = 1/D [dp + np/100-n dp/(P + p]. Integration between appropriate lim-its results in or if the wellhead is open so that p = 1 atm and we rearrange Eq. 4, the result is loss in head = hD — P = n/100-n In (P + 1) ...(5) Eq. 5 can be solved easily by successive approximation using hD as a first approximation for P on the right-hand side and calculating a first value for loss in head. This can then be used to get a new value of P using the left-hand side of the equation. Values converge very rap-idly even for quite large values of per cent by volume gas n. EXAMPLES The effect on bottom-hole pressure of 50 per cent gas cutting of the mud in a 5,000-ft well using 10 Ib/ gal mud will be calculated, we have: h = 5,000 ft 10 X 7.48 144 X 14.7 = 0.0353 atm/ft hD = 176.5 atm n = 50 Substituting these values in Eq. 5 and using hD as a first approxima-tion of P on the right, we have, approximate loss in head = 50/50 In (176.5 + 1) = 2.30 log 177.5 = 5.17 atm. We calculate a new value of P as follows:

Jan 1, 1958

By J. Philip Neal, Carroll P. Rogers

Feldspars, the most abundant minerals of the igneous rocks, occur in numerous forms and mixtures. The feldspars of commercial significance are found in widely distributed pegmatites as large crystals usually free of iron- bearing impurities and thus suitable for hand-cobbing, and also in larger bodies where the ore contains various types of feldspar inter- mingled with quartz and relatively free of iron- bearing impurities, or at least readily unlocked from impurities present at relatively coarse mesh. The latter type of ore includes some pegmatites, and the ''alaskite" bodies so common in the Spruce Pine district of North Carolina. On the west coast of the U.S. and in Oklahoma there is-r has been--commercial recovery of natural feldspathic sand as a source of alumina in glass and ceramics. "Aplite" in commercial terminology is a light-colored igneous rock with a granitic composition and a fine sugary texture, often banded with readily removable iron impurities. Two areas in Virginia produce aplite for the glass industry: one located in the vicinity of Piney River, Amherst County, and the other near Montpelier in Hanover County. According to Deer et al. (1966) the word feldspar derives from the Swedish feldt or falt (field) and "spath:" chunks of rock appearing in tilled ground overlying granite. Castle and Gillson (1960) indicate a Germanic origin, citing "spat," which is said to refer to any transparent or translucent material which is readily cleavable. The term "spar" has in the past been applied to minerals other than feld- spar, such as barite, calcite, and fluorite. It is correct to call the latter "fluorspar." There is a true barium feldspar, but it is rare and of no present economic importance. What is recognized as feldspar or "spar" by present producers and consumers consists of three silicate minerals which, if pure, would have the formu- las KAISi,O, (microcline or orthoclase), NaAlSi,O, (albite), and CaAl,Si,O, (anorthite). These are almost never found in pure form in nature, but occur together in great abundance in a three-component system. A considerable number of different combined ratios of these three exists, with the exception that isomorphism between potassium spar and calcium spar is very limited. User specifications for feldspar products are largely built around the prevalent naturally occurring ratios. Pas- sages following will refer to "K-spar," "Na- spar," or "Ca-spar." Nomenclature and Descriptive Terms Relating to both the mineralogy and the economics of feldspar are certain terms whose coverage it is useful to specify. Commercially, aplite is a feldspathic rock mined and beneficiated in two locations in Virginia, in which both titanium and feldspar minerals are present-the latter now being the major, if not the only, economic product. Technically, the term aplite when applied to this rock is of questionable accuracy. But, in light of accepted commercial usage, the term will be here used to designate it. Regarding the Virginia rock, Ross (1941) is cited.

Jan 1, 1975