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By R. S. Handy

DOES hand-sorting of mill feed pay? The fact that the practice is so general would seem to indicate that there must be good reasons for following it; yet, to my mind, the advantage in many cases is doubtful enough to invite a thorough discussion of the subject, in an effort to determine under what conditions hand-sorting does pay. A typical sorting plant in the Coeur d'Alene district handles about 800 tons of mine-run ore per day. The material is run over a grizzly with about 4-in. opening; the oversize is crushed to about 4-in. size and joins the undersize, and the whole product is washed and screened on trommels with about 1 ½ -in. openings. The oversize from these trommels is spread on a belt and the waste and first-class ore are sorted out by hand, the residue being further crushed, and passes, together with the trommel undersize, into the mill feed bins. About 50 tons of shipping ore and 150 tons of waste are sorted out per day, leaving about 600 tons of mill feed. To sort out this material requires 20 ore sorters and five bosses and repairmen. The normal cost of hand-sorting is about 16 c. per ton of run-of-mine ore, or 65 c. per ton of material sorted out. I believe that straight crushing and milling of the run-of-mine ore, in this case, is not only cheaper, but is metallurgically moree canonical and efficient than hand-sorting followed by milling of the residue. At one of the Bunker Hill rock-houses, 1250 tons of run-of-mine ore are reduced to pass 30-mm., or about 1 ¼ -in. opening in six hours, requiring five men. The equipment and the power consumed are not greatly different from that required in a sorting plant of the same capacity, and the normal cost of thus preparing the feed for milling is under 3 c. per ton of mine product. The relative cheapness of this method as against hand-sorting is thus clearly established, the saving being about 13 c. per ton. If there is any virtue in hand-sorting, then, it must lie in the metallurgical results achieved.

Jan 4, 1918

By E. A. Gulbransen, W. S. Wysong

THE behavior of tungsten and its surface oxides in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres and in high vacua at elevated temperatures is a question of considerable technical importance. The use of tungsten as a metal or as an important component in alloys in high temperature oxidizing atmospheres has been limited because of the unprotective nature of its oxide film and the volatility of its oxide. This paper will present results of a microbalance study1,2 of the following problems: (I) the oxidation behavior in the temperature range of 25 to 550°C (2) the reduction with pure hydrogen of thin oxide films formed on tungsten, and (3) the volatility of thin oxide films on tungsten. Tungsten is an interesting metal to study for the following reasons: (1) although the oxide to metal volume ratio is greater than one, the oxide is not considered protective, (2) the metal readily oxidizes at temperatures from 300° to 550°C (3) the oxides W02 and WO3 are reduced at temperatures as low as 500°C. by hydrogen, and (4) the oxide W02 is volatile at temperatures from 800 to 1100°C. LITERATURE The oxidation of tungsten in its thin film range has not been studied critically. In the thick film range Dunn3 has made the only systematic study. He found the oxidation rate to obey the parabolic rate law in the temperature range of 700 to 900°C. The temperature variation of the oxidation rate constant was found to follow an exponential law of the Arrhenius type. An inflection was noticed in the temperature plot of the rate law constant at 850 to 900°C. This was attributed to a phase change in the oxides. Scheil4 has studied the oxidation rate at 500 and 700°C over long periods of time and found a linear rate law. This result was interpreted as evidence for the presence of a nonprotective film. Pilling and Bedworth5 analyses of the oxide volume to metal volume ratio would indicate that a compact protective film should form. McAdam and Geil6 have studied the oxidation of tungsten in the thin film range using the interference color method. A parabolic rate law was found. Their curves showed that tungsten oxidizes faster than nickel but more slowly than iron. The lattice structures found in the oxidation of tungsten surfaces have been studied by Hickman and Gulbransen.7 They have reported that W03 is the stable oxide in contact with the metallic substrate up to approximately 600°C while W02 forms first at 700°C. Hägg and Magneli8 have recently reported a study of the lattice structures observed in the tungsten oxides using the X-ray diffraction method. In addition to an a-phase W03 and a d-phase W02, they reported the existence of two new phases. A ß' phase, homogeneous between

Jan 1, 1947

Page The Cobaltchromium Binary System (paper by A. R. Elsea, A. B. \Yesterman, and G. K. Manning, Met. Tech. June, 1948, Mechanism of Precipitation in a Permanent Magnet Alloy (paper by A. H. Geisler and J. B. Newkirk, Met. Tech. Aug. 1948, Tp 2444)................................................................................................. 300 Some Effects of Applied Stresses on Precipitation Phenomena (~aper by W. L. Finlay and W. R. Hibbard, Jr., Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, Tp 2470)....................................................................................... 301 Diffusion of Carbon in Austenite with a Discontinuity in Composition (paper by L. S. Darken, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2443) 304 An Electron Diffraction Study of Oxide Films Formed on Nickelchromium Alloys (paper by J. W. Hickman and E. A. Gul- bramen, Met. Tech. June 1948, Tp 2372)..................................................................... 305 An Electron Diffraction Study of Oxide Films Formed on Copper-nickel Alloys at Elevated Temperatures (paper by J. W. Hickman and E. A. Gulbransen, Met. Tech. June 1948, TP 2391)................................................ 307 Decarburization of Chrome Nickel Alloys by Their Surface Oxides in High Vacua and at Elevated Temperatures (paper by E. A. Gulbransen, W. S. Wysong, and K. Andrew, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2438)................................ 307 Fractographic Study of Cast Molybdenum (paper by C. A. Zapffe, F. K. Landgraf and C. 0. Worden, Met. Tech. Aug. 1948, TP 2421)................................................................................................. 308 Effect of Composition on Grain Growth in Aluminum-magnesium Solid Solutions (paper by L. J. Demer and P. A. Beck. Met. Tech. June 1948, TP 2374)............................................................................. 309 Effect of a Dispersed Phase on Grain Growth in Al-Mn Alloys (paper by P. A. Beck, M. L. Holzworth and P. Sperry, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2475)................................................................................. 310 Statistical Rate Theory of Metals—Mechanism of Flow and Application to Tensile Properties (paper by J. W. Fredrickson and H. Eyring, Met. Tech. Aug. 1948, TP 2423)............................................................... 315 Nucleation of Slip Bands (paper by J. G. Leschen, R. P. Carreker, and J. H. Hollomon, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2476) and.. 318 Transient Plastic Deformation (paper by R. P. Carreker, J. G. Leschen, and J. D. Lubahn, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2477).. 318 Plastic Deformation of Large Grained Copper Specimens (paper by W. R. Hibbard, Jr., Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2469). ... 323 Plastic Flow in Anisotropic Sheet Steel (paper by L. R. Jackson, K. F. Smith, and W. T. Lankford, Met. Tech. Aug. 1948, TP 2440)................................................................................................. 323 The Effect of Thermal-mechanical History on the Strain Hardening of Metals (paper by J. E. Dorn, A. Goldberg, and T. E. Tietz, Met. Tech. Sept. l948, TP 2445)....................................................................... 325 The Room and Elevated Temperature Properties of Some Sand Cast Magnesium-base Alloys Containing Zinc (paper by T. E. Leontis, Met. Tech. June 1948, TP 2371)..............................................................., 327 The Low Temperature Properties of Tin and Tin-lead Alloys (paper by H. S. Kalish and F. J. Dunkerley, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2442)............................................................................................335 Thermal and Electrical Properties of Ductile Titanium (paper by E. S. Greiner and W. C. Ellis, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2466).................................................................................................... 335 Property Changes during Aging (paper by A. H. Geisler, Met. Tech. Aug. 1948, TP 2436)............................... 337 Factors Affecting the Tensile Notch Sensitivity of Magnesium Alloy Extrusions (paper by I. Cornet, Met. Tech. Aug. 1948, TP 2419)................................................................................................. 338 Effect of Grain Size on Tensile Strength, Elongation and Endurance Limit of Deep Drawing Brass (paper by H. L. Walker and W. J. Craig, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2478)............................................................. 339 A Copper-base Alloy Containing Iron as a High-strength, Highconductivity Wire Material (paper by W. Hodge, R. I. Jaffee, J. G. Dunleavy, and H. R. Ogden, Met. Tech. Aug. 1948, TP 2422).............................................. 340 A High Strength-High Conductivity Copper-silver Alloy Wire (paper by W. Hodge, R. I. Jaffee, J. G. Dunleavy, and H. R. Ogden, Mel. Tech. June 1948, TP 2366)...................................................................... 340 The Effect of Chronlium on the Ma Point (paper by J. B. Bassett and E. S. Rowland, Met. Tech. Aug. 1948, TP 2417.... 341 The Kappa Eutectoid Transformation in the Copper-silicon System (paper by W. R. Hibbard, Jr., G. H. Eichelman, Jr., and W. P. Saunders, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2441).............................................................. 343 Stabilization of the Ausknite-martensite Transformation (paper by W. R. Harris, Jr. and M. Cohen, Met. Tech. Sept. 1948, TP 2446)................................................................................................ 344 Secondary Hardening of Tempered Martensitic Alloy Steel (paper by W. Crafts and J. L. Lamont. Mel. Tech. Sept. 194,8, TP 2439)................................................................................................. 345

Jan 1, 1950

By K. L. Sutherland, J. Rogers

The relationships between collector and mineral, activator and mineral, and activator, collector and mineral will be considered herein. We propose to criticize current theories of flotation but we will not repeat the many pertinent arguments presented by Wark and Cox28 in 1937 in which the "chemical" or more strictly the "solubility" theory proposed by Taggart and co-workers22 is shown to be untenable. Recently Taggart, Arbiter and Kellogg24 have studied the long-chain aliphatic amines as collectors and have attempted to resuscitate the solubility theory for these particular collectors. Dean and Ambrose3 have felt that "we stumble over words" when we distinguish different mechanisms of adsorption. Our view is that nothing is more stultifying to the development of a science than attempts to force widely different phenomena into one classification. This oversimplification leads immediately to difficulties in the interpretation of results. Experimental Procedure The response of minerals to activator and collector was determined by "captive-bubble" tests. The methods of preparation of specimens26 and of testingin have been previously described. Results from captive-bubble tests were confirmed by flotation tests in glass-stoppered cylinders.26 The full lines shown in the figures relating solution composition to contact (flotation) distinguish solutions in which contact (flotation) is possible from those in which it is not. The curve is derived by successive approximation and the accuracy is ±o.2 pH units and ±5 mg. per liter of collector or depressant. Solution compositions for which it was shown experimentally that contact or flotation is possible are marked by a circle, those for which it is not possible by a cross and those for which it is doubtful by a cross within a circle. It is assumed that at all other solution compositions within (without) the curve, contact or flotation is possible (not possible). After testing in the collector solution, the mineral was removed, washed, and tested by the captive-bubble method in water, or floated in a cylinder with frother only. In this way the composition of solutions in which a mineral was conditioned but in which properties of the collector solution prevented contact or flotation can be defined. The composition of solutions in which conditioning was possible lie between the full and broken curve, the experimental results being indicated on the figures by a square. The curves show the limits of composition of solution in which flotation in a cell would be possible. Many factors other than those considered in these tests determine recovery or grade of a given mineral in practice.

Jan 1, 1947

By J. Rogers, K. L. Sutherland

The relationships between collector and mineral, activator and mineral, and activator, collector and mineral will be considered herein. We propose to criticize current theories of flotation but we will not repeat the many pertinent arguments presented by Wark and Cox28 in 1937 in which the "chemical" or more strictly the "solubility" theory proposed by Taggart and co-workers22 is shown to be untenable. Recently Taggart, Arbiter and Kellogg24 have studied the long-chain aliphatic amines as collectors and have attempted to resuscitate the solubility theory for these particular collectors. Dean and Ambrose3 have felt that "we stumble over words" when we distinguish different mechanisms of adsorption. Our view is that nothing is more stultifying to the development of a science than attempts to force widely different phenomena into one classification. This oversimplification leads immediately to difficulties in the interpretation of results. Experimental Procedure The response of minerals to activator and collector was determined by "captive-bubble" tests. The methods of preparation of specimens26 and of testingin have been previously described. Results from captive-bubble tests were confirmed by flotation tests in glass-stoppered cylinders.26 The full lines shown in the figures relating solution composition to contact (flotation) distinguish solutions in which contact (flotation) is possible from those in which it is not. The curve is derived by successive approximation and the accuracy is ±o.2 pH units and ±5 mg. per liter of collector or depressant. Solution compositions for which it was shown experimentally that contact or flotation is possible are marked by a circle, those for which it is not possible by a cross and those for which it is doubtful by a cross within a circle. It is assumed that at all other solution compositions within (without) the curve, contact or flotation is possible (not possible). After testing in the collector solution, the mineral was removed, washed, and tested by the captive-bubble method in water, or floated in a cylinder with frother only. In this way the composition of solutions in which a mineral was conditioned but in which properties of the collector solution prevented contact or flotation can be defined. The composition of solutions in which conditioning was possible lie between the full and broken curve, the experimental results being indicated on the figures by a square. The curves show the limits of composition of solution in which flotation in a cell would be possible. Many factors other than those considered in these tests determine recovery or grade of a given mineral in practice.

Jan 1, 1947

By A. W. Hesse

Twelve years ago, some coal-mine operators, mining engineers, oil and gas operators, Bureau of Mines engineers, geologists and state mine inspectors met in Pittsburgh, Pa. to discuss and solve if possible, the problems in connection with the drilling of oil and gas wells through or near coal mines and through the future coal reserves. Regulations were drafted and presented by O. P. Hood and A. G. Heggem of the Bureau of Mines.' . There was considerable discussion of the various articles, practically all of which appear in Bulletin 65, but the interest aroused at that meeting was short lived. Practically none of the important coal-producing states gave the matter the consideration it should have received. Notwithstanding the marked progress in safety work, coal mines still have an unenviable reputation for mine explosions. Our mining laws have become stricter and the enforcement, especially in Pennsylvania, more rigid, but what good will come from a rigid enforcement of the mining laws if some source of danger exists all around the mines, over which the operators have no control ? It is hardly necessary to recite all the cases of natural-gas explosions published in Bulletin 65, but with some of them I am especially familiar. In 1912, while visiting the Miners' Hospital, at Fairmont, W. Va., my attention was called to a patient swathed in in bandages so that no part of his face and hands were visible. He had not been told that his two sons, mere boys, had died of the burns they had received in the same accident—explosion due to natural gas leaking into a country mine at Peora, Harrison Co., W. Va.

Jan 1, 1925

By Joel H. Watkins

The terms kaolin, china clay, ball clay, and paper clay are more or less loosely and interchangeably applied to a large class of white-burning clays. These clays are made up chiefly of hydrous amorphous (colloidal) aluminum silicates with variable amounts of free silica and other impurities in small quantities. Occasionally also the term kaolinite is wrongly applied to a white-burning clay, for kaolinite is a mineral of definite chemical composition and definite crystalline form which occurs but sparingly in nature. It is not the purpose of this paper, however, to define or classify clays, or to enter into a discussion of the chemistry of clays. It is rather a general description of the occurrence and methods of mining of a kindred group of clays, and a discussion of their future economic aspect. In the Southern Appalachian States, the mining of white-burning clays has in recent years become an important industry. Although these clays are of several distinct types, which occur in as many localities under different geologic conditions, they are for the most part primarily of the same origin. They are essentially the same in elementary constituents, and are largely consumed in the game industrial arts. From the standpoint of a mining engineer, therefore, and for convenience in comparison and correlation, it should be interesting to discuss them under one heading. Kinds of Clay The most important types of clay which are now being actively mined in the Southern Appalachian States and with which this paper is particularly concerned are the North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia kaolins or china clays (residual); the South Carolina and Georgia kaolins or paper clays (sedimentary); and the Florida and Tennessee plastic kaolins or ball clays (sedimentary). Other varieties which are interesting but which are as yet of little importance are the pocket deposits of white clay in Augusta County, Virginia, the bauxitic kaolins of Tennessee,

Jan 1, 1915

By A. W. Hesse

TWELVE years ago, a meeting of coal-mine operators, mining engineers, oil and gas operators, Bureau of Mines engineers, geologists and state mine inspectors took place in Pittsburgh, Pa. for the purpose of discussing, and solving if possible, the problems in connection with the drilling of oil and gas wells through or near coal mines and through the future coal reserves. Proposed regulations were drafted and presented at that meeting by 0. P. Hood and A. G. Heggem of the Bureau of Mines.1There was considerable discussion of the various articles, practically all of which appear in Bulletin 65, but unfortunately the interest aroused at that meeting was short lived. Practically none of the important coal-, producing states gave the matter the consideration it should have received at that time. REASONS FOR AGAIN RAISING THE QUESTION Notwithstanding the marked progress in, safety work, coal mines still have an unenviable reputation for mine explosions. Our mining laws have become stricter and the enforcement, especially in Pennsylvania, more sternly carried out, but what good will come from a rigid carrying out of the mining laws if some source of danger exists all around the mines, over which the operators have no control? It is hardly necessary to recite all the cases of natural-gas explosions published in Bulletin 65, but with some of them I am especially familiar. In 1912, while making one of my usual Sunday visits to the Miners' Hospital, at Fairmont, W. Va., my attention was called to a patient in a horribly burned condition. He was swathed in bandages so that no part of his face and hands were visible. He had not then been informed that his two sons, mere boys, had died of the burns they had received in the same accident. This explosion was due to natural gas leaking into a country mine at Peora, Harrison Co., W. Va.

Jan 2, 1925

By H. Merton Ruth

THE northern anthracite fields, although facing the same economic problems as the southern fields, are confronted with the additional problem of fast dwindling reserves of anthracite which can be conventionally and economically won. The mining of coal which remains in thin beds and the recovery of pillars from areas heretofore considered unrecoverable, either by reason of cost or surface restriction, pose problems of in- creasing importance to the economic life of the northern field operations. Successful approaches have Been made to this problem and other work is being performed that holds promise. There exists in the northern anthracite field millions of tons of solid coal, the recovery of which has not been too successful due to the following inherent operating faults: inability to concentrate producing areas; the great quantities of rock to be cut and handled, lack of consideration of proper sequence and speed of second mining, and the continued use of the mine car as the basis of payment. A mining system that has successfully solved these major problems has been in operation in the Scranton area since 1944. Over 1% million tons have been produced from veins varying from 3 to 4% ft thick by this method, which is known as the multiple panel-triangular system-conveyor mining.

Jan 1, 1950

By Carlton D. Hulin

ARE we a "have" or a "have-not" nation in our domestic supply of metals and minerals? Impinging on the ears of a people weary of war and faced with the problems of reconversion to peace, the import of this question has built up with the momentum of an avalanche. Stemming from statistics cited by Pehrson and accelerated by the pessimistic and possibly biased statements of Ickes, hardly an issue of any technical periodical dealing with mining has appeared during the past year but within whose pages was to be found some comment, some discussion of the question: Are we a "have" or a "have-not" nation? We have proved commercial reserves of high-grade iron ore in the Lake Superior region sufficient for 22 years, based upon the prewar rate of consumption; commercial copper reserves to last only 34 years, one fourth being inferred ore; zinc sufficient for nineteen years, over half being inferred; lead for twelve years, two thirds of which is inferred; mercury for only three years. So read the figures. Although admitting that these figures may be extended by new discoveries, by the use of marginal and submarginal ore, and by further technological advances, are we nevertheless to assume complete pessimism in the acceptance of the meaning of these statistics; are we to expect a rapidly increasing dependence upon foreign sources of mineral supply; are we to believe that we are at or near the peak of the "metal age" as has been held by Theodore J. Hoover? Or is some more optimistic viewpoint possible?

Jan 1, 1947

By Samuel S. Wyer

Bethlehem Meeting, February, 1906 THE following abbreviations have been used in the text:¬ Am. MF. and Iron World. American Manufacturer and Iron World, Pittsburg, Pa. Can. Min. Rev. Canadian Mining Review, Ottawa, Can. Cass. Mag. Cassier's Magazine, New York, N. Y. Col. Eng. Colliery Engineer, London, Eng. Col. Guard. Colliery Guardian, London, Eng. Eng. and Min. Jour. Engineering and Mining Journal, New York, N. Y. Eng. News. Engineering News, New York, N. Y. Engr. Engineering, London, Eng. J. I. and S. I. Journal of the Iron and Steel Institute, Lon¬don, Eng. Jour. W Soc. of Engrs. Journal Western Society of Engineers, Chicago, Ill. Lond. Eng. The Engineer, London, Eng. Mines and Min. Mines and Minerals, Scranton, Pa. North of Eng. I. M. E. North of England Institute of Mining Engineers, Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. Oester Zeitsch f. Berg u. Hüt. Oesterrcichische Zeitschrift für Berg. und Hüttenwescn, Vienna, Austria. Pract. Engr. Practical Engineer, London, Eng. Proc. I. C. E. Proceedings Institution of Civil Engineers, London, Eng. Trans. A. I. M. E. Transactions American Institute of Mining Engineers, New York, N. Y. Trans. A. S. M. E. Transactions American Society Mechanical Engineers, New York, N Y Trans. Fed. I. M E. Transactions Federated Institute Mining Engineers, Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. Trans. I M E Transactions Institute Mining Engineers, Newcastle-on-Tyne, England.

Mar 1, 1906

By Paul Weir

FOR the first time in 1938, bituminous coal production for the week ending Nov. 19 surpassed that of the corresponding week in 1937, and indexes of industrial activity indicated the possibility that the remaining weeks of 1938 would run ahead of the corresponding weeks of the preceding year. But regardless of this year-end pickup, total production in 1938 was approximately 25 per cent less than in 1937. The estimate of 340 million tons for 1938 places the bituminous industry slightly above the production level of 1933 and approximately 10 per cent above the modem low of 1932. Anthracite production is not subject to the same extent as is bituminous coal to fluctuations arising out of the rate of industrial activity, hence the decline from 1937 has not been so great being approximately 14 per cent under 1937. The estimate for 1938 production is approximately 45 million tons, but this represents the lowest level reached in the last fifty years with the possible exception of several strike years.

Jan 1, 1939

By Thorp D. Sawyer

In June 1914, one week before I was to be awarded my sheepskin in upper New York State, I received a telegram from New York City which read "Can offer you position as engineer in Chile at $115 a month contract for one year. (signed) Chile Copper Co." That night, Friday, I took a sleeper to New York and arrived at the Guggenheim Brothers' company office at 165 Broadway, just as it was opening up on Saturday morning. Saturday was no holiday in that era. Presenting the telegram at the office, I was ushered into a sub-executive's office and shown a mimeographed contract which 1) agreed to pay me $115 per month from the date of leaving New York until I returned, and with travelling expenses both ways, 2) fixed a charge of $46 per month for board and lodging in company quarters, and 3) stipulated a contract term of one year with the right to retain my services for another year if the company so elected. While a bit huffed at the year's "kicker" I nevertheless accepted. I was then told to prepare to leave the following Wednesday (June 17) on a United Fruit Co. steamer for Panama. Objecting that I still had to receive my degree on the 17th and had planned a vacation in Ohio for a week or so…

Jan 12, 1960

By Oliver Bowles

DELICATE PLANTS are now put to bed for the winter under glass-wool or rock-wool blankets. Thus arise new and unexpected uses for non-metallic materials and rocks and, at the same time, certain unique uses are fading out; for instance, the Italians have taken steps to bar the use of salt for money in Ethiopia. Novel sources of supply find a place in the record of recent achievements as exemplified in the migration of the frontiers of industrial mineral exploitation beyond the land area of the earth to include the ocean. Salt, of course, has been recovered from the sea for years but the treatment of enormous quantities of sea water for bromine has lately added to the importance of the ocean as a reservoir of mineral wealth. Increased use of non-metallic minerals in the commercial and economic life of the country is reflected in the wide scope and activity of the Industrial Minerals Division of the Institute. The outstanding recent achievement of the Division is the publication of a 955-page volume on industrial minerals and rocks, comprising 48 commodity chapters each written by an authority on the subject.

Jan 1, 1938

By C. O. Burgess, W. D. Forgeng

DESPITE the increasing interest in and the technical importance of iron-chromium-manganese alloys, very little published information is available regarding their constitution. F. M. Becket's paper1 in 1930 represents the first correlated effort in the field of these alloys. The paper served particularly to draw attention to the commercial possibilities of iron-rich alloys containing chromium and manganese in balanced proportions. The duplex structure of alloys within the commercial range was briefly discussed, but exposition of their structural constitution was necessarily limited because the physical properties and corrosion resistance of the alloys were the main subjects of the paper. Both prior to and following the publication of F. M. Becket's paper, and at his instigation, an extensive investigation of the constitution of iron-chromium-manganese alloys of commercial purity was in progress at the Union Carbide and Carbon Research Laboratories, Inc. The present paper is based on the results of that investigation. In the last few years, investigations covering various portions of this alloy system have also been made in Europe. W. Koester briefly mentioned the effect of annealing on chromium-manganese steel2 and later3 constructed approximate sections of the iron-chromium-manganese equilibrium diagram. M. Schmidt and H. Legat14 even more recently studied this system, and their article and conclusions are of interest as representing an entirely independent study of a number of iron-chromium-manganese alloys. Koester's sections are shown in Fig. 1. The figures summarize the effect of manganese additions to iron alloys containing 5, 10, 15 and 20 per cent Cr as well as the effect of increasing chromium content on iron alloys containing 3, 8, 20 and 30 per cent Mn. These diagrams, within their composition limits, substantiated in some measure the results of our investigation. However, in our work some differences as regards the position of the mixed alpha-gamma fields were found as compared to Koester's work, and we were able to detect the presence of

Jan 1, 1938

By D. J. Weintritt, J. C. Cowan

Methods of studying oilfield mineral .scale deposition in the laboratory do not work for barium sulfate because only small nonadhering crystals ore formed. On the other hand, barium sulfate scale found in down-hole or surface equipment is strongly adhering and may contain very large crystals. Results suggest that most of the difference derives from the extremely low .solubility of barium sulfate. Firm adherence of scale and the consistent development of oriented crystals 100 microns and larger suggest a relationship between scale adherence and crysta1 growth. Data from this study indicate some reasons for barium sulfate's occurring as a deposit in oilfield waters. The unique characteristics as well as the associative properties of barium sulfate scale as related to calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate ere shown. INTRODUCTION The first observed deposition of barium sulfate scale in oilfield production equipment is unknown but probably coincides closely with the beginnings of the oil industry itself. Moore' described barite oolites in some producing wells in the Saratoga field, Tex., in 1914. Currently, positive identification of barium sulfate deposition is recorded in most of the major oil-producing areas of the United States. As efforts continue to identify the composition and functions of the materials found in scale deposits, the geographic and economic importance of the part played by barium sulfate will become even more important. This belief is based on the following Facts. 1. Many oil fields in the U.S. are in or entering their mature phase and the volume of produced water is increasing; thus, the cumulative effects of low-solubility minerals become more significant. 2. Secondary recovery techniques and increased emphasis on waste disposal systems require controlling the behavior of all constituents of water to prevent formation plugging. 3. The more general use of instrumental analysis has reduced the time and improved the accuracy of complete scale and water analysis. 4. Once formed, barium sulfate scale is resistant to present methods of chemical removal; therefore, costly mechanical methods are necessary. Thus, new methods of prevention and control will require specialized chemical techniques and better knowledge of the causes of scaling. Consider the results of some simulated field deposition studies illustrating this need (Fig. 1). The studies utilized a Scale Deposition Test Cell* and each coupon was exposed to 8,000 ml of a 300 me/liter solution of the various types of mineral scale. All tests were conducted at 140F. Only the calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate deposited scale. The solution containing 300 me/liter of barium sulfate exhibited copious amounts of precipitate, but none of the precipitate adhered. The fluids from the effluents were also allowed to impinge on glass slides. Fig. 1 shows the relative adherence of the three types of scale on unetched glass. The barium sulfate failed to deposit in the same manner as the calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate solutions.

By W. E. D. Jr. Stokes

THE application of aviation to mining and petroleum operations, on the basis of economy and attainment, has become a demonstrated fact. According to Dominion Government records, 30. Canadian companies engaged in air transportation with northland mining camps, carried 13,000 tons of freight in 1935, and in 1936 carried 16,000 tons. In addition, many mining companies used planes to transport prospectors with canoes, outboard motors, gasoline drums and supplies to remote locations, and one company maintained a plane to take radium-bearing ore from its mine on Great Bear Lake nearly 1000 miles south to the rail-way at Waterways, Alberta. Heavy pieces of mining machinery weighing 2 tons are being carried by Ford trimotor planes over the Andes, at an altitude of not less than 15,000 feet. At Bulolo, New Guinea, 17,500 tons of disassembled gold-dredging equipment has been flown over inaccessible terrain, while supplies and building materials for a, community of 1000 whites have been transported by airplane. A 3 1/2-ton shaft was carried on one notable trip, while at another time an automobile, 2 tons of rice and a large safe went over the mountains in one plane. Fig. 1 shows an electric generator that was carried by plane to Bulolo.

Jan 1, 1937

By E. J. Kenaedy, E. H. Robie

THOUGH the fall meeting of the Coal Division was held in the heart of the anthracite section, at Hazleton, Pa., the bituminous industry was well represented also, and the two groups found much common ground for discussion. The' technical part of the program was confined to two sessions in the morning and afternoon of the first day, Friday, Oct. 14, the evening and the following day being reserved for field trips and social functions. The attendance more than met the expectations of those in charge of the arrangements; there seemed no hint of depression here.

Jan 1, 1932

By Arthur Green

A GROUP of 13 cities situated in Los Angeles and Orange counties in Southern California is engaged in constructing an aqueduct to carry water from the Colorado River at a point near Parker, Arizona, to a distribution point sear Riverside, California. The aqueduct will have a total length of approximately 241 miles, and is designed to deliver 1605 cu. ft. of water per second, or a little more than one billion gallons per day. The aqueduct crosses a barren, desert waste and the project includes approximately 91 miles of 16-ft. tunnel. The large amount of tunnel driving that has been done in this country in the past few years has resulted in some remarkable developments in equipment and methods. The building of the Colorado River Aqueduct, with its 91 miles of tunnels, has called on the best engineering knowledge in the country. New and better equipment has been designed for all phases of the work, and this equipment has been coordinated and adapted to the various conditions with a high degree of efficiency. The result has been that records for tunnel driving have been set under adverse natural conditions that exceed the estimates for progress under good conditions. All of the tunnels in the main aqueduct, except the Valverde and Bernasconi at the western end, have a finished diameter, inside the concrete lining, of 16 ft. Fig. 4 shows a section of the tunnel with the concrete lining in place. Fig. 5 illustrates the finished tunnel in three typical sections. The standard tunnel grade is 3.432 ft. per mile in the 16-ft. tunnels, but the Valverde and Bernasconi tunnels have a steeper grade and a finished diameter of 15 ft. 3 in. The rough bore of the large main aqueduct tunnels averages 12.95 solid cubic yards of material per foot of advance in timbered sections and 10.76 solid cubic yards per foot in unsupported sections.

Jan 1, 1936

By D. J. Weintritt, R. G. Hughes

Statistics show arz increase in the average depth of wells drilled in recent years. As a corollary to this trend, drilling fluids have been improved in an effort to meet the problems inherent at temperatures approaching 500°F. Of importance are (1) deterioration of mud components and (2) the effect of solids on filtration and rheological properties. High-temperature, stable water-base and oil-bare muds are discussed. Those areas in which differences exist are pointed out. Results are based on data taken from the Fann consistotneter, rheometer and shear-strength measurements, static and dynamic filtration tests, methy-lene blue test for bentonite solids and specific heat measLrrenlents of muds. INTRODUCTION Higher well temperatures go along with the fact that the average depth of wells continues to increase. Recent data by Gardner' lists 137 completions deeper than 15,000 ft for the first half of 1964 with a record second-half total of 167 wells drilling or proposed. In addition, there has been an increase in drilling for steam for power production or mineral recovery. In this application the depths are modest, but the mud may approach the critical pressure and temperature of water. Scearce and Magnon' report drilling mud used at temperatures of about 700°F in the Salton Sea area of California. Most deep wells have been drilled with water-base muds. In recent years, however, there has been a substantial increase in the use of oil-base muds because of technological advances in effective additives. The significance of this development was dealt with in considerable detail by Simpson and his co-workers.3 Additiona1 field data have now been obtained to indicate that oil muds are competitive in control, performance and cost with the best types of water muds for use at high temperaturc. This parallel offer of two very different fluid systems, each offering a similar variability in performance, cost and convenience, has created the need to evaluate the merits of these fluids under specified conditions so that the advantages and disadvantages of each can be weighed in relation to the over-all drilling program. This paper is not intended as a review of all the factors. Rather, it attempts to emphasize: (1) important condltions and facts peculiar to high-temperature drilling muds, (2) that more than one imposed test condition or testing method is necessary to describe the quality of a mud at high temperature and (3) that elaborate experimental precautions are necessary whenever laboratory data are used in selection of a mud for field use. WHAT IS A HIGH-TEMPERATURE DRILLING FLUID? For the purpose of this discussion, a high-temperature drilling fluid is any system so formulated or treated to economically minimize the effects of temperature on the properties of the fluid. Our experience in drilling fluids suggests that these effects become obvious for many mud materials at temperatures of 300F or higher. It is understood that hydrolysis of starches, depoly-merization of certain organic thinners, or irreversible chemical reactions (such as that of clay and lime) can affect filtration, viscosity and shear strength at less than 300F. However, the temperature level is not a serious point and in no way affects the precautions and techniques used in this study. An up-to-date review of the literature on high-temperature drilling fluids and the many variations was treated by Rogers'in 1963. EXPERIMENTAL REQUIREMENTS TESTING EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES With the advent of deeper drilling and increased demand for temperature-stable drilling fluids, new testing equipment and laboratory techniques were devised for the evaluation of drilling fluids subjected to elevated temperature and pressure. While the equipment has not been standardized, it is in widespread use. Milligan et al. Qescribe a filtration cell for determining the filtration properties of drilling fluids at temperatures in excess of 300F. They showed the effect of variations in temperature and pressure on oil and water muds filtered in the 300 to 400F range. The dynamic filtration apparatus described by Simpson6 permits the study of the filtration properties to temperatures of 350F for drilling fluids circulated over sandstone cores. Watkins et al.' describe the use of pressure bombs for studying the effect of prolonged periods of elevated temperature upon the gelation or solidification of drilling fluids. Chisholm et a1.' describe the use of a modified cement consistometer adapted for use in drilling fluid evaluations. A similar consistometer is used in this study, although the application and data-recording method have been changed. The consistency of a mud sample is measured by timing the movement of a soft iron bob which is magnetically moved up and down in the sample container.* Changer in the time of travel and the temperature of the mud at that moment are plotted with a two-point Brown Elec-tronik Recorder. A 10-in. chart with a speed of 4-in./hr is used. Fia.- 1 is a generalized internretation of the data ob-

Jan 1, 1966