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By David R. Mitchell, B. M. Bird

DENSE-MEDIA processes utilize the familiar laboratory float-and-sink procedure on a commercial scale. Just as wood chips float on water and sand sinks, so coal floats and refuse sinks when placed in a medium intermediate in specific gravity between the coal and refuse. Liquids intermediate in specific gravity between coal and refuse used in commercial plants are of four types: (1) organic liquids of high specific gravity-halogenated hydrocarbons; (2) dissolved salts in water; (3) pseudo liquids obtained by suspending solids, such as sand or magnetite, in water, and, (4) fluidizing a mass of sand or other solids by air currents. Those most widely used for cleaning coal are solutions of calcium chloride in water and a suspended sand or magnetite pseudo liquid. Laboratory float-and-sink testing is an intermittent operation during which every opportunity is given for particles lighter than the medium to float and particles heavier to sink. Commercial processes are continuous; vertical and horizontal currents of the separating medium occur as either part of the process or unavoidedly produced by the introduction of feed and withdrawal of products, 'so that the exact separation of the laboratory technique is not duplicated by commercial processes. However, separations close to the theoretical are obtained in commercial machines by careful technical control of the process. Most machines in commercial installations are crowded to get as much out of the equipment as possible, so that careful technical control is necessary is get the recoveries and grade of product desired. Sizes usually cleaned are plus ¼ in. or plus 1/8 -in. in the United States and plus 1/16-in. in Great Britain. Coal as small as 1 mm. has been cleaned in some experimental installations. The separation of coal from refuse in sizes finer than about 1/8-in. is made difficult by viscosity effects and hence at the present time cleaning is confined to the coarser sizes. Technical advances in the art of cleaning coal by dense-media processes is progressing rapidly and it is likely that equipment, media, and procedures will be developed to clean sizes down to 0.5 mm. efficiently and at low cost.

Jan 1, 1950

By D. Geoffry Minnes, Ray Blair, Stanley J. LeFond

Nepheline syenite is a silica deficient crystal-line rock consisting of albite and microcline feldspars and nepheline, together with varying but small amounts of mafic silicates and other accessory minerals. Nepheline-bearing rocks are widely distributed around the world but only in Canada, Norway, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the United States are deposits worked commercially, Because of its low melting point and fluxing ability, nepheline syenite was investigated in the early 1900s by many students of glass and ceramics. Although the nepheline syenite deposits in Methuen Township, Ont., Canada, were discovered as early as 1897 it wasn't until 1935 that the first mill was erected to produce nepheline syenite products. In Canada, nepheline syenite deposits are worked by Indusmin Ltd. and International Minerals and Chemical Corp. (Canada) Ltd. who have combined production capacity in excess of 1800 stpd. Between 1935 and 1972 seven million tons valued at $78 million were produced from the Methuen Township deposits. In Norway, the Norsk Nefelin Div. of Elkem Spigerverket has produced nepheline syenite from a deposit on Stjernöy Island in western Finland since early 1960. Production has increased from 8 kt in 1961 to over 200 kt in 1980. Nepheline syenite has been under investigation in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) since at least 1928. In 1951 the first commercial alumina works was brought on stream at Volkhov, near Leningrad, utilizing nepheline concentrates from the Kola peninsula as mill feed. Since then two others have been completed and more are planned. Large quantities of portland cement, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate are produced in conjunction with the alumina. A material called nepheline syenite, but actually a pulaskite, is produced in Pulaski County, Arkansas, by the McGeorge Construction Co. for construction aggregates and by the 3M Co. for roofing granules. The Dome Fill Co. purchases the fines and uses them in the preparation of enclosed construction fill. Production is over 2,000,000 stpy. Chap. 16 on "Feldspar, Nepheline Syenite, and Aplite" in the 3rd ed. of Industrial Minerals and Rocks (Castle and Gillson, 1960) and Nepheline Syenite Deposits of Southern Ontario (Hewitt, 1960) contain excellent accounts of earlier commercial development of nepheline syenite as a glass and ceramic material. As in the 4th ed., this chapter deals mostly with the period since 1960 and with matters not previously reported in detail. An English monograph on Nepheline-Syenite and Phonolite (Allen et al., 1968) is a complete survey, at the time, of nepheline syenite which, with its very complete list of references, is an excellent source book. End Uses Nepheline syenite from the Canadian and Norwegian producers finds use primarily in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. One producer also makes several grades of nephellne syenite that are useful as extender pigments and fillers in paint, plastics, and rubber. In the Soviet Union nepheline is used in increasing quantities in the manufacture of alumina, alkali carbonates, and portland cement and to a lesser degree it is used in the manufacture of colored container glass.

Jan 1, 1983

By G. C. Fryburg, H. M. Murphy

ThE rates of oxidation of metals are usually obtained by heating the metal specimens in furnaces. Such a procedure is satisfactory for most metals. However, there are several metals that oxidize according to the reaction.

Jan 1, 1959

By V. G. Mooradian

THE diffusion of metal atoms into the crystal lattice of another metal and the assumption of regular positions to form a homogeneous alloy are some of the most fundamental phenomena of structural metallurgy. The mechanism of this process has been the subject of a great deal of study from many viewpoints, but the picture is still far from complete. It is generally believed that if one metal is to diffuse into another, the first must have some solubility in the second1. This means that the solvent must be able to accommodate the stranger atoms, either on points of its own lattice or in the interstices between, without losing its own crystal-lographic identity. It is also a general observation that cold-working is a distinct aid in the diffusion process, causing it to take place with greater rapidity at the same temperature or with the same speed at a lower temperature. There is considerable doubt, however, as to the real significance of the deformation in its effect on the diffusion mechanism. Several factors associated with the cold-working may be responsible for the increased diffusion rate. The plastic deformation causes a distor-tion of the solvent lattice, which may be an aid in the assimulation of atoms of another kind. There are many references2 in the literature that suggest that some distortion or "loosening" of the lattice is necessary for atomic migration and that diffusion cannot take place in the undis-

Jan 1, 1935

By C. R. Kuzell

INTRODUCTION KNOWLEDGE of the thermal capacity of gases is of great importance in making metallurgical calculations. The metallurgist is, frequently called upon to investigate and determine furnace efficiencies in which the heat carried into or out of the furnace by gases is a large item in the heat balance. Not only do such problems present themselves in the determination of furnace efficiency, but also in the study of the application of heat is accessory apparatus, such as stoves, regenerators, waste-heat boilers, driers,.etc. The thermal effect of the use of excess air in the combustion of fuel, the theoretical temperatures of combustion, the quantity of heat in hot blast at various temperatures, the effect of hot blast on furnace temperatures, are a few more examples of frequently occurring calorific problems involving gases. So many are the applications of the data on the heat capacity of gases that the subject merits careful study. The heat in a gas maybe due to its heat of combustion, if it is a combustible gas, and to its temperature. The latter is called its sensible heat and is the heat absorbed or evolved by a gas as its temperature is raised or lowered. The heat of combustion of gases is well established and is commonly known. The values can be found in almost any mcdern treatise on metallurgy. The sensible heat of gases has not been so well established because it is in most cases a function of the temperature, and the values of specific heats of gases over a wide range of temperatures have only recently been determined. It is the purpose of this paper to deal with the sensible heat of gases.

Jan 8, 1914

By C. H. Gerould

I would like to take a moment to consider our polystyrene-silica replica technique, which was developed at the Dow Chemical Co. and which was mentioned in the paper just given by Mr. Thielsch. He stated that he feared that our replica technique would cause difficulty due to deformation of the metal as a result of the application of pressure during the molding process. We at the Dow have never had any reason to suspect that any deformation of the metal was occurring during the molding process. Our procedure has been to heat the polystyrene to a temperature of 160°C. before applying any pressure, at which temperature the polystyrene is a viscous liquid. By so doing the pressure of the polystyrene against the metal is essentially hydraulic and is therefore applied equally in all directions, which we feel should not cause deformation. Our work using this replica technique has brought forth several indications that deformation of the specimen is negligible. These indications are: I. Direct comparisons have been made between the light and electron microscopes when studying a specific spot on a metal surface. These "same spot" studies were obtained by first taking micrographs at high magnification, with a light microscope, of a specific structure that could be readily recog-

Jan 1, 1947

By C. A. Wright

The average lead and zinc content of the ores mined and milled in the Joplin district is low as compared with that of other lead and zinc deposits throughout the United States. Because of this fact and of the high grade of the concentrates, the ratio of concentration is unusually high. Most of the operating companies have aimed to produce as high a grade of concentrate as possible in order to obtain the highest price for their product. They have done this at the sacrifice of the percentage of zinc recovered. The average percentage of zinc recovery is from 60 to 70 per cent. For percentage of recoveries from actual mill tests, see tables. The concentration is commonly effected by crushing the ore to ½-in. (12.7 mm.) size and subjecting it to a roughing and cleaning over two or more large Cooley jigs, of the Harz type, the finer sands being treated on the usual types of sand and slime tables. The treatment of slimes by flotation is being tested at several of the larger mills. Coarse Concentration When the ore has been hoisted from the mine it is dumped onto a chute leading to a grizzly made of iron bars, usually heavy rails, spaced 4 to 5 in. (101 to 127 mm.) apart. The oversize is caught on the grizzly, the mineralized pieces are broken with sledge hammers so as to pass through, and the boulders that are practically barren are sorted out by hand and trammed to the waste-rock pile. The proportion of waste rock thus sorted out varies from a fraction of 1 per cent. to 15 per cent., depending on the nature of the rock. Crushing The undersize material, 5 in. (127 mm.) or less in diameter, passes through the openings of the grizzly into the mill hopper below. From

Jan 1, 1918

By Francis Lucas

ANY metal which contains even a small percentage of aluminum possesses certain peculiarities of appearance and properties which are exhibited both when the metal is melted and after it solidifies. Pure aluminum, or an alloy containing a small proportion of aluminum, can be melted without flux-except for a layer of charcoal-because a film of aluminum oxide and metal forms at the surface of melted aluminum. Although very thin, this film is air-proof, and it prevents the metal underneath from oxidizing. This oxidized film does not move easily on account of its toughness and high surface tension. One very important point in connection with this process of still casting has not been strongly enough stressed, namely, that the same kind of surface film with the same peculiarities forms over the surface of all melted alloys that contain even a small proportion of aluminum. Experienced foundrymen know how desirable it is to cast aluminum under its "skin" or-under the surface of the film which tends to remain still. In the case of red copper, when in fusion, the surface shows pure copper only. This is due to the fact that liquid copper constantly absorbs the copper oxide which forms on the surface. By closely examining melting copper the oxide can be seen dissolving in the bath, and going into solution just as pulverized sugar dissolves in water. When copper is cast in the open, either in wire bars or cakes, the surface of metal exposed to the air is covered by a film of black, oxide that cannot be absorbed by the metal.

Jan 1, 1927

By Sidney Powers

INTRODUCTION THIS paper aims to present the results of an investigation concerning gravitative differentiation in lava flows, based on a quantitative microscopic and chemical study of a Triassic basalt from Nova Scotia, and confirmed by data secured from a study of certain Keweenawan ophites. At Cape d'Or, Nova Scotia, near the head of the Bay of Fundy, marine erosion has exposed a series of Triassic basalt flows in which copper has been sought for a number of years. Studies of the thickest flow of the series with regard to volumetric composition, specific gravity, and grain have been made by the junior author, and measurements by students at Tufts College, together with confirmatory observations of the same nature on this and other flows by the senior writer, and chemical analyses made by the Division of Mines, Mines Branch, Ottawa,1 all show differentiation in lava flows comparable to that in intrusive bodies. The work was made possible by the availability of the drill-cores, the property of Tufts College, and emphasizes the desirability of the study of drill-cores from other localities. Measurements of the specific gravities of certain Keweenawan lava flows of -Michigan by the senior author, from material collected in 1915, will be given as a comparison to those of the Cape d'Or flow. It has been found that the specific gravity of drill-cores, or volume per cubic foot, can be readily obtained by measuring their dimensions. This can be done to an accuracy of within 1 per cent. in pieces of core over 100 min. in length by using a micrometer gage for the diameter, and taking the average of six measurements of the diameter; and the average of four measurements of the length made with a finely graduated ruler. Then, after weighing them, the weight in grains per cubic centimeter, or what is practically the same thing, ounces per cubic foot, is obtained. System-

Jan 2, 1916

By Walter W. Bradley

Mining by hydraulic process of the important gold-bearing gravels of the Sacramento Valley in the basins of the Yuba, Bear and American rivers began in 1853, and continued at an ever-increasing rate for 30 years. In its most active days it reached an annual production of $15,000,000, and averaged $10,000,000 per year over the 30 years. During that period no provisions were made to prevent the debris from being discharged into the water courses, and ultimately large quantities of silt, sand and gravel were washed down to the lower valleys; filling channels, causing overflow of agricultural lands and difficulty in maintaining navigable depths in the Sacramento River. Agitation and suits filed because of these damages finally resulted in the injunction decision of Judge L. B. Sawyer,' in the U.S. Circuit Court, Jan. 23, 1884, which closed down practically all hydraulic mining operations not having means to restrain their debris. In 1893 (approved March 1, 1893), Congress passed the act introduced by Representative Anthony Caminetti, of California, creating the California Debris Commission, composed of three officers assigned from the Engineer Corps of the U.S. Army, and since that time it has been legal and possible within the drainage systems of Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers to conduct hydraulic mining of gold-bearing gravels behind dams built under this commission's permit and supervision. In the watersheds of the Trinity and Klamath rivers, which flow directly to the Pacific Ocean and do not affect navigation or agriculture, operating permits from the California Debris Commission are not required. There is a measure of restriction there, however, through what is known as the Trinity and Klamath River Fish and Game District. Chap. 215, Stat. 1931, in order to secure relatively clear water for the fishing season, provides that between July 15 and October 15 each year there must not be discharged into these rivers debris that will cause a turbidity greater than a content of 50 parts per million in the

Jan 1, 1937

By Paul Hunt

UP to June, 1923, the Park-Utah mine had shipped about 94,000 tons of a direet-smelting ore of a gross value of $4,200,000, or about $45. a ton. These values were in gold and silver only, although the ore carried small amounts of lead, copper and zinc. Freight, treatment and deductions had averaged $15.40 a ton. At the expiration of the Pittman Silver Act there was in sight about 30,000 tons of a similar ore with a gross value of about $15 a ton in gold and silver, and a large body of partly developed lead-zinc ore of a gross value of about $20 a ton, 40 per cent. of which was represented by the lead-zinc content and the balance by the silver and gold. Mine costs had been high during the life of the Pittman Act, but as a large part of the profits had gone into equipment of the mine and the orebodies were large and had good walls, we knew that mine costs could be greatly reduced. We were therefore faced by the necessity of getting lower freight and smelter rates or of concentrating the ore. We did obtain better freight rates on lower grade ore, and a favorable smelting rate on the small tonnage of siliccous silver-gold ore, but this smelter rate could not be applied to the lead-zinc ore with any profit to ourselves. The Judge mill of the Park City Mining & Smelting Co., with which we were affiliated, was running to capacity; if we built our own mill it ineant a 5-mile freight haul to a satisfactory millsite and a year's delay. Fortunately, the International Sillelting Co. had just inherited a mill at Tooele which, with some changes, was about double the catpscity required for its own ores. Flotation tests were run on Park-Utah ore and a contract entered into with a low base treatment charge per ton, the tariff being largely fixed by the metallurgical deductions. This contract has been admirably calculated so that the miner can follow a lean orenbody to its limit. Such a procedure has no doubt made it difficult for the smelting company at times, but it has resulted in finding ore extensions that otherwise might have been missed, so In the long run it has profited too. A flat rate per ton would have been like mining up to the claim endlines in a great many of the stopes. In order to offer such a contract it can be inferred that the smelting company must have been able to make high reeoveries and high-grade products on a very lean ore.

Jan 1, 1928

By T. Egleston

The necessity of using a refractory material capable of much greater resistance to chemical action and having a far higher melting-point than those which contain silica, which melt and sweat off in the furnace even when not exposed to bases forming with silica more or less fusible compounds, has led to a careful practical study of all those materials which contain very refractory bases. The results of these researches, extending over several years, and made on a very large scale in many of the largest works in Europe, are of the highest interest, not only considered as a step in the progress of the study of the materials themselves, but in the application of refractory materials to metallurgical uses in general. The result of the experience of the last seven years with these basic materials, as in general with all such substanccs, is that natural products cannot be used as such. They are either too uncertain in their quality, contain substances which may in certain cases be very injurious, or, when in a condition in which they might be used, are so rare as to become practically unavailable for employment on a large scale. The materials that may he used are therefore not only limited in number. but they must be prepared artificially. When the use of basic artificial material is further extended, no doubt the number of these substances will not only be greatly increased, but the methods of preparation will be both perfected and cheapened to such an extent as to permit their application in processes for which they have hitherto proved too expensive. The quantity of refractory materials required for making ingots will he from 130 to 150 Ibs. per ton, or between 6 and 8 per cent. of the metal produced. In an establishment producing 2000 to 3000 tons of steel per week, considerable space is required to handle the basic materials properly. It is proposed in this paper to briefly discuss these basic materials and their application in the only two metallurgical processes where they have as yet been applied. These are the basic Bessemer and the basic open-hearth process, known as the Thomas-Gilchrist processes.

Jan 1, 1886

By Cyril Stanley Smith, Earl W. Palmer

STRIP of any of the metals used for deep drawing operations occasionally yields cups that are defective because of a rim that varies in height around the cup in a wave-like manner Some such defects are traceable to tools or other press factors, but when the protuberances formed (usually four in number on brass and other copper alloys) are symmetrically disposed with respect to the rolling direction of the strip, they are invariably attributable to the metal The effect is known as "caring" and the protuberances are called "ears" Other terms frequently heard are "tips," "scallops," and "corners " It is recognized that the effect is most commonly a result of a directional crystal structure produced by rolling and annealing operations in the manufacture of the metal strip Numerous papers dealing with various aspects of the caring effect have appeared in the literature, those listed in the references' being especially interesting and valuable An investigation of the factors influencing caring of brass cups has been in progress in the laboratories of the American Brass Co for several years, and it was thought desirable to make some of the results generally available in summarized form The present paper discusses many factors that do and do not contribute to ear formation In addition, a section is devoted to methods of minimizing the caring tendency of brass sheet by proper selection of the cold-rolling and annealing schedule by which it is produced In the space available, it is impossible to quote detailed experimental procedures and numerical results However, the authors make no statement that they do not believe to be properly substantiated, either by experimental evidence obtained under laboratory conditions or by experience in the actual production of deep-drawing brass in the brass mill MECHANISM OF EAR FORMATION It must be clearly understood that the formation on cups of symmetrical ears, four or more in number, is attributable solely to the strip metal, and results from the strip having different deformation characteristics in different directions The tools used in the drawing process, or the type and completeness of lubrication of the strip, have nothing to do with the problem of ears, although they do, of course, greatly affect the "drawing quality" of the strip and the general appearance of the cup A single tip may be drawn up on the rim of a cup because of misalignment of the tools, or because the gauge of metal varies from side to side of the strip The two-ear form that sometimes appears is also traceable to gauge variations However, the four-ear and six-ear symmetrical forms that we are concerned with here are caused by factors inherent in the structure of the metal itself

Jan 1, 1942

By S. K. Asunmaa, W. D. English, N. A. Tiner, W. A. Cannon

This paper discusses the reaction of metal surfaces with fluorine. Fluorination reactions result in the formation of metal fluoride films which are "passive" toward further reaction of the metal with fluorine. These films are very adherent, and do not easily detach from the substrate metal by mechanical flexing or thermal shock. Exposure of passive films to a humid atmosphere produces hydrated metal fluorides which cause secondary fluorination reactions upon reexpo-sure of the metal surface to fluorine. The surface films formed range from 10 to 30A in thickness and they pow at the expense of surface oxide films. The apparent film formation is completed rapidly in 15 to 30 min on stainless steel and nickel surfaces. On copper and on Monel surfaces, the film at first grows rapidly, then increases slowly over an extended period of time. Passive films are formed at all fluorine pressures in the range from 0.1 to 1.4 atm at room temperature. ALL metals react when exposed to fluorine. These reactions generally produce surface films which consist of metal fluorides. The rate of reaction is largely determined by the extent to which these films are protective. Although there is an extensive literature concerning reactions of oxygen with metals, there are very few investigations reported concerning fluorine-metal reactions. Brown, Crabtree, and ~uncan' investigated the kinetics of the reaction of gaseous fluorine with copper metal which had been freshly reduced in hydrogen. The reaction rate was independent of pressure over the range from 6 to 60 torr. A logarithmic rate law was obeyed in the temperature range from 25" to 300" ~. There was some deviation at higher temperatures which could have been the onset of a parabolic law. The calculated film thicknesses ranged from about two molecular layers, 10A, for 5 hr exposure at room temperature to thirty-five molecular layers for 5 hr exposure at 200" . The authors concluded that no single mechanism could explain all the observations. O7Donnell and spatkowski2 studied the reaction of fluorine with copper at 450°C at pressures from lo to 133 torr. The reaction was found to be pressure -dependent and followed a logarithmic rate law. It was not entirely diffusion-controlled, and fluorine was thought to be the migrating species in the reaction. Miscellaneous metal-fluorine reactions were investigated by Haendler et ~1.~ Reaction products were identified but no rate data were determined. Air Prod- ucts and Chemicals, Inc., have conducted an investigation of reactions between fluorine and various metal powders at room temperature and 85° C. Fluoride film thickness as a function of time of exposure was reported on the assumption that the reaction takes place between fluorine and metal to form the normal metal fluoride. Surface areas of the powders were only estimated so the relative film thicknesses may not be exact. The data showed reaction rates which were generally logarithmic in character, the rate of film growth virtually ceasing after a few hours exposure time for some alloy powders. The effect of moisture on fluoride films was also investigated by measuring additional reaction with fluorine after exposure of passivated powders to atmosperic moisture. The fluorination of iron was studied by 0'~onnell~ at temperatures from 225" to 525" ~ and at pressures ranging from 20 to 200 torr. In all ranges, the reaction followed a logarithmic rate law and was dependent on the square root of the gas pressure. The author concluded that fluorine gas passes through pores in the film. As the film grows, the blocking of pores leads to a rapid decrease in reaction rate; hence a logarithmic rate law is observed. Jarry, Fischer, and Gunther' investigated the mechanism of the reaction of fluorine with nickel at about 600" to 700°C. On the basis of the metallographic examination of fluoride scales growing on the nickel and from separate radioautographic data, it was claimed that fluorine is the migrating species in the reaction. This is in sharp contrast to the growth of oxide films on nickel where it has been shown that nickel ions migrate through the scale to the gas-solid interface to react with oxygen. Few investigations have been reported of the reaction of fluorine with metal oxides. Such investigations should be of great significance for a better understanding of passivation in view of the ubiquitous oxide films on technical alloys. Haendler et al.3 studied the reaction of fluorine with oxides of copper, tin, titanium, zirconium, and vanadium. Copper (I) oxide reacted as follows in the temperature range 150" to 300"~: temperature above 300" ~ was required for the CuO to react to form additional copper fluoride. Ritter and smith7 also investigated the reaction of fluorine with copper (11) oxide. An oxide powder comprised of spherical particles with a fairly high surface area was reacted with fluorine, starting at room temperature and increasing to 100° C over a period of 3 or 4 hr. The initial reaction was slow until the fluoride film thickness reached about to or 15R at which time the reaction rate accelerated, then decreased again. Most of the kinetic data was obtained during this final phase of reaction. The authors conclude that the film grows slowly at first until the stresses developed in the distorted lattice are sufficient to rupture the initial

Jan 1, 1969

A MINING institute open to all men interested in any branch of the mining industry will be held at the Col-lege of Mines, University of Washington, Seattle, during the week beginning March 5. Prospectors, miners, mine owners, persons interested in metallurgy, investors in min-ing enterprises, and the public generally are invited to at-tend. This institute will take the place of the Winter Min-ing Session which originated at Seattle in 1897 and con-tinued for twenty-eight years. The complete new equip-ment of the Mines Laboratory will be used to give demon-strations of new machines and processes of mining, ore dressing, and metallurgy. This year the ceramic industry, including cement and branches of clay working of special Importance in the Northwest, will be included in the insti-tute. All instruction will be given by specialists. Prominent technical men and managers will give lectures on their special subjects. Among the speakers engaged are G. T. Jackson, formerly superintendent of the Alaska-Gas-tineau and the Chichagof mines, who will speak on the mining of large bodies of low-grade ore; R. F. McElvenny, superintendent of the Tacoma Smelter, on the nature of contracts that a smelter can offer to mines and prospects; M. D. Leehey, mining lawyer, on some popular errors re-garding the mining law; H. H. Townsend, on the explora-tion and purchase of prospects by operating companies; J. L. McAllen, on quartz mining in the Willow Creek dis-trict, Alaska; F. Powell, on gold dredging. In the evenings, lectures illustrated by stereopticon views and moving pic-tures will be given. The week will close with an excursion o mines and plants.

Jan 3, 1928

By E. A. Gulbransen, J. W. Hickman

IN a previous paper1 the authors have investigated the structure of the oxide films formed on most of the metals that make up the alloys of this study. The metals were studied in order to provide basic information on the structures, both physical and chemical, of the oxide films and to determine how these structures are effected by the temperature, time of oxidation, and surface preparation. It was felt that an understanding of the physical and chemical structure as well as the stability of the oxide film might furnish clues as to the nature of the reaction process and the protective quality of the film. The oxidation of the metals was studied over the temperature range 300° to 700°C. except for copper, where the range selected was 100° to 500°C. The results of these studies were presented in graphical form as existence diagram, of the oxides on a time-temperature scale. For some of the metals the existence diagrams were simple and showed few chemical transitions, but there were numerous cases where the physical state of the oxide surface was a function of time and temperature. In general the physical state of the oxide surface changed with increasing temperature so as to increase the sharpness of the diffraction patterns and to cause orientation effects to be more pronounced. Deviations in lattice parameters from X-ray values were noted. In general these deviations were of positive nature and may be due to solid solution of the metal in the oxide lattice. This effect might be expected in thin oxide films. In a study of the oxidation of alloys containing two or more metals, there may arise the complicating factor of identification of the oxides formed. A thorough understanding of the oxides formed on the pure metals, therefore, was, essential before investigation of the oxidation of alloys. In this paper it is our purpose to present a study of the following problems: I The existence diagrams of various alloys. [2.] The effect of the structure of the [ying] metal on the existence diagram of Iron. 3. The effect of the percentage of chromium on the oxides formed on Fe-Cr alloys. 4. The relationships, if any, between the oxides formed and the protective quality of the oxides. The following alloys are included in this study: alloys of iron with body- centered cubic, face-centered cubic and other metals, 13 Cr-Fe, 18-8 stainless steel, K42B1 Nichrome V, Hipernik, Inconel, Stellite " 21," Refractaloy, Kovar, mild steel, a series of Cr-Fe alloys and a series of Co-Fe alloys. Since many of the commercial alloys in this list contain more than two metals, various complicating factors in the identification of the oxides formed may arise.

Jan 1, 1946

By H. F. Yancey, O. L. Furse

Although usually coal is screened with punched plate screens having round-hole perforations, there has been an increasing use of wire-cloth screens with square apertures, especially at pneumatic coal-cleaning plants and at other plants that use vibrating screens. It is therefore desirable to establish a relationship between round-hole and square-hole screens for use not only in experimental investigations of coal-preparation problems, but also for use in commercial operations. This need is apparent whenever it is necessary to substitute wire cloth for punched plate and still retain the familiar trade-size product. Although similar work probably has been done by industrial organizations concerned with the screen sizing of coal, the only recorded study of the subject other than the one described herein of which the authors are aware is that of Roesler,1 who screen-sized two samples of limestone and two of zinc concentrates crushed to pass 1/2 in. with a set of square and round-hole screens and found the ratio to be 1:1.23. Procedure In the course of a study of various methods for determining the friability of coal,2 it was necessary to screen-size the products of a series of friability tests of three different coals with both round-hole and square-hole screens. The coals used were from the Roslyn No. 3 and the Bayne mines in Washington and the Rolapp mine in Utah. Twenty 25-lb. samples of each of these three coals at 3 to 2 1/2 in. round-hole size were dropped from a height of 10 ft. to a concrete floor, and then screened with

Jan 1, 1934

By H. J. French

WITHIN the past few years, particularly because of the rapid growth of the airplane industry during the war, considerable attention has been paid to the manufacture of light-wall cold-drawn seamless and welded steel tubing for structural purposes. While the manufacture of such tubing is not, in itself, a difficult matter, some difficulties have. been encountered in producing the same under specifications requiring definite physical properties. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the methods of manufacture and the properties that may be obtained by such methods for tubing coming within about ½ to 2 in. (12.7 to 50.8 mm.) outside diameter and 10 to 22 Birmingham wire gage (0.134 to 0.028 in. wall thickness). Such tubing is largely used as structural material in the aircraft industry, and it is of the utmost importance that the physical and chemical properties should be known, and also that the various factors entering into the manufacture should be under such control as to allow these properties to be varied and held within definite limits. In general, tubing may be divided into four classes: namely, specialty tubing, such as riveted-sheet or plate, lock jointed, etc.; brazed tubing; welded tubing; and seamless tubing. Welded tubing may be divided into hot product, such as lap welded and butt, welded, and cold product, such as acetylene and electric welded. Seamless tubing may be hot rolled or cold drawn.

Jan 9, 1919

By S. Harries Daddow

IN order to get an idea as to the strength of steel rails, it will be well to review the tests to which iron rails have been subjected. In England, Mr. Ashcroft found that the best 80 pound rails broke under a 300 pound weight, falling 15 feet. In Germany the Society of Railway tyfanage1-s determined 011 and have long applied a test of 1000 pounds falling 101/2 feet, as the standard which all first-class iron rails must reach. In this country no inspection nor test is applied, but tests made show that iron rails fro; our most reliable makers, break under a G foot fall of a 1500 pound drop as an extreme test, most of those tested breaking under a far less test; some breaking with less than a 3 foot fall of the same weight. Everywhere where steel has been used, engineers have come to the conclusion that some test is required to show the regularity and strength of the product. As compared with iron, the tests which steel will stand are wonderful. After numerous experiments partially based on the experience of the rail-mill at Graz, belonging to the Southern Railway of Austria, the Society of German Railway Managers fixed upon a test of 2000 pounds falling 138 feet. They found that this test represented the steel which suited their necessities, and also found that with steel of otherwise average purity, this test represented about one-half per cent. of carbon, and made it a rule to take no steel containing under three-tenths of a per cent. of carbon, because it was too soft. They expressed a hope that a harder steel could soon be made tough enough to stand the same test. I n England, a test was adopted of 2240 pounds, falling 15 to 17 feet on the rail on heavy bearings. This test has been found satisfactory under heavy traffic on average road-beds, and has been invariablyPILLAR of coal, which are designed and left in our mines as the means of supporting the overlying strata of our coal-beds, and securing protection to the miner, are not only insufficient for these purposes, but the most objectionable means of providing the desired security to life and property. Though such pillars are left at a great sacrifice to the owners of collieries and mineral lands, loss to the resources of the commonwealth, and ultimate privation to the public, they defeat the very ends for which they are designed, and not only do not secure life and property, but are as fatal to the one as ruinous to the other. Propositions.-It is eminently desirable that the resources of the Common wealth-particularly our mineral wealth in anthracite coal, which is limited-should be carefully utilized and made available, not only to ourselves but our posterity. Yet, speaking as an anthracite miner, we are wasting our resources of coal with a recklessness which will bring ruin in the end, unless checked, not only to the iron manufacturing interests of the East, whose chief protection, in competition with the iron-masters of the interior, lies in a cheap and abundant supply of anthracite furnace fuel, but to the best interests of the State. It is, consequently, not only desirable, but necessary, that we should realize every ton of coal from each colliery, and every acre of coal area, in order that our resources may not be wasted at present, to breed want in the future, and to realize the greatest present benefit to the mine, the miner, and the public. It is not possible, however, to secure these ends, if we continue to leave, as we do at present, from one-third to one-half our resources in anthracite as pillars in our mines. But our sad bills of mortality, our abandoned collieries, and our yawning mountain-sides, present ample evidence that even this enormous waste of coal, though left for the purpose of protecting life and property, is as totally inade-

By C. P. Lawhon, J. P. Simpson, W. M. Evans

Recent efforts to design drilling fluids for increased drifting rates have confirmed some laboratory results of other investigators, but have also produced additional data that should be considered. These data were obtained under controlled test conditions using a microbit drilling machine. Clays and some polymers have previously been reported to cause reduction in drilling rate. Recent data have shown that under laboratory conditions, suspensions of a single day or polymer have sometimes given faster drilling rates than when water was used. Measurements have been made of clay suspensions and polymer suspensions comparing filtration (I) under API conditions, (2) while drilling with temperature of 150F and differential pressure of 1,000 psi and (3) under dynamic conditions after drilling. Some correlation between instanraneous filtration (white drilling) and drilling rate has been observed. INTRODUCTION Several papers have been presented that related drilling fluids to penetration rate. Generally, it was found that a decrease in the solids concentration resulted in significant increases in the drilling rate. Of course, this change also resulted in a decrease in the viscosity of the drilling fluid.' Conclusions from investigations by this laboratory are in agreement. Data have shown that of the simple mud measurements commonly made at the drilling rig (density, plastic viscosity. yield point, API filtrate and total solids), only the density and total solids have a significant relationship to the drilling rate in Berea sandstone when attempting to correlate a single mud property individually.' More recent drilling rate experiments have been designed to study (1) effects of individual clays and polymers on drilling rates in Berea sandstone and Lueders limestone, (2) the relationship between drilling rate and dynamic filtration as measured after drilling and (3) the relationship between drilling rate and dynamic filtration as measured during drilling. Data show that drilling rates are dependent upon type and concentration of particles, type of formation and filtration of the individual fluids while drilling. Mud pressure: pressure of drilling fluid as measured after leaving the drilling chamber (Fig. 1). This is taken to be approximately the mud pressure just past the bit and at the face of the formation. Terrastatic pressure: pressure representing weight of overburden. Formation pressure: pressure of formation fluid as measured at outlet of drilling chamber (Fig. 1). This is taken to be approximately the pressure of fluid in the interstices of the formation. Differential pressure: difference between the mud pressure and formation pressure. LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND TESTING PROCEDURE The drilling equipment was described in two previous publications."' Main components are a drilling chamber, filter-heater, rotary drive and variable-speed circulating pump. Auxiliary pumps supply pressure boosts for the mud, terrastatic and formation pressures. All equipment is designed for 15,000 psi and 500F. Capacity of the circulating system is approximately 7 gal. The mechanical design was facilitated by moving the rock down onto the bit. Data collected with this design should not differ from that obtained by a normal design where the bit moves into the rock. Drilling fluid is pumped through 50 ft of ID pipe coiled in an oil bath, enters the rotary shaft at a right angle and is pumped through the jets on the bit (Fig. 1). Most of the drilled solids are extracted by a screen mounted in the circulating system on the suction side of the pump. Data reported in this paper were obtained by controlling these parameters: mud pressure, 5,000 psi; formation pressure, 4,000 psi; terrastatic pressure, 5,000 psi; force on bit, 1,000 Ib; formation, Berea sandstone and Lueders limestone; flow rate, 7 gal/rnin; bit, 11/4-in. diameter with two 0.078-in jets; mud temperature. 150F; and rotary speed, 60 rpm. Mud pressure was controlled at 5,000 psi, thus giving a differential pressure of 1,000 psi even though the fluid densities varied. Cores of 3%;-in. diameter and 8 in. long were selected from quarry blocks to provide some control of grain size distribution, permeability and porosity. A 2-in. section was cut off each core and a I -in. diameter plug was taken from this section. Permeability to 5 percent by weight sodium chloride solution was determined and the large cores were