Search Documents

By David B. Reger

Exploration for new pools of gas in the Oriskany sand and continued exploitation of areas already known to be productive in that sand were the main features of petroleum activity in West Virginia during 1938. To a considerable extent the exploration program resulted in failure, but the extension of former areas was eminently successful. Throughout the state, in general, less drilling was done than in 1937. According to the West Virginia Department of Mines, only 631 permits to drill were issued, as compared to 1034 in 1937. The account of operations, as reported by trade journals and other sources, shows that 766 wells were drilled, resulting in 131 oil wells with 1609 bbl. of daily production; 484 gas wells with 1,232,216,000 cu. ft. of daily open flow; and 151 dry holes. Several discoveries indicate new pools of oil and gas; and several extensions of old gas pools have been made. In spite of a decreased number of total wells, the figures for new gas and oil are both larger than in 1937. The new oil average is 12.3 bbl. per well per day; the gas average is 2,545,900 cu. ft. per well per day, the ratio of dry holes to completions is 19.71 per cent. No general attempt was made to discover new pools of oil. A continued low price, coupled with reduced takings, combined to make drilling unattractive. The principal oil wells completed, by counties are: Boone, 6; Calhoun, 10; Clay, 7; Gilmer, 5; Kanawha, 5; Lincoln, 7; Pleasants, 13; Ritchie, 32; Roane, 6; Tyler, 7; and Wirt, 14. Production for the year, according to the Oil and Gas Journal, was 3,724,750 barrels. The leading counties in gas, with the number of successful wells in each, are: Boone, 16; Braxton, 13; Cabell, 47; Calhoun, 29; Doddridge, 10; Gilmer, 55; Kanawha, 127; Lincoln, 18; Ritchie, 29; Wayne, 19; and Wetzel, 26. Production for the year is estimated as 150,000,000,000 cubic feet. Pipe-line construction, which was extensive in 1937, was insignificant in 1938. Exploration was not as active as in 1937. Field prices of both oil and gas have severely declined.

Jan 1, 1939

By A. C. Veatch

Jan 1, 1921

By AIME AIME

T HE Mining Methods Committee held its initial meeting* on Tuesday afternoon, with F. W. Bradley in the chair and W. Y. Westervelt as vice- chairman. The first paper to be presented was "A Plea for a U. S. Court of Patent Appeals," for which Kenneth W. Greenawalt ably pleaded. The paper (which was published in full in last month's issue) is so carefully prepared that no synopsis can do it justice. It discusses the opposed views of some patent lawyers and other lawyers and members of the judiciary as, for example, Chief Justice Taft who is quoted as saying in 1921: "I think it is a great deal better to take a first class lawyer and a first-class judge and make him a good patent expert than it is to take a patent expert and try to make him a first-class lawyer and a good judge." Mr. Greenawalt argued the need for specialized scientific and engineering interest and understanding to enable a lawyer or judge to prepare or interpret patent specifications and decide the originality necessary for a valid invention. He proposed the special U. S. Court of Patent Appeals to also counteract the costly confusion and injustice now ruling where a patent may be declared valid in the courts of certain States and invalid by the courts of other States.

Jan 1, 1930

Jan 1, 1888

By B. W. Frazier

Jan 1, 1882

William R. Walker, assistant to the president of the U. S. Steel Corpn., died at St. Luke's Hospital, New York, on Dec. 20, 1922. He was born at LaPort, Ind., Nov. 26, 1857, and his whole career has been closely identified with the iron and steel industry. His first employment was with the North Chicago Rolling Mill Co., Chicago; then he was appointed chemist for the Crown Point Iron Co., at Crown Point, N. Y.; and later he was works superintendent for Spang, Chalfant & Co., of Pittsburgh. He was early associated with Robert Forsyth, the well-known engineer who constructed the South Chicago works of the North Chicago Rolling Mill Company. Prior to 1890, Mr. Walker was works manager for the Union Steel Co., and upon organization of the Illinois Steel Co. he became general manager of its South Chicago works. At the time of the formation of the U. S. Steel Corpn., in 1901, he was appointed assistant to the president, which position he held until the time of his death. Through the technical staffs and committees of the Steel Corpora tion, Mr. Walker had an excellent opportunity to study and direct the development of mechanical methods for coal mining, coal washing, beehive coking, including the collection and recovery of its byproducts, and to interest himself in byproduct coke ovens, and the design and operation of processes for the coking of special coal mixtures. He also brought his experience to bear on the design, construction and operation of the blast furnace and its appurtenances, as well as the bessemer, open-hearth and electric steel processes. Incidentally, he was interested in microscopy and metallography, and was familiar with the manufacture of products related to the iron and steel industry, such as tin, zinc, sulfuric acid and many other substances. Mr. Walker had the remarkable faculty of being able to discuss and conduct investigations in practically any technical branch of the ferrous industry. In the words of President James A. Farrell, "Mr. Wdker was a man of keen mental attainments and possessed an exceptional knowledge of the iron and steel industry, from both the scientific and the practical

Jan 1, 1923

Levi Holbrook was born in Westboro, Mass., March 7, 1836. He was a descendant of John Holbrook, who came from England in 1660 and settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Mr. Holbrook was prepared for college at Williston Seminary, East-hampton, Mass., and after one year spent in the West, he entered Yale. He was a, member of Phi Beta Kappa and of Linonia. During the six months following his graduation he was in Boston, under medical treatment for his cyes; then he took a horseback trip across the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River and back, and resided in Danville, Va., for a time. From 1860 to 1863, as his eyes permitted, he was a student of modern languages and literature in Cambridge, Mass., part of the time being a resident graduate at Harvard University. Finally, however, he was obliged to abandon the idea of a literary life and from 1864 to 1867 he was engaged in financial business in Boston. The following year, he spent in New York, and then traveled for a year in Europe, Egypt and Asia Minor. In 1871, he returned to New York City. Mr. Holbrook was a member of the New England Historic Gcncalogical Society, the Society of Colonial Wars, and the Sons of the Revolution, was registrar general of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America from 1915 to 1920, and had been governor of the New York society of that order. He was also a member of the American Fine Arts Society, the Order of the Cincinnati, the American Geographical Society (of which he was a councillor and secretary). and the Geographical Society of America. He joined the American Institute of Mining Engineers in 1878, and served as manager from 1895 to 1897. Mr. Holbrook died on July 26, 1922, from organic heart trouble, at his residence in Center Harbor, N. H. He was married Dec. 27, 1871, in Newark, N. Y., to Viola, daughter of John A, and Elizabeth (Failing)Vowers, who died on Sept. 10, less than six weeks after her husband. His two children, Clark Holbrook of Red Bank, N. J., and Mrs. Julian P. Smith, survive him

Jan 1, 1923

Levi Holbrook was born in Westboro, Mass., March 7, 1836. He was a descendant of John Holbrook, who came from England in 1660 and settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Mr. Holbrook was prepared for college at Williston Seminary, East-hampton, Mass., and after one year spent in the West, he entered Yale. He was a, member of Phi Beta Kappa and of Linonia. During the six months following his graduation he was in Boston, under medical treatment for his cyes; then he took a horseback trip across the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River and back, and resided in Danville, Va., for a time. From 1860 to 1863, as his eyes permitted, he was a student of modern languages and literature in Cambridge, Mass., part of the time being a resident graduate at Harvard University. Finally, however, he was obliged to abandon the idea of a literary life and from 1864 to 1867 he was engaged in financial business in Boston. The following year, he spent in New York, and then traveled for a year in Europe, Egypt and Asia Minor. In 1871, he returned to New York City. Mr. Holbrook was a member of the New England Historic Gcncalogical Society, the Society of Colonial Wars, and the Sons of the Revolution, was registrar general of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America from 1915 to 1920, and had been governor of the New York society of that order. He was also a member of the American Fine Arts Society, the Order of the Cincinnati, the American Geographical Society (of which he was a councillor and secretary). and the Geographical Society of America. He joined the American Institute of Mining Engineers in 1878, and served as manager from 1895 to 1897. Mr. Holbrook died on July 26, 1922, from organic heart trouble, at his residence in Center Harbor, N. H. He was married Dec. 27, 1871, in Newark, N. Y., to Viola, daughter of John A, and Elizabeth (Failing)Vowers, who died on Sept. 10, less than six weeks after her husband. His two children, Clark Holbrook of Red Bank, N. J., and Mrs. Julian P. Smith, survive him

Jan 1, 1923

William R. Walker, assistant to the president of the U. S. Steel Corpn., died at St. Luke's Hospital, New York, on Dec. 20, 1922. He was born at LaPort, Ind., Nov. 26, 1857, and his whole career has been closely identified with the iron and steel industry. His first employment was with the North Chicago Rolling Mill Co., Chicago; then he was appointed chemist for the Crown Point Iron Co., at Crown Point, N. Y.; and later he was works superintendent for Spang, Chalfant & Co., of Pittsburgh. He was early associated with Robert Forsyth, the well-known engineer who constructed the South Chicago works of the North Chicago Rolling Mill Company. Prior to 1890, Mr. Walker was works manager for the Union Steel Co., and upon organization of the Illinois Steel Co. he became general manager of its South Chicago works. At the time of the formation of the U. S. Steel Corpn., in 1901, he was appointed assistant to the president, which position he held until the time of his death. Through the technical staffs and committees of the Steel Corpora tion, Mr. Walker had an excellent opportunity to study and direct the development of mechanical methods for coal mining, coal washing, beehive coking, including the collection and recovery of its byproducts, and to interest himself in byproduct coke ovens, and the design and operation of processes for the coking of special coal mixtures. He also brought his experience to bear on the design, construction and operation of the blast furnace and its appurtenances, as well as the bessemer, open-hearth and electric steel processes. Incidentally, he was interested in microscopy and metallography, and was familiar with the manufacture of products related to the iron and steel industry, such as tin, zinc, sulfuric acid and many other substances. Mr. Walker had the remarkable faculty of being able to discuss and conduct investigations in practically any technical branch of the ferrous industry. In the words of President James A. Farrell, "Mr. Wdker was a man of keen mental attainments and possessed an exceptional knowledge of the iron and steel industry, from both the scientific and the practical

Jan 1, 1923

By Wilson B. Emery

The Hidden Dome gas field, situated in Washakie County, Wyoming, was discovered Sept. 26, 1917. Subsequently five additional gas wells were completed and a large reserve was developed. For a number of years this field completely supplied the domestic market at Basin and Greybull, as well as the refinery at the latter town, and it is still supplying gas in small amounts to this market. Production is obtained from the sands of the Frontier formation at depths ranging from 1000 to 1500 ft. The original rock pressure was 725 Ib. and initial production ranged from 4,000,000 to 28,000,000 cu. ft. per day per well. Porosity of the sand, determined from the size of the productive area and the amount of gas recovered, is over 18 per cent. Area and Management It is estimated that the productive area is about 640 acres. Its outline is indicated on Fig. 5, on which are also shown the locations of holes drilled on the structure and the area of unit operation. The unit area is owned by the Ohio Oil Co. and development and operation have been by this company. No productive well has been completed outside this area. The entire area was Government land filed on under the placer mining law. Results of Unit Operation With six producing wells, or an average of one to each 160 acres, the pool is completely developed. Location of the wells was made with respect to structural conditions plus the requirement that at least one well be drilled on each 160-acre placer claim. Perhaps a somewhat more uniform spacing of the wells might have been accomplished and one well eliminated, but it must be borne in mind that the holes, on account of their shallow depth, were not expensive and that the object was to develop as reliable a reserve as possible. There is no cause to suspect that these holes have not adequately drained the reservoir and there is every reason to think that any additional wells, which might have been drilled under diversified ownership and operation, would have been an economic waste. Unit operation by a competent company has not only resulted in the elimination of loss of gas through careless development and operation

Jan 1, 1930

By J. French Robinson

A review of production in the Eastern District for 1930 is necessarily brief. Drilling operations were curtailed, due to economic conditions, which in turn reduced production. However, in spite of these conditions, there have been a few outstanding developments which surpass any of recent years. The development of a field in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, New York, has been rapid and probably reached its peak of production in 1930. The gas in this field comes from the White Medina Sand (Silurian), at an average depth of 2600 ft. Some of the wells had an open flow of 20,000,000 cu. ft. of gas per day,' with an original rock pressure of 965 pounds2 per square inch. Another area developed during 1930 was the Tyrone field, in Tyrone Township, Schuyler County, New York. This field was discovered 2nd is practically controlled by the Belmont Quadrangle Drilling Corpn. of New York. The production is from the Oriskany Sand (Devonian), which is found at an average depth of 2100 ft. The field covers approximately 2000 acres, and to date has 14 producing gas wells. The largest well had an open flow of 15,000,000 cu. ft. and an original rock pressure of 740 Ib. The gas from this field is impregnated with sulfur, and requires washing before it is marketed. Because little is known of the Oriskany Sand, a brief description may be of interest. This sand outcrops at Oriskany Falls, New York, and has a thickness of 10 to 12 ft. Its texture is coarse grained, it is composed mostly of quartz and is a regularly bedded sandstone. At Yauger's Wood, in Cayuga County, New York, it is exposed and shows a thickness of 26 feet. The discovery of the Tyrone field led to much prospecting in the New York and the northern part of Pennsylvania, and as a result of this search, the Allegany Gas Co. struck a large gas well in Farmington Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, which created considerable excitement through the Eastern District. The gas was encountered at a depth of 4010 ft., and tested 20,000,000 cu. ft. open flow, with a shut-in pressure

Jan 1, 1931

By David Keys

THE object of this investigation was to determine with a vertical magnetic variometer the extent of the titaniferous ore deposit that occurs not far from Ivry in Terrebonne County, Quebec, about 70 miles north of Montreal. The Ivry mine, on lots 37 and 38 of range V, Beres-ford township, Quebec, is one of the largest and most accessible to transportation of the deposits of ilmenite in Quebec. The ore consists of an aggregate of ilmenite anhedra serving as host for numerous fine plaques of hematite. No magnetite is known from any occurrence near this lot, and in this way the deposit differs from many others that contain a large percentage of magnetite with the ilmenite. The deposit at Ivry thus has much lower magnetic susceptibility than those containing abun-dant magnetite, and a sensitive magnetometer was necessary for the work, although a body of magnetite with ilmenite about a mile from the Ivry mine was successfully prospected with a dip needle. The principal orebody is exposed in a quarry known as the Ivry mine, from which about 16,000 tons of ore have been shipped. Small exposures of ilmenite isolated by drift serve to show the presence at the surface of some of the bodies indicated by the magnetometer,- but most of the hill is covered with glacial till and second growth hardwood. At the lower levels the till gives place to fluvioglacial sands and gravels from which the forest has been cleared. The increasing thickness of the sand and gravel as the hill descends makes the tracing outward of the deposits from the rocky knob of anorthosite a difficult matter. Within the orebodies too, some masses of anorthosite persist, which may account for some local irregularities. Fig. 1 is a photomicrograph, taken by reflected light, of a typical specimen of the ore. The dark patches are hematite and the light parts are ilmenite. No trace of magnetite was found. Fig. 2 is a photo-micrograph of a thin section of the country rock showing the texture of the anorthosite. The mean of four analyses quoted by Robinson1 is: titanium, 19.26 per cent; iron 45:41 per cent.

Jan 1, 1936

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

Since the comprehensive review of the Persian fields presented by Sir John Cadman last year, operations have proceeded normally. No developments of especial importance fall to be recorded and it remains only to bring up to date the full information given at the beginning of 1933. Controlled production from the Masjid-i-Sulaiman and Haft Kel fields has been maintained at slightly higher rates than during 1932. The figures for the past five years are as follows: These represent crude oil and products piped to the coast but exclude products reinjected into the reservoir, a process that has been in continuous operation at Masjid-i-Sulaiman during the period under review. The systematic delimitation of the Haft Kel field has been continued during the past year and results have been sufficiently encouraging to justify the inception of a wider scheme for distribution of production. Drilling has been resumed recently in the Persian sector of the Naft Khaneh field, and preliminary survey work is in progress for the selection of a site for a refinery at Kermanshah arid the construction of a connecting pipe line. Investigations in connection with the scientific control of reservoir were dealt with in considerable detail in last year's review. This work has been steadily pursued during 1933 and certain of the investigations have been the subject of papers presented to the World Petroleum Congress held in London in July of last year.

Jan 1, 1934

By W. F. Durfee

In the year 1862 the author of this paper was called upon to design and superintend the erection and working of the machinery of an experimental works for the production of steel by a process

Jan 1, 1884

Jan 1, 1967

By Krahmann, Rudolf

THE following is an account of a survey undertaken to test the possibility of outlining a kimberlite pipe by magnetouietric methods. Kimberlite is a basic igneous rock closely related to melilite-basalt or alnoite, which occurs either in the form of volcanic plugs or as dikes intruded into rocks of various types and geological ages up to and includ¬ing the Lower Cretaceous. The famous diamond mines of South Africa are all in kimberlite pipes and these pipes are probably the original source as well of the vast alluvial deposits found in various parts of the country. The pipe chosen for this experiment is one that ' occurs on the farm Goedgevonden No. 20, about sixteen miles north of the village of Klerksdorp and ninety miles southwest of Johannesburg. Some prospecting has been done on this pipe and diamonds were produced from it but not in paying quantities. The magnetometric survey was made in June, 1932, by R. Krahmann and H. Wallisch and the results are shown on the accompanying plan. On the plan are shown also the boundaries of the pipe as exposed at the surface and details in regard to the surrounding foundations. These are taken from a geological survey made at a later date by W. Beetz, of Johannesburg.

Jan 1, 1935

By AIME AIME

AT FOUR O'CLOCK members gathered in the auditorium for the annual business meeting of the Institute which, according to its charter, must be held on the third Tuesday of February each year. President Turner presided and after the usual formal action on minutes announced that he would create a precedent by transferring the President's annual address (which by tradition has always been delivered at the banquet on Wednesday evening) to the business meeting, and, furthermore, would only present a brief abstract of it. Since it appears in full on pages 127-131 of this issue it can be followed with the careful attention its thoughtful analysis of current conditions deserves.

Jan 1, 1933

By C. A. WARNER

AN OIL and gas mining lease contract, as entered A into by and between 'the lessor and the lessee, contains certain express covenants stipulating, in part at least, the exact performance thereof; it also contains certain implied covenants, among which may be included that of protection of the leased premises against drainage by the drilling of necessary offset wells. In the drilling for, and production of, oil and gas, however, it not infrequently happens that the lessee, acting in good faith, does not deem it prudent to, drill a test thereon even though the location for such test is offset by a producing well on an adjoining lease. Such conclusion, on the part of the lessee, is generally construed by the lessor as constituting a breach of the implied covenant mentioned above, and he may take proper action to secure satisfaction therefor. The action against the lessee is generally for cancellation or relinquishment of the lease, together with, or apart from, claims for damages allegedly sustained through failure to properly protect against drainage of the leased premises.

Jan 1, 1931

By A. Gatti

A dispersion of AI2O3 was produced within chromium by the hydrogen reduction of a solid solution of Cr2U3-A1203. The yesulting powder. was compacted, extruded, and the material tested in tension at various temperatures and in creep at 1800°F. The material is ductile above 1200°F and is at least twice as strong as electrolytic chvomium at all temperatures. Its creep resistance, rupture strength, and ductility at 1800°F warrant further work to improve its Low -temperatutre properties. BECAUSE of its high melting point and excellent corrosion resistance, chromium has long been considered as a base for high-temperature alloys. Most chromium base alloys, however, are extremely brittle at low temperatures. Elements such as nickel and iron lower the melting point of chromium and thereby limit its high-temperature usefulness. Chromium-alumina materials made by othersl, 2 have shown good high-temperature creep resistance but poor ductility and thermal shock resistance. Pure ductile chromium3 is weak at high temperatures and reverts to a brittle state if exposed to nitrogenous atmospheres. In sintered aluminum powder (SAP)4 and internally oxidized alloys of silver, copper, and nickel, fine dispersions of oxide phases can control hardness, recrystallization, and yield stress. The possibility of formation of a ductile, high-strength material by precipitating dispersions of alumina in a chromium matrix appears worthy of investigation. MATERIAL Powder Production—Chromium oxide and alumina in amounts to produce a final alloy of Cr + 16 pct AI2O3 by weight were colloid milled, filtered, dried and high fired for 16 hr at 1600°C in air. The resulting solid solution of oxides was ball-milled to a fine powder and the chromium oxide reduced to chromium by heating in pure dry hydrogen for 64 hr at 1400°C. Final Materials Produced by Powder Metallurgy Techniques—-Chromium powder, containing a disper-sion of alumina, was pressed into 1 1/8-in. diam slugs at 25 tons per sq in. and sintered 16 hr at 1400° C in pure dry hydrogen. The sintered slugs were encased in a stainless steel can, 2 in. in diam, and extruded at 1200° C through a 1/2-in. die. The 16 to 1 extrusion ratio produced a final chromium-alumina rod 1/4 in. in diam about 30 in. long. Samples of the rod were plunge-ground to small rupture bars of 0.82-in. gage length with a 0.01-sq-in. cross section. RESULTS Microstructure Studies—Fig. 1 is the microstruc-ture of the material in the as-sintered condition while Fig. 2 is the microstructure of the material as-extruded. Comparison of the as-sintered and as-extruded micrographs show the redistribution and realignment of the alumina inclusions by the extrusion

Jan 1, 1961