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By C. R. Dale

IT IS the purpose of this paper to point out a number of the most common causes of crooked holes; to outline methods of drilling and straightening which to my personal knowledge have proved successful in numerous cases; to describe some of the characteristics of holes which, though not crooked in an exaggerated sense, may still cause serious mechanical trouble if not recognized and properly remedied; and to define clearly the part of oil-well surveying in the concerted effort operators generally are making to keep their wells straight from spudding to completion

Jan 1, 1931

By Charles H. Moore

In the study of the properties of rutile pigments it became apparent several years ago that certain physical and optical properties could not be determined on particles of pigmentary size. Since reflected light is the dominant type which reaches the eye from small particles, the true color of pure rutile was not known. Most rutile pigments are acicular in habit, elongated parallel to the "c" axis. It was considered important to know the nature and tone of light transmitted, for example, by a basal plate. Further, as shown by spectrophotometric curves, there is a very strong absorption of light of 4000 k as measured on particles with random orientation. It would be interesting to see whether this absorption position varied with predetermined and selected orientations. Also, since the behavior of titanium pigments in a vehicle is important, a knowledge of the surface wettability of single crystals by various media should prove very fruitful. Finally, the optical properties of rutile are such that it should show, in a single pure crystal, greater fire and brilliance than the diamond. Mineralogists had long speculated that this would be the case and curiosity was strong to produce a single crystal large enough to cut.

Jan 1, 1949

By O. E. Kiessling

THE Committee-on Production Control, at its meeting held during the last annual session in February, 1930, evidenced great interest in problems of stabilization affecting all mineral industries. . No immediate program of activity for the Committee as a- unit was decided on, however,, and efforts during the past pear have consisted lirgely of further stressing the economic aspects of mineral production and of the action by committee members, :.serving in their individual capacities, in sponsoring constructive changes, in specific, industries. Of greatest interest to the general subject of production control in 1930 was the very definite advance toward better coordination of demand and supply in the petroleum industry. Furthermore, since opinion both within and without the oil industry now favors a constructive program, and with a gradual change in legal precedents, it seems not unreasonable to expect greater progress in the near future.

Jan 1, 1931

By George W. Sears

In preparing this symposium, our ambition was to elicit authoritative expression of opinion concerning important selected phases of the industry from men active in it. Responses to requests for contributions were gratifying, especially so in view of the short time available. The generous and cooperative spirit of the industry as a whole is amply evident. Responses were received from the following, who are therefore the true authors of the paper: W. G. Adamson, General Manager of the pershin; Quicksilver Co., Lovelock, Nev.; Dudley Baird, Vice President, Pacific Foundry Co., San Francisco; Walter W. Bradley, State Mineralogist of California; W. D. Burcham, General Manager of the Brewster Quicksilver Consolidated, Terlingua, Tex.; William Forstner, San Francisco; H. W. Gould, of H. W. Gould & Co., San Francisco; Marcus Hulings, General Manager of the Chisos Mining Co., Terlingua, Tex.; Frank J. Katz, Chief Engineer, Division Mineral Statistics, United States Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C.; Lloyd J. Lathrap, Superintendent, Nevada Quicksilver Mines, Inc., Lovelock, Nev.; W. R. Moorehead, General Manager, New Idria Quicksilver Mings, Inc., Idria, Calif.; F. W. Oakes, Jr., Terlingua, Tex.; C. N. Schuette, San Francisco. Brief Economic History of Quicksilver in the United States Quicksilver ore was first discovered in the United States at what was later the New Almaden mine in California, in the year 1824. Production also began here, but not until 1850, when it was stimulated by the active demand caused by gold-mining operations. Prospecting for quicksilver was active, high-grade ores were found and ample production lowered the price from $100 per flask in 1850 to about half that figure for the greater part of the next 10 years. During the succeeding decade, many new quicksilver mines were found; production increased at a time when the local demand diminished, so that most of the product was exported. The third decade of quicksilver mining in the United States witnessed the development of the pan amalgamation process, particularly in Com-stock silver-mining operations. A suddenly increased demand sent prices soaring, the all-time peak of quicksilver production followed, and the highest price was soon replaced by the lowest one on record. Huge quantities of quicksilver were exported between 1870 and 1880 and exports continued in decreasing measure for three decades to 1910. In

Jan 1, 1930

By F. M. Simonds, E. Z. Burns

The Rawley property is located in the Kerber Creek mining-district, Saguache county, Colorado, at an elevation of 10,600 ft. (See sketch-map, Fig. 1.) Ore was found in this vicinity as early as 1880, and claims covering a large area were located and in many instances patented. The ores, however, being of comparatively low grade, and the nearest railway station, Villa Grove, being some 20 miles away, it is extremely doubtful whether any considerable amount of ore was ever handled at a profit. It is safe to say that several hundred thousand dollars were spent (a large part in building mills) previous to 1902-03. About that time a very capable promoter gathered together a group of these claims and interested some New York people, who had had no previous mining experience, in the purchase of these claims. Following the organization of a company, this promoter became General Manager. As often happens under such conditions, the first step was to erect a mill to treat 100 tons per day. It may not be fair to this enterprise to say that the failure which followed might have been foretold, simply on general principles, but this much is certain—the water supply fluctuates in the course of a season through a wide range and for a considerable portion of the year was inadequate to run this mill at capacity. Further, it is currently reported that some of the mill foundations were placed on ice. However true this statement may be, it is a fact that, when first inspected by us, many of the belts in the mill were held on'their pulleys by means of idlers. A shut-down followed, with a material re-adjustment of interests, at which time we became consulting engineers for the company.

Jan 1, 1914

By Edward H. Robie, E. J. Jr. Kennedy

his volume records the "clay symposium" that featured the geology side of the Annual Meeting of the Institute at St. Louis, February 19-22, 1951. The symposium consisted of four sessions held under the joint sponsorship of the Geology Subdivision and the Industrial Minerals Division AIME and the Society of Economic Geologists. Its main purpose was to define or outline certain problems of clay and laterite genesis, and the papers herein, which were presented at the first three sessions, deal for the most part with individual deposits or special problems. The fourth session was a seminar concerned almost wholly with a discussion of "problems." The discussion follows the papers in the volume. The clay symposium was not the work of an appointed committee. It was thought up and inspired by John J. Collins, who so ably supervised and co- ordinated the mining, geology, and geophysics program for the 1950 annual meeting of the Institute. After requesting Dr. A. F. Frederickson to get material together on clay and laterites for the St. Louis meeting, Mr. Collins visited Dr. Frederickson and discussed this project with him in greater detail. By that time their interest and enthusiasm had spread to others in the field. The Geology Subdivision, the Industrial Minerals Division, and the Society of Economic Geologists by common consent turned over the organization of the program to Dr. Frederickson. Mr. Collins continued in active touch with Dr. Frederickson and gave him every assistance. Dr. E. C. Harder and Dr. W. D. Keller read all the material comprising the symposium, and their comment was made available to Dr. Frederickson, who did much to put papers and discussion in final shape for publication. To the Karl Eilers Memorial Fund--one of the Funds that enables the Institute to publish books of this kind, to the authors of the various papers, to the contributors to the discussion, and to Messrs. Collins and Frederickson the Institute and readers of this book are indebted.

Jan 1, 1952

By G. C. Trevorrow

STRIP mining during 1943 increased considerably with further extension of mechanical loading in mines already partly mechanized; with the considerable introduction of mechanical loading into hand-loading mines; and with improvements in the use of loading equipment. Extension of the use of machinery both in strip mining and underground is due to reduction in labor supply and increased cost of labor, together with the increased demand for coal during the period of labor shortage.

Jan 1, 1944

By Peter Allen, John R. Stuermer

COUNTRY RISK ANALYSIS A company operating in a foreign country assumes all the risks that it would at home. However, beyond these, it assumes risks that arise from the unique political economic, financial conditions of the foreign country which it operates. These risks are known as "country risks". The importance of these risks has grown appreciably in the recent past (particularly in the aftermath of Iran's revolution in the late 1970s and Mexico's debt rescheduling of 1982-83), and as a result, country risk analysis has become an increasingly useful management tool. Country risk analysis seeks to assess the probability that countries will service their aggregate foreign liabilities on time, as well as the probability that country conditions could inhibit the debt service capability of private sector debtors. This involves assessment of both the ability and the willingness of countries to meet their external liabilities in a timely fashion. "Ability" is linked economic and financial variables: principally, a country's economic structure, foreign exchange generating capacity and debt service burden. On the other hand, "willingness" is tied to political factors: mainly the economic/financial orientation of government policy and the stability of economic decision making. Ability: Economic, Financial Conditions and Prospects Judgement of a country's ability to meet foreign financial obligations begins with a detailed study of a country's external balance sheet which compares the country's foreign liabilities and assets. Table 1 below presents country balance sheets for Mexico, Korea and Indonesia. [TABLE 1 The External Balance 3-,-et 1983 (billions of dollars; Indonesia Mexico Korea Foreign Liabilities 31.1 67.6 40.5 By Source: Bank 13.1 75.5 26.3 Non-bank 18.0 12.114.2 Foreign Reserves 9.3 4.7 7.0] The large magnitude of Mexico's external debt (nearly $90 billion), compared to foreign assets of approximately $5 billion, illustrates the weakness of this country's external payments position, and the main reason that it has been unable to meet interest and principal payments and been forced to reschedule its foreign debt. On the other hand, the relationship between Korea's external liabilities and assets ($50.5 billion and $7 billion, respectively), is more favorable and helps explain why Korea has been able to meet debt service payments and maintain its access to the international capital markets. Indonesia has even a more favorable relationship between its foreign assets and liabilities, $31 billion and $9 billion, respectively, and its debt is mostly lower interest rate, non-bank debt, making for a less onerous debt service burden. After the balance sheet, the analysis turns to a comparison of the country's foreign exchange earning capacity and its prospective financing requirements, that is, the country's future earnings stream

Jan 1, 1985

While coal was mined in New Mexico in 1860, production was on a small scale during the period considered here, and Table 77 contains all the data found. [ ]

Jan 1, 1942

By G. P. Boomslitter

In previous discussions on stresses in hoisting ropes, little has been said concerning the effect of the elasticity of the rope itself on the stresses due to acceleration. Laschinger1 has calculated acceleration stresses for several cases but he has ignored the elasticity of the rope as a factor, except as it compresses the drum and stretches itself as it winds thereon. He also deals with steam plants and he shows the effect of the "jerky" start of the engine. This effect would actually be reduced by the elasticity of the cable. With the advent of the motor-driven hoist, new conditions have arisen. The jerk mentioned by Laschinger has been eliminated and smoother starting made possible. But the elastic properties of the rope seem to introduce considerable periodic acceleration stresses in the rope. The following discussion of acceleration stresses is based on the assumption of a constant acceleration at the drum. To be exact, the mathematical work is based upon the assumption that the top is moving upward with a constant acceleration, and ignores the fact that the cable is shortening as it winds. However, the effect of the shortening would be inconsiderable during the first part of the acceleration period. Most hoisting engineers make the assumption of constant acceleration at the drum. Under the older method of calculating acceleration stresses, this would be true with a constant torque motor. But if stresses vary, as this paper attempts to show that they do, constant torque would not give constant acceleration, although the velocity-time curves obtained in the full size test herein described showed that they approach rather closely to this condition, at least as nearly as could be measured. Theoretical Discussion According to elementary physics, the force required to accelerate a Wf body of weight W at the rate of f ft. per sec.2 is wf . To raise the body Wf with acceleration of f ft. per see.2 the total force required is I + Wf, in if

Jan 1, 1927

By John M. Hartman

An examination as to irregularity of wear around the nose of the Witherbee tuyeres showed a section through the nose near the top as per Fig. 1, and a section only a half-inch beyond as per Fig. 2. The molten iron flowing over the nose of the tuyere had melted off the metal until the water in the tuyere prevented further melting. These tuyeres have a division in the annular water-space (see Fig. 2) to turn the current of water at the top, and the watersupply pipe is carried to within 1 inch of the nose. The constant supply of cold water in the nose of the tuyere kept it well cooled and preserved. But half an inch on the other side of the division the metal had melted off, as is shown by Fig. 1. There was no means of effecting a circulation at this point so long as the water was discharged from the butt of the tuyere. A pipe having been placed on the discharge-side of the division, the same as on the supply-side, in order to secure a circulation of the water at the nose on the discharge-side, it was found that the metal did not burn off. The nose being found to give out at the bottom, a division was placed in the annular water-space at the bottom, terminating 1 inch from the nose. This made a sharp current of circulation in the nose at the bottom, and prevented the burning of the metal there. A positive circulation at the nose, top and bottom, is a necessity with the present fast driving of furnaces, and prolongs the life of the tuyeres. The proper metallic composition of tuyeres is a question constantly agitated. A trial of ordinary yellow-metal* tuyeres was made 12 years ago. They did their work just as well

Jan 1, 1899

By Roy J. Helfinstine

One of the most urgent needs in the field of coal combustion is the ability to predict the performance of a coal from knowledge gained from small-scale tests. Numerous types of analyses and tests are conducted on coal, including the proximate and ultimate analyses, heating value, varieties of sulphur, ash analysis, ash fusion temperatures, free swelling index, petrographic analysis, and Gieseler plasticity. The Illinois Geological Survey has made an intensive study of the value of these tests for judging the performance characteristics of the coal as actually utilized. To date, three reports 1 2 3 have been is- sued, and another is being prepared. The present paper briefly summarizes some of the results found in the studies.

Jan 1, 1949

By J. S. Kasper, R. M. Waterstrat, B. F. Decker

THE large difference in the X-ray scattering factors for molybdenum and manganese makes the o- phase in the Mn-Mo system an interesting one to study with respect to ordering of the atoms. Such a study has been carried out using data obtained from a powder sample, and the resulting evidence for ordering in this compound is presented here. It is not possible, of course, to obtain all the details of structure for a u phase from powder data only. Most difficult of all would be the determination of precise atomic parameters. There is reason to believe, however, that the atomic parameters do not vary greatly in the different s'S and that the precise values obtained from one s structure would then allow decisions as to the ordering of atoms to be made when there is a large difference in scattering factors. In particular, the powder intensities for Mn-Mo s are for the most part in good agreement with those observed for Co-Cr, for which single crystal studies have been made by the authors.' There are a few marked discrepancies in the intensity comparison of the two s's, and these cannot be removed by adjustment of the parameters. They are interpreted as resulting from a more pronounced effect of ordering of the atoms. Accordingly, the parameters of Co-Cr s' have been used for the calculations of the Mn-Mo intensities. For Co-Cr, the space group is D4h14-P4/mnm with atoms in the following positions: 1—2 in (b); 11—4 in (f), with x=0.1031; 111—8 in (i), with x= 0.3713 and y=0.0370; IV—8 in (i), with x=0.5662 and y=0.2396; and V—8 in (j), with x=0.3160Y and y — -0.250. The unit cell is tetragonal, with an==9.10A and cn=4.74A for the Mn-Mo u phase studied here.

Jan 1, 1955

By J. B. Newsom

SAFER, cheaper, and faster sinking of mine openings seems to have been realized with the completion of a borehole 5 ½ ft. in diameter and 1208 ft. deep, in Minnesota, during 1938. Moreover, as the opening is to be used solely for ventilation, its circular cross section, smooth walls and freedom from fire hazard recommend it in comparison with the usual timbered shafts of rectilinear cross section. It should be pointed out that a drill hole sunk without the use of explosives frequently will stand open without support, whereas a shaft sunk by standard procedure using dynamite usually must be timbered because of the wall-shattering effect of explosives. The saving in maintenance resulting from the elimination of timber is obvious. The work was done by Pickands Mather & Co. at its Zenith mine, Ely, Minn. This company wanted a ventilation opening capable of delivering 50,000 cu. ft. of air per minute to the fourteenth level, 1200 ft. below the surface. While several general articles1-3 have described the method used, detailed time and performance records have not been presented before. Moreover, with a method as new as this, it is important to compare the results attained under widely varying conditions. Among the new conditions faced at Ely were some extremely hard rock, a series of vertical fractures, seepage water, and some long stretches of sound rock which, combined with excellent equipment, gave a chance to operate without unusual delays. Developments in boring large holes have generally taken the obvious course of increasing the size of the equipment, a line of attack that has resulted in putting down 3-ft. diameter holes at damsites for studying the foundations4 and in drilling ventilation openings between levels at Butte. 5 Such drills operate from the collar of the hole, and the power from the drill is transmitted to the cutting tool through drill rods or pipes. In order to keep down the volume of rock that must be ground to sludge, the cores in large-diameter drilling are made as large in diameter as possible. Their large diameter increases their weight per foot of length, which

Jan 1, 1939

By Davis Baker

The direct-metal cars or ladles of the Maryland Steel Company have a capacity of 18 tons when filled within 12 inches of the top. On account of this large capacity, the formation of skulls in these ladles is by no means as rapid as in smaller ladles; but a skull once formed is a very unwieldy piece of metal to handle, and especially to remove from the ladle. We have found it cheaper to clean ladles often rather than make very heavy skulls. We aim to keep the ring of chilled metal that forms on the surface of the iron chipped off, so that the skull shall form principally at the bottom until it becomes so thick as to render the ladle unfit for service. Sometimes it happens that a ladle may be held for several hours filled with molten metal. This invariably leaves a large amount of chilled metal in the ladle. Frequently the skull will weigh several tons, and will be of the full size of the ladle inside, with a top crust, having perhaps a hole 12 inches square, through which the molten metal was poured. In order to remove skulls that cannot be easily chipped out with a bar, we use what may be called a skull-extractor, consisting of a hydraulic cylinder mounted in the center of a heavy cast-iron plate, standing vertically on a suitable foundation. Figs. 1 and 2 show the construction and operation of this apparatus, Fig. 1 being a view of the extractor with pistons extended to full stroke, and Fig. 2 a view with ladle in position and pistons about to commence the stroke. in both figures, A is the hydraulic cylinder, B the vertical cast-iron plate, and C the foundation. The water-pressure, admitted through the pipe, P, is 750 pounds per square inch, and the inside diameter of A is 14 inches. There are two pistons: D, fitting the bore of the cylinder, and E, 84 inches in diameter, moving inside of D. Both pistons move together when

Jan 1, 1893

LANS are underway for the annual meeting of AIME, to be held in New York, February 17 to 21. The technical program includes meetings of all divisions of all three branches, Mining, Metals, and Petroleum. The bulk of the technical sessions will be held at the Statler Hotel, and the annual banquet will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria, Wednesday evening, February 20. The technical program of the Mining Branch activities is included in this issue. While it is not complete in every detail, it shows general interest groupings as well as subjects to be discussed. The program for each division is shown separately to facilitate following the activities of these special interest groups. Then, after a full scale and possibly somewhat strenuous technical meeting, a post-meeting feature will appeal to many of the members. A restful cruise to Bermuda and Nassau is offered at special rates to AIME members and friends. The schedule is a 3:00 pm departure from New York on the Queen of Bermuda on Saturday, February 23; arrival at Bermuda at 7:00 am Monday, February 25; arrival at Nassau at noon, Wednesday, February 27; and the trip ending again in New York at 9:00 am, Saturday, March 1. Rates begin at $202.10 per person, with higher rates depending upon accomodations desired. The base rate includes outside room with private bath and all meals, as well as Federal, Bermuda and Nassau taxes. Reservations for the trip should be made immediately through Leon V. Arnold, 36 Washington Square West, New York 11, who is in charge of arrangements.

Jan 1, 1952

By P. F. Kinyoun

MANY interesting new features are embodied in the latest extension to the open-hearth department of the Bethlehem Steel Co., at Lackawanna, N. Y. Automatic control of the important factors in furnace operation-fuel, air, draft, pressure, slag composition, and of the temperature in various regions of the furnace-has been carried out to a remarkable degree; the human factor is minimized, and the chances for mishaps and irregularities in operation are greatly reduced.

Jan 1, 1937

By E. C. Bain

THE more familiar compositions of iron-carbon-chromium1 and the iron-carbon-tungsten2 systems have been investigated with a degree of thoroughness which has permitted the construction of their three-dimensional equilibrium diagrams; and it is probable that these equilibrium diagrams are sufficiently accurate for the present metallographic needs. Strangely enough, in spite of their importance, the alloys of iron, carbon and manganese apparently have not been investigated in the same systematic manner, and so far as is known, no three-component equilibrium diagram for this system is available. Even iron-carbon-nickel alloys3 have been studied rather more thoroughly; for these the solidus and liquidus surfaces have already been determined, but the solid transformations in this, as in the manganese system, have not been reported systematically. The present paper deals with the constitution at equilibrium of a series of 36 iron-carbon-manganese alloys of commercial purity limited by 1.5 per cent carbon and 15 per cent manganese, a range of compositions including most of the manganese steels. The temperature range of melting has not been determined, nor has the high-temperature (delta iron) ferrite equilibrium been included in the study, it being considered that the more important characteristics of the manganese steels are their ordinary transformations in the solid state. The delta iron region is almost certain to be a small tetrahedron not very different in magnitude or contour from that in the iron-carbon-nickel diagram. It is probably true

Jan 1, 1932

By P. H. Dudley

When we see the magnificent passenger-trains of from 8 to 12 coaches, drawn by locomotives weighing from 100 to 110 tons, at speeds of from 50 to 60 miles per hour between terminals, to make a schedule of 45 miles per hour, and freighttrains of from 50 to 75 cars of 60,000 pounds capacity, drawn by one locomotive, it is hard to realize that it lacks a few months of fifteen years since my pioneer 5-inch 80-pound rail for the United States was laid by the New York Central aid Hudson River Railroad Co., in July, 1884, on the Harlem line. Shorter passenger-trains, of from 4 to 5 coaches, are run much faster, notably the Empire State Express, the schedule of which for the 440 miles between New York and Buffalo requires 53.3 miles per hour, calling for a running-speed, for much of the time, of from 65 to 75 miles per hour, while higher speeds are very common. On other railroads laid with my 5 1/8-inch 80-pound rail, speeds of from 60 to 75 miles per hour obtain in daily practice. On many of the important railroads east of the Mississippi high speeds of from 60 to 70 miles per hour are part of the daily service. So many instances of speeds of 90, and even 100, miles per hour have been recorded that they must be considered as likely to occur on important lines, and provision must be made for them in the track. Solid mail-trains of from 6 to 8 cars are run from New York to Chicago, 1000 miles, in twenty-four hours; and, commeneing with the present year, shorter trains are running from Chicago to San Francisco, 2000 miles, in three and one-half days. In the freight-service equally important progress has been

Jan 1, 1900

By Edward Steidle

TWO years ago the Committee on Latin American Education Relations, Mineral Industries Education Division, started a study of mineral industries education in the Latin Americas. Information was obtainable only with great difficulty. Some information was available piecemeal but no complete resume had ever been assembled. Initial assistance was gained from the United States Office of Education and the Pan American Union. This, and first-hand knowledge of the writer, provided a list of colleges and universities which were believed to offer work lead. ing to a degree in one or more branches of the mineral industries. Detailed information could be obtained only by direct contact with each university through air mail service. Questionnaire letters were sent to officials of 34 colleges and universities. Twenty-one gracious replies were received. Fourteen of the colleges and universities concerned offer curricula in mining, five in metallurgy, three in petroleum, seven in geology, one in geographical engineering, one in topographical engineering, and one in geophysics. Two institutions offer advanced training in petroleum engineering. No institution offers any courses under the caption of ceramics or fuel technology.

Jan 1, 1945