Search Documents

By K. N. Weaver

In the early 1950's the cement industry began putting a new emphasis on geology. This article points up some of the industry's raw materials problems that geologists are uniquely qualified to handle. Portland cement can be made from relatively abundant industrial minerals and rocks, and this may explain why cement producers placed little emphasis on geology during the early days of the industry. After World War 11, however, the industry began to recognize the need for geological exploration and some of the larger companies began to build a permanent geological staff. This development has its roots in: 1) The rapid expansion of the industry. After World War II and continuing into the early 1950's the demand for cement far exceeded the production capacity. This placed a great deal of pressure on the producers to enlarge capacity at their plants and to develop new sites. 2) The closing of many cement plants due to inadequate raw materials. Producers feared lack of raw materials due to inadequate exploration and evaluation. 3) An ever increasing pressure for upgrading of the quality of portland cement, necessitated upgrading the quality of raw materials. 4) The increasingly large capital investment needed to build new cement plants required a higher degree of accuracy in reserve calculation. These reasons are more or less self explanatory and will not be elaborated on. They are outlined to illustrate the probable evolution of thought among cement management to justify the development of a geological staff. In the author's personal experience the geologist must continually readjust to changing conditions within the industry. For example, cement production capacity grew so rapidly that today production is only about 70% to 75% of rated capacity (73.8% in 1963). Therefore, whereas the geologist's function during the active expansion of capacity was primarily one of exploration, one of his major functions today is the development of existing reserves. This assumes of course that reserves at existing plants have been proven to be adequate in terms of the company's reserve policy. Through the proper development of raw materials, the geologist can markedly influence quality control, production and long range planning. Examples of several of the operations of Medusa Portland Cement Co. will illustrate how proper attention to geologic detail pays off in the above areas. Because limestone is the major raw material of port-land cement, the examples will be concerned with it. DEVELOPMENT OF GEOLOGIC DETAIL One of the prime objectives of an exploration or development project should be the establishment of the stratigraphy and structure of the deposit. The basic tool for exploration and development is still the core drill, and the geologist must gain a maximum amount of information from a minimum amount of drilling. In order to obtain this objective the following is essential: 1) Adequate detailed geologic logging of cores. The core is first logged and separated into lithologically distinct units. In order to make the lithologic breaks as meaningful as possible, representative pieces of core (not all) are etched in dilute HCI. This removes the "drill polish", brings out the structure of the rock and indicates the proportion of dolomite and argillaceous material because dolomite and argillaceous material etch in relief. In this way the lithologic breaks become clearer and one gains a general idea of the chemical makeup before analysis. This method of logging lessens the probability of including two types of stone, e.g. limestone and dolomite into the same sample for chemical analysis. 2) Representative sampling for chemical analysis. After logging, the lithologic units are sampled for chemical analysis. A representative analysis can be obtained by extracting a 1-in. sample for every foot of core. For example, a lithologic interval of 10 ft to 20 ft would yield ten 1-in. samples taken at 11 ft, 12 ft, 13 ft... and 20 ft. These samples are then crushed, pulverized and split into a sample for chemical analysis. This sampling method represents a significant saving of time over splitting the entire core. 3) Preparing the core as a record. Because of the expense of storage and the difficulty of handling large amounts of core, only representative samples of each lithologic unit are saved for reference. An

Jan 1, 1965

By John A. Gann

The following investigation constitutes a brief réumé of the more important binary magnesium alloys from the standpoint of metallo-graphic technique, and the effect of heat treatment on structure and properties. The comparative newness of the subject justifies this procedure as a preface to a more detailed study of each individual series of alloys. The work was started with the idea of practical application in the industry rather than as a theoretical investigation. The alloy compositions studied were selected as those most likely to show whether heat treatment would produce beneficial results. Furthermore, it was considered satisfactory to use commercial 99.9 per cent. magnesium, the best commercial grade of alloying ingredients, and to limit the time of heat treatment at the expense of incomplete equilibrium. These facts must be kept in mind when examining the results obtained, and the conclusions drawn. Preparation of Alloys All melts were made in an oil-fired cast-steel pot, approximately 12 in. dia, by 12 in. deep. Approximately 15 lb. of flux and 50 lb. of magnesium were melted and the calculated amount of alloying metal was added. After thorough alloying and puddling, the metal was chill cast in a graphite mold with four 1/2 by 1/2 by 4 in. bars fed from a common sprue and runner. The next higher composition alloy in a given series was made by adding the calculated amount of metal to the heel from the preceding cast. The pot was thoroughly cleaned after each series and new flux then introduced, thus avoiding possible contamination from earlier melts. The percentage compositions given in Table 1 are the calculated values. While not all alloys were analyzed, enough were checked to indicate that the reported compositions are correct to a few tenths of one per cent. A more detailed description of the foundry methods employed has been given in a previous paper. 1

Jan 1, 1929

By John A. Gann

The following investigation constitutes a brief réumé of the more important binary magnesium alloys from the standpoint of metallo-graphic technique, and the effect of heat treatment on structure and properties. The comparative newness of the subject justifies this procedure as a preface to a more detailed study of each individual series of alloys. The work was started with the idea of practical application in the industry rather than as a theoretical investigation. The alloy compositions studied were selected as those most likely to show whether heat treatment would produce beneficial results. Furthermore, it was considered satisfactory to use commercial 99.9 per cent. magnesium, the best commercial grade of alloying ingredients, and to limit the time of heat treatment at the expense of incomplete equilibrium. These facts must be kept in mind when examining the results obtained, and the conclusions drawn. Preparation of Alloys All melts were made in an oil-fired cast-steel pot, approximately 12 in. dia, by 12 in. deep. Approximately 15 lb. of flux and 50 lb. of magnesium were melted and the calculated amount of alloying metal was added. After thorough alloying and puddling, the metal was chill cast in a graphite mold with four 1/2 by 1/2 by 4 in. bars fed from a common sprue and runner. The next higher composition alloy in a given series was made by adding the calculated amount of metal to the heel from the preceding cast. The pot was thoroughly cleaned after each series and new flux then introduced, thus avoiding possible contamination from earlier melts. The percentage compositions given in Table 1 are the calculated values. While not all alloys were analyzed, enough were checked to indicate that the reported compositions are correct to a few tenths of one per cent. A more detailed description of the foundry methods employed has been given in a previous paper. 1

Jan 1, 1929

By Rossiter W. Raymond

BY the courtesy of Mr. Charles W. Jenks, of Boston, one of the owners of this interesting mine, I am enabled to lay before the Institute a suite of specimens, illustrating its peculiar formation and the paragenesis of mineral species which it presents; and a recent brief visit and rapid reconnoissance of the locality permit me to supplement this exhibition with a general description, based upon personal observation. The mine is situated upon the Culsagee Fork of the Tennessee River, in Macon County, North Carolina, a few miles from Franklin. The most practicable route by which it can at present be visited is by wagon (or preferably on horseback) from Seneca City, S. C., a station on the Charlotte and Atlanta Air Line Railroad. The itinerary is as follows: to Walhalla,* nine miles; Walhalla to Highlands, twenty-nine miles; Highlands to the Culsagee, fourteen miles. By passing the night at or near Highlands, the mine can be reached and examined and the return to Highlands made on the second day; and the round trip, if performed in the saddle, can be completed in three days from Seneca City. It is not easy, with due regard to steed and rider, to do it in less time. The rough and precipitous mountain roads do not permit rapid travel ; and the journey is at best a fatiguing one. But its slight hardships are overpaid by the stimulating effect of the climate and the great beauty of the scenery, both of which are destined to become more widely known than at present, to seekers for health and pleasure. Indeed the town of Highlands, already named, is almost entirely made up of northern immigrants, attracted by these advantages and by the inducement of cheap land for agriculture and stock-raising. The Culsagee or Sugartown fork of the Tennessee traverses the belt of ancient crystalline schists on the west flank of the Blue Ridge. This belt abounds in valuable minerals. Among those of the nonmetallic class may be mentioned graphite, soapstone, serpentine, ashes- * A branch or cross railroad is in operation as far as Walhalla ; but the single daily train runs at an hour not convenient for this expedition ; and Seneca City is probably the best starting-point. At all events, I obtained there an excellent mount for the trip.

Jan 1, 1879

By Francis B. Foley

In examining steel under the microscope, one is constantly confronted with structures that are difficult to interpret. Recently, in a collection of samples for exhibition purposes, the writer found a piece of open-hearth runner metal, 2 in. (50 mm.) in diameter, that had been fractured for use as a sample of cast-steel structure. On polishing and etching a section for the purpose of photographing a field to typify the microstructure of steel in the "as cast" condition, a variety of structures was found (Fig. 1) so arranged as to arouse interest at once. For a distance of about 0.065 in. (1.6 mm.) from the skin of the runner, normal ingot structure was found (Fig. 2); this was followed by a zone, about 0.215 in. (5.5 mm.) wide, of considerably lower carbon content in which occurred a most pronounced Widmannstattian structure (Fig. 3); from this point on to the center of the runner, the metal was again of normal ingot structure (Fig. 4). Representative samples taken from the metal in the three zones showed the following analysis: Carbon Nickel Chromium Per Cent. Per Cent. PeR Cent. Metal from skin........................... 0.34 1.26 0.63 Widmannstattian zone.................... 0.21 1.18 0.63 Metal from center......................... 0.34 1.32 0.67 Such a condition might result from decarburization followed by recarburization of the skin. This section came from one of the branch runners to the bottom of the mold, not from the main runner, and it is difficult to conceive of decarburization occurring in this portion of a runner. If the metal were stripped while quite hot, some oxidation would take place but the recarburization is unaccounted for. It could not occur by segregation after solidification—the tendency then is for diffusion and homogeneity. The following seems to fit the conditions and is offered as an explanation. The outside layer of normal structure 0.065 in. (1.6 mm.) thick was chilled on the walls of the runner brick when the molten metal first entered the runner. As the molten metal flows by, the outside of the stream

Jan 1, 1920

By John V. Beall, William F. Haddon

A long the mighty Andean Cordillera, there is splendor beyond imagination-in the natural beauty of the mountains and in daring engineering and lavish investment in the mines. This is the story of the great copper mines of Chile and Peru. Each mine has a special quality which has tested the physical and spiritual resources of the founder. In the early days of the older mines, the mining engineer of song and story was more the rule than the exception. He was physically tough, ingenious and a leader of men. In the current political and social environment of Chile and Peru, the foreign contract mining engineer is still needed; but he must be a different type of man. To John J. Selters at Cerro's Rio Blanco, the principal ingredient is still "toughness," but it is "toughness of mind" that is needed. "He probably should be a teacher." The copper mines are not new. They were, almost without exception, worked by Indians (La Exotica might prove the rule), and later by the intrepid Spaniards. Modern mining began after the turn of the century. In Chile, the first of the big ones was the Braden Copper Co. founded on the El Teniente deposit. This development was followed by Chile Exploration Co. at Chuquicamata and Andes Copper at Potrerillos. These properties have been developed over the years by vast expenditures of money and a monumental amount of labor. None was free of technical problems-metallurgy at Chuqui, marginal grade of the old mine at Andes, avalanches and the great fire at El Teniente. The evolution which has brought the established mines of Chile, and the new ones coming on stream, to their present state of development is in reality the work of wonders of input-money, engineering and responsible management in an atmosphere of political stability. Without any one of these, the result would have been failure.

Jan 11, 1969

By H. C. Chang, N. J. Grant

Creep of very coarse grained, high purity aluminum was studied at 400° to 1100°F with an initial stress range of 50 to 1200 psi. The process of boundary sliding and migration was studied. The driving force of boundary migration under creep conditions is shown to be a combination of strain energy migrationand surface energy. A theory is presented regarding the strainenergyrole the grain boundaries play under creep conditions. From this thetheory intercrystalline failure of commercial alloys can be explained. Also from this theory an optimum grain size should exist for good high temperature properties of high purity materials. IN the investigation of the creep of very coarse grained, high purity aluminum previously reported,' the cyclic nature of the process of grain boundary sliding and migration has been established by microscopic observation of the actual creep process as well as metallographically. It was also substantiated by measuring localized strains across the grain boundaries. In addition, it was shown how extensive subgrain and fold formation may result from boundary sliding and how the slid grain boundary may become sharply wavy as a result of subgrain formation. Since the publication of those results, additional information on the process of grain boundary sliding and migration has been obtained. It is the purpose of this paper to report on the direction and driving force of boundary sliding and migration, the effect of grain size, and the effect of temperature. Finally the effect of decreasing purity (alloys 2s and 3s) on the process of boundary sliding and migration is noted. From these results, an explanation is presented for the intercrystalline failure of alloys under creep conditions. The effects of grain size on the creep properties of impure and high purity materials are discussed in the same light. The experimental procedures and technique have been presented elsewhere.' It is only necessary to state how the 2s and 3s aluminum specimens are prepared. Machined specimens were first annealed at 600°F for about 12 hr. In order to produce a large grain size the specimens were then stretched 3 to 8 pct. The specimens were marked with reference marks, electropolished, annealed at 900°F for 24 hr and at 1150°F for 12 hr, and repolished. The grain size of 2s aluminum produced by this treatment is comparable to that of high purity aluminum in the direction of its width of the specimen, i.e., there are 2 to 4 grains across the width of the specimen. However, the grains of 2s aluminum are 3 to 10 times longer in the direction of the specimen axis. On the other hand, the grain size of coarse grained 3s aluminum ranges from 10 to 20 grains across the width of the specimen due to the treatment just outlined and therefore is much smaller than that of both high purity and 2s aluminum. As in 2s aluminum, the grains are about 3 to 10 times longer in the direction of the specimen axis than in the direction of the width of the specimen. The arrangements of the grains in 2s and 3s aluminum were generally irregular; therefore it was difficult to follow the course of the grain boundaries. Results Method of Presentation: In order to show the arrangement of the grains, especially the direction and positions of the grain boundaries, traces of the grain boundaries on the four surfaces of the specimens were unfolded and mapped out after macroetching. Figs. 1 and 2 show the structural development drawings of specimens P-3 and P-8 respectively. The two flat surfaces (of which the front one faces the microscope) and the round-edged surfaces will be called the "front surface" and "back surface" and

Jan 1, 1954

By W. A. Hooker

This portion of Mexico is quite beyond the ordinary routes .of travel, and is seldom visited. Its mines have not the record of enormous wealth which has recently attracted foreign capital to other parts of the republic; but for many centuries it has been a mining country, and at some periods evidently a productive one. In 1881 the writer visited the State and spent some time in the inspection of the mines. The absence of published information regarding its mining industry is his apology for presenting to the Institute these notes on the subject. Oaxaca is, with one exception (Chiapas), the most southerly of the Mexican States. It extends from latitude 18o 20' to 15' 45' N.— about 180 miles, by some 300 miles, in an east and west direction, and embraces a large part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The coast-line is wholly on the Pacific. The State has an area of 27,470 square miles, nearly that of the State of Maine, and a population estimated at one million, or thirty-six to the square mile. The great continental Cordillera which farther north and west expands into broad table-lands, is here converged into narrower limits and occupies the greater portion of the country; the main

Jan 1, 1887

By W. T. lsbell

HERCULANEUM, MO., about thirty miles south of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, is the site of the lead smelter of the St. Joseph Lead Co. The lead concentrates come by rail from the Flat River district and from three properties in Madison County, Missouri; from the Balmat division in St. Lawrence County, New York; a small tonnage from the Tri-State district; and occasionally from the Aguilar property in Argentina. The average grade is 67 to 68 percent lead and 1 to 3 oz of silver. The bulk of the material is flotation concentrate, with some gravity or table concentrate. No secondary metals, outside drosses, or any materials high in bismuth, arsenic, or antimony are treated. All concentrate is received in box-caps and is unloaded directly from a trestle into the concentrate bins at the roaster plant. Flux, coke, and any miscellaneous lead-bearing material is either unloaded directly into bins or unloaded with a locomotive crane. All moving and switching of cars is done with two thirty-ton steam locomotives. Shipping facilities for the plant are provided by the Missouri-Illinois Railroad. Water for the plant and for fire protection is obtained from a dam built in a near-by creek. Drinking water both for plant and town is obtained from

Jan 1, 1947

By Gerald G. Griswold, James O. Greenslade, Cherie Tilley, Richard Reseigh

INTRODUCTION The Harrison Western Corporation, a leading Denver based mine contracting and engineering concern, is presently engaged in sinking two 1,006 m (3,300 ft) shafts for the Phillips Uranium Corporation at their Nose Rock Project, approximately 13 miles northeast of the small community of Crownpoint in McKinley County, New Mexico. The Nose Rock Project is the first attempt by the Phillips Uranium Corporation to tap the deep uranium reserves in what has become known as the Grants Mineral Belt. (See Figure 1) Project Description Phillips Uranium Corporation's plan for the large 2700 metric ton per day (2950 tons/day) mining facility calls for a series of deep access and ventilation shafts ranging from 4.27 m (14 ft) to 5.49 m (18 ft) in diameter to approximate depths of 1,006 m (3,300 ft). The initial pair of shafts consists of one production shaft and one ventilation shaft separated by a distance of 91 m (300 ft). The interbedded layers of sedimentary sandstones and shales to be penetrated by the shafts contain several major water producing aquifers, the deepest being the mineralized zone called the Westwater Canyon Member of the Morrison Formation. A series of temporary and permanent water pumping stations is planned. Generally, the temporary stations are located above major aquifers to facilitate water removal while sinking through the aquifer and the permanent stations constitute what, in the final mode, will be the mine dewatering system. In addition, Phillips Uranium Corporation has In- stalled and is maintaining a system of depressurization wells that temporarily pump the major aquifers and considerably reduce the water inflows during shaft construction. The major aquifers are also chemically grouted prior to sinking. Site work for the project was initiated in the fall of 1976. Full scale shaft sinking commenced in November of 1977 on the 4.88 m (16 ft) diameter ventilation shaft and on the 5.49 m (18 ft) production shaft by another contractor. Harrison Western Corporation began work on the project on November 4, 1979 wlth the production shaft at a depth of 633 m (2,076 ft) and the ventilation shaft at a depth of 474 m (1,554 ft). This paper will address only the portion of shaft sinking completed by Harrison Western. Geology and Hydrology The Nose Rock Project is located on the Chaco Slope in the southern extreme of the San Juan Basin in northwest New Mexico. The southern San Juan Basin is generally bound by the Defiance Uplift to the west, the Zuni Uplift to the south and the Nacimiento Uplift to the east. The Grants Mineral Belt occupies most of the southern portion of the San Juan Basin and this project is located on the northern extreme of the Grants Mineral Belt. The San Juan Basin is comprised of sedimentary rock of continental, marginal-marine and marine origin, that dip northward from the Zuni Uplift and Chaco Slope into the interior of the San Juan Basin. (See Figure 2) Major Formations The major geologic formations to be penetrated range from mudstone and shales to siltstones and sandstones. The sandstones are highly productive aquifers which, under static conditions, would flow artesian. Water temperatures in the aquifers are high and therefore are a force to be dealt with. Temperatures range from 18ºC (65OF) in the upper aquifers to 48ºC (118º'F) in the lower. The mudstones are generally bentonitlc. (See Figure 2) GALLUP SANDSTONE: The Gallup Sandstone is the first major regressive wedge in the San Juan Basin of the Cretaceous era and at this project is about 35 m (115 ft) thick. It is medium grained and prior to depressurization carried a hydrostatic water pressure of over 72.5 kg per cm2 (1,031 psi) which 1s artesian. Compressive strength ranges from 334.7 kg per cm2 (4,760 psi) to 421.8 kg per cm2 (6,000 psi). Water temperature is approximately 30°C (86°F).

Jan 1, 1982

By A. Eilers

COMPOSITION OF CHARGES AND CONSUMPTION OF FUEL AT VARIOUS WORKS. A MARKED peculiarity of most of the smelting-works of the Far West is the looseness with which accounts of the operations are kept. Indeed, probably over half of the works do not keep any detailed accounts at all, the yearly gross statement of profit or loss being considered sufficient for all purposes. The reasons for this must apparently be sought in the as yet unsettled state of all business relations, and in the deplorable fact that only in isolated cases educated metallurgists are in charge of the smelting-works. Continual and regular assays of the ores, by-products, and slags, are almost unknown, so that it is impracticable to ascertain, even approximately, the losses in the smelting processes. Of cases where regular accounts are kept of the quantities of ore smelted, of the composition of charges, and of the fuel consumed, I know only two or three. Under these circumstances it is extremely difficult to collect figures which cover the operations for a considerable length of time, and which are so valuable for the metallurgist, who wishes to get an insight into the economy of smelting operations, as shown by practice. Figures obtained by personal observation, which can of course cover only the brief space of the visit of the travelling metallurgist, must, therefore, be made to replace the more valuable data. The writer has had occasion, during the last and the preceding summer, to visit the larger number of the Western lead-smelting works, and offers, in the following pages, such data relating to the economy of lead-smelting in the blast furnace at various works, as he has been able to obtain. The only object in doing so is to place these figures on record, so that they may be from time to time supplemented with other data, which are now wanting. I. EUREKA CONSOLIDATED COMPANY'S SMELTING-WORKS. These works smelt the ores from the mines of the same company on Ruby Hill, Eureka, Nevada. The supply is almost unlimited,

Jan 1, 1873

By J. D. Anthony

The Australian continent possesses significant reserves of a wide range of minerals, including bauxite, coal, copper, diamonds, gold, iron ore, lead, manganese, mineral sands, nickel, phosphate, silver, tin, uranium, and zinc. Australia's identified economic resources of many minerals are very large as indicated in Table 1. A sophisticated and highly experienced mineral industry is now an established feature of the Australian economy and Australia is the world's largest exporter of iron ore, alumina, mineral sands and refined lead and amongst the leading suppliers of many other commodities such as coal, lead and zinc ores/concentrates, nickel, refined zinc, tungsten concentrates and bauxite. The industry exports 70% of its production. This is reflected in the value of Australian mineral exports which have grown from about $200m in 1960/61, comprising 10% of total export receipts, to about $1265m or 29% of export income in 1970/71 to around $7061 representing 37% of Australia's total export income in 1980/81. Details of the more significant minerals are as follows: Japan (42.1%) USA (11.3%) ASEAN (6.3%) UK (5.9%) F.R. Germany (3.8%) Republic of Korea (3.4%) New Zealand (2.6%) Also see Table 2. AUSTRALIA'S MINERAL RESOURCES POLICIES Federal and State Governments' Responsibilities Australia has a federal system of government comprising six States, a self-governing Territory and a Federal Government. Under the Australian federal system the Constitution sets down the powers of the Federal Government. All powers not assigned to the Federal Government in the Australian Constitution reside automatically with the States. Certain of these broad powers result in the Federal Government having a significant influence on resources development. For example, in being responsible for economic management, the Federal Government's fiscal and monetary policies have an important effect on industry as well as on State finances. In particular, the taxation regime employed by the Federal Government is of direct importance to decision-makers in the resources industry. The Federal Government is responsible also under the Constitution for external trade matters; and international trade and commodity matters are increasingly important in Australia's international relationships. Foreign investment is another area where the Federal Government has a role to ensure that national interests are protected. This foreign investment power flows from the Federal Government's control of foreign exchange movements into and out of Australia. However, before enlarging on these and others of the Federal Government's powers and policies, it should be emphasized that the State governments, by virtue of their wide powers to regulate matters within their own boundaries, are more directly involved in the day-to-day administration and regulation of mining operations. For instance, the powers of the State governments include the responsibility-for the granting of exploration rights and mining leases, the approval of mining operations and the levying of royalties and other like charges. Administrative arrangements covering the granting of minerals and petroleum exploration and development titles vary from State to State. Before development rights are granted, State governments consider environment protection and rehabilitation aspects of development proposals. The provision of infrastructure within State borders is a matter primarily of State government responsibility. It is usual practice in Australia for State governments to construct and operate infrastructure services such. as railways, ports and electricity generation and transmission. The States may also provide certain public services such as electricity. and water, port and loading facilities, communications, health and education services which form part of the infrastructure of mining operations. In remote areas the mining companies themselves usually are expected to provide much of this infrastructure. However, the Federal Government is primarily responsible in some fields, such as telecommunications and parts of the railways network. State governments carry out preliminary exploration and geological mapping and some are directly involved in the mining of coal for power generation. The Federal Government's responsibilities in addition to economic management, taxation, international relations, foreign capital and investment, include regulation of exports, environmental matters and matters affecting the Aboriginals of the Northern Territory. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES The continued sound development of the minerals and energy resources sector is regarded by the Federal Government as being of very great importance. However, the Government does not seek to participate directly in resource developments. It sees its role rather as that of establishing a sound economic and policy climate in which private companies can identify opportunities, seek out customers and marshall the necessary capital for the development of resource projects.

Jan 1, 1982

Charles Catlett, Staunton, Virginia (communication to the Secretary*): I have had occasion to examine a few of the irondeposits in the immediate section of which Mr. Watson speaks, but have not had an opportunity to visit any of the well-known manganese-deposits. I find the former can be very safely read in light of the information which it is possible to get from the same measnres farther. north, where they are less completely decomposed. In the same way all of his conclusions in regard to the geology of the manganese-deposits bear out their occurrence in Virginia, when we allow for the far more complete decomposition in the section he has so carefully studied. Judging from the same measures farther north, I think he will be safe in agreeing even further with Penrose as to the origin of these ores. Some years ago I carried on prospecting work in these measures in Virginia, in which the iron-ore and manganese-ore were followed down to undecomposed material, and in which their occurrence along a definite line of stratification, and apparently a part of the original bedding, was plainly shown. This is unusual, however, even in the section of which I speak. At Crimora, Virginia, the decomposition is quite complete; at the same time the results of some hydraulic work, which has been done there, disclosed, at the time of my last visit, the manganese interbedded in the residual clay along a definite and distinct plane parallel to the bedding of the underlying quartzite, and which, as is shown at other points, corresponds with the plane of the original material. In view of the phosphorus reported by Mr. Watson as existing in the Cartersville ores, and the not uncommonly prohibitive amount in southern ores, I am interested to know whether

Jan 1, 1904

By P. B. Leavenworth

Twenty-six fields were found in the Texas Gulf Coast in 1940 as compared to 17 fields in 1939. Of these, 14 were oil fields and 12 were gas and distillate. About 150 wells were drilling at the end of the year. Production for the year 1940 amounted to 104,127,247 bbl. as compared to 100,-253,937 bbl. for 1939. Considerable wildcatting for Wilcox production featured the exploration, but discoveries were few and the type of fields found mainly gas and distillate. On the whole, the program was discouraging. New Fields Alta Lomu. Galveston County.—The Alta Loma field was discovered on May 20, 1940, by the Stanolind Oil and Gas Company's No. I John A. Hulen, which blew out at a depth of 9166 it. and ran wild for several days, with an estimated production of 400 bbl. per hour of 36" gravity oil from a sand in the top of the Frio. Water soon appeared but the well produced more than I3o,ooo bbl. of oil between May 20 and June 10, together with a large amount of salt water. Later the well was killed and recompleted on Nov. 23, for 276 bbl. of 34" gravity oil per day. Probably this was the most sensational discovery of the year, although development to the end of the year was disappointing. The discovery was the result of reflection seismograph work of the Stano-End Oil and Gas Co., the principal leaseholders. Bailey's Prairie, Brazoria County.— Glenn H. McCarthy9s No. I W. B. Munson was completed in a lower Frio sand from perforations 11,345 to II,349 ft. for 8 bbl. of fluid (50 per cent black oil, 27" gravity, and 50 per cent B. S. and W.) on Sept. 24, 1940. It was finally recompleted as a gas well from perforations 11,631 to 11,651 ft., on Oct. 9, 1940. The well had been drilled to a total depth of 11,860 ft. This well produced for only a short time and the area is at present inactive. Blessing, Matagorda County.—The Texas Company's No. I A. B. Pierce was completed from a Frio sand from 8265 to 8300 ft. on July 8, 1940, for an initial production of 29 bbl. of distillate, I 1/2 million cu. ft. of gas. One other gas and distillate well was completed in 1940. Borden, Wharlon County.—J. F. Hutch-ins' No. 2 A. P. Borden Estate was completed on Feb. 11, 1940, for 108 bbl. of 35,6° gravity oil, from a Frio sand at 4758 to 4771 ft. This is the second well drilled in the area by Hutchins. Two other wells in 1940 were failures and there was no activity at the end of the year. Dyersdale, Harris County.-The Dyers-dale field was opened by the completion, on Sept. 15, 1940, of H. C. Cockburn's No. I G. Burkitt from a sand in the top of the Frio, through perforations from 4067-4072 ft., for 240 bbl. of low-gravity oil. By the end of the year the field had been fairly well outlined and did not appear to be a major discovery. Duck Bay, Calhoun County.—Coronado Oil Company's No. I Welder, alter having drilled to 10,002 ft., perforated casing from 5654 1/2 to 5659 it. and was completed for 60 bbl. of 36.8° gravity oil On July 27, 1940, from a Miocene sand.

Jan 1, 1941

By P. B. Leavenworth

Twenty-six fields were found in the Texas Gulf Coast in 1940 as compared to 17 fields in 1939. Of these, 14 were oil fields and 12 were gas and distillate. About 150 wells were drilling at the end of the year. Production for the year 1940 amounted to 104,127,247 bbl. as compared to 100,-253,937 bbl. for 1939. Considerable wildcatting for Wilcox production featured the exploration, but discoveries were few and the type of fields found mainly gas and distillate. On the whole, the program was discouraging. New Fields Alta Lomu. Galveston County.—The Alta Loma field was discovered on May 20, 1940, by the Stanolind Oil and Gas Company's No. I John A. Hulen, which blew out at a depth of 9166 it. and ran wild for several days, with an estimated production of 400 bbl. per hour of 36" gravity oil from a sand in the top of the Frio. Water soon appeared but the well produced more than I3o,ooo bbl. of oil between May 20 and June 10, together with a large amount of salt water. Later the well was killed and recompleted on Nov. 23, for 276 bbl. of 34" gravity oil per day. Probably this was the most sensational discovery of the year, although development to the end of the year was disappointing. The discovery was the result of reflection seismograph work of the Stano-End Oil and Gas Co., the principal leaseholders. Bailey's Prairie, Brazoria County.— Glenn H. McCarthy9s No. I W. B. Munson was completed in a lower Frio sand from perforations 11,345 to II,349 ft. for 8 bbl. of fluid (50 per cent black oil, 27" gravity, and 50 per cent B. S. and W.) on Sept. 24, 1940. It was finally recompleted as a gas well from perforations 11,631 to 11,651 ft., on Oct. 9, 1940. The well had been drilled to a total depth of 11,860 ft. This well produced for only a short time and the area is at present inactive. Blessing, Matagorda County.—The Texas Company's No. I A. B. Pierce was completed from a Frio sand from 8265 to 8300 ft. on July 8, 1940, for an initial production of 29 bbl. of distillate, I 1/2 million cu. ft. of gas. One other gas and distillate well was completed in 1940. Borden, Wharlon County.—J. F. Hutch-ins' No. 2 A. P. Borden Estate was completed on Feb. 11, 1940, for 108 bbl. of 35,6° gravity oil, from a Frio sand at 4758 to 4771 ft. This is the second well drilled in the area by Hutchins. Two other wells in 1940 were failures and there was no activity at the end of the year. Dyersdale, Harris County.-The Dyers-dale field was opened by the completion, on Sept. 15, 1940, of H. C. Cockburn's No. I G. Burkitt from a sand in the top of the Frio, through perforations from 4067-4072 ft., for 240 bbl. of low-gravity oil. By the end of the year the field had been fairly well outlined and did not appear to be a major discovery. Duck Bay, Calhoun County.—Coronado Oil Company's No. I Welder, alter having drilled to 10,002 ft., perforated casing from 5654 1/2 to 5659 it. and was completed for 60 bbl. of 36.8° gravity oil On July 27, 1940, from a Miocene sand.

Jan 1, 1941

By Milton E. Wadsworth, R. Ted Wimber

Cobalt sulfate solutions containing ammonium acetate and chloroplatinic acid were reduced by hydrogen in a pyrex-glass lined autoclave in the temperature range of 170o to 232°C and hydrogen partial pressure range of 115 to 830 psia. The reduction rate was directly proportional to the hydrogen partial pressure and surface area of the pyrex glass and was independent of the quantity of chloroplatinic acid added initially. Experiments involving the variation of the relative concentration of ammonium acetate indicated that the reducible cobalt complex was probably the diacetate complex of cobalt, Co(AC)4H20, or a new mononcetate complex Co Ac, which was in solubility equilibrium with a pink precipitate of CO(AC)-4HzO. THE reaction in which a metal is dissolved by an acid to produce gaseous hydrogen and a salt solution was discovered early in the history of chemistry. In 1859 Beketoff found experimentally that this reaction could be reversed; i.e., a salt solution could be reduced by gaseous hydrogen to produce a metal and an acid. A review of work done on this phenomenon since that time may be found elsewhere., The hydrogen reduction of a cobalt salt solution is facilitated by complexing the cobalt ion. An ammonia complex of cobalt has been reduced commercially in the recovery of cobalt metal. A new reducible complex of cobalt was discovered5 when it was found that a co-baltous sulfate solution containing ammonium acetate could be reduced by hydrogen at temperatures in the region of 200°C. When a cobalt sulfate-ammonium acetate solution was heated to a temperature below its normal boiling point, a violet color became apparent, indicating complex formation. The nature of this complex was investigated5 by the addition of NH4Ac to a CoSO4 solution maintained at 85o. During the first additions of NH, Ac, the pH of the solution remained fairly constant at about 5.85. However, as the ratio of NH,Ac to CoSO, approached two, the pH rose and then leveled off at about 6.05. The absorption spectra of a Co(Ac), solution and a CoSO,, NH Ac solution were obtained at 85°C and were compared and found to be the same. These findings suggested that the diacetate complex of cobalt, Co(Ac),.4H20, was formed at 85°C. When a cobalt sulfate-ammonium acetate solution was heated to a temperature above about 165o, a finely divided pink precipitate appeared. The X-ray diffraction pattern of this precipitate indicated that it was Co(Ac), - 4H,O. In addition, it was discovered that when chloroplatinic acid, H,PtCl;, was added initially to the cobalt sulfate-ammonium acetate solution, a faster reduction was obtained. The roles of the solution complex, pink precipitate and chloroplatinic acid in the reduction process were then investigated. APPARATUS The experimental work was carried out in a two-liter stainless-steel autoclave. Adetailed description of the autoclave and the auxiliary equipment used in maintaining constant temperature and pressure may be found elsewhere.= Because the stainless steel was corroded, and also because it acted as a hydrogena-tion catalyst, an all-glass liner was fabricated such that the solution came only into contact with flame-polished pyrex glass. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The solutions used in the experimental work were prepared by dissolving reagent grade chemicals in distilled water. Although variation of the brand of ammonium acetate appeared to have no effect on the experimental results, CoSO, 7H O from the J. T. Baker Chemical Co. of Phillipsburg, N. J.,was found to give faster reductions than that prepared by Allied Chemical and Dye Corp., N. Y. The former was used throughout the course of the experimental work and was weighed up at the outset of each experiment. The ammonium acetate was dissolved to form a 6M stock solution, which was stored under refrigeration. A 10 pct solution of chloroplatinic acid (J. T. Baker Chemical Co.) was diluted to a 1.15 x 1Q2 M stock solution, which was standardized by precipitation of K,PtCl, as outlined by Scott. The appropriate volume of the chloroplatinic acid, H,PtCl,, solution was pipetted into the clean, dry glass liner. The cobalt sulfate-ammonium acetate solution, which had previously been saturated with

Jan 1, 1962

By S. W. Nabbs, W. D. Bachman, A. W. Last

A study has been made of wet, autogenous grinding of disseminated copper ores, including testing of a large number of samples from. Kennecott Copper Corp.'s Chino mine. The grindability of the various samples was found to vary over an extremely wide range, even among samples taken from diflerent locations within the same ore body. These variations in grindability can be qualitatively correlated with the composition of the rock and the fracturing and alteration that had occurred. Because of the large-scale nonhomogeneity of disseminated copper ore bodies, extensive and careful testing of autogenous grinding is needed. An accurate correlation of the grinding data from various samples with the geology of the ore body and with mining plans will indicate if variations in grinding mill throughput can be avoided in practice by mixing or blending of mill feed and if, therefore, autogenous grinding can be applied successfully. In the past 15 years, comminution by primary autogenous grinding has been investigated and applied economically in the minerals industry, particularly in iron-ore processing. Successful application of primary grinding is described by A. A. Dor,l.' P. B. Dettmer,334 R. R. Turner, and W. F. McDermott." other authors describing the advantages of primary grinding include H. Hardinge,' R. T. Hukki,' D. S. Coyle" and F. C. Bond,"," to mention only a few. For the past several years, Kennecott Copper Corp.'s Metal Mining Div. Research Center has been investigating primary grinding of disseminated copper ores. Both fully autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding has been explored. Ores from three of Kennecott's western operating properties and from several development properties have been tested. Host rocks include diabase, schist, silicated and argillaceous limestones, shale, granite porphyry, quartzite, and granodiorite. The object of this paper is to supplement the general knowledge in the field of primary grinding by presenting information gained from the studies with the various disseminated copper ores. Data are presented which show that carefully considered test programs are required to determine the practicality of applying autogenous grinding to a specific mining-beneficiation operation. Particularly this is so if more than one rock type occurs within an ore body or if there are wide variations in the degree of rock alteration within a deposit. Extensive sampling and subsequent testing of the ores within a mine are required if serious pitfalls are to be avoided and good engineering data acquired. We hope that this presentation will stimulate studies to increase the understanding of the fracturing process applicable to large pieces of rock, a factor which is important in autogenous grinding. Test Facilities and Procedures Both pilot-scale and full-scale test facilities were used to investigate primary grinding characteristics of the disseminated copper ores. A 6-ft Hardinge Cascade mill, a 24-ft Hardinge Cascade mill, and a 5-ft Aerofall mill were used in the studies. The Cascade mills were operated wet, while the Aerofall mill was operated both wet and dry. The Cascade mills were operated both for fully autogenous and for semi-autogenous grinding; the Aerofall mill was operated only semi-autogenously. Fully autogenous grinding, as the term is used in this presentation, is defined as the direct grinding of coarsely crushed rock by the action of the rock mass. Semi-autogenous grinding is defined as the grinding of coarsely crushed rock with the rock mass supplemented by a steel ball charge. Most of the test work was done using the 6-ft Cascade mill, operated under fully autogenous grinding conditions. Only limited testing was conducted with the 5-ft Aerofall mill and only one ore was tested using the 24-ft Cascade mill. This presentation is concerned, therefore, primarily with fully autogenous, pilot-scale grinding in the Cascade mill. Fig. 1 presents a diagram of the test facilities used with the 6-ft Cascade mill. Principal test equipment consists of a 6-ft Cascade mill, an 18-in. spiral classifier, an elevator, a 2 x 9-ft belt feeder, a conventional integrating kilowatt-hour meter, and a recording wattmeter. In testing, feed charges, adjusted as to weight, were deposited as evenly as possible on the belt feeder every 15 min. The weight of each charge was adjusted to maintain a mill charge of 27 to 30% of mill volume. The classifier was adjusted to obtain the desired size-consist of the final product, generally at 20% + 100 mesh. After equilibrium was established in the circuit, the feed, mill discharge, classifier sand, and classifier overflow were sampled and their size distributions determined. During the sampling periods, the power drawn by the mill was measured to determine the energy consumed in the reduction of the size consist of the ore solids. Fully Autogenous Pilot Grinding Tests on Various Kennecott Ores Typical test results obtained in the 6-ft Cascade mill with samples from Kennecott's Ray Mines Div., Chino Mines Div., Utah Copper Div., and a development property designated as Mine A are presented in Table 1. As shown, the ores that were ground most easily in the pilot-scale mill were composite mine samples obtained

Jan 1, 1971

By John E. Sweet

THERE have already been so many subjects of a purely mechanical nature presented to the Institute of Mining Engineers, that it is unnecessary for me to apologize for adding another to the list. When a new invention, or what is supposed to be a new invention, claiming simply an improvement on the well-known devices, is to be described, it is usual to point out the defects of the old and give a history of the object or the art up to date. But, as no doubt a large proportion of the members of this Institute know as much, or more, about the history and use of the steam-engine indicator than I do myself, I will not further preface the subject, than to remind you that what called for the Richards's improvement on the Watt's indicator was high speed ; that the leading improvement was the reduction of momentum in the reciprocating parts; and that this was accomplished by making the parts lighter, and reducing the travel of the heaviest of them, and consequently the speed and momentum. The use of the indicator has been extended, for the speed of steam-engines and other prime movers has been increased, until one engineer at least, John Cooper, of Philadelphia, says, "I want an indicator that will work up to a thousand revolutions." Mr. Thompson, of the Buckeye Steam-Engine Company, of Salem, Ohio, has improved on the Richards's indicator by another reduction in the momentum, which is done by putting the parallel motion nearer the fulcrum of the pencil arm, reducing both weight and travel. The characteristic feature of the indicator I am going to illustrate is a still further reduction in the same direction, which is accomplished by dispensing with the parallel motion altogether. As is often the, case, in putting a simple idea into shape, some difficulties

Jan 1, 1879

By Frederick T. Williams

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relative merits of the large 31/8-in. machine and the small 2 1/4-in. tappet machine in driving development-headings; and although the data here presented were obtained from cross-cut headings alone, experience has shown that the results are equally true in drifting, raising and winzing. Recently we drove two parallel cross-cuts through the same formation, using a 3 1/8-in. machine at the breast of one crosscut, and a 2 1/4-in. machine of the same make at the breast of the other. The results of this work afforded an ideal comparison, since in both cases the headings were advanced through rock practically of the same hardness and breaking-properties, the amount of sludging was equal, and there was no difference in the condition of the steel or the machines, the air-pressure or the experience of the operating crews. Some operators in the Cripple Creek district contend that there is ground which cannot be handled with the small machine, the holes being too small to contain enough powder to "pull " the ground, etc. The results obtained in working the property of the Portland Gold Mining Co., however, show that the ground worked by them does not fall in this class. During a period of two years there have been driven, with the small machine, 4 miles and 308 ft. of development-headings, through a diversity of ground, including Pike's Peak granite (a coarsely porphyritic type of granite), highly indurated andesitic or pho-nolytic breccia, true massive andesite, trachytic phonolyte, tuffs, and along dikes of decomposed basalt and hard phonolyte. In every instance a satisfactory record was made. The headings here describe? mere driven through highly indurated andesitic breccia, having a hardness of from 5.2 to 7.2 and a sp. gr. of from 2.2 to 2.8. The action of the breccia under the drill was not materially different from that of ordi-

Jan 1, 1907

By ALEC CROWELL

Mississippi has had oil production for only the past six years and natural gas production of minor magnitude since' 1926. The search for oil and gas commenced in 1903 and 1496 wells had been drilled in search of oil and gas up to Jan. 1, 1946. As the year 1945 ended, 659 wells were producing oil and gas from 23 separate reservoirs. The production for the year was 8,353,719,000 standard cubic feet of natural gas measured on a pressure base of 15.025 lb. per sq. in. abs., 15.316,009 bbl. of oil¬field water and 19,093,766 bbl. of crude oil and condensate. Production for the year 1944 was 2,636,067,000 standard cubic feet of gas, 14,979,793 bbl. of salt water and 16,420,346 bbl. of crude oil and condensate.

Jan 1, 1946