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By B. B. Wood, M. J. Rzasa, E. W. Hough

An apparatus for the determination of fluid-fluid interfacial tension by the pendant drop method has been constructed. The apparatus is refined beyond those previously described in that the samples are introduced into an evacuated windowed cell without contacting air or mercury. Interfacial tension data are reported for the water-methane system between 74 and 280°F and 15 and 15,000 psi. The variation of wettability of the stainless-steel dropper tip with pressure and temperature was observed incidentally to the measurements. INTRODUCTION The most refined previous apparatus --for the determination of fluid-fluid interfacial tension at reservoir conditions was built by Hauser and Michaels.' These authors used the pendant drop method, previously investigated by Andreas, Hauser, and Tucker.' Recently, Fordham3 has made the pendant drop method an absolute one by numerical integration of the differential equation of drop shape. It is necessary to know the difference in density of the two fluids and the acceleration due to gravity in order to evaluate the interfacial tension from measurements of drop dimensions. Contact angle is not involved in the measurements by this method. Some precise tests of the method have been made at atmospheric pressure and 77°F by Douglas," who found agreement with established values to within about 0.1 per cent for water and air, cyclohexane and air, benzene and air, and benzene and water. No values of interfacial tension from the recent pendant drop apparatusJ have been published by Hauser and Michaels. However, values for the water-benzene and water-decane systems are given in Michaels' thesis5 or Dressures from 15 .to 10,000 psi and temperatures from 73 to 268ºF. Some determinations on gas-oil and gas-water systems in the range of 15 to 4,000 psi and 78 to 178°F have been made by Hozott,' by the drop-volume method. The capillary rise method has been used to investigate the interfacial tension in gas-oil systems at 88°F to several thousand psi by Swartz.7 Other determinations in gas-oil systems at pressures under 1,000 psia have been made by Jones: and Beecher and Parkhurst.9 The scarcity of data for pressures above 5.000 psi is apparent. APPARATUS An assembly drawing of the working section of the interfacial tenqion apparatus is given in Fig. 2. 'The endanant drop (A) is housed in a pressure chamber having glass windows (B). An agitator (6) is provided. The metal parts of the apparatus coming into contact with the sample are made of AISI: Type 316 steel. Drain grooves are provided around the whdows so that the sample in contact with the O-rings is not returned to the working section when the pressure is reduced. A schematic arrangement of the apparatus is given in Fig. 3. The working section containing the pendant drop (A) is filled by samples from bombs (B) with the aid of the vacuum system (C). The O-ring sealed pistons (D) used to separate the sample from the hydraulic fluid are shown together with the pressure production and measurement system (E). A front view of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 1. Most of the hydraulic system is at the top of the panel. The pump and displacement piston are at the lower right. The Variacs for the air bath heaters. the camera. and the vacuum gauge are a1so visible on the panel. The working section together with a window closure and a drop-forming tip closure are shown in Fig. 9. The carbon arc light source with filter is visible in the upper part of the picture. Two sides of the air bath with the impeller and a part of the convection shield can also be seen. The assembled air bath is shown in Fig. 10.

Jan 1, 1951

By E. W. Hough, B. B. Wood, M. J. Rzasa

An apparatus for the determination of fluid-fluid interfacial tension by the pendant drop method has been constructed. The apparatus is refined beyond those previously described in that the samples are introduced into an evacuated windowed cell without contacting air or mercury. Interfacial tension data are reported for the water-methane system between 74 and 280°F and 15 and 15,000 psi. The variation of wettability of the stainless-steel dropper tip with pressure and temperature was observed incidentally to the measurements. INTRODUCTION The most refined previous apparatus --for the determination of fluid-fluid interfacial tension at reservoir conditions was built by Hauser and Michaels.' These authors used the pendant drop method, previously investigated by Andreas, Hauser, and Tucker.' Recently, Fordham3 has made the pendant drop method an absolute one by numerical integration of the differential equation of drop shape. It is necessary to know the difference in density of the two fluids and the acceleration due to gravity in order to evaluate the interfacial tension from measurements of drop dimensions. Contact angle is not involved in the measurements by this method. Some precise tests of the method have been made at atmospheric pressure and 77°F by Douglas," who found agreement with established values to within about 0.1 per cent for water and air, cyclohexane and air, benzene and air, and benzene and water. No values of interfacial tension from the recent pendant drop apparatusJ have been published by Hauser and Michaels. However, values for the water-benzene and water-decane systems are given in Michaels' thesis5 or Dressures from 15 .to 10,000 psi and temperatures from 73 to 268ºF. Some determinations on gas-oil and gas-water systems in the range of 15 to 4,000 psi and 78 to 178°F have been made by Hozott,' by the drop-volume method. The capillary rise method has been used to investigate the interfacial tension in gas-oil systems at 88°F to several thousand psi by Swartz.7 Other determinations in gas-oil systems at pressures under 1,000 psia have been made by Jones: and Beecher and Parkhurst.9 The scarcity of data for pressures above 5.000 psi is apparent. APPARATUS An assembly drawing of the working section of the interfacial tenqion apparatus is given in Fig. 2. 'The endanant drop (A) is housed in a pressure chamber having glass windows (B). An agitator (6) is provided. The metal parts of the apparatus coming into contact with the sample are made of AISI: Type 316 steel. Drain grooves are provided around the whdows so that the sample in contact with the O-rings is not returned to the working section when the pressure is reduced. A schematic arrangement of the apparatus is given in Fig. 3. The working section containing the pendant drop (A) is filled by samples from bombs (B) with the aid of the vacuum system (C). The O-ring sealed pistons (D) used to separate the sample from the hydraulic fluid are shown together with the pressure production and measurement system (E). A front view of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 1. Most of the hydraulic system is at the top of the panel. The pump and displacement piston are at the lower right. The Variacs for the air bath heaters. the camera. and the vacuum gauge are a1so visible on the panel. The working section together with a window closure and a drop-forming tip closure are shown in Fig. 9. The carbon arc light source with filter is visible in the upper part of the picture. Two sides of the air bath with the impeller and a part of the convection shield can also be seen. The assembled air bath is shown in Fig. 10.

Jan 1, 1951

By R. T. Hukki

THE accepted basis of comparisons between mills of different diameter is the percentage critical speed. If n = actual mill speed, rpm, nc = calculated critical speed, rpm, np = calculated percentage critical speed, and D == inside diameter of the mill in feet, then n, In the following analysis capacity, T, is expressed in short tons per hour, tph, and power consumption, P, in kilowatts, kw. Accordingly power consumption per unit of capacity, P will be expressed in kilowatt hours per short ton, or kw-hr per ton. In all equations D refers to the inside diameter of the mill in feet and v to the peripheral speed of the mill in feet per minute inside the liners. ' Comparison between separate mills must be based on equivalent grinding conditions, i.e., same feed, same size distribution of feed, same size distribution of product, and same percentage of solids. In addition, comparisons between separate rod mills must be based on the same rods, same type of liners, and same percentage rod load. Comparisons between separate ball mills presuppose the same balls, similar liners, and same relative ball load. The practical np-range through which the equations apply varies, being narrower for fine grinding in ball mills and wider for coarse crushing in rod mills. The Relationship between Capacity and Speed It is the general belief that the capacity, T, of a tumbling mill is directly proportional to the speed of the mill, other things remaining constant.' Mathematically this is represented by the equation T - c¹ n tph [4] where c, is a factor related with the grinding characteristics of the ore, method of reduction, and the units chosen. It is proposed here that the general equation relating mill capacity and speed should be of the form T = c¹ nm tph [5] In other words, the capacity should be proportional to the mill speed raised to power m, the numerical value of the exponent being 1 5 m 5 1.5, depending on the circumstances. Eq. 5 can also be written in the following forms: T = c, (np)m tph, and [6] T=Ca vm tph, [71 where v = peripheral speed of the mill in feet per minute. If the observed capacity of a mill at speed n¹ is = T¹ tph, the capacity T² of the same mill at speed n² should be T² = T¹ (n²/n¹)tph [8] The Relationship between Power Consumption, Mill Diameter, and Speed The only well known theoretical deduction relating power consumption, P, and mill diameter appears to be the formula of duPont introduced by Gow, Guggenheim, Campbell, and Coghill.' According to duPont, the power required to operate a mill is a function of the mass of the balls, of the lever arm of the ball mass, and of the speed of the mill. The ball mass per unit of mill length is proportional to the square of the diameter, the lever arm is directly proportional to the diameter, and the critical mill speed or any percentage thereof is inversely proportional to the square root of the mill diameter. Following this reasoning, the original duPont formula is of the form P = c4D² c D • c6D-0.5 = c7D2.5 [9] If the mill speed in the above equation is expressed in terms of Eq. 3, the duPont formula may be written as follows: P=f1(D2) f2(D) f³(—np) or [10] vD P = c np D2.5 kw [11] Eq. 11 may also be derived from the mechanical principle of force, which is equal to mass x acceleration. Power necessary to operate a mill may be considered to be an homogeneous linear function of the force developed. Ball or rod mass per unit of mill length is a function of D2. The acceleration factor of the ball or rod mass is a function of the peripheral speed of the mill. Thus P = f4(F) = /x(D2) f5(v) Indicating that v = nDn, and n = c9 np /vD, the above equation becomes P = f2 (D2) -fa (D ca np/vD

Jan 1, 1955

By K. H. Coats

This paper describes an approximate technique for handling the problem of percolation of evolved gas upwards through the oil column in computer simulation of natural depletion. This technique has been incorporated into a general model for simulating three-phase flow in one, two or three dimensions. The mathematical model for perfonning these calculations is described in detail in a separate article. 1 While vertical gas percolation occurs during natural depletion in a reservoir of any configuration, it is especially pronounced in the pinnacle reel or bioherm. The reel may have an areal extent less than one section with a thickness of up to 800 It. The upward percolation of evolved gas often limits the time step in calculations as little as one day. Using this small time step, computer expense for a single 30- to 40-year simulation on even a one-dimensional basis has exceeded 92,000. The method described here for handling the percolation allows time steps of 60 days or more (depending on reservoir size and production rate), resulting in a considerable reduction in computing expense. The method also allows calculations in which secondary gas caps build up in tight zones of the oil column below the main gas cap. The validity of the method is indicated in connection with an example pinnacle reef field. Calculated results using a 2-day time step (where the method in question is not needed and not invoked) are compared with results using the method and a 60-day time step. The comparison shows good agreement. Results from one- and two-dimensional simulations of the reef are presented along with the corresponding computing times on the CDC 6600 computer. A three-dimensional simulation was also performed and the required computing time is given. INTRODUCTION A general analysis for simulating three-dimensional, three-phase flow in reservoirs has been developed. 1 In applying this model to reservoirs undergoing natural depletion, a time-step restriction was encountered due to the flow of evolved gas upwards through the oil column and toward the gas cap. A remedy for this problem has been incorporated in the analysis and is described here. The time-step restriction is encountered only in calculations which include flow in the vertical or near vertical direction. The restriction occurs to some extent in reservoirs of any geometrical configuration, but it is especially pronounced in the pinnacle reef or bioherm where the ratio of thickness to areal extent is unusually large. This paper describes the problem, a method of handling it, incorporation of the method in the three-dimensional, three-phase model, and, finally, a test of the method's validity in an application to an example pinnacle reef reservoir. THE PROBLEM During the early stages of reservoir depletion, pressure falls below bubble point in progressively lower regions of the oil column. Continuing production results in evolution of dissoived gas throughout the oil column. This gas then percolates upwards toward the top of the reservoir. If the gas encounters a sufficiently low permeability zone in its travel upward, then it can accumulate and form a secondary gas cap. If no zones are encountered which are tight enough to hold gas against the gravity forces, then the gas travels on until it reaches the top of the sand or the main gas cap. Numerical simulation of multiphase flow in reservoirs is generally performed with time steps such that the flow of a fluid into or out of a block in one time step is a fraction (considerably less than one) of the total amount of that fluid present in the block. Use of a time step where the time step's

Jan 1, 1969

By Thomas E. Wayland

AN isopachous map is one on which lines connect points of equal thickness of a given unit. This type of map is used by the Florida Phosphate Project of the U. S. Geological Survey to represent the economic phosphate deposits known as matrix and the waste material, or overburden, that overlies the matrix. The top of the bed on which the phosphate was deposited is known as the basement and a subsurface contour map of this old buried erosion surface is known as a basement map. Recent experiments have been made in preparing maps that show tonnages and grades of the phosphate content of the matrix.

Jan 11, 1951

By A. A. Smith, J. S. Smart, A. J. Phillips

The preparation of a sufficient quantity of high-purity copper for extensive laboratory use in the study of impurity effects has been an integral part of a research program in progress at the Central Research Laboratory of the American Smelting and Refining Co. for the past several years. Initially the degree of purity desired was that necessary to meet two essential requirements for experimental accuracy: (I) no impurity was to be present in the copper in an amount capable of producing a detectable effect on the properties to be studied, (2) even the minor changes in propertties caused by the addition of extremely small amounts of individual elements were to be measured without significant interference from contaminants. In the course of the investigation, evidence has accumulated to justify the conclusion that this copper is of exceptional purity; in fact, no impurity can be detected by any chemical method or spectrographic technique known to the authors. The present paper describes the method of production of the copper and presents some of its properties. Preparation oF High-purity Copper The elimination of impurities from commercial electrolytic copper is accomplished by a three-step purification process. The first operation consists of an electrolysis through a purified CuSO4-H2SO4 electrolyte using bagged anodes, low current density (5 amp. per sq. ft.) and low tem- perature (25°C max.). The electrolyte is prepared from commercial Cu2SO4 and is purified by heating the solution and adding I gram Fe as Fe2(SO4)3 to each 100 grams dissolved copper; sufficient hydrated oxide of copper, prepared from Cu2SO4 and NaOH, is supplied to precipitate Fe(OH)3, which carries down arsenic, antimony, tin, selenium, tellurium and other minor constituents. Silver and remaining traces of lead are removed by addition of Na2S to the acidified filtrate, which is then reatered after standing hot overnight. The cold solution is made up to 30 grams per liter Cu and 150 grams per liter H2SO4 and introduced without addition agents into the electrolytic system, which consists of a double row of hard-rubber battery boxes with the inside webbing and partitions removed, arranged in seven steps of ascending height. Electrolyte is uniformly supplied to the two highest cells by glass siphons operating from a constant-level reservoir, and flows by gravity through the bank of seven cells, entering each at the bottom and leaving at the top. Glass air lifts continuously supply the returning liquid to the constant-level reservoir for recirculation. Each cell contains three 4 3/4 by 4 3/8 by 1-in anodes cast from high-quality electrolytic wirebar copper, various lots of which have been used with equal success. The anodes are pinned to sheet copper hangars shaped to prevent crawl of the electrolyte to the multiple-wired bus bars—which would result in fouling of the contacts—-and hang inside wool flannel bags stretched over open wood frames. The deposit

Jan 1, 1941

By A. J. Phillips, A. A. Smith, J. S. Smart

The preparation of a sufficient quantity of high-purity copper for extensive laboratory use in the study of impurity effects has been an integral part of a research program in progress at the Central Research Laboratory of the American Smelting and Refining Co. for the past several years. Initially the degree of purity desired was that necessary to meet two essential requirements for experimental accuracy: (I) no impurity was to be present in the copper in an amount capable of producing a detectable effect on the properties to be studied, (2) even the minor changes in propertties caused by the addition of extremely small amounts of individual elements were to be measured without significant interference from contaminants. In the course of the investigation, evidence has accumulated to justify the conclusion that this copper is of exceptional purity; in fact, no impurity can be detected by any chemical method or spectrographic technique known to the authors. The present paper describes the method of production of the copper and presents some of its properties. Preparation oF High-purity Copper The elimination of impurities from commercial electrolytic copper is accomplished by a three-step purification process. The first operation consists of an electrolysis through a purified CuSO4-H2SO4 electrolyte using bagged anodes, low current density (5 amp. per sq. ft.) and low tem- perature (25°C max.). The electrolyte is prepared from commercial Cu2SO4 and is purified by heating the solution and adding I gram Fe as Fe2(SO4)3 to each 100 grams dissolved copper; sufficient hydrated oxide of copper, prepared from Cu2SO4 and NaOH, is supplied to precipitate Fe(OH)3, which carries down arsenic, antimony, tin, selenium, tellurium and other minor constituents. Silver and remaining traces of lead are removed by addition of Na2S to the acidified filtrate, which is then reatered after standing hot overnight. The cold solution is made up to 30 grams per liter Cu and 150 grams per liter H2SO4 and introduced without addition agents into the electrolytic system, which consists of a double row of hard-rubber battery boxes with the inside webbing and partitions removed, arranged in seven steps of ascending height. Electrolyte is uniformly supplied to the two highest cells by glass siphons operating from a constant-level reservoir, and flows by gravity through the bank of seven cells, entering each at the bottom and leaving at the top. Glass air lifts continuously supply the returning liquid to the constant-level reservoir for recirculation. Each cell contains three 4 3/4 by 4 3/8 by 1-in anodes cast from high-quality electrolytic wirebar copper, various lots of which have been used with equal success. The anodes are pinned to sheet copper hangars shaped to prevent crawl of the electrolyte to the multiple-wired bus bars—which would result in fouling of the contacts—-and hang inside wool flannel bags stretched over open wood frames. The deposit

Jan 1, 1941

By R. A. Haney, S. J. Gigliotti

Over the past ten years, analysis of the acceptability of face ventilation systems has been based on numerical criteria rather than solely a study of air flow and methane patterns in the face area. This type of analysis has become possible primarily because of the instrumentation and mathematical models developed by the Ventilation Division, Pittsburgh Health Technology Center, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). To properly use these mathematical models, large amounts of methane and airflow data must be collected in the face area during mining activities. To supplement underground testing of face ventilation systems, a full scale model of a face area was built. This model includes a full scale model continuous miner, a face ventilation system, a gas release system, and a remote methane detection system. The remote methane detection system consists of an array of twelve methane sensors located throughout the face area. Data from the sensors are transmitted to strip chart recorders. Methane, air quantity, and other data collected during a test are entered into a computer for analysis. This paper presents the data entry system, the models used for data analysis, the test results, and the application of these results to a face ventilation system.

Jan 1, 1983

F. Lynwood Garrison, Philadelphia, Pa. (communication to the Secretary): I have been specially interested in Mr. Drake's valuable contribution to our knowledge of the Chinese coalareas, as I had occasion, about a year ago, to make a reconnoissance over some of the coal-fields in the Yangtse river valley. I noticed, as he appears to have done, certain peculiarities which may eventually prove to be characteristic of the Chinese coal-measures, at least in central and northern China. The most striking feature, perhaps, is the invariable proximity of the great granite masses to those coal-deposits which have an anthracite character. In common with all other anthracite areas elsewhere, the Chinese show evidences of profound stratigraphical disturbances. The sedimentary rocks are folded, faulted and dislocated in a manner similar to those of the Pennsylvania anthracite-regions. It would seem that the intrusive granite had much to do with converting the original bituminous into present anthracite. The action of the granite was probably direct as a conveyor of heat, and indirect as dynamic force in dislocating, overturning, and compressing the coal-measures. My stay in China was unfortunately cut short, so that I was unable to collect fossils, or to give this highly interesting and important subject more than passing attention. Cholnoky* and Richthofen are practically agreed that these granite eruptions took place during the Tertiary period—probably the Eocene. This profound tectonic movement has had a most important effect upon the geological conditions in central and northern China, and will be, I am sure, a potent factor in the economic development. Evidences of disturbances and metamorphism are very abundant in the anthracite-areas of the Yangtse valley. I noticed the coal in them, as did Mr. Drake in northern China, to be often flaky and " slickensided."

Jan 1, 1902

Mr. Tays (communication to the Secretary): Mr. Wynne's criticism of my paper* brings forward a few points which are really important, and might properly have been considered in the original paper. By calling attention to them he has rendered me a service. It is quite true, as Mr. Wynne says, that, in the tests reported by me, the Bryan mill was always working at a relative disadvantage, and my comparison of the work of this mill with that of the stamp-battery should be interpreted, therefore, so much the more favorably to the mill. Of course, wire screens can be used to advantage on the Bryan mill, if they are not of smaller size than 30-mesh; but

Jan 1, 1902

By d&apos, C. Antonio, S. H. Reichman

In the course of our studies of the annealing behavior of vapor-deposited silver films we have determined the electrical resistivity as a function of annealing temperature for films in the thickness range of 630 to 3240A. Fig. 1 shows the resistivity of the silver films vs film thickness in as-deposited and annealed conditions. The films were prepared by depositing 99.999 pct pure silver from molybdenum boats onto Vycor substrates. Deposition was conducted at a residual pressure of 5 x 10"6 Torr at rates of 20 to 408, sec-'. Thicknesses were determined using a multiple-beam interferometer. During annealing, resistance was measured using the four-probe method. Measurements were made every 5°C during two consecutive anneals to 300°C under a continuous vacuum of 2 x X6 Torr. The heating and cooling rates during annealing were approximately l° and 2°C min-', respectively. Typical resistivity vs temperature curves are shown in Figs. 2 through 4. There is an inflection point evident at 120°C on Fig. 2, the first anneal of a 3240A film. This inflection point was found on all films above approximately 1!00A on both first and second anneals. Below 1400A the inflection occurred at approximately 180°C. Figs; 3 and 4 show the first and second anneals of a 1370A film. The inflection point occurs at 180°C on the first anneal and approximately 120°C on the second. Our interpretation of this phenomenon is based on oxygen liberation from the film surface. It is well-documented that the presence of oxygen on silver surfaces causes a reversible increase in resistivity.1"3 The liberation of this oxygen, for example during vacuum annealing, would therefore cause a decrease in resistivity as observed on Figs. 2, 3, and 4 as a change in slope. This is accounted for by the decomposition of Ag20 on the film surface. The free energy of AgzO becomes positive between 125" and 225°C.4 The thickness dependence of the inflection points can be explained as an orientation effect. The films used in this study were preferentially oriented with their (111) planes parallel to the Substrate.''~ In addition it has been sten that the thinner films, below approximately 1500A, possess a decided "hill and valley"

Jan 1, 1969

Lieut. Maxwell E. Erdory, now with the Army of Occupation in France, writes as follows: "The 602d Engrs., many of whose officers are members of the Institute, started its active service in France at Avocourt, where we built a road across `No Man's Land.' This road from Avocourt to Montfaucon started us on a career of road building which lasted from Sept. 26 to Nov. 9. The engineer in war has no working hours. Our first job meant 50 hr. continuous work, a layoff of 4 hr. and 18 hr. more. That was our initiation in this war game. "Back in the States we practised building trenches, dugouts, and underground shelters of all sorts. In France we were unfortunate enough to come upon the scene when the so-called open warfare started. That made all the above unnecessary. Roads was the cry and our job was to see that all the artillery got their roads and got over them. "I might mention here that the roads of France, which were in excellent condition except for numerous shell holes, w re one of the leading factors in the rapid termination of the war. "We built a narrow-gage railroad from Romagne to Landre St. George which cost us a few men. At Stenay we did our first bridge building. We built nine bridges across the Meuse, capable of carrying tanks, in 18 hr. The next day the American army crossed these bridges on their way to Virton, Belgium, and the Rhine. " Our course from Virton, Belgium, took us through Longwy, Musson, and Athus, in which towns I inspected the steel plants. In Musson as well as Longwy the Germans had destroyed most of the blast furnaces. This destruction began in August, 1917. In Athus the furnaces were in good condition, the Germans having removed all motors land electrical apparatus, rendering the plant inoperative. I have taken several photos of interest of these plants. "It is but fitting that I say that the engineer in this war has contributed much toward its success but the "Doughboy" is its hero and we engineers one and all say "All hail the Doughboy."

Jan 2, 1919

A comprehensive, systematically structured mineral evaluation system is a prime requirement for objectively assessing mineral supply impacts on the economy. The Minerals Availability System developed by the US Bureau of Mines is a step in the right direction-a well-organized unraveling of the mineral supply network, structured in format to allow quick retrieval for rapid listing, supply analysis, and other uses.

Jan 9, 1977

By Frank E. Neil, O&apos

The formation tester, as the name implies, is a tool built for testing the contents of sands encountered in drilling Wells Without actually cementing casing on the sand. The tester was developed in the Mid-Continent and has been in use commercially there since about 1926. However, some two dozen patents have been issued on formation testers dating back to the seventies. The method apparently was an outgrowth of the old Mother Hubbard grain or bean packer, used around casing before the days of cementing casing. These packers were also seated in a tapered hole and if the formation tested was not satisfactory the casing was pulled loose and the hole taken down to another formation. A great deal of experimental work has been done in its development, and as a result of this work the formation tester became an accepted integral part of the petroleum development in California. The formation tester was introduced into California some three years ago by M. 0. Johnston. Months of discouraging and expensive work followed its introduction into this state, but one organization after another tried the tool and its use is now fairly general. Shortly after Johnston began testing in California, the Halliburton tester was also introduced into the state and now another tool is being introduced, the Shaffer-Roles tester. Principle and Operation of Testers The principle employed in all formation testers is that of packing off the fluid in the hole above the formation to be tested and thereby prevent,ing it from having access to the testing tool. This permits the fluid contained in the given formation to have unrestricted access to the tool. It is accomplished by running the tool and packer on the bottom of the drill pipe; the valves in the tool being closed while going into the hole to prevent fluid from entering the drill pipe. The packer is then seated at the desired point, trapping the drilling fluid above it. When this has been done, the valves in the tool are opened and the fluid from the formation is allowed to enter the empty pipe through the tool. If the

Jan 1, 1934

By N. A. Gokcen, J. Chipman

A revised treatment of the authors' published data eliminates the complex relation previously proposed between concentration of silicon and activity coefficient of oxygen in liquid iron. Revised values of the thermodynamic properties of the liquid solution are presented. IN a recent experimental study of the reaction SiO2 (s) = Si+ 2O; Kf, = [% Si] [% O]² [1] the authors' found a substantially constant equilibrium product in liquid iron at 1600°C of 2.8x10-5 They also reported extensive data on the reactions: SiO2 (s) + 2H2 (8) = Si- + 2H2O (g); K'2= [% Si] (H2O/H2 [2] and H, (g) + 0 = H2O (g); K'3 =( H2 O [31 (H2) [%O] From the results on reaction 3 and earlier data of Dastur² on this same reaction in the absence of silicon, they determined the activity coefficient of oxygen, f0, on the basis of the definition K3 = (H2O)/ (H2)f0 [% 0] where K, is the equilibrium constant and f0, is taken as unity in the pure Fe-0 system. Similarly values of fsi were deduced from results on reaction 2. In a more recent study" of analogous reactions in the system Fe-A1-0, it was found impossible to reconcile the results on reaction 3 with Dastur's data; accordingly the latter were ignored and the equilibrium results were extrapolated to find a value of K, at zero concentration of aluminum. This procedure failed to locate the cause of the discrepancy but it did yield reasonable values of activity coefficients. It also avoided introduction of the complex empirical relation between the oxygen activity coefficient and the concentration of the added element. The same type of discrepancy exists for system Fe-Si-0.' In the earlier paper an attempt was made to fit both sets of data by a single curved line (Fig. 6 of ref. l), the form of which is contrary to the theoretical requirement of a finite slope at infinite dilution. In the light of experience on the Fe-A1-0 system the discrepancy must be recognized as one which can be resolved only by more refined measurements. Accordingly Figs. 6 and 10 are retracted. It is pointed out also that until the discrepancy is resolved Figs. 7, 8, and 11 are subject to some uncertainty. Qualitatively the following conclusions still appear valid: 1—The activity coefficient of oxygen is reduced by addition of silicon. 2—In dilute solutions the activity coefficient of silicon increases with its concentration. 3—With respect to equilibrium in reaction 1, the above effects are approximately compensating. The discussion of K'1 in the previous paper requires no revision. It was pointed out that the constancy of the product [% Si] [% 0]² ndicated a compensating effect of the activity coefficients of silicon and oxygen. Therefore, as a very good approximation, K1 = K'1 and the following average values are suggested both for K, and K', at the temperatures 1550°, 1600°, and 1650", respectively, 1.0x10-", 2.8~10-" and 5.5 ~lo-'. Revision of the thermodynamic treatment is necessitated by the recent appearance of new data, based on a combination of combustion and solution calorimetry,' which yields for the heat of formation of low-cristobalite from the elements, the value —209,330 ±250 cal per mol at 25°C. This is about 4000 cal larger than the value previously accepted. The new value for cristobalite is used, together with Kelley's tables of high-temperature heat contents" and entropies and with Korber and Oelsen's' heat of fusion of silicon to obtain the following equation for the standard free energy of cristobalite in the temperature range 1700" to 2000°K: Si (1) + 02 (g) = Si02 (crist.); ?F° = -217,700 + 47.OT [4] The free energy of solution of 0, in liquid iron is:8 O2 (g) = 20 (in Fe); AF° = -55,860 - 1.14T [5] and these two equations are combined to give: Si (1) + 20 = SiO, (crist.); AF° = -161,840 + 48.14T [6] ?F°1873 = -71,700 cal. From the experimental value of K, = 2.8x10-5, Si + 20 = SiO2 (crist.); ?F°1873 = -39,000 cal. [7] The combination of Eqs. 6 and 7 yields the free energy change when liquid silicon dissolves in iron to form the dilute solution of unit activity (1 pct). Si (1) = Si; ?F°1873 = -32,700 cal. [8] The heat effect in this process according to Korber and Oelsen' is an evolution of 28,500 cal per gram

Jan 1, 1954

By Herluf P. Nielsen, Robert I. Jaffee

IN recent years much attention has been given to high-melting alloy systems, It has been of interest in this respect to investigate the alloys of platinum and tungsten, which were known from the literature to have very high melting points up to about 50 pct tungsten, but about which little had been published on the high-tungsten side of the system. Powder metallurgical methods were used throughout this investigation for the preparation of the alloys, utilizing electrical sintering techniques such as are used for tungsten and molybdenum. In the course of the work it was found desirable to determine fusion temperatures of the alloys, and it was possible from these and other data to draw a tentative constitutional diagram (solidus, mostly) applicable to the high-temperature part of the system. No attempt was made to determine solid solubility vs. temperature data, nor to investigate the lower temperature transformations in the solid state. Data on the microstructure, hardness, and a note on oxidation resistance of the sintered alloys were obtained. PAST WORK Müller1 determined liquidus temperatures of platinum-rich alloys to 50 pct tungsten, using a radiation method employing a photoelectric cell, and found that the melting points increased progressively from 1771°C for platinum to 2350°C for the 50 pct alloy. Microscopic evidence by Müller that complete solid solutions exist to 50 pct tungsten was not checked by Kremer2 who, according to Vines and Wise,3 found that "although the 8 pct tungsten alloy was a solid solution, the 26 pct tungsten alloy contained a eutectic or an intermediate phase." Hultgren and jaffee4 using X ray methods found continuous solid solutions to at least 33.6 pct tungsten (35 at. pct) after annealing in vacuum for 6 days at 1000°C. Vines and Wise3 report work communicated to them by E. C. Rhodes on wrought alloys to 7 pct tungsten, which showed that tungsten hardened platinum extremely rapidly, and was one of the most potent hardeners of the binary additions to platinum. Considerable quantities of 4 pct tungsten platinum wire have been produced for grids in radar tubes and for aircraft spark plugs. Some of the alloy for the latter application is made by sintering, the remainder by smelting and casting. MATERIALS The platinum powder used in this work was kindly supplied by the research and Development Laboratory of the Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., Newark, Ohio, It was prepared from scrap platinum. After dissolving in aqua regia and evaporating almost to dryness, the solution was worked up several times with concentrated HCI. the resultant platinic chloride was diluted considerably, and metallic zinc was added, which precipitated the platinum in a very finely divided form. After dissolving the

Jan 1, 1948

By R. I. Jaffee, H. P. Nielsen

In recent years much attention has been given to high melting alloy systems. It has been of interest in this respect to investigate the alloys of platinum and tungsten, which were known from the literature to have very high melting points up to about 50 pct tungsten, but about which little had been published on the high-tungsten side of the system. Powder metallurgical methods were used throughout this investigation for the preparation of the alloys, utilizing electrical sintering techniques such as are used for tungsten and molybdenum. In the course of the work it was found desirable to determine fusion temperatures of the alloys, and it was possible from these and other data to draw a tentative constitutional diagram (solidus, mostly) applicable to the high-temperature part of the system. No attempt was made to determine solid solubility vs. temperature data, nor to investigate the lower temperature transformations in the solid state. Data on the microstructure, hardness, and a note on oxidation resistance of the sintered alloys were obtained. Past Work Miillerl determined liquidus temperatures of platinum-rich alloys to 50 pct tungsten, using a radiation method employing a photoelectric cell, and found that the melting points increased progressively from I771 C for platinum to 2350°C for the 50 pct alloy. Microscopic evidence by Miiller that complete solid solutions exist to 50 pct tungsten was not checked by Kremer2 who, according to Vines and Wise,3 found that "although the 8 pct tungsten alloy was a solid solution, the 26 pct tungsten alloy contained a eutectic or an intermediate phase." Hultgren and Jaffee4 using X ray methods found continuous solid solutions to at least 33.6 pct tungsten (35 at. pct) after annealing in vacuum for 6 days at I000 C. Vines and WiseS report work communicated to them by E. C. Rhodes on wrought alloys to 7 pct tungsten, which showed that tungsten hardened platinum extremely rapidly, and was one of the most potent hardeners of the binary additions to platinum. Considerable quantities of 4 pct tungsten platinum wire have been produced for grids in radar tubes and for aircraft spark plugs. Some of the alloy for the latter application is made by sintering, the remainder by smelting and casting. Materials The platinum powder used in this work was kindly supplied by the Research and Development Laboratory of the Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., Newark, Ohio. It was prepared from scrap platinum. After dissolving in aqua regia and evaporating almost to dryness, the solution was worked up several times with concentrated HC1. The resultant platinic chloride was diluted considerably, and metallic zinc was added, which precipitated the platinum in a very finely divided form. After dissolving the

Jan 1, 1949

CONTENTS PAGE GEISMER, H. S.-Coal Washing Practice in Alabama. Discussed by William Kelly, H. S. Geismer, H. D. Pallister, L. E. Bryant, Milton H. Fies, Elmer F. Harris, James A. Barr, George G. Crawford, E. C. Wright, George S. Rice, R. V. Norris 1 MILLER, F. W.-Byproduct Coking in Alabama. Discussed by Theodore Swann 4 FIES, MILTON H.-Alabama Coal Mining Practice. Discussed by Milton 11. Fies, R. V. Norris, R. D. Hall, L. E. Bryant, George S. Rice, H. S. Geismer 5 MUSSEY, H. E.-Blast-furnace Practice in Alabama. Discussed by C. A. Meissner, Franklin H. Crockard, H. E. Mussey, W. H. Oldham 14 Coal Washing Practice in Alabama Discussion of paper of H. S. GEISMER, presented at the Birmingham Meeting, October 1924, and issued, as Paper No. 1363-C, with MINING AND METALLURGY, September, 1924. WILLIAM KELLY, Iron Mountain, Mich.-Is the dry-cleaning method used? H. S. GEISMER.-Neither the dry-cleaning process nor the Chance sand-liquid method has been tested in Alabama; but all other methods used for cleaning bituminous coal have been largely brought to perfection in this state. H. D. PALLISTER, Tuscaloosa, Ala.-Have you the results from the recent work on the tables with reference to fine coal? H. S. GEISMER.-None of the iron-producing companies has adopted the tables, though three commercial operators have installed tables within the last six months. I tried to learn the results, but they were not willing to release the data just now. At the mines producing domestic coal, fines present a difficult problem; until within the past six months all the fine coal was wasted. The operators are trying to recover some of it on the table. L. E. BRYANT, Rockwood, Tenn.-Is there any connection between the sulfur content of the sludge and the effect of the sludge on vegetation?

Jan 7, 1925

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