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By Arthur W. Sheafer

MR. ECKLEY B. COXE, in his able and interesting paper on " The Preparation of Small Sizes of Anthracite,"* read and discussed at the Glen Summit Meeting, October, 1891, refers to the reputed immense amount of coal contained in the culm-banks, which are the unsightly accompaniment of every mining operation in the anthracite coal-regions. Mr. Coxe thinks the available amount and value greatly exaggerated, giving among his reasons (1) the spoiling of the culm by mixing with other refuse; (2) its deterioration; (3) its destruction by fire ; and (4) frequent failures to realize expectations as to the size of the banks. These points are undoubtedly important factors in determining the advisability of working any individual bank, but they have a varying influence in the several regions, some prevailing more in one than in another. Although the amount of fuel lying waste in these banks is still an uncertain and undetermined quantity, yet no one can visit the Schuylkill region without being impressed with the fact that a considerable amount of culm, too valuable to be left merely to the mercy of the elements, surrounds and encumbers each site of an old or present colliery operation. The rapid increase in the number of washeries, and the demand for leases on old culm-banks, shows that, in the Schuylkill region at least, the question of deterioration doès not play an important part. The proportion of coal to refuse, the relative percentage of the sev-

Jan 1, 1895

By L. J. Buteau, R. E. Reed-Hill, W. A. Slippy

In a zirconium {1121} twins tend to have coherelzt boundaries and thus do not usually taper to a point when they intersect a grain boundary. Under the proper conditions, a (1121) twin may deform a boundary in such a manner as to clearly rcveal the twinning shear. Measurements of these grain-bounrlary rotatzons yield a value of 0.63 for the (1151) twinning shear. The magnitude of the observed shear and its shear sense are in excellent agreement with the assumption that the second undis-torted plme (K2) for this form of twinning is the basal plane (0002). The present value of the tzvinninz shear, which is approximately three limes larger than Rapperport&apos;s value? is in excellent agreement with reported results of Sokuskii and Prolsenko.5 RECENTLY westlake&apos; reported a study of the twinning modes of zirconium based on ~ap~er~ort&apos;s2 values for the twinning elements. He observed that two of the modes, (1012) and {1122), can be explained by relatively simple dislocation models. A workable model for (1121) twinning, however, proved to be very complex and questionable. Because Rapperport&apos;s second undistorted plane, (K2), for (1121) twinning has large indices, {ll2l6), it is possible that the difficulty in defining a model for (1121) twinning lies in an incorrect value for K2. A measurement of this twinning element has therefore been made, using a method based on observations of the shear displacement of grain boundaries at positions where they are intersected by (1121) twins. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES The zirconium specimens were deformed in tension on an Instron machine either at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77ºK), or prestrained at liquid nitrogen temperature and then further deformed at room temperature. Straining at 77°K was employed in order to nucleate (1 121) twins in large numbers, since simple ropm-temperature tensile deformation favors (1012) twinning. Specimens were machined from 1/2-in.-thick plate. The material was arc-melted sponge zirconium annealed to an ASTM grain size 4 and containing, in parts per million, 380 Fe, 880 0, <40 Hf, 32 N, and < 5 H. The specimen gage length and diameter were 1.25 and 0.130 in., respectively. To insure a gage section initially free of twins, the last 60 thousandths of the specimen diameter was removed by acid machining.

Jan 1, 1963

By AIME AIME

METALLIC corrosion, which results from the chemical affinity of different metals for non- metallic elements, should be considered from both the kinetic and static viewpoints. From the stand- point of statics the metals may be arranged in the order of their affinity for oxygen, chlorine or any other acid- forming element. They may also be arranged in the order of the magnitude of the heat of combination of their corresponding compounds. It is misleading to talk about some metals as "noble," because these relations are all relative; and the order varies for oxygen, chlorine or whatever the element may be. A third way to arrange the metals is by their solution pressures. These three methods indicate that one metal is better under one set of conditions, but not so good under other conditions. Considering the problem from the standpoint of kinetics, the thing which saves most metals is what may be called the sluggishness of reactions. Using organic substances as an example, we know they will all oxidize, but fortunately they do so rather slowly. An increase in temperature always means an increase in the reaction rate, and preventing corrosion at high temperatures is a greater problem than at low temperatures. A second consideration is to avoid all sub- stances which might provoke catalytic action, and as it is generally impossible to foresee what substances might do this, the thing is to avoid all substances other than the main constituents of the alloys. A third consideration is to avoid local electrolytic action, which again indicates the advisability of avoiding the contact of differing substances.

Jan 1, 1926

By L. C. Graton

Civilization did not begin until metals became the material of tools, implements and machines. - RICKARD, Man and Metals. HISTORY is no more an end in itself than is a backsight the sum total of a survey. This Institute may view with satisfaction the remarkable development of the mineral industry since its founding three score and fifteen years ago, its own enlarging service to that industry, and the contribution thus made toward the enhanced welfare, opportunity and mutual understanding now in greater or less degree reaching and benefiting all peoples of the globe. But neither this professional society nor the dynamic mining industry as a whole wishes on this anniversary to direct its gaze chiefly toward the past. The foremost purpose of historical review should be to throw into clear perspective the strong points and the defects in the forward march thus far, primarily as the basis for conceiving and designing a still sounder progress henceonward. At various times since the Institute&apos;s founding, the theories of ore deposition have been considered from the historical view point.l-7 For the present occasion it seems fitting to lay prime emphasis on the practice and utilization of geology in its varied relations to the problems of the mining industry. It is hoped that the reader will understand and accept the degree to which the whole is sampled by parts familiar to the present writer, and the disproportionate attention to thought and achievement within the United

Jan 1, 1947

By Raymond Mancha

WHEN calculating the pressure-volume characteristics of projected mine-ventilat-ing circuits by orthodox methods, certain basic assumptions are required in order to employ the various available empirical data. It is assumed, for example, that the mine air is an incompressible fluid subjected to isothermal flow, an assumption suffi-ciently accurate for practical purposes since pressure and temperature differentials are small throughout the average circuit. A more erroneous assumption, however, is that all air is accounted for as it travels throughout the mine. No attempt is usually made to evaluate stopping leakage as it occurs; instead, the air volume required at the last crosscuts is assumed to enter the mine, travel the vari-ous intake air courses intact, sweep the workings and travel out by the return air courses to the point or points of exit from the mine. Actually, there is a leakage of air from intake to return at every stopping, the quantity of this leakage depending upon the tightness of the stopping and the pres-sure difference across the stopping. Unfortunately, a lack of empirical data and knowledge of the condition of individ-ual stoppings makes an exact analysis of underground stopping leakage impossible. Generally, leakage is most severe through the old stoppings outbye the circuit. These are also subjected to higher pressure differ-ences than the newer inbye stoppings. Therefore the circuit air volume diminishes at a decreasing rate progressing from out-bye to inbye the circuit.

Jan 1, 1940

By Harold W. Scott

Geological Engineering is now a recognized curriculum in most of the mining schools in United States. Graduates of these schools are scattered over the face of the earth, participating in exploration and mining enterprises of diverse character. They are engaged in the mapping of new mineral deposits, in the extension of old deposits, the estimation of reserves, microscopic analysis, and in the direction of exploitation and conservation of man&apos;s natural resources. The training of men qualified to carry out these technical phases of modern industry has fallen essentially to the mining schools. For the most part they have met the demand for technically trained men in the mineral industries. Schools Offering Geological Engineering Degree The mining schools have passed through the early stages of their development and at the present offer varied curricula covering the fields of geological engineering, mining engineering, and metallurgical engineering. Usually a B.S. degree is offered in any of these three fields. However, .there has been some tendency of recent date on the part of the Engineers Council for Professional Development to question the validity of a B.S. degree in Geological Engineering. The of this paper is to examine the curricula as offered in the mining schools, to evaluate their engineering content, and to propose minimum requirements for the degree of Geological Engineering in the mining industry. The curricula of eight institutions that offer the degree of B.S. in Geological Engineering or Mining Geology have been studied (Table 1). All except one of these schools are in or near mining districts and occur west of the Mississippi River. They are all state-supported institutions that have come into existence because of the state&apos;s need for technically trained men. A graduate from .a mining school is called upon to perform many duties of a technical nature. His initial task may be to make a geological map of a mine or the surface above, but before the map is finished he may be asked to take over the responsibility of getting the ore "on top." And finally, he might find it essential to know how to mill the ore. Certainly this requires technically trained men and the mining schools are essentially the organizations to do the job. The departments of geology in these schools are training geological engineers. Field Of Geology If we were to accept the opinions of some writers, we would be forced to conclude that all geology departments offer only a "dilettante" variety of subjects.

Jan 1, 1944

For the first time in its history the Institute will hold a meeting in the State of Arizona. A few years ago Arizona stood third in the copper-producing districts of the United States. Since that time, with the development of porphyry mines, the output has gone up with great rapidity until it not only is the leading district, but its output at the present tune is at the rate of nearly double the Montana output; which now stands second in the list. In connection with this development, most interesting departures have been made in methods of mining, concentration and smelting. Principles of mining and metallurgy of the greatest interest will be covered by papers which will appear in the Bulletin and be presented at Technical Sessions, while ample opportunity &apos;will ,be- afforded for those who go to the meeting to see all the points of interest to them. In addition, members will be well rewarded by the marvelous natural features to be seen on the trip, including the petrified forests, the cliff dwellings on the Apache Trail and the Grand Canyon of Arizona. It is planned to start the special train from New York, but members and guests may join the special at other points en route as indicated by the following schedule: ITINERARY Thursday; September 14th, Lv New York Grand Central Terminal 5.30 p.m. Dinner in dining car, a la carte

Jan 9, 1916

By R. Floyd Farris

A method is presented for determining minimum waiting-on-cement time, which takes into account the differences that exist between types and brands of cements and such individual well conditions as depth, temperature, and pressure. The basis for the method was determined by laboratory tests. Being a laboratory development, several steps were required to prove its merit. The first step consisted of laboratory tests designed to determine the minimum cement strength required in wells. Basis was found for setting a minimum value of 8 Ib. per sq. in. tensile strength. Next, it was shown by laboratory tests that the time to 8 Ib. per sq. in. tensile strength may be expressed as a function of consistometer stirring time to loo "poises," the approximate relation being "the time to 8 Ib. per sq. in. tensile strength equals the time to I00 &apos;poises&apos; times three." Next, it was shown that the time of maximum temperature development in cement slurries, due to heat of hydration, is also related to consistometer stirring time to loo poises, but only by a factor of approximately two. It was shown also that the shut-in casing pressure will build up after cement is placed and register a maximum pressure at approximately the same time the slurry down the hole attains maximum temperature. From this and the relationships listed above, the general rule was established that minimum waiting-on-cement time (time to 8 Ib. per sq. in.) after casing cement jobs in any well is equal to the time when the shut-in casing pressure reaches a maximum, as measured from the initial mixing of cement, times a factor of 1.5. Cement plugs drilled in the field at the time prescribed by this formula were found to drill "firm to hard," thus confirming the laboratory tests. These tests prove that many of the present regulations for waiting on cement require a longer time than is absolutely necessary. Use of the method herein proposed offers the possibility of a saving of $1200 per well. Introduction The length of time allowed for cement to set after casing is determined either by state-wide rules, field rules, or self-imposed rules written into drilling contracts. In general, the time is dictated by experience and common practice. However, owing to differences in opinion and in experience of the various groups involved, waiting-on-cement time often varies from one area to the next. For example, an operator in an area where no rules exist may drill out of surface pipe at 24 to 36 hr., while another operator in another area may wait 48 hr. or more to comply with state or field rules, although the depth of the well, hole size, type of cement, and other data are identical. An even greater difference in practices will be found by making similar comparisons with respect to oil-string cement jobs. Differences in waiting-on-cement times of 36 to 48 hr. are common. Further complicating the picture is the rather common practice of allowing more waiting time for cement to set at the greater depths than is allowed at the shallow depths. This practice has existed for years in spite of the common knowl-edge1,2,3 that the temperature of the earth at the usual setting depths of surface

Jan 1, 1946

By R. Floyd Farris

A method is presented for determining minimum waiting-on-cement time, which takes into account the differences that exist between types and brands of cements and such individual well conditions as depth, temperature, and pressure. The basis for the method was determined by laboratory tests. Being a laboratory development, several steps were required to prove its merit. The first step consisted of laboratory tests designed to determine the minimum cement strength required in wells. Basis was found for setting a minimum value of 8 Ib. per sq. in. tensile strength. Next, it was shown by laboratory tests that the time to 8 Ib. per sq. in. tensile strength may be expressed as a function of consistometer stirring time to loo "poises," the approximate relation being "the time to 8 Ib. per sq. in. tensile strength equals the time to I00 &apos;poises&apos; times three." Next, it was shown that the time of maximum temperature development in cement slurries, due to heat of hydration, is also related to consistometer stirring time to loo poises, but only by a factor of approximately two. It was shown also that the shut-in casing pressure will build up after cement is placed and register a maximum pressure at approximately the same time the slurry down the hole attains maximum temperature. From this and the relationships listed above, the general rule was established that minimum waiting-on-cement time (time to 8 Ib. per sq. in.) after casing cement jobs in any well is equal to the time when the shut-in casing pressure reaches a maximum, as measured from the initial mixing of cement, times a factor of 1.5. Cement plugs drilled in the field at the time prescribed by this formula were found to drill "firm to hard," thus confirming the laboratory tests. These tests prove that many of the present regulations for waiting on cement require a longer time than is absolutely necessary. Use of the method herein proposed offers the possibility of a saving of $1200 per well. Introduction The length of time allowed for cement to set after casing is determined either by state-wide rules, field rules, or self-imposed rules written into drilling contracts. In general, the time is dictated by experience and common practice. However, owing to differences in opinion and in experience of the various groups involved, waiting-on-cement time often varies from one area to the next. For example, an operator in an area where no rules exist may drill out of surface pipe at 24 to 36 hr., while another operator in another area may wait 48 hr. or more to comply with state or field rules, although the depth of the well, hole size, type of cement, and other data are identical. An even greater difference in practices will be found by making similar comparisons with respect to oil-string cement jobs. Differences in waiting-on-cement times of 36 to 48 hr. are common. Further complicating the picture is the rather common practice of allowing more waiting time for cement to set at the greater depths than is allowed at the shallow depths. This practice has existed for years in spite of the common knowl-edge1,2,3 that the temperature of the earth at the usual setting depths of surface

Jan 1, 1946

CHARLES KIRCHHOFF, Chairman. ALBERT SAUVEUR, Vice-Chairman. HERBERT M. BOYLSTON, Secretary, Abbot Bldg., Cambridge, Mass. John Birkinbine, J. Esrey Johnson, Jr., Felix A. Vogel, William H. Blauvelt, William Kelly, Leonard Waldo, James Gayley, . Richard Moldenke, William R. Walker, Henry D. Hibbard, Joseph W. Richards, - William R. Webster. Henry 1%1. Howe, E. Gybbon Spilsbury, Frederick W. Wood. Robert W. Hunt, A. A. Stevenson, The Board of Directors of the Institute has authorized the holding of a meeting under the auspices of the Iron and, Steel Committee in New York City, October 16 and 17, 1913. Gratifying responses have been received to the request of the Committee for contributions, the following papers being already assured: 1. H. M. Howe, Equilibrium Temperature for A, in Carbon Steel. 2. H. M. Howe, The Divorcing of the Eutectoid in Meteorites. 3. H. M. Howe and A. G. Levy, Determination Of the Position of Ae3, in Carbon-Iron Alloys. 4. G. .K Burgess, J. J. Crowe and H. S. Rawdon, Thermal and Microscopical Examination of Professor Howe&apos;s Standard Commercial Steels. 5. H. Dl. Hove, Discussion of the Existing Data as to the Position of Ae3,. 6. J. H. Hall, Shock Tests of Cast Steel. 7. H. F. Miller, Jr., The Design of Regenerators for Open-Hearth Furnaces. 8. E. Stütz, Paper on the "Scoria Process." 9. Albert Sauveur, Mayari Steel. 10. Felix A. Vogel, Briquetting. 11. J. E. Johnson, Jr., Paper on " Cast Iron."

Jan 6, 1913

By J. K. Abraham

In recent years there has been interest displayed in the precipitation phenomena occurring in austenitic alloys based on the binary Fe-Ni system.1&apos;2 Previous communications have been extended covering the kinetics of clustering in the Fe-Ni-Ti system and the effect of cluster size on subsequent mechanical properties.3&apos;4 To a great extent the question of coherency, which has a dominant role in determining the mechanical properties, is dictated by the degree of misfit between the precipitate and matrix. Thus, the change in lattice parameter of the matrix with composition is an important variable that should be examined. The lattice parameter, ao, of austenite was determined for Fe-29.75 Ni-1 to 6 Ti and Fe-27 Ni-1 to 10 Ti alloys in this study. The alloys used in this investigation were melted in a vacuum induction furnace from a starting stock of plast iron (99.95), electrolytic nickel (99.9), and ti- tanium sheet (99.5) in a MgO crucible. The alloy compositions in atomic percent are given in Table I and their relative position in the Fe-Ni-Ti ternary is indicated in Fig. 1. The chemical analyses were taken from the homogenized bulk materials treated in a manner related earlier.3 A diamond file was used to obtain powder from the bulk. To remove the stresses induced by filing, the powders were austenitized at 1875°F for

Jan 1, 1969

By Kent E. McElhattan

Selecting efficient machinery for an underground mining operation is a highly skilled art that still depends largely on human judgment and experience. In a coal mine, for example, there is no better way to predict the results of operating with a cutting machine or a continuous miner than to go underground with a sharp-pointed miner&apos;s pick. The trained eye can detect the depth of point penetration, cleavage planes, roof and floor strata, and many other conditions impossible to determine in a laboratory. Even so, however, an entirely new set of conditions may lie unexposed just a few feet behind the solid face. The candid truth of the matter is that practically nothing is known of the phenomenon of extracting a mineral from a solid. Consequently, the selection of mineral extraction machinery and systems must be based on results obtained elsewhere under apparently similar conditions. A recent study of the problem of equipment and system analysis was conducted in the coal mining regions of West Virginia. This state was chosen for study because it afforded representative sampling. The 172 coal mines investigated ecompassed seam heights ranging from less than 30 in. to over 84 in. and covered virtually all known coal mining conditions except two. The exceptions are the extreme pitch of coal seams in the western United States and British Columbia and the "bumps" encountered in the Rocky Mountains. Both of these extreme conditions are worthy of individual study.

Jan 7, 1969

By R. F. Campell, W. L. Jensen

IT is not uncommon for martensitic high carbon steels having a coarse austenite grain size to exhibit microcracks when polished and etched and examined with a microscope, as described by Davenport, Roff, and Bain.&apos; Whether such cracks exist before etching or are the result of acid attack during etching has been debated from time to time. Fig. 1 illustrates the effect of electrolytic polishing, mechanical polishing and etching subsequent to each polish on microcracks produced by oil quenching from 1800°F a steel containing 1.14 pct C, 0.23 pct Mn, 0.33 pct Si, and 0.45 pct Mo. The austenite grain size was 3-4 on the ASTM scale. Grinding on lead laps followed by either electrolytic polishing with acetic anhydride-perchloric acid solution&apos; or mechanical polishing with Linde "B" alumina on "microcloth" (sometimes referred to as Gamal cloth) revealed microcracks without conventional etching, as shown in Fig. la and b, respectively. These same fields, after subsequent etching with saturated picral, are shown in Fig. lc and d, and the cracks are seen to be typical microcracks; moreover, the cracks appear to be broader and longer than before etching. Although the microcracks were revealed by electrolytic polishing alone, the possibility of acid attack was present; however, the mechanical polish was accomplished without any intermediate etching to remove disturbed metal, hence this is regarded as definite evidence that microcracks are present before etching.

Jan 1, 1954

In cooperation with the United States Bureau of Mines and the Idaho Bureau of Mines and Geology, the University of Idaho offers in the School of Mines a number of fellowships. These fellowships are open to college graduates who have had good training in mining, metallurgy, or chemistry, and who are qualified to undertake research work. The income of each fellowship is $720 a year for the 12 mo. beginning July 1, 1919. Fellows will register as students in the University of Idaho and become candidates for the degree of Master of Science in Mining or Metallurgy (unless this or an equivalent degree has been earned). Their class work-will he directed by the heads of the departments of instruction, but the greater portion of their time will be spent in research work under the direction of the Bureau of Mines staff resident at the University. The purpose f this work is to undertake the solution of definite problems confronting the mining and metallurgical industries of the State of Idaho. For 1919-20 the following subjects are being considered: 1. Flotation-with especial reference to differential separation of various minerals. 2. Availability of western wood oils for flotation purposes. 3. Treatment of the complex gold-silver ores of southern Idaho. 4. Ore-dressing problems. 5. Mining problems. Applications, with certified copy of collegiate record, statement of professional experience, and names and address of three references, should be addressed to The Dean. School of Mines. Moscow Idaho_

Jan 6, 1919

By James Fisher

THE copper mines of the Keweenaw Peninsula in northern Michigan have long been of interest in connection with deep earth-temperature measurements. The extraordinary low geothermal gradient of 1° F. in 223.7 ft. announced by Agassiz1 as a result of measurements dating from 1886, although later" stated as in error, served to focus attention on this region as one offering, because of the great depth of the mines, unusual opportunity along this line. Lane,3 Van Orstrand4 and others have made valuable contributions to this study. Fresh opportunities afforded by the constant deepening of the mines, improvements in the accuracy and reliability of temperature-measuring instruments together with increasing knowledge of the heat conductivities and specific heats of the rocks, led the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in cooperation with some of the mining companies to renew work on this problem. It is planned eventually to complete a survey which will make use of the favorable opportunities for deep rock-tempera-ture measurements presented in these mines. This survey should include the determination of a depth-temperature gradient in both conglomerate and amygdaloid mines, and also the variations in temperature at the same depth in different geological formations. The first problem has a direct bearing on the question of providing equipment for necessary ventilation with increased depth. The second may show that a relation exists between the natural rock temperature and the mineral content of the formation.

Jan 1, 1932

By A. M. Hall

Sulphur, even in small amounts, may often be harmful to nickel and high-nickel alloys, causing impairment of mechanical strength and destruction of malleability and ductility, as shown by Merica and Waltenberg.l,2 It may act either in the form of nonmetallic inclusions produced in the liquid state during furnacing or as reaction products resulting from its diffusion into the solid metal. In recognizing the action of this element, ability to identify its various forms by means of the microscope is often of considerable importance, especially when direct quantitative methods are inapplicable. Of the sulphur compounds associated with nickel and high-nickel alloys, the sulphides that may be found in malleable nickel, Monelt and Inconel are an important group. These sulphides were investi- gated by metallographic methods in order to provide descriptive data by which to identify them. The nominal compositions of malleable nickel, Monel and Inconel are given in Table I. The term "sulphide" is employed here in a very general sense, to designate a substance in which sulphur and one or more metallic elements are combined. The term includes any combinations of compounds and solid solutions. Method of Investigation Three groups of small laboratory melts were made, one group to represent each of the three types of alloy under investigation. Within each group, a number of ingots with a sufficient variety of chemical analyses were prepared so that the effect of each of the elements entering the complete commercial alloy could be isolated and observed. In most cases, to facilitate metallographic study by exaggerating the number and size of the resulting sulphides, somewhat greater amounts of the minor elements were added than are present in the commercial alloys. Likewise, considerably more sulphur was added than is normal, but not enough to complicate the system. Transverse sections were cut at a point one third of the distance from the butt to the head of each ingot, polished and examined with an inverted stage metallo-graph equipped with a combination polar -izing-analyzing vertical illuminator. The light source was a tungsten-mercury vapor arc lamp.

Jan 1, 1943

By A. M. Hall

Sulphur, even in small amounts, may often be harmful to nickel and high-nickel alloys, causing impairment of mechanical strength and destruction of malleability and ductility, as shown by Merica and Waltenberg.l,2 It may act either in the form of nonmetallic inclusions produced in the liquid state during furnacing or as reaction products resulting from its diffusion into the solid metal. In recognizing the action of this element, ability to identify its various forms by means of the microscope is often of considerable importance, especially when direct quantitative methods are inapplicable. Of the sulphur compounds associated with nickel and high-nickel alloys, the sulphides that may be found in malleable nickel, Monelt and Inconel are an important group. These sulphides were investi- gated by metallographic methods in order to provide descriptive data by which to identify them. The nominal compositions of malleable nickel, Monel and Inconel are given in Table I. The term "sulphide" is employed here in a very general sense, to designate a substance in which sulphur and one or more metallic elements are combined. The term includes any combinations of compounds and solid solutions. Method of Investigation Three groups of small laboratory melts were made, one group to represent each of the three types of alloy under investigation. Within each group, a number of ingots with a sufficient variety of chemical analyses were prepared so that the effect of each of the elements entering the complete commercial alloy could be isolated and observed. In most cases, to facilitate metallographic study by exaggerating the number and size of the resulting sulphides, somewhat greater amounts of the minor elements were added than are present in the commercial alloys. Likewise, considerably more sulphur was added than is normal, but not enough to complicate the system. Transverse sections were cut at a point one third of the distance from the butt to the head of each ingot, polished and examined with an inverted stage metallo-graph equipped with a combination polar -izing-analyzing vertical illuminator. The light source was a tungsten-mercury vapor arc lamp.

Jan 1, 1943

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 properties 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 CuS04-H2SO4 electrolyte using bagged anodes, low current .density (5 amp. per sq. ft.) and low temperature (25°C. max.). The electrolyte is prepared from commercial Cu2SO4 and is purified by heating the solution and adding I gram Fe as Fe 2(S04)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 refiltered after standing hot overnight. The cold solution is made up to 30 grams per liter Cu and 150 grams per liter H2S04 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 434 by 43a by I-in anodes cast from high-quality electrolytic wire bar 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 F. W. Jessen, R. W. Durie

The development in the laboratory of mall salt cavities illustrated that the rate at which salt dissolved was affected by the rate at which fresh water was injected into the cavity. Experiments carried out with small salt cores indicated, however, that the rate of salt removal with forced convection was not significantly different from that with natural convection, provided the flow was in the laminar range. The rate of salt removal was apparently controlled by the water salinity, which was indirectly determined by the rate at which fresh water was injected. With turbulent flow at the salt surface, the rate of salt removal could be increased several-fold with the same salinity in the cavity. A quantitative evaluation of the rate of salt removal under natural convection was attempted by using techniques developed for the analogous heat convection system. The values of the rate of salt removal obtained experimentally were considerably greater than the calculated values due to surface irregularities. To determine the effect of these irregularities, the rate of salt removal was found for a smooth surface by experimentally determining the rate of salt removal as an irregular surface developed and then extrapolating this trend back to initial time. Excellent agreement between the experimental and calculated values then were obtained. INTRODUCTION Underground cavities leached from massive salt formations have been used extensively for many years for storing LPG products. The development techniques for storing methane gases in the liquid state at a low temperature leads to speculation that underground salt cavities of controlled geometry may be quite important in this field. In any case, the increasing number of salt cavities used for storage indicates an impending need for a better knowledge of the washing process to efficiently develop maximum storage volumes within specified regions. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss some aspects of -the mechanism of the dissolution of salt in the formation of cavities of controlled geometry. Although no attempt is made to resolve the problems that may be associated with the storage of methane in the liquid state in salt formations, the fact that salt cavities can be formed at reasonable cost would appear to justify investigation in this direction. Further, underground cavities have the advantage of allowing storage at higher pressures (and hence higher temperatures) than surface installations. Although the thermal conductivity of salt is somewhat higher than frozen earths, 0.017 cal/(sec) (cm)(c) for salt at 32F vs 0.005 cal/(sec) (cm) () for ice at this temperature, this disadvantage is offset by the higher storage temperature in underground cavities. For example, at atmospheric pressure, the temperature of liquid methane would be —258F. In a storage cavity at 2,000 ft, the pressure would be approximately 1,000 psia, which would allow a storage temperature of -9OF. The formation temperature would be roughly 110F at this depth, hence the total temperature differential would be 200F. Under surface storage conditions the corresponding temperature difference would be some 333 F (75 F + 258 F). The results of this difference can be compared more readily by substituting the appropriate values of thermal conductivity, temperature difference, heat capacity and density into the solution of the diffusion equation for the unsteady linear conduction of heat. For the underground salt storage, the heat flux is 15cal/(sec) (sq cm), where t is the time in seconds from the initiation of the cooling. For the surface system, and using the thermal properties of ice at the average temperature, the corresponding figure is 21cal/(sec) (sq cm). Hence, the heat losses through ice under surface conditions would be some 30 per cent higher than the underground salt storage. This ratio would vary, considerablv. Of course, for other conditions, but it indicates that an advantage over surface facilities may be obtained by storage in underground salt cavities.

Jan 1, 1965

By N. A. D. Parlee

THE gas-liquid metal diffusion cell technique1-3 has been used to study the diffusion of nitrogen in Fe-C alloys. The actual apparatus and technique were the same as employed by the authors to study the diffusion of hydrogen in liquid iron.&apos; The diffusion cell&apos; was formed by immersing an alumina tube in a stagnant melt contained in an alumina crucible. The tube (hereafter called absorption tube) contained nitrogen gas at 1 atm and was connected to a sensitive gas-measuring system. The change in the average concentration of nitrogen in the melt in the absorption tube was determined by measuring the rate of absorption of nitrogen in the diffusion cell. Eq. [I], 1-3 derived from the appropriate solution of Fick&apos;s second law, was used to examine the data and to calculate chemical diffusion coefficients (D) in situations where the absorption appeared to be controlled by diffusion in the liquid: where V is the stp volume in cu cm, d is the diffusion cell diameter in cm, p, is the density of the melt in g per cu cm, pg is the stp density of nitrogen in g per cu cm, C, is expressed in wt pct, D is in sq cm per sec, and t is in min. According to Eq. [I], a plot of v vs vt should yield a straight line passing through the origin if absorption is controlled by diffusion in the liquid. The slope of this line could be used to determine the value of D under appropriate conditions. As discussed in earlier reports,1,2 the initial thermal expansion of the gas upon immersing the absorption tube distorts the line in the initial stages of a diffusion experiment. However, this is not a serious problem since the slope of V vs 6 plots can be determined from the data points obtained after the initial expansion ceases. The volumes reported on the data plot presented here represent absorption after this thermal expansion ceased. Several preliminary diffusion experiments were attempted with melts of pure iron and with Fe-C alloys containing up to 0.6 pct C. In these cases, no or very little absorption was observed. The only data obtained were for an Fe-C melt which was in addition thoroughly deoxidized by successive hydrogen and vacuum-degassing treatments. These treatments introduced an appreciable amount of aluminum into the melt and reduced its omgen content. The original charge material for this melt contained 0.23 pct s and approximately 0.001 pct &. After repeated hydrogen and vacuum-degassing treatments two diffusion experiments were performed. The analysis of the melt

Jan 1, 1968