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By E. G. De Coriolis

The development of huge production facilities and of new or improved processes for manufacturing magnesium from its raw sources has been an outstanding achievement of this war. Furthermore, at least one new method has reached a stage of pilot production that offers promise. Its potentialities seem to indicate that a reduction in cost and simplification or elimination of problems incident to the use of at least one of the present processes are quite within the realm of possibility. Although magnesium of very high purity (99.9 per cent and higher) is obtained, and the rate of recovery reasonable (60 to 70 per cent). the ferrosilicon reduction process is open to a serious objection, which at the time its use was proposed was thought to be sufficient to raise some doubts as to its success, at least on a high production basis. The temperature range at which the reaction is carried out—namely, 2100" to 2150°F.—is very close to the failure temperature of the material of which the retort is made. It is so close that for a time it was assumed it might make commercial use of the process an impossibility. However, at the time under discussion, the demand for magnesium was so great that it was felt by those who had to go ahead and produce this essential metal that the emergency warranted their taking a chance on this process. Subsequent developments have fully justified the soundness of their decision. Fortunately for the war effort, when the plants were put into operation it was discovered that although the retorts did collapse in rather short periods of time, as predicted, they could be blown back into operable shape by application of high-pressure air. This practical method of operation so relieved the situation that the problem disappeared. Nevertheless, if the process had not been successful, or the production of magnesium by the electrolytic process had not been able to keep pace with demands, our war program would have been seriously impaired. Fireless Cooker'' Process For this reason a program was set up and assigned for the development of a new method that had been suggested to the War Production Board in 1941. It is believed justifiable in terming the method "new" for several reasons: (I) while utilizing the same (ferrosilicon) process as the Pidgeon, hence involving similar reactions, the type of retort or furnace is essentially different, (2) the method of operation, reaction temperatures, etc., differ materially, and, most important of all, (3) the problems to be overcome in making the process successful were not and could not have been anticipated by anything previously known about the Pidgcon process. As will be shown later, the briquetting process, the condenser, the furnace lining

Jan 1, 1949

By Arthur F. Colombo, Donald W. Frommer

With the opening of the Tilden mine near Ishpeming, MI, a new era in iron ore beneficiation was begun. A description of a U. S. Bureau of Mines investigation is summarized to illustrate the selective flocculation-deslime-flotation process developed by the Bureau and used at the Tilden concentrator, which is also briefly described. The operating parameters for the selective flocculation-cationic flotation of an oxidized taconite from the Mesabi range are discussed. A water reclamation system using lime and a cationic flocculant was applied to reclaim the effluents from a 900-pound-per-hour flotation pilot plant. About 80 percent of water requirements were recovered, and the calcium content of the reclaimed water was found to be more important than clarity in influencing the selective flocculation and flotation processes. Although reclaimed waters with about 10 ppm calcium registered turbidities of approximately 5,000 ppm SiO2 equivalents, the concentrates produced using these waters contained 64 percent Fe and 55.0 percent SiO2 and had accompanying iron recoveries of 75 percent. Lower grade concentrates resulted from using reclaimed water with higher calcium contents and lower turbidities.

Jan 1, 1976

By L. C. Aycock, J. Hunter, P. M. Lyons

In view of the unfavorable discovery trend that has set in during the past few years, it seems permissible to infer that the large, more easily found crude reserves in Louisiana are now known. Without doubt, many new producing areas will be located, but in the light of development during the past few years the majority of new areas probably will be found at greater depths and from relatively poorer sands. f Although sufficient reserves exist in Louisiana to last at the present rate of production for a considerable period, additional reserves must be found in more intensive development of the presently known structures. In order to ensure the greatest ultimate recovery from such structures, the most advanced technical methods must be employed in their exploitation. Wherever possible, cycling and repressuring plants should be installed. 'here are presently in Louisiana, especially in south Louisiana, a great many fields that contain gas-condensate reservoirs. These reservoirs cannot be produced for their liquid hydrocarbon content under present conditions without wasting an enormous quantity of gas and creating underground waste. Although some of these reservoirs are being produced, such production must be considered in the nature of a salvage operation rather than as a sound economic proposition. Such reservoirs, however, can become profitable ven- tures through the use of cycling and repressuring plants. Cycling operations now operating in Louisiana have increased the ultimate recovery from gas-condensate reservoirs anywhere from 10 to 30 per cent. Cycling operations will also provide a considerable reserve of gas, without which Louisiana cannot hope to develop any program of industrialization. During the past year, Louisiana attained the rank of third among the oil-producing states of this country. With a proper program of exploitation and development, and with emphasis on conservation, Louisiana can maintain this position for a great many years. Production On Dec. 31, 1943, oil and/or gas were being. produced in 52 parishes, or 81 per cent of all the parishes in the state. Thirty-three of the parishes produced oil and gas, 14 produced oil, and 5 produced solely gas. Tensas Parish in north Louisiana and Assumption Parish in south Louisiana formerly contained no producing fields but during 1943 joined the ranks of the producing parishes. Twenty-three new fields, including one rediscovery, were found during 1943-—a rate of discovery almost comparable to that of the preceding year. Eleven of these new discoveries were either gas or gas-condensate fields. Thus, the trend of development in finding new reserves was also comparable to that of 1942. Many reasons of considerable merit have been advanced to account for the discouraging lack of crude-oil reserves found during the past year. None are, however, completely satisfactory.

Jan 1, 1944

By J. Hunter, P. M. Lyons, L. C. Aycock

In view of the unfavorable discovery trend that has set in during the past few years, it seems permissible to infer that the large, more easily found crude reserves in Louisiana are now known. Without doubt, many new producing areas will be located, but in the light of development during the past few years the majority of new areas probably will be found at greater depths and from relatively poorer sands. f Although sufficient reserves exist in Louisiana to last at the present rate of production for a considerable period, additional reserves must be found in more intensive development of the presently known structures. In order to ensure the greatest ultimate recovery from such structures, the most advanced technical methods must be employed in their exploitation. Wherever possible, cycling and repressuring plants should be installed. 'here are presently in Louisiana, especially in south Louisiana, a great many fields that contain gas-condensate reservoirs. These reservoirs cannot be produced for their liquid hydrocarbon content under present conditions without wasting an enormous quantity of gas and creating underground waste. Although some of these reservoirs are being produced, such production must be considered in the nature of a salvage operation rather than as a sound economic proposition. Such reservoirs, however, can become profitable ven- tures through the use of cycling and repressuring plants. Cycling operations now operating in Louisiana have increased the ultimate recovery from gas-condensate reservoirs anywhere from 10 to 30 per cent. Cycling operations will also provide a considerable reserve of gas, without which Louisiana cannot hope to develop any program of industrialization. During the past year, Louisiana attained the rank of third among the oil-producing states of this country. With a proper program of exploitation and development, and with emphasis on conservation, Louisiana can maintain this position for a great many years. Production On Dec. 31, 1943, oil and/or gas were being. produced in 52 parishes, or 81 per cent of all the parishes in the state. Thirty-three of the parishes produced oil and gas, 14 produced oil, and 5 produced solely gas. Tensas Parish in north Louisiana and Assumption Parish in south Louisiana formerly contained no producing fields but during 1943 joined the ranks of the producing parishes. Twenty-three new fields, including one rediscovery, were found during 1943-—a rate of discovery almost comparable to that of the preceding year. Eleven of these new discoveries were either gas or gas-condensate fields. Thus, the trend of development in finding new reserves was also comparable to that of 1942. Many reasons of considerable merit have been advanced to account for the discouraging lack of crude-oil reserves found during the past year. None are, however, completely satisfactory.

Jan 1, 1944

By F. C. Sturges

[CONTENTS PAGE ................. Introduction-Grouting in Mines. By F. C. STURGES. I Use and Technique of Pressure Grouting in the Construction Industry. By V. L. MINEAR . 3 Technique of Pressure Cementing in the Petroleum, Mining, and Construction Industries. By WY. D. OWSLEY and R. E. MOELLER. ..................... 9 An Example of Controlled Pre-grouting in Shaft Sinking. By R. H. ALLEN and J. W. GALPIN. 15 ........ Solidifying Mines and Shafts Areas by Pressure Grouting. By B. H. MOTT 17 .............. Grouting in Southeast Missouri District. By W. W. WEIGEL 20] Introduction-Grouting in Mines By definition the word "grout" means a thin mortar, or a kind of plaster or cement, and "grouting" means to fill up or finish with grout. The words "cement," "plaster" and "mortar" mean a substance that is used in a soft state which subsequently hardens. Thus, grouting is the filling of void space with a substance that hardens. Construction cements are the most common substances used, either by themselves or in mixtures, but the term grouting is applied quite correctly when other substances such as plastics and certain chemicals are used. Also, the use of the term grouting to cover the filling of voids with materials that do not actually become hard, such as the flotation tailings used in grouting in the southeast Missouri lead district, should be considered correct, as some stiffening does take place and, anyway, it is a better descriptive term than any substitute. Engineers are interested in grouting because some of the materials with which they must work contain voids, and certain conditions can be improved if these voids can be filled with something solid and permanent. Grouting is done to accomplish several purposes: I. To stop the passage of fluids and gases, 2. To cement materials together to make them stronger, and 3. To prevent consolidation of materials by filling void space with something solid as a replacement for the air and water that could be forced out under load. The construction industry uses grouting extensively for all three purposes. Grouting is used to stop water percolation under and around dams. It is used to control water flow in tunnel driving and in shaft sinking. It is used to improve foundation conditions under civil engineering structures by permanently filling void space and thereby reducing settlement, or by cementing broken rock together and increasing its supporting strength. The oil and gas industry does a lot of grouting, primarily to stop the passage of gases and fluids. The search for oil at increasingly greater depths has meant greater investment per well, and the oil industry has spent large sums on development of improved drilling methods. This

Jan 1, 1947

By E. G. De Coriolis

THE development of huge production facilities and of new or improved processes for manufacturing magnesium from its raw sources has been an outstanding achievement of this war. Furthermore, at least one new method has reached a stage of pilot production that offers promise. Its potentialities seem to indicate that a reduction in cost and simplification or elimination of problems incident to the use of at least one of the present processes are quite within the realm of possibility. Although magnesium of very high purity (99.9 per cent and higher) is obtained, and the rate of recovery reasonable (60 to 70 per cent), the ferrosilicon reduction process is open to a serious objection, which at the time its use was proposed was thought to be sufficient to raise some doubts as to its success, at least on a high production basis. The temperature range at which the reaction is carried out-namely, 2100° to 2150°F.-is very close to the failure temperature of the material of which the retort is made. It is so close that for a time it was assumed it might make commercial use of the process an impossibility. However, at the time under discussion, the demand for magnesium was so great that it was felt by those who had to go ahead and produce this essential metal that the emergency warranted their taking a chance on this process. Subsequent developments have fully justified the soundness of their decision. Fortunately for the war effort, when the plants were put into operation it was discovered that although the retorts did collapse in rather short periods of time, as predicted, they could be blown back into operable shape by application of high-pressure air. This practical method of operation so relieved the situation that the problem disappeared. Nevertheless, if the process had not been successful, or the production of magnesium by the electrolytic process had not been able to keep pace with demands, our war program would have been seriously impaired. "FIRELESS COOKER" PROCESS For this reason a program was set up and assigned for the development of a new method that had been suggested to the War Production Board in 1941. It is believed justifiable in terming the method "new" for several reasons: (1) while utilizing the same (ferrosilicon) process as the Pidgeon, hence involving similar reactions, the type of retort or furnace is essentially different, (2) the method of operation, reaction temperatures, etc., differ materially, and, most important of all, (3) the problems to be overcome in making the process successful were not and could not have been anticipated by anything previously known about the Pidgeon process. As will be shown later, the briquetting process, the condenser, the furnace lining

Jan 1, 1945

By J. L. Huitt, B. B. McGlothlin, J. J. Day

Laboratory tests were made with pure minerals and actual reservoir rock samples to study the effects of hydrothermal (steam m hot water) treatments on reservoir rock properties. These tests showed that hydro-thermal treatment of many reservoir rocks can result in significant rock softening. The softening was attributed primarily to the partial destruction of dolomite and kaolinite and the synthesis of montmorillonite in the presence of excess silica. In many cases, the softening was great enough to cause considerable healing of propped fractures; therefore, a serious reduction in welt productivity could result. In other tests it was found that the addition of ammonia to a hydrothermal treating fluid in a concentration as low as 0.013 Ib/lb of water not only could prevent rock softening but could cause rock hardening. The results of X-ray diflraction analyses of rock samples showed that when ammonia was added to the treating fluid, ammonium-mica and analcite were formed instead of montmorillonite. No significant permeability damage was observed in the sandstones that were subjected to the ammonia-hydro-thermal environment; in some sandstones, permeabifity improvements resulted. INTRODUCTION As the use of steam or hot water becomes more prevalent in well stimulation methods. the need for information on the effects of such treatments on reservoir rock properties becomes increasingly apparent. Several works have been published on high-temperature changes in rock properties,',' but these are more applicable to in situ combustion operations than to steam or hot water injection processes. The mineralogical literature contains many publications which report on the changes occurring with various pure minerals in hydrothermal systems. A review of this literature denotes the ease with which entirely new, crystalline mineral phases can be synthesized from other minerals in hydrothermal environments at temperatures, pressures and residence times typical of those encountered in oilfield thermal recovery or stimulation processes. Discussions of many of these experiments are given by Deer et al. Grim,' Roy et al., Zen\ and Hawkins.' One of the most significant of these pure mineral studies is the hydrothermal synthesis work of Levinson and Vian" in which montmorillonite was synthesized from naturally occurring minerals; i.e., kaolinite, quartz and carbonate minerals (particularly dolomite). These reactions occurred at 575F in only 2 days and at 300F in 5 days. These results may be applicable to petroleum reservoir rocks since the minerals studied were those which are commonly found in sandstones. Furthermore, the environmental conditions imposed in the studies were very similar to those involved in thermal stimulation of petroleum reservoirs, e.g., steam or hot water injection. Other studies have suggested that weak rocks could be hardened by "electrochemical induration", a process in which an electric current is applied to a clay-containing rock body. These tests can be regarded as hydrothermal treatments since they were conducted in some instances with aqueous solutions and since clay temperatures during the electrical treatment reached a maximum of about 100C. Although a number of studies of the reaction of pure minerals have been reported, very little has been published on the reactions of petroleum rock-hydrothermal systems. No work has been reported on preventing the more detrimental rock changes in rock softening which might occur during the injection of steam or hot water into reservoirs. The studies described in this paper were conducted to provide such information. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The laboratory tests included studies of the effect of hydrothermal treatment on core samples from several different reservoirs. The hydrothermal treatments (simulated steam treatments) were conducted with distilled water at 575F, for the most part, for periods of 2 to 6 days. This temperature level was selected because it represented that temperature which would probably prevail in several cases under consideration for steam injection projects. The core samples, as well as the pure mineral samples, were contained in high-pressure stainless steel, autoclave-type pressure vessels. The effects of the hydrothermal treatments were evaluated by measuring the penetrometer hardness, formation rock embedment strength and permeabilities of the core samples before and after the treatments (Fig. 1)'" In addition, the mineralogical changes in the specimens were studied by X-ray diffraction. Concomitant with the core sample studies, the mineralogical changes were studied in greater detail by conducting hydrothermal synthesis experiments with pure minerals at similar temperature levels and residence times. For the most part, samples of finely-crushed pure dolomite.

By AIME AIME

AMERICAN participation in the World Engineering Congress in Japan will be generous. Nearly seventy papers have been prepared and for- warded for printing and the A. I. M. E. is well represented in the list. At our San Francisco meeting four of these will be briefly reviewed by the authors for the benefit of those who are unable to go on to Tokyo. They constitute a group dealing with the present economic status as seen by engineers of the world's iron, coal, petroleum and non-ferrous metals. Messrs. Leith, Smith and Tryon, Requa, and Probert have written papers that constitute a notable series. Messrs. Jeffries, Sweetser and Kinney, and other Institute members have written papers dealing more closely with technologic progress. The latest list of delegates and members is printed below, names of A. I. M. E. members being set in italics.

Jan 1, 1929

Flexibility is the keynote in designing modern exploration drills that and mobility. Add to the flexibility of individual drills the wide range of models, and the man looking for a drill has ample choice today. Weight? Choose from models as light as 50 lb or as heavy as 10,000 lb. Hole capacity? From less than 1 in. for smallest core drills to 20 in. or more for auger types. Transportation? The lightest go by packsack (in fact, that is one trade name) ; others are designed to go by Jeep, truck, on skids or are built on light trailers. Power? Select air power, gasoline or diesel engine, electric motor, or use a power take-off from the vehicle on which the drill is mounted. Drill bits offer almost as much variety as the drilling machines themselves. Many drills are suitable for a variety of uses, and often adapt to several types of bits with ease. Some of the types available are: diamond core, diamond reaming, rotary, auger, shot, and special soil sampling tools.

Oct 1, 1955

THE Institute conducts jointly with the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and American Institute of Electrical Engineers, certain activities as listed below, and is joint owner with them of certain properties situated at 29 West 39th Street in New York City.

Jan 1, 1946

Jan 1, 1934

By J. F. Wolff, Anson A. Betts

The following correspondence relating to a paper bearing the above title, presented by J. F. Wolff, at the New York meeting in February, 1917, and published in the Transactions, Volume LVI, page 142, has passed between the author of the paper, and Mr. Anson G. Betts, and is interesting, although it was received much too late for incorporation in its proper place in Volume LVI. Anson G. Betts, Asheville, N. C.—1. I should like to ask Mr. Wolff if he finds from analysis of the iron formation and of the iron ore, and from the relative amounts of each in each unit area of the formation, unleached and after leaching, that the iron remains entirely insoluble and the total quantity still remains present; or whether he finds that some of the iron is removed, or possibly even added by deposition from the water passing through the formation. 2. The water that passed into the iron formation had to go somewhere; was it absorbed by underlying formations through hydration, or, after passing through the ore formation, did it come to the surface in springs at a lower elevation, or how did it escape from the ground? 3. I should like to ask Mr. Wolff whether he finds that the iron formation in the sedimentary series does not come next to the quartzites and generally between the quartzites and slates. J. I?. Wolff, Duluth, Minn.—1. In common with others, you appear to have some hesitancy in accepting the fact of the removal, by solution, of the enormous quantity of silica which has been leached out of portions of the Biwabik iron formation, thus forming orebodies of merchantable iron ore. I believe that even Dr. Waldemar Lindgren once hesitated to accept this fact. However, the evidence is so simple and absolutely conclusive that the fact is established beyond all question. At the contact of orebodies with their rock walls, the bands of iron ore in the orebody can be seen in contact with the corresponding bands of original iron oxide in the rock wall, and the chert layers in the rock wall can be seen to give place to fine granular material (fine silica and iron oxide) and pore space. This is especially noticeable where slumping at the rock walls has not been so great as to displace the layers in the orebody from their contact with their corresponding layers in the rock wall. Although complete analyses of the entire original rocks in the iron series have not been made in any place, to my knowledge, from the best data at hand as to the average analysis of the Biwabik series and the

Jan 1, 1920

By Fred H. Poettmann

An equation has been derived for use in calculating the sandface pressure of flowing gas wells in which the variation of the compressibility factor of the gas with pressure is taken into consideration. This variation due to compressibility has been put into both graphical and tabular form. Comparison of calculated results with field measured results were made on 20 dry gas wells from a given field and 11 distillate wells from different fields. The agreement between calculated and observed results is good. In addition to their use in the calculation of sandface pressures of flowing wells, the factors can be used in the direct calculation of the static bottom hole pressure of gas wells, the capacity of gas transmission lines, and in the calculation of the theoretical isothermal horsepower necessary to compress a natural gas. Examples demonstrating the use of various equations are given. INTRODUCTION Many of the equations used to calculate the sandface pressures of flowing gas wells from well head data do not take into consideration rigorously the deviation of the natural gas from ideal gas behavior. For low pressure wells this error is not serious. For high pressure wells flowing at high rates this error call be serious. Sandface pressures are used to determine the producing capacity of gas wells as shown in the U. S. Bureau of Mines' Monograph 7.' An equation has been derived for use in calculating the sandface pressure of flowing gas wells in which the variation of compressibility of the gas with pressure is taken into consideration. This variation due to compressibility has been put into both graphical and tabular form. In addition to their use in the calculation of sandface pressures, these "factors" can also be used to give a direct solution in the calculation of the static bottom hole pressure of gas wells, the calculation of the capacity of gas transmission lines, and the calculation of the isothermal horsepower necessary to compress a gas. CALCULATION OF SANDFACE PRESSURE OF FLOWING GAS WELLS The starting point in the derivation of any specific flow equation is an energy balance on the fluid flowing between any two points in the system. This energy balance based on one pound of flowing fluid is expressed by the well known general flow equation: jp~- vdP+ Ah + -— + wt + r. = o . . (i) P, 2 g. where V = specific volume of flowing fluid in cu ft/lb P = pressure in Ib per sq ft ah = difference in height above datum plane in, ft ------ = kinetic energy change of one lb of flowing fluid, v equals velocity in ft/sec and g. = 32.174 Ws = Work done by fluid while in flow (similar to shaft work in driving a turbine) W, = Znergy losses due to the irreversibilities of the flowing fluid This equation contains no limiting assumptions and can be made the basis of any fluid flow relationship by limitations or substitutions. The energy units are usually expressed in term* of foot-pounds of energy per pound of mass. Considering the vertical flow of gas through tubing or annu-lus, the external work W, done by the gas is zero. Let us also assume that the value of the kinetic energy function is small and can be neglected. Equation (1) is reduced to: /P: VdP + Ah+Wt = 0 .......(2) Pi The energy loszes PI can be expressed in terms of the well known Fanning equatinn: 4/Lf: rf = —— ............(3) 2g,D where L = the integrated average velocity in ft/sec of vertical flow in a uniform flow string -~h = L v = the integrated average velocity in ft/sec / = dimensionless correlating function

Jan 1, 1951

By Fred H. Poettmann

An equation has been derived for use in calculating the sandface pressure of flowing gas wells in which the variation of the compressibility factor of the gas with pressure is taken into consideration. This variation due to compressibility has been put into both graphical and tabular form. Comparison of calculated results with field measured results were made on 20 dry gas wells from a given field and 11 distillate wells from different fields. The agreement between calculated and observed results is good. In addition to their use in the calculation of sandface pressures of flowing wells, the factors can be used in the direct calculation of the static bottom hole pressure of gas wells, the capacity of gas transmission lines, and in the calculation of the theoretical isothermal horsepower necessary to compress a natural gas. Examples demonstrating the use of various equations are given. INTRODUCTION Many of the equations used to calculate the sandface pressures of flowing gas wells from well head data do not take into consideration rigorously the deviation of the natural gas from ideal gas behavior. For low pressure wells this error is not serious. For high pressure wells flowing at high rates this error call be serious. Sandface pressures are used to determine the producing capacity of gas wells as shown in the U. S. Bureau of Mines' Monograph 7.' An equation has been derived for use in calculating the sandface pressure of flowing gas wells in which the variation of compressibility of the gas with pressure is taken into consideration. This variation due to compressibility has been put into both graphical and tabular form. In addition to their use in the calculation of sandface pressures, these "factors" can also be used to give a direct solution in the calculation of the static bottom hole pressure of gas wells, the calculation of the capacity of gas transmission lines, and the calculation of the isothermal horsepower necessary to compress a gas. CALCULATION OF SANDFACE PRESSURE OF FLOWING GAS WELLS The starting point in the derivation of any specific flow equation is an energy balance on the fluid flowing between any two points in the system. This energy balance based on one pound of flowing fluid is expressed by the well known general flow equation: jp~- vdP+ Ah + -— + wt + r. = o . . (i) P, 2 g. where V = specific volume of flowing fluid in cu ft/lb P = pressure in Ib per sq ft ah = difference in height above datum plane in, ft ------ = kinetic energy change of one lb of flowing fluid, v equals velocity in ft/sec and g. = 32.174 Ws = Work done by fluid while in flow (similar to shaft work in driving a turbine) W, = Znergy losses due to the irreversibilities of the flowing fluid This equation contains no limiting assumptions and can be made the basis of any fluid flow relationship by limitations or substitutions. The energy units are usually expressed in term* of foot-pounds of energy per pound of mass. Considering the vertical flow of gas through tubing or annu-lus, the external work W, done by the gas is zero. Let us also assume that the value of the kinetic energy function is small and can be neglected. Equation (1) is reduced to: /P: VdP + Ah+Wt = 0 .......(2) Pi The energy loszes PI can be expressed in terms of the well known Fanning equatinn: 4/Lf: rf = —— ............(3) 2g,D where L = the integrated average velocity in ft/sec of vertical flow in a uniform flow string -~h = L v = the integrated average velocity in ft/sec / = dimensionless correlating function

Jan 1, 1951

By P. E. Baker

An experimental study of heat flow in steam flooding was carried out with steam displacing water in a plane-radial fluid-flow model. Temperature distributions in the model reservoir, overburden, and substratum were measured at frequent intervals during flooding by means of a fixed array of thermocouples. Heat losses to overburden and substratum and the division of heat between the steam and hot-water zones in the reservoir were calculated from the temperature data by performing numerical integrations over the appropriate volumes. Temperature profiles and heat distribution results are presented. Some results were (1) the fraction of injected heat that is lost to overburden and substratum, when expressed as a function of time, did not depend on injection rate; (2) a significant portion of the injected heat was contained in the hot-water zone ahead of and underlying the steam front in the reservoir. The division of heat between the steam and hot-water zones did depend on injection rate; and (3) considerable gravity override was observed. The experimental results are compared with those of several published theoretical studies of heat transfer in hot-fluid injection; approximate agreement on heat losses is found with some of the most idealized theories. A valid comparison cannot be made in regard to steam us hot-water zone; basic interpretation of the hot-water zone, in terms of a vertical steam front, is clouded by gravity override in the experiments. INTRODUCTION The experimental study reported here primarily concerns two problems of heat transfer in steam flooding that have economic and engineering importance. These are (1) the fraction of injected heat lost to the overburden and substratum, and (2) the division of the remaining heat between a zone containing steam and a zone of hot water at lower-than-boiling temperature. The volume of the steamed region, which has a direct effect on oil recovery, can be calculated readily from these results. Several valuable theoretical studies have been published on this problem, but no experimental tests of the theories have previously appeared. Tests were needed because the effects of the necessary simplifications in the theories could not be determined otherwise. The basic, untested theoretical problem is the effect of "decoupling" heat and mass transfer, and the resulting inability to include the effects of heat transfer and condensation on fluid flow. The theoretical problem solved so far has been a heat transfer problem in which fluid is present as a heat carrier and flows in a stipulated manner, either linear or plane-radial. The simplifications that have sometimes been made in regard to thermal conductivity by, for example, Marx and Langenheim,l Lauwerier2 and Thomas3 apparently do not have an important effect on heat loss calculations, although the results of the different methods disagree to a certain extent, as shown by Spillette4 and by Ramey.5 A recent paper by the author6 compared the results of experiments in hot-water flooding with several theoretical results and showed a rather poor agreement. It will be seen that the experimental heat loss results for steam flooding, however, show acceptable agreement. These comparisons are discussed in a later section. EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE The system studied was one in which a sand pack, initially water saturated and at a uniform temperature, was flooded with steam at a constant rate and temperature. The temperature distribution in the "reservoir" and adjacent "strata" was measured with an array of thermocouples, and heat losses were determined from these measurements. The sand pack contained no oil because the only concern of the experiments was heat flow, and it was important to have the flow pattern as simple

Jan 1, 1970

By John L. Watson

A conceptual model (MAGSEP) is described to simulate the beneficiation characteristics of a drum magnetic separator in terms of the probability of an individual grain being recovered in the magnetic concentrate. This probability is determined as a function of particle magnetic composition and magnetic field strength and is modified by particle size and the separator operating conditions. The model predicts the size, magnetic grade and distributions of magnetic and gangue minerals in the concentrate and tailings produced by the drum separator. The configuration of the magnetic concentration circuit may be altered to permit single or double drum units in parallel or series operation. The characteristics of the feed material, in terms of a magnetic parameter, are essential in permitting the determination of individual grain recovery probabilities upon which the model is based. Thus the model requires input data relating to the distribution of composite grains in terms of magnetic grade and particle size. To illustrate the use of the conceptual model an example is given for the beneficiation of New Zealand iron sands.

Jan 1, 1984

By Reno H. Sales

EVERY mine manager, mine geologist, and every prospector in the field who appraises the future of mining properties does so on the basis of a theory of ore deposition whether he recognizes this fact or not. Wherever the ultimate value of a mine or prospect is dependent upon undeveloped ore, any estimate by an engineer or geologist necessarily involves a theory of origin of the deposit. In view of these facts the importance of a thorough understanding of the genesis of ore deposits cannot be overestimated. It well may be that the greatness of our country will depend upon finding reserves of natural resources as yet undiscovered. The genesis of ore deposits offers a fascinating field for study and investigation. This is attested by the large number of geologists who have written at length on the subject. For progress made toward a better understanding of ore genesis we owe much to Kemp, Lindgren, Ransome, Vogt, Emmons, Spurr, Graton, and a host of others. Within my own experience, I have attempted to apply in practice the various concepts and theories that have been advanced by these men.

Jan 5, 1954

By Gordon M. Yocom

A PROPER consideration of the subject of this paper should include economic aspects as well as the technical phases of the metallurgy, production, and properties of the product. The metallurgical phases of the processing and properties of the product will be considered only from practical aspects and within the scope of the writer's experience with tonnage production. The Bessemer process was invented 85 years ago and became important because it put steel manufacture upon a larger and less costly basis. In America the Bessemer production has declined for many years and has not maintained its proportionate place with the rapid advances of the open hearth. The achievements in the open-hearth field were attained by the greater number of technical people attracted to that branch of the industry. The antipathy of technical students for the older and less popular Bessemer field gradually weakened the forces defending it and retarded the development of new and better methods. In Europe the economic advantage of the basic Bessemer process has not been overlooked and the tonnage usually is greater than that of the open hearth. The acid process has been the subject of renewed attention in America during the past few years and those who are more familiar with it are striving to show that the method is too valuable to abandon. A considerable tonnage of Bessemer-blown metal, in both molten and ingot forms, used in connection with the open-hearth practice makes it an important auxiliary unit to the industry. This practice aids in modifying the price level of heavy remelting scrap in addition to speeding up the open-hearth operation. The use of Bessemer steel has continued not only because of periodic economic advantages but also because of certain inherent qualities of machinability, weldability and stiffness, which are valuable for many applications. The properties of stiffness and rather high reaction to cold-work require some modification in order to meet the demands of modern methods of processing, which involve cold-reduction and cold-forming. At least one factor contributing to the stiffness of this steel is the relatively high phosphorus content of the acid product. The phosphorus content of the Thomas or basic Bessemer steel of Europe is considerably lower than the normal acid product in America. The American industry has continued the use of the acid process chiefly for the reason that the available ores are more easily adapted to this process from both metallurgical and economic standpoints. In European practice the basic process is necessary with the highly phosphoric ores available and it is sustained to some degree by the sale of the rich phosphate slag as a by-product. The basic process was used in this country at several plants many years ago, but was abandoned for economic reasons. A part of the past history of these trials is given here because the author believes it has not been published and it has some bearing on the subject of this paper. The information is authentic to the extent that

Jan 1, 1941

By Whitman E. Brown, Louis J. Erck

The installation in 1948 of a Hum-phrey~ spiral concentrator section at the Hill-Trumbull plant of The Cleve-land-Cliffs Iron Co. is the latest commercial method on the Mesabi Range being used for the recovery of fine iron ore. In two stages of concentration 84 spirals treat approximately 120 long tons per hour of minus ? in. ore. These spirals augment the production of the heavy-density plant which recovers the plus 36 in. iron from the plant crude ore. Structure of the ore is such that, when crushed, about 50 pct of the plant crude is minus ? in. size. After de-sliming in a 66 in. Akins classifier, grinding the classifier product in a ball mill and again desliming in a 78 in. Akins classifier about 15 pct of the crude ore remains to be treated in the spiral plant. Overall recovery of the ball mill feed in the Hill-Trumbull spiral plant during the 1948 season was about 53 pct of the weight and 66 pct of the total iron content. Of the actual feed delivered to the spirals from the 78 in. classifier 64.9 pct of the weight was recovered containing 73.7 pct of the total iron. The average analysis of the spiral concentrate is 55.05 pct Fe and 14.83 pct SiO2. An average of mill assays during the 1948 season is given in Table 1. The Hill-Trumbull plants treat both wash ore and jig-type ore. During the 1948 season spirals were used only on the fine sizes of jig-type ore. At times the deslimed minus ? in. size is of sufficient grade to warrant bypassing the spirals but in the main the fine size is delivered to the 48 first stage spirals and thence to the 36 cleaner or second stage spirals. In the past several years numerous Mesabi Range ores in the fine size cate- gory have been tested by a wide variety of beneficiating equipment. The prodigious amount of research devoted to the recovery of values in the fine ore reflects the dire need of the iron industry to squeeze the last possible unit of iron from the mined ore and to develop suitable equipment and processes to satisfactorily concentrate the leaner horizons as they are encountered in the process of mining. Large governmental and private appropriations have been allotted, new laboratories built, research and technical staffs increased, and operator-manufacturer cooperative agreements applied to hasten the solution of the problem. The University of Minnesota, at its Eighth Annual Mining Symposium in January 1947, dedicated as its objective the bringing to light of technological developments in iron ore beneficiation. Papers were given at that time relating to processes being developed. Specifically, these papers reviewed flotation, Baum jig, selective media concentrator, Hardinge concentrator, Dorrco sizer, heavy media concentration, Hydrotator, and the Humphreys spiral. The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co., after encouraging results from tests in a small pilot plant using one full size spiral, made the first commercial installation of Humphreys spirals on the Mesabi Range at their Hill-Trumbull mine, Taconite, Minn. This company

Jan 1, 1950

By G. A. Wells

The consumption of barytes in certain paints, polyurethane foams, seamless flooring, glass, brake linings, plastisol gaskets for food containers, and in fluids used for gastrointestinal X-ray examinations relies on the unique properties of barium sulfate. There are no readily available mineral substitutes. Barytes are also the essential raw material for the manufacture of industrially important barium chemicals. High quality barite ore has become scarce throughout the world. Processing ore into quality end products is both capital and energy intensive. These factors have tended to limit availability and increase Prices which have encouraged the use of alternative or competitive materials and restricted market growth.

Jan 1, 1981