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By M. A. Hunter

IN the present state of public affairs, the reviewer turns from his traditional role of recording the progress made in research during the year and views the whole situation in which he finds himself in direct relation to the immediate needs of the nation. The slow progress of research year by year fades into comparative insignificance. The sum total of that research in all the years which have past becomes of importance only in direct relation to the extent to which we have translated or can immediately translate it into in¬dustrial production. For in a wartime economy immediacy is of paramount importance. The outcome of the war is being determined by our ability to pro¬duce and fabricate the metals and alloys which we require for its prosecution. Aside from iron and steel which lie outside the limits of this review, the most important of the nonferrous metals now needed in wartime production are aluminum, magnesium, nickel, chromium, and manganese. Some remarks on their production and fabrication follow.

Jan 1, 1942

By John J. Stokes

Literature on the electrolysis of aluminum from cryolite melts and on the structure of these .melts is surveyed critically. Data on density, freezing point, and other properties are reviewed. Theories of the electrolysis are examined in the light of these data. Two theories are presented which account equally well for the observations. In the early days, the process was thought of as a simple one. The actual mechanisms must be tremendously more complex. This paper is devoted to a rather narrow part of the whole subject, namely, what ions are present in the bath, and by what mechanism the current is carried. Using cryoscopic data, Rolin has determined the following composition for molten cryolite. Na2,AlF 3Na + 3F + AlF [1] He postulates the following equation for the ioniza-tion of alumina at low concentrations Al2O3 Al + AlO2 +O. [2] At concentrations above 0.025M he supposes the ionization of alumina to proceed as follows Al2O3 AlO + AlO2. [3] Rolin's mechanism of electrolysis for the more concentrated solution in Eq. 3 is as follows. The AlO' ion migrates to the cathode. where it is dis- charged, giving metallic aluminum and 0' ions which migrate to the anode. The AlO2- ion migrates to the anode, where it is discharged, giving Al ions and oxygen which reacts with carbon to form CO2 In the case of the extremely dilute solution in Eq. 2 the Al ion migrates to the cathode and the AlO2-and 0 migrate to the anode as before. Another possible mechanism for the electrolysis follows. Ionization of Cryolite Na3AlF4 = 2Na + 2F + NaAlF, Na + AlF-AlF+Na + F [4] Addition of Alumina 2Na2AlF+ 2AL2O4 6Na + 3A12O3F4 [5a] Al2O2F 2AlOF2 [5b] Cathode Process AlF, + 3e+ 4F + Al. [6] Anode Process AlOF2 + 2F AlF1 + 1/20, + 2e or A12O2F + 4F-2A1F; + 0, + 4e. [7] Although both Rolin's and the present mechanism of the Hall process may be qualitatively satisfactory, present data are not adequate for quantitative tests of the theories.

Jan 1, 1959

Oil-well driller with extensive experience in this line of work. Location, Bolivia, South America. Salary depends on experience. R.-789. Mining Engineer, with geological knowledge, who can locate suitable spots for drilling oil wells. Location, Bolivia, South America. Salary depends on man. R-788. Construction Engineer, mechanical or civil engineer with experience in installing oil plants for foreign field. Must be able to install entire equipment including tanks, piping, buildings, etc. Salary depends on experience. R-782. Geologist, competent petrographer for micropetrographic work and training of two assistant students under the direction of the Director of a Geological Institute. Engagement is for six months with option on the part of the Director for an equal period: Location, Mexico. Salary, 450 pesos Mexican gold ($225 per month). R-765. Operating Mechanical Electrical Engineer, with extensive experience in charge of the maintenance, repair, and betterment of all mechanical and electrical equipment on mining operations. Desirable that the man have had this experience in connection with phosphate mining. Applicant must be competent to direct shop repairs on motors and generators, including rewinding, the building and maintenance of transmission lines, etc. Must also have ample machine-shop experience to enable him to direct repairs of light locomotives, steam shovels, brown hoists, caterpillar tractors, and auto trucks. Duties will include the betterment and maintenance of phosphate-rock washers and rotary-work dryers. The applicant must also be competent to conduct efficiency tests on all such equipment and be enabled to interpret data collected. Splendid opportunity for the right type of man. Climate and living conditions excellent. The company will furnish house rent free, including light .and water. Location, Florida. Salary depends on experience. R-854.

Jan 7, 1919

Jan 1, 1913

By D. A Dahlstrom

THE necessity for slime elimination from valuable mineral and coal products has become increasingly significant within the past 5 years.' , Most of the mechanized mining and present beneficiation methods have resulted in larger tonnages of extreme fines, silts, and clay, commonly called slimes, processed by the preparation plant. Economics in turn have forced the plant operator constantly to lower the bottom size of effective beneficiation, necessitating an almost complete recovery of valuable solids regardless of particle size. When these important factors are considered, the need for an efficient slime removal method for fine solids becomes self-evident. Ordinarily slimes have been classified as ranging from 75 microns, or 200 mesh, down to colloidal dimensions of less than one micron. At the same time there is general agreement that the most troublesome slimes are primarily clays, silts and extreme fines, so that the actual top size may be placed at approximately 30 to 40 microns. This immediately restricts any desliming operation to classification, as screening or other methods would be both uneconomical and grossly inefficient at such dimensions. The liquid-solid cyclone has been recognized as one of the most efficient fine size classifiers available to the mining industry. Applications of cyclones to thickening, high efficiency solid recovery, degritting,

Jan 1, 1953

By D. A. Dahlstrom

THE necessity for slime elimination from valuable mineral and coal products has become increasingly significant within the past 5 years.' , Most of the mechanized mining and present beneficiation methods have resulted in larger tonnages of extreme fines, silts, and clay, commonly called slimes, processed by the preparation plant. Economics in turn have forced the plant operator constantly to lower the bottom size of effective beneficiation, necessitating an almost complete recovery of valuable solids regardless of particle size. When these important factors are considered, the need for an efficient slime removal method for fine solids becomes self-evident. Ordinarily slimes have been classified as ranging from 75 microns, or 200 mesh, down to colloidal dimensions of less than one micron. At the same time there is general agreement that the most troublesome slimes are primarily clays, silts and extreme fines, so that the actual top size may be placed at approximately 30 to 40 microns. This immediately restricts any desliming operation to classification, as screening or other methods would be both uneconomical and grossly inefficient at such dimensions. The liquid-solid cyclone has been recognized as one of the most efficient fine size classifiers available to the mining industry. Applications of cyclones to thickening, high efficiency solid recovery, degritting,

Jan 1, 1953

Discussion of the paper of ALBERT SAUVEUR, presented at the Pittsburgh meeting, October, 1914, and printed in Bulletin No. 93, September, 1914, pp. 2439 to 2449 G. K. BURGESS, Washington, D. C.-This very instructive contribution by Professor Sauveur to our knowledge of that puzzling substance, Hadfield's manganese steel, should not only be read in connection with the paper of Messrs. Hopkinson and Hadfield referred to by Professor Sauveur (Bulletin No. 87, pp. 513 to 530, March, 1914); but one should also have in mind, as throwing much additional light upon the questions raised, two papers recently presented before the Iron and Steel Institute, the one by Sir Robert Hadfield (Journal of the Iron and Steel Institute No. II, 1913) on Heating and Cooling Curves of Manganese Steel, the other by Messrs. Hadfield and Hopkinson (ibid., No. I, 1914) treating of the Magnetic and Mechanical Properties of Manganese Steel. We then have brought together for this substance, the thermal, magnetic, and mechanical properties as well as the resulting microstructure, for the definite heat treatments described, and in particular after long annealing between 500° and 700° C. Sir Robert Hadfield and Professor Hopkinson see in the properties found for manganese steel (of C = 1.25 and Mn = 12.5 per cent.) a demonstration of the untenableness of the allotropic theory of iron, whereas Professor Sauveur reaches the contrary conclusion, that some of the facts observed can be explained only in terms of the existence of beta iron in steel of this composition. There is another possible hypothesis: namely, that these several series of experiments shed no light on the subject of the allotropy of iron, or at least as regards the existence of beta iron. However heretical it may sound, I am inclined to this last belief.

Jan 4, 1915

By L. G. E. Bignell, E. A. Hanson, J. O. Lewis

There was a general upward trend of all petroleum activities in Oklahoma during 1933, especially in the last quarter, though the average price for crude oil for the year was below 1932 and overproduction in East Texas demoralized conditions for several months. As the Federal Agencies established under the National Industry Recovery Act began to function conditions in Oklahoma were visibly affected and production of "hot oil" from Oklahoma City field practically ceased. More oil wells were completed, six new fields discovered, extensive geophysical prospecting carried on in many parts of the state, and an increased amount of clean-out and reconditioning work done in older pools during the past year. To increase quantity and rate of recovery of oil many wells producing from limestone formations were treated with hydrochloric acid. The Oklahoma City field had a reported production of 66,984,570 bbl. of oil during 1933, or almost exactly twice the amount reported for 1932. Potential tests and other indicators show that the wells are rapidly approaching the stage where mechanical lift must be applied to all of them, including the wells in the Wilcox sand zone. The major pipe-line companies serving the oil fields of Oklahoma have been anxious to make connections to all wells during 1933 and have indicated a willingness to accept all oil available. The amount offered has been restricted by proration orders, but the state did produce 178,356,-449 bbl. during the year, an increase of about 18.6 per cent over 1932. This increase was practically all due to the greater demand for Oklahoma City oil, as all other pools of any importance showed loss in production or very small gains last year. The U. S. Bureau of Mines' laboratory reports the lubricating distillate content of Oklahoma City crude from Arbuckle and Lower Simpson formations about 17 per cent by volume. East Texas oil is reported to contain about 5.6 per cent lubricating distillates. The desire of the transportation companies to keep their equipment operating at maximum capacity and the need of some refineries for more

Jan 1, 1934

By John R. Green

ROTARY kilns, varying in construction, are used in a variety of processes. Products differ and operating conditions vary according to economic requirements. All of these variables influence the degree of instrumentation and type of control necessary or profitable to install. Products fired in rotary kilns are the results of combined temperature and time treatment and the interrelation of these two factors should be kept constantly in mind in the perusal of this paper. MEASUREMENTS OF KILN TEMPERATURE The securing of proper temperatures within the rotary kiln, either of the charge or of the kiln lining in the high fire zone, are basic objectives of kiln operation; therefore the measurement of these high-temperature conditions merits first consideration.. For these measurements, radiation pyrometers, properly designed and protected, have proved adequate, particularly where records or automatic control are desired, while optical pyrometers may serve as portable indicators. Light-sensitive devices or photoelectric cells in this service are capable of producing records as well as certain forms of automatic control. High-temperature measuring devices for rotary-kiln work should have the measuring unit protected from dust, as a continued accumulation of deposit would lower the readings. Fig. I shows a typical application of radiation equipment to a rotary kiln, mounted far enough away from the sighting hole through the kiln hood to be protected from puffs or stingouts and with a sighting tube having a series of settling chambers, to prevent dust from reaching the lens. Although dust conditions inside the kiln itself usually fluctuate considerably and have their effect upon the readings at that moment, such effects are not cumulative and show as a continuous fluctuation in the temperature indicated, provided the radiation unit and recorder are responsive to such slight and rapid temperature fluctuations. The ambient temperature to which a measuring unit is subjected fluctuates from possibly o° to over 200°F., therefore these changes should have no effect upon the final reading or upon the life of the measuring unit. A very narrow sighting angle is desirable, so that measurement of temperature may be made as far as possible into the high fire zone without. effect of the flame temperature. There should be some sighting means on the measuring unit, so that the proper field may be viewed. Measurement of wall temperature taken at a point where the charge has just left the wall is less affected by dusting conditions than when taken elsewhere. Factors Influencing Temperature Table I gives an outline of the factors that produce kiln temperatures and com¬ments on the possibility of measurement and control. Of greater number and of varied influ¬ence are the factors that control when, where and how the heat is delivered to the kiln, the type of flame and the rate of

Jan 1, 1941

By N. A. Gokcen, M. Ohtani

Thermodynamic intevaction pararnetevs of elements E2(2), for dilute binary solutions of a component "2" in liquid iron, i.e., E(22) = 9 In f2/?N2 where f2 is the activity coefficient and N2 the mole fraction, and E(3) 2 = In f2/ N3 dilute ternary solutions of "2" and "3," and the carbon saturation parameter sc(3) (In f c/ N3) N c/N Fe for N3 - 0, are critically examined and correlated. It has been found that the interaction parameters and the atomic numbers of alloying elements follow regular periodic putterns. PHYSICO-chemical behavior of alloying elements in molten iron have become the subject of numerous investigations during the past 25 years. Consequently, the mutual effects of elements in the iron-rich solutions Fe-C-X, Fe-N-X, Fe-H-X, Fe-O-X, and Fe-S-X where X represents an alloying element, have gradually become better understood. These effects for a given temperature and pressure may be expressed by the interaction parameter of Wagner1, 2 derived briefly in the following manner. The complete differential of the Gibbs free-energy equation at constant temperature and pressure is dF = Fl dn, + F2 dn, + F3 dn3+ . . . [ 1] where F is the free energy; F 1, the partial molar free energy of "I"; and n,, the number of moles of "i." Cross-differentiation of this expression* *Cross-differentials are obtained as follows: Since the order of differentiation of F with n2 and n3 is immaterial, the left sides of the second differentials are equal, hence the derivation of Eq. [2] is obtained. For a dilute solution of components 2 and 3 in solvent 1, with the substitution of RT In f i = Fi xs for Fi where fi is the activity coefficient, and Fixs is the excess partial molar free energy, Eq. [2] becomes O) [3] where N2 and N, are the mole fractions. The interaction parameters are defined by

Jan 1, 1961

By William E. Hughes, Roderick K. Davey

The objective of this chapter is to review and discuss interpolation techniques commonly in use in the mining Industry today, including simple examples. This chapter will not attempt to compare the relative accuracy of each technique as this subject has adequately been covered by several authors (Knudsen and Kim, 1967; David, 1974; and Barnes, 1979) When appropriate, methods will be compared relative to the results of simple examples and computational ease. The examples presented are based on metallic deposits. The techniques, however, are not restricted to metallic deposits and can generally be applied to nonmetallic ones. The purpose of interpolation, as applied to a mineralized deposit, 1s to extend the knowledge of the grade and geology of localized samples to an estimate of the grade and mineralogy of a larger block of ground or even an entire deposit. The word interpolation means to compute values between given values and is limited to that region between the known values. The distinction between interpolation and extrapolation is important and must be adhered to in the application of these techniques in general, the interpolation must be limited to the area enclosed by verified samples. The methods being discussed can be broadly broken into three categories. ( 1 ) geometrical methods, (2) distance weighting methods, and (3) geostatistical techniques.

Jan 1, 1979

By F. L. Bosqui

NO metallurgical process developed in the last half century has been more widely advertised to both technologists and lay- men, or has done more to promote efficiency and economy in the extraction of the valuable portions of ores than has the flotation process. Practically everybody has heard of this strange procedure whereby the heavy portions of an ore are made to float while the light parts sink. Some- times it is called froth flotation, the mineral-bearing froth being from the first a distinguishing characteristic. Many times it is called oil flotation, because a thin film of oil was commonly applied to the particles to be floated to make them adhere to the bubbles that rise through the pulp to form the surface froth. Oil, though commonly used, is not, however, necessary for this purpose, which is one of the facts that has been learned as the process has been developed.

Jan 1, 1940

Since its organization, in July, 1917, the War Minerals Committee of the Institute, of which William Y. Westervelt is chairman, has been studying important phases of the mineral industry and its relation to winning the war. From this has come a realization of the imperative need for more definite coordination than is possible without direction by some governmental agency. No privately controlled industry can have the detailed knowledge of war needs or the control of all its supplies and markets necessary to effect the adjustment of its activities for war purposes. Inevitable shortages of certain essential minerals confront us unless immediate steps are taken to stimulate and develop. the mining

Jan 2, 1918

By Sydney H. Ball

AMERICAN consumption of industrial diamonds has increased five fold in the past 25 years and today accounts for 15 to 20 percent of the world's sale of rough diamonds. In another decade the value of industrial diamonds sold may well equal or exceed that of gemstones. It is generally understood that industrial diamonds are one of the strategic minerals being stocked by the Government in the present crisis to ensure rapid and efficient armament production. Diamond die making is a trade largely confined to artisans in Switzerland and in certain parts of France. Today, in addition to turning out pilots, we should train expert artisans in diamond die making, for thousands of miles of tremendously small-gauge wire will be needed to make the instruments by which the efficiency and safety of these pilots is assisted.

Jan 1, 1941

By J. C. Fisher

Martensite transformations in steels and other alloys are characterized in part by the absence of composition changes during the growth of a new phase. Transformation occurs rapidly, and there is insufficient time for long range diffusion or partition of alloying elements to take place; martensite reactions in alloys thus are similar to phase transformations in single component systems. A fundamental understanding of martensite transformations in steels is impossible without knowledge of the free energy change upon transforming austenite (face centered cubic iron containing alloying elements) to ferrite (body centered cubic iron containing alloying elements) of the same chemical composition. The present paper assembles the best information available concerning the influence of temperature and composition on this free energy change. Most of the material has been taken from the work of Johansson,' Mehl and Wells,2 Zener3,4 and Smith;5 and indirectly, through these authors, from the work of Austin.6 In agreement with the generally accepted viewpoint, martensite is assumed to be an ordered solution of carbon in ferrite of the same composition as the parent austenite; only at high temperatures and low carbon concentrations is the carbon in ferrite distributed at random. The properties of the disordered solution are estimated by extrapolating the known properties of iron-carbon solid solutions into the range of supersaturation, and the free energy change associated with ordering is estimated from the theory developed by Zener. By incorporating Smith's recent thermodynamic measurements and Zener's theory of ordering, the present analysis modifies previous estimates of the free energy change associ- ated with martensite transformations. Consider a two component system consisting of a solvent A and a solute B. Let Na and Nb represent mol fractions of A and B respectively, let aa = raNa and ab = YbNb represent activities, and let superscripts 1 and 2 refer to phases 1 and 2. The partial molal free energies of A and B in phases 1 and 2 can be summarized as follows: free energy standard state Fa' - Fao1 = RT In an1 pure A' Fa2 - Fa2 = RT In aa2 pure A2 Fb1 - Fbo = RT In ab1 pure B Fs2 - FB2 = RT In aB2 pure B. The free energy of a gram atom of phase 1 is* AF1 = Na'Fa1 + Nb'Fb1 and that of phase 2 is AF2 = NA2FA2 + NB2Fb2. A martensite transformation from phase 1 to phase 2 requires Na1 = Na2 = Na and NB1 = NB2 = Nb, and the free energy change per gram atom accompanying transformation is AFi-2 = NA(Fa2 - Fa1) + Nb(Fb2 - Fb1) = NA[RT In (aA2/aA1) + AFa1?2] + Nb RT In (aB2/aB1) = Na[RT In (ra2/ra1) + AFa1?2] + Nb RT In (TaVTB1). [1] where yn2, yn1, yB2, yB1 are activity coefficients, and where Ma'+* is the free energy change upon transforming a gram atom of pure A from phase 1 to phase 2 at the temperature in question. For martensite transformations in plain carbon steels, A = iron (Fe), B = carbon (C), 1 = austenite (7). 2 = ferrite (a), and Eq 1 is AFr ?a= NFe[RT In (rf.a/rfer) + AFF.r?a] + TVc RT In (eca/rc1)- L2] Nothing is known concerning the values of yFea and yca for carbon concen- , trations in excess of 0.025 pct. However, the approximation rf.7 = 7f." = 1 cannot be appreciably in error for small carbon concentrations, and Eq 2 reduces to Afr-a = NfeFfer?a1 + NC RT In (rca/rcr)- [3] Johanssonl and Zenera have calculated MFfr?a from the specific heat measurements compiled by Austin.6* Their calculated values agree closely, and are summarized in Table 1. The activity coefficients relative to graphite for carbon dissolved in iron vary with temperature according to the relationships d In rcr/d(1/T) = AHcr-R dlnyca/d(l/T) = AHCa/R where AHc? and AHca are the heats of solution of graphite in y and a iron. Assuming the values of AH to be independent of carbon concentration and temperature, In rCr = AHcr/RT + I1 In rca = AHCa/RT + 12

Jan 1, 1950

By D. R. George

Preliminary research has identified several organic and aqueous solutions that are effective absorbents for SO, from simulated smelter gas containing 0.3 to 2% SO2. These SO2 loaded solutions are also compatible to the reaction of H2S and SO2 to precipitate a readily filtered elemental sulfur. The economic removal of SO2 and production of elemental sulfur from stack gases discharged by base- metal smelters is a challenging goal. The magnitude of this task is illustrated by the estimate that about 3.5 million tons of SO2 are discharged to the atmosphere by smelters annually in the U.S. The SO2 concentration of the gases ranges from about 0.5 to more than 3%. As the sulfur content of SO2 is 50% a potential production of 1,750,000 tons of sulfur per year is indicated.

Jan 1, 1970

By William Marsh Baldwin

[Two of the most useful and important equations available to the metallurgist for the study of plastic deformation of metals are the Huber-von Mises-Hencky1-3 and the St. Venant7-10 equations. HUBER-VON MISES-HENCKY EQUATION The Huber-von Mises-Hencky equation answers the question: When does plastic flow occur in metal that is subjected to a multi-axial stress? It occurs, according to this equation, when the three principal stresses,? al, a2, and a3 satisfy the equation: (s1 - s2)2 + (s 2 - s 3)2 + (s 1 ? s3)2 = 2K2 [I] Here K is the yield strength of the material as determined in an ordinary tensile test. If the quantities a1, a2, and a3 are assigned to the coordinates of a Cartesian three-dimensional system, this expression describes a cylinder whose axis of symmetry is inclined at equal angles to the three coordinate axes4,5 (Fig. I). The radius of this cylinder is v2/3K. For the purpose of simplicity, it is sometimes advantageous to ascribe the values s 1/K = si, s 2/K = s2, s 2/K = s3 to the three coordinate axes instead of the principal stress alone. In this case, Eq. I becomes (s1 - S2)2 + (S2 - S3)2 + (Sl - S3)2 = 2 [2] and the radius of the cylinder becomes 2/3v. In the latter method of representation, a point lying inside the cylinder indicates that the metal will react elastically, whereas a point lying on the cylindrical surface indicates that the metal will behave plastically. Some of the geometric features of this cylinder are worthy of study. Let us inquire first as to what interpretation may be placed upon what we will choose to call the "circles of latitude" of the cylinder (L in Fig. I) and the "meridians" of the cylinder (M in Fig. I). Circles of Latitude Circles of latitude are formed by allowing a plane, passing perpendicular to the cylinder axis, to intersect with the cylinder. Any point, P, on this circle is presumed to have the coordinates s1, s2, and s3. The coordinates of the point resulting from the intersection of the plane and the cylinder axis will be a, a, and a (since the cylinder axis is equally inclined to the three coordi¬nate axes). Let us now pass a line through the point on the circle and the point on the axis.]

Jan 1, 1946

By L. C. Graton

At the Tenth International Geological Congress, Mexico, 1906, Waldemar Lindgren presented "The Relation of Ore Deposition to Physical Conditions." Retrospect ranks it as the outstanding offering at that Session and as the most fundamental contribution up to that date on the philosophy of ore deposition. Elaborating thereon in his text-book "Mineral Deposits," Lindgren analyzed ore-forming processes under conditions prevailing from great depth up to surface; explained the nature of deposition in each environment; and developed a comprehensive genetic ore classification, which brought wide acceptance and enriching contributions by many. Since Lindgren's latest edition (1933), have come wealths of material relevant to ore genesis, particularly through amazing renaissance and proliferation throughout science. Current publication regarding ores now emanates largely from a generation caught in pressures of the breathless modern tempo, which tempts scant reflection upon earlier truths. Consequently, today's thrilling output contains not a few offerings that need challenge because supplanting interrelationship and system by what seems, collectively, an assemblage of strange, ad hoc and often self-contradictory concepts. From these latter some merit may eventuate but at the probable cost of present confusion and delayed progress. The following pages, naming numerous post-Lindgren advances, record the conviction, held by many, that Lindgren's philosophy, progressively improved, remains the soundest approach to understanding ore genesis.

Jan 1, 1968

By A. J. Opinsky

THE purpose of this note is to indicate the locations and sizes of various interstitial holes in the orthorhombic uranium lattice based on a hard-sphere model. First, plane configurations of three and four atoms will be examined, and then the true interstices surrounded by four atoms in space and by five atoms in space will be obtained. The data and notation contained in a report by Tucker' will be used. Plane Configurations Fig. 1 presents the orthorhombic uranium lattice made of spheres touching at the closest interatomic distance. The three light-colored spheres in the ab plane are illustrative of the first type of configuration to be examined. If one edge of the unit cell is taken as the origin, the three atoms can be represented by the vectors [Oi + Oj + Ok], [ai + Oj + Ok] and [(a/2)i + (b/2)j + Ok] where i, j, and k are respectively parallel to a, b, and c. In the future, this notation will be shortened to [000], [a00] and [a/2 b/2 0], respectively. A vector R = [r s t] de-scribes the position of the hole surrounded by the atoms. Since the center of the hole must be equidistant from the three atoms R2 = r2 + s2 + t2 = (r-a)2 + s2 + t2 = (r-a/2)2 + (s-b/2)2 + t2. R = [a/2 (b/4) - (a2/4b) 0] is the solution of these

Jan 1, 1955

By F. Habashi

Conclusive evidence is given showing that the dissolution of gold in cyanide solution follows mainly the over-all equation A similar equation can also be written for the dissolution of silver. Theoretical derivation of the velocity equation for this reaction has been obtained, which describes quantitatively the experimental facts. The equation is as follows: where [CN-] and [O2] = the concentrations (in moles/ml) of cyanide and dissolved oxygen, respectively. DcN- and Do2 = the diffusion coefficients of cyanide and dissolved oxygen; 1.83 x 10-5 and 2.76 x 10-5 cm2 sec-1, respectively. A = the surface area of the metal in contact with the aqueous phase, in cm S = the thickness of the boundary layer; varies between 2 and 9 x 10-3 cm, depending on the speed and method of agitation. Rate being expressed in g. equiv. sec-1. INTRODUCTION During recent years a number of papers have been published on the kinetics of dissolution of gold and silver in cyanide solution.1,6 The authors agree that the rate of dissolution is diffusion-controlled, but disagree regarding the mechanism of the reaction. Some authors'-3 support the Bodlander equations: The apparently conflicting results, when critically reviewed, are concordant and lead to the conclusion that the proper equation for the dissolution reaction should be only Eq. 1. This conclusion is based on the following facts: 1) For every 2.2 equivalents of metal dissolved one mole O2 was consumed. 2) For every 1 equivalent of metal dissolved, 2 moles of cyanide were consumed.' 3) Hydrogen peroxide is formed during the dissolution of gold or silver, and for every 2.2 equivalents of metal dissolved, one mole H2O2 was produced.1,2 The fact that Kudryk and Kellogg4 did not detect H2O2 during the dissolution of gold should not throw doubt on the many affirmative reports of other investigators. Lund2 has shown that depending on the crystalline nature of the silver surface, (e.g. method of etching the sample) H2O2 may undergo catalytic decomposition heterogeneously according to: Further Kudryk and Kellogg4 carried out their experiments in the presence of 0.5% KC1 to achieve a greater electrolytic conductivity, and Matsudaira7 has shown that H2O2 is catalytically decomposed (homogeneously) in the presence of C1- ion in alkaline solution. 4) Experiments carried out by Boonstra8 and Lund2 showed that the dissolution of gold and silver respectively in KCN + H2O2 in the absence of oxygen was a slow process. Thus the reaction takes place to a minor extent only. Further kinetic studies showed that: 1) The rate of dissolution depends on the surface area of the metal in contact with the liquid phase, thus indicating that the process of dissolution is a heterogeneous process. 2) The rate of dissolution depends on the speed of stirring,5,6 thus indicating that the process is controlled by a physical phenomenon.

Jan 1, 1967