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By Robert G. Ditchburn, Cornel E. J. de Ronde, Bernard J. Barry

The age of mineralization, its mode of formation, the time elapsed to amass an economic deposit, its capacity for sustainable extraction and, ultimately, its grade and tonnage, are key aspects in the economic viability of volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits (Ditchburn et al, 2004). Radiometric dating methods applied at GNS Science have been recently refined with the purpose of efficiently determining the ages of seafloor VMS mineralization along active intraoceanic arcs. These developments include: determining the longevity of seafloor hydrothermal systems, details of individual chimney and massive sulfide mound growth, and insights into deep-seated processes, such as the transfer of elements from magmas to their overlying hydrothermal systems. In our pursuit to better understand seafloor hydrothermal systems along intraoceanic arcs, we have thus far compiled age information for three volcanic centres of the Kermadec arc (South Pacific) and one of the Mariana arc (NW Pacific).

By P. Dhar, H. R. Kota, M. Thornhill

Precipitated calcium carbonate is used as a filler and coating material in the manufacturing of paper because of its high brightness and light scattering characteristics. However, beneficiated calcite has similar potential, given the fact that the industrial specifications are already achieved. For paper industries, the requirement is that the desired product should be pure and have a brightness of 93 to 95 percent. A very-high-grade calcite deposit of around 92 percent is located in the north of Norway, which is used as the raw material for ground calcium carbonate (GCC) feed for the paper industries. There is a substantial amount of calcite resource, which has pyrite and pyrrhotite as major impurities. These sulfides, even when present in minor concentrations, impart color to the end product (paper). Removing these minerals is estimated to increase utilization of the deposit by 10  percent, which represents several million tonnes of calcite marble. Due to the requirement for environmentally friendly reagents and chemicals by the mineral industry, fatty di-amines are being tested for pyrite and pyrrhotite flotation. The interaction mechanism of diamine with the main components of the ore were studied and optimum conditions for removal of sulfide impurities are outlined.

By R. D. Taylor, Jim Douglas Jr., H. H. Rachford Jr., P. M. Dyke

A major obstacle to the use of wetting agents in .secondary recovery by water flooding is the adsorption of the agents on the sand. As a result of adsorption, the surfactant always lags behind the floodwater front. Consideration of the chromatographic theory of adsorption indicates that the detergents will not lag as much if used in very high concentrations. An investigation was made of the possibility of using high concentrations economically by flowing slugs of wetting agents followed by normal flood water. The experiments consisted of adsorption studies on Alundum powder and Berea sandstone. Flow rests on a 12-in. Alundum core and 22-in. Berea core were used to determine rate of detergent movement. The results of the flow experiments indicate that the relative rate of surfactant advance is, indeed, sensitive to the concentration of the agent. A 10 per cent slug moved with a rate that war 78 to 95 per cent as fast as the rate of advance of the flood water. By contrast, one with 25 ppm (the number of parts of commercial detergent in a million parts of water on a weight basis) concentration moved less than one-fourth as fast as the flood water, and calculations indicate that in very long porous systems the rate of movement of the lower concentrations will be a small fraction of the rate of advance of the flood front. The results. of the adsorption studies were utilized to calculate the rate of advance of the detergent when only the initial concentration was known. The calculated rates showed substantial agreement with the experimental flow tests in the high concentration ranges. The adsorption results were also used to estimate the cost of the materials for a slug-type surfactant flood in the field. In addition to the faster rates of movement, the concentrated detergent slugs removed much more oil than the dilute solutions. However, the effectiveness of the slug process depends on many variables. The quantity of oil removed is increased markedly by increasing the flooding rate. The efficiency is also influenced by the type of crude, type of reservoir rock and initial water saturation. Therefore, a careful analysis of each reservoir system is required before the economic value of the process can be determined. INTRODUCTION It is well known that the displacement of oil by invading water during water flooding is far from complete. It is generally agreed that the unrecovered oil is retained in the porous medium by the capillary forces which may be relatively large compared to the forces generated by the flowing water. Therefore, it was logical that some early workers should turn to surface-active materials to reduce the capillary forces to facilitate the release of oil. As early as 1927,' a patent was granted for the use of surface-active materials in water flooding. In 1932, when soap solutions were passed through Bradford and Venango sands, it was reported that the results were inconclusive, erratic and that "further investigation is needed to determine exactly the function of the solution and to obtain a clearer insight into the phenomena involved."' Some of the modern scientific reports conclude with a similar statement,' showing that the lack of agreement on the mechanism of oil removal by wetting agents is still very widespread even though several comprehensive studies have been reported.'." Although there is a lack of agreement as to the general effectiveness of the detergents for water flooding, most investigators do agree that all of the common detergents are strongly adsorbed onto the solid surfaces of the reservoir. In the early calculations it appeared that all additives would be lost before reaching much of the formation area which contained the additional oil to be removed. Experiments indicated that if the usual small waterflood concentrations of wetting agents were used, the rate of advance of detergent through the formation would be only a small fraction of the rate of advance of the flood front. Indeed, some investigators4 felt that the use of wetting agents would never be economically feasible because of their adsorption. For example, DunningG estimated that the wetting agent in concentrations of 25 ppm, would advance only 0.05 times as fast as the flood front. Ojeda, et al,' found that a surfactant in a concentration of 10 ppm moved less than 0.01 times as fast as the flood front. It is significant, however, that both investigators found that increased concentrations of wetting agents moved faster, relative to the flood front, than solutions at the lower concentrations. Ojeda showed that an extrapolation of his data indicated a relative rate of 0.5 at 1 per cent concentration, while Dunning6 estimated a relative rate of 0.46 for a 1 per cent concentration. It was obvious that these concentrations could not be used for continuous injection because the cost of the injected detergent would far exceed the value of additional oil produced. Traditionally, detergents are used in very low concentrations for they show good

By Brian Kenner, Peter Swanson, Todd Krahenbuhl

NIOSH has developed an automated PC-based seismic event (induced earthquake) monitoring system for use in mine ground control studies. The distribution and coordination of data acquisition and processing functions across a local area network is a central feature of the system. Mine-wide installations utilize multiple, autonomous seismic networks located both underground and on the surface. Seismic event locations, magnitude estimates, and other processed data are distributed for display and analysis on network nodes both underground and in the offices of mine engineers and managers. This paper describes the system’s design philosophy, hardware and software components, examples of installations, and a few observational results.

By G. H. Edmunds, C. H. Mathewson

About fifty pages of Henry M. Howe's profound treatise, "The Metallography of Steel and Cast Iron," are devoted to twinning with special reference to the origin, nature and general significance of the Neumann bands in ferrite. Howe believed with Osmond and Cartaud1 that the Neumanns are mechanical twins and his careful observations leave no doubt that these straight-sided narrow bands habitually occur parallel to trapezohedral planes of form {211). Attempts to develop the structure of the bands by various methods SO that their identity could be established beyond question have not been conspicuously successful. Howe thought that they deflected slip bands. Some of the etching figures which have been developed within and adjacent to Neumann bands support the contention that they are twins. A good example of this effect in ferrite containing 0.6 per cent, of niekel and 1.3 per cent. of phosphorus, originally due to Harnecker and Rassow,2 was reproduced in the 1928 lecture before the Institute of Metals Division on twinning in metals.3 In this case, the sides of the figures might represent the traces of cubic planes laid bare by etching a properly oriented grain of ferrite, twinned along a plane of form (211). Our own observations in this direction may be represented by Fig. 1 which shows in a deeply etched cavity in the boundary region between a Neumann band and the original crystal two small crystal surfaces which resemble the faces meeting at a reentrant angle in the simple cube twinned along a bisecting plane of form (211) as sketched in Fig. 2. Rosenhain and McMinn4 in 1925, after a careful study of slip bands in ferrite containing Neumanns previously produced by shock, concluded

By Charles M. Ryder

In presenting this paper to the Institute I beg to mention, first, the results which I have obtained and the apparatus which I have employed, and to follow this with a brief description of the steps by which I hare perfected this process. My present mode of testing is as follows: I obtain, either from the furnace or from the finished product in any stage in which it may chance to be, a small test-piece, usually about 3/4 of an inch square by 3 1/2 inches in length. I place this test-piece upon the poles of an ordinary electro-magnet, for about one minute, and thus magnetize it to its extreme limit. I then place it upon an indicator (which I will shortly describe), on which indicator there is already placed a piece of steel of similar form which has been magnetized in the same manner, the percentage of carbon of this second piece being definitely known. I then, by means of a scale, which forms part of the indicator, marked in degrees of carbonization, read the exact percentage of carbon contained in the piece under examination. My apparatus consists of an ordinary electro-magnet, connected with a suitable battery of moderate power, by which I magnetize the pieces as before described, and of an indicator which consists of a magnetic needle suitably mounted or suspended, so that it is free to deviate a few degrees only from the zero point, and having a rest, which is used to check the vibrations when in use, and to support its weight when not in use. At a right angle to the natural position of the needle I have a scale about 3 feet long, the zero point of which coincides with the natural position of the needle. This scale is marked in each direction from the zero point in degrees of carbonization. The marking of the scale is in accordance with the following rule: Taking the carbonization of the steel as a basis, I maintain the same proportion between the squares of the distances on the scale as exists between the percentages of carbon in the steel, for instance, if .08 of

By Vijia K. Karra

Making sure workers within the aggregates industry go home safely each day is the goal of aggregate companies throughout the United States. At the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers are contributing to NIOSH’s vision of safety and health through a fact-finding approach to reducing injuries/illnesses in various mineral sectors. Surveillance data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has been the primary source for such analyses. It helps to focus research efforts on key machinery, workers, and their tasks. The crushed stone category referred to in this article is represented as crushed and broken stone in the MSHA database.

By Jean-Jacques Prompsy, J. S. Rinehart

The purpose of the present study was to arrive at a better understanding of the stress fields developed within drill bits under dynamic loading and the influence that these stress fields could have on the failure of the drill bits. Particular emphasis has been given to the influence that bit shape has on the establishment of highly localized, potentially destructive stress inhomogeneities within the bit. This paper covers one phase of a broad study involving three velocity regimes: impacts at very low velocities, 0 to 20 ft/sec, a velocity range in which dynamic effects are just beginning to be found; impacts at velocities ranging from 20 to several hundred ft/sec, arange commonly encountered in practical drilling operations; and impulsive loading through the detonation of explosives, a velocity range in which the dynamic effects are greatly exaggerated and made more identifiable. Specifically, fracturing which develops at the end of a cylindrical bar undergoing a shock produced by impact was experimentally investigated, the impacted area being the face of a truncated cone terminating the cylindrical bar. Fracture characteristics were looked at as a function of impact velocity, area of impacted face and cone angle — parameters of considerable importance in the design of drill bit. EXPERIMENTS The specimens were made of Plexiglas, which enabled the fracture pattern to be easily observed. In Plexiglas, the velocity of a longitudinal wave is about 8,700 ft/sec, and the velocity of the transverse wave about 4,200 ft/sec. The specimens were impacted by a steel cylinder whose lower face was parallel to the terminal face of the experimental bit, as shown in Fig. 1. The impacting mass was shifted up and down on two steel rods, dropping from a maximum height of 11 ft, with the velocity varied between 0 and 6.5 m/sec. The initial mass of the cylinder was 4.1 kg, which could be increased by steps up to 8.8 kg by addition of steel plates. The velocity of the steel cylinder was determined by using an electric circuit; as the cylinder dropped, it contacted two steel wires, the first one starting and the second one stopping an electronic counter. Two similar counters connected in parallel were used to corroborate each other. The velocity was checked at each drop as it had been observed to vary somewhat from drop to drop. The two contact wires were located just above the top of the specimen so as to give a value of the instantaneous velocity of the steel cylinder at impact. The distance between the wires was 40 ± 0.5 mm and the discrepancy between the counters was never more than 0.1 m/sec. Thus the velocity was known to within 3.25 per cent. This precision was sufficient with respect to the precision of the machining of the specimens. A very small lack of parallelism between the face of a specimen and that of the impacting hammer resulted in an oblique impact which required a much lower velocity to break the specimen. The experiments had a twofold purpose — (1) to observe the fracture pattern, and (2) to find relationships between the minimum velocity required to generate a fracture within a specimen and the

By C. H. Mathewson

BeRyllium, magnesium, zinc and cadmium, together with mercury, constitute a coherent sub-group of the periodic system and these metals, excepting mercury, have been studied in sufficient detail by the new X-ray diffraction methods to prove their common adherence to the hexagonal close-packed type of crystal structure with a progressive increase in axial ratio as we pass through the group from beryllium to cadmium. The first four columns of Table 1 summarize the data on crystal structure of these metals reported in the International Critical Tables.' The last two columns are based on results obtained in the present investigation. Twinning has often been observed in zinc and cadmium. The general aspects of this twinning are abundantly illustrated by photomicrographs, diagrams, etc., in the papers by Romig, and Mathewson and Phillips reported to this Institute in 1927.2 A determination of the composition

Your Council has pleasure in submitting its report for the year ended 30th June, 1969. COUNCIL The following served as Office Bearers during the year under review: Messrs. R. C. J. Goode (President), J. K. E. Douglas and V. C. Robinson (Vice-Presidents), P. Lambooy (Immediate Past President) and D. G. Maxwell (Honorary Treasurer). Members of Council: Messrs R. J. Adamson, M. Barcza, F. P. Bath, Or J. M. Bereza, Or W. Bleloch, Messrs H. Britten, H. E. Cross, A. R. C. Fowler, A. E. Gilfillan, G. W. Holl, Prof D. D. Howat, Or J. P. Hugo, Messrs C. J. Irving, D. M. Jamieson, J. G. Kirchner, Prof J. de V. Lambrechts, Mr C. E. Mavrocordatos, Or J. T. McIntyre, Mr J. A. Nixon, Prof R. P. Plewman, Messrs J. F. Reid, H. Simon, C. G. Sowry, W. T. Stobart and P. W. J. van Rensburg. Ten Council meetings were held during the year with an average attendance of eighteen. FINANCE The annual accounts, which are attached to this report, show an excess of expenditure over income of R2,124, compared with an excess of income over expenditure of R4,218 last year. There are a number of reasons for this substantial change. There was a loss on realization of investments compared with a substantial surplus in recent years. The publication of the Journal once again resulted in a large loss in spite of a generous subvention of R2,000 from the Department of Cultural Affairs and other assistance amounting to R750. The revenue from sales of publications was down considerably. This is a figure which fluctuates considerably from year to year. The secretarial fee was considerably higher than previously. Due to pressure of work it was necessary for the Secretary to relinquish his duties with the Institute of Land Surveyors and, therefore, for this Institute to assume the additional staff costs involved. Finally there was unusual expenditure on the 75th Anniversary celebrations. There was a pleasing increase in revenue from subscriptions, due to the steadily increasing membership, but this was quite inadequate to cover the substantial increases in expenditure and losses in revenue mentioned above. The changes that have been effected in the arrangements for the publication of the Journal have been mentioned elsewhere in this report. It is expected that these will bring about substantial financial benefits in the long term. The MacArthur Forrest Memorial Fund shows an excess of income over expenditure of Rl00 and the total fund was therefore increased by this amount to R4,206. The balance sheet indicates that the market value of quoted shares and debentures increased during the year from R8,755 to R13,059, while the Accumulated Funds now amount to R22,567 as against R24,691 last year. MEMBERSHIP Fifty-six Members, fifty-five Associate Members, thirteen Graduates, twenty-two Affiliates and twenty- nine Students were elected during the year. Twelve Members were admitted to Life Membership; seven Associate Members were transferred to the grade of Member; four Graduates and two Students were transferred to the grade of Associate Member; five Students were transferred to the grade of Graduate; three Affiliates were transferred to the grade of Member; five Affiliates were transferred to the grade of Associate Member. Three Members, seven Associate Members, two Graduates, two Affiliates and six Students were removed from the Membership Roll in terms of By-Law 7.7.1. Your Council records with deep regret the death during the year of the following members: E. F. J. Bulman (Member), E. F. Chapin (Member), R. A. H. Flugge-de-Smidt (Hon. Life Member), T. S. Haldane (Member), J. M. Massie (Associate Member), S. W. Page (Student), S. R. Rabson (Member), M. Ramsay (Member), F. Wartenweiler (Hon. Life Member). A comparative statement of the membership as at 30th June, 1969, and the end of the previous year is shown in the following tabulation: 30th June 30th June 1968 1968 Honorary Life Members 12 10 Honorary Members 6 6 Life Members 176 189 Members 488 514 Associate Members 409 448 Graduates 60 68 Affiliates153 155 Students152 162 1,456 1,552 PAPERS AND JOURNAL The Institute is changing the format of the Journal from the present size to the standard international A4 size with effect from August, 1969. In making this change it will conform to more general practice today in regard to publications and this should effect certain economies and facilitate selling of advertising space. It has been arranged that in future the publication of the Journal, including advertisement sales, will be handled by Kelvin Publications (Pty.) Ltd. who are already doing this work satisfactorily for the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Institutes. In making these changes the opportunity was taken of redesigning the outer cover of the Journal to incorporate the new coat of arms. The Presidential Address by Mr R. C. J. Goode and twelve papers which were published in the Journal during the year are listed below: August, 1968: Presidential Address: "The Institute-In retrospect and prospect." September, 1968: "Rotary mill liner practice in the South African gold mining industry," by J. H. French and O. E. Lissner.

By Xiaoming Huaa

The effect of the anodic polarization on the composition and morphology of the surface layer formed on chalcopyrite during ammonia–ammonium chloride leaching was investigated. The anodic polarization on the chalcopyrite electrode was used for oxidation and dissolution of chalcopyrite, and the resulting oxidized layers were characterized by XPS, SEM and optical microscopy. The results show that oxide layers exist on the chalcopyrite surface with or without any anodic polarization in the leaching solution at ambient atmosphere. However, the composition and morphology of the layers are strongly depended on the extent of polarization. The distribution of FeOOH and Fe2O3 within the oxidized layer was inhomogeneous for the sample at the open circuit potential (OCP). The composition and morphology of the oxidized layers which were formed at anodic potentials lower than 0.3 V versus SCE were similar to those of the chalcopyrite at the OCP. At anodic potentials above 0.4 V, the oxidized layers contained many cracks, and they were fragile and exfoliated. Furthermore, the sulfide had been oxidized to sulfur species with higher oxidation states. The oxidation of the chalcopyrite seemed to undergo a cyclically oxidative process that suggested growth and spallation of oxidation layers on chalcopyrite in a layer-by-layer sequence.

By Baptiste Laubie

Agromining is a phytotechnology aiming at producing commercial metal compounds from low-grade ores thanks to hyperaccumulating plants. The fern Dichranopteris dichotoma is a rare earth element (REE) hyperaccumulator, which naturally grows on former mine tailings in China. It accumulates up to 0.35% of REEs in its aerial parts. Different hydrometallurgical processes are currently developed to recover these elements directly from the biomass or from ashes after combustion. The process presented here consists of a direct extraction by EDTA solution, followed by precipitation with acid oxalic. Optimal precipitation pH and influence of organic matter are determined by modelling and by experimental studies. The final solid contains 4.3% of REEs, with calcium as the main cationic impurity (0.45% of the precipitate). The recovery yield is similar for major REEs and is around 70%. After optimization, upscaling of the process will allow the agromining development to recover REEs from secondary resources with more environmentally friendly techniques.

By S. B. Bealko

Mining haul trucks comprise the majority of the equipment used in underground limestone mining operations and are known to emit high levels of noise. A previous study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicates that 70-90 percent of all miners have a noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) great enough to be classified as a hearing disability by retirement age. These results demonstrate the public health need to protect the hearing of workers in the mining industry, including haul truck drivers. Cab enclosures present an opportunity to isolate the haul truck operator from both truck and other noise in the mining environment. A total of twenty-five haul truck cabs were studied which were divided into three style (treatment) categories determined by soundproofing features and technology for noise reduction: old-, new-, and retrofitted-style. This study examines the contribution of cab acoustics, operator performance, and maintenance to noise reduction for each cab style. Dosimeters were used to measure 8-hr time weighted average sound pressure levels (TWA8 SPLs) inside and outside the cabs to determine if different acoustical treatments affect cab attenuation. Adherence to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 90 dB TWA8 (with a 90 dB threshold) was used as the main indicator of overall noise reduction achieved. Dosimetery results indicate only 2% of the samples exceeded the PEL, but samples could still be reduced much further. Descriptive and comparative statistics indicate that noise levels inside the new-style cabs are significantly lower than the other two cab styles. Also, data suggest that there is no difference in noise exposures when comparing the old-style to retrofitted cab styles. Operator influence (opening doors and windows) was a significant factor for increasing noise exposure. This paper demonstrates that properly designed cabs can achieve major noise reductions, but noise levels could still be reduced much further below the MSHA PEL. New-style cabs, equipped with modern noise-reduction treatments, exhibit much lower noise exposures than the other two cabs styles, and the effectiveness of the current noise-reduction treatments for retrofitted cabs is questionable. Haul truck driver observations indicate that improved noise exposure reduction training is needed. Finally, specific targets for future noise reduction research are suggested that will further contribute to the prevention of hearing loss for haul truck operators.

By J. Torma-Krajewski, C. Hipes

Although many mining companies apply ergonomic principles, it is usually done either informally and/or reactively. An example of an informal approach is replacing worn equipment (such as seats) with models that have ergonomic features. Another example is modifying a task to eliminate safety hazards. Such approaches reduce risk-factor exposures that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A reactive approach is followed when modifying a task/ equipment after an MSD occurs. However, neither of these approaches involves a systematic method of proactively applying ergonomic principles to actually prevent injuries or illnesses. This paper discusses how Vulcan Materials Company applied ergonomic principles and implemented interventions to reduce risk-factor exposures.

By W. M. Courtis

This district commences near Pigeon River, the northeastern boundary between Minnesota and Province of Ontario, and extends entirely around the north shore of Lake Superior, terminating for the present at the Bruce Mines on Lake Huron. The discoveries of mineral-bearing veins have been confined for the most part to the lake shore, or to the country opened up by the Dawson Red River road. As yet the country back from the lake has been but little explored, on account of its roughness, being intersected by steep, rocky trap bluffs, 1000 or more feet high, and alternating white cedar and tamarack swamps. The forests are exceedingly difficult for prospectors. In many places Titanic piles of rocks, protected by chevaux-de-frise of dead cedars, with their hooked, tough, sharp branches, and a covering of spongy moss, sometimes several feet thick, successively guard against the discovery of hidden treasure. The Hudson's Bay Company for nearly a century have maintained trading-posts at Fort William and other points, which probably opened the way to the first discoveries that were made at Prince's Bay, near the western limit of the district. At this point a large vein was worked by Colonel Prince, the owner, as early as 1846. The richest part of the vein seems to have been on Spar Island, but work was stopped on account of excess of water. Sir William Logan states that a mass of ore weighing several hundred pounds and carrying 3 per cent. of silver was taken out. On the mainland small quantities of native and sulphide of silver were found, together with iron and copper pyrites, zinc blende, and galena, in a large spar vein. On the main shore a drift 165 feet long and 90 feet in depth

By W. A. Heitbrink, M. Schmitz, J. A. Organiscak, A. B. Cecala, E. Ahrenholtz

Operator cabs on a front-end loader and a rotary rock drill were retrofitted with ceiling mounted heating1AC units and air filtration systems. Subsequently surface coal mine field studies were conducted to evaluate the respirable dust protection these retrofitted cab systems offer to the equipment operator. A significant 10: 1 respirable dust protection factor (ratio of outside to inside cab dust levels) was measured for the front-end loader cab with positive pressurization of the cab interior. Whereas an insignificant 3: 1 respirable dust protection factor was measured for the drill cab without positive pressurization of the cab interior. These results indicate that achieving positive interior cab pressurization with retrofitted cab filtration systems is a key element to their dust control effectiveness.

By Deborah Shields

Aggregate is an essential input to every economy, so governments need to ensure a sustainable supply of these resources through planning. There is also a need to shift from a linear economy to a more circular one, in which wastes are recycled rather than landfilled, so as to increase eco-efficiency. The purpose of the Sustainable Aggregates Planning in South East Europe (SNAP-SEE, SEE/D/0167/2.4/X) project is to develop a Toolbox for Aggregates Planning to assist governments and stakeholders in national, regional, primary and secondary, aggregates planning in southeast European countries. The Toolbox comprises documents on stakeholder consultation, data and analysis methodologies, a vision of best practices in aggregates planning and how to build an aggregates plan. The Toolbox will also support ongoing efforts to enhance minerals policy in the European Union (EU) as called for by the European Innovation Partnership on Raw Materials. Industrialized and developing nations see long-term and continued economic growth as essential to the well-being

By R. E. Cook

This work presents the development and application of equations of the form developed by Martin1 to describe gravity segregation performance during natural depletion. One-dimensional depletion analyses are applied to several hypothetical reservoirs. Considerable attention is given to the changes in saturation distribution in the dip direction resulting from depletion at various rates. Vertical gas saturation distribution within a sand having vertical permeability is studied to illustrate conditions which provide For low gus-oil ratio production from wells selectively completed away from sand tops, as observed from well performance. Results of performance calculations are shown graphically and illustrate the rate sensitivity of the gravity segregation mechanism and the influence of reservoir geometry and withdrawal distribution. It is shown that for sufficiently high depletion rates gas saturation distribution in the dip direction is characterized by the formation of two discontinuities, or saturation "fronts"; the updip front being the gas-oil contact of the secondary gas cap and the downdip front occurring at a position dependent upon the reservoir depletion rate, withdrawal distribution and reservoir geometry. The gas saturation in the region between fronts is shown to continually increase with time, while that downdip from the lower front remains very low and relatively stable. The effect of increased depletion rate is to reduce the region of stable gas saturation and thus enlarge the portion of the reservoir producing with continually increasing gas saturation. Special attention is given to the performance of reservoirs having sufficient vertical permeability to permit liberated gas to segregate vertically within the sand section before proceeding in the updip direction. It is shown that reservoirs of this type are far less sensitive to depletion rate due to the mechanical control of producing gas-oil ratios afforded by selective well completions away from sand tops. It is shown that gravity segregation performance is adversely af- fected by decreasing reservoir cross-section area in the updip direction. It is also shown that down-dip withdrawal concentrations can restrict gas segregation rates in the dip direction. INTRODUCTION The natural depletion performance of several large producing reservoirs in Western Venezuela has unmistakably shown the significant role that gravity forces play in governing the gas-oil ratio behavior of individual wells and the over - all pressure-production performance of the reservoirs. Analysis and prediction of the natural depletion performance of these reservoirs is of great importance in determining the economics of pressure maintenance operations. In 1957, a method for the analysis of pressure maintenance performance was presented by Martin1 which, in the original and more general form of the equations involved, provides a physically sound basis for the analysis of one-dimensional gravity segregation performance during natural depletion. The work reported herein is an application and extension of Martin's outstanding developments to a series of hypothetical reservoirs in an attempt to explain the general behavior of the gravity segregation mechanism and the influence of such parameters as depletion rate, reservoir geometry and withdrawal distribution. The study considers two types of flow: "distributed flow", where vertical permeability in the reservoir is zero and fluids flow only in the dip direction while uniformly distributed over the sand thickness; and "segregated flow", where vertical permeability is sufficient to permit gas to segregate against the sand top before proceeding updip. This latter type of flow has been recognized as an important mechanism active in the massive sand reservoirs of Western Venezuela. ANALYSIS OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL DISTRIBUTED FLOW SYSTEMS For an inclined reservoir having zero vertical permeability, the velocities of oil and gas flow at any point in the reservoir can be derived from Darcy's equations as

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