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By W. A. Scheuch

ORDINARILY secondary copper, unless electrolytically refined, is reclaimed directly as foundry ingots used in the manufacture of copper-rich alloy castings. This use does not require the elimination of the impurities to the degree required if the recovered metal is to be used for electrical purposes where a high electrical conductivity is of prime importance. However, as a part of the general policy of reusing its own scrap and by-products wherever possible, the Western Electric Co. at its Hawthorne Works is recovering its secondary copper as wire bars which are delivered to its own rod and wire mill and there processed into wire of high electrical conductivity. This departure from the usual recovery scheme has been accomplished through the careful classification and sorting of the material entering the furnace charges and the careful control of the subsequent melting and refining in a reverberatory furnace. Tests conducted over a period of approximately four years have shown that the quality of wire bars produced from selected secondary copper is equal to that of wire bars produced by the electrolytic refineries. The interest which has been exhibited in the process by those who have seen it has prompted the following general description. It is the authors' opinion that the recovery of secondary copper will become more and more an important factor in the copper production industry. The description is largely of the refining furnace and its operation, but it must be remembered that careful classification and sorting of the scrap materials to eliminate impurities are just as important as the furnace operation toward obtaining a satisfactory final product. Classification and sorting do not lend themselves easily to description; they must just be done. It should also be recognized at the outset that constant intelligent supervision is requisite to the success of the process because there are so many ways in which impurities can find their way into the final product.

Jan 1, 1929

The Howe Memorial Lecture, in memory of Henry Marion Howe, Past President of the Institute, was authorized in April, 1923, as an annual address to be delivered by invitation under the auspices of the Institute by an individual of recognized and outstanding attainment in the science and practice of iron and steel metallurgy or metallography, chosen by the Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Iron and Steel Division. The following were the Howe lectures and lecturers for the years indicated

Jan 1, 1929

By A. W. Hahn

THE importance, to geologists and metallurgists, of knowing the mineralogical forms in which the silver occurs in ores has increased during the past few years, and will continue to increase as long as working hypotheses are converted into proved theories and rule of thumb methods are supplanted by scientific data. The methods used for the determination of these silver minerals have been: (1) careful study of polished ore sections with the microscope, and more recently, (2) metallurgical separation of the ground ore by flotation, tabling and panning, supplemented by microscopic examination of these separated minerals, and chemical analyses. During the course of some experimental work carried on by the testing department of the International Smelting Co. and myself, it becomes important to determine, in a general way, the distribution of the silver values in the minerals, as they exist in Tintic Standard and North Lilly siliceous oxidized lead-silver ores. These mines are in the East Tintic Mining District, State of Utah. In this work the second method was used. Differential flotation tests were run, separating the sulfide from the oxidized minerals, and the products were assayed. Various concentrates were carefully panned and the separated products assayed; special samples of ore were selected and assayed. The microscope was used only for the purpose of determining whether the individual minerals were in the so-called "free" state.

Jan 1, 1929

Jan 1, 1929

By H. R. Pierce

A gas well has a certain definite capacity to deliver gas from the gas sand through the producing string of pipe. This capacity depends upon the pressures in the sand; that is, a well will deliver gas at a rate of flow which is determined by the formation or "shut-inn pressure in the sand and the back pressure at the face of the sand in the well. The three factors, rate of flow, formation or "shut-in" pressure, and the back pressure, for a given well, can be written into a fundamental relation which is strictly applicable only to that well. This relation can be used to determine the capacity of the well to deliver gas from any formation pressure against any back pressure held at the f ace of the sand in the well. Studies have been made of the deliveries of 400 gas wells operating under different conditions of pressure, Most of the wells which have been studied are in Osage County, Okla.; however, several representative studies have been made on wells in southern Louisiana, southern Texas, the Texas Panhandle, and West Virginia.

Jan 1, 1929

By G. R. Mansfield, W. B. Lang

THE third year of Government exploration for potash by the U. S. Geological Survey and the U. S. Bureau of Mines under the authorization of the act approved June 25, 1926 (Public 424-69th Cong.) is drawing to a close. The results thus far obtained are thought to be sufficiently interesting and satisfactory to justify the presentation of a brief preliminary account of the work. Review of Earlier Exploration The general geologic similarity of the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico to the potash field of Germany had long ago suggested the possibility of the presence of potash salts somewhere in that basin, but petroleum exploration was then making little headway there and the necessary data could not be obtained. The discovery by Udden in 1912 of potash in brine from the Spur well in Dickens County, Texas, was the first direct evidence of its presence. In 1915-17 the U. S. Geological Survey drilled a test well with standard tools at Cliffside near Amarillo, but failed to find potash. Nevertheless, an observer has been kept in the field, at first in cooperation with the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology but since 1922 by the Survey alone, to secure data and samples from oil and gas tests. Since the discovery of oil in Reagan County in 1923 exploration by drilling has been rapidly extended to many parts of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico. The identification of the potash-bearing mineral polyhalite was first announced by the Geological Survey in June, 1921, the material having come from cuttings from the Bryant well in Midland County and the Burns well in Dawson County, Texas. Successive discoveries and announcements of similar purport aroused widespread interest in potash exploration, which culminated in the action by Congress already noted. Permian Salt Basin The Permian salt basin extends generally northeastward from western Texas and southeastern New Mexico through the Panhandle sections of

Jan 1, 1929

By Glenn A. Keep

THIS paper is not an announcement of the successful conclusion of the Cerro de Pasco Copper Corporation's pacos-pyrite problems, but merely a description of the commercial-scale, intermittent-roasting operations conducted by the writer, J. H. Lucas and others of the staff. It was prepared by request, for presentation at the February meeting of the Institute. The results obtained in Peru confirm the 1-ton-a-day experiments completed about three years ago at Kearny, N. J. by C. C. Gordon and Mr. Lucas, where it was first demonstrated that a mixture of about 80 per cent. pacos ore with 10 per cent. pyrite ore and 10 per cent. salt could be roasted intermittently in a small 1-ton-a-day Holt-Dern furnace without extraneous fuel, producing porous calcine that could be leached rapidly. Mr. Keep and his staff, by successfully introducing improvements in the construction of the commercial furnace and in their handling of material, have established beyond doubt a low cost for roasting. The other steps in the process of treating pacos and pyrite ores have not as yet been demonstrated as sufficiently conclusive to warrant their acceptance for a permanent plant. Cerro de Pasco Ores The ores of the Cerro de Pasco Copper Corpn. at Cerro de Pasco, Peru, are situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft. The town and mines are served by the Cerro de Pasco Railroad, which operates between Cerro de Pasco and Oroya, the site of the company's copper and lead smelters. Table 1.—Average Analysis of Cerro de Pasco Ores Pacos Ore Pykite Ore Silver, oz............................................... 10.3 12.0 Gold, oz................................................ 0.007 0.01 Lead, per cent........................................... 1.7 1.8 Copper, per cent......................................... 0.19 0.27 Zinc, per. cent........................................... 1.4 1.02 Iron, per cent........................................... 13.4 34.45 Silica, percent.......................................... 61.8 24.5 Alumina, per cent....................................... 2.5 0.62 Lime, per cent........................................... 1.5 0.20 Manganese, per cent..................................... 0.42 0.09 Sulfur, per cent,.......................................... 1.1 34.2

Jan 1, 1929

Jan 1, 1929

By W. P. Campbell

Introduction OWING to the necessity of curtailing the length of this paper, nothing like an exhaustive treatment of the subject will be attempted. Instead, merely a few aspects will be considered, viz., water trouble in wells, sampling of waters, analysis, methods of reporting analysis, and the comparison of a few typical waters. The waters discussed will not be confined to those occurring in areas where oil or gas has already been found, but will include samples from areas in which drilling is being carried on in the hope that oil or gas may be found, i.e., from unproved fields. The Water Problem The problem of dealing with water encountered in oil and gas producing areas has engaged the attention of petroleum engineers from the early days of the industry. Water was not always considered a menace to oil sands; indeed, a certain amount of it was considered beneficial in some areas, but if such exist today they are very exceptional. In some fields, the problem is more acute than in others, and at times has baffled all attempts to solve it satisfactorily. Wells have been brought-in with promise of good production, but after a brief period have 'gone to water'. Whether ?it has always been a case of poor engineering in the form of unsuccessful water shut-off of 'top' or 'bottom' water, or because 'edge' water was present and water and oil were in such close contact it was impossible to remove the one without the other, is hard to say.

Jan 1, 1929

By B. Numerov

A numerical proceeding of corrections with respect to topography is worked out for places near the station and a graphical one for the remote parts of the terrain. The description is clear and very detailed. The numerical proceeding is very similar to that of the Eötvös and Schweydar methods which are in use already. In both methods the levelling is accomplished in certain circles and fixed azimuths around the station. While, in using the Eötvös method, the height differences are directly inserted into the final formulas with regard to the foot of the instrument and in case of accurate formulas derived by Schweydar the height differences are calculated with respect to the center of gravity of the attachment, Numerov introduces functions A and B, the heights, of the terrain and of the center of gravity, which are to be inserted into the formulas.

Jan 1, 1929

By H. Winkelmann

The author, who himself has worked inn the field with various types of torsion balances, expresses in the article his experience with the recently marketed Haff-Torsion-Balance. The advantages of practical work with Haff?s s torsion balance as compared with other types are mentioned. In spite of low weight and corresponding small dimensions (Model M = 23.5 kg., Model Al = 11.5 kg.) the sensitiveness is not less than that in the largest instruments. It is at 1.10-9, which is proved by calculations. A comparison with the corresponding values of other types of torsion balances (Eötvös, Askania, Gepege) is given. The mechanical features of the instrument are briefly described, and the balance is illustrated by a, cross section of it. -- W. Ayvazoglou. DETERMINATION OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE MAGNETIC AND GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS INDUCED BY AN INFINITELY LONG HOMOGENEOUS CYLINDER By G. A. Gamburzeff Gerlands Beiträge zur Geophysik, Band 19, Heft 2/3 Leipzig, 1928, pp. 210-230. The present work is a. contribution to the quastion of the reason for the magnetic and gravitational anomalies in the government of Kursk (Russia).

Jan 1, 1929

By W. C. Ellis

NONFERROUS alloys upon which desirable properties can be conferred by heat treatment are becoming of increasing industrial importance. The alloys of copper with a constituent which has a solubility varying with temperature are materials of this character. Some of the constituents which are effective in producing a change in the mechanical properties of these alloys upon heat treatment are, according to Corson,1 nickel and silicon, iron and silicon, cobalt and silicon, and chromium and silicon. In addition to these elements, Gregg2 states that the combination of beryllium and silicon is effective in producing age-hardening characteristics in copper. The effect of these elements, however, as dispersion-hardening constituents in the copper alpha solid solutions does not seem to have been studied in any considerable detail. This paper deals with the heat treatment and properties of three alpha brasses containing 3 per cent. of nickel plus silicon in the proportion necessary to form the compound nickel silicide, Ni2Si. Some information of a preliminary nature in regard to the hardening by heat treatment of phosphor bronze containing the same percentages of nickel and silicon is included. The method of hardening the alloys, which is effective in increasing the tensile strength and proportional limit, is similar to that used in, the case of duralumin type aluminum alloys. It consists of a quench from a temperature at which the hardening constituent is in solid solution, followed by an aging at a lower temperature to precipitate the dissolved constituent in a dispersed condition. This results in an increased resistance of the alloy to deformation with an attendant improvement in the tensile properties.

Jan 1, 1929

Abbey, Robert Graham, District Mgr.. The W. W. Sly Mfg. Co., 50 Church St.. New York, N. Y. '21 Abbott, A. N., Mines Supt., Mazapil Copper Co., LtdConcepcion del Oro, Zac., Mexico. '28 *Abbott, Argyle Campbell, Dev. Dept., E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del. '29 Abbott, Clarence E., V.P., Charge of Raw Materials, Tenn. Coal, Iron & R. R. Co., 1242 Brown-Marx Bldg.. Birmingham, Ala. '04 Abbott, Louis Benjamin, Chief Engr., Elkhorn Div., Consolidation Coal Co., Jenkins, Ky. '16 Abeel, George H., Jr., Cons. Min. Engr Box 427, Santa Monica, Cal. '18 Abel, Albert E., Asst. to Pres., Valley Mould & Iron Corp Hubbard, Ohio. '19 Abel, Raymond L., Asst. Prof., Dept. of Pet. Refin., Univ. of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh. Pa. '28 Abeel, Leo M., Research Engr., Sullivan Concentrator Chapman Camp, B. C., Canada. '31

Jan 1, 1929

By J. G. MacGregor

At this, the opening meeting of the Western Quebec Branch of the Institute, it seems fitting that the first paper presented should embrace a survey of the known mineral deposits occurring in the area, and also a review of ?the exploration methods that have brought about their discovery. And since the study of geological structures must always be the guiding principle of an intelligent exploration campaign, it also seems to be the appropriate occasion to review the geological situation from the economic angle, in an attempt to arrive at a re-statement of the known facts governing the deposition of the mineral bodies . . It is not my intention to confine my remarks entirely to the geological problems involved, but rather to pass under review the exploratory methods that have been employed in the past and that are presently being used, and to offer a forecast of the type of exploration campaign that will be largely adopted in the future search for ore.

Jan 1, 1929

By Fred W. Snow

This paper describing the mining practices at the Magma mine, Superior, Ariz., is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining prac¬tices, methods, and costs in the various mining districts in the United States. At present (1929) practically all the mineral production in the Superior district is from the Magma mine of the Magma Cooper Co. The ore is mined for its copper but contains associated silver and gold. Both direct smelting ore and ore of concentrating grade are produced. The mining methods now in use at the Magma mine were adopted or developed as knowledge was gained of the physical condition of the ore bodies and the inclosing formations; the wall rock is soft and crushed and the ore is relatively hard. In general, existing methods have been adapted to fit local conditions, but some of the mining practices used were originated at this mine. Most of the ore is mined by a combination of rill stopes and pillar stopes. The pillars are extracted by underhand mining.

Jan 1, 1929

ALABAMA Alabama City.-Eddy, L. Altoona.-Cain, J. America.-Foreman, J. T. Anniston.-Foster, R. N. Ashland.-Sturdevant, J. C. Bessemer.-Ball, E. M. Calhoun, F. W. Maschmeyer, W. L. McKenzie, W. C., Jr. Birmingham.-Abbott, C. E. Aldrich, T. H. Aldrich, T. H., Jr. Ashton, J. J. Aufderhaar, H. C. Ball, T. L. Biddison, P. M. Blair, C. S. Brown, T. S. Bush, M. W. Clark, G. H. Crawford, G. G. Crockard. F. H.

Jan 1, 1929

By W. R. Crank

[Rock bursts are phenomena associated with mining operations, particularly with deep mining, although they occur throughout a wide rump, of depth, from 600 feel downward. The intensity is usually in direct proportion to the depth, varying from a loosening and sloughing off to a violent rupture, giving rise to the term, "explosive rock." The more or less violent breaking of rock in mine working, tins been variously designated as " flaking," "pressure hoists," "strain bursts," "bumps," "quakes," and "air blasts," which indicate opinions as to cause and effect. The term "air blast" lots probably beat most widely used, and naturally so, as a more or less rapid movement of air often accompanying the more violent phenomena of rock failure. Furthermore, there is an implied if not definitely expressed degree of magnitude in the action designited by a given term and in the cause and character of the action. For example. flaking, pressure bursts, and quakes are terms ranged to indicate action of increasing magnitude; and pressure bursts, strain bursts. bumps, and quakes are ranged according to the cause and character of the action.]

Jan 1, 1929

By H. E. Nold

THIS paper is an effort to explain in a simple manner the fundamental principles involved in examining a clay deposit for both quantity and quality and in operating a clay mine, either open-pit or underground, so that the best quality of finished material can be made from the raw material available. The writer is aware that what is recommended in this paper is everyday practice in many refractories plants and in some other heavy-clay products plants, but observations made while visiting practically every clay mine in Ohio have convinced him that the practices herein discussed are not as widely used as their importance warrants. It is true that the problem of mining for quality is more acute in refractories plants than in most heavy-clay products plants, yet some of the latter are finding it profitable to pay more than ordinary attention to the selection and blending of their raw materials. It is hoped that this short paper may prove helpful to some who are now finding it difficult to produce a uniform product of as high quality as their clay deposit seems to warrant. The coordination of the work of the clay mine or pit with the manufacturing plant, to the end that the best product possible be made from the raw material available, presupposes a rather intimate knowledge of the clay deposit. The knowledge must include not only information of the amount of clay-available but also rather detailed information about both vertical and horizontal variations in quality of the clay. This information should cover three things: quality, quantity, and location.

Jan 1, 1929

Executive ROBERT E. TALLY, Chairman WILLIAM H. BASSETT JOHN A. MATHEWS LOUIS S. CATES EDGAR RICKARD Finance H. A. GUESS HENRY KRUMB, Chairman H. G. MOULTON Admissions ERLE V. DAVELER, Chairman GEORGE D. BARRON H. K. MASTERS JOHN M. LOVEJOY P. A. MOSMAN Alternates E. L. ESTABROOK C. E. MEISSNER J. A. SINGMASTER FRED H. KAY

Jan 1, 1929

By E. J. Schneider

In view of the current interest in the constituents of low-temperature tar, the Synthesis of three known xylenols and their hydroxyacetic acid derivatives has been undertaken by the U. S. Bureau of Mines. One of these xylenols, the 1,3,2 derivative first reported by Steinkopf and Höpner,4 has been described by Brown and Branting.5 The other two derivatives, the 1,3,5 first reported by Schütz6 and the 1,2,3 reported by Steinkopf and Höpner, have now been studied in greater detail. In the present work the synthesis of 1,2,3-xylenol and 1,3,5-xylenol was repeated, with some improvements in the former. The hydroxyacetic acid derivatives were also prepared, and it was found that while the melting point of the 1,2,3 derivative agreed with that of Steinkopf and Höpner. that of the 1,3,5 derivative was found to be 111° instead of 85 to 86° as reported by Schütz, by Steinkopf, and later by Bruckner. The discrepancy between the melting-point figures is doubtless due to differences in the purity of the xylenols used in the synthesis of the acids. Schütz obtained his 1,3,5 acid by recrystallizing an impure sample obtained from a mixture of xylenols. The difficulty of obtaining a pure acid by starting with a mixture is demonstrated by Bruckner, who despite painstaking efforts was unable to obtain the pure 162.5° melting 1,2,4 isomer from a mixture that persistently melted at 138° C. Steinkopf did not repeat Schütz's work but merely used the latter's figures in compiling a table. Bruckner, on the other hand. apparently also made the acid (by an improved method), and it is difficult to explain his checking Schütz's figure, unless it is that he, too used a symmetrical xylenol obtained from a tar and not prepared synthetically, as was the one reported in this paper.

Jan 1, 1929