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By George C. Howard, P. P. Scott

During the drilling of wells, fractures which are created or widened by drilling fluid pressure are suspected of being a frequent cause of lost circulation. A study of the variables which are believed by the authors to he related to fracturing led to the premise that the presence of an effective lost circulation material in a drilling mud stream would serve to plug small fractures at the moment they are encountered or created and thereby a a possible cause of lost Circula. tion by preventing fluid pressure from widening and extending the fractures. A large number of lost circulation materials were classified and tested in simulated fractures and in shallow wells. Granular type materials with a gradation of particle sizes were found to be the most effective for plugging. Within the limits of pumpahility, the concentration in mud of each lost circulation material tested was found to be a controlling factor in determining the maximum size fracture which could be sealed. A new type centrifugal sorter was given preliminary tests and found to be capable of concentrating cuttings for rejection and reclaiming lost circulation materials. INTRODUCTION The control and prevention of lost circulation of drilling fluids is a problem frequently encountered during the drilling of oil and gas wells. Lost circulation or lost returns may be defined as the loss to formation voids of the drilling fluids or cement slurries used in the process of rotary drilling and well completion. The loss may vary from n gradual lowering of mud level in the pits to a complete loss of returns. Not to be confused with lost circulation is the continuous reduction in mud volume caused by the loss of the fluid phase of muds as filtrate and the solid phase as filter cake during the continuous filt~ation process which occurs on permeable formation surfaces. The loss of drilling fluids and their costly constituents is only one of the detrimental effects experienced when circulation is lost. The loss of drilling time, plugging of potentially productive formations, stuck drill pipe, blow-outs, excessive inflow of water, and excessive caving of formatioils are other effects which contribute to make the control and prevention

Jan 1, 1951

By P. P. Scott, George C. Howard

During the drilling of wells, fractures which are created or widened by drilling fluid pressure are suspected of being a frequent cause of lost circulation. A study of the variables which are believed by the authors to he related to fracturing led to the premise that the presence of an effective lost circulation material in a drilling mud stream would serve to plug small fractures at the moment they are encountered or created and thereby a a possible cause of lost Circula. tion by preventing fluid pressure from widening and extending the fractures. A large number of lost circulation materials were classified and tested in simulated fractures and in shallow wells. Granular type materials with a gradation of particle sizes were found to be the most effective for plugging. Within the limits of pumpahility, the concentration in mud of each lost circulation material tested was found to be a controlling factor in determining the maximum size fracture which could be sealed. A new type centrifugal sorter was given preliminary tests and found to be capable of concentrating cuttings for rejection and reclaiming lost circulation materials. INTRODUCTION The control and prevention of lost circulation of drilling fluids is a problem frequently encountered during the drilling of oil and gas wells. Lost circulation or lost returns may be defined as the loss to formation voids of the drilling fluids or cement slurries used in the process of rotary drilling and well completion. The loss may vary from n gradual lowering of mud level in the pits to a complete loss of returns. Not to be confused with lost circulation is the continuous reduction in mud volume caused by the loss of the fluid phase of muds as filtrate and the solid phase as filter cake during the continuous filt~ation process which occurs on permeable formation surfaces. The loss of drilling fluids and their costly constituents is only one of the detrimental effects experienced when circulation is lost. The loss of drilling time, plugging of potentially productive formations, stuck drill pipe, blow-outs, excessive inflow of water, and excessive caving of formatioils are other effects which contribute to make the control and prevention

Jan 1, 1951

By E. V. Crane

A TREMENDOUS volume of the metal rolled annually into sheets, strips and coil stock finds its way to a host of stamping and manufacturing plants which are the quantity production units of the country. Considerable in volume, too, are the rolled and extruded rods which go into forging and manufacturing plants for conversion into the same general line: those widely sold metallic necessities and luxuries of the household, the office, transportation, farming and building construction. Yet, in spite of its age and its importance, the stamping trade has been doing its "engineering" largely by trial and error. Its distinctive method is shearing out and plastically working metal to finished shape in a few quick strokes with high loads and expensive tools which are warranted only by large quantities to be produced. The principal operations have many features in common with rolling and wire-drawing methods. Combinations of stresses are different, however, and details of operations are infinite in variety. An engineering study of the subject begins with stress analysis, but must go back to metallurgy for its foundation. A grouping of pressed-metal working operations according to whether the metal is (1) sheared, (2) bent, (3) drawn or (4) squeezed has proved useful. All of these groups include instances of both hot and cold operations. For discussions of metal working properties, the division between hot and cold working is taken as the recrystallization range of temperature. This, of course, brings tin, lead and often zinc into the hot-work range at or near room temperature. The outstanding hot-working press field is in forging: particularly of brass; all of which is included in the squeezing group.

Jan 1, 1931

By R. S. Hoch, Roy A. Bobo

Maintenance of desirable plastic flow properties of weighted drilling muds may be greatly simplified by use of centrifugal classification to control the drilled solids content. The new application of a decanting type centrifuge to separate and reject the low density solids from the weighting material results in a drilling mud of greatly improved quality with lower values of yield and rigidity. Its practicality and economy has been proven in field operation. The degree of separation of light and heavy solids is not limited by the machine, but by the particle size distribution of the solids in the mud. Removal of the low density component of drilling mud that makes chemical treatment necessary permits a marked reduction in chemicals. The main uses of the centrifugal process are the treatment of muds while drilling, the reclaiming of discorded muds, cleaning up of workover muds, and the reduction in lime content of mud for completion. INTRODUCTION Drilling mud in any circulatory system is made viscous and difficult to pump by gradual accumulation of drilled solids which pass through the shale shaker and are continually reground. In a weighted mud containing a large proportion of barite by volume, the amount of drilled solids that may be tolerated is greatly reduced. Much effort has been expended to control by chemical treatment the effects of such solids. Though chemical treatment is quite effective, the time eventually comes at deeper depths after enough drilled solids have entered the system when a portion of the mud must be discarded and replaced with water and more weighting material. Once begun, this process is generally continued at frequent intervals with resultant high maintenance costs. At the termination of drilling, mud highly contaminated with light solids and spent chemicals is poorly suited for completion operations.' It is likewise limited in utility for other drilling operations. This investigation was conducted for the primary purpose of determining an acceptable mechanical means of removing the lightweight solids from weighted drilling muds in order to maintain viscosity at a minimum. A decanting type of centrifuge was selected from the various possible methods of mechanical separation. The centrifugal process has been employed in this country for this purpose in central mud reclamation systems in California in earlier years. It also was used for treatment of weighted muds on the Gulf Coast.' In more recent years only sporadic attempts have been made to employ it in the field on weighted muds. DISCUSSION OF PROCESS Selection of Apparatus Two factors favor mechanical procedure for the separation and removal of drilled solids or clays from the mud circulatory system. First, the greater specific gravity, 4.1 to 4.3, of the barite would promote more rapid settling than the clays whose specific gravity range is from 2.5 to 2.7. Second, the relative coarseness of the barite particles also facilitate faster settling of this phase. A decanting type of centrifuge was preferred for this process over other possible methods for these reasons: 1. Requires no costly additives or excess dilution. 2. Centrifugal force affords greatly accelerated separation as compared to gravity.

Jan 1, 1955

By Douglas Bunting

The first presentation of this paper was before the Pennsylvania Anthracite Section of the Institute in May, 1914, after which a committee was selected to verify and add to the data contained in the original paper. The author is indebted to G. W. Engel, H. W. Montz, R. V. Norris, and H. H. Otto, of this committee, for additional information. I also wish to acknowledge the courtesies extended me by a number of the mining companies for information relative to accidents, systems of proving, and mining practice. The paper should bring forth additional criticism and recommendations, which will be of value in establishing future practice relative to this subject. Throughout the northern anthracite field of Pennsylvania glacial and alluvial deposits of sand, gravel, and clay exist in varying quantities. The extent and character of these deposits are described by N. H. Darton in Bulletin 45 of the U. S. Bureau of Mines, entitled, Sand Available for Filling Mine Workings in the Northern Anthracite Basin. It is estimated that the northern field contains 10,000,000,000 tons of these deposits, or a sufficient quantity to cover the 176 square miles of coal area to a depth of about 25 ft. These deposits of sand, etc., overlying the coal measures attain a maximum depth of more than 300 ft., and are usually saturated to such an extent as to render them semi-fluid. It is this condition of fluidity that limits the mining of coal seams cropping in or in close proximity to these deposits, and it is in the interest of safer and more efficient mining methods under these conditions that the study of this subject is here presented. The dangers incident to mining under deep deposits of sand have long been realized by operators in the northern anthracite field, and much has been done to prove the contour of the rock and vein croppings underlying these water-bearing deposits of sand and gravel. Although, as far as we know, the accidents of the past have not resulted in the loss of life, except in two instances, yet nearly all were attended with more or less miraculous escapes of men working in the vicinity of the breaks, so that the probable existence of pot holes, etc.,

Jan 1, 1915

By Frank Alfred Fahrenwald

A complete list of the elements as given for 1915 includes 18 that melt above 1,700" C. There does not exist one complete thermal equilibrium diagram for any pair of these 18 elements. Several of these elements have been combined, in relatively small proportions, with metals of lower melting point: e.g., tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium, in steels, or with nickel and cobalt; but of this refractory group, platinum is the only one that has been extensively studied in this connection. When one considers that, with few exceptions, the industries have made use of alloys to the exclusion of pure metals, it is reasonable to expect that alloys of this refractory group will invade fields in which the pure metals have found little application. The past neglect of this class of metals has, no doubt, been partly due to the rarity of some of them, for even though alloys of very valuable properties should be developed, their cost, unless in exceptional applications, would be prohibitive. There is also a well-founded reluctance to undertake research involving very high temperatures which, in the case of most of these elements, must be accompanied by an inert atmosphere as well. This combination of high temperatures*and control of atmosphere within the heating chamber of any furnace of present design is a difficult problem. It is the purpose of this paper to give results,' of an investigation of one binary series of this group, in which methods were employed that avoided the usual difficulties accompanying high-temperature alloy investigation. , Historical.—The alloys of tungsten and molybdenum have received very little consideration during the past. A review of available literature reveals very little regarding this system, and that which has been recorded seems to be at fault. Mennicke2 writes, "Die bekannteste Verbindung

Jan 1, 1917

By D. C. Shelton

This paper discusses the metallurgical testing procedures and their applications at the laboratories and mills of Pima Mining Co. The author shows, using discussions and case histories, that routine sampling and evaluation of daily and monthly data can be as valuable as thorough laboratory investigations and mill test work. A great deal of valuable information can be made available this way. This paper discusses laboratory and mill metal-lurgical testing procedures and their applications at Pima Mining Co., located about 25 miles southwest of Tuscon, Ariz. The Company, incorporated in 1951 (the year the orebody was found) in California to operate the Pima mine, is jointly owned by Cyprus Mines Corp., Utah Contruction and Mining Co., and Union Oil Co. Milling started in December 1956. The main Pima orebody is a contact metamorphic vein of copper-bearing hornfels with an average dip of 45° to the south with an east-west strike. The hanging and footwalls are quartzitic pyroclastics (arkosite) containing some sulfides. Barren igneous intrusions are also present. Conglomerates and alluvial wash cover the deposit to a depth averaging about 200 ft. The principal copper mineral is chal-copyrite. Native copper, chalcocite, and minor amounts of chrysocolla and other copper minerals are also present, together with sphalerite and some molybdenite. Generally, it has been noted that the ratio of chalcocite to chalcopyrite is higher in the lower grade ores, while as the grade increases, there are only minor amounts of chalcocite. Open pit mining is employed at Pima, using both trucks and an inclined skiphoist system. A detailed description of Pima Mining Co. operations was presented by Spaulding et all. More recently another orebody to the north and east of the present pit has been discovered and will be placed in operation within a few years. This ore is of a porphyritic rather than a lode nature since values are disseminated in both igneous and metamor- phosed sedimentary rocks. The new orebody is expected to be harder and cleaner than the present deposit. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Pima Mining Co. nor of the profession in general. PlMA MILL The following outline of milling practice is presented to furnish a background for later chapters of this report wherein specific problems will be detailed and analyzed. Run of mine ore is crushed in three stages, using conventional equipment to 85% minus 1/2-in. for feed to two 10 x l6-ft rod mills operating in open circuit. Each rod mill discharge is split between two 10% x 13-ft ball mills in closed circuit with three 20-in. cyclones. In addition, a 7 x 12-ft ball mill with one 20-in. cyclone receives part of the discharge from one of the rod mills. This equipment was manufactured by Allis Chalmers and Equipment Engineers. The cyclone overflows are combined, sampled and, after joining the regrind cyclone overflow, are distributed into 12 10-cell Fagergren 66-in. flotation machines. The primary rougher concentrate produced

Jan 1, 1965

By N. E. Garner

Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the cutting of a single diamond on limestone and shale under simulated down-hole conditions. A high-pressure chamber was modified by adding a rock-rotating device so that planing tests could be run. Weight on the diamond, diamond geometry and differential pressure across the face of the rock were varied. It was found that (I) high differential pressure reduced the volume of rock cut by the diamond at a given bit weight by strengthening the rock and changing the mode of failure; (2) a finely powdered rock left in the bottom of the grooves reduced the volume cut by as much as 50 percent; and (3) orientation of a single diamond about the axis of a drill point had considerable influence on diamond cutting efficiency. INTRODUCTION Diamond bits consist of many diamonds held in a matrix provided with water courses for fluid passage to clean, cool and lubricate the diamonds as they drill formation. Each diamond contributes its share to the overall effectiveness of a bit, but a lack of understanding of the performance of a single diamond has hampered efforts to engineer improvements in diamond bits. The need for those improvements prompted this study. This paper describes the findings of a laboratory investigation of the outting action of a single diamond where the differential pressure between the wdlbore and formation, diamond geometry and vertical force on the diamond were independently varied. The tests were conducted in a pressure chamber that provided relative horizontal motion (planing) between a rock and diamond under simulated down-hole pressure conditions. EQUIPMENT HIGH-PRESSURE CHAMBER WITH ROTATING DEVICE The high-pressure chamber used in previous rock mechanics studies' was modified for this study by addition of a rock-rotating device. The modified chamber (Fig. 1) differs from the old chamber in that the rock can be rotated to provide relative horizontal movement between the rock and the penetrator which may be a small element of a diamond or a drag bit. In this study the penetrator was a single diamond. The rock sample holder inside the chamber is mounted on a thrust bearing and is connected to the external drive mechanism by a stem that passes through two seal elements. The seal elements are needed to allow formation pressure to enter the bottom of the rock sample through a small hole in the stem. The Kapseal seal elements (Tefion boots backed by O-rings) provide low friction (hand free) even at differentials of 5,000 psi. The drive mechanism is a variable-speed transmission with a speed range from 0 to 30 rpm and an output torque of 2,800 in.-lb. A right-angle-drive gear box couples the drive to the stem. The new design has two independent pressure systems (formation and borehole) to simulate down-hole rock stress environment. Formation pressure enters from the bottom of the rock through a 6-in. diameter area, and borehole pressure acts over the remaining surface. A 14-in. layer of zero fluid loss oil-base mud poured over the top of the rock and an O-ring seal on bottom allow a differential between the borehole and formation pressures. Bayol 50 was used as the hydraulic fluid in the chamber. The differentials reported here were obtained by elevating the borehole pressure while keeping the formation pressure at zero.

By Wilford S. Wright

FOR the past four years the management of the Black Hawk Consolidated Mines plant at Mogollon has conscientiously kept accurate records pertaining to cost of operation and the performance of certain equipment. These records have been valuable in coordinating the work in the mine, mill and power plant. Also, as to quantity and kind of equipment and supplies most suitable from the standpoint of economy and dependable operation, they have served as a guide. Through comparison with records at other mines, where the same things are being done in a different way, they have pointed out mistakes to be avoided. No outstanding accomplishments, either in costs or performances, are revealed; in fact, some of the results are perhaps quite inferior to those obtained at similar plants, but it is with the thought that more records should be published for the benefit of the mining profession that the author presents these data. To other operators and to mining engineers who are called upon to make estimates for prospective operations, the information herein should be helpful. GENERAL CONDITIONS Mogollon is in the southern part of Catron County, southwestern New Mexico. It lies near the western border of the Mogollon Range, 14 miles east of the Arizona line. Silver City, 80 miles to the southeast, is the nearest railroad point. The connecting road, over which supplies are hauled into camp by trucks, is an improved highway for about 50 miles; the remainder consists of graveled roads and unimproved steep mountain grades. One general supply truck and one tank truck make daily round trips. Hauling of supplies to the mine has cost at the rate of $0.08 per ton-mile; or, on the basis of ore production, $0.30 per ton mined. Lumber, hauled in from local mills, has cost an average of $30.00 per 1000 board feet, $8.50 of which has been for hauling. The annual consumption averages 108,000 board feet. Lime, hauled from a plant in Arizona, is about the only other item not brought out from Silver City. Fuel oil for the generation of power is the item of greatest hauling expense, the f.o.b. Mogollon cost of approximately $0.06 per gal. being nearly twice the f.o.b. refinery price. Water for power plant, mill and camp use flows to camp storage tanks through a 4-in. pipe line from a spring and intake 3 miles up Silver Creek Canyon. A few times, particularly in the month of June, mill operations have been suspended for two or three days because of water shortage. MINING CONDITIONS During the years 1938, 1939, 1940 and 1941, the mine produced 230,059 dry tons

Jan 1, 1943

By Robert Y. Grant

This study outlines the history of metal mining in Japan and the characteristics of the industry as they existed from 1925 to 1945. Mining and milling operations are described together with the role of the Japanese Government. A description of post-hostilities conditions and the present state of the industry is included. MANY of Japan's larger and better known mines date back to the early centuries of the Christian Era. The first stimulus to mining in Japan came through the growth of Buddhism, A. D. 600 to 700, and the attendant need for copper and other metals for temple ornaments and statues. During the Feudal period, 1333 to 1568, mine operations were expanded to meet the demand for ornament metal and for financing of campaigns. After removal of the seat of government from Kyoto to Tokyo, about 1600, the Tokugawa Shogunate placed great emphasis on mining, and many new mines were opened, some of which are still operating. Toward the end of the Tokugawa period, mining had declined sharply from its earlier peak. The easily worked, high grade portions of the orebodies had been exhausted, and the mining techniques then available could not exploit the deeper, lower grade ores. Similarly, extraction of metal from the sulphide ores presented a major problem. With the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and the rapid opening of the country to western ideas came a rejuvenation of the mining industry. Mining, milling, and smelting processes were greatly improved, resulting in the extension of development work into hitherto inaccessible portions of orebodies. The demand for metal during World War I stimulated activity throughout the industry; copper mining, particularly, expanded to a point where Japan ranked second among world producers.* During the depression following the war, mining underwent a severe contraction in activity, recovering slowly during the late 1920's only to undergo a further setback in the worldwide depression which started in 1929. Mineral output declined in 1930, but the beginning of Japanese expansion, 1931 to 1932, brought about an increase in the output of mine products starting between 1932 to 1934. Production continued to rise, the peak output being attained 1939 to 1943 in virtually all commodities. The greatest production of iron ore, chromite, and manganese was not experienced until 1944 when blocked imports, coupled with strong demands for steel, provided the needed incentive. Through necessity, Japan produced much of her mineral needs from her own mines at high cost during World War 11. Taking the 1932 to 1936 period as an average, however, Japanese mines produced only 16 pct of the iron available to industry, 8 pct of the lead, 33 pct of the zinc, and 68 pct of the copper. Nearly all of Japan's output of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc between 1925 and 1945 came from 30 to 49 pct of the mines for which production data are available; for example, 66 of 174 gold-silver mines accounted for 98 pct of the output of this group. Further analysis of mine output indicates that a large part of Japan's metal output was derived from a few large mines; about 10 gold-silver, 15 copper, 3 lead-zinc, 5 manganese, and 2 iron mines account for most of the production. Many of these mines have been operated for 200 to 400 years. With the

Jan 1, 1952

By Frederick F. Sharpless

The term "segregation," as here used, means the separation of certain natural resources into groups, consisting of one or more members, with the idea that when thus segregated, each group may be more easily and effectively administrated. We may, for example, consider surface rights as distinct from underground rights, and stop there; or we may go further, and deal separately with timber, water, and agricultural rights, or, going underground, we might deal separately with such groups as precious and base metals, clay, oil, gas, etc. The present paper contemplates only the separation so far as practicable, for administrative purposes, of surface from mineral rights. " Classification," in this paper, has reference to the groups into which the government has divided, is dividing, or will hereafter divide its natural resources; first, into the broad classes of mineral and agricultural lands; and, second, into coal, oil, phosphate, brine lands, etc., the central idea being the separation into natural groups for the purpose of simplifying administration and for the purpose of encouraging maximum development and minimum waste. The two subjects are in some respects quite distinct, but as my argument develops, I think it will be obvious why they are discussed in the same paper. In the pursuit of our professions as mining engineers, geologists, or operators, we are continually confronted by conditions with which our present mining laws or regulations are incompatible. It may be a conflict, hardship or injustice, a piece of favoritism, or of unnecessary red tape; or we may see lack of development in a promising locality, and wonder what is the reason. Often we can see where a modification, slight or radical, in the laws would have obviated the difficulty without doing harm to any of those immediately concerned. Such alterations as individuals could intelligently suggest would be based on a relatively small number of situations occurring in their experiences. The published replies to the queries formulated by the various committees on mining law appear generally to reflect personal experience. Concerning a few points, there is a marked uniforhity of opinion, while on other points opinions

Jan 1, 1915

By F. A. Veer, W. G. Burgers, B. H. Kolster

Starting-- from Cu-Si diffusion couples a study of diffusion in the intermetallic compound Cu3Si of the Cu-Si system has been made. Mmker experiments showed copper to be the diffusing element. From the rate of growth of the Cu3Si phase diffusion coefficients were derived. The activation energy for diffusion is 18.6 kcal per mole. The couples show some interesting microscopic features, for which a tentative explanation is given. THE synthesis of dimethyldichlorosilane, (CH3)2SiC12, an important compound in the manufacture of methyl-silicones, takes place at the surface of a thin Cu3Si layer deposited on a mass of silicon particles."' By passing CH3C1 vapor at about 350°C, silicon atoms are consumed from Cu3Si in forming the volatile silane molecules, thus leaving copper atoms at the surface. It is well-known that copper acts as a poison for the above-mentioned reaction by catalyzing the dissociation of methylchloride.' However, no poisonous effect is observed, at least not before most of the silicon from the particles is converted into silane.3 This would be understandable, if either the copper atoms diffuse through the Cu3Si deposit to the underlying silicon or silicon atoms diffuse in the reverse direction to the copper, both processes resulting in the formation of new Cu3Si and so ensuring the proceeding of the reaction. In this paper experiments are described, demonstrating copper to be the diffusing element. Also a very low activation energy for the diffusion is observed. EXPERIMENTAL The silicon used contained 1 ppm Mg and 1 ppm Cu; the copper was spectroscopically pure (Fe: 2 ppm; Ag, Mg, Si: 1 ppm). The copper and silicon samples were prepared in the form of blocks of approximately 10 by 10 by 5 mm with two parallel sides by spark-machining. The blocks were ground on emery paper (grit 600), etched (copper with nitric acid, silicon with a 4:l nitric acid:hydrofluoric acid mixture), and cleaned with alcohol. As the brittleness of the silicon did not allow a welding procedure to prepare the diffusion couples, the copper and silicon blocks were pressed together in a steel clamp. The pressure exerted by the clamp brought about contact between the parts of the couple and so ensured proceeding of the diffusion. The couples were heated in a vacuum furnace (about 10"5 Torr). The temperature was stabilized within 1 pct. After a heat treatment a section parallel to the direction of diffusion was examined in the microscope and in the X-ray scanning microanalyzer. To determine whether copper or silicon is the diffusing element marker experiments were carried out using tungsten wires with a 20-p diam. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 give micrographs of diffusion zones of Cu/Si couples. Analysis by the electron mi-croprobe of the Cu/Si samples after a definite heat treatment revealed the existence of only one intermetallic phase as can be seen from the line scan shown in Fig. 5. From the X-ray diffraction pattern it could be deduced that this phase was CU 3 Si.4 Even when diffusion zones of considerable width (up to 600 p) were obtained, no other phases occurring in the Cu-Si system could be detected, neither by the electron microprobe nor by X-ray diffraction analysis. The optical anisotropy of the Cu3Si phase made it possible to observe the columnar shape of the crystal-

Jan 1, 1969

By Peter A. Allen

INTRODUCTION Lac Minerals Ltd., a significant North American producer of gold and other metals for over three decades, recently completed the financing for its third discovery in an eight year period. From 1975 to 1982, three important gold deposits in Quebec and Ontario: namely Bousquet, Doyon and Hemlo, were located and tested by company geologists. When current development plans are complete, Lac will have injected $400 million into these deposits. A discussion of these projects and their financing reveals some extraordinary challenges faced by top mining management. Responses to these challenges developed by Lac management may interest executives planning to proceed with new North American gold or base metal mines. MINE DE BOUSQUET In 1976, we explored a property containing a large low grade surface gold deposit. The geologial setting was exciting and we tested recent rethinking about the volcanigenic genesis of gold and base metal occurrences. These ideas helped pus to persist in drilling a nearby conductor and 600,000 ton, 0.22 ounce/ton orebody was outlined. With gold at $Cdn.150 per ounce the feasibility was approved and work started February 1978. Availability of a company custom mill 35 miles away reduced our immediate capital needs to $8.5 million. First of all, understanding the geological significance of results at Bousquet was critical. Mine and surface exploration geologists at Lac are continually and closely working together to better understand the nature of gold deposits in the Shield. This management emphasis on both pure and mine geology meant that a much larger ore reserve could confidently be predicted. (A proposal to quickly develop and ship the ore to a nearby company mine was discarded.) Instead of designing just for the initial plan of 500 tons per day we therefore included headframe, shaft and hoisting capacity for 1,700 tons and provided a compartment for future shaft deepening. These prebuilt additions were welcomed within two years. The type of collaboration whereby surface and mine geologists make study and field projects of each other's problems sets the foundation for this predictive ability. At Lac, the traditional responsibility for and supervision of the mine geologist by the mine manager is modified by this collaboration. This adds interest and scope to the geologist's work and lets him think beyond production requirements. Besides such management considerations, dedicated, professional geologists with integrity and lots of practical experience are needed to plan successful developments like Bousquet. Second, projecting future bullion revenue was critical and our experience selling production for future delivery gave us a way to ensure that loan repayment at term would not be jeopardized by falling metal prices. Output from a single mine is often reduced or curtailed for numerous reasons, so "selling forward" is done best and with least risk by companies like Lac with more than one or two producing locations for that metal. At first, a forward marketing program was considered unwise, speculative and unorthodox by analysts and other producers. Declining markets in the early 1980s prolonged gold project capital recoveries however, and critics were better able to appreciate the usefulness of such a tool. The notion that gold miners shouldn't sell forward is rooted in the belief that long-run gold prices will rise as modern social theory implementation in democracies inevitably erodes currency values. Selling against this trend goes against this industry belief or "ethic" and is at odds with the company shareholder who expects the gold price to rise not fall. Nonetheless, an efficient tool is available to the gold producer (not to most other metal producers) to quickly disengage from adverse price trends or to lock in spot prices instantaneously for two years or more of profits. Gold had recently retreated from U.S.$200 to $104 and now had reversed to $150. Lac had been forced to close several of its producers during the late 1960s because central bank-controlled

Jan 1, 1985

By R. Al-Hussainy, H. J. Ramey

Previous gas well test analyses have been based mainly upon linearizations of ideal gas flow results, although a method for drawdown analysis based upon real gas flow results has been proposed. Linearizations based upon ideal gas flow require estimation of gas physical properties at Tome sort of average pressure, and implicitly involve the assumption that pressure gradients are small everywhere in the reservoir. A new real gas flow equation has been developed by means of a substitution which couples presTure, viscosity and gas law deviation factor. This sub-stitution has been called the real gas pseudo-pressure. Use of the real gas pseudo-pressure leads to simple equations describing real gas flow which do not contain pressure-dependent gas properties, and which do not require the assumption of small pressure gradients everywhere in the flow system. Equations required to determine flow capacity, well condition and static formation pressure from pressure drawdown and build-up tests with the real gas pseudo-pressure concept are presented. Also shown are applications of the real gas pseudo-pressure to back-pressure testing, the gas materials balance and rigorous determination of average gas properties for previous gas flow equations. Included are sample calculations for well test analyses. INTRODUCTION A recent study' of the flow of the transient flow of real gases in ideal radial systems showed that it is possible to consider gas physical property dependence upon pressure by means of a substitution called the real gas pseudo-pressure. The substitution has the advantage that it enables engineering solutions for steady and transient flow of real gases that are more accurate and general than those previously available. The solutions are particularly important for the case of gas flow in tight, high-pressure formations under large drawdowns. Even for more ideal flow conditions, the real gas pseudo-pressure concept leads to important rules for finding average gas physical properties pertinent for older well test analyses. Ref. I provides a detailed study of the theory behind the real gas flow correlations to be used in this paper. The purpose of this paper is to provide necessary engineering forms for use of the real gas flow results, and to illustrate applications. The following considers flow of real gases in an ideal radial flow system. It is assumed that: (1) formation thickness, porosity, water saturation, absolute permeability, temperature and gas composition are constant; (2) gas compressibility and density are functions of pressure as described by the gas law pv = znRT; (3) gas viscosrty is a function of pressure; (4) effective permeability to gas may be a function of pressure to account for liquid condensation; (5) condensate is immobile; and (6) the formation has no dip.

Jan 1, 1967

By Duane H. Haley

Dr. F. Well, the first thing that you have to realize is what is the Bureau of Mines? The Bureau of Mines basically has two functions. First it does the research and development relating to mining, processing, conversion, refining, recycling and substitution for minerals and materials. We work hand in hand with the U. S. Geological Survey on the geological end, although the exploration part of the game is theirs, and there is a very good relationship between the Survey and the Bureau of Mines. There are some overlaps with the Office of Coal Research, and we expect to be able to straighten out the areas of overlap, because it's important than OCR and the Bureau work together. Both the Office of Coal Research and the Bureau of Mines will have increased budgets next year, assuming that they are appropriated by the Congress. The other general area is in the whole area of mineral policy. The Bureau of Mines again is the key agency for developing data and analyses and making recommendations on all types of mineral policy in the Federal Government. It's a focal point for all types of minerals activities. It's the only real centralized focal point, along with the USGS, in the whole Federal Government. The problem areas, to answer your question specifically, are first of all the Bureau of Mines budget this year is $105 million and the budget for next year is $215 million, so it's more than double. Now, assuming that this budget is appropriated by the Congress, most of that money will be used for research and development in the energy area.

Jan 4, 1974

By O. G. Kiel, G. W. Swift

The concept of "a continuous succession of steady-states", which has been applied successfully by Aromfsky and Jenkins to obtain a solution for the nonlinear partial differential equation describing the transient Darcy flow of gas through porous media, is demonstrated to be equally valid for transient non-Darcy flow. A mathematical model, which numerically solves the partial differential equation, is used to check the validity of the succession of steady-states solution. Comparison of sand-face pressure histories compelted by the two methods shows excellent agreement. The utility of the succession of steady-states solution in predicting performance of gas wells rests in the fact that no special computation equipment is required. The development of the succession of steady-states solution leads also to a practical method for determining and analyzing field test data. A method for taking gas-well test data under constant-rate conditions is presented. Experimental data obtained in the field by employing the constant-rate method are presented and analyzed in accordance with the succession of steady-states solution. Analysis of data in this fashion is demonstrated to give direct "in situ" information for reservoir permeability, porosity and turbulence or non-Darcy coefficient. INTRODUCTION The economics of gas production are dependent upon the transient behavior of flow within the reservoir. For production from a finite reservoir, the transient flow behavior can be subdivided into two parts. At first, the transient caused by the movement of the pressure "wave" into the reservoir is of importance. Later in the production history, the pressure-wave movement ceases and the second transient stage of material depletion becomes controlling. For reservoirs of relatively high permeability, it can be shown that the pressure wave moves into the reservoir and stabilizes quite rapidly. In the case of relatively impermeable reservoirs, quite the opposite is true. Although it is theoretically possible to compute the production capability of a well from the properties of the reservoir as determined by static tests and core analyses, more reliable information is obtained by conducting flow tests on the well and thereby obtaining some measure of "in situ" formation properties. For gas wells, there are two basic types of tests in existence: the flow-after-flow method,' and the isochronal method.' Both of these techniques are tailored to obtain data that can be analyzed in accordance with the empirical performance equation: In addition, the isochronal method makes provision for the sluggish nature of pressure-wave movement in "tight" formations by requiring pressure build-up between flows and by stipulating that data obtained on successive flows be analyzed at equal elapsed flow times. It can be demonstrated that either test is valid for reservoirs of high permeability. Further, since it has been pointed out that the pressure wave stabilizes rapidly for reservoirs of this type, tests of relatively short duration will give stabilized information on the performance of a well. Further decline of sand-face pressure and/or production rate may be determined by employing material-balance techniques. Cullender' points out that for relatively impermeable reservoirs the flow-after-flow method gives invalid results. (See Appendix C.) If the isochronal method of testing is used, there are two alternatives: (1) the tests must be conducted for a sufficient length of time to obtain stabilized information (which may require months to accomplish); or (2) some method for extrapolating the results of short-term isochronal tests must be employed. The first alternative is impracticable because of manpower, conservation and economic considerations. Recourse to the second alternative requires some assurance regarding the reliability of the extrapolation technique. Poettmann and SchilsonJ present an empirical method for predicting stabilized performance. The present investigation was originally initiated to determine the reliability of this technique. To do this, a mathematical model was developed to simulate the Darcy and non-Darcy flow of gas through porous media. The model consisted of a finite-difference approximation of the nonlinear partial differential equation which was solved on an IBM 7090 computer. Long-term production histories were simulated by the model and compared against predictions obtained from the Poettmann-Schilson method. As the work progressed, it became apparent that a straightforward predictive equation could be developed by utilizing the concept of a succession of steady-states. As a result, the emphasis of the work was redirected to exploit the advantages of the new method.

By F. W. Schremp, J. W. Chittum, T. S. Arczynski

This paper describes a laboratory study of causes of external casing corrosion and the test work that led to the use of oxygen scavengers to prevent this attack. External casing failures are classified as water-line, casing-casing, collar and body failures. A corrosion mechanism based on principles of differential oxygen availability is developed that is consistent with facts known about each kind of failure. The field use of oxygen scavengers is depicted as a direct result of the laboratory study. A part of the paper is devoted to reporting on the field use of hydra-zine to control external casing corrosion. Results of field measurements made over a period of several years are presented as evidence of the efectiveness of the hydrazine treatment. The first conclusion reached is that the use of hydrazine materially reduces the cathodic protection requirements for treated wells. This result is interpreted to mean that a reduction is taking place in the amount of corrosion on the casing. Results indicate also that hydrazine shows its greatest usefulness within the first 12 to 18 months after a well is completed when pitting corrosion is likely to be most active. INTRODUCTION According to surveys sponsored by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers,' the cost of repairing casing leaks caused by external corrosion may exceed $4 million per year. In addition, well damage and lost production resulting from casing leaks probably costs the petroleum industry an additional $5 to $6 million per year. Concern about the cost of external casing corrosion led to an extensive laboratory study of factors causing this external corrosion and to the development of a new approach to its prevention. This paper presents a discussion of various causes of external casing corrosion, details of laboratory studies and the results of the field use of an oxygen scavenger in well cementing fluids to prevent the external corrosion of oil-string casing. Measurements on test wells over a period of several years show that cathodic-protection current requirements are greatly reduced when hydrazine is used in cementing mud. Reduction of current requirements can be interpreted to mean that removal of oxygen by hydrazine has greatly suppressed corrosion cells on the external surface of the casing and thereby, has reduced corrosion. To date, hydrazine has been used by the Standard Oil Co. of California in more than 200 well completions. KINDS OF CASING FAILURES A survey of a large number of casing leaks disclosed four types of external casing failures — water-line, casing-casing, collar and body failures. These types are identified largely by their location on the casing. Water-line failures are found just below the surface of water or mud in the casing annulus. Casing-casing failures occur on the oil string just below the shoe of the surface string. Collar failures are found in the threaded ends of casing joints where they are screwed into casing collars. Body failures may occur at any point on the body of a casing joint. Ex- amples of each kind of failure have some of the general characteristics that are shown in Fig. 1. Water-line failures usually result in the circumferential severance of an oil-string casing. The corrosive action causing a water-line failure usually is sharply defined and is limited to a short length of the casing. Casing-casing failures usually are accompanied by pitting corrosion distributed around the oil-string casing for distances up to 100-ft below the shoe of the surface string. Casing-casing failures may also sever the casing. Collar failures seem to start on the first thread at the bottom of recesses between collar and casing joint. Corrosion proceeds across the threads by what appears to be a normal pitting mechanism. Both casing and collar are severely attacked. Body failures are the result of highly localized pitting at any point on a casing wall. Besides the pit that perforates a casing, a large number of other pits usually are found along one side of the casing joint. The pits occasionally are filled with corrosion products consisting largely of oxides and sulfides.' Frequently, the mill scale is largely intact on the rest of the casing. Examination of a casing failure does not always reveal the cause of the failure. Frequently, the necessary details are destroyed when the failure occurs. For example, formation water flowing through a perforation at high velocity may enlarge the hole and destroy any remaining evidence of the cause of the failure. One way to obtain undistorted information about a failure is to study the nature of other pits on the casing in the vicinity of the failure. A study of such pits frequently suggests that they are characteristic of an attack resulting from the differential availability of molecular oxygen.

By Louis Moyd

The Concrete Research Division, U.S. Corps of Engineers, has developed a simple procedure for determining the coefficients of linear thermal expansion of rocks by means of resistance wire (SR-4) strain gauges. Gauges are cemented to the surfaces of specimens, which are then brought alternately to temperatures of 35OF and 1350F. Results are accurate to the seventh decimal place. IN the course of investigations of the thermal properties of various rocks proposed for use as aggregates in concrete structures, a relatively rapid method of determining coefficients of linear thermal expansion was required. A method which proved to be satisfactory for this purpose was developed in the petrographic laboratory of the Concrete Research Division, U.S. Corps of Engineers, at Clinton, Miss. The method is based on the fact that strain effects in a specimen can be determined by measuring variations in the resistance of an electrical conductor firmly cemented to the surface of the specimen. Equipment for the determination of strain, electrically, has been developed by the Baldwin-South-wark Division of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. This equipment includes small strain gauges made of coils of resistance wire bonded between thin sheets of paper (SR-4 gauges), and a portable "Strain Indicator" which records variations in the length of the gauges in microinches per inch. Gauges of this type are now in general use for determinations of various mechanically-induced strains, but their use for the determination of coefficients of thermal expansion appears to be a new application. The advantages of the method are that the test specimens may be relatively small and require only a minor amount of preparation, that a large number of tests can be run at the same time, and that the installation and operation of the equipment is relatively simple. The method and equipment described are now in regular use for determining the coefficients of linear thermal expansion of rock samples submitted to this laboratory. Rocks which have been tested include granites, syenites, gabbros, and other igneous rocks, limestones and dolomitic limestones, sandstones, and quartzites. Specimen Preparation: To standardize the conditions of the tests, the rock specimens are sliced by diamond saw into slabs about 11/2x11/4 in. In the case of bedded or foliated rocks, three oriented slabs are cut from the same specimen, and represent, respectively, a direction in a plane of the bedding or foliation of the rock; a direction along the bedding or foliation and at a right angle to the first; and a direction across the planes of bedding or foliation. One of the large surfaces of each slab is lapped for a few minutes with No. 100 abrasive powder to remove saw scars and irregularities. The slabs are soaked in petroleum ether and then dried in an oven to remove all traces of oil picked up in the sawing

Jan 1, 1951

By Louis Moyd

The Concrete Research Division, U.S. Corps of Engineers, has developed a simple procedure for determining the coefficients of linear thermal expansion of rocks by means of resistance wire (SR-4) strain gauges. Gauges are cemented to the surfaces of specimens, which are then brought alternately to temperatures of 35OF and 1350F. Results are accurate to the seventh decimal place. IN the course of investigations of the thermal properties of various rocks proposed for use as aggregates in concrete structures, a relatively rapid method of determining coefficients of linear thermal expansion was required. A method which proved to be satisfactory for this purpose was developed in the petrographic laboratory of the Concrete Research Division, U.S. Corps of Engineers, at Clinton, Miss. The method is based on the fact that strain effects in a specimen can be determined by measuring variations in the resistance of an electrical conductor firmly cemented to the surface of the specimen. Equipment for the determination of strain, electrically, has been developed by the Baldwin-South-wark Division of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. This equipment includes small strain gauges made of coils of resistance wire bonded between thin sheets of paper (SR-4 gauges), and a portable "Strain Indicator" which records variations in the length of the gauges in microinches per inch. Gauges of this type are now in general use for determinations of various mechanically-induced strains, but their use for the determination of coefficients of thermal expansion appears to be a new application. The advantages of the method are that the test specimens may be relatively small and require only a minor amount of preparation, that a large number of tests can be run at the same time, and that the installation and operation of the equipment is relatively simple. The method and equipment described are now in regular use for determining the coefficients of linear thermal expansion of rock samples submitted to this laboratory. Rocks which have been tested include granites, syenites, gabbros, and other igneous rocks, limestones and dolomitic limestones, sandstones, and quartzites. Specimen Preparation: To standardize the conditions of the tests, the rock specimens are sliced by diamond saw into slabs about 11/2x11/4 in. In the case of bedded or foliated rocks, three oriented slabs are cut from the same specimen, and represent, respectively, a direction in a plane of the bedding or foliation of the rock; a direction along the bedding or foliation and at a right angle to the first; and a direction across the planes of bedding or foliation. One of the large surfaces of each slab is lapped for a few minutes with No. 100 abrasive powder to remove saw scars and irregularities. The slabs are soaked in petroleum ether and then dried in an oven to remove all traces of oil picked up in the sawing

Jan 1, 1951

By C. M. Ball

The magnetic concentration of iron-ores has been so often and so widely studied and discussed among the members of the Institute that any remarks concerning its general importance, from an economic standpoint, would be superfluous; but it is thought that a description of the Ball and Norton ore-separator, designed for cobbing and separating magnetic iron-ores, indicating its essential differences from other machines and the advantages claimed for it, together with some account of recent results obtained in its application to the concentration of such ores, will prove of interest. This machine is the joint invention of Mr. Sheldon Norton, of Hokendauqua, Pa., and the writer, and has been patented in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Of the accompanying illustrations, Pig. 1 represents a longitudinal vertical section of the perfected ore-separator, adapted for separating fine ore, and Fig. 2 the same, adapted for cobbing ore of the size of stove- or chestnut-coal. The two designs are identical in principle, and vary from each other in minor details only. The apparatus consists of a partially-closed chest, having an opening at f, from the feed-hopper, h, through which the ore is delivered to the machine from an ore-pocket or storage-bin provided with means for regulating the flow of ore, so that, when the machine

Jan 1, 1891