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By Frederick M. Becket, Russell Franks

In a recent article,l which described the softening effect of columbium in plain high-chromium steels, the authors stated that their investigations had shown columbium to be also a particularly valuable inhibitor of intergranular corrosion in steels of the 18 per cent chromium, 8 per cent nickel type. It is the purpose of the present paper to record some of the results obtained through the introduction of columbium to the austenitic chromium-nickel steels. The damaging effects of this type of corrosion have become so widely known as to restrict considerably the applications of the steels under consideration, and therefore there is little question of the importance of the goal to be attained. Numerous contributions concerning the susceptibility of the austenitic chromium-nickel steels to intergranular corrosion have appeared during the past few years, and among others who have dealt constructively with the subject are such well-known authors as Strauss and Houdremont of Germany, Hatfield of England, and Bain in the United States. Different theories have been propounded as to the cause of intergranular corrosion, and various remedial measures have been proposed, the majority of which involve the use of addition agents. Titanium is the addition agent at present most generally employed, as suggested by Houdremont and modified as described by Bain, Aborn and Rutherford. Little has been published on the effects of holding these steels for long periods at the relatively lower temperatures in the presence of corroding media, and the effects have mot been fully realized by producer and consumer.

Jan 1, 1934

By A. W. Ross, William Marsh Baldwin, T. S. Howald

The related subjects of preferred orientation, directionality in physical properties, and earing tendencies of wrought metal strip have attracted the attention of metallurgists to such an extent that in the past 20 years hundreds of researches have been published on this one general problem. The anisotropy of tensile strength and elongation have been exhaustively studied in their relationship to the occurrence of ears in cups drawn from strip'-~O.~g and, to a lesser extent: yield strength7."-l7 and stress-strain curves'5 have been investigated. Despite the tremendous fund of knowledge thus accrued, no simple quantitative correlation of directionality and earing tendencies has yet been found. In a sense, this is not surprising. The formation of ears in a drawn cup clearly is a special phase of the general study of metal flow; in particular (as will be brought out in the course of this paper), ears are due to anistropy in the rates of deformation of the metal in the radial, circumferential, and "thickness" directions of the original blank. It would be difficult to effect a correlation between caring tendency and a property that may be completely independent of the flow of metal, or at best related to metal flow in an exceedingly complex fashion. Yet, it is this correlation that has been attempted; tensile strength and elongation are attributes of metal rupture. a phenomenon that has quite admirably been shown to be distinct from the phenomenon of metal flow,21 while yield strength and stress-strain

Jan 1, 1946

By William Marsh Baldwin, T. S. Howald, A. W. Ross

The related subjects of preferred orientation, directionality in physical properties, and earing tendencies of wrought metal strip have attracted the attention of metallurgists to such an extent that in the past 20 years hundreds of researches have been published on this one general problem. The anisotropy of tensile strength and elongation have been exhaustively studied in their relationship to the occurrence of ears in cups drawn from strip'-~O.~g and, to a lesser extent: yield strength7."-l7 and stress-strain curves'5 have been investigated. Despite the tremendous fund of knowledge thus accrued, no simple quantitative correlation of directionality and earing tendencies has yet been found. In a sense, this is not surprising. The formation of ears in a drawn cup clearly is a special phase of the general study of metal flow; in particular (as will be brought out in the course of this paper), ears are due to anistropy in the rates of deformation of the metal in the radial, circumferential, and "thickness" directions of the original blank. It would be difficult to effect a correlation between caring tendency and a property that may be completely independent of the flow of metal, or at best related to metal flow in an exceedingly complex fashion. Yet, it is this correlation that has been attempted; tensile strength and elongation are attributes of metal rupture. a phenomenon that has quite admirably been shown to be distinct from the phenomenon of metal flow,21 while yield strength and stress-strain

Jan 1, 1946

By Strathmore R. B. Cooke, William F. Stowasser

RESULTS presented in a previous paper1 have shown that the strength of fired pellets made from eastern Mesabi magnetite concentrates containing 8 to 9 pct Si02 as quartz and silicates is due to several processes which occur during firing. These are: l-recrystallization and cementation of the fragmented magnetite grains; 2-formation of slag from reaction between the quartz, silicates, and available ferrous iron, followed by slag-bonding of the magnetite grains; and 3-oxidation of the magnetite to hematite and subsequent recrystallization and grain growth of this constituent. Microscopic examination of all magnetite pellets fired in one operation in small and large-scale pilot plant furnaces and possessing normal strengths shows that the processes 1,2, and 3 have taken place; where strengths are low and the pellets are otherwise sub- normal, one or more of the processes has not occurred. For example, soft and friable red pellets may contain a central core of slag-bonded recrystallized magnetite which is strong enough in itself, but the shell contains only slightly recrystallized hematite, indicating that the maximum temperature reached was too low. Processes 1 and 2 can occur only under reducing conditions, as for example, when coal is intention- ally added to the original pellets; under neutral conditions, when pellets are fired in an inert atmosphere; or when pellets are brought so rapidly to temperature in an oxidizing atmosphere that oxygen diffusion to the core lags behind the recrystallization and slagging effects. This last-mentioned process has occurred in all pilot-plant shaft fur-

Jan 1, 1952

By Arnulf Muan

PHASE relations in three isothermal sections (l000°, 1100°, 1200°C) of the system Ag-Fe-Pd have been determined as part of a program to develop improved crucible materials for containing low-melting iron silicates at low oxygen potentials. The following experimental method was used: Two- to 3- g samples of each of forty different alloys within the system Ag-Fe-Pd were made up from metals of 99.9 pct purity. The mixed metal powders were contained in a 1-cc crucible of dense recrystal-lized alumina and heated in a protective atmosphere (90 vol pct A, 10 vol pct H2), first to complete melting for approximately 30 min and subsequently at the desired equilibration temperature (1000°, 1100°, or 1200°C) for approximately 24 hr. The samples were then quenched rapidly to room temperature and examined metallographically as well as by X-ray techniques. Unit cell dimensions were compared with standards obtained by study of one-phase alloys of known compositions. The results are summarized in diagrams (a), (b), and (c) shown in Fig. 1. Heavy solid curves outline areas comprising compositions of mixtures consisting of the phases labeled for each area. Mixtures in which liquid is the only condensed phase present are confined to very narrow areas adjacent to the Ag-Pd join at high silver contents. An enlarged, distorted picture of the phase relations prevailing in these areas is shown in the upper-left circular insert. Particular attention is directed toward the misci-bility gap which occupies major parts of the composi-

Jan 1, 1962

By Clemens Jones

An interesting paper by J. E. Merion and Edward Hart, in Volume I., No. 2, of the Journal of Analytical Chemistry, on the Decomposition of Blast-Furnace Cinder by Acid, describes a plan of sampling the cinder by means of a previously-heated iron bar thrust into the cinder car or into the cinder at the notch, and then allowed to cool, thus chilling the cinder which adheres to the bar, and rendering it decomposable by hydrochloric acid, of 1.12 sp. gr. A short series of results is given, from which the deduction follows that blast-furnace cinder " is decomposed perfectly when chilled." Where many silica determinations are to be made, this method, if reliable, would effect notable economy of time and reagents. The conversion of insoluble silicates by fusion with an alkaline carbonate, together with the subsequent solution, evaporation, drying, etc., is destined to remain the standard method. But all fusionmethods are time-consuming and expensive. Chilling appears to render the supplementary method available for all practical purposes, in the determination of silica in cinder. But, with a view of securing more evidence on the subject, and in view of the fact that uniform results were not obtained by employing this method, it was decided to test the method in the laboratory of the Thomas Iron Company where a large number of silica determinations are made. The experience met with may not be devoid of value, both theoretical and practical. Mr. Iles's paper, in the Chemical News, Volume L., 1881, doubtless suggested to several chemists, connected with iron metallurgical

Jan 1, 1888

By R. L. Vaughn, H. R. Cooper

Effective procedures for automating X-ray assaying by use of a computer are described. These methods have advanced the reliability and accuracy of X-ray data, resulting in improved assay measurements for operations and process control. Assaying by X-ray fluorescence has been increasingly used in the mining industry, both for analyzing solid H.R. COOPER and R.L. VAUGHN, Members AIME, are Systems Manager-Process Control and Senior Systems Analyst, respectively, Scientific & Engineering Computer Center, Ken-necott Copper Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah. TP 68B236. Manuscript, Sept. 16, 1968. Discussion of this paper, submitted in duplicate prior to Dec. 15, 1969, will appear in SME Transactions, March 1970, and AIME Transactions, 1970, Vol. 247. samples for smelter, mill, and mine quality control and for continuous stream analysis of mill pulps. The important advantages of X-ray methods in laboratory assaying are reduced analysis cost, and for on-stream analysis, immediate assay information on concentrator streams. Of the numerous reports concerning X-ray analysis in mining operations, one is referenced which can be noted particularly in conjunction with this report.' Continuous X-ray analyzers have been installed at Kennecott and other mining companies for operations guidance and trend information for a number of years. However, complete operational acceptance of X-ray data has been slow, due* to the difficulty in maintaining

Jan 1, 1970

By Harrison Schmidt

Since the U. S. Geological Survey published the data on the Central Mining District collected by Lindgren and Gratonl and by Paige2 much new information has been obtained by development and mapping, but none of it had been published until recently when Kniffin3 published on Fierro, Lasky4 on the Ground Hog mine, Thorne5 on Santa Rita and Landon6 filed a thesis on the Fierro-Hanover-Santa Rita area at the University of Chicago. During the years 1927-1930 much of the writer's time was spent in mapping the geology and ore deposits of this district, particularly in the area of the zinc deposits at Hanover. Some of the data collected are presented here. Previous publications have been freely drawn upon and additional data used that were generously supplied by L. M. Kniffin, Wilfred Wright and Gerald Ballmer. Thanks are due Augustus Locke, Samuel G. Lasky, Kniffin, Wright and Ballmer for suggestions and critical readings of the manuscript, and to the Empire Zinc Co. (a subsidiary of the New Jersey Zinc Co.) for the privilege of publishing material compiled largely at its expense. The relation of the Central or the Santa Rita-Hanover-Fierro district to the Silver City district is shown on Paige's geologic map in the Silver City folio.7 Granodiorite porphyry and quartz-monzonite porphyry

Jan 1, 1935

By Harrison Schmidt

Since the U. S. Geological Survey published the data on the Central Mining District collected by Lindgren and Gratonl and by Paige2 much new information has been obtained by development and mapping, but none of it had been published until recently when Kniffin3 published on Fierro, Lasky4 on the Ground Hog mine, Thorne5 on Santa Rita and Landon6 filed a thesis on the Fierro-Hanover-Santa Rita area at the University of Chicago. During the years 1927-1930 much of the writer's time was spent in mapping the geology and ore deposits of this district, particularly in the area of the zinc deposits at Hanover. Some of the data collected are presented here. Previous publications have been freely drawn upon and additional data used that were generously supplied by L. M. Kniffin, Wilfred Wright and Gerald Ballmer. Thanks are due Augustus Locke, Samuel G. Lasky, Kniffin, Wright and Ballmer for suggestions and critical readings of the manuscript, and to the Empire Zinc Co. (a subsidiary of the New Jersey Zinc Co.) for the privilege of publishing material compiled largely at its expense. The relation of the Central or the Santa Rita-Hanover-Fierro district to the Silver City district is shown on Paige's geologic map in the Silver City folio.7 Granodiorite porphyry and quartz-monzonite porphyry

Jan 1, 1935

Since the U. S. Geological Survey published the data on the Central Mining District collected by Lindgren and Gratonl and by Paige2 much new information has been obtained by development and mapping, but none of it had been published until recently when Kniffin3 published on Fierro, Lasky4 on the Ground Hog mine, Thorne5 on Santa Rita and Landon6 filed a thesis on the Fierro-Hanover-Santa Rita area at the University of Chicago. During the years 1927-1930 much of the writer's time was spent in mapping the geology and ore deposits of this district, particularly in the area of the zinc deposits at Hanover. Some of the data collected are presented here. Previous publications have been freely drawn upon and additional data used that were generously supplied by L. M. Kniffin, Wilfred Wright and Gerald Ballmer. Thanks are due Augustus Locke, Samuel G. Lasky, Kniffin, Wright and Ballmer for suggestions and critical readings of the manuscript, and to the Empire Zinc Co. (a subsidiary of the New Jersey Zinc Co.) for the privilege of publishing material compiled largely at its expense. The relation of the Central or the Santa Rita-Hanover-Fierro district to the Silver City district is shown on Paige's geologic map in the Silver City folio.7 Granodiorite porphyry and quartz-monzonite porphyry

Jan 1, 1935

By Harrison Schmidt

Since the U. S. Geological Survey published the data on the Central Mining District collected by Lindgren and Gratonl and by Paige2 much new information has been obtained by development and mapping, but none of it had been published until recently when Kniffin3 published on Fierro, Lasky4 on the Ground Hog mine, Thorne5 on Santa Rita and Landon6 filed a thesis on the Fierro-Hanover-Santa Rita area at the University of Chicago. During the years 1927-1930 much of the writer's time was spent in mapping the geology and ore deposits of this district, particularly in the area of the zinc deposits at Hanover. Some of the data collected are presented here. Previous publications have been freely drawn upon and additional data used that were generously supplied by L. M. Kniffin, Wilfred Wright and Gerald Ballmer. Thanks are due Augustus Locke, Samuel G. Lasky, Kniffin, Wright and Ballmer for suggestions and critical readings of the manuscript, and to the Empire Zinc Co. (a subsidiary of the New Jersey Zinc Co.) for the privilege of publishing material compiled largely at its expense. The relation of the Central or the Santa Rita-Hanover-Fierro district to the Silver City district is shown on Paige's geologic map in the Silver City folio.7 Granodiorite porphyry and quartz-monzonite porphyry

Jan 1, 1935

One of the best known of the early mining districts of Nevada was that at Eureka, where gold was first produced in 1864. While the most productive period for the district was during the early 1900s, production was maintained until World War II. During this time it is said that the Eureka district produced as much as $200 million from over 3,200 km (2,000 miles) of tunnels and workings. The Windfall Mine was discovered in 1902; and a 100 ton cyanide plant was operated there during the periods 1907 to 1912 and 1932 to 1940. Since 1974, however, Windfall Venture has been operating a unique heap leaching facility on the site of the old Windfall Mine. Gold at the Windfall occurs primarily in the Cambrian Hamburg dolomite which has been "sanded" and in which the original cementing material has been destroyed. The gold is micron sized and is accompanied by anomalous amounts of arsenic and mercury; however, the ore is low in base metals which distinguishes it from the typical Eureka district ores. Mining the ore causes it to break down into very fine sizes, approximately 50% minus 150 microns (100 mesh). Conventional heap leaching by spraying proved to be impossible; and extensive test work on alternate methods, aided by the United States Bureau of Mines, was conducted using 9 m (30 ft) high columns and then large tonnage heaps. The leaching procedure adopted was to build 10.6 m (35 ft) high heaps on a 50 mm (2 in.) asphalt pad covered with a layer of gravel for drainage assisted by perforated pipe drains and gravel-packed sumps. A berm is constructed around the top of each pad and cyanide solution is allowed to “pond” on top of the heap. The resulting percolation is at the rate of 24 liters per sq m per hr (0.6 gal per sq ft per hr), a figure about 2.4 times the average used in other heap leaching operations. The dolomite furnishes its own protective alkalinity and no lime or caustic is used in the solution which contains 0.4 kg per mt (0.8 lb per st) of NaCN. Pregnant solution from the heaps averages about 0.7 g Au per mt (0.02 oz per st) with a cyanide content of about 0. 2 kg per mt (0.4 lb per st) and a pH of plus 9. Addition of NaCN brings the pH of the leach solution up to 11 to 12. Carbon adsorption of the gold was originally done in six enclosed columns mounted in a trailer but five conventional columns have been substituted as the size of the operations has increased. Carbon stripping is with hot caustic, cyanide and 10% ethanol solution. The

Jan 1, 1981

By H. Margolin, E. Ence

A. J. Goldak and J. Gordon Parr University of Alberta) —Margolin and Ence's paper reached us only a few days after we had submitted a paper on the structure of Ti2Cu to the AIME. Here, however, we only wish to point out an error in the paper (page 321): "Karlsson has reported the crystal structure of the first intermediate phase occurring in the Ti-rich portion of the Ti-Cu system to be face-centered tetragonal." Karlsson actually reported the structure of Ti3Cu (i.e., "the first intermediate phase") to be primitive tetragonal with four atoms per lattice point: Cu at 0, 0, 0; and Ti at 1/2, 1/2, 0; 0, 1/2, 1/2; and 1/2, 0, 1/2. Thus, Karlsson suggests a primitive lattice with an ordered arrangement of atoms located at corners and face-centers: Ence and Margolin suggest a random body-centered tetragonal structure—-with which our results agree. E. Ence and H. Margolin (azlt1zo.l-s' reply)— We do not agree that Karlsson has not reported the structure of Ti3Cu as face-centered tetragonal. The fact that Cu atoms are located at the corners and titanium at the face-centers does not indicate that the lattice is not face-centered. We are pleased that the discussers' results agree with our own.

Jan 1, 1962

By H. W. Morse

INTRODUCTION THE experimental work on the oxidized copper ore at the New Cornelia mine at Ajo, Ariz., ended on Jan. 12, 1916. On that date final decision was made on the general nature of the process to be used in the 5,000-ton leaching plant, and on many of the details, as far as experience on a40-ton scale could decide them. With the approval of the Board of Directors and the General Manager, John C. Greenway, we have compiled what seem to be the most interesting data on the results obtained during the experimental period. The most important part of the data resulted from the operation of a 1-ton and a 40-ton plant at Ajo. Experimental work on Cornelia oxidized ore dates back to April, 1912, and has been going on nearly continuously since that time. A good many variations from the original idea have been tried, but the process finally decided upon is in principle and in all of its details a simple one. The history of the leaching work on this ore has been brought down to about a year ago in papers presented to this Institute by Stuart Croasdale1 and Dr. L. D. Ricketts.2 The present paper will, therefore, deal principally with the results obtained during the last year of the work.

Jan 9, 1916

By G. A. Merkt

THE Isley furnace control, here presented as a novelty in furnace construction, is, in principle, one of the oldest methods of maintaining furnace heat for industrial purposes. Records unearthed in Egyptian tombs and the primitive methods of melting metal practiced by African tribes today indicate that fanning the fire and forcing the furnace by bellows have been an effective means of regulating heat for man's work during thousands of years. Even today, these cruder forms of mechanical draft production are still nn use within the borders of this most highly developed industrial land. Stacks, as we know them, are of com- paratively recent historical age but their attractive simplicity and seeming effectiveness have made them exceedingly popular. And so we find one of the most important types of furnace the world has even known, the open-hearth furnace, duly and more or less properly equipped with a chimney. The regenerative, or reversing, type of furnace, how-ever, required another mechanism between its hearth and the stack to provide a means for alternately con-necting one side and the other of its system of regen-erative chambers and flues to the stack and to a source of fuel and air supply respectively. Various types of reversing valves were developed, some of which are re-markably well designed for maximum efficiency and ease of installation as well as operation. However, this combination has a number of inherent faults which are so difficult to correct as to make efforts in the direction of improving over-all efficiency almost futile. These inherent difficulties are as follows: (1) The necessarily high temperature at which the gases must be delivered to the stack in order to make it operative. (2) The great temperature difference incidental to the reversal of flue gas and air and consequently the large variation in preheated air and fuel delivered to the furnace dur-ing the cycle. (3) The leakages and resistances created by the reversing apparatus and the complicated flues necessary. (4) The inadequate range of control af-forded by the natural draft system, especially under adverse atmospheric conditions.

Jan 12, 1927

By Benjamin C. Craft

Oil and gas development in Louisiana during 1935 brought this state at the close of the year up to fourth place in the nation as a producing area. A review of development in North Louisiana centers around Rodessa, the most important reserve discovered in this area in many years. While the producing limits have not been defined, this discovery is one of the major developments of the year. New gas fields were discovered in Lincoln, De Soto and Bossier parishes. The Lincoln Parish discovery, completed flowing a highly saturated gas from the Glen Rose, further indicates the importance of deep-seated prospects in the interior salt-dome area. Minor extensions were made at Sligo and Pine Island. During the year, 126 oil wells and 103 gas wells were completed in North Louisiana as compared with 144 oil wells and 68 gas wells during 1934. The North Louisiana oil production was 9,617,405 bbl. as com-pared with 9,274,050 bbl. during 1934, an increase of 343,355 bbl., while the gas production increased 18 billion cu. ft. in 1935 over its 1934 figure. The Louisiana Department of Conservation gage of Nov. 1, 1935, shows an open-flow capacity of 4,563,725,000 cu. ft. per day from 941 wells in the Monroe field and 682,770,000 cu. ft. from 159 wells in the Rich-land field. A great deal of leasing continues in North Louisiana as a result of the Lincoln Parish discovery and development in the Rodessa field, especially in Bossier, De Soto, Winn, Lincoln, Bienville, Webster, Ouachita and Richland parishes. South Louisiana's position as an area of important reserves was further proved during the past year. Increased drilling resulted in the discovery of seven new fields: Lafitte, Garden Island Bay, Tepetate, Bunkie, St. Martinsville, Jeanerette and Big Lake. New sands or producing horizons proved productive in 15 of the proven fields. The total oil production for South Louisiana during 1935 was 40,731,-056 bbl. as compared with 23,255,437 bbl. during 1934. There were 222 oil and gas wells completed in South Louisiana during 1935 as compared with 214 oil wells during the previous period. Drilling during

Jan 1, 1936

By Benjamin C. Craft

Oil and gas development in Louisiana during 1935 brought this state at the close of the year up to fourth place in the nation as a producing area. A review of development in North Louisiana centers around Rodessa, the most important reserve discovered in this area in many years. While the producing limits have not been defined, this discovery is one of the major developments of the year. New gas fields were discovered in Lincoln, De Soto and Bossier parishes. The Lincoln Parish discovery, completed flowing a highly saturated gas from the Glen Rose, further indicates the importance of deep-seated prospects in the interior salt-dome area. Minor extensions were made at Sligo and Pine Island. During the year, 126 oil wells and 103 gas wells were completed in North Louisiana as compared with 144 oil wells and 68 gas wells during 1934. The North Louisiana oil production was 9,617,405 bbl. as com-pared with 9,274,050 bbl. during 1934, an increase of 343,355 bbl., while the gas production increased 18 billion cu. ft. in 1935 over its 1934 figure. The Louisiana Department of Conservation gage of Nov. 1, 1935, shows an open-flow capacity of 4,563,725,000 cu. ft. per day from 941 wells in the Monroe field and 682,770,000 cu. ft. from 159 wells in the Rich-land field. A great deal of leasing continues in North Louisiana as a result of the Lincoln Parish discovery and development in the Rodessa field, especially in Bossier, De Soto, Winn, Lincoln, Bienville, Webster, Ouachita and Richland parishes. South Louisiana's position as an area of important reserves was further proved during the past year. Increased drilling resulted in the discovery of seven new fields: Lafitte, Garden Island Bay, Tepetate, Bunkie, St. Martinsville, Jeanerette and Big Lake. New sands or producing horizons proved productive in 15 of the proven fields. The total oil production for South Louisiana during 1935 was 40,731,-056 bbl. as compared with 23,255,437 bbl. during 1934. There were 222 oil and gas wells completed in South Louisiana during 1935 as compared with 214 oil wells during the previous period. Drilling during

Jan 1, 1936

By Shun-ichi Satoh

A NEW method of treating steel by ammonia has recently been intro¬duced into the metallurgical industry, by means of which piston cylinders of internal combustion engines, shafts and other similar steel products can be made more resistant to wear than formerly. In 1929 the writer' published the historical notes and some experiments upon nitrification. He believes that the corrosion of nitrified steel is a matter of importance and worth studying; and as there have been few studies thereof, he has conducted experiments in this respect. L. Guillet,2 in 1927, reported corrosion tests made on nitrified and cemented steels with acid and salt solutions. In 1928, 0. Hengstenberg3 reported the high resistance of nitrified steel to water vapor and air. V. 0. Homerberg4 stated that nitrified steel has high resistance to water, air and salt solution; and G. Hagg5 studied nitrified layers of iron by means of the X-ray. Though F. Hanaman6 in 1913, measured the single potential difference of steel treated with ammonia at above 650° C., no one, it seems, has ever measured the single potential difference of the so-called nitrified steels having extraordinary hardness. The writer measured the single potential differences of nitrified special steels in various solutions with the object of studying the corrosion problem and, if possible, of knowing whether any new physical property would be caused by nitrification.

Jan 1, 1932

By C. W. Spencer, B. F. Addis, G. H. Bishop, C. A. Steidel

STUDIES of the inter granular attack of metals by liquids have generally been confined to polycrys-talline specimens. This note reports the results of preliminary studies of the penetration of bismuth-rich Ni-Bi liquids into oriented bicrystal specimens of nickel. It is found that isothermal penetration follows a parabolic rate law and shows a definite anisatropy with respect to direction on the grain boundary surface. Nickel bicrystals containing < 100> tilt boundaries were grown using the Czochralski method. Relative misorientation of the parent crystals was controlled to ± 1deg. The boundaries are straight in the growth direction, i.e., the common <100>, and generally straight in the transverse direction, as shown in Fig. 1. The starting material, Inco HPM grade nickel was contained in a recrystallized alumina crucible and maintained under argon. Bicrystals typically contain 30 ppm C, less than 10 ppm S, O, N, and 50 ppm residual metallics, principally iron and silicon. Specimens, as schematically illustrated in Fig. l(c),were cut from bicrystal ingots using a thin water-cooled abrasive wheel. To insure removal of all residual strain, which accelerates the penetration, specimens were round through 600 grit silicon-carbide, chemically polished, and annealed for 4 hr at 1375°C under argon. The procedure described by Cheney et al.1 for exposing specimens to

Jan 1, 1962

By A. F. Banks

INTRODUCTION Selective flocculation as a method of desliming potash flotation plant feed has been in commercial use since November, 1974.l It was installed to replace a 1ess efficient mechanical desliming process. While most plants operating in the Saskatoon area of Saskatchewan were designed for 4% to 5% insolubles in practise the quantity and quality of the insoluble materials in the ore has been variable. The variability of the ore has contributed to less than optimum efficiency in the desliming and consequently, the potash flotation circuits. This lower than expected efficiency contributed to the commercialization of a patented process2 through large scale pilot plant testing. Referring to published information and experience, the application of selective flocculation-flotation of slimes to sylvinite ores will be compared with the more conventional mechanical methods of desliming. THE ORE The ore beds being mined in the Saskatoon area of Saskatchewan have proven to be much less uniform than originally thought (Figure 1). The insoluble content of the plant feed is variable in both quantity and quality due to two factors, the presence of disturbances and the structural weakness of the mud seams immediately above the ore beds. Some alteration of the insolubles in the vicinity of disturbances has made them more difficult to liberate and makes ore from the disturbed areas less amenable to treatment.

Jan 1, 1980