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By W. A. Ver Wiebe

The year 1939 in Kansas, with a production of 57,944,300 bbl. from 19,669 wells, shows a slight recession from the peak of oil production reached the previous year, when slightly over 59,000,000 bbl. of oil was marketed. The previous peak had been reached in 1917 with 45,451,000 bbl. marketed. Another still earlier peak had been reached in 1904, when slightly less than 5,000,000 bbl. was produced and sold. The production of gas probably reached a new peak during 1939 with a total of over 69 billion cubic feet. Between the peak of the year 1908, when over 80 billion cu. ft. was produced, and that of 1939 the production dropped to 16 billion cu. ft., in the year 1921. During the year 1458 wells were drilled. This figure is somewhat lower than that given in several trade journals, because it does not include wells that were deepened or recompleted in a different geological horizon. Nearly 75 per cent (1029) of the total number of wells were completed as commercial oil wells (824 in western and 205 in eastern Kansas). The commercial gas wells completed number 71, of which 24 are in eastern Kansas and 47 in western Kansas. The remaining completions include 154 dry holes in eastern and 204 dry holes in western Kansas. Based on daily potential capacity the new discoveries of the year accounted for a cumulative initial production of 264,000 bbl. in eastern and 1,158,827 bbl. in western Kansas. It is interesting in this connection to note that the number of wells completed in the state rose gradually to a first peak in 1904, when 2782 were drilled. The number dropped off rapidly to 368 three years later, but rose to the second and highest peak in 1918, when 4671 wells were completed. In the period between 1904 and 1912 more gas wells than oil wells were completed. Between the high peak of 1918 and the somewhat lower peak of 1937, the low point was reached during 1931 with the completion of only 470 wells. In the matter of new pools discovered, Kansas again ranks high. The exact number depends somewhat upon the interpretation of a "new" area—whether it should be called a new pool or a long extension of an older pool. In some places this determination cannot be made until more wells are drilled within the area. Therefore, the figures given

Jan 1, 1940

The oil production in Bahrein for the year 1937 was 7,762,264 bbl., a monthly average of 646,855 barrels. Sufficient potential production had been developed in the Second Pay (Main Pay) at Bahrein by the end of 1936 to supply the anticipated crude demand, and the drilling program was changed from straight development to partial exploration during 1937. Two nonproductive wells were drilled to test the Third Pay at a depth of about 2900 ft., or some 900 ft. below the top of Second Pay. As a result of this exploratory work, the normal drilling program was slowed down and only eight new wells were completed in the Second Pay during 1937, making a total of 45 producers from the Second Pay. The deep test was drilling at 5081 ft. at the end of the year. A 550-ft. section (termed Fourth Pay) of porous limestone interbedded with anhydrite was topped at about 4150 ft. Numerous drill-stem tests indicated that the limestone was very permeable and that it carried large volumes of natural gas under high pressure together with a small amount of high-gravity oil or condensate. Drill-stem tests also indicated that the bottom 50 ft. of the 550-ft. section carried an encouraging amount of heavier oil, gravity about 37" A.P.I., with characteristics similar to the oil produced from the Second Pay. A well was started somewhat down-structure from the deep test to better determine the oil-producing possibilities of the Fourth Pay. Some refinements in drilling technique were adopted during the year. All wells started to the Second Pay were drilled with rotary from the surface. The top 1500 ft. of porous limestone section, formerly drilled with cable tools, is now drilled with rotary without circulation, using water to wash the cuttings into cavities. The shale section from this point to the top of the oil horizons is drilled with natural mud circulation. The productive horizons are drilled with oil circulation under pressure control. A second satisfactory method of completing wells was developed when the two Third Pay test wells were plugged back and gun-perforated through cemented casing opposite the Second Pay, with good results.

Jan 1, 1938

Ware B. Gay, Richmond, Va.: Having followed the remarks of Prof. Woodworth with great interest, especially his suggestions for drilling in the part of the coal-field on the south side of the James river, I would like to inquire of him if he reached his conclusions after fully considering the situation as existing upon the north side of the James ? My reason for this inquiry is, that upon the north side the eastern and western outcrops are much nearer each other than appears to me to be the case upon the south side, and also that the western outcrop on the north side is much more clearly defined than upon the south side. It is now about twelve years since I first became interested in the Richmond coal-field—and until about six years ago I passed much time in investigation and spent thousands of dollars in developments. About six years ago the properties in which I was more especially interested were leased to other parties, and since that time I have had little or nothing to do with the mining operations. I regret to say the price of coals has ruled so low during most of the time since the lease was made that the developments have not been as extensive as the lessees had originally intended. The result of my investigations after considering all the theories, expert reports, legends and other information I could obtain bearing upon the subject, was the opinion, which I still hold, that the most practicable and most economical way for proving the extent and value of the field is by sinking slopes from the eastern outcrop, and by prosecuting such slopes in the vein and following the coal to the western outcrop, thus obtaining an actual cross-section in fact and not in theory. Proceeding upon this hypothesis, I sought for the positions where this could probably be accomplished most quickly and develop a marketable coal-area as the work thus progressed. The outcrops on the north side being nearer each other, and

Jan 1, 1902

Charles H. Fulton, Rapid City, So. Dak. (communication to the Secretary*): Professor Lodge takes issue with Mr. Crawford and myself on results obtained by the scorification-method of assay on " zinc-box precipitates," which we published in a paper on the subject in the publication named below.' In our work we found that the normal seorification-method, employing only test-lead and a very little borax-glass as a flux, gave results on cyanide precipitates which mere invariably very low, loss having taken place by slag-absorption and volatilization, as repeated slag-assays failed to bring up results similar to those obtained by other methods. Professor Lodge anil his students made a large number of what he terms " scorification-assays," but which, I would like to point out, have claim to that name only in that they are made in a scorifier, for the charge consists of test-lead, a very considerable quantity of borax-glass (10 grams), at times also of litharge and even charcoal, so that the assays are in reality crucible assays. A scorification-slag proper is an oxide-slag to all intents and purposes, while the slags made by Professor Lodge are borates, certainly acid-slags. It has been our experience since our paper, The Assay of Cyanide Precipitates, was published, that the nature of the assay slag in the crucible assay has a great influence on the result. A " basic " or oxide-slag invariably causes high slag-losses, while an " acid " slag gives very fair results on material containing much zinc. This has also been the experience of a mellknown cyanide chemist with whom I have corresponded on the subject, who found that acid crucible-slags gave good results on zinciferous material, but that the scorification-method, as ordinarily employed, gave high slag-losses. I believe that if the conditions are such that the zinc can be

Jan 1, 1904

By Pedro G. Salom

I HAVE had an opportonity, within the last few months, of making a large number of physical and chemical tests of steel for boiler and ship-plate, which has been, and is now being, used principally for the United States Government cruisers, now building in Mr. John Roach's yard, at Chester, Pa. Through the courtesy of the Messrs. Houston, of the Chester Rolling Mills, I have the honor to lay before the members of the Institate the results of these tests. These results have developed some points in regard to the nature of steel, which are more or less new, and which, I hope, will prove interesting. The original specifications, as regards the manner of testing, were so inipracticable (when their severity mas taken into consideration), that the keel of the first vessel, which will be launched next month, would, had they been carried out, probably not have been laid until next year. At my suggestion, in order to simplify and expedite the immense amount of testing that had to be done, the Naval Advisory Board was induced, after considerable discussion, to alter the specifications, so as to test each heat, instead of each lot of twenty plates, but reserved the right of making the quenching-test on a piece from each ingot, after it had been rolled. This relieved us from the anxiety of having a lot of plates rejected, after they had beell rolled and sheared, by reason of the presence of one or two plates which might have been injured in heating or rolling, or which might not have been able to stand the tests; while it insured the Government in obtaining a uniform quality of steel, and prevented the temptation to introduce a half-dozen or more had plates in a lot, and run the risk of their being selected as the testplates. I give below a portion of the original specifications, as prescribed

Jan 1, 1884

By A. U. Seybolt, C. H. Mathewson

As is well known, many questions affecting the properties and uses of a metal cannot be answered without careful consideration of the state of purity realized in the various operations of preparation, refining, or special treatment that have brought the product to its final state. The occurrence of an impurity in minute quantity offers no guarantee that its effect will be inconsiderable because dissolved substances often modify the properties of a metal quite out of proportion to their concentration. In such cases the determination of solid solubility must be accepted as a problem of considerable difficulty, requiring the use of especially purified materials and methods not ordinarily used in the metallurgical laboratory. This aspect of the equilibrium between metals and their oxides is especially important and a search for fundamental data reveals little except conflicting opinion even concerning the systems of common occurrence and interest. Rhines and Mathewson1 in 1934 studied the solubility of oxygen in solid copper by annealing to equilibrium in air and gave reasons for the failure of other methods, notably the ordinary procedure of heat-treatment followed by microscopic examination, to yield reliable results. In this paper, a similar study has been made of the solubility of oxygen in cobalt. The simple theory of this method is outlined below.

Jan 1, 1935

INTRODUCTION In the preceding chapters we have discussed the various elements of mineral economic analysis, their interrelationships, and the most accepted and advanced techniques by which these elements are manipulated to provide the decision maker quantitative measurements for judging alternate investment opportunities. Regardless of how carefully the economic evaluation is made, and how comprehensive the study of economic parameters has been, uncertainty still remains a significant factor in the outcome of the analysis. The investor or money manager is acutely aware of the uncertainty factor. Many of the economic parameters are functions of economic forecasts and value estimates that can- not be known with any degree of certainty. The postulated DCF-ROR is based upon certain estimates representing "best guess" values, and a single point parameter DCF-ROR analysis represents a combination of "best guesses." The wise decision maker looks at such an analysis and asks the "what if" questions. What if the production cost is 10% higher than the estimate? What if there is an overrun in construction costs? What if the mineral price falls lower than expected? What will be the effect of a higher royalty rate? Many more such questions may arise in trying to assess the total risk involved in funding a mineral project. Prior to the advent of the computer it was difficult to answer all such anticipated questions because of the many laborious calculations involved. Now, with the aid of the computer, most of these questions can be answered by the analyst at the same time the original computations are made by using the process of sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis shows the effect of critical parameter changes upon the DCF-ROR or other profitability measure. When probability of occurrence can be associated with the various parameter value levels, sensitivity analysis becomes probabilistic analysis, and the risk factor can be quantitized in terms of total probability. SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS The determination of the sensitivity of the profitability index (usually the DCF-ROR) to changes in the various economic parameters, taking them one at a time, is called sensitivity analysis. The analysis may be performed for any number of parameters involved in the DCF-ROR computation. Generally, in mineral evaluations the most sensitive and most tested parameters are: the metal or mineral price, the operating cost, the annual production grade, and the initial capital invest-

Jan 1, 1980

By T. MacDONALD

ATHOUGH flotation has been a commercial process for over twenty years, the last two years have witnessed a sudden and phenomenal increase in our knowledge of how to separate minerals heretofore not considered amenable to flotation at all. As remarked by Professor Locke in the January issue. "Either commercial or laboratory flotation is reported on zircon, ilmenite, carnotite, kyanite, scheelite, chromite, fluorite, feldspar, cassiterite, wolframite, barite, and clay. Attractive patents on soap flotation are U. S. Nos. 2,000,656 and 2,040.187. A survey by Ralston in the February E. & M. J. adds many other minerals to this impressive list. The simple but pregnant fact is that any mineral can be coated, directly or indirectly, with a water-repellent coating, and since this is true, it follows that any mineral can be floated. Fundamentally, this is no new discovery, where, for instance, is the mineral that cannot he washed from a pair of dirty hands by means of soap and water, given the absence of refractory greases or oils which would have no proper place in flotation ?

Jan 1, 1937

By Jules E. Jenkins

IN the past quarter century the seismograph has played an increasingly important role in evaluating vibratory effects transmitted to adjacent communities by industrial blasting operations. In this period research has advanced through two major phases—from falling pin seismometers to three-component recording seismographs. The initial phase of this research is now regarded as the era of recording, during which the seismograph merely recorded occasional events. It has emerged from this stage into the era of control and analysis and in this later period has been recognized as a full-fledged industrial tool. Although the falling pin machines of earlier years indicated probable amplitudes of industrial blasting vibrations, they gave no reliable measure of such displacements, nor did they provide essential information concerning direction or frequency of motion. The first contribution of the three-component recording seismograph was the weight-for-distance formula developed by the U. S. Bureau of Mines. This empirical formula enabled users of commercial explosives to determine beforehand the probable vibratory effects of a blast when the weight of the explosives charge and the distance from the shot point were known. This formula has withstood the test of time and is still applicable for blasts detonated by instantaneous methods. The second major contribution of the three-component recording seismograph followed the introduction in 1945 of short period or millisecond delay detonation. This might be described as a two-stage contribution, the first of which revealed a 50 pct reduction in the vibration magnitude when millisecond detonation was used rather than instantaneous discharge. This second part of this double contribution led to the discovery of the vibration dip phenomena, see Fig. 1. In Fig. 1 the horizontal coordinates indicate the displacements amplitude in inches, and the vertical coordinates, the explosive weight in pounds. The top curve is that of the U. S. Bureau of Mines for instantaneous detonation. Its curvature conforms to the two-thirds power of the explosive weight as provided in the weight-for-distance formula; hence the vibratory effects increase in proportion to an increase in the explosive charge. If the other curves shown below are temporarily disregarded, it may be considered that the entire area below this top curve represents both useful and waste energy. As mentioned previously, when millisecond delay detonation was first investigated it was found that in general the U. S. Bureau of Mines curve could be decreased by about 50 pct, or to the position of the middle curve. At the outset it was assumed that this curve would likewise increase in some proportion to the explosive charge, as did the top curve, that is, the curve would indicate a continuous upswing. As seismographic data accumulated this assumption was found to be erroneous in part. It was discovered that

Jan 1, 1957

By J. E. Sandor, P. F. Schmidt

A general review of the present knowledge of the semiconductor/oxide interface is given, with emphasis on silicon and germanium. The electrical properties of clean surfaces and the changes that occur upon oxidation are described. A brief disczcssion of the methods and mechanisms of oxidation of silicon is given, and the interaction between the semiconductor substrate and the oxide phase is considered. Physical properties of the oxide film, charge storage effects due to the dielectric, and some device applications of oxide films on semiconductors are discussed. THIS paper will be heavily preoccupied with the elemental semiconductors germanium and silicon. Undoubtedly some injustice is done thereby to other semiconductor-oxide systems, but it is not readily possible to cover all aspects of so vast a field in the present review. In considering the semiconductor/oxide interface, we may start out by discussing briefly an idealized clean semiconductor surface, and may then follow the changes brought about by oxidation, as the oxide is allowed to grow progressively thicker. The references given are not a complete list, but are to be taken as guides to the literature. Tamml suggested in 1933, based upon the study of a one-dimensional asymmetrical potential model, that localized surface states may appear at the surface of a crystalline lattice; it was pointed out by Fowler that these states should occur in pairs. shockley3 examined the origin of such surface states on the basis of a more general one-dimensional model and found that surface states may appear in the forbidden region between the highest filled and the lowest vacant band. This happens when the two bands overlap, as, for instance, the "s" and ('p" bands of the diamond structure. In a three-dimensional model these levels would produce a surface band which is half-filled for diamond, and the number of surface states should be approximately equal to the number of surface atoms. This picture of the surface has been refined by more recent theoretical work, like Handler's4 and Koutecky and Tomasek's~ without introducing essential modifications. When these concepts were applied to semiconduc-

Jan 1, 1965

By R. S. Shoemaker, F. W. McQuiston

The principle of cyanide recovery or regeneration of cyanide from solution, be it a weak wash or a foul solution, is by acidulation. All or part of the cyanogen is converted thereby into hydrogen cyanide which is fixed by an alkali (generally lime) and returned to the cyaniding system (the Mills- Crowe process). The solution is made acid by bringing it into contact with sulfur dioxide. The acidified solution is stripped in a packed tower by a counter flow stream of air in which the air and the solution are brought into intimate contact. The air leaving the tank charged with hydrogen cyanide is then passed to another tank in which it is mixed with an alkaline solution, the latter absorbing the HCN and leaving the accompanying air clean for reuse in removing more HCN from the acidified solutions. Of the recoverable cyanide, 9770 is usually recovered in a three-unit disperser tower system. When there is a considerable content of copper, the solution is made acid following standard procedure; however, the HCN is not removed until the copper is reduced by regeneration. Copper removal at this point may be as high as 90%. After reduction of the copper, the acidified solution then is contacted with a lime solution which brings down calcium sulfate as a second step. The silver, gold, and copper are recovered in the form of a precipitate which can be shipped to a smelter. At the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, Ltd., most of the precious metals have been recovered in the copper and lead concentrates, but it has been found profitable to submit the flotation tailings to a scavenger cyanide treatment for the recovery of exposed gold contained in pyrite rejected during flotation. Due to the fine particle size, maximum dissolution is achieved in a four-hour contact period. In the cyanidation plant, the thickened flotation tailing at 70% solids is given a four-hour agitation in weak calcium cyanide solution and filtered. Filter cake is repulped and discharged either to the tailing storage area or to the mine as backfill. Clarification, de-aeration and precipitation of pregnant solutions are carried out in a standard Merrill-Crowe unit. Typical analysis of precipitate is as follows: Au, 0.47%, Ag, 4. 88%; Cu, 46.0%; Zn, 13. 8%. Cyanicides in the form of copper minerals limit the reuse of barren solution. To recover the substantial quantities of cyanogen chemically combined with base metals in this solution, a cyanide regeneration plant is in operation. The barren solution is acidified with sulfuric acid in a spray tower where an upward current of air from a blower sweeps the liberated hydrocyanic acid gas to an adsorption unit where it meets a fine rain of lime suspended in plant solution with which it combines to form calcium cyanide. The lime--water solution carrying calcium cyanide is reused in the cyanide circuit. The return gases are drawn into the blower and back to the disperser tower thus

Jan 1, 1975

By W. T. Bishop

For many years pine oil has been used extensively as a frother for the flotation of minerals, particularly sulphides, yet the published information available to the average user on its composition, chemical and physical properties, has been rather meager. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss these points and their relationship to the frothing properties of pine oil used in flotation processes. Pine oil, as the name implies, is a liquid obtained from the processing of wood of the longleaf and other southern pines. It is a complex mixture of naturally occurring terpene derivatives, primarily alcohols, and a smaller amount of terpenes, which has found many uses in various industries. Its use as a frother in flotation processes was the first large-scale application in industry and today the mining industry still consumes large quantities of pine oil but the textile and disinfectant industries consume comparable volumes. Much is used in soap manufacture and laundry operations. The surface-active properties of pine oil are in a large degree responsible for this versatility. History The name "Naval Stores" goes back to the days when pine tar and pitch were used to caulk leaky ships and 'Oat their ropes and rigging. Today this term is still used to include not only the oleoresinous products of the pine tree—rosin and turpentine— but other products such as pine oil, pine tar, and the many terpene and resinous compounds obtained by extracting the pine wood or tapping the tree. That part of the industry known as "wood naval stores" dates from about the beginning of this century and today produces a large part of the country's rosin and turpentine by processing pine wood. In addition, all of our natural pine oil is supplied by the wood naval stores industry, as tapping of the live tree gives only rosin and turpentine. This latter phase is known as the "gum naval stores " industry. The first successful commercial operation of the steam and solvent process of the wood naval stores in industry was carried out by Yaryan at Cadillac, Mich., in 1909.1 This operation did not prove profitable, so Yaryan went south to utilize the longleaf pine, and built a plant at Gulfport, Miss.2 Soon after, another plant was built at Brunswick, Ga., which is still in operation, and in 1914 was reported to have processed about 500 tons of wood per day.' In 1921 Hercules Powder Co. acquired the Yaryan interests, at which time the production of pine oil was only 3 to 5 million pounds per year and flotation was the largest customer. As time went on, technological advances were made, other companies entered the field, and the production of pine oil increased many fold. The growth of the industry was especially marked during the past 10 years, and in

Jan 1, 1947

By Martin Coryell, Eckley Coxe, R. P. Rothwell

WILKES-BARRE, PA., April, 1871. THE great development of the mines and metallurgical works of this country during the last few years, accompanied as it has been by the investment of enor¬mous sums of money in purchasing lands, and in the erection of improvements, requires that advantage should be taken of the accumulated knowledge of engi¬neers, superintendents, and others, in mastering the problems which are con¬stantly presenting themselves for our action. Among those may be mentioned the consideration of more economical systems of mining in our coal and metal¬liferous mines, improved methods of transportation above and below ground, unwatering and ventilating mines, the mechanical preparation of coal and other minerals, the various metallurgical processes, and, in fact, every question tending to the attainment of two great objects 1st. The more economical production of the useful minerals and metals. 2d. The greater safety and welfare of those employed in these industries. In European countries, where the arts of mining and metallurgy have long been the subject of the most careful study, no means have been found so effectual in attaining the end above proposed as the free interchange of experience among those actually engaged in these industries, and this object has been accomplished, mainly, through the medium of institutes, associations or societies, composed of those engaged in these occupations, and by the- periodical publication of essays or papers, communicated to such societies by their members. It must be evident to all practical men that the interchange of the varied experience of those engaged in such occupations in this country could not fail to advance very materially the desired objects; it is, therefore, proposed to establish an American Institute of Mining Engineers, which will hold its meetings periodically in the great mining and metallurgical centres, where works of interest, such as mines, machine shops, furnaces, and other metallurgical works, can be inspected, and the members exchange their views, and consult for mutual advantage upon the difficulties encountered by each; these transactions or proceedings, when published, would form a most valuable and greatly-needed addition to our professional literature. It is proposed that a meeting of those sympathizing with the object above men¬tioned shall be called for the purpose of organizing such an association, the place and time of meeting being Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and the month of April or May. Communications indicating the opinion and wishes of all, both as to these points, and also as to the organization and objects of the Institute, will be gladly received by any of the undersigned, and a notice of the date of meeting, which will be arranged to suit the greater number, will be duly communicated. Any

Jan 1, 1873

By W. T. Bishop

For many years pine oil has been used extensively as a frother for the flotation of minerals, particularly sulphides, yet the published information available to the average user on its composition, chemical and physical properties, has been rather meager. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss these points and their relationship to the frothing properties of pine oil used in flotation processes. Pine oil, as the name implies, is a liquid obtained from the processing of wood of the longleaf and other southern pines. It is a complex mixture of naturally occurring terpene derivatives, primarily alcohols, and a smaller amount of terpenes, which has found many uses in various industries. Its use as a frother in flotation processes was the first large-scale application in industry and today the mining industry still consumes large quantities of pine oil but the textile and disinfectant industries consume comparable volumes. Much is used in soap manufacture and laundry operations. The surface-active properties of pine oil are in a large degree responsible for this versatility. History The name "Naval Stores" goes back to the days when pine tar and pitch were used to caulk leaky ships and 'Oat their ropes and rigging. Today this term is still used to include not only the oleoresinous products of the pine tree—rosin and turpentine— but other products such as pine oil, pine tar, and the many terpene and resinous compounds obtained by extracting the pine wood or tapping the tree. That part of the industry known as "wood naval stores" dates from about the beginning of this century and today produces a large part of the country's rosin and turpentine by processing pine wood. In addition, all of our natural pine oil is supplied by the wood naval stores industry, as tapping of the live tree gives only rosin and turpentine. This latter phase is known as the "gum naval stores " industry. The first successful commercial operation of the steam and solvent process of the wood naval stores in industry was carried out by Yaryan at Cadillac, Mich., in 1909.1 This operation did not prove profitable, so Yaryan went south to utilize the longleaf pine, and built a plant at Gulfport, Miss.2 Soon after, another plant was built at Brunswick, Ga., which is still in operation, and in 1914 was reported to have processed about 500 tons of wood per day.' In 1921 Hercules Powder Co. acquired the Yaryan interests, at which time the production of pine oil was only 3 to 5 million pounds per year and flotation was the largest customer. As time went on, technological advances were made, other companies entered the field, and the production of pine oil increased many fold. The growth of the industry was especially marked during the past 10 years, and in

Jan 1, 1947

By E. H. Rose

The present symposium on flotation machines provides a unique opportunity for group reappraisal of standard or habitual viewpoints. A symposium is by definition a trading post- for observations that might prove complementary when put together, thus leading to useful thoughts that might not have been evident from the original observations individually. The present paper, pertaining to power consumption in flotation, is deliberately an experiment of that kind. Data were solicited from the operating superintendents of several of the major flotation plants on this continent. The information received, covering a total of 14 separate operations in seven plants, has been collated in terms of power intensity; that is, the total power input per cubic foot of cell volume. This departs somewhat from the conventional expression of power per ton of ore treated, though the latter figure is also given for the plants concerned. Because of wartime restrictions, particularly in Canada, identifying names of plants and machines are withheld. Not as a firm conclusion, but as a tender for symposium discussion, the following points are made: 1. That flotation is a power operation in much the same sense as ball milling. 2. That contact time is the complement of power intensity and may be decreased as the latter is increased. 3. That a decrease in flotation power per ton of ore can result from an increase in power intensity. Analogy with Grinding In grinding, it has become axiomatic that the more the power put into a given operation, the greater the work performance. The analogous view is now proposed that the effectiveness of any flotation operation will be related to the mechanical energy usefully applied to that operation. Under this view, each increment of properly directed input energy should give either an increase in unit tonnage or an improvement in the metallurgical separation (concentrate grade or tailing grade), until either the theoretical limit imposed by mineral constitution or surface condition is reached, or until further increments of power become uneconomic under the law of diminishing returns. Thus, as in grinding, there are two forms of output that greater power input or improved utilization of power can produce. As for the law of diminishing returns, lower unit cost of power through improved generating efficiency in the past decade has pushed the limit back. Over and above this, however, there is strong indication in the operationg data herein presented that higher power intensity results in an actual economy of over-all power consumption. Like crushing and grinding, flotation accomplishes a rupture of the forces of molecular attraction, by taking particles from the common environment and placing them in the two separate environments of

Jan 1, 1947

By E. H. Rose

The present symposium on flotation machines provides a unique opportunity for group reappraisal of standard or habitual viewpoints. A symposium is by definition a trading post- for observations that might prove complementary when put together, thus leading to useful thoughts that might not have been evident from the original observations individually. The present paper, pertaining to power consumption in flotation, is deliberately an experiment of that kind. Data were solicited from the operating superintendents of several of the major flotation plants on this continent. The information received, covering a total of 14 separate operations in seven plants, has been collated in terms of power intensity; that is, the total power input per cubic foot of cell volume. This departs somewhat from the conventional expression of power per ton of ore treated, though the latter figure is also given for the plants concerned. Because of wartime restrictions, particularly in Canada, identifying names of plants and machines are withheld. Not as a firm conclusion, but as a tender for symposium discussion, the following points are made: 1. That flotation is a power operation in much the same sense as ball milling. 2. That contact time is the complement of power intensity and may be decreased as the latter is increased. 3. That a decrease in flotation power per ton of ore can result from an increase in power intensity. Analogy with Grinding In grinding, it has become axiomatic that the more the power put into a given operation, the greater the work performance. The analogous view is now proposed that the effectiveness of any flotation operation will be related to the mechanical energy usefully applied to that operation. Under this view, each increment of properly directed input energy should give either an increase in unit tonnage or an improvement in the metallurgical separation (concentrate grade or tailing grade), until either the theoretical limit imposed by mineral constitution or surface condition is reached, or until further increments of power become uneconomic under the law of diminishing returns. Thus, as in grinding, there are two forms of output that greater power input or improved utilization of power can produce. As for the law of diminishing returns, lower unit cost of power through improved generating efficiency in the past decade has pushed the limit back. Over and above this, however, there is strong indication in the operationg data herein presented that higher power intensity results in an actual economy of over-all power consumption. Like crushing and grinding, flotation accomplishes a rupture of the forces of molecular attraction, by taking particles from the common environment and placing them in the two separate environments of

Jan 1, 1947

By A. E. Martin, Gerhard Derge

IF the molecular constitution of molten slags were better known, the nature of chemical reactions in slags and between slags and metals could be better understood and as a consequence might be better controlled. Constitutional information can be obtained by studies on either the molten or the solidified slags. Valuable as the studies on solidified slags admittedly are for many purposes, especially as control methods in steelmaking, they are always of questionable value in giving information on the molecular constitution of liquid slags. However, the characteristics of molten slags such as viscosity, rates of diffusion, and electrical conductivity can be determined experimentally and interpreted along with other knowledge on slag-metal and slag-gas reactions so as to provide direct information on liquid slags. Metallurgists are accustomed to regard reactions in molten slags as involving only neutral molecules, whereas it is quite possible that ionic constituents are actually involved. For example, the dissociation of calcium silicate usually is represented as Ca2SiO4 = 2CaO + SiO2 although a reasonable alternative would be to write Ca2SiO4 = 2Ca+2 + Si04-4 Such ionic dissociation has been suggested frequently without adequate experimental proof. This paper deals especially with electrical conductivity measurements on slags of the blast-furnace type. These measurements were made to determine whether or not slags are ionized and, if so, to provide a qualitative estimate of the extent of ionization. Electrolysis experiments that indicate the identity of the ions present are also reported. Since the presence of ions has not been considered carefully in modern slag studies, the relevant literature will be reviewed. REVIEW of LITERATURE In 1906 Aiken1 obtained a patent for a continuous process of producing iron electrolytically by passing a direct current through a bath of FeO-SiO2 to which iron oxide was added periodically to maintain a uniform concentration. The patent also included the addition of CaO and MgO to the bath to lower its melting point. The silicate melts involved were thus in the same system as basic open-hearth slags but with higher FeO and lower CaO contents. Electrical conductivity measurements were made on some molten silicates by Doelter2 in 1907. Natural silicates, such as

Jan 1, 1943

By W. H. Emmons

THE exploration of deposits of the metals will never become an exact science. There will always be an element of uncertainty in prospecting and developing mines. In countries where the surface has been closely scrutinized, most of the deposits whose outcrops contain valuable metals have probably been discovered. Many metalliferous deposits, however, are normally so much altered at the surface that the true significance of their outcrops is likely to be obscured. If a deposit is not exposed, its presence may become known by some one of its characteristics that is different in kind or in degree from a similar feature of the associated rock. Thus, a deposit that is not exposed may be discovered because of its magnetic property. So few minerals are strongly magnetic that the value of magnetic surveys is limited, but the dip needle has nevertheless proved of great aid in locating magnetic belts, and these in some regions are associated with workable iron ores. The Cuyuna Iron Range of Minnesota, which does not exhibit any outcrop of iron ore, was discovered by drilling "areas of attraction" that are due to belts of magnetic rocks associated with the iron ores. In some regions the use of the clip needle is justified, even if it does no more than reveal the strike of the rocks, since a knowledge of the latter enables the driller to locate and point his holes to advantage. The measures of gravity by the use of the pendulum are so accurate, or the limit of error is so small, that one might detect the presence of a concealed tabular deposit approximately at the surface, 34 ft. (10.36 m.) thick, having a density double that of the surrounding rocks. However, not many deposits have a density twice that of ordinary rocks and a thickness as great as 34 ft.; if they lie a short distance below the surface the density or the thickness must be even greater. Consequently, there is not much hope of sufficiently developing the gravity method of detecting deposits of heavy ores to make it of practical value. If the limit of error could be reduced to about one-tenth the present factor, and if the rather tedious and painstaking methods of determining gravity that are now in use could be simplified, the method would promise some degree

Jan 3, 1917

By W. H. Emmons

The exploration of deposits of the metals will never become an exact science. There will always be an element of uncertainty in prospecting and developing mines. In countries where the surface has been closely scrutinized, most of the deposits whose outcrops contain valuable metals have probably been discovered. Many metalliferous deposits, however, are normally so much altered at the surface that the true significance of their outcrops is likely to be obscured. If a deposit is not exposed, its presence may become known by some one of its characteristics that is different in kind or in degree from a similar feature of the associated rock. Thus, a deposit that is not exposed may be discovered because of its magnetic property. So few minerals are strongly magnetic that the value of magnetic surveys is limited, but the dip needle has nevertheless proved of great aid in locating magnetic belts, and these in some regions are associated with workable iron ores. The Cuyuna Iron Range of Minnesota, which does not exhibit any outcrop of iron ore, was discovered by drilling "areas of attraction" that are due to belts of magnetic rocks associated with the iron ores. In some regions the use of the dip needle is justified, even if it does no more than reveal the strike of the rocks, since a knowledge of the latter enables the driller to locate and point his holes to advantage. The measures of gravity by the use of the pendulum are so accurate, or the limit of error is so small, that one might detect the presence of a concealed tabular deposit approximately at the surface, 34 ft. (10.36 m.) thick, having a density double that of the surrounding rocks. However, not many deposits have a density twice that of ordinary rocks and a thickness as great as 34 ft.; if they lie a short distance below the surface the density or the thickness must be even greater. Consequently, there is not much hope of sufficiently developing the gravity method of detecting deposits of heavy ores to make it of practical value. If the limit of error could be reduced to about one-tenth the present factor, and if the rather tedious and painstaking methods of determining gravity that are now in use could be simplified, the method would promise some degree

Jan 1, 1918

By Marcel R. Daly

EUGENE COSTS, Calgary, Alberta (communication to the Secretary*).¬This new theory to account for the accumulation of commercial deposits of oil and gas, is deliberately and admittedly based on the hypothesis that the origin of these products is organic. Mr. Daly says (page 1142), "Should the organic origin of the petroleum that is found in pools be granted, the following interpretation is offered for the mechanics of its accumulation." But suppose the origin thus accepted by definition be incorrect, then what becomes of the diastrophic theory, Mr. Daly's interpretation? As Mr. Daly remarks himself (same page), "It is obvious that the history of petroleum will have to be entirely different, dependent upon its origin, either from emanations coming from the depths, or from organic decomposition in the strata themselves." Then why should one propound a theory, through which he is endeavoring to trace the history of petroleum, by starting with a definition of its origin? The origin should be the deduction, the forced conclusion of the theory, and not its starting point. Facts alone should be considered first, in any theory worth the name, until sufficient proofs have accumulated to permit of the deduction of a complete explanation for these facts. This would lead one to the origin through a real theory founded on facts, and not based on a preconceived idea perhaps true, but possibly fanciful. Mr. Daly's way can only lead on one road, namely the organic road, and, I repeat, it may be the wrong road. In the case of the petroleum deposits, as .I have endeavored to show in several papers on the subject, to which the reader may refer, the facts clearly lead to the force conclusion that their origin is not one of accumulations of hydrocarbons at first disseminated in the sedimentary strata but the reverse process of subsequent local infiltrations and impregnations of hydrocarbon emanations from the depths. This new theory, therefore, founded on, an erroneous conception of origin cannot be a help in the solution of the petroleum' problem, not any more than were the anti-theory or the hydraulic theory, both of which were also based on the same error, although Mr. Daly is inclined to think that the authors of these two theories did not accept the misconception boldly enough (page 1142). -

Jan 12, 1916