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By R. W. Guard, W. R. Hibbard

As part of a program to determine the deformation characteristics of pure metals, the tensile creep properties of high purity aluminum (99.994 pct Al) have been determined using a constant stress loading. The effects of prior annealing temperature, stress, and temperature were studied. These data have been examined on the basis of present-day theories. None of the methods was found to give an accurate representation of the data over all conditions studied. The structures of several specimens after creep were examined by optical and X-ray metallography. Marked changes in the grain size were found and it was substantiated that the magnitude of these changes was greatly influenced by the applied stress (or creep strain). The changes in fiber texture which occur on creep deformation are shown to be consistent with those observed on deformation at lower temperatures. UNDERSTANDING the properties of new mate-*-J rials under different experimental conditions must be based on considerable knowledge of the mechanisms involved in plastic flow and how to control them. Tension and creep tests have been carried out on a number of pure metals in order to document their deformation characteristics. It is hoped that a comparison of these data with theory will indicate those areas where work on mechanisms and their relation to metallurgical variables may be most fruitful. Since aluminum has often been used for studying the qualitative aspects of creep behavior, it was chosen for detailed study. The effects of annealing temperature, stress, and test temperature on the constant stress creep behavior were studied. Although most of the tests were made above one half the absolute melting temperature, a few tests were made at lower temperatures to give qualitative comparisons. Some specimens were examined metallo-graphically and by X-ray diffraction techniques after creep. Since only a limited number of specimens could be made from the available material, no effort was made to study detailed changes in sub-grain structure or other metallographic features. Servi and Grant3 nd Dushman et al.' have previously published studies of high temperature creep of high purity aluminum. In both cases, a great deal of emphasis was placed on the minimum creep rate.

Jan 1, 1957

By P. V. Martin

Shortly after the middle of the nineteenth century, the invention of the regenerative open-hearth furnace and the development of the Bessemer process stimulated a rate of steel production whose magnitude created an unprecedented demand for pig iron. Revolutionary improvements in furnace design, auxiliary equipment, and operating technique enabled the blast furnace to keep abreast of the constantly increasing requirements of the steel mill. The development of improved blowing equipment, more adequate facilities for material handling, and particularly the general use of anthracitc and coke to replace the physically weaker charcoal, led to a rapid expansion in both the height and volume of furnaces. Beyond a doubt, however, the greatest single factor in blast-furnace improvement at this time was the use of the higher blast temperatures made available by the replacement of the recuperative iron pipe stoves by the regenerative Cowper brick stove. The increased blast temperature not only resulted in greater output but also reduced fuel consumption . far more than could be explained by the additional heat content of the blast. The progress of iron manufacturing was thus largely mechanical and thermal. Little attention was given the chemistry of the process until the publication of the investigations of Sir Lowthian Bell.1 Bell's painstaking experiments and investigations gave to the blast-furnace man his first real scientific conception of blast-furnace chemistry. Bell's recognition of the dual function of the carbon, the technical importance of reversible reactions and chemical equilibria, and his conception of the degree of oxidation of the carbon as shown by the analysis of the outgoing gases as a criterion of furnace efficiency, laid the foundation upon which has since been erected the structure of blast-furnace theory. Prominent among those availing themselves of Bell's data as .a basis of further study was M. L. Gruner,2 professor of the French School of Mines. His "Blast Furnace Phenomena," published in 1870, presented

Jan 1, 1940

By R. M. Brick

SEGREGATION can occur only in cast alloys that solidify over a range of temperatures with a difference in composition of liquid and solid phases within this range (ignoring monotectic systems and chemical reactions as in rimming. steels). Thus a pure binary eutectic alloy should show no segregation unless undercooling occurs for one of the solid constituents of the eutectic; e.g., chill-cast Al-12 per cent Si alloys. The phasial condition implicitly described above-solidification over a range of temperatures with a compositional difference between solid. and liquid-is found in nearly all solid solutions or combinations of solid solutions and eutectics. Metastable conditions of solidification of these types of alloys cause coring; i.e., a difference in composition between the center of a dendrite and its periphery. This composition gradient can be detected usually only by microscopic examination of etched structures; it is a "micro" effect. The gradient of more immediate industrial concern is that between the center of a cast section and the surface layers. This gross (macro) effect is usually determinable only by sampling of the casting at different points, with chemical analyses of each sample. If the compositional difference is of the same type as in coring, the first parts to freeze being enriched in higher-melting-point constituents, and vice versa, the effect is called normal segregation. When what is apparently the first part of the casting to solidify shows a higher concentration of low-melting-point constituents, the effect is called inverse segregation. These macro effects are quite separate from the micro effect, coring, yet the latter must be. described first because it is an essential part of the picture. CORING Solid Solution, Ni-Cu The nickel-copper phase diagram is reproduced in Fig. Ia, in which the solid lines represent the equilibrium liquidus 1, 3, 7 and solidus 2, 5, 8, and where the vertical 1, 4, 8 represents a 55 per cent Cu alloy. Upon moderately rapid solidification, the first dendritic axes of composition 2 (see Fig. 1b) start to form at a temperature somewhat under I. Solidification continues by growth of the dendritic nuclei, but at temperature 4 the increment solidifying is of composition 5. The rapidity of this crystal growth prevents diffusion of nickel and copper atoms from adjusting the composition of the entire dendrite at 5, which it would be under equilibrium conditions. The average composition of a specific dendrite, or the entire solid phase, at temperature 4 might be that indicated

Jan 1, 1944

By John J. Curzon

The existence of mineralized ground in the area near Lake Chelan has been known since 1887, when Major A. B. Rogers, a locating engineer for the Great Northern Railway, came up Lake Chelan to Railroad Creek in search of a pass over the Cascade Mountains. The steep mountainsides near the crest of the Cascades proved too difficult for railroad construction, and the project was abandoned. Upon his return to Seattle, Major Rogers apparently told his friends, the Denny family, about the large, red, oxidized patches he had seen on the valley walls along Railroad Creek. The Dennys, being true pioneers in spirit, grubstaked J. H. Holden to explore the area and to stake any promising mining ground, and thus began the chain of events that culminated in the construction of the plant that is now known as the Chelan Division of the Howe Sound Company. Holden staked the first group of claims in 1892. Soon afterward, A. H. Murdock, who was then a storekeeper in Chelan, and who is still living at Waterville, and his partner, W. P. Robinson, staked adjacent ground. These two groups of claims formed a substantial part of the mining property being worked today. During the period from the original staking in 1892 up to 1928, when the Britannia Mining and Smelting Co. optioned the property, many attempts were made to bring the property into production, through the formation of several stock companies and by examination and testing by engineers from several well-known mining companies. Although the Britannia organization optioned the property in 1928, not much was done until 1930, when a subsidiary was formed—the Chelan Copper Mining Co.—to explore further the possibilities of the ground. Some work was done during the next few years, but it was not until March 1937 that the Chelan Division of the Howe Sound Co. took over with a program of "full speed ahead," and active development of the mine and construction of the complete plant was begun, including docks, tug and barges, 54 miles of power line, 11 miles of road, mill, shop buildings and complete camp. Production began in April 1938, and has continued without interruption, except for regular change days and holidays and a six-weeks strike in 1939. This interval of time has seen the gradual evolution of a mine and mill originally planned for a rate of 1000 tons per day into a compact operation that last year averaged 2264 tons per operating day. This operation, although rather small when compared with the large copper producers of the Southwest, is important to the state of Washington for several reasons: It has provided employment for several hundred people continuously since construction days in 1937; it has helped materially in the war effort, through production of vital copper and zinc, without which no war can be won; and last, but not least, it has conclusively refuted the old pessimistic arguments that a successful mine would never be found in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. The Holden mine has been producing

Jan 1, 1946

By M. C. Leverett

Knowledge of the theory underlying the behavior of mixtures of fluids in reservoir rocks is essential to the proper solution of certain types of problems in petroleum production, but is as yet incompletely developed. The object of this paper is to show the application of well established thermody-namic and physical principles to these problems, and thus to assist in the development of the basic theory. For convenience the problems to be considered here may be divided into two groups: 1. Static problems, involving only the static balance between capillary forces and those due to the difference in densities of the fluids; i.e., gravitational forces. 2. Dynamic problems, involving analysis of the motion oi mixtures of immiscible fluids in porous media under the influence of forces due to gravity, capillarity, and an impressed external pressure differential. Capillary Equilbrium in Sands Under this heading the static type of problem will be discussed and the results of experimental investigations on the capillary properties of unconsolidated sands will be presented. Although the discussion of this section is, in a sense, prefatory to the treatment of problems of mixture flow, the concepts developed here have considerable intrinsic importance apart from their ap-plication to flow problems. For, it is reason-able to postulate that the reservoir fluids are, owing to their long existence in undis- turbed mutual contact prior to exploitation, in substantial equilibrium. It follows that their distribution in the reservoir at the time of tapping should be entirely predictable from the theory of capillary equi librium, provided certain experimentally measurable properties of the reservoir rock are known. Knowledge of the distribution of the several fluids in the reservoir is, ol course, helpful in the estimation of reserves and in other problems. It is to be emphasized that throughout the discussion of capillary statics it is assumed that the fluids are in equilibrium from the capillary standpoint. Thus, water, where it is referred to as being in a reservoir, will be understood to be interstitial water, present at the time of drilling the reservoir, commonly termed "connate" water. The theory developed here is perfectly general for any porous solid, whether a carefully prepared unconsolidated sand or a natural sandstone from an oil reservoir. At present, however, only problems involving clean, unconsolidated sands can be made to yield numerical solutions, since only such sands have been adequately investigated experimentally. Experimental evaluation of the pertinent properties 01 natural reservoir rocks will permit the extension of the numerical treatment to problems involving these materials. We shall now consider in some detail the static equilibrium of fluid mixtures in porous solids: that is, the manner in which the reservoir fluids are distributed vertically whell the Forces due to capillarity are just balanccd by those due to gravitation.

Jan 1, 1941

By Frederick Laist, Howard Aldrich

The object of the construction and operation of the 80-ton leaching plant was to test out the leaching of sand tailings on a large scale and, if possible, determine a definite method of operation, and the best construction for the larger unit which is now being built. It was also of importance to obtain some practical data as regards cost items. The 80-ton plant was not expected to be a commercial success. A leaching process on such low-grade material necessitates the treatment of a very large tonnage. Such a cost item as labor, for instance, is entirely out of proportion in such a small plant. The amounts of acid, salt, scrap iron, and fuel for roasting, however, are the same per ton in an 80-ton plant as in a 2,000-ton plant. These costs were definitely established. Also the percentages of extraction and grade of tailings were definitely determined for a large-sized unit. Following will be found the description of the plant, the method of operation and the- results obtained. A general view of the plant is given in Fig. 1. The bins consisted of one coal bin with a capacity of 30 tons, one salt bin with a capacity of 20 tons, and a "mill tailings" or feed bin which held 70 tons. The coal and salt bins were placed with their floor level even with the firing floor of the roasting furnace. The feed bin, to give it greater capacity, discharged about 12 ft. below this point, to a 12-in. conveyor belt, which in turn discharged into a pug mill. This fed another conveyor belt, which discharged into the top hearth of the furnace. The furnace was an ordinary six-hearth MacDougall roaster, 20 ft. in diameter. It was equipped with two fire boxes, on opposite sides, the flames entering on the third hearth. An induced draft was obtained with a Buffalo blower, worked as an exhaust fan. Just above the top hearth was an annular flue around the whole circumference of the furnace. Slots at intervals of about 18 in. led from this flue down into the top hearth. The slots were 2 in. wide by 6 in. long. This annular flue proved rather unsatisfactory, as it tended to fill up with flue dust and choke the dots, thus cutting down the draft. The volume of gas through

Jan 1, 1915

By Carl Zapffe

The manganese ore reserves of Lake Superior, because of their location and nature, have recently achieved a rnarked degree of importance as compared with the world's manganese reserves. To appreciate fully the significance and the adequacy of this reserve, one should understand how such ores are used, where obtainable, the quantity used, possible avenues for increasing use or application, and the chemical and physical characteristics of the available ores. Only with those data at hand, is it possible to arrive at a convincing answer to the question whether the reserves of manganiferous iron ores are adequate to satisfy the annual demand of the presently known iron ores for the full life of the latter. That they should last is vital; and to ascertain whether they will last was the purpose of the present investigation, which marks the first attempt to study these Lake Superior reserves. The Lake Superior region possesses and supplies the full assortment of iron ores needed for the conversion of ore into pig iron and steel ingots and castings. These ores are named bessemer, low-phosphorus and high-phosphorus non-bessemer, manganiferous and siliceous; and to include the term aluminiferous would be in keeping with the most recent nomenclature adopted by some dealers. About 35 or 40 years ago, perhaps less, most of the Lake Superior ore which is being used today was the material then considered either useless or too poor for immediate use; perhaps it was considered no more than a future reserve. An examination of the analyses of ores and the guarantees in the sales of those older times convince one that the opinions of those days must have been governed by only small differences in analyses. Some grades of ores used today in substantial amounts were used most sparingly only one or two decades ago. The relative quantities of the different ores used are ever changing; and, bit by bit, the metallurgy and the opinions are ever changing and the prejudices against certain ores and practices decrease. This is unquestionably more pronounced for the manganiferous ores than for any other kind. If, when using the present data for manganiferous ores, we will only be content to make allowances for the same experiences other kinds of ores

Jan 1, 1927

By William E. Milligan

SELENIUM and tellurium occupy adjacent positions in the odd division of group VI of the periodic table immediately below sulfur, with atomic numbers 34 and 52 and with atomic weights of 78.96 and 127.61 .† A recent investigation has indicated the figures in Table 1 as the order of natural abundance of their isotopes. [ ] Experimentally, as a result of bombardment, many additional isotopes have been produced and studied. They are characterized by a relative short half-life. The elements of group VI in the periodic table are of great in-

Jan 1, 1953

By H. C. Burghard, F. R. Brotzen

Experiments were performed to determine the effects of mechanical vibrations on ordering in CuAu. The effects of 5, 10, and 15 kc vibrations were investigated over a range of ordering temperatures of 280° to 360°C. A decrease in the rate of ordering was observed at all frequencies and ordering temperatures. THE effects of mechanical vibrations on certain solid-state reactions have been noted by several investigators. In 1930, Mahoux' reported a substantial increase in the case depth of a steel sample nitrided under the influence of mechanical vibrations over that of an unvibrated sample. Similarly, an accelerating effect of vibrations on the diffusion of chromium in steel was noted. Guillet, in the same year, confirmed the results of Mahoux. More recently Schenck and schmidtmann3 studied the effects of low-frequency, alternating loads on the diffusion of carbon in steel. The results of their experiments, conducted at 500 cycles per min and large strain, (0.2 pct), indicated an acceleration of the process. These workers also reported an increase in case depth of a sample vibrated at 430 kc during a carburizing treatment. Effects of high-frequency vibrations on solid-state reactions have also been investigated by Gudzoff and Gavze6 and Fairbanks and Dewez.7 The former reported an acceleration of the age-hardening process in aluminum alloys. The latter noted changes in the structure and mechanical properties of steel annealed under the influence of vibrations. On the other hand, Altenburg4 and Ehringer5 have given some theoretical reasons and experimental evidence as to the improbability of any effect of vibrations on diffusion. Comprehensive surveys of the effects of vibrations on metallurgical reactions are given by Hiedemann' and Bergmann.9 None of the above investigations led to a physical description of the effects of mechanical vibrations on solid-state reactions. In the present study an attempt was made to gain an understanding of the influence of vibrations on nucleation and diffusion. The order-disorder transformation was chosen for investigation since its mechanism has been extensively discussed in the literature. Moreover, the progress of the transformation may be easily followed by observation of electrical resistance changes. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The specimens used for the experimental observation of ordering rates were prepared from 50 at. pct Cu-Au alloy wire.* Each specimen consisted of a 0.02-in. diam wire approximately 10 in. long to which two copper potential leads were silver soldered, 2 1/2 in. apart, near one end of the wire. A 1/8-in. diam by 1/4-in. long steel stub was silver soldered

Jan 1, 1960

By W. Crafts, J. L. Lamont

Selection of an alloy steel for a heat-treated article has been facilitated by methods for the calculation of harden-ability,' as-quenched hardness and tempered tensile strength.2 Ductility and toughness may also be estimated if the steel is completely hardened on quenching, 5,6 and the present study was carried out in order to develop a basis for estimating the Izod impact strength of partially hardened steel. The investigation was directed toward the prediction of Izod impact strength in steels of normal commercial quality without consideration of special compositions or heat-treatments that might produce abnormal brittleness. It was found that Izod impact strength of alloy steel is controlled by hardness, degree of hardening on quenching, and grain size. In finegrained steels the impact strength for any given degree of hardening is inversely proportional to the tempered Rockwell C hardness, and the relation of impact strength to hardness is lowered by incomplete hardening. Calculation of the tensile strength and impact strength of heat-treating steels has shown that, except at very high strengths, tensile strength is raised by alloys without loss of impact strength whereas the tensile strength gained by higher carbon contents tends to be accom- panied by a disproportionate loss of toughness. Plain carbon steels give relatively low and unpredictable impact strength. The calculation is sufficiently accurate to be helpful in the selection of alloy steel, and common grades of alloy steel have been evaluated with respect to combinations of tensile strength and impact strength attainable after heat-treatment in sections from I to. 4 in. in diameter. Procedure The study of the relation of hardness to impact strength was based on test data derived from 24 heats from four producers. The steels included the following SAE and AISI compositions: 1020, 1030, 1040, 1340, 3310, 33167 4320, 43.30, 4340, 8620, 8630, 8640, 8720, 8730, 8740, 931°, 9317, 9440, 9917 and three high-alloy chromium-nickel-molybdenum steels. As far as is known, the steels tested were of normal commercial quality. They were supplied in 4-in. sections, which were forged to smaller sizes, prenormalized, and machined to final dimensions. Heat-treatment was carried out by heating to the usual austenitizing temperature for the grade of steel, holding for one hour per inch of thickness and quenching in still oil at room temperature. Previous work had indicated that this quenching treatment approximates a severity of H = 0.3; The bars were tempered as follows: 34 in., I in., and 1% in., 2 hr; 235 in., 3 hr; 4 in., ; hr. All bars were air-cooled from the tempering tem-

Jan 1, 1948

By J. L. Lamont, W. Crafts

Selection of an alloy steel for a heat-treated article has been facilitated by methods for the calculation of harden-ability,' as-quenched hardness and tempered tensile strength.2 Ductility and toughness may also be estimated if the steel is completely hardened on quenching, 5,6 and the present study was carried out in order to develop a basis for estimating the Izod impact strength of partially hardened steel. The investigation was directed toward the prediction of Izod impact strength in steels of normal commercial quality without consideration of special compositions or heat-treatments that might produce abnormal brittleness. It was found that Izod impact strength of alloy steel is controlled by hardness, degree of hardening on quenching, and grain size. In finegrained steels the impact strength for any given degree of hardening is inversely proportional to the tempered Rockwell C hardness, and the relation of impact strength to hardness is lowered by incomplete hardening. Calculation of the tensile strength and impact strength of heat-treating steels has shown that, except at very high strengths, tensile strength is raised by alloys without loss of impact strength whereas the tensile strength gained by higher carbon contents tends to be accom- panied by a disproportionate loss of toughness. Plain carbon steels give relatively low and unpredictable impact strength. The calculation is sufficiently accurate to be helpful in the selection of alloy steel, and common grades of alloy steel have been evaluated with respect to combinations of tensile strength and impact strength attainable after heat-treatment in sections from I to. 4 in. in diameter. Procedure The study of the relation of hardness to impact strength was based on test data derived from 24 heats from four producers. The steels included the following SAE and AISI compositions: 1020, 1030, 1040, 1340, 3310, 33167 4320, 43.30, 4340, 8620, 8630, 8640, 8720, 8730, 8740, 931°, 9317, 9440, 9917 and three high-alloy chromium-nickel-molybdenum steels. As far as is known, the steels tested were of normal commercial quality. They were supplied in 4-in. sections, which were forged to smaller sizes, prenormalized, and machined to final dimensions. Heat-treatment was carried out by heating to the usual austenitizing temperature for the grade of steel, holding for one hour per inch of thickness and quenching in still oil at room temperature. Previous work had indicated that this quenching treatment approximates a severity of H = 0.3; The bars were tempered as follows: 34 in., I in., and 1% in., 2 hr; 235 in., 3 hr; 4 in., ; hr. All bars were air-cooled from the tempering tem-

Jan 1, 1948

By Stephen Taber

A VEIN may be defined as an aggregation of mineral matter, more or less tabular or lenticular in form, which was deposited from solution and is of later origin than the inclosing rock. This definition differs from the one found in many text-books in that no assumption is made as to the origin of the space occupied by the vein or the manner in which the mineral matter was deposited. In the present paper the writer purposes to discuss the mechanics of vein formation, and does not wish to begin by begging the question. The origin of ore deposits has been diligently investigated in recent years, but, while much has been written concerning the chemistry of the process, the physical side of the question has received less attention. The source of the ore minerals; the chemical composition of ore-hearing solutions; the relative importance of magmatic and meteoric waters as agents of concentration; and the causes of mineral precipitation have all been discussed at length. On the other hand, little has been written concerning the mechanics of vein formation, and the theories given in text-hooks today are essentially the same as those developed by the early Cornish and Saxon miners. Early investigators often regarded both veins and dikes as igneous in origin, but today the theory that vein minerals have been deposited from solutions, either liquid or gaseous, is firmly established. The latter view is supported by the fact that many vein-forming minerals are not found in unaltered igneous rocks; by evidence obtained in the laboratory regarding the solubility of minerals; by the presence of many ore minerals in hot-spring waters; by the occurrence of some veins in regions consisting exclusively of unaltered sedimentary rocks; by evidence as to the temperature at which some minerals are formed; and by the absence of mineral segregation due to difference in specific gravity. There is still, however, much difference of opinion as to whether certain tabular-shaped 'masses should be classed as veins or as dikes. Some of

Jan 8, 1918

By E. Gregory, A. Coucoulas

Carbm dioxide, which exists metastably as a constantly subliming molecular solid in a normal room-temperature environment, has been shown to exhibit many microstructural features which are similar to those observed in metals and ceramics at temperatures approaching their melting points. An examinution has been made of some of the factors affecting a brittleness condition known as "smzdiness" which occurs in solid carbon dioxide. It has been shown to be highly dependent on manufacturing and storage conditions and is thought to be a marked intergranu-lay brittleness which results from a combination of excessive grain growth and a concentration of gas-filled pores at the grain boundaries. In the course of an investigation carried out to explain certain physical and mechanical properties of solid carbon dioxide, observations were made of the microstructure and fragmentation of samples after fabrication and storage under varying conditions. Many similarities between the structures of solid carbon dioxide observed under ambient conditions and those existing in metal and ceramic systems at temperatures approaching their melting points have been observed. There are, however, important differences between solid carbon dioxide and the common metallic and ionic solids which result primarily from the differences in the nature of the bonding forces. Despite these differences, the relative ease with which certain microscopic observations can be carried out, may make solid carbon dioxide a useful material model for the physical metallurgist and the ceramist. It could also prove a valuable material for educational purposes where it is required to illustrate grain phenomena which normally can only be seen with the aid of a high-temperature microscope, and after prolonged chemical or thermal etching.

Jan 1, 1963

By A. R. Gregory, M. R. J. Wyllie

The literature reveals that scant attention has been paid to the systematic experimental determination of the formation factors of unconsolidated porous media. No experiments appear to have been made on the effect of increasing cementation on the formation factor of an initially unconsolidated porous medium. Measurements have accordingly been made of formation factors as a function of porosity for aggregates of spheres in the porobity range 12-56 per cent and of cubes, cylinders, discs and triangular prisms in the porosity range 30-45 per cent. The results are examined in the light of the theoretical equations of Clerk Maxwell. Fricke and Slawinski. Aggregates of unconsolidated spheres and beach sands have been artificially cemented with silica and the formation factor-porosity relationships determined. A theory is outlined which seeks to explain the results obtained and which postulates that formation factor and porosity data for consolidated sandatones may be used to determine the original porosity of the unconsolidated sands from which the consolidated sandstones were derived. It follows also that for consolidated sandstones F' = C where F is formation factor, fractional porosity and C and k are constants. INTRODUCTION All schemes of electric log interpretation implicitly or explicitly require the use of formation resistivity factors or? as they are now generally called. formation factors. 'The originator both of the concept of formation factor and of the use of formation factor data in electric log interpretation was Archie.' More recently it has been suggested that formation factors are of value in describing fluid flow in porous media. A full discussion of this problem together with adequate reference.: has been given by Wyllie and Spangler.' In spite of the theoretical and practical importance of the subject, there appear to be remarkably few basic formation factor data in the petroleum literature. A wider search reveals that this situation is nut confined to the literature of the to industry. at various times over the last century, attempts have been made to compute the theoretical relationship between the formation factor and porosity of simple systems of unconsolidated particle.. However. the formulae derived are not all identical and the experimental evidence adduced in support of each i; not wholly convincitng. Most of the experimental work has been carried out on system. of unconsolidated spheres, although some attention has been given to systems of spheroids and cylinder. Other simple shapes have received neither theoretical nor experimental investigation. The writers feel that a better understanding of the formation factors of complex systems of practical importance requires a firm foundation of reliable experimental data applicable to simple systems. Accordingly, they have reviewed the relevant literature and have determined experimentally the relationship between the formation factor and porosity of unconsolidated aggregates of particles of regular geometrical shapes. Some experiments have also been carried out to investigate the effect of cementation on the formation factor-porosity relationship. PREVIOUS WORK Although the term formation factor was not used. the relationship between the resistivity of a solution containing dielectric solids and the resistivity of a similar solution not containing solids is an old and important problem. The formation factor of a system of dispersed spheres as a function of porosity was considered by Clerk Maxwell. Maxwell arrived theoretically at the following expression: where F is formation factor and fractional porosity. Lord Rayleigh' also examined the problem of the formation factor of systems of spheres and cylinders and concluded that for spheres Clerk Maxwell'.; expression gave a value of F whirl]. at low porosities particularly, was too small. However,

Jan 1, 1953

By Herbert Clark Hoover, Lou Henry Hoover

MANY persons hold the opinion that the metal industries are fortuitous and that the occupation is one of sordid toil, and altogether a kind of business requiring not so much skill as labour. But as for myself, when I reflect carefully upon its special points one by one, it appears to be far otherwise. For a miner must have the greatest skill in his work, that he may know first of all what mountain or hill, what valley or plain, can be prospected most profitably, or what he should leave alone ; moreover, he must understand the veins, stringers1 and seams in the rocks2. Then he must be thoroughly familiar with the many and varied species of earths, juices3, gems, stones, marbles, rocks, metals, and compounds4. He must also have a

Jan 1, 1950

By G. H. Bruce, C. E. Williams

The trend toward deeper drilling, together with the attcndant increase in power requirements for circulation of the drilling fluid, has emphasized the need for a critical examination of the factors affecting the removal of bit cuttings from the hole by the drilling fluid. The ability of drilling fluids to lift cuttings is called their carrying capacity. A series of laboratory and field experiments has been conducted to determine the minimrim annular velocity necessary to remove cuttings, and to investigate the effects of properties of drilling fluids on their carrying capacities. Consideration of the results of these experiments led to the following conclusions: 1. Turbulent flow in the well annulus is most desirable from the standpoint of cutting removal. 2. Low viscosity and low gel are advantageous in removing cuttings. 3. Increase in mud weight is effective in increasing carrying capacity. 4. The carrying capacity is higher when the pipe is rotated than when it is not. 5. If turbulent flow can be maintained, an annular velocity slightly higher than the slip velocity of the largest cuttings to be transported should keep the bore hole clean. This implies velocities of 100 to 125 ft per minute rather than the presently used 175 to 225 ft per minute. INTRODUCTION Power Savings by Reduction of Annular Velocities A large portion of the power expended in drilling operations is consumed in circulating the drilling fluid. An important factor in establishing the rate of mud circulation is the minimum velocity in the annulus necessary to remove bit cuttings. Empirically, it has been found that average annular mud velocities of about 200 ft per minute will remove cuttings. It was not definitely known, however, whether annular velocities of about 200 ft per minute were just above the minimum necessary to remove cuttings, or whether such velocities could be materially reduced without sacrifice of the ability of the mud to remove cuttings. It is apparent that if annular velocities could be reduced without impairment of cutting removal, a considerable saving in power requirements would result. Need for Research on Carrying Capacity The ability of a drilling fluid to transport cuttings is called its carrying capacity. Although it has been recognized that the carrying capacity of a mud is affected by mud properties such as viscosity and density1,2,3,4 there have been various views in the industry as to the effects of these mud properties on carrying capacity. The economic importance of the problem of carrying capacity and the scarcity of information on the subject indicated that research on the problem was needed. THE FACTORS AFFECTING CARRYING CAPACITY Qualitative Determination of Factors The mechanism of cutting transport is closely related to that involved in the separation of material by settling processes. A considerable amount of research has been done on settling problems, and discussions of sedimentation theory can be found in standard texts.5,6 Consideration of the information available from these sources, together with consideration of the mechanism of cutting transport, leads to the conclusion that the factors affecting carrying capacity are the dimensions of the system, the physical properties of the cuttings. and the physical properties of the drilling fluid. system Dimensions and Their Effect The dimensions of the fluid circulating system of importance to carrying capacity are the bore hole size, drill pipe size, pump capacity, and pump speed. These dimensions determine the annular velocity of the drilling fluid. Physical Properties and Their Effects The physical properties involved in the interaction between mud and cuttings are the density and shape of the cuttings and the density, viscosity and gel strength of the drilling fluid. The effect of the density factor on carrying capacity is fairly obvious; high density difference between cuttings and fluid results in a low buoyant force and therefore decreases carrying capacity. The effect of cutting shape is less obvious. Although

Jan 1, 1951

By G. W. Binkley, R. E. Collins, G. K. Dumbauld

A mathematical analysis has shown that the primary factors affecting the deposition of cement in unfractured perforations during squeeze-cementing operations are: the properties of the cement slurry, the geometry of the perforations, and the filtration time. The validity of the analysis has been substantiated by laboratory investigations. The information presented in this paper makes possible the prediction of the rate of deposition of cement in and about unfractured perforations under given squeeze-cementing conditions, the proper filtration time to control the amount of deposition to any desired value, and the deposition properties needed in cement slurries to restrict to any desired degree the formation of nodes of cement .Solids inside the casing. INTRODUCTION The deposition of solids against a permeable medium by the process of filtration is an important property of a cement slurry. General recognition of the role of filtration in the use of cement in wells is evident in view of the fact that several patents on low-water-loss cements have been issued during the past few years. In the conventional, high-pressure squeeze-cementing technique, a large volume of cement slurry is usually displaced into the area surrounding the perforated interval after the formation has been fractured hydraulically.&apos; Near the end of the job, the pumping rate is slowed or stopped intermittently in an effort to obtain a high pressure in the wellbore. The way in which a high pressure is obtained is not understood thoroughly. but it is be- lieved to be caused by the deposition of a rigid mass of compacted cement particles either in the fractures of the formations or inside the casing opposite the perforated interval. In a method of squeeze-cementing introduced several years ago, a small amount of cement slurry is squeezed into the perforations at a low pressure to avoid fracturing the formation. The filling of the unfractured perforations with cement particles by the process of filtration is important to the success of this technique. Early in the development of this low-pressure squeeze-cementing technique, laboratory and field-size experiments showed that conventional, neat cement slurries were unsatisfactory if the tubing was extended into or through the perforated section of the casing. The extremely high filtration rate of neat cement slurries caused the deposition of a compacted mass of cement inside the casing and made it impossible to remove excess cement by reverse circulation and difficult to withdraw the tubing. Because the need for cements with a reduced filtration rate was obvioils and urgent, modified cements containing 12 per cent bentonite were used until research was completed on modified cements containing 25 per cent bentonite.< These modified cements were useful in the solution of the immediate problem, but the following questions remained unanswered: (I) what is the optimum filtration rate of cement slurries for this application, (2) how long should the squeeze pressure be applied. and (3) how great are the effects of squeeze pressure and well temperature on the rate of deposition? Furthermore, the relationship of the filtration properties of cement slurries to the dimensions of the perforations and the wellbore was unknown. In order to obtain information relative to these basic considerations, a systematic evaluation of all the factors involved in the deposition of Cement during low-pressure squeeze-cementing operations was initiated. Although the work was directed toward an evaluation of the factors influencing the deposition of Cement in the low-pressure squeeze-

By H. N. Hall

Reservoir and producing characteristics can govern the decision to use either a one-, two- or three-dimensional model for making predictions for gravity-drainage reservoirs. Examples of conditions requiring one-, two- and three-dimensional calculations are given. In 1961 the author presented a method for predicting one-dimensional gravity-drainage performance. This work has been exrendcd to obtain a three-dimensional model, which is described and for which a sample problem is presented. Introduction Many papers on gravity drainage or gas-cap drive&apos;-3 have been presented for conditions where the reservoir is treated as a single areal segment so that, in effect, only one-dimen-sional flow is considered. Other authors&apos;-Q ave given evidence showing that the one-dimensional concept would be unsatisfactory to predict reservoir performance for certain types of reservoirs. Experience has indicated that specific reservoir and producing conditions govern whether one-, two- or three-dimensional concepts must be used as a basis for reliable reservoir performance predictioils. Previously the author presented a paper outlining a method for predicting the performance of gravity-drainage reservoirs.&apos; That paper treated the reservoir as a single areal segment so that it was applicable for only one-dimensional flow. The work has been extended to obtain a three-dimensional model that can be used to predict performance of gravity-drainage reservoirs. Although capable of being three-dimensional, it can be used equally well for one- and two-dimensional predictions. This paper discusses those reservoir and producing conditions governing the choice of model, and also describes a three-dimensional model suitable for predicting reservoir performance in the more complex situations. Discussion The Choice of Model To predict reservoir performance, it is necessary to represent the reservoir by a physical model. A mathematical model, based on the assumed physical model, then is used to predict the movement of oil and gas within the reservoir. The word "model" is used here to connote the combination of both a physical model and a mathematical model based on the physical model. Certain types of reservoir situations may be predicted suitably with a one-dimensional model, whereas two- and three-dimensional models may be required for other situations. This section illustrates reservoir conditions associated with the use of a specific type of model. Many types of reservoir structures are such that gravity drainage possibly could be an important factor in oil production. Production practices, as well as the nature of the structure. can influence the type of model that should be used. obviously, it is impossible to discuss all combinations of reservoir structure and production practices that might be encountered in gravity-drainage reservoirs. The following are typical examples of conditions where a choice must be made among a one-, two- or three-dimensional model to predict reservoir performance satisfactorily. Conditions Requiring a One-Dimensional Model Fig. la shows contours for an asymmetrical anticline in which gravity drainage might be expected to be important. Fig. Ib depicts a cross-section along Line A-A in Fig. la. Existence of a gas cap is a good clue that gravity drainage will be an important factor in producing oil from this type of reservoir. However, it is not essential since a gas cap will form as oil is produced from the reservoir. If the proper combination of reservoir permeability and withdrawal rates is present, the reservoir will behave like a

Jan 1, 1969

By S. K. Mitra

A refinement of the Seeger model for intersection process is investigated which is in better agreement with experimental observations than the original. It is shown that, in single crystals, the strain hardening in Stage II is mainly due to the short-mnge interactions when intersection is the rate-controlling process. It is also demonstrated that the creep curves, as predicted by this theory, are in good agreement with the experimental observations. MOTT: Cottrell? and Seeger have developed an approximate theory for plastic deformation of single crystals over the range of variables where the strain rate is controlled by the rate of intersection of dislocations. Although it is now generally agreed that the low temperature deformation of many pure metals is controlled by the intersection mechanism, various dictates of the over-simplified Seeger model are not in good agreement with all the experimental facts. It is the purpose of this paper to reveal that by appropriate extensions of the Seeger model, particularly those suggested by Basinski: a much more reliable theory results. The refined model to be presented here will be shown to account, in a satisfactory way, for the effect of stress, temperature, and strain on the creep rate under constant stress and for the effect of temperature and strain on the flow stress in constant strain-rate tests. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD To Check the theoretical deductions, both creep and tension tests were conducted on single crystals of high-purity Al (99.994 pct Al) so oriented that both the active slip plane and the Burger&apos;s vector of the operative dislocations on that plane made angles of about 45 deg to the tension axis. Single crystals of aluminum (5/8 in. by 1/10 in. by 8 in.) were grown in a graphite mold under an inert atmosphere using the Bridgman method. The chemical composition of the aluminum is given in Table I. A common seed was used for all crystals and their orientation is shown in Fig 3. The extensometry consisted of two differential transformers with matched outputs mounted so as to measure the extension in a 2 in. gage length. The amplified difference in output of the two transformers was recorded by a potentiometer. The amplification was calibrated before each run so that one chart division of the recording potentiometer indicated a 105 shear strain on the specimen. Stresses were measured to the nearest 1 x l04 dynes per sq cm. ACTIVATION VOLUME The concept of Basinski that the activation volume is not constant but is a function of the force that aids thermal fluctuation in effecting the cutting of dislocations will be adopted in this section. The force acting due to an applied shear stress on the dislocation being intersected is where L is the mean spacing between the forest dislocations, is the Burger&apos;s vector and T is the back stress. A detailed discussion about the origin of back stress will be taken up later in this report. As shown by Basinski, the activation energy, U, that must be supplied by a thermal fluctuation in order to effect intersection, is equal to where x is the distance through which the dislocation must be translated for complete intersection, and Fm is the maximum force encountered in intersection. When the applied stress is decreased abrupt ly F also decreases and the activation energy increases correspondingly as documented in Eqs. [ 1 ] and [2]. The Seeger equation for the strain rate when the deformation is controlled by rate of intersection of where the shear strain rate (per sec) N = the number of points per unit vol at which intersection can take place

Jan 1, 1962

By C. E. Williams, G. H. Bruce

The trend toward deeper drilling, together with the attcndant increase in power requirements for circulation of the drilling fluid, has emphasized the need for a critical examination of the factors affecting the removal of bit cuttings from the hole by the drilling fluid. The ability of drilling fluids to lift cuttings is called their carrying capacity. A series of laboratory and field experiments has been conducted to determine the minimrim annular velocity necessary to remove cuttings, and to investigate the effects of properties of drilling fluids on their carrying capacities. Consideration of the results of these experiments led to the following conclusions: 1. Turbulent flow in the well annulus is most desirable from the standpoint of cutting removal. 2. Low viscosity and low gel are advantageous in removing cuttings. 3. Increase in mud weight is effective in increasing carrying capacity. 4. The carrying capacity is higher when the pipe is rotated than when it is not. 5. If turbulent flow can be maintained, an annular velocity slightly higher than the slip velocity of the largest cuttings to be transported should keep the bore hole clean. This implies velocities of 100 to 125 ft per minute rather than the presently used 175 to 225 ft per minute. INTRODUCTION Power Savings by Reduction of Annular Velocities A large portion of the power expended in drilling operations is consumed in circulating the drilling fluid. An important factor in establishing the rate of mud circulation is the minimum velocity in the annulus necessary to remove bit cuttings. Empirically, it has been found that average annular mud velocities of about 200 ft per minute will remove cuttings. It was not definitely known, however, whether annular velocities of about 200 ft per minute were just above the minimum necessary to remove cuttings, or whether such velocities could be materially reduced without sacrifice of the ability of the mud to remove cuttings. It is apparent that if annular velocities could be reduced without impairment of cutting removal, a considerable saving in power requirements would result. Need for Research on Carrying Capacity The ability of a drilling fluid to transport cuttings is called its carrying capacity. Although it has been recognized that the carrying capacity of a mud is affected by mud properties such as viscosity and density1,2,3,4 there have been various views in the industry as to the effects of these mud properties on carrying capacity. The economic importance of the problem of carrying capacity and the scarcity of information on the subject indicated that research on the problem was needed. THE FACTORS AFFECTING CARRYING CAPACITY Qualitative Determination of Factors The mechanism of cutting transport is closely related to that involved in the separation of material by settling processes. A considerable amount of research has been done on settling problems, and discussions of sedimentation theory can be found in standard texts.5,6 Consideration of the information available from these sources, together with consideration of the mechanism of cutting transport, leads to the conclusion that the factors affecting carrying capacity are the dimensions of the system, the physical properties of the cuttings. and the physical properties of the drilling fluid. system Dimensions and Their Effect The dimensions of the fluid circulating system of importance to carrying capacity are the bore hole size, drill pipe size, pump capacity, and pump speed. These dimensions determine the annular velocity of the drilling fluid. Physical Properties and Their Effects The physical properties involved in the interaction between mud and cuttings are the density and shape of the cuttings and the density, viscosity and gel strength of the drilling fluid. The effect of the density factor on carrying capacity is fairly obvious; high density difference between cuttings and fluid results in a low buoyant force and therefore decreases carrying capacity. The effect of cutting shape is less obvious. Although

Jan 1, 1951