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By John Hays Hammond

The following notes are descriptive of a country as yet in its infancy as regards the advancement made in mining operations. Its inaccessibility and other militating circumstances have retarded progress in that direction. With the completion of the railroad, now under construction, having the city of Cali as its objective point, with the concomitant civilizing and developing consequences, it is certain that the slopes of the Cordilleras will prove to be a South American Eldorado. Deposits of coal, copper, and minerals other than those of the precious metals are known to exist in quantities which, under more favorable conditions of accessibility, etc., could be profitably mined. The Government of the United States of Colombia, I think, is disposed to encourage and foster mining enterprises. Articles designed for mining are admitted free of duty; the permanency of the government is, at least, as well assured as that of Mexico (which is not noted for its immutability), and a more sincerely friendly sentitment towards Americans prevails in the United States of Colombia than in Mexico. This paper is confined to a description of the property of the Cauca company's mines, and is intended rather as a preliminary notice than as an exhaustive report. The Cauca mining district is reached by the following route: New York to Aspinwall; to Panama; to Buenaventura, a port on the west coast of the United States of Colombia, distant thirty-six hours from Panama by steamer; to Cali in the State of Cauca. The State of Cauca is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the northwest by the State of Panama, on the northeast by the States of Bolivar and Antioquia, on the east by Brazil and Venzuela, on the south by the Republic of Ecuador, and on the west by the Pacific. Ocean. It has a territory of 41,443 square miles, which is about one-tenth of the entire territory of the United States of Colombia. Its population, including the 50,000 savage Indians of the Caqueta (some of whom are cannibals), is nearly 450,000 souls, or about one-sixth of the population of the Colombian republic. Of these, one-fifth are whites (Spanish' South Amer-

Jan 1, 1885

By N. W. Johnson

Mount Isa Mines Limited (Isamine) has process control computers in the major surface plants -- lead smelter, copper smelter, lead/zinc concentrator, and copper concentrator. HP computers are used to implement the more complex stabilizing control loops and control schemes aimed at optimizing plant performance. The choice of control strategies is discussed with particular reference to long-term performance in metallurgical plants. These control schemes must be understood by the process metallurgists who are responsible for the performance and initial fault finding. Major emphasis has been placed on the ability of the control systems to handle most of the common plant upset conditions as well as providing improved performance under normal operating conditions. To illustrate the approaches adopted, the lead/zinc concentrator crushing system and the process bag- house control system for lead smelter off-gas handling are reviewed in detail. The improvements in both of these areas resulting from control systems implementation are discussed.

Jan 1, 1984

By E. Gilpin

Any estimate of the economic mineral value of an unvisited district is to the mining engineer largely a comparative one. If he knows that certain minerals characterize any given geological horizon he naturally draws upon his experience of the same ores as met by him cinder similar geological conditions. And if he has not had the personal experience, the investigation of the geology of a similar district as given in a trustworthy report enables him to lay a fair basis for conclusions. In a general way these conclusions are of value, and while they pronounce on the possible mineral fecundity of a given district, they

Jan 1, 1890

By M. J. Salkind

In order for fiber composite materials to find extensive use in structures, it is necessary to develop techniques for joining these materials. Riveting and adhesive bonding are two possible techniques which have been investigated although the former is less desirable because the low shear strength of most matrices makes this type of joint subject to bearing failure. Welding is an effective means of joining, especially for high-temperature applications where ad-hesives are weak; however, there are significant limitations placed on welding composite materials. The commonly used fusion welding techniques will find less use for joining composites because the two phases are often unable to stand exposure to such a stringent environment. In the case of eutectic composites, fusion welding will completely destroy the controlled microstructure. Solid-state techniques such as diffusion bonding offer potential success with certain design requirements placed on such joints. Since the primary mechanism of load transfer from matrix to fiber is shear parallel to the fibers, little load can be transferred across a butt-welded interface perpendicular to the aligned fibers. Successful joint designs must have a component parallel to the fibers to allow a shear area for load transfer. Configurations such as lap and scarf welds are likely to be successful. This note describes some results of experiments with diffusion-bonded joints in A13Ni whisker-reinforced aluminum. The composite material, prepared by unidirectional solidification of the A1-A13Ni eutectic, is described elsewhere.'-' It consists of aligned micron size whiskers in a matrix of aluminum. Since it has been shown that the microstructure of

Jan 1, 1969

SEC 1 The membership of the Institute shall comprise seven classes, namely 1 Members, 2 Honorary Members, 3 Senior Members, 4 Associates, 5 Junior Members, 6 Rocky Mountain Members, 7 Junior Foreign Affiliates All shall be equally entitled to the privileges of membership, excepting that no member of any class whose residence shall be outside of the United States of America, except those residing in Mexico and Canada, shall be entitled to vote SEC 2 Members A person to be eligible for election or transfer into the class of Member must be at least 27 years of age and must have had at least six years' employment in the practice of engineering, mining, geology, metallurgy, or chemistry, during at least three years of which he must have held positions of responsibility in one or more of these fields This shall not apply to Rocky Mountain Members SEC 3 Honorary Members Each candidate for Honorary Membership must be recommended by the Committee on Honorary Memberships and must be elected by ballot at a meeting of the Board of Directors by the unanimous vote of the Directors present, provided, however, that the number of Honorary Members shall at no time exceed twenty Such election shall automatically act as a transfer of such member from any other class of membership to which he may belong SEC 4 Senior Members The Directors may, at the special request of any Member or Associate who has reached the age of seventy years and who has paid

Jan 1, 1952

By Emory Kemler

The problem of determining the most desirable operating conditions of an oil-well pumping unit, the selection of the proper material and size of sucker rods, and the design of the pumping unit, requires that the sucker-rod loads be known with a reasonable degree of accuracy. In production practice, it is also desirable to know the effects of operating speeds and strokes on a plunger motion, as well as on the rod loads. For a particular well, data on rod loads can be obtained by measuring the load in sucker rods with a dynamometer. This method is not satisfactory because it does not permit the various factors to be investigated independently. It is also impossible to measure the plunger motion simultancously with rod motion under operating conditions. The mathematical solution is impractical because of the simplifications that have to be made to get a solution and the tremendous amount of numerical work that is necessary after such a simplified solution has been attained. This paper shows how analogies and models can be applied to the solution of these problems. The loads set up in a sucker-rod string during the ordinary pumping cycle are made up of the weight of the rods, force required to accelerate the rods, weight of the oil and force required to accelerate the oil on the upstroke, rod friction, stuffing-box friction, plunger friction, friction of the oil in the tubing and rods, arid friction loss through the valves. The problem of determining the sucker-rod load is further complicated by the fact that the long oil column and the sucker-rod column act as springs, which affect the transmission of the polished-rod motion. A further complication is the fact that the motion cannot be transmitted at a speed greater than that of the velocity of sound in the material, and this means that there will be a time lag in the transmission in the motion, as well as a modification of its magnitude and a phase displacement.

Jan 1, 1936

By Emory Kemler

The problem of determining the most desirable operating conditions of an oil-well pumping unit, the selection of the proper material and size of sucker rods, and the design of the pumping unit, requires that the sucker-rod loads be known with a reasonable degree of accuracy. In production practice, it is also desirable to know the effects of operating speeds and strokes on a plunger motion, as well as on the rod loads. For a particular well, data on rod loads can be obtained by measuring the load in sucker rods with a dynamometer. This method is not satisfactory because it does not permit the various factors to be investigated independently. It is also impossible to measure the plunger motion simultancously with rod motion under operating conditions. The mathematical solution is impractical because of the simplifications that have to be made to get a solution and the tremendous amount of numerical work that is necessary after such a simplified solution has been attained. This paper shows how analogies and models can be applied to the solution of these problems. The loads set up in a sucker-rod string during the ordinary pumping cycle are made up of the weight of the rods, force required to accelerate the rods, weight of the oil and force required to accelerate the oil on the upstroke, rod friction, stuffing-box friction, plunger friction, friction of the oil in the tubing and rods, arid friction loss through the valves. The problem of determining the sucker-rod load is further complicated by the fact that the long oil column and the sucker-rod column act as springs, which affect the transmission of the polished-rod motion. A further complication is the fact that the motion cannot be transmitted at a speed greater than that of the velocity of sound in the material, and this means that there will be a time lag in the transmission in the motion, as well as a modification of its magnitude and a phase displacement.

Jan 1, 1936

By Clarence E. Killebrew

The key to the successful use of any tool, more than anything else, depends upon proper application assignment. To achieve this, the individual having such machine responsibility must maintain fresh knowledge of technical improvements that broaden machine uses. 8.3-1. Tractor Shovel. This type machine is available in a wide range of sizes mounted either on crawler tracks or rubber-tired wheels, with both two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The original concept in both crawler and rubber mounting was that of an attachment to be added to a tractor already in existence. This served as an important expedient for the introduction of the tool, but the basic tractor proved to be inadequately designed for the additional loads. In spite of these structural inadequencies, customer acceptance generated sufficient revenue that further development could be financed for product improvement. The evolution of the product is continuing in many ways-including engines, drive line components, tires, hydraulic pumps, hydraulic valves, structural steel, etc. With each improvement, the operating capability of the machine is extended. This is resulting in the rubber-tired, four-wheel-drive concept making an invasion of the job applications that were formerly considered suitable only for crawler-track mounted machines. Both rubber- and crawler-mounted tractor shovels have invaded the market of small excavator shovels. Larger tractor shovels are challenging the larger size excavators. It is important that each job application be carefully considered so that the proper machine is put in operation. The performance varies widely in operating cost, production efficiency, and job flexibility. Factors to be considered in equipment selection are: 1. Nature of material to be moved 3. Distance material must be moved 2. Surface over which material must be moved 4. Quantity to be moved 5. Secondary or alternate use capability

Jan 1, 1968

By V. S. Rood, J. A. Norden

The general system of workings at the Utah-Apex is similar to that found in many of the western metalliferous mines. There is a vertical three-compartment shaft extcnding to the surface, from which the various levels have been driven to the orebodies. The 1000-ft. (305-m.) level, about 3/4 mile long, was driven as a haulage and drain adit. Geology The formation is a flat north-dipping series of alternating limestone and quartzite beds. Extensive north-south faulting and fissuring have taken place, resulting in the formation of large replacement orebodies in the crushed zones in the limestone. The orebodies are irregular in shape and size, but follow closely the trend of the mineralizing fissures. The ore consists of galena, pyrite, sphalerite and small values in silver and gold. Large masses of non-commercial pyrite are frequently found in or adjacent to the orebodies, and more or less pyrite is found for some distance in the walls of the orebodies. Lenticular bodies of a black pyritic shale also occur in the zones where extensive faulting has taken place. Mining Methods and Condition of Workings Geological conditions, mentioned before, have made the ground extremely heavy. In mining above the 1000-ft. level, square-set and filling methods were used, but not altogether successfully. The crushing of timbers extended even into the filled portions of the stopes. The filling material itself, consisting of limestone, shale, and pyrite, possessed swelling qualities which added to the difficulty of maintaining

Jan 1, 1920

By B. M. Larsen, T. E. Brower

IN an earlier paper1 we discussed a simple, rapid method of taking samples of liquid steel and analyzing them for oxygen, which, though possibly not absolutely accurate (as is likewise true of all other methods), certainly yields results that are satisfactorily consistent. Accordingly, samples from hundreds of heats in different shops were analyzed for oxygen, with results sufficient in number to be handled statistically and permit estimation of some general trends. Measurements were made in acid as well as in basic open hearths, throughout the refining period, to learn how stirring, blocking, adding ore or lime or sand, affects the oxygen content of the bath; we also followed the changes brought about by tapping, teeming, and deoxidizing. Some of these results, discussed in an earlier paper.2 bring out the dominant role of the carbon-oxygen reaction in regulating degree of oxidation both of metal and of slag, also the marked variability of concentration of dissolved oxygen [0] in excess of that which would be in equilibrium with carbon and with carbon monoxide at a partial pressure of one atmosphere. As a logical beginning on this complex problem, we take up in the present paper the variability of this excess oxygen, ?[O], when other factors are as constant as they ever are in open-hearth operation; namely, toward the end of the refining period, when the bath may be regarded as in the comparatively steady state it approaches in absence of disturbing factors. This condition was chosen because by that time the significant reactions, except carbon oxidation, between slag and metal have come to substantial equilibrium; this facilitates interpretation of the complex situation and thus permits more definite conclusions to be drawn. This excess concentration of oxygen, ?[0], in the metal is needed, of course, to make the steelmaking process go at a reasonable rate; alternatively it may be regarded as a measure of the virtual pressure increment above one atmosphere, or of the degree of supersaturation, of carbon monoxide in the metal. According to our measurements, the excess concentration ?[O] in liquid steel varies from about 0.009 to 0.035 per cent oxygen by weight. It is quite sensitive to change of conditions, being altered temporarily by operations such as stirring with green poles, additions of ore, lime, or sand; but as the disturbance works itself out, it resumes a level within the intermediate range characteristic of the steady state. The conditions most common in average furnace practice are covered by the following : [ ] as in a reasonably steady state-that is, when it is boiling normally, is at proper temperature with a well-shaped slag, and has been free from disturbing effects during the preceding half hour-?[O] returns from

Jan 1, 1946

By Leonard B. Griffiths

In a recent communication, Smith and Wood described some results of 800°C compression/creep tests on WC-12 wt pct Co alloys in which plastic flow in the WC particles was believed to have occurred. The deformation observed in the WC particles was found to be a function of the rate of loading. The authors suggested that their data constituted support for the Ansell6-Lenel theory of yielding in dispersion-strengthened alloys. I do not agree with this interpretation since the Ansell-Lenel theory does not apply to the type of alloy in question. In this alloy, the dispersoid is present to the extent of about 80 vol pct. Even where there is no continuous skeleton, which apparently is the case in this instance, the simple fact is that nearly all of the load is carried elastically by the stronger material (wc).7 The constraint imposed upon the matrix, by virtue of the differences in Young's modulii and Poissons ratios, severely limits the stress level to which it may be subjected (assuming that the interfaces remain intact). If one allows for the constraint and then performs the same computation as in Smith and Wood, one finds that the stress on a WC particle is about 4 x 105 psi. This is about 21/2 times lower than the predicted fracture stress for WC. I would completely agree with the final paragraph of Smith and Wood, namely, that loading rate is of considerable significance. However. a more likely interpretation of their data is, I submit, that in the absence of stress relaxation (by secondary slip or climb) those WC-Co interfaces subjected to a normal tensile stress begin to fail. Once this occurs, the stress distribution will change rapidly and "premature" fracture of the WC then becomes quite probable. Tne serrated edges shown in Fig. 1 may very well be fine, interface fissures.

Jan 1, 1970

By Tony B. Szwilski

A short study has been made of the underground mining potential in the Plains region, the Province of Alberta, Canada. Particular reference is made to the possible application of longwall mining: Presently underground mining is limited to small scale room-and- pillar methods. The problems anticipated with large scale mining at shallow depths (30 m) are examined. Production factors based upon longwall retreat mining utilizing shield supports are also considered.

Jan 1, 1981

By F. H. Buttner, H. Udin, J. Wulff

Using a modified Udin, Shaler, and Wulff technique, the surface tension of gold Udin, purified helium was found to be 1400 ± 65 dynes per cm for the temperature range 1017° to 1042°C. IN the original Udin, Shaler, and Wulff technique for measuring the surface tension of copper: variously weighted wires were allowed to extend or contract in a copper cell held at elevated temperatures in vacuum. By plotting stress vs. strain for a wire array in one test, the stress at zero strain is obtained. This is the point where the contractile forces resulting from surface tension are balanced by the applied load, according to the expression: y = e=o r [1] where y is the surface tension in dynes per cm; a,,,, the stress at zero strain in dynes per cm; and T, the radius of the wire in cm. The assumption that the wires deform viscously permits the drawing of a straight line through the points on the stress-strain plot. Justification of the assumption has received further experimental support recently.'-' The presence of grain boundaries in the wires requires a correction to the original expression used." Thus: y = d4=T [l- (dl) (ar)Y1 [2] where, n/l is the number of grain boundaries per unit length, and a, the ratio of grain boundary tension to free surface tension. Alexander, Kuczynski, and Dawson in studying the creep of gold wire in vacuum were unable to obtain reproducible values of the surface tension of gold. In plotting stress vs. strain for progressively longer times, they found that the stress at zero strain drifted with time from positive stress values to negative values. Similarly, for the surface tension of silver, reproducible values were obtained only when a purified helium atmosphere was substituted.' Evidently the evaporation rate of silver in vacuum is too high at the temperatures employed to obtain solid-gas equilibrium even in a similar metal enclosure. Thus reproducibility of results is lost. Experimental Procedure The experimental procedure was much the same as that originally developed by Udin, Shaler, and Wulff with a few modifications and improvements. For greater accuracy in strain measurements, knots gave way to cut gage marks as shown in Fig. 1. These were made with a hand-driven lathe in which razor blades serv'ed as cutting tools. Also a more precise cathetometer with a screw accurate to 0.00015 cm was used. The tests were conducted in an atmosphere of purified .helium rather than in vacuum in order to avoid possible evaporation difficulties. Five mil wire of high purity gold (99.98 pct) was used. After cutting in the gage marks, each wire of a series of about 12 was differently loaded by welding a gold ball to one end. This was done by dipping the end of the wire in a cooling gold droplet, previously melted on a charcoal block with a No. 2 acetylene torch. The other end of the wire was strung through a hole in a gold lid and twisted over the edge to hold the wires fixed and in suspension from the lid. The lid and mounted wires were then dipped in pure ethyl alcohol to dissolve any skin oils and dirt on the surface of the wires due to handling. Finally the lid was put in place on an alundum crucible lined with gold so that the wires hung freely within the gold-lined chamber. This whole assembly was next heated in a quartz nichrome wound tube furnace and heated for a few minutes at 600°C to soften the wires. After this anneal the wires were easily straightened with tweezers. The wire assembly was finally annealed 10" to 25°C above the subsequent test temperature for 2 hr. This treatment allowed the grains to grow to equilibrium size and shape. After the anneal, the lid was mounted in front of the cathetometer. The gage length was measured by sighting the 40 power microscope on the upper lip of the lower gage mark for the first reading, then traveling up to the lower lip of the upper gage mark for the final reading. This procedure was repeated four times to give an average gage length value. In this manner the annealed gage length and the final gage length could be measured to determine the strains. During all measurements, grain counts were made.

Jan 1, 1952

By C. H. Jr. Herty

The results of a study of the open-hearth process from the physicochemical view-point are given. This study includes experimentation in small laboratory furnaces and in standard 100-ton furnaces. The behavior of manganese, carbon, and phosphorus are quantitatively explained. The action of "residual" manganese is discussed with reference to its relation to iron oxide dissolved in the metal. The solubility of CO in steel and its relation to dissolved FeO and carbon is given. The equation for phosphorus elimination has been tested out on a 200-ton furnace and the results are given in the text. THE effect of temperature and slag composition on the elimination of metalloids in the basic open-hearth process has been qualitatively understood since the early days of steel making. The quantitative effect has, however, only recently been brought to attention. The effect of slag composition has received more attention than that of temperature, primarily because the range of finishing temperatures in the basic open-hearth process is small compared to the large variations found in the composition of the slag at different periods during the process, and to the variations occurring with the use of raw materials of different degrees of impurity. The effect of slag composition on the elimination of metalloids has been studied by Styri1 from the thermochemical standpoint. This method is open to serious errors, in that thermochemical data at 2900° F. are very inaccurate and in many cases completely lacking. Feild2 has calculated equilibrium constants from the rate at which the metalloids are eliminated. The effect of slag viscosity on rate of elimination will affect the constants calculated by this method. Whitely,3 Colcough4 and others have used slag compositions as the basis for calculation of constants by which the extent of elimination may be calculated.

Jan 2, 1926

By Joseph Perry

MAGNESITE is found in 22 California counties, but many of the deposits are too small or too impure to be of commercial value. Several of sub-stantial size and quality were entirely exhausted by wartime operation. At present, three properties comprise the only known workable deposits in the state. Of these, the Western mine and the Patterson mine have been known and worked for many years, and have been described in con-siderable detail in various publications, therefore need only brief mention here, because of their proximity to the Bald Eagle mine. The latter, recently developed, is unusual in type of ore deposit, plant design and operation, as well as products made, and very little has been written concerning it. WESTERN MINE The Western mine, 32 miles south of Livermore, Calif., was formerly operated by C. S. Maltby. It has been a consistent producer for many years.1 The ore is of amorphous variety, occurring along fracture zones in serpentine. The veins vary greatly in width, the average being perhaps 8 ft., with the maximum indicated in one early stope of 40 ft.; 2 ft. is considered the minimum for economical mining. The strike of the veins is predominantly north and south, with dip to the west varying from 40° to 75°. Walls are well defined and as a rule firm and easily supported, Veins range in length from a few hundred feet to 1000 or more. Their maximum vertical extent is about 350 ft., but many run less. Early mining consisted of open-cut and glory-hole work on the larger outcrops. This was followed underground by a modified shrinkage system, the waste and low-grade horses being removed by hand sorting on the tramming levels and transported to surface dumps. Filled-stope mining is used now, in order to eliminate the handling of waste, which has

Jan 1, 1938

GENTLEMEN : Herewith are transmitted the reports of your Treasurer and the Chairmen of your standing committees on Admissions, Membership, Papers and Publications, and Library for the calendar year 1931. To these reports you are referred for further details of the year's activities. Finances.-Depressed industrial conditions prevailing throughout the year were reflected in a substantial decline in current revenue. Aside from interest on sundry special funds (but including that from the Life Membership, Library, and General Reserve Funds) total receipts amounted to $168,274, compared with $194,636 in 1930. The principal items of decrease were $17,000 in advertising income from the monthly magazine MINING AND METALLURGY, and about $9,600 in dues and initiation fees. Of this shrinkage $4,000 is accounted for by decrease in the number of new members enrolled; and $5,600 by diminished income from current dues and arrearages. This naturally has coincided with an \ increase in delinquency and "drops" or suspensions for nonpayment of dues. The decline in advertising income, amounting to 38 per cent as compared with that of 1930, in general paralleled the experience of all technical and trade publications; and it is problematical whether 1932 will show as large a return from advertising as did 1931.

Jan 1, 1932

Executive SIDNEY J. JENNINGS, Chairman GEORGE D. BARRON J. E. JOHNSON, JR. EDWIN LUDLOW ROBERT M. RAYMOND Membership KARL EILERS, Chairman LEWIS W. FRANCIS J. E. JOHNSON, JR. LOUIS D. HUNTOON ARTHUR L. WALKER Finance GEORGE D. BARRON, Chairman CHARLES F. RAND BENJAMIN B. THAYER Library E. GYBBON SPILSBURY,1 Chairman ALEX C. HUMPHREYS3 GEORGE C.' STONE2 J. H. JANEWAY4 BRADLEY, STOUGHTON Papers and Publications BRADLEY STOUGHTON, Chairman

Jan 7, 1918

By Charles Catlett

Having had charge during the past year of the operations of the New River Coke Company, the second largest, if not the largest, coke-producer in this district, my attention was called particularly to the yield of coke from the coal as coked in a bank of beehive ovens, as the record showed that this yield, while believed to be well up with the practice of the district, was much lower than the analysis of the coal indicated it should be. The coal is well known to many members of the Institute, and the scope of this paper does not include a discussion of its occurrence and development. It suffices to say that the New River district comprises the mines working on the coals of No. XII. or the Conglomerate Series of the Rogers brothers, which are located on New river and its tributaries, and which find an outlet for their product east and west over the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The New river through this section carries the drainage from an extensive peneplain in which it has formed a very striking and stupendous canon, probably the most striking east of the Mississippi river. The only practical access to this territory is by means of this canon and the Chesapeake and Ohio road, and the opportunities for development by other lines may be considered as nil. If it were not for the fact that this road, farther west, reaches and develops entirely different coals, which are found in other measures, the New River district might properly be spoken of (as is now done at times) as the " C and 0. field." For fuller information on the geology of the region, those interested are referred to the ery complete monograph on the subject by Mendenhall and Campbell of the United States Geological Survey. The rocks are the same as those which carry the more widely

Jan 1, 1900

By James W. Neill

Discussion of the paper of H. 0. Hofman, presented at the Canal Zone meeting, November, 1910, and printed in Bulletin No. 42, June, 1910, pp. 473 to 497. JAMES W. NEILL, Pasadena, Cal. (communication to the Secretary *) :-Professor Hofman's paper brings the art up to . date. As I was one of the pioneers in this business, I beg to give the following incomplete data regarding my efforts in this line. In the year 1883, while I was in charge of the smelting-operations at Mine La Motte, Mo., there was at the concentrator an unusually large production of a middle product, locally called "iron," which carried considerable values in nickel and cobalt, and which it was desirable, for this reason, to treat by itself. The works could not spare a furnace for the purpose; and to handle this product I improvised a "roast-hearth " from an old " lead-hearth." This was a small cast-iron furnace of the usual construction, about 2 by 4 ft. in dimensions, with a hollow cast-iron back, through which the wind circulated before entering the tuyeres. I had a cast-iron grate made to fit this hearth, and placed it flush with the lip, or apron, and above the tuyeres. On this grate, which had round holes about 0.25 in. in diameter, and a total surface of about 20 by 40 in., I roasted the nickeliferous pyrite product; starting the fire with kindling, then adding charcoal, and then gradually feeding the sulphides with a shovel, so as to cover the fire, choke down blow-holes, and get an even bed. Blast at a pressure of 3 or 4 oz. was supplied by a fail-blower. When a cake of roasted material had formed, it was removed with a steel bar, or fork, to the lip of the furnace, and thence into a wheel-barrow.. The fine material which had remained unmelted, but very hot, on top of the cake would promptly ignite when the cake was broken up and removed. The fire would then be covered with fresh material and * Received Aug. 29, 1910.

Apr 1, 1911

By G. S. Brooks

(New York Meeting, February, 1913.) THE tendency of the oxides of such metals as aluminum, zinc, chromium, and calcium to form compounds at high temperatures with iron oxide is well established by past investigation. Data of this reaction, as developed in laboratory research, have been contributed by Burleigh, Hofman, and Wells, in America, and by many others abroad. A partial bibliography of the subject is appended. From these authorities we learn that the ferric oxide here has the function of an acid, giving in the case of ZnO a zinc ferrite, with a normal composition of ZnOFe2O3. This formation of zinc ferrite particularly affects the success of such processes as leaching or magnetic separation, and thus becomes practically important to the metallurgist. But the meager existing data do not entirely agree; and quantitative results from muffle-practice are conspicuously absent. Furthermore, it being of some general importance to the zinc smelter in both roasting and reduction, the following few notes of operations on a commercial scale are contributed

Jan 5, 1913