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By Arthur Taggart

IN 1900, Elmore found that if an acidulated pulp was stirred up with an oil which was relatively insoluble in and lighter than water, and the mixture was al-lowed to stratify, much of the sulfide would be found hanging to the lower surface of the floating body of oil and could be skimmed off or overflowed with it. The action of the flotation agent here is two-fold, first to select the sulfide from the gangue-what to-day is called collection-and second, to buoy the col-lected sulfide away from the gangue. The action in collecting is illustrated by Fig. 1, which contrasts the behavior of drops of oil brought, under water, to the surfaces of gangue and sulfide particles, respectively. The oil displaces water from the surface of the sulfide; the water displaces oil from the gangue surface. If, instead of considering the solid particles the fixed parts of the system of oil, water and solids, we consider the oil and water fixed and the solids pre-sented to the surface of contact, the condition will be as shown in Fig. 2 ; the sulfide tends to be drawn into the interface and the gangue to be excluded. The sul-fide particles are held in the oil-water surface by the tension of this surface. The buoyant effect is supplied by the oil droplets in bringing the sulfides to the water surface, but not in holding them there.

Jan 6, 1928

By L. W. Eastwood

THE structure of eutectics has been studied by a number of investi-gators, and the complexity of the structural relationship of the compo-nents has been agreed upon, especially that of the "eutectic colony," type III of Portevin's1 classification. This paper does not attempt to alter the present classifications of eutectics; rather, it discusses the relationship between the macrostructure and the microstructure of the copper-cuprous oxide eutectic, and describes in detail the mechanism of the formation and the structure of the eutectic. Further, throughout the entire discussion it attempts to point out certain misconceptions in regard to the interpretation of the observed structure of the copper-cuprous oxide eutectic, one of the so-called "eutectic colony" types, and to correlate as much as possible the work done by the writer with that done by other investigators. Of the three types of eutectics listed by Portevin,2 the eutectic colony type has presented the greatest difficulty in interpretation. Although the copper-cuprous oxide eutectic is typical of the eutectic colony type in appearance, it may not be truly representative because the copper forms about 96 percent of the eutectic and the cuprous oxide about 4 per cent. The interpretation of the origin and structure of the "eutectic colony" given here is strictly limited, therefore, to the copper-cuprous oxide eutectic.

Jan 1, 1933

By Robert Tally

UNDERGROUND fires have been common in the mines of the United Verde Copper Co. for the past 22 years. The first fire started in the 300 Hampton stope in the fall of 1894, following a cave in that orebody. The soft and highly pyritic nature of the ores is responsible for most of these fires. Since ore characteristics, methods of mining and ventilation, have an important influence on mine fires, they will be described in this paper. Orebodies The ores are mostly chalcopyrite except on the upper levels where considerable chalcocite, black oxides and other secondary minerals occur. The orebodies are in the form of lenses and vary in size. Some are small, while others are several hundred feet in length by a hundred or more feet in width. These orebodies extend, in some cases, from the surface to the lowest levels of the mine and usually at a steep angle of inclination. There are three different classes of ores, classified in accordance with the gangue rock. The copper in all cases, except as above specified, is in the form of chalcopyrite. The largest and most important of these reserves are in a pyrite gangue. Next in order of importance are the schist ores and lastly the quartz porphyries. The pyrite, locally termed iron ores, average from 30 to 42 per cent. sulphur. The schist and quartz, porphyries vary from 3 to 25 per cent. sulphur. Mining Methods All the orebodies were worked by the overhand square-set method of mining prior to 1908; since then the cut-and-fill, shrinkage and mill-hole systems have been largely employed. But 15 per cent. of the total tonnage now extracted is from timbered stopes. Most off this is from the upper levels where the ore is soft, heavy and more or less broken to the surface. Large reserves of these ores are being conserved for more efficient methods of mining.

Jan 9, 1916

By A. N. Roberts, N. W. Stump

New developments in on-stream analysis using immersed radioisotope gages including results from plant installations are described. The control of grinding and flotation using a small digital computer has been complemented by this development. A control scheme for grinding, which is based on maximum throughput at constant product size, and preliminary work in flotation control are also outlined.

Jan 1, 1975

By O. J. Neslage, R. W. Jenkins

MINE operators today are paying increased attention to the mechanization of drilling operations as an important factor in increasing efficiency and decreasing costs. Recent progress in the design of drill jibs for mounting on drill carriages, or jumbos, has done much to advance the mechanization of mining methods. This progress has introduced new opportunities in the application of "jib jumbos" that are worth serious consideration. An attempt will be made here to classify the various types of jumbos and drill mountings available for level development and flat stope work, t6 indicate applications, and to measure their effectiveness in relation to their cost. The data here are based on a wide variety of field usage, and are offered only to point up, in a general way, the relative efficiency in proportion to cost. It should be remembered that any contemplated jumbo installation must be studied to determine what type of installation is most suitable, considering ground conditions, loading, timbering and haulage equipment, service available, and attitude of manpower. Early Drill Carriages: The advantages of some sort of a drill carriage were recognized at the time rock drills were introduced. In drift or heading operations where a fairly standard drill round and cross section were anticipated, as well as in flat bedded deposits where standard slabbing rounds were used, track and crawler-mounted drills found an early application. These first drill jumbos were little more than drill carriers, designed locally and manufactured with materials at hand. Of comparatively simple construction, function, and low capital cost, they usually consisted of a hinged column which supported one or more drills on arms or universal bars. When the column was pivoted vertically, the drills were moved into position. Screw jack extensions reached from the column to the roof and floor to hold the drill rigid. In some cases, particularly in tunnel jumbos, enough weight was carried that rail clamps or roof jacks were sufficient. Many of these column and arm-type jumbos, usually equipped with air and water manifolds, steel racks, and staging for drillers, are still in use today. Some have employed air or hydraulic extensions for securing the columns. They offer the equip-saving advantage of having all the necessary out, ment together, and they un be moved i and t. set up and torn down as a unit. Boom-type Jumbos: When the advantages of to column-type jumbo were seen, operators could to realize the further gains possible. More time could be saved with mechanical assistance to position api drill vertically. A rack on the column and a pinion on the arm for raising and lowering the drill in the manner of a quarry bar were tried with some success. The most outstanding solution to the vertical handling problem was reached with the boom-type of jumbo. Here two or more machines were mounted on a cross arm at the end of a boom that was pivoted at the rear of the track. This was raised and lowered by various mechanical aids. Occasionally air or hydraulic power was used. Nearly all of today's wagon drills use this boom-type principle. Boom jumbos represent a savings in time and physical effort expended in raising and lowering the drills. The boom must be balanced by the roof of the truck which is secured by rail clamps or type jacks. The most successful application of areawhere this of jumbo has been in the Tri-State area where multiple long-feed machines are used on caterpillar-mounted, boom-type jumbos for slabbing

Jan 1, 1951

By R. W. Jenkins, O. J. Neslage

MINE operators today are paying increased attention to the mechanization of drilling operations as an important factor in increasing efficiency and decreasing costs. Recent progress in the design of drill jibs for mounting on drill carriages, or jumbos, has done much to advance the mechanization of mining methods. This progress has introduced new opportunities in the application of "jib jumbos" that are worth serious consideration. An attempt will be made here to classify the various types of jumbos and drill mountings available for level development and flat stope work, t6 indicate applications, and to measure their effectiveness in relation to their cost. The data here are based on a wide variety of field usage, and are offered only to point up, in a general way, the relative efficiency in proportion to cost. It should be remembered that any contemplated jumbo installation must be studied to determine what type of installation is most suitable, considering ground conditions, loading, timbering and haulage equipment, service available, and attitude of manpower. Early Drill Carriages: The advantages of some sort of a drill carriage were recognized at the time rock drills were introduced. In drift or heading operations where a fairly standard drill round and cross section were anticipated, as well as in flat bedded deposits where standard slabbing rounds were used, track and crawler-mounted drills found an early application. These first drill jumbos were little more than drill carriers, designed locally and manufactured with materials at hand. Of comparatively simple construction, function, and low capital cost, they usually consisted of a hinged column which supported one or more drills on arms or universal bars. When the column was pivoted vertically, the drills were moved into position. Screw jack extensions reached from the column to the roof and floor to hold the drill rigid. In some cases, particularly in tunnel jumbos, enough weight was carried that rail clamps or roof jacks were sufficient. Many of these column and arm-type jumbos, usually equipped with air and water manifolds, steel racks, and staging for drillers, are still in use today. Some have employed air or hydraulic extensions for securing the columns. They offer the equip-saving advantage of having all the necessary out, ment together, and they un be moved i and t. set up and torn down as a unit. Boom-type Jumbos: When the advantages of to column-type jumbo were seen, operators could to realize the further gains possible. More time could be saved with mechanical assistance to position api drill vertically. A rack on the column and a pinion on the arm for raising and lowering the drill in the manner of a quarry bar were tried with some success. The most outstanding solution to the vertical handling problem was reached with the boom-type of jumbo. Here two or more machines were mounted on a cross arm at the end of a boom that was pivoted at the rear of the track. This was raised and lowered by various mechanical aids. Occasionally air or hydraulic power was used. Nearly all of today's wagon drills use this boom-type principle. Boom jumbos represent a savings in time and physical effort expended in raising and lowering the drills. The boom must be balanced by the roof of the truck which is secured by rail clamps or type jacks. The most successful application of areawhere this of jumbo has been in the Tri-State area where multiple long-feed machines are used on caterpillar-mounted, boom-type jumbos for slabbing

Jan 1, 1951

Future of State and Federal Oil Regulation. BY NORTHCUTT ELY (Trans , vol 118 2400 words) The Interstate Oil Compact, ratified by six states and Congress in 1935, replaced the petroleum code, invalidated with other codes by the Schechter decision This compact endeavors, first, to conserve reservoir energy of oil pools through substantially uniform conservation measures by the states, second, it recognizes the state rather than the Federal Government as possessing the necessary police power for that purpose, third, it establishes an interstate advisory commission, so that orderly production in one state is not penalized by uncontrolled production in another, fourth, Federal interests are recognized in the control of hot oil, regulation of imports and fact-finding forecasts of supply and demand by the Bureau of Mmes It is not as complete an instrument as proposed by the Federal Oil Conservation Board in 1932, but is workable, and will be effective in proportion to the support given it by the industry Three results may follow First, now that fear of Federal control has subsided, the industry may lose interest in the compact and let it fall to pieces, second, if vigorously supported by the industry, the compact can accomplish most of the conservation objectives sought by the Federal control measures now believed unconstitutional, third, if the Compact fails, Federal regulation is almost certain to be revived, and can probably be sustained in connection with neutrality legislation, regulation of interstate pipe lines, and coordination of Federal and state gasoline taxes Nearly every step toward governmental regulation has originated within the industry state proration, the Federal petroleum code, Federal control of imports, Federal control of hot oil are examples The Compact shows a trend toward coordination between the powers of the industry, the state government, and the Federal Government If this arrangement fails through lack of interest by the oil industry, the next step is likely to be absorption by the Federal Government of the other two factors involved in the situation

Jan 1, 1937

By F. Keeler, C. M. Craighead

Aluminum alloys containing magnesium and silicon are susceptible to strengthening and hardening by suitable heat-treatments, and they constitute a class of alloys of considerable commercial importance. Generally, they contain these two elements in the proportions required for the formation of the intermetallic compound Mg2Si, or an excess of silicon; no commercial wrought alloys are made with an appreciable excess of magnesium. The reason for not having excess magnesium is obvious from the results given in this paper, since it is shown that excess magnesium results in a proportional decrease in the solubility of Mg2Si. This is the eighteenthl of a series of papers from the Aluminum Research Laboratories dealing with the equilibrium relations in aluminum-alloy systems; most of the previous publications concerned binary aluminum-alloy systems; this is the fourth of a group pertaining to ternary aluminum-alloy systems. The work on this system was completed in 1930, but the results were not published because of the pressure of other work. Hanson and Gaylor2, in 1921, presented the results of an extensive investigation of the aluminum-magnesium-silicon system. Their results indicated that an excess of magnesium over the amount required to form the compound MgzSi caused a noticeable decrease in the solid solubility of MgzSi in aluminum. A more recent investigation3 in these laboratories showed that the solid solubility of MgzSi in aluminum was 1.85 per cent at 595' C. and decreased to 0.30 per cent at 300' C. The results of the latter investigation were used as the basis for the present work. The Present Investigation In the present investigation, a study was made of the effect of various amounts of excess magnesium upon the solid solubility of MgzSi in

Jan 1, 1936

By A. H. Daane, W. J. Wunderlin, B. J. Beaudry

The solid solubility of holmium in copper, silver, and gold, determined using metallographic techniques, was found to be a maximum of 0.06, 2.4, and 3.2 wt pct, respectively, nt the eutectic temperatures. The temperatures of these eutectic horizontals, determined by differential thermal analysis, were found to be 868", 787", and 778"C, respectively. The first compound on the silver-rich side of the Ag-Ho system was found to be A&Ho2. In a study by Gold et al.,' on the effect of small amounts of soluble impurities on the electrical resistance and thermoelectrical properties of copper, traces of iron were shown to have drastic effects on the thermoelectric power due to the magnetic scattering of the conduction electrons. Since little is known about the state of the iron ion when dissolved in copper, Gold had hoped to repeat these experiments using certain rare earths as the magnetic scattering centers; because of the tightly bound 4f electrons it is not expected that their spectroscopic state would be affected by alloying. In such an experiment the sole role of the trace rare-earth impurity would be to magnetically scatter the copper conduction electrons without producing appreciable distortions in the otherwise pure copper matrix. Since holmium was chosen for such a study because of its high magnetic moment, it was necessary to establish precisely its solid solubility in copper. The study was extended to include the solvents silver and gold, so that an evaluation of the data using classical solubility parameters could be made. No previously reported work on the systems of holmium with copper, silver, or gold was found in the literature. Information on the solubility of other rare earths in these three metals is also very meager. The solubility limit of yttrium in copper was reported as less than 1 wt pct2 and the solubility of praseodymium in gold as 0.35 wt pct,3 while no references were found on solubility studies of rare earths in silver. EXPERIMENTAL Materials. The materials used in this investigation were distilled holmium prepared in this Laboratory, OFHC* copper, electrorefined silver (99.9 *OFHC = oxygen-free high conductivity. pct), and gold with the analyses given in Table I. Sample Preparation. Samples weighing 1 to 2 g were prepared by arc-melting the components together on a water-cooled copper plate under purified argon atmosphere. The samples, turned and remelted at least five times to ensure homogeneity, showed weight changes of less than 0.1 wt pct after melting. Samples containing less than 0.7 wt pct Ho were prepared by diluting 1 to 2 wt pct Ho alloys with the pure solvent, while samples with concentrations greater than 0.7 wt pct Ho were prepared directly from the metals. The samples were wrapped in tantalum foil, sealed in outgassed Vycor tubing under helium, annealed at the desired temperature for at least 24 hr, and then quenched by shattering the Vycor tube in cold water. Metallographic Methods. Standard mechanical polishing methods were used in preparing the silver and gold alloys for examination, while the copper alloys were electropolished using a 40 pct solution

Jan 1, 1963

By A. A. Archer

Marine mining is here defined as the commercial recovery of minerals other than oil and natural gas from the surface of, or below, the seabed by operations connected only indirectly with the land. The number of operations falling within this definition and the number of countries involved are remarkably limited in view of the widespread interest shown in marine mining prospects during the last few years. Marine mining is still restricted to continental shelves, where the only superficial minerals currently being mined are sand and gravel, calcium carbonate in different forms, and tin and iron sands.

Jan 12, 1973

By O. E. Kiessling

THE present system of competitive exploitation of oil pools results in losses, both of petroleum and of profits. Under a competitive system the owner produces or withholds his product according to the price, which reflects the demand, but in the pe-troleum industry the producer does not have complete control over the expansion and contraction of his out-put. Under a series of court decisions, reviewed in detail in the paper, petroleum is not covered by- the general theory of English common law that the owner of land owns everything from the center of the earth to the sky within the areal limits of his property, but is considered to be his only when he has reduced it. to possession, which he can only do by taking it out of the ground. If A can obtain possession of the petro-leum which is beneath the property of B without tres-passing on B's property he commits no legal wrong and B has no defense except to get it into his (surface) possession before A takes it. No one would expect an. owner under such a system to forego the possibility of securing some oil from his property in order to in-crease the ultimate production of the pool. The pe-troleum industry. should offer a constructive program, that will eliminate losses and protect the interests of individuals as far as possible. If improved methods of oil recovery can be applied the quantity of petroleum recovered might be double or even treble the amount recovered by ordinary procedure. But increased recovery is not the only benefit from pool development. In brief, the following advantages can be claimed for unit operation: 1. Saving in development and operating costs. 2. Less danger of damage to the fields by defective wells. 3. Development is better gaged to fit market demand and to effect the most efficient recovery of oil. 4. More oil, gas, and gasoline can be marketed. 5. By regulating pressures, recovery .of oil and gas will be greater and the wells will flow longer. Reagan County (Big Lake), Rainbow Bend and Cabin Creek are examples of longer life of pools thus obtained.

Jan 11, 1927

Accurate modeling of the semivariogram is an extremely important step in the geostatistical analysis of mineral deposits. Automatic fitting of a mathematical model is often possible but not necessarily desirable. Significant geologic and statistical information must be taken into account in the fitting process, which is not always available to the computer. Manual model fitting is, on the other hand, extremely time consuming. Interactive graphics are best suited to optimize the process. Many interactive methods are described, which are adapted to modeling semivariogram in one-, two-, or three- dimensional environments.

Jan 1, 1985

By Joseph Kuti

Longwall mining is the term used for the underground extraction of a wide and deep panel of coal. Such a panel may be blocked out by one or more entries on either side ("head" and "tail") of a longwall face. If all the entries are pre-driven, the panel extraction is termed longwall retreat mining. With one exception, all the longwall faces in the United States are of this type3 Prior to the general decline in the rates of production with Continuous Miners, the development of the multiple entries generally kept ahead of the longwall extraction rate. This is no longer the case: longwall extraction rates far exceed the rate of development. In addition to this problem, in newly established mines, the development of a haulage and bleeder system based on multiple entries results in a lead-time of three years or more before longwall mining can be applied. This is one reason why earlier projections and much of the optimism attached to longwall mining as a principal "savior" in the energy crisis should be viewed with some caution. The alternatives to retreat mining with multiple entries are: Modified retreat mining- where the tail-entry is being formed during the mining of-the panel ("2"-system). Some form of advance mining-where the head-entry or both head and tail entries are being formed as part of the longwall extraction process. These methods are well-known and well-established. Variants of them are being practiced in Canada, Central and South America, but not in the US. It is primarily the laws governing ventilation-conceived for room and pillar mining which prevent the rapid development of these techniques. Another aspect of longwall mining is that it requires a systematic and consistent approach in organization, roof control, ventilation and transport. It is for this reason that compliance with health and safety regulation is fairly well ensured if the longwall system has been well laid out and is subsequently well-run. Nevertheless, a management mentality raised in the great flexibility of the room and pillar system cannot always come to terms with the degree of forward planning and rigid discipline required to successful longwall mining. Research, development and other investments in the partial aspects of longwall mining are always of interest, but no massive trend to longwall can be expected realistically unless these major stumbling blocks in the basic law and basic approach are effectively removed.

Jan 1, 1980

By Henry F. Hebley

INTRODUCTION How often has the thoughtful observer pondered the apparent contradictions experienced in the weather? One can take records of two days, one in the winter and one in the summer. The "degree days" indicate that space heating and domestic load were present in one case and not in the other. The Business Index may be about the same, indicating that the industrial activity of the area and its concomitant use of fuel were about the same. Thus the volume of the products of combustion released to the atmosphere varied only as related to the space heating demand. Yet on one day in winter the atmosphere may be clear and bracing, while on a summer's day the air is thick and murky and the visibility sharply reduced. The situation may be reversed. What are some of the factors that contribute to the creation of these conditions? These few notes have been prepared to indicate some of the influences that are exerted on the problem. THE SOURCES OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION The industrial area of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been a dominant center for the production of iron and steel for over one hundred years. In fact, with the growth of the numerous auxiliary processes Allegheny County which contains Pittsburgh is probably the most industrialized county in the world. In addition, the type of manufacture carried out in this area is predominant dependent on thermal energy (heat). That energy is supplied from coke and coal produced in the vicinity of Pittsburgh. Indicative of the stupendous quantities of fuel that are employed in this industrial area's economy, the following (Table No. taken from the U. S. Census (1940) may I of interest. An influence that has never been fully appreciated by many individuals is the fact that no matter what adventures the gases of combustion experience as they pass through the various processes, ulti¬mately the spent gases are discharged through chimneys to the atmosphere.

Jan 1, 1948

By Robert Sisselman

Saving time and energy at Consolidation Coal Co.'s Rowland mine is realized by exploiting its coal deposits via three mining methods. Surface, auger and underground techniques are uniquely combined with specialized transport vehicles to coax the coal from seams unduly protected by topography and lithology. These factors account for what is believed to be the swiftest and most economical means of working the Beckley, W. Va., property.

Jan 1, 1970

By Robert Glass Cleland

THOUGH the rapid revival of the copper market in the early twenties solved the most serious of the company's immediate postwar difficulties, a much more fundamental, long-range problem still remained. Mining is not like farming: the earth does not bring forth a new crop of gold, silver, lead, zinc, oil, or copper at every harvest time. Metal taken from the ground does not spring up again from the old roots like perennial flowers in a garden, or find renewal in freshly sown seed. No ore body, whatever its size or richness, is too big or too rich to escape ultimate exhaustion. When the war closed in 1918, Phelps Dodge had been mining copper from Bisbee, Morenci, and Nacozari over periods varying in length from ten to nearly forty years. During much of that time, the company's production had run from fifty million to as high as two hundred million pounds a year. Even the greatest of mines had to respond in time to such a drain. High grade ore was already at a premium in Bisbee and Morenci. The Burro Mountain properties of New Mexico were a disappointment. Failing the acquisition of

Jan 1, 1952

By William Fink

THE investigation of aluminum alloy systems prior to 1923 was severely handicapped by the low purity of the best aluminum available. However, by that time, the electrolytic purification of aluminum had been developed by the Aluminum Company of America,(1)? and in May, 1923, there was initiated, under the direction of E. H. Dix, Jr.,(2) a program for the investigation of the aluminum-alloy systems using the purest electrolytically refined aluminum. Up to the present time 15 papers (a) have been published, most of which are on the binary aluminum systems. Work is now in progress on the ternary systems, and it seems probable that most of the future work will be on ternary systems. Therefore this survey of the binary aluminum systems investigated up to the present time (the sixteenth paper of the series) concludes the first phase of this program. Certain qualitative relations between corresponding portions of the various binary diagrams as well as between different parts of the same diagram were noted some time ago by R. S. Archer.(4) In the present . paper these relations and others are considered quantitatively by the application of well-known thermodynamic equations or by newly discovered empirical relations No attempt will be made here to present the history of the develop-ment of the thermodynamic equations defining equilibrium or their application to metallic systems, although a list of references is given at the end of this paper for those who are interested in this phase of the

Jan 1, 1934

By James Norman

SPODUMENE is a lithium-bearing pyroxene, and is an important source of lithium compounds. Because of its high alumina and lithia content, it might be a desirable constituent of glass batches. The use of spodu-mene in ceramics will undoubtedly increase, as it has been shown that a mixture of the proper proportions of this mineral with soda feldspar and potash feldspar has a much lower maturing temperature upon firing than has any one of the three components.1 The mineral spodumene seldom occurs as pure mineral, but ordinarily with feldspars, mica and quartz. All spodumene-bearing rocks tested contained these minerals as gangue. Small amounts of iron and manga-nese oxides also were present, usually as stains on the silicate grains. Mica associated with the spodumene carried a considerable amount of lithia. This was discovered in flotation tailings, which, although virtually free of spodumene grains when examined microscopically, showed 0.4 to 0.5 per cent Li2O on chemical analysis. The lithia content of micas picked from the North Carolina spodumene rock was variable. Some samples contained little lithia, others more than 3 per cent. In 1938, under the supervision of Oliver C. Ralston, ? the Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Tennessee Mineral Products Corporation, undertook to study the beneficiation of North Carolina spodumene by froth flotation. The Bureau had previously published investigations on the beneficiation of spodumene.2,3 The methods described in the second publication' did not give good results with badly weathered spodumene rock, so that more thorough investigation of the subject was warranted.

Jan 1, 1940

By J. S. McNeil, J. U. Messenger

In the drilling of oil wells the control and prevention of lost circulation of the drilling- fluid is a oroblem which is frequently encountered; in many cases existing materials and methods for alleviating this condition have not been adequate. For severe cases of lost circulation in which the simpler methods, such as application of various bridging materials to the mud system, have proven unsatisfactory. a new material and method for applying to the loss zones have been developed which appear to he superior to existing techniques in many respects. The material, called a clay cement, is capable of being handled as a drilling fluid after initial mixing of the solitl ingredients with water and may be pumped down the drill pipe and squeezed into loss zones. After a short period, the material develops a very high gel strength which seals off the zone against further losses of the drilling fluid. In field tests, the process has been demonstrated to be a very effective method for combatting lost circulation. INTRODUCTION Methods of treating lost circulation in rotary-drilled wells by the addition of special materials to drilling fluids have long been in the process of development and are continuing to improve.' However, the annual drilling costs which can be traced directly to lost circulation difficulties still run into the millions of dollars. The loss of mud materials into highly permeable zones may range up to $50,000 per well in some areas. In addition to mud costs, excessive requirements of casing, cement; rig time, and the attendant blowout hazards further emphasize the importance of the need for improved methods of combatting lost circulation. The shortcomings of presently-used materials and methods have led to the development of a new lost returns material in the form of a time-setting clay cement. In field tests this material has proven very successful in plugging off loss zones. which other more conventional materials had failed to do. REVIEW OF PRESENT CORRECTIVE MEASURES The proper control of such operating factors as pump pressure, clearance between pipe and hole, and speed of running pipe in a holez is of primary importance in preventing and minimizing lost circulation problems. These factors, however, concern matters of drilling technique and do not directly involve lost circulation materials. Aside from setting casing past loss zones, three principal methods are generally employed for the purpose of avoiding or combatting lost circulation: (1) adjustment in properties (principally density) of the drilling fluid, (2) addition of fibrous, flaky, granular or other types of bridging materials to the mud system, and (3) the application of cements to the loss zones. The latter method is usually employed only after the first two have proven unsuccessful. In Table I are listed some advantages and disadvantages of the common corrective measures. Frequently, a combination of bridging material and cementing material is used." This combination is based on the premise that a bridge will

Jan 1, 1952

D. EPPELSHEIMER, * Middletown, Ohio.-The housing of employees has so many and so varied aspects that in order to reach even an approximately correct solution it is necessary to have in mind a few fundamental principles; but it is not possible as yet to write these housing principles in the clear and correct form that is possible with many of our natural laws. Manifestly, the problem depends first on the kind of people it is necessary to house. What is suitable for the Southern unattached negro is not suitable for the married skilled American. The influx of colored labor has affected quite a number of what were satisfactorily housed communities. The second important factor is the relative proportion of the number of employees to the total employable population of the community in which the industry is located. The employer of a hundred men in. a large city has little responsibility in the matter of housing his employees. If he employs 75 per cent. of the employable population in a community of 27,000, as is the case of the company with which the writer is connected, it means a large responsibility. In the establishment of an entirely new plant in a more or less isolated place, the responsibility becomes greater. As engineers, we design and write the specifications for the machinery to accomplish a definite purpose, and proceed to house it, provide the necessary buildings with their accessories in the way of cranes, or heating systems, or sprinkling systems, as the case may be. There is no reason why the operating force should not be built up in very much the same way: design the organization, write its specifications so that the employment department can secure the proper men, and then house that organization with just as much thought and care as is given the plant. In the plant, the various machines will work along certain definite lines and accomplish certain results; but even if we start with the proper organization it takes considerable time to get that organization working together. One of the most important elements to this end is the proper housing of the organization. A man usually spends more time at home than at work. Proper surroundings and a comfortable, convenient house of good appearance exercise an influence that cannot be denied, and an employee situated in such surroundings is far more inclined to follow the policies of his employer and take an active part in furthering them

Jan 5, 1919