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By E. G. Dean

A method of top slicing has been devised at the Miami Copper Co.'s mine at Miami, Aria., which differs radically in some ways from the customary methods of top slicing. The area of that section of the orebody in which top slicing is used is about 800 ft. square. The ore, while for the most part soft, is, nevertheless, considerably harder than the capping. The latter is siliceous, seldom containing any clay or other binding material, and breaks into fine particles so that it runs like sand if given the opportunity. Because of these facts, and because the ore is above the average grade of the mine ore, it has been mined by top slicing. Haulage levels are opened up 150 ft. apart, vertically, with two sub-levels between at 50-ft. intervals, to facilitate the putting up of ore chutes. These sublevels are used during slicing for distributing air in the ventilation system. On the haulage level the drifts are spaced on 50-ft. centers, and raises along these drifts are also spaced on 50-ft. centers, except the incline raises as hereafter noted. The raises are cribbed where necessary. Where the wear will be excessive, 1/4-in. iron plates are spiked to the top of every third set of cribbing, for its protection. When top slicing was first used, an attempt was made to carry a slicing face from fifty to several hundred feet long. Timber and other supplies were brought in through long drifts from an auxiliary shaft. Great difficulty was experienced in keeping these drifts open, the side pressure breaking the posts and the top weight breaking both caps and posts. Furthermore, the men could not work efficiently while these drifts were being repaired. The slicing faces advanced irregularly, due to varying conditions, and in many ways the results were not all that could be desired. It was then decided to divide the slicing area into blocks 200 ft. square and this was later changed to 250 ft. square. At the center of each block a two-compartment raise is put up as a supply raise, the compartments being 2 ft. 6 in. and 4 ft. by 4 ft. 4 in., the smaller being used as a manway. Station sets of 12 by 12 timber with

Jan 1, 1917

By Richard E. Goodman

Rock slope stability assumes different roles in decision making as a mining venture develops and, accordingly, geological investigations vary in thought and in deed according to the project stage. During exploration, stability questions bear on the decision whether or not to mine, because their resolution affects the cost of mining. During the mine lay-out stage, stability is a key factor in deciding how to mine. Finally, during mine operation, stability affects safety and operating costs, and therefore, pit productivity. Among the many considerations influencing stability, rock mass classification and geological environmental factors count heavily. The rock mass behavioral class depends upon the rock character and its degree of fracturation. The loads on the rock are derived from the environmental factors of initial state of stress and the water regime. Of course, stability is also tied to a host of non-geological factors such as the pit geometry, mining style, relative wealth, philosophy of mine operation, and accident history. METHODS OF STABILITY EVALUATION AND CORRESPONDING INVESTIGATORY TOOLS The purposes of the geological investigation are to identify and evaluate the geological factors influencing stability so that the vital questions can be analyzed. The tools selected for stability analysis reflect the stage of development of the mining scheme and therefore the geological investigations, which must furnish data for the analyses and must vary with the project stage. For exploration and mine planning, the methods of resolving stability questions must meet the need to evaluate numerous parameters in limited time; examples of such methods are stereographic projections (1, 2, 3) charted solutions(4) and simple physical models (5, 6). An investigation program that employs geological mapping tools and aids to mapping, such as geophysics, with relatively few rock tests, is in balance with these analytical methods. First data about the water regime are obtained from observed piezometric levels, and the initial state of stress is queried simply through geological inference and experience. In the layout stage more elaborate physical scale models (7) and perhaps finite element models (8, 9, 10, 11, 12), will be relevant to the design process and therefore much more detailed geological investigation is required. The scale of observation of both rock material and joints will be significantly enlarged and mechanical tests of rock and joint strength

Jan 1, 1972

By Sherman L. Pease

An inexpensive and relatively rapid method that can be used by field crews is described. Fluid movement is determined by releasing a tracer (dye) in the well at a predetermined level and, after an interval of time, sampling the well fluid at another level. The testing equipment consists of a combined crusher and sampler unit that is run into the well on a wire line. The rate of movement can be calculated from time-volume relationships. Description of Method It is often desirable to determine whether there is occurring any transfer of fluid from point to point in a shut-in well, and, if so, to measure the rate of movement. When it is desired to examine a large number of wells for possible "thief" sands, the time and expense will be considerable unless the method used is inexpensive and rapid. After experimentation with several possible solutions to the problem, the Production Department of the Shell Oil Co., Inc., developed the apparatus described herein, which has proved satisfactory. Routine operations with it can be carried out by field production crews with a minimum of technical supervision and with negligible investment in equipment. The method is based upon releasing a suitable tracer in the well fluid at a known level, and recovering a sample of well fluid at another level after a measured interval of time. Repetition of this process with different time intervals between release and sampling gives the necessary data. For purposes of illustration, the setup for measuring migration of fluid in an upward direction is described in the following paragraphs. The arrangement of equipment is shown diagrammatically on Fig. I. The elements of the combination unit are the tailpiece, the crushing device, the spacer and the sampling device. The lengths of the tailpiece and spacer are varied to place the crushing and sampling devices in the desired positions in relation to the sands being tested. The crushing device breaks the glass bottle containing the tracer when the tailpiece strikes the bottom of the well and the tension on the sand line is slackened. Because of the open construction of the crushing device, the tracer is quickly and completely disseminated in the well fluid. The sampling device is a suction bailer, which obtains a sample of the fluid surrounding the perforated nipple just before the unit is picked up off bottom. The sample is retained in the barrel by the ball valve for examination at the surface. Normally, on the first run into a well, the sample is obtained near the releasing point of the tracer, and thereafter samples are taken near the base of the upper sand if migration is indicated by the dilution or absence of the tracer in the initial sample. The length of the time interval between the releasing of the tracer and the sampling of the well fluid is varied for successive runs, attempting first to establish the rate within limits and then to define it more accurately by additional runs if necessary.

Jan 1, 1946

By Sherman L. Pease

An inexpensive and relatively rapid method that can be used by field crews is described. Fluid movement is determined by releasing a tracer (dye) in the well at a predetermined level and, after an interval of time, sampling the well fluid at another level. The testing equipment consists of a combined crusher and sampler unit that is run into the well on a wire line. The rate of movement can be calculated from time-volume relationships. Description of Method It is often desirable to determine whether there is occurring any transfer of fluid from point to point in a shut-in well, and, if so, to measure the rate of movement. When it is desired to examine a large number of wells for possible "thief" sands, the time and expense will be considerable unless the method used is inexpensive and rapid. After experimentation with several possible solutions to the problem, the Production Department of the Shell Oil Co., Inc., developed the apparatus described herein, which has proved satisfactory. Routine operations with it can be carried out by field production crews with a minimum of technical supervision and with negligible investment in equipment. The method is based upon releasing a suitable tracer in the well fluid at a known level, and recovering a sample of well fluid at another level after a measured interval of time. Repetition of this process with different time intervals between release and sampling gives the necessary data. For purposes of illustration, the setup for measuring migration of fluid in an upward direction is described in the following paragraphs. The arrangement of equipment is shown diagrammatically on Fig. I. The elements of the combination unit are the tailpiece, the crushing device, the spacer and the sampling device. The lengths of the tailpiece and spacer are varied to place the crushing and sampling devices in the desired positions in relation to the sands being tested. The crushing device breaks the glass bottle containing the tracer when the tailpiece strikes the bottom of the well and the tension on the sand line is slackened. Because of the open construction of the crushing device, the tracer is quickly and completely disseminated in the well fluid. The sampling device is a suction bailer, which obtains a sample of the fluid surrounding the perforated nipple just before the unit is picked up off bottom. The sample is retained in the barrel by the ball valve for examination at the surface. Normally, on the first run into a well, the sample is obtained near the releasing point of the tracer, and thereafter samples are taken near the base of the upper sand if migration is indicated by the dilution or absence of the tracer in the initial sample. The length of the time interval between the releasing of the tracer and the sampling of the well fluid is varied for successive runs, attempting first to establish the rate within limits and then to define it more accurately by additional runs if necessary.

Jan 1, 1946

By R. H. Richman

Coarse-grained Fe-Ni-C martensites formed at subzero temperatures were strained in compression at room temperature and the plastic deformation modes examined as a funclion of carbon content. At very low carbon levels, defovmation occurs hy wavy slip; commencing at about 0.05 pct C, mechanical twinning accounts for an increasing proportion of the plastic flow. Beyond approximately 0.4 pct C the deformation appears to be entirely by mechanical twinning. The habit planes of the operative twin modes were determined to be (113), (0131, and "(089)" in decreasing frequency of occurrence. Some of the implicaticms of Ihe o6served deformation modes upon the structure and properties of ferrous martensites are discussed. METALLURGISTS have long sought to explain the mechanical properties of ferrous martensites, particularly the extraordinary hardness and strength of the high-carbon varieties. Until recently the lack of precise knowledge of the structure of martensite crystals was the most serious barrier to understanding; however, the advent of thin-foil techniques for transmission electron microscopy has removed much of the mystery from martensite structure. Observations by Kelly and Nutting,"' and many others since, indicate that Fe-C based martensite crystals are internally twinned to a degree dependent upon the carbon content, and that a martensite plate containing 0.8 wt pct C or more consists of a stack of twin-related lamellae with each lamella on the order of l00A thick. Such a structure would be expected to influence greatly all aspects of metallurgical behavior, and many of the properties of Fe-C based martensites have been rationalized accordingly. Recent independent experiments led Winchell and cohen3 to conclude that the strength of ferrous martensite is derived primarily from solid solution hardening of the iron lattice by interstitial carbon atoms. Strength contributions from precipitation, dislocation-atmosphere interactions, clustering, short-range order, crystallite size, and so forth, were considered to be of secondary importance. In the view of Winchell and Cohen, the twinned structure of martensite serves mainly to limit the effective length of dislocation lines in the lattice, and thereby confers an added measure of hardening. Few properties of metallic crystals are as sensitive to metallurgical structure as are deformation mechanisms. It is somewhat surprising therefore, that, except for metallographic evidence of mechanical twins in strained martensite,4 no systematic examination of plastic deformation

Jan 1, 1963

By R. G. Bowman

LEAD is a dull and sober metal, and in times of economic stress it en- joys, or at least occupies, a position which partakes somewhat of its physical lethargy and stability. The past ten years have witnessed in this country a decline in the production of lead, and a shrinkage of ore reserves, following closely the general economic situation. Metal prices have not justified exploration and development of new sources. Momentary rallies in industry have brought no response from lead.

Jan 1, 1940

George W. Maynard, New York, N. Y.:—It is well known that there are many magnetite-mines of which the ore is too low-grade for direct use in the blast-furnace. For carrying out the sintering process, the preliminary step, in the case of magnetites, is the separation of the ore from the gangue by magnetic concentration. The resulting fine-grain product is very objectionable in the blast-furnace, and when used must be a very small percentage of the charge. The sintering process has saved the situation by furnishing a product which is absolutely ideal on account of its cellular structure. (In reply to questions by W. J. Tudor, and Joseph W. Richards, the following additional information was given by Dr. Maynard.) The percentage of iron in the product is determined entirely by the degree of concentration of the raw material and is practically not increased by the sintering operation. The magnetic concentrates at Port Henry and at the Benson and one or two other mines contain from 65 to 67 per cent. of metallic iron. The cost of sintering is from 39 to 41 cents per ton of product, including superintendence, depreciation, and repairs. The itemized figures are about as follows : Mixing (including labor), 24; power, 9; ignition, 5; repairs, 3; total, 41 cents. Prof. J. W. Richards, South Bethlehem, Pa.:—From a metallurgical standpoint I question the accuracy of the statement on p. 374: " C.—An increased reducibility of the iron so treated. (This has been conservatively estimated as 5 per cent. better than the best available ore.)" It seems to me that when a material is' sintered in this way, the constituents present, as lime, silica, and alumina, have a chance to form a compound with the iron oxide; that such a compound, if formed before the material goes into the blast-

Jan 1, 1913

By Robert T. Howard, Morris Cohen

IT has long been realized among metallurgists that a fast, reliable method for the quantitative determination of the percentage of microconstituents in an alloy would be of great benefit in studies of equilibrium and transformation in the solid state. For example, Polushkin1 has shown that the compositions of two coexisting phases in a a binary system at a given temperature may be calculated very simply with the aid of two alloys lying in the two-phase field if the relative amounts of the two phases in each alloy can be determined. Recently, Grange and Stewart2 have traced the course of the austenite-martensite reaction in a series of commercial steels by making visual estimates of the percentage of martensite formed as a function of cooling temperature. The correlation of mechanical properties with structure, a subject of wide-spread current interest, is likewise dependent upon quantitative microanalysis.3 Yet, there are very few investigations described in the metallurgical literature, wherein methods of quantitative microscopy are employed. Usually, the relative amounts of the microconstituents are estimated in a qualitative or semiquantitative way. The authors were faced with this problem some time ago in studying the kinetics of austenite decomposition. Several aspects of, this research could not be treated satisfactorily by other quantitative tools, such as specific volume,4 magnetic,5 dilatometric,6 electrical resistance7 or x-ray measurements.8 It became necessary to find an impersonal quantitative method that could be applied to microstructures. Fortunately, it was noted that geologists and petrographers had coped with quantitative microscopy to a considerable degree in their attempts to evaluate the mineral contents of rocks. A number of excellent articles were found on this subject, and since they appear to be unknown generally to many metallurgists, the first part of the present paper is concerned with a review of the literature in some detail. With this survey as a background, the authors have adapted the so-called methods of point-counting and lineal analysis to metallography, as described in the second part of the paper. Austenite-martensite structures were selected for illustration not only because they are important in many ways, but because such fine intermixtures are notoriously difficult to estimate visually. LITERATURE SURVEY Perhaps the earliest work on quantitative microscopic analysis goes back to Delesse9 (1848) who proved mathemati-

Jan 1, 1947

By A. W. D. Hills

This paper describes the development of a generalized integral-Wofile method for the analysis of heat transfer dwing solidification. The method is extremely flexible, and can be applied to a wide range of situations. This flexibility has been achieved by characterizing the solid metal layer in terms of two parameters, and by developing two simultaneous nonlinear differential equations for these parameters in terms of the heat fluxes crossing the boundaries of the solid layer. The use of these equations is illustrated in a series of examples which involve the solidification of pure metals at zero superheat cooling under different conditions. The simplicity with which the method can be extended to treat more complicated jwoblems is illustrated in a further example which involves natwal convection effects in the liquid metal. ThE rate at which molten metal solidifies in an industrial casting process, and the structure of the cast product, are both controlled by the rate at which heat can be removed from the casting. A knowledge of heat transfer rates is thus essential to the control of the process and to the control of the structure and soundness of the final casting. Heat transfer rates during real solidification processes cannot be predicted by formal mathematical techniques, however, because nonlinear boundary conditions are involved. Approximate methods are normally used, and these have included electrical and hydraulic analogue techniques, finite difference methods, and the integral-profile method. Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of the first two techniques, but the integral-profile method has been used very little so far. This is unfortunate because the method is capable of providing relatively accurate solutions for the heat transfer equation during solidification without involving large amounts of computer time. A further advantage of the method is its flexibility, although this is not apparent from the integral-profile solutions that have been developed to date. These solutions have been derived for the solidification of molten metal at zero super-heat under cooling conditions involving either a constant heat flux from the cooled surface;' a constant heat transfer coefficient at the surface,'-3 or a specified variation in the surface temperature.4,5 A generalized integral-profile method is presented in this paper which can be used to predict unidirectional solidification rates under a very wide range of more realistic cooling conditions. The use of the method is illustrated in a series of problems involving pure metals, or skin forming alloys, solidifying at zero super-heat. However, the principal advantage that this method has over the previous integral-profile methods is the ease with which it can be extended to treat more complicated solidification problems. This is illustrated by considering a problem in which super-heat is liberated from the liquid metal by natural convection during the solidification process. In the final section of the paper the generalized method is compared with previous methods used to predict solidification rates and its extension to more complicated solidification problems is briefly discussed.

Jan 1, 1970

By F. S. Buffington, Morris Cohen

THERE is little quantitative information available concerning the effect of applied stress, in both the elastic and plastic ranges, on diffusion kinetics. Accordingly, a program has been undertaken to determine the rate of self-diffusion in high purity iron, with the specimens subjected to stress during the course of diffusion. Results are reported here for body-centered cubic iron at a diffusion temperature of 890°C. The iron used was 99.97 pct Fe, the principal impurities being 0.002 pct C, 0.008 pct 0, and 0.02 pct Si. The surface-decrease method of self-diffusion analysis was employed, and Fe55 Mn x-radiation, 2.9 years half-life) was the tracer element. Details of specimen preparation and equipment are given elsewhere.' Disks of the high purity iron, % in. diam x 1/4 in. thick, were annealed at 890°C for 18 hr in dry hydrogen to produce large grains of a ferrite. The faces of the disks were then surface ground, and possible grinding stresses were relieved by annealing at 890 °C for 45 min in vacuum. A layer of radioactive iron 0.00186 cm thick was electroplated on one face of each disk. The self-diffusion coefficient was calculated from the ratio of the radiation intensities emanating from each of these faces, as measured before and after diffusion.' The heating was carried out in a vacuum furnace (10-5 mm Hg) controlled to ±1.5°C. The specimens were loaded in compression between two quartz disks during the diffusion runs by means of a lever system operating through a vacuum seal. Thus one quartz disk was pressed directly against the radioactive face of the specimen, minimizing the vapor loss of radioactive iron. Steady-state creep occurred in all instances where permanent deformation could be detected, but the specimens did not exhibit appreciable transverse barreling until natural strains of 0.2 to 0.3 were attained. Essentially, the diffusion took place under uniaxial stress. The plastic strain in each case was obtained at the diffusion zone by measuring the diameter d there before and after the run: e = 2 In — do Let Du equal the self-diffusion coefficient which would have prevailed at the given temperature if no stress had been applied. This was calculated from the temperature-dependence equation which had been previously determined: —59,800 D, = 6.2 exp ( I sq cm per sec* [I]

Jan 1, 1953

By W. W. Weigel

THE mines of the St. Joseph Lead Co. in St. Francois County, Missouri, form a roughly triangular area of about 45 square miles. Locally this is known as the Lead Belt. The four operating mines in the area at present are the Federal, Leadwood, Desloge, and Bonne Terre, in decreasing order of mine area and daily production. Mining began in 1864 and has been carried on in the district continuously since that time. [ ] As a group, the Lead Belt mines now handle 20,000 gal. per min. of water, average head about 465 ft., against a normal daily ore tonnage of 21,200 tons. For a six-day operating week this gives a ratio of 6 ½ tons of water per ton of ore. Total average pumping in 1931 was about 15,000 gal. per min. Since that time a large area of virgin territory has been opened, much of which has had temporary flush flows. About 75 per cent of the water enters in certain restricted very wet areas. Production figures are given in Table I. The figures by divisions for 1931 and 1941 are not exactly comparable, as there were several transfers of pumping loads from one division to another during that period of time. GEOLOGY The basement formation in the Lead Belt area consists of the pre-Cambrian rhyolite porphyry and granite. Overlying this is the La Motte sandstone, of Middle Cambrian age, which offers a good medium for circulation of water. It varies in thickness up to 400 ft. Above this is the Bonne Terre dolomite, approximately 375 ft. thick, which in turn is overlain by the 150-ft. Davis shale. The formations above this, present in the Lead Belt in small areas only, are of minor importance. The ore bodies occur as large, horizontal tabular masses or as long, narrow runs; they are found throughout the Bonne Terre but largely in the lower 150 ft. The rather indefinite contact with the La Motte is a favorite ore horizon. Mining is entirely by open stope and pillar breast systems. To the south, west, and north of the district, sandstone outcrops are few and limited. Heavy faulting bounds the district on those sides and probably there is little if any artesian circulation from those directions. To the east, the La Motte rises to an outcrop area of about 40 square

Jan 1, 1943

By M. R. Geer, H. F. Yancey

Although the use of dense suspensions for coal cleaning was pioneered in the United States with the Chance sand flotation process, and during the past year a pilot plant using a magnetite suspension has started operation in this country, the more recent developments in this field of coal cleaning have occurred principally in the Netherlands. During the thirties the Dutch developed the Barvoys process, in which a medium of barite and clay is employed, the Tromp process, which utilizes a magnetite suspension, and the Loess process, in which is used the air-borne earth or soil known as loess.1-3 All these processes are finding increasing use in European coal-cleaning practice. Now a fourth process, the cyclone cleaner, is under development by the Netherlands State Mines. A cyclone thickener for reclaiming and thickening the dense suspension is a novel feature of the Loess process. Through accident, the discovery was made that the cyclone could be utilized as a cleaning device for fine coal. When the cyclone thickener at the Maurits mine plugged, the overflow was found filled with clean coal free of refuse, and from this observation developed the concept of the cyclone as a coal cleaner. In June 1945 the cyclone cleaner was observed by one of the authors,' and in September 1945 it was described by Dries-sen6 in a paper presented in London before the Institute of Fuel. As the cyclone seemed to offer unusual promise as a means of extending heavy-medium cleaning to the finer sizes of coal that cannot readily be treated in existing heavy-medium processes, the Bureau of Mines, following Driessen's, presentation, launched an investigation of the cyclone as a coal cleaner. Added impetus was given to this study by the present increased interest in heavy-medium cleaning in this country. Object and Scope of Investigation Driessen's report, although comprehensive in many respects, did not include a detailed description of the cyclone cleaner, and contained almost no information on the influence of the various operating variables of the cyclone. It was necessary, therefore, to investigate the influence of the cyclone adjustments on its performance before studying the application of the cyclone to various coal-washing problems. The present report is confined entirely to these preliminary tests, designed to demonstrate the operating characteristics of the cyclone. The investigation has been in progress

Jan 1, 1949

By D. Torrey

Considering the two great interests of to-day, in iron upon the one hand and steel upon the other, and recognizing with measurable distinctness the peculiar fitness of each for special services to which they are applied, the proposition to unite the two metals in combination, to bring into simultaneous use the peculiar advantages which each offers, has great attractions. The limited success which has been attained by trying to bring about such combinations of the two metals through the use of fluxes in welding, has led to the general adoption of the opinion that an effective union of the two metals is impracticable, or to the view that if practicable it would have but limited commercial value. Such opinions are, I think, premature and erroneous, and having gained some knowledge of the character and value of the "Wheeler process" for welding iron and steel without the use of fluxes, I submit the following observations and opinions of the matter for your information, with the hope of eliciting such a discussion of the subject as it may require. The principle of the invention is to bring the two metals simultaneously to a welding heat in one pile, and then to manipulate it.

Jan 1, 1879

By Jesse O. Betterton

In the Parkes process of lead refining, after desilverization has been completed by means of zinc additions, there will remain in the lead from 0.5 to 0.6 per cent zinc. At this stage in the refining practically all impurities are reduced to refined lead specifications except zinc and antimony. All excess of copper and nearly all the arsenic goes out with the silver. Silver remaining should not exceed 0.1 oz. per ton. It thus remains only to remove zinc and antimony to produce refined lead. The older practice was to complete refining by means of oxidation processes in reverberatory furnaces. Essentially this consisted of heating the lead to 1200' to 1300" I?. and allowing it to come in contact with a considerable excess of air passing through the furnace, or accomplish the same result by blowing the lead with steam by means of pipes introduced for that purpose, at the same time allowing air to enter the furnace. Usually some procedure involving alternate oxidation and reduction with fine coal or coke was employed in order to reduce the weight of dross or skim finally removed from the furnace. This practice had many elements of weakness in that the main flour of lead, after the preceding expensive operations had been performed, and the whole refining process nearly completed, was subjected to an operation at a comparatively high temperature, which involved much lead loss if the furnaces were not on bags, and the production of 3 to 5 per cent of the weight of the lead as dross or skim, which had to be resmelted and the lead either refined or produced as antimonial lead. In addition, the operating expense of the process was a considerable item. The process of dezincing with chlorine was developed as a substitute for the foregoing described oxidation process, and finally resulted in such advantages as nearly equal operating costs, a practical elimination of the lead loss, and the direct production of a very valuable byproduct, zinc chloride, that may be sold as such or retreated for its zinc and chlorine contents, both of which can be reused in the refining processes. Essentially this process consists of circulating the lead by means of a pump in a kettle through a closed reaction cylinder, gaseous chlorine entering the reaction cylinder with the stream of lead from the pump. Molten zinc chloride is thus produced and is discharged together with

Jan 1, 1937

By Martin Epner, Eric Gregory

DURING the past decade, considerable work has been carried out on various cermet systems in an effort to produce materials suitable for high-temperature applications in gas turbines. Most of the materials have not, as yet, met the requirements of the engine manufacturers, primarily because of their lack of room-temperature ductility and thermal shock resistance. In the field of tool materials, however, although ductility is still of prime importance, much has been accomplished by improving design parameters and the quality of carbide materials with a view to using cermet compositions successfully. The systems described in this paper were designed primarily for application in this field, although their development was a natural outcome of work on similar compositions designed for high-temperature service. In steel-bonded titanium carbide, the steel binder imparts heat treatability to the system while the carbide provides abrasion and wear resistance. Combining the carbide and the steel matrix in carefully controlled proportions results in a composite material which, when the steel is hardened, has man of the properties of cemented tungsten carbide. In the annealed condition, this material can be readily machined by the conventional chip-removal techniques. Titanium carbide has certain distinct advantages over many of the other carbides when combined with a steel matrix. It is among the hardest of the carbides and is one of the most stable. Liquid iron wets titanium carbide, and this wetting assists in the formation of a dense cermet. Once the composite structure has been formed, the titanium carbide acts as a relatively inert phase during the heat treatment of the matrix. PREPARATION OF ALLOYS The steel-bonded titanium-carbide materials described in this paper were prepared by the liquid-phase sintering technique. The titanium carbide used had an average particle size of 6 to 7 p, a total carbon content of 19.4 pct and 0.35 pct free carbon. This was blended with the elemental metal powders by ball milling them together in a hexane medium. After drying, paraffin wax was added to the blend to provide green strength in the pressed briquettes, and compacting was performed at 15 tsi. Liquid-phase sintering was carried out in vacuum at temperatures which depended on the chemical composition of the system involved, but which were usually around 2640° F. The resultant materials had a density approaching 100 pct of theoretical. The

Jan 1, 1961

By John A. Emery, Frank G. Snyder

MINING geology has a threefold objective: to guide prospecting for new ore, to evaluate known orebodies as development risks, and to supply the detailed knowledge of ore structures necessary for more economical extraction. The role of geology in exploration is well established. This article will deal solely with orebody evaluation and the application of geology to development and mining problems as practiced by St. Joseph Lead Co. in the southeast Missouri district, which for many years has supplied approximately 30 pct of U. S. lead production. The primary concern of the present discussion is geology in the district, not geology of the district. The southeast Missouri district, locally called the Lead Belt, includes parts of St. Francois, Madison, and Washington counties. The first recorded mining was about 1720 at Mine La Motte in Madison County on surface showings of lead ore. Later discoveries near Bonne Terre, twenty-five miles to the north, led to extensive prospecting and underground mining. To date the district has yielded well over 8 million tons of pig lead, valued at more than $1 billion. By far the greater part of the lead production has come from an area of 50 sq miles, centering on the city of Flat River, as shown in Fig. 1. Role of Geology in Metal Mining The history of the use of geology in the older metal mining districts follows a simple consistent pattern that may be considered in terms of four distinct phases. Each geologic phase is a response to the economic status of the mining district; each has definite characteristics setting it apart from other phases; and each passes into the succeeding phase as the mining operation gradually exhausts the large, rich, easily discovered deposits and lives upon increasingly smaller, lower grade orebodies that are less easily found. The geologic phases and their major characteristics are as follows: Period of No Organized Geologic Program: During the early history of a great metal district ore is easily found by random prospecting and wildcat drilling. Many small operators are active, as profitable mining can be done with a relatively small capital outlay and a minimum of technical staff. Mining practice consists largely of sinking a shaft on an ore showing and following the ore in sight. When the ore is exhausted or becomes unprofitable to mine, the process is repeated on a new ore showing. The miners become familiar with certain ore habits and use this practical geologic knowledge to guide mining. The method is successful as long as large tracts of virgin mineralized area are available. This phase ends when small-scale mining methods are no longer profitable and the mines become consolidated into the hands of a few operators.

Jan 1, 1957

By W.W. Weigel

The mines of the St. Joseph Lead Co. in St. Francois County, Missouri, form a roughly triangular area of about 45 square miles. Locally this is known as the Lead Belt. The four operating mines in the area at present are the Federal, Leadwood, Desloge, and Bonne Terre, in decreasing order of mine area and daily production. Mining began in 1864 and has been carried on in the district continuously since that time. As a group, the Lead Belt mines now handle 20,000 gal. per min. of water, average head about 465 ft., against a normal daily ore tonnage of 21,200 tons. For a six-day operating week this gives a ratio of 6½ tons of water per ton of ore. Total average pumping in 1931 was about 15,000 gal. per min. Since that time a large area of virgin territory has been opened, much of which has had temporary flush flows. About 75 per cent of the water enters in certain restricted very wet areas. Production figures are given in Table I. The figures by divisions for 1931 and 1941 are not exactly comparable, as there were several transfers of pumping loads from one division to another during that period of time. Geology The, basement formation in 'the Lead Belt area consists of the pre-Cambrian rhyolite porphyry and granite. Overlying this is the La Motte sandstone, of Middle Cambrian age, which offers a good medium for circulation of water. It varies in thickness up to 400 ft. Above this is the Bonne Terre dolomite, approximately 375 fl. thick, which in turn is overlain by the 150-ft. Davis shale. The formations above this, present in the Lead Belt in small areas only, are of minor importance. The ore bodies occur as large, horizontal tabular masses or as long, narrow runs; they are found throughout the Bonne Terre but largely in the lower 150 ft. The rather indefinite contact with the La Motte is a favorite ore horizon. Milling is entirely by open stope and pillar breast systems. To the south, west, and north of the district, sandstone outcrops are few and limited. Heavy faulting bounds The district on those sides and probably there is little if any artesian circulation from those directions. To the east, the La Motte rises to an outcrop area of about 40 square

Jan 1, 1943

By W. W. Weigel

The mines of the St. Joseph Lead Co. in St. Francois County, Missouri, form a roughly triangular area of about 45 square miles. Locally this is known as the Lead Belt. The four operating mines in the area at present are the Federal, Leadwood, Desloge, and Bonne Terre, in decreasing order of mine area and daily production. Mining began in 1864 and has been carried on in the district continuously since that time. As a group, the Lead Belt mines now handle 20,000 gal. per min. of water, average head about 465 ft., against a normal daily ore tonnage of 21,200 tons. For a six-day operating week this gives a ratio of 6½ tons of water per ton of ore. Total average pumping in 1931 was about 15,000 gal. per min. Since that time a large area of virgin territory has been opened, much of which has had temporary flush flows. About 75 per cent of the water enters in certain restricted very wet areas. Production figures are given in Table I. The figures by divisions for 1931 and 1941 are not exactly comparable, as there were several transfers of pumping loads from one division to another during that period of time. Geology The, basement formation in 'the Lead Belt area consists of the pre-Cambrian rhyolite porphyry and granite. Overlying this is the La Motte sandstone, of Middle Cambrian age, which offers a good medium for circulation of water. It varies in thickness up to 400 ft. Above this is the Bonne Terre dolomite, approximately 375 fl. thick, which in turn is overlain by the 150-ft. Davis shale. The formations above this, present in the Lead Belt in small areas only, are of minor importance. The ore bodies occur as large, horizontal tabular masses or as long, narrow runs; they are found throughout the Bonne Terre but largely in the lower 150 ft. The rather indefinite contact with the La Motte is a favorite ore horizon. Milling is entirely by open stope and pillar breast systems. To the south, west, and north of the district, sandstone outcrops are few and limited. Heavy faulting bounds The district on those sides and probably there is little if any artesian circulation from those directions. To the east, the La Motte rises to an outcrop area of about 40 square

Jan 1, 1943

By Frederic L. Kadey

Diatomite is a siliceous, sedimentary rock consisting principally of the fossilized skeletal remains of the diatom, a unicellular aquatic plant related to the algae. Thus, it has been formed by the induration of diatomaceous ooze, and consists mainly of diatomaceous silica, a form or variety of opal which is first formed in the cell walls of the living diatom. Diatomaceous silica is not generally regarded as a synonym or the equivalent for diatomite, although it has been so used at various times. Accurately, diatomaceous silica is the preferred name for the principal mineral component of which the rock, diatomite, is composed. The terms diatomaceous earth and kieselguhr are used as synonymous with diatomite. The designations tripoli, tripolite, infusorial earth, etc., were used at one time but are now obsolete. With the changing nomenclature, these terms that were at one time correct when proposed and used for generations would be considered incorrect if used today in the light of current knowledge. The designation diatomite is reserved for those accumulations of diatomaceous silica that are of sufficient quality, size, and minability to be considered of potential commercial value. Processed diatomite possesses an unusual particulate structure and chemical stability that lends itself to applications not filled by any other form of silica. Foremost among these applications is its use as a filter aid, which accounts for over half of its current consumption. Its unique diatom structure, low bulk density, high absorptive capacity, high surface area, and relatively low abrasion are attributes responsible for its utility as a functional filler and as an extender in paint, paper, rubber, and in plastics; and as an anti-caking agent; thermal insulating material; catalyst carrier; and chromatographic support; polish, abrasive, and pesticide extender to name a few representative applications. The United States is the principal producing country, although diatomite is found in numerous other locations. Geology Composition and Morphology Diatomaceous silica qualifies as a. mineral of organic origin in much the same way that aragonite and collophane do. The silica of the fossilized diatom skeleton closely resembles opal or hydrous silica in composition (SiO2 • nH2O) .4, 12, 203 The silica is of acute biological significance, not only for the cell wall component, but also for the basic life process.45, 51 Without silica, cell development ceases .31 In addition to bound water, varying between 3.5 and 8%, the siliceous skeleton may also contain, in solid solution, or as part of the Si02 complex, small amounts of associated inorganic components-alumina, principally-and lesser amounts of iron, 46, 49, 55 alkaline earths, alkali metals, and other minor constituents.59, 63, 67 Boron is reported to be an essential element for diatom growth .52, 58 Since diatomaceous silica is not pure hydrous silica but contains other intimately associated elements, there is good reason to consider it a distinct type or variety.4 Associated with the diatomaceous silica, and integrated as part of the diatomite, may be variable amounts of organic matter, soluble salts, and particles of rock-forming minerals that were syngenetically deposited or precipitated with the diatom frustules. Sand, clay, carbonate, and volcanic ash are typical common contaminants. Other contaminating minerals may be present, such as feldspar, mica, amphiboles, pyroxenes, rutile, zircon-the result of weathering, then transporting, and subsequent redeposition of surrounding land masses. Commercial diatomite may also contain fragments and particles of

Jan 1, 1983

By J. D. Grozier, W. W. Mullins, H. W. Paxton

The morphology of the nucleation and growth of austenite into high-purity iron in NH3-H2, gas mixtzires has been studied. The growth rate of an austenitic rim (planar interface) from scratched surfaces of- polycrystalline iron specimens was determined as a function of temperature and percent NH3 and found to he in reasonahle agreement with growth-rate calculations based on a model which assumes the diffusion of nitrogen to he the rate-controlling step. Under certain conditions, austenite pew as platelets; growth rates of these along the surface of single crystals were found to he dependent on surface preparation, orientation, THE development of microstructures can conveniently be thought of in terms of nucleation and growth. The complex topic of nucleation in solid-solid transformations will not be discussed at length, although a few qualitative experiments were performed. Growth is determined by the mobility of the various possible interfaces under the available driving forces in a particular situation. In homophase transformations, it has been clearly demonstrated that the mobility is very sensitive to small amounts of impurities, to the kind of impurity, and to the orientation relations across the boundary.' A degree of quantitative knowledge has temperature and percent NH3. On electropolished surfaces with a (110) pole, the maximum growth rate of platelets was determined and found to be in agreement within a factor of 2 to 3 with theoretical calculations of the edgewise growth rate of a platelet. The calculations are based on a model which assumes that the diffusion of nitrogen in the ferrite in front of the moving curved attstenitic interface at the tip of the platelet is the rate-controlling step. The growth direction on the surface of the single crystal and resztlting habit plane of the platelets were determined and found not to he unique but to vary systematically with the pole of the surface. been obtained. In the case of heterophase transformations, which are significantly more complicated to treat, a comparison of theoretical and experimental studies often shows rather poor agreement.'-' The main purpose of the experiments discussed below was to obtain additional quantitative data on crystallographic effects on boundary mobility in a system which was otherwise as simple as possible, viz. the growth of iron-nitrogen austenite into fer-rite. In the course of the experiments, it became necessary to re-examine the theory for the growth of Widmanstatten plates, especially the influence of anisotropic interfacial free energy. Some other minor experiments in the Fe-N system were performed, and are described briefly. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS A) Material Preparation. The floating zone purified iron used for this investigation was supplied by Battelle Memorial Institute. The nominal composi-

Jan 1, 1965