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By A. W. Hahn

ALTHOUGH enormous tonnages of sulfide lead and lead-silver ores are treated by flotation, the products of flotation mills treating oxidized ores of lead and silver are almost negligible. However, each year there is a slight tonnage increase, and it is possible, should a sizeable oxidized lead ore tonnage be developed, the field will become an important one. In 1918, the Shattuck-Arizona Copper Co. erected a plant at Warren, Ariz., for the treatment of oxidized gold-silver-lead ores. Glenn L. Allen worked out the metallurgy for this plant, employing tabling, followed by flotation concentration. The Shattuck-Denn Mining Co., successors to the Shattuck-Arizona Co., now employs straight flotation in the same mill, treating about 200 tons daily. In 1922, the San Diego mill of the American Smelting & Refining Co., in the Parral district, Chihuahua, Mexico, started operating a 600-ton mill on a mixed sulfide-oxide gold-silver-lead ore. Tables and flotation are used here, and about 200 tons of oxidized slime treated by flotation. In 1923, the Eureka Holly Mining Co. started operating a 90-ton mill at Eureka, Nev., using tables and flotation, on an oxidized lead-silver ore. In 1924, the American Smelting & Refining Co. started a 250-ton mill in northern Peru, to treat a high-grade oxidized gold-silver ore with very low lead values. In 1924, the Grand Central Mining Co. started a 200-ton flotation mill on old oxidized gold-silver-lead tailings at Fairbank, Ariz. In 1926, the Compania Internacional Minera, a subsidiary of the Union Corporation of London, started a 250-ton flotation mill on oxidized lead-silver ores, and during April of this year, the Phelps-Dodge Corpn. will probably start a 250-ton mill at Warren, Ariz., on oxidized lead-silver ores, similar to those being treated in the Shattuck-Denn mill. METHODS All of these mills use sodium sulfide for filming the oxide minerals, with the possible exception of the North Peru mill, and all use oily reagents. The total tonnage of strictly oxidized lead-silver ores concentrated by flotation is probably less than 2500 tons daily. The following figures give the various types of ores being treated:

Jan 1, 1928

By A. W. Hahn

Although enormous tonnages of sulfide lead and lead-silver ores are treated by flotation, the products of flotation mills treating oxidized ores of lead and silver are almost negligible. However, each year there is a slight tonnage increase, and it is possible, should a sizeable oxidized lead ore tonnage be developed, the field will become an important one. In 1918, the Shattuck-Arizona Copper Co. erected a plant at Warren, Ariz., for the treatment of oxidized gold-silver-lead ores. Glenn L. Allen worked out the metallurgy for this plant, employing tabling, followed by flotation concentration. The Shattuck-Denn Mining Co., successors to the Shattuck-Arizona Co., now employs straight flotation in the same mill, treating about 200 tons daily. In 1922, the San Diego mill of the American Smelting & Refining Co., in the Parral district, Chihuahua, Mexico, started operating a 600-ton mill on a mixed sulfide-oxide gold-silver-lead ore. Tables and flotation are used here, and about 200 tons of oxidized slime treated by flotation. In 1923, the Eureka Holly Mining Co. started operating a 90-ton mill at Eureka, Nev., using tables and flotation, on an oxidized lead-silver ore. In 1924, the American Smelting & Refining Co, started a 250-ton mill in northern Peru, to treat a high-grade oxidized gold-silver ore with very low lead values. In 1924, the Grand Central Mining Co. started a 200-ton flotation mill on old oxidized gold-silver-lead tailings at Fairbank, Ariz. In 1926, the Compania Internacional Minera, a subsidiary of the Union Corporation of London, started a 250-ton flotation mill on oxidized lead-silver ores, and during April of this year, the Phelps-Dodge Corpn. will probably start a 250-ton mill at Warren, Ariz., on oxidized lead-silver ores, similar to those being treated in the Shattuck-Denn mill. Methods All of these mills use sodium sulfide for filming the oxide minerals, with the possible exception of the North Peru mill, and all use oily reagents. The total tonnage of strictly oxidized lead-silver ores concentrated by flotation is probably less than 2500 tons daily. The following figures give the various types of ores being treated:

Jan 1, 1928

By Harrison Schmitt

IN the practice of ore finding the geologist is continually confronted with the question of oreshoot extension, so that the general problem seems worthy of systematic investigation. This problem appears when the reserves are estimated and when the advisability of deepening the shaft comes up. Moreover, there is need for lower development cost to keep pace with cost reductions in other departments, or even to offset a rising cost of ore finding or ore following. This can be gained by close geologic control of the development; and much of the geology involved is that bearing on the downward, upward, and horizontal extensions of shoots. Furthermore, the purchase of a mine or prospect often depends directly on the question of shoot extension; because it is seldom that the ore is fully developed and the purchase price is almost invariably based largely on "possible" and geologically prospective ore. Most current methods for estimating '(possible" and the more nebulous classes of ore are crude and indecisive. In the following pages the extension of oreshoots is the major theme, although the more basic subject, the general art of ore finding, is given some space. (A) Direct Methods of Extension Prediction (I) Extrapolation and Interpolation of Shoots by Use of Conventional Geologic and Assay Plans, Projections and Cross-sections There is little need for stressing the desirability of detailed geologic plans, assay plans, projections, and cross-sections as a basis for the study and extension prediction of shoots. Underground and surface mapping, in most cases, ought to be done in exhaustive detail. All features of obvious bearing should be mapped and it is good practice to record all possible details, some of which may become significant when studied in the ensemble. It should be emphasized that the mapping should be done with an impartial mind, with interpretation reduced to the minimum. The symbols of the map can be made to distinguish observed facts from interpretation.

Jan 1, 1929

By Eldon Dunlap

RECENTLY the producing branch of the petroleum industry has shown a considerable and growing interest in the quantitative determination of the water, oil, and gas content of cores as it relates to estimation of reserves, to providing a, basis for judging as to the feasibility of applying various secondary-recovery and pressure-maintenance processes, and in general to the operation of producing properties. For years it has been known that oil, gas and water coexisted in the pores of many semidepleted oil measures. It is now generally believed that oil-bearing beds contain connate water in amounts varying up to 50 per cent of the pore space. However, only lately has reliable direct evidence of the extensive occur-rence of connate water in oil sands been published. Very little work has been done to ascertain the effect of this water on the productivity and ultimate recovery of oil from wells. It was the intent of this research to study the influence of this indigenous water on the flow of oil through unconsolidated sands, with the hope that the results could be applied qualitatively to the flow of oil in underground reservoirs partly saturated with water. Obviously, ultimate recovery estimates based on the void volume of the reservoir will be in error unless a, conscious or unconscious correction is made for the volume of water occupying a portion of the effective pore volume of the reservoir- Evaluation engineers in the past have applied arbitrary saturation and recovery factors that may inadverently have compensated for the failure to consider specifically the water content. Nevertheless, the evidence available indicates that these factors need revising if each is to be independently correct and truly representative. Although the mere fact that the connate water renders part of the pore volume of the reservoir incapable of containing oil is of primary importance to the operator, it is also of interest to know whether and to what extent the presence of varying amounts of interstitial water influ-ences the permeability of the sand to oil.

Jan 1, 1938

By W. E. Keck, Paul Jasberg

THE flotative properties of the principal minerals in Michigan's potential iron ores have been investigated to develop methods of beneficiation for the ores. One of these minerals, magnetite, is of considerable importance as a source of iron. Study of its flotation was similar to that of hematite1, another iron mineral in these potential ores. The present research consisted essentially of: (1) a survey of the literature on magnetite flotation, (2) the preparation of pure magnetite, (3) the development of laboratory procedure and (4) flotation experimentation. Literature on Magnetite Flotation.-For the purpose of this discussion, the results of previous work on the flotation of magnetite can be summarized as follows. The mineral has been floated with pine oil2, and it has also been separated from synthetic mixtures with silicates by the use of the same reagent2. Magnetite and apatite in iron-ore slimes have been separated by flotation of apatite with sodium palmitate3. These data were utilized in the present investigation. Preparation of Magnetite.-The pure mineral was prepared from the magnetic-separator concentrate of an iron ore (obtained from the Witherbee- Sherman Corporation, Port Henry, N. Y.). This concentrate was slowly comminuted with laboratory rolls and pulverizer to pass 65-mesh and was then tabled several times. Tabling yielded a relatively coarse magnetite concentrate, tailing and slimes. The two latter materials were rejected insofar as the present work is concerned, and treatment of the magnetite (table concentrate) was continued by separating it into -65 + 200 and -200-mesh sizes. Separation of the sizes was made by first dry screening and then wet screening. The -200-mesh material was rejected to eliminate possible introduction of error into flotation This paper describes a part of a general investigation into the flotation of Michigan's potential iron ores. A comprehensive discussion of the status of these ores and of the reasons for research on their Rotation beneficiation is available in mimeographed form on application to the Michigan allege of Mining and Technology, Houghton, Michigan. Manuscript received at the office of the Institute Nov. 12, 1936. Printfed without author's corrections. Subject to revision.

Jan 1, 1937

By Stanley C. Herold

Only two years ago there appeared in our technical magazines articles wherein it was shown that the application of back-pressure increased the ultimate production of a well, that edge water can be stopped in its encroachment by the injection of gas into the productive formation, with the consequent conservation of energy within the pool, that gas is the source of all energy involved in oil production, and that each pool has a definite minimum-valued gas-oil ratio to be attained for the most economical operation of wells. Today we are not so certain of these matters. Probably in some fields, under special circumstances, these ideas are correct, but certainly they must not be correct in all fields, under any and all circumstances. The nature of the productive structure, the location of particular properties on the structure, the existence of adjoining neighbors, whether these are higher or lower on the structure, and the methods of production followed by all operators on the structure, sand for sand on depth, make these subjects worthy of full consideration. Our difficulties in analyzing and comparing the performance of reservoirs in various parts of the world do not rest solely upon structural features and property lines. We do not complete the list of causes for these difficulties if we add lithologic features and correlation of strata encountered by the drill, with the magnitude of pressures exerted by fluids within any of these strata. A further cause, one which the author believes will complete the list, is one involving the theoretical mechanics of fluids within porous formations—porous in the nature of interstices in sandstones and some limestones, networks of fractures in shales, and cavities in otherwise compact limestones. The confusion of ideas concerning reservoir mechanics still with us today seems largely due to our failure to recognize among all wells three great divisions of theoretical mechanics, three great systems which are distinct in themselves, and according to which each well, or better, each group of wells, must be analyzed separately. These systems have been named by the writer Hydraulic Control, Volumetric Control and Capillary Control, respectively.' Wells in these controls behave dif-

Jan 1, 1930

By H. R. Fife

AN extended study of dustproofing Freeport-seam coal has empha-sized several fundamental features in the successful treating of bituminous coals. The extent of the exposed surface area and its absorption proper-ties for the dust-retaining film were found to be the most critical factors affecting the efficiency of fly-dust prevention. From recently published screen data and specific surface-area measure-ments on United Kingdom coals, an approximation of the surface exposed by mine-run coal and by 1-in. slack was made. The total surface area exposed by an average ton of this mine-run coal was estimated at 3768 sq. yd., while a ton of 1-in. slack represents a total surface area of 8779 sq. yd. with no additions for porosity. It is important in coal treating to consider that in mine-run coal the fraction above 1/4 in. in size represents 79.5 per cent of the total weight, but only 4 per cent of the total surface, while the fraction below 150 mesh contains 47 per cent of the total surface and only 1.2 per cent of the total weight. Also, one should appreciate that, in a 1-in. slack, the domestic stoker fraction (1 in. to 8 mesh) contains 76.3 per cent of the weight and 8.2 per cent of the surface, while the fraction below 150 mesh represents 3.3 per cent by weight and 54.8 per cent by sur-face area. Wax extraction data on 1-in. to 0 slack from mine-run treated Free-port-seam coal showed that the coating was distributed uniformly as a function of exposed surface; hence, nonuniformly on a weight basis. This distribution of the coating on mine-run coal therefore limits the extent of treating that is desirable on bituminous coal at this point in the preparation. The treatment of Freeport mine-run coal before it reached the tipple gave a 70 to 80 per cent reduction of fly-dust in the tipple, a satisfactory treated commercial slack coal, and an indicated change in the trend of tipple degradation. The premium-treated domestic sizes required a supplemental treatment for complete dustproofness.

Jan 1, 1937

By Eldon N. Dunlap

Recently the producing branch of the petroleum industry has shown a considerable and growing interest in the quantitative determination of the water, oil, and gas content of cores as it relates to estimation of reserves, to providing a basis for judging as to the feasibility of applying various secondary-recovery and pressure-maintenance processes, and in general to the operation of producing properties. For years it has been known that oil, gas and water coexisted in the pores of many semidepleted oil measures. It is now generally believed that oil-bearing beds contain connate water in amounts varying up to 50 per cent of the pore space. However, only lately has reliable direct evidence of the extensive occurrence of connate water in oil sands been published. Very little work has been done to ascertain the effect of this water on the productivity and ultimate recovery of oil from wells. It was the intent of this research to study the influence of interstitial water on the flow of oil through unconsolidated sands, with the hope that the results could be applied qualitatively to the flow of oil in underground reservoirs partly saturated with water. Obviously, ultimate recovery estimates based on the void volume of the reservoir will be in error unless a correction is made for the volume of water that occupies a portion of the effective pore volume of the reservoir. Evaluation engineers in the past have applied arbitrary saturation and recovery factors that may inadverently have compensated for the failure to consider specifically the water content. Nevertheless, the evidence available indicates that these factors need revising if each is to be independently correct and truly representative. Although the fact that the connate water renders part of the pore volume of the reservoir incapable of containing oil is of primary importance to the operator, it is also to his interest to know to what extent the presence of varying amounts of interstitial water influences the permeability of the sand to oil.

Jan 1, 1938

By Brahm Prakash, R. Schuhmann

Chemical conditions for flotation and nonflotation of cassiterite and fluorite with oleic acid as collector and with alizarin dyes as modifying agents were studied by means of small-scale, vacuum-flotation tests. Artificial cassiterite was prepared fot these tests by high-temperature methods, especially by crystallization from borax melts. FLOTATION test work on Bolivian tin ores some years ago led to the development of several workable schemes of selective soap flotation, but left unanswered many questions of soap-flotation chemistry.' Accordingly, the study of the activation and soap flotation of quartz just reported? was undertaken as a start toward the elucidation of some of the unanswered questions. The experimental work on quartz flotation consisted primarily of small-scale, vacuum-flotation tests in which activator and collector additions and pH were varied between wide limits. In the work to be described in this paper, the soap flotation of cassiterite and fluorite was studied by the vacuum-flotation technique developed in the previous study of quartz. Using oleic acid as collector, conditions for floating cassiterite and fluorite in the absence of modifying agents were first determined. Then the effects of barium, calcium, and alizarin dyes on the flotation of cassiterite, fluorite, and quartz were studied. Alizarin dyes were chosen for study because of the promise they have shown as selective modifying agents in the flotation of non-sulphide minerals.12,1 Also, they form a family of reagents in which there should be a systematic correlation of chemical properties with composition. As a preliminary to the study of cassiterite flotation, an investigation of the preparation of synthetic cassiterite and X ray studies of natural and synthetic cassiterite were undertaken. Experimental Methods The flotation technique and most of the reagent preparations were described fully in the previous paper.' In addition, for the present work it was necessary to prepare satisfactory stocks of clean cassiterite and fluorite and to obtain samples of alizarin dyes. Cassiterite: High-grade cassiterite from the Netherlands East Indies was crushed, sized, and cleaned

Jan 1, 1951

By Brahm Prakash, R. Schuhmann

Chemical conditions for flotation and nonflotation of cassiterite and fluorite with oleic acid as collector and with alizarin dyes as modifying agents were studied by means of small-scale, vacuum-flotation tests. Artificial cassiterite was prepared fot these tests by high-temperature methods, especially by crystallization from borax melts. FLOTATION test work on Bolivian tin ores some years ago led to the development of several workable schemes of selective soap flotation, but left unanswered many questions of soap-flotation chemistry.' Accordingly, the study of the activation and soap flotation of quartz just reported? was undertaken as a start toward the elucidation of some of the unanswered questions. The experimental work on quartz flotation consisted primarily of small-scale, vacuum-flotation tests in which activator and collector additions and pH were varied between wide limits. In the work to be described in this paper, the soap flotation of cassiterite and fluorite was studied by the vacuum-flotation technique developed in the previous study of quartz. Using oleic acid as collector, conditions for floating cassiterite and fluorite in the absence of modifying agents were first determined. Then the effects of barium, calcium, and alizarin dyes on the flotation of cassiterite, fluorite, and quartz were studied. Alizarin dyes were chosen for study because of the promise they have shown as selective modifying agents in the flotation of non-sulphide minerals.12,1 Also, they form a family of reagents in which there should be a systematic correlation of chemical properties with composition. As a preliminary to the study of cassiterite flotation, an investigation of the preparation of synthetic cassiterite and X ray studies of natural and synthetic cassiterite were undertaken. Experimental Methods The flotation technique and most of the reagent preparations were described fully in the previous paper.' In addition, for the present work it was necessary to prepare satisfactory stocks of clean cassiterite and fluorite and to obtain samples of alizarin dyes. Cassiterite: High-grade cassiterite from the Netherlands East Indies was crushed, sized, and cleaned

Jan 1, 1951

By Philip Davidson, Wm. B. Price

The object of this paper is to present, a survey of some of the physical properties of sheet nickel silver when subjected to cold rolling and when annealed at temperatures extending from 350" C. throughout the coininercial annealing range.. A number of alloys were taken from stock and analyzed. Four of these, representing low nickel and high nickel both with and without lead, were chosen for the tests. The analyses were as follows: Alloy Copper, Lead. Iron. Nickel, ManGanese, Zinc, PeR Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent. PEr Cent. A................ 64.68 Trace 0.194 6.73 0.06 remainder B................ 65.82 1.27 0.227 6.17 0.06 remainder C................ 65.44 Trace 0.345 17.83 0.08 remainder D................ 65.60 1.08 0.238 17.77 0.06 remainder These alloys were lolled in accordance with regular mill practice to approximately No. 6 R. & 6. gage. The bars (which were then coiled) were annealed together in a mill muffle and afterwards pickled in a 10 per cent. sulfuric-acid solution and cold rolled in stages of approximately one number (B. & S.) at a time to No. 18 B. & S. gage. After each stage, suitable samples were set aside for physical tests. Additional samples were chosen for tests after the bars were rolled to Nos. 8, 10, 12, and 14 gage. These samples were annealed together in the mill muffle and, after pickling, were finished on 0.050-in. gage, yielding a series of specimens 2, 4, 6, and 8 numbers hard for the subsequent annealing tests. Tensile test pieces 9 by 1 in. (22.9 by 2.5 cm.) were cut from both lots and the central portion was milled to give a test section 2 1/2 in. long by 1/2 in. wide. A distance of 2 in. was marked off on the edge of each specimen with light punch marks. In the case of the annealed alloys, Erichsen test pieces 4 by 235 in. were also taken.

Jan 1, 1921

By R. E. Head, E. L. Tucker

In the metallurgy of precious metals, it has been standard practice for years to use cyanogen compounds, so it was but natural that early investigators in the field of flotation should consider these compounds as possible flotation reagents. In Australian Patent 9508, of 1913, alkali cyanides were described as suitable reagents for the separation of heavy sulfide minerals, the reagents being employed either in an alkaline or neutral circuit. In U. S. Patent 1236501, of 1917, to John M. Tibbet, the use of cyanide in conjunction with soda ash or lime is described. One of the claims of this patent reads, "An improvement in the cyanide process for the treatment of ores comprising, mixing the ore with cyanide solution and oil and alkali: emulsifying the oil in the presence of the ore, the alkali and the cyanide solution, floating a portion of the values in the pulp by producing gas bubbles in the mixture and removing the values floated." More recently, Sheridan and Griswold, in U. S. Patents 1421585 and 1427235, describe a somewhat similar process and have successfully introduced it in the mill of the Timber Butte Milling Co. U. S. Patent 1429544, of 1922, to Stevens, describes the use of double cyanides of copper, zinc, and lead. The success of cyanide as a reagent in the differential flotation of lead and zinc sulfides in highly complex ores is proof that these patents have a solid foundation. Although the technique of their application to particular ores has been worked out in many cases, no one, so far as is known, has attempted to describe the nature of the action of the cyanide or to determine the ideal conditions for its application. It was the purpose of the present investigation to gather information on these points. Naturally this would have been an exceedingly ambitious program had the attempt been made to study the effect of cyanide

Jan 1, 1926

By Wm Price

THE object of this paper is to present a survey of some of the physical properties of sheet nickel silver when subjected to cold rolling and when annealed at temperatures extending from 350° C. throughout the commercial annealing range. A number of alloys were taken from stock and analyzed. Four of these, representing low nickel and high nickel both with and without lead, were chosen for the tests. The analyses were as follows: ALLOY COPPER, LEAD, IRON, NICKEL, MANGANESE, ZINC, PER CENT. PER CENT. PER CENT. PER CENT. PER CENT. PER CENT A 64.68 Trace 0.194 - 6.73 0.06 remainder B 65.82 1.27 0.227 6.17 0.06 remainder C 65.44 Trace 0.345 17.83 0.08 remainder D 65.60 1.08 0.238 17.77 0.06 remainder These alloys were rolled in accordance with regular mill practice to approximately No. 6 B. & S. gage. The bars (which were then coiled) were annealed together in a mill muffle and afterwards pickled in a 10 per cent. sulfuric-acid solution and cold rolled in stages of approximately .one number (B. & S.) at a time to No. 18 B. & S. gage. After each stage, suitable samples were set aside for physical tests. Additional samples were chosen for tests after the bars were rolled to Nos. 8, 10, 12, and 14 gage. These samples were annealed together in the mill muffle and, after pickling, were finished on 0.050-in. gage, yielding a series of specimens 2, 4, 6, and 8 numbers hard for the subsequent annealing tests. Tensile test pieces 9 by 1 in. (22.9 by 2.5 cm.) were cut from both lots and the central portion was milled to give a test section 2 ½ in. long by ;Z in. wide. A distance of 2 in. was marked off on the edge of each specimen with light punch marks. In the case of the annealed alloys, Erichsen test pieces 4 by 2 1/2 in. were also taken.

Jan 10, 1920

By Clarence S. Ross

INTRODUCTION THIS chapter on the rô1e of physical-chemical processes in ore deposition presents unusual difficulties because it attempts to discuss the theory of processes that are very imperfectly under- stood, but which are among the most fundamental problems now before the student of ore formation. It is generally believed that a great variety of ore deposits are in some way derived from igneous rocks; but we desire to know the mechanism of their splitting off from the parent magma, the physical and chemical character of the material that acts as a medium for transfer from magma to the point of deposition, the manner of deposition, and the methods of replacement and removal of the invaded rocks. This problem is difficult for the field geologist because it concerns forces that for the most part have long since ceased to act. It involves a complex system of which the time for completion extends from the first development of the parent magma through its intrusion, its slow cooling and crystallization, and the final escape of its last residuum, a time probably represented by millions of years. In space the processes extend from profound depths of the abyssal magma which can never be directly observed, through the horizons characterizing deep-seated igneous rocks and ore deposits; those formed at moderate depths; and ends with surficial ones and surface thermal springs. The geologist usually can study the effect at but one of these horizons: he must attempt to fit his puzzle together while seeing but a few parts at a time. Thus he must deal with many isolated phenomena, as if they were the result of many physical and chemical systems; when in fact his problem involves a single exceedingly complex system, and will only be understood when that entire complex system is understood. The geophysicist is handicapped because he must attempt to interpret an extraordinary complex system, involving physical and chemical conditions which he can never hope to duplicate fully, through the study of many exceedingly simple systems.

Jan 1, 1933

By Richard Conkling

A SHALE layer, buried beneath two or three thousand feet of strata, in some instances, will upon folding become thicker in the synclines and thinner on top of the anticlines. This can be accounted for, in part, by the stretching on the crests of the fold and the compressing in the troughs; but this will by no, means account for all of it, as is shown in the example herein set forth. It is my firm belief that the rest of the thickness is due to flow. What causes the movement, however, does not concern us here, so long as there is movement, for this article purposes to show its effect upon the producing area of different sands. It is the author's hope, in this way, to drop a hint or two that may be valuable to the oil geologist, in making estimates of future productions and values of oil properties. An example will be given from property in the famous Cushing Pool in northeastern Oklahoma, where the author has had occasion to make a detailed study before recommending some property to his company, and has then been able to watch the results of this work. The author never mapped the surface structure in this pool, as this had been done by Frank Buttram when he was with the Oklahoma Geological Survey. We are using, therefore, a section of his map in this article for our surface contours. The main east clip comes farther east than this section shows.

Jan 10, 1916

GEO. F. COMSTOCK,* Niagara Falls, N. Y. (written discussion?).-In this exposition of experimental data, the author infers, indirectly at least, that by the Charpy test information was obtained that led to the improve-ment of certain ordnance parts and that this improvement could not have been attained without the Charpy test. On examination of the data, however, it appears that the important point of the whole matter was that while the material had been accepted from the results of longitudinal tensile tests, it was really transverse ductility that was desired. The writer has no desire to attempt to detract from the value of the paper or to discredit the Charpy test in any way, but he would like to ask the author if he will not give more clearly his reasons for preferring the Charpy impact test for investigational and control work of this kind, over the more usual tensile test made in a transverse direction. The tensile test pieces are more cheaply made than the square notched impact bars; and from the former the limit of elasticity and the ultimate strength as well as, the ductility are obtained, while in the Charpy test only one property is measured. It does not seem that the author has shown a sufficient reason for favoring the latter test, when both it and the trans-verse tensile test served his purpose equally well in indicating the proper metal and treatment required for his special forging, and it is hoped that this reason will be given more clearly as a matter of useful general information.

Jan 11, 1919

I. N. KNAPP, Ardmore, Pa. (written discussion*).-The possibility of storing natural gas in the sands f exhausted gas pools might be, in many cases, a, good engineering proposition, but it cannot be considered a practical business proposition tinder the usual competitive leasing and operating conditions that exist in the natural-gas business. Under the usual conditions of diversified land ownership and leasing with all lack of cooperation, various operators drill into the same pool or reservoir and drain out the gas under each other's land. To attempt to use for storage purposes the depleted sands f any one pool having such various competing ownerships would be highly impractical, considered from operating and business standpoints, unless there was cooperation with the interests owning adjacent wells and leases or the purchase f the same. Also, it would be very difficult to find out whether all old or abandoned wells in any pool had been properly, plugged and thus prevent the waste of gas brought from a distance for storage. Another objection to Mr. Panyity's proposition is the probability that no lease made in the past contemplated the use of a gas sand for storage purposes. Very likely, then, the operator would have a lawsuit on his hands for the unlawful use of a lease if he attempted the storage f such gas without first obtaining additional lease rights. In some instances salt water could not be pumped from a gas well in the customary way of pumping oil wells on account of the deposition of salt in the pump valves or in the working barrel or tubing. Very ingenious compressed air jets have been devised and arranged with suitable piping to blow out such salt-water accumulations. In many pools it would be impracticable to drill a water pocket below a gas sand, as suggested, since such deeper drilling would probably. intensify water troubles.

Jan 5, 1919

By Harry Tufft

FOR many years the treatment of mine timbers with preservatives was confined to a few pioneer plants in the United States, and it is only in the past few years that the practice has grown appreciably. In a field study of the mine timber situation in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and further study of the situation in the country as a whole, I found that most mine operators did not keep records on mine timber that would afford the necessary data for determining the possible savings from preservative treatment. Some primary questions the mining engineer should be able to answer before making his decision on preservative treatment. for a particular mine are: (1) Quantity and cost of timber going into permanent workings annually; (2) quantity and cost of annual replacements due to decay; (3) life of untreated timber in different places; (4) desired life of timber. With the necessary facts in hand, he can then con-fidently select a method of treatment and preservative that is best suited to his needs. In former years when timber was cheap and an abundant supply could be had close at hand, as was the case in the majority of mining regions, the mine op-erator did not concern himself much except to see that enough was supplied to keep the workings safe. The cost figure for timber and labor, distributed to cost per ton of ore, was all the bookkeeping necessary. With present costs of timber, labor, and increasing length of haul to the mine, many operators are paying closer attention to timbering costs and studying them in. more detail. Some of the larger and more progressive opera-tions now keep detailed' figures that give information on all phases of their timber problems. However, at the majority of mines the data available do not permit such analysis. Checks as to where the different con-signments are placed, the date of setting, and the period

Jan 6, 1927

By Nichols J. Grant, Bill C. Geissen

In low temperature phase diagrams, liquidus curves below about 1500°C are relatively easily established, e.g., by thermal analysis or separation of coexisting solid and liquid phases, followed by chemical analysis. Experimental difficulties increase considerably at higher temperatures and in systems involving more reactive metals. Although there are now thermocouples available for use from 1600" to 2400°c, as summarized by Caldwell,' the need for frequent calibration, aging, and contamination problems, and unavailability of suitable protection tubes has sharply limited their use at higher temperatures. Many of the high melt- ing metals are found to react with refractory oxides. TO avoid such problems, a frequently used procedure is the diffusion and saturation method, as described by Spedding et a1.' for the system La-C. This technique involves the annealing of one metal or a suitable alloy in a crucible of the other element at a temperature above the melting point, followed by chemical analysis of the center of the melt, after equilibrium is established. Further, if an alloy system is to be investigated employing the electron microbeam probe, and calibration charts have been established, it may be possible to measure the alloy concentration at the center of a cored as-cast structure, and to conclude from this points on the liquidus curve in a manner similar to the one to be described. It is known that in phases with a broad homogeneity range the rapidly cooled, cored, as-cast structure of an alloy presents concentrations having different lattice constants; this spread of lattice constant values contributes to the broadened lines of a powder pattern for the as-cast condition. The region of the crystal which is first to solidify will then correspond to the edge of the lines if the change of the lattice parameters with concentration is monotonous. In the course of the determination of the Ta-Tr phase diagram,3 it became evident that such behavior made it possible to construct the

Jan 1, 1963

By W. N. Logan, P. Simpson

There was less activity in the petroleum industry in Indiana in 1933 than in previous years, owing largely to adverse market conditions. The only development of any consequence was for oil in Perry and Vander-burgh counties in southwestern Indiana, a few gas wells being brought in in Jay County in northeastern Indiana. Indications are that there will be more activity in southwestern Indiana in 1934. Little change may be expected in northeastern Indiana. One hundred and sixty wells were drilled in Indiana in 1933, of which 57 were dry, 44 produced oil, 38 produced gas and 21 either were not completed or information on them was lacking. There were 153 wells abandoned and plugged in 1933, as compared to 205 in 1932. Southwestern Indiana This area centers about Gibson County and is the principal source of oil and gas production in the state. Production is from the Lower Pennsylvanian and Upper Mississippian formations. Oil production for 1932 was approximately 847,000 bbl. and for 1933 was 804,000 bbl. Gas production for 1933 was 942,000,000 cubic feet. The Siosi field, in southwestern Vigo County and northwestern Sullivan County, discovered six years ago, produced approximately 244,000 bbl. in 1932 and 223,000 bbl. in 1933. Production is from Devonian and Silurian formations. The oil is high gravity, but contains considerable sulfur. The Shelburn and other small pools in central Sullivan County produced approximately 68,000 bbl. in 1932 and 2,000 bbl. less in 1933. Production is from one or more of five horizons in the Pottsville and is obtained at 600 to 800 ft. This area also produces approximately 19,000,000 cu. ft. of gas a year, supplying the city of Sullivan. The field is over 20 years old. The Gibson-Pike County area, made up of many small pools, including several in southern Knox and southwestern Daviess counties, produced approximately 486,000 bbl. in 1932 and 450,000 bbl. in 1933. This production is from the Mansfield sandstone of Pennsylvanian and/or

Jan 1, 1934