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By Roshan B. Bhappu, Raul A. Deju

The mineral olivine has been the subject of continued research by various authors. Paik1 conducted infrared and flotation studies of the adsorption of sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates on olivine. These studies are of interest from two points of view. First, in the metallurgical field it is of interest to understand the mechanism of silicate flotation using sulfonate collectors and second, hydrologists are interested in studying the chemical reactions that take place when water plus sulfonates encounter a porous silicate medium. On the basis of his study, Paik was able to postulate a possible mechanism for the attachment of RSO3- (sulfonate radical) to the olivine surface.

Jan 1, 1973

By Theodore H. Orem

In 1928 Elam,1 discussing the subject of twinning in metals, disclosed that she had observed this phenomenon in aluminum, a metal little susceptible to twinning. The twinning described was one in which the boundary between the twinned portions was not a geometric plane but appeared, in one section, more like a normal grain boundary. Under these circumstances twinning might remain unrecognized by an observer of microscopic sections. She therefore suggested that twinning in aluminum might be much more prevalent than expected. Whereas the parallel composition lines shown in sections of polysynthetic twins were characteristic of the phenomenon of twinning, Elam pointed out that from the absence of

Jan 1, 1963

By Dwight K. Smith, Greg Carter

Studies have been conducted on The properties of many deep well cementing compositions to determine their Strength behavior over curing periods to 180 days at elevated tem-peratures and 3,000 psi pressure. This pressure results in essentially the .vat, compressive strength as that obtained with much higher pressures in ac-cordance with the findings of an API subcommittee ' These different compositions include API C1asses A, E, and F cements containig additives such as retarders, berrtorlite, heavy weight materials and pozzolans. All compositions except mixtures of Poz-zolrrrts and hydrated lime show from mild to severe degrees of strength lass over a temperature rang from -730 to 320" F after setting. Pozzolatl-time compositions actually gain in strength with time at these high temperatures. Other chemical find physical properties evaluated to observe their inter-relation.ship with Strength loss show very little correlation except in per-meability. As retrogression in strength increases, the permeability of set cement increases. X-ray difraction patterns on the set products indicate the formation of certain compounds having little or no strength value in those cementing compositions where strength loss was more severe. INTRODUCTION As a result of the growing trend toward deep well completions, a study has been made on the properties of the various cementing slurries presently in use at elevated temperatures and pressure. The strength of these compositions is of prime importance in selecting the most suitable material for use at high temperatures, to determine WOC time and the proper time to perforate with a minimum of shattering. Of primary interest in this investigation was the strength behavior of various compositions currently in use, and the effect of additives on cement after long periods of curing under severe conditions. Earlier investigators have pointed out that the strength of some cements will increase with increasing curing temperature to about 220 to 340" F, but at higher temperatures a loss in strength occurs at extended time intervals. Studies by the API Mid-Continent District Study Committee on Oil Well Cements' outlined a testing procedure whereby field conditions of temperature and pressure could be simulated in the laboratory.' It was observed that retarded cements undergo changes at elevated temperatures and some lose as much as 50 per cent of their early strength when cured at high temperatures. The scope of these tests was limited to curing periods of 1 to 28 days; additives were not covered in this study. Saunders and Walker' found that the use of additives influenced the strength behavior of cements at high temperatures, but studies were conducted only to a seven-day curing period. Ludwig and Pence' conducted an investigation of two types of cements under elevated pressures and temperatures in an effort to explain the causes of this loss in strength phenomenon. It was observed that with retrogression in strength there were other physical and chemical changes which took place as the cement aged. Today there are a number of cementing compositions available for use at well depths below 10,000 ft. Since all these earlier investigations were limited in curing time as well as the number and type of compositions studied, it was believed that a more extensive study should be conducted on the properties of cements at elevated temperatures, and this work should include those compositions actually in general field use at this time.

By F. L. Wolf

THE catenary system of line construction possesses so many desirable characteristics from the operating standpoint that it has wide application for all types of electric traction. Many steam roads are electrifying sections of their lines, and in most cases are operating both steam and electric locomotives over the same track. This' means that the overhead catenary system is subjected to the severe corrosive action of locomotive smoke, and data concerning the resistance of various alloys to this form of corrosion are very desirable from every point of view. Reliable and specific information and data on the subject of corrosion due to steam and smoke from locomotives are extremely meager and, on this account, extensive service tests, together with accelerated tests, have been made on a number of commercial metals and alloys. The observations and data recorded in this paper are the result of a, preliminary test which was started in 1923 and which has been carried on to the present time. The recognition of the need for even more detailed and accurate data has resulted in the undertaking of another test which has been in progress for about a year. The result of this test will be published in due course. Some years ago The Ohio Brass Co. was asked by one of the large steam railroad companies to furnish data on construction details for a catenary system which it was considering for one of its divisions. The selection of, materials which would give the necessary physical characteristics as well as withstand the severe corrosive action of locomotive gases caused electrical railroad engineers considerable concern. At that time, there were available no specific or authentic data on these important questions: no systematic investigation of the problem appeared to have been made, even though its importance was generally recognized. Such observations as had been made were crude in that they had been limited largely to visual inspection which too frequently is most misleading. However, the scattered information which was collected gave important clues as to how best to start an investigation.

Jan 1, 1930

By M. C. Dow

INTRODUCTION BELT conveyors generally are conceded to be the most economical method yet devised for the transportation of large quantities of bulk materials within plants. Belts are coming into greater use for transportation over long distances and are replacing other forms of long-haul conveyance. It is not the intent of the writer to comment on the design of belt conveyors, but to offer some suggestions for improvement in the operation of conveying belts, based on many years experience with belts in several stonecrushing plants. It is the contention of this writer that opportunities for improvement not fully realized by most operators exist in many plants and that a study of the individual conveyors can result in lower unit belt costs. GENERAL RELIABILITY It is the fool-proof nature and general reliability of the belt conveyor that is responsible for its neglect. Even when abused, a belt will carry large tonnages and last a long time, often outlasting the personnel responsible for its care. Some operators look upon the purchase of a new belt as an expensive outlay every so many years, rather than a constant and steady cost amounting in belt wear alone to several dollars every operating day. This belt wear for all conveyors in one stone-crushing plant known by the writer costs 1 1/2 cents per ton or $12 to $15 per hour, based on the present cost of belt replacements. The fact that these replacement costs are double those of prewar quality emphasizes the necessity of improving the conditions that make belts wear out. Some of those conditions are the responsibility of the conveyor designer, and if a serious original error has been made, this handicap cannot be overcome by the operator. If the belt is too narrow, too steep, or too fast for good loading, the operator finds that he has an inherently expensive belt. The other factors that decrease the life of a belt are more or less under his control. The two factors of most importance are the loading conditions and the alignment. Most of the cover wear and carcass cutting occurs at the loading point and if the alignment is not good under all conditions, edge wear or damage may result, Fig I. LOADING THE BELT It is difficult to load a belt in an ideal manner; that is, to flow the material on the moving belt at a steady rate, without impact, without turbulence, and with a velocity equal to and in the same direction as the belt. An inclined belt is especially difficult to load and particularly when its speed is over 300 or 350 fpm. Inclined conveyors require longer skirt plates to prevent spillage until the load settles. It does not seem reasonable to expect an inclined conveyor to carry the same load as a horizontal belt of the same width and speed, because of the difficulty in loading

Jan 1, 1947

By Earl R. Hoskins, James E. Russell

The electrical resistivity of rocks has been studied quite extensively, in particular, the effects of temperature and confining pressure on resistivity. References 1 through 6 at the end of this chapter pertain to electrical resistivity of rock and contain further references on the same topic. The present study is motivated by an interest in determining the in-situ properties of rock as well as the stress state of the rock and how these quantities are changing with time. Most of the previous work on the electrical resistivity of rocks has been directed toward saturated rocks at relatively high confining pressures and temperatures. The present study was oriented towards air-dry surface rock that might occur in mine pillars. The mean stress and temperature under such conditions are comparatively low. It has been demonstrated that the resistivity of rock is highly dependent upon the porosity. In fact, for saturated rocks, a relationship referred to as Archie's law has been established between porosity and electrical resistivity. In the case of saturated rock, the property that is actually being measured is the resistivity of the solid/fluid system. Since the resistivity of the fluid alone is usually much lower than that of the dry rock, it is understandable that the resistivity of a saturated rock is in general several orders of magnitude lower than the resistivity of a relatively dry rocli. For dry rock, it seems reasonable that the electrical resistivity should increase as microcracks open within the material. Since microcracks open as material is stressed closer and closer to its failure point, it appears that there should be a correlation between electrical resistivity

Jan 1, 1970

By Frank W. Clinard, Oleg D. Sherby

The effect of multiple an transformations on diffusion in a dilute iron alloy was studied. Inter-penetration between iron and an Fe-Co alloy was evaluated, under thermal-cycling conditions chosen so as to transform only the iron-rich side of the diffusion couple. It is shown that a small but consistent diffusion enhancement by a factor of two results when data from the transforming side of thermally cycled specimens are compared with predicted inter diffusion coefficients based on isothermal data. No enhancement is found when data from the mntransforming side of such couples are compared with predicted diffusivities. It is suggested that short-circuiting by moving pain boundaries is the most likely mechanism contributing to the observed diffusion enhancement from multiple phase transJormations in iron. Transformation-induced Point defects, dislocation-pifie short-circuiting, and point defects generated by dislocation motion are less effective in contributing to enhanced diffusion under the experimental conditions utilized. SO far as is known, no studies have been made of the effect of allotropic transformation on diffusion. previous to this investigation. Studies have been made, however, of the influence of transformation on the diffusion-controlled processes of spheroidization and sintering. Cullen1 has described a method of accelerating spheroidization in an AISI 1030 steel. Partial transformation between a and ? phases was uti-

Jan 1, 1965

By Henry E. Colton

NeaR the town of Christiansburg, Va., occurs a singular feature in topographical as well as geological structure, which may be said to have an important bearing on a large area to the southwest. The great water-shed ridge, which divides the waters flowing into the St. Lawrence from those flowing into the Atlantic ocean, coming southwestward, forms all of what was the boundary of Maine as agreed upon by the treaty of 1783, and a part of the present boundary, all of the northern New Hampshire boundary, and entering Vermont, continues south of Lake George. Passing irregularly through New York, it enters Pennsylvania, and there bifurcating, sends one prong to the west as a divide between the waters of the lakes and the Ohio, while the other becomes the steady, regular ridge which gave it the name of Alleghany, and thus passes on southwestward through Virginia. At no point has it ever been the geological divide. Its course, commencing in the Archean rocks, has passed through nearly every series of formation, and comes into Virginia in the Carboniferous strata. The geological divide—the line between the fossiliferous and the non-fossiliferous rocks—lies, in Canada, to the west of it, but from New York south into Virginia is far to the east. Reference to Dr. Hitchcock'k map will show this. But at the locality noted these positions are changed; the water-divide becomes the eastern chain, and the geological divide is the western, returning, it may be said, to the positions occupied in the region where they originated. These relations are shown on the large map accompanying the present paper. For several miles, the track of the Norfolk and Western Railroad

Jan 1, 1888

By Marcus A. Grossmann

The Institute has established this lectureship to honor the memory of a great American metallurgist, one whose fame has continued long after his passing. As one scientist recently stated it, "All metallurgical texts gradually become outdated and outmoded, except those of the great Henry Marion Howe." It seems fitting, then, that, once every year, we shouId review, in his honor, some aspects of the science in which he was such a distinguished leader, and also discuss any new data that may help to clarify our concepts. It is my privilege, for which indeed I express the deepest appreciation to this Institute, to offer for consideration a few thoughts on the toughness and fracture of hardened steels. Before proceeding to the data, I wish to express my great indebtedness to many associates whose stimulating discussions, generous contributions of data and cooperation in experiments are gratefully acknowledged. (But I wish to absolve them of any blame that may arise from the way in which their discussions and data have been used!) First, Dr. Edgar C. Bain, Vice President, Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation, whose amiable but merciless criticisms and always constructive and thoughtful suggestions help unfailingly to guard against pitfalls. Then to associates at Gary Steel Works, especially Mr. H. B. Wishart, Mr. W. K. Smith and Mr. V. Elliott, for great assistance in securing data. Also to Col. C. H. Greenall, Director of Laboratories, Frankford Arsenal, and his metallurgical staff, including Messrs. J. K. Desmond, H. Markus, D. F. Armiento, H. Rosenthal and Henry George, for numerous data and illustrations. Further to Dr. J. R. Low and Dr. M. Asimow, for helpful discussions of effects of states of stress during deformation and rupture, to Mr. J. M. Hodge for discussions and data, to the staff of the U. S. Steel Corporation Research Laboratory for advice and data, and to the Metallurgical Staff at Duquesne Steel Works. The individual acknowledgments will also be found under illustrations. Acknowledgment is also due to Mr. S. C. Snyder for incredibly meticulous scrutiny of manuscript. To all of these, grateful thanks. Introduction The discussion to be offered here will deal with quench-hardened steels only, and may perhaps be considered under three headings: 1. It was found that, when ferrite was precipitated in the (prior austenite) grain boundaries of hardened steel, the notch-bar toughness was much less than in pieces fully hardened. The fracture took place in the ferrite, and the loss in toughness is attributed to the lower cohesive (cleavage) strength of the ferrite, as cornpared with martensite. 2. When notch-bar impact test pieces of quenched and tempered steels were examined as to their mode of fracture, it

Jan 1, 1947

By Marcus A. Grossmann

The Institute has established this lectureship to honor the memory of a great American metallurgist, one whose fame has continued long after his passing. As one scientist recently stated it, "All metallurgical texts gradually become outdated and outmoded, except those of the great Henry Marion Howe." It seems fitting, then, that, once every year, we shouId review, in his honor, some aspects of the science in which he was such a distinguished leader, and also discuss any new data that may help to clarify our concepts. It is my privilege, for which indeed I express the deepest appreciation to this Institute, to offer for consideration a few thoughts on the toughness and fracture of hardened steels. Before proceeding to the data, I wish to express my great indebtedness to many associates whose stimulating discussions, generous contributions of data and cooperation in experiments are gratefully acknowledged. (But I wish to absolve them of any blame that may arise from the way in which their discussions and data have been used!) First, Dr. Edgar C. Bain, Vice President, Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation, whose amiable but merciless criticisms and always constructive and thoughtful suggestions help unfailingly to guard against pitfalls. Then to associates at Gary Steel Works, especially Mr. H. B. Wishart, Mr. W. K. Smith and Mr. V. Elliott, for great assistance in securing data. Also to Col. C. H. Greenall, Director of Laboratories, Frankford Arsenal, and his metallurgical staff, including Messrs. J. K. Desmond, H. Markus, D. F. Armiento, H. Rosenthal and Henry George, for numerous data and illustrations. Further to Dr. J. R. Low and Dr. M. Asimow, for helpful discussions of effects of states of stress during deformation and rupture, to Mr. J. M. Hodge for discussions and data, to the staff of the U. S. Steel Corporation Research Laboratory for advice and data, and to the Metallurgical Staff at Duquesne Steel Works. The individual acknowledgments will also be found under illustrations. Acknowledgment is also due to Mr. S. C. Snyder for incredibly meticulous scrutiny of manuscript. To all of these, grateful thanks. Introduction The discussion to be offered here will deal with quench-hardened steels only, and may perhaps be considered under three headings: 1. It was found that, when ferrite was precipitated in the (prior austenite) grain boundaries of hardened steel, the notch-bar toughness was much less than in pieces fully hardened. The fracture took place in the ferrite, and the loss in toughness is attributed to the lower cohesive (cleavage) strength of the ferrite, as cornpared with martensite. 2. When notch-bar impact test pieces of quenched and tempered steels were examined as to their mode of fracture, it

Jan 1, 1947

By Cyril Stanley Smith

The method of thermal analysis, so important in the development of metallographie science, has of recent years been falling into disuse owing to the development of other physical methods which give result's easier of interpretation and which can be used for the study of either equilibrium or transitional conditions because they do not require a continuously changing temperature. Nevertheless thermal analysis remains useful in the study of reactions that take place rapidly, and the simplicity of the experimental technique and the general availability of the apparatus involved are point's in its favor. Theoretically, thermal analysis is capable of giving specific and latent hat measurements and therefore should permit the study of reactions on a more fundamental basis than any other method. It is, however,difficult or impossible to obtain quantitative heat measurements from cooling curves obtained in the usual way. Even if the furnace containing the sample is cooled or heated at a linear rate, or if a gradient furnaec is employed to maintain a constant rate over a large range of temperature, the heat flow from or to the specimen depends on its previous history, for the difference of temperature between the specimen and its surroundings varies. The emissivity of the specimen surface, moreover, is unlikely to be constant. The able mathematical analysis by Russrll,1 although it prevent,s misinterpretat,ion of data, has an effect rather the reverse of that intended, and leaves the reader doubtful of the possibility of ever obtaining quantitative results from thermal curves. Nothing can be done to apply thermal analysis t'o the study of equilibrium conditions of reactions that arc not completed at rates of temperature change above about 1° C;. per minute, and this unfortunatetly excludes most solid transformations in alloys.† For the determination of liquidus

Jan 1, 1940

By Cyril Stanley Smith

The method of thermal analysis, so important in the development of metallographie science, has of recent years been falling into disuse owing to the development of other physical methods which give result's easier of interpretation and which can be used for the study of either equilibrium or transitional conditions because they do not require a continuously changing temperature. Nevertheless thermal analysis remains useful in the study of reactions that take place rapidly, and the simplicity of the experimental technique and the general availability of the apparatus involved are point's in its favor. Theoretically, thermal analysis is capable of giving specific and latent hat measurements and therefore should permit the study of reactions on a more fundamental basis than any other method. It is, however,difficult or impossible to obtain quantitative heat measurements from cooling curves obtained in the usual way. Even if the furnace containing the sample is cooled or heated at a linear rate, or if a gradient furnaec is employed to maintain a constant rate over a large range of temperature, the heat flow from or to the specimen depends on its previous history, for the difference of temperature between the specimen and its surroundings varies. The emissivity of the specimen surface, moreover, is unlikely to be constant. The able mathematical analysis by Russrll,1 although it prevent,s misinterpretat,ion of data, has an effect rather the reverse of that intended, and leaves the reader doubtful of the possibility of ever obtaining quantitative results from thermal curves. Nothing can be done to apply thermal analysis t'o the study of equilibrium conditions of reactions that arc not completed at rates of temperature change above about 1° C;. per minute, and this unfortunatetly excludes most solid transformations in alloys.† For the determination of liquidus

Jan 1, 1940

By James Aston

A PROPER consideration of this subject is not confined to the technical channels of production and metallurgy. It concerns an industry, and should cover economic aspects which are of material importance in any program of development. The discussion may logically be treated under three subdivisions, as follows: (1) manufacture, (2) characteristics related to quality of material; (3) adaptability and exploitation of product. MANUFACTURE OF WROUGHT IRON The manufacture of wrought iron is the most ancient art of the ferrous metal industry. The eighty years or less of existence of processes identified with our modern "Age of Steel" is a relatively brief interval compared with the several thousand years associated with the production of wrought iron by man. From the primitive early methods of production, manufacture for many centuries followed the line of direct reduction. There were developments as experience was gained through the years; but man's needs for a strong, ductile, forgeable product were met by reducing the ore to metallic iron in a single-stage operation. Following the development several centuries ago of what has become our modern blast-furnace operation, manufacture of wrought iron was gradually transformed into a two-stage method of first producing cast iron and then refining this to the desired degree of forgeability; the forerunner in principle of today's scheme of manufacture of steel. The product retained the essential characteristics of highly refined base metal with iron-silicate slag incorporation, which were associated with the material resulting from direct reduction methods. Cort's invention of the puddling process in 1784 is a landmark in wrought-iron manufacture. It consisted essentially in adapting a coal-fired reverberatory furnace to the refining operation; thus lifting the industry out of the slough of

Jan 1, 1935

By T. L. Joseph

Blast furnaces are most efficient thermally when the CO2 in the top gas is highest. Oxygen introduced in the air blast is converted to CO in the combustion zones. The extent to which CO, generated in front of the tuyeres, is converted later to CO2 depends upon the ratio of ore to coke in the charge and the degree to which CO2, formed by reduction of iron oxides with CO, reverts to CO by the secondary reaction C + CO2 = 2CO. About 300 to 400 lb. of carbon' per ton of pig iron is normally involved in the solution-loss reaction or direct reduction of FeO with carbon, which produces the same over-all results; that is, lower CO2 in the top gas. Rich2 has recently reported a reduction in fuel consumption at slower rates of blowing on two furnaces in spite of higher heat losses per ton of iron. Lower fuel consumption at slow operating rates was due to more complete reduction of the ore that resulted in higher CO2 in the top gas and consequently more efficient use of carbon. Kinney3 has reported substantial savings in fuel as a result of crushing and sizing the ore charge. Improvements in practice brought about by sintering magnetite concentrates, flue dust and fine ores have been due to the establishment of conditions favoring more complete reduction of the ore in the upper part of the furnace. The extent to which oxides and fluctuations in composition in pig iron affect the quality of steel and finished product needs further study. There is evidence that more thorough preheating and reduction of the ore in the upper part of the furnace tend to give a better quality of iron. Bogatzkii4 found from laboratory work that the amount of oxygen entering electrolytic iron, melted under various slags, was directly proportional to the concentration of free FeO in the slag and inversely proportional to the basicity of the slag. Herty and Gaines5 concluded that the silicate content of open-hearth steel before deoxidation is related to the concentration of silica in the pig-iron charge, indicating that most of the persistent inclusions are silica from the iron. They also found that

Jan 1, 1936

By T. L. Joseph

Blast furnaces are most efficient thermally when the CO2 in the top gas is highest. Oxygen introduced in the air blast is converted to CO in the combustion zones. The extent to which CO, generated in front of the tuyeres, is converted later to CO2 depends upon the ratio of ore to coke in the charge and the degree to which CO2, formed by reduction of iron oxides with CO, reverts to CO by the secondary reaction C + CO2 = 2CO. About 300 to 400 lb. of carbon' per ton of pig iron is normally involved in the solution-loss reaction or direct reduction of FeO with carbon, which produces the same over-all results; that is, lower CO2 in the top gas. Rich2 has recently reported a reduction in fuel consumption at slower rates of blowing on two furnaces in spite of higher heat losses per ton of iron. Lower fuel consumption at slow operating rates was due to more complete reduction of the ore that resulted in higher CO2 in the top gas and consequently more efficient use of carbon. Kinney3 has reported substantial savings in fuel as a result of crushing and sizing the ore charge. Improvements in practice brought about by sintering magnetite concentrates, flue dust and fine ores have been due to the establishment of conditions favoring more complete reduction of the ore in the upper part of the furnace. The extent to which oxides and fluctuations in composition in pig iron affect the quality of steel and finished product needs further study. There is evidence that more thorough preheating and reduction of the ore in the upper part of the furnace tend to give a better quality of iron. Bogatzkii4 found from laboratory work that the amount of oxygen entering electrolytic iron, melted under various slags, was directly proportional to the concentration of free FeO in the slag and inversely proportional to the basicity of the slag. Herty and Gaines5 concluded that the silicate content of open-hearth steel before deoxidation is related to the concentration of silica in the pig-iron charge, indicating that most of the persistent inclusions are silica from the iron. They also found that

Jan 1, 1936

By H. Y. Yancey, B. M. Bird

One of the problems studied by the U. S. Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the University of Washington has been the re-treatment of table middlings. Hydraulic classification has given the best results. Instead of using the classifier to prepare the feed to the tables, as has been the practice for many years in ore dressing, it is used to separate part of a middling product that cannot be re-treated successfully on the table. Middlings are desirable in a table plant because the separation according to specific gravity is incomplete; that is, in the products of the table there is always an overlapping of free particles of coal and refuse that can be distinguished with heavy liquids such as are used in the float-and-sink test. The causes of this overlapping may be divided into two groups, those outside the table separation itself and those inherent in the table separation. The first of these groups includes, among other causes, the following: (1) poor adjustments of the table, (2) overloading or underloading the table, (3) irregularities in the quantity and quality of the feed, (4) irregularities in the power and water supply, and (5) a vertical dancing motion of the table deck due to weak foundations. These causes of overlapping are largely unnecessary in a properly designed and constructed plant; but whenever they are present they materially affect the character of the middling product, and hence the problem of re-treatment. The other group includes three additional causes: (6) small differences in specific gravity between coal and impurities, (7) a size-specific-gravity relationship of the coal and refuse particles in the table feed such that the sizing action of the table opposes the separation according to the specific gravity, and (8) shapes of particles that prevent a separation. The sixth, small differences in specific gravity, may be a very important reason for an incomplete separation. The change in specific gravity from coal to shale is always gradual and the designation of one part as coal and another part as refuse is arbitrary. If some specific gravity, such as 1.45, is chosen as the dividing point between washed coal and refuse,

Jan 1, 1930

By W. L. Fink, H. C. Stumpf, L. A. Willey

VERY few studies of the aluminum-sodium system have been reported. Heycock and Neville1 were unable to detect any solubility of sodium in liquid aluminum. Mathewson2 prepared an equilibrium diagram consisting of two horizontal lines at the melting points of the two metals. He was unable to detect solubility at either end of the system. Scheuer3 first developed a method for the chemical determination of sodium in aluminum and then studied the solubility of sodium in liquid aluminum. His method involved heating aluminum with excess sodium under hydrogen until the two liquids were at equilibrium, chilling the melt, and analyzing the aluminum-rich layer. He reported the solubility to be 0.l0 pct sodium at 700°C, 0.115 pct at 750°C, and 0.128 pct at 800°C. This paper on the aluminum-sodium system is the twenty-first in a series from the Aluminum Research Laboratories describing equilibrium relations in aluminum alloy systems. MATERIALS The alloys for this investigation were prepared from electrolytically refined aluminum (99.99 pct) and sodium of reagent quality conforming to specifications of the American Chemical Society.4 Chemical analysis of the aluminum showed the following impurities: 0.002 pct Si, 0.002 pct Fe, 0.002 pct Cu, <0.001 pct Mn, 0.002 pct Mg and 0.001 pct Na. The sodium content of all alloys was determined by either chemical or spectrographic standard procedures5 No. IIA and No. SII respectively. DETERMINATION OF LIQUIDUS The boundary of the miscibility gap was determined by a modification of the method of Scheuer3 and of that used by Henry and Cordiano.6 As finally developed the method was as follows: A fused alumina crucible 25 mm id with 75 mm depth and 1.5 mm wall thickness was placed on the bottom of a container made from a 4-in. length of 1 ½ -in. iron pipe and pipe caps. The space around the sides of the crucible was filled with 40 mesh crystalline alundum. A charge of 60 g of aluminum and 10 to 15 g of sodium was placed in the crucible, the sodium first being trimmed and rinsed with iso-pentane to remove kerosene. The container was tightly capped, filled with argon (99.6 pct pure), and heated to the desired temperature (between 670 and 800°C). A positive pressure of argon (about 8 mm of mercury) was maintained through a small pipe to the upper cap. After soaking for from 2 to 5 hr, the container was quenched by directing a stream of water onto the base, so that solidification of the aluminum-rich layer was rapid and essentially unidirectional. Analyses were made on drillings taken from the bottom of the ingots after machining off the surface layers. Pre-

Jan 1, 1948

By E. G. Leonardon, D. C. McCann

The search for oil has required, and without a doubt supplies, a tremendous amount of information on the structure, composition, physical properties, and history of sedimentary rocks. The earliest and most complete source of knowledge is the sample or core of the rock itself, the uses of which are well known. The purpose of this paper is primarily to discuss a new method for obtaining these cores, and to illustrate its use in connection with electrical logs. Most cores have been obtained through a special adaptation of rotary drilling, and the results have been remarkably good, considering the mechanical problems involved. Unfortunately, because of the time and expense, this method cannot be used for the entire length of the drill hole. Even though ingenious contrivances have been evolved in order to reduce the time spent in round trips, such as wire-line coring equipment, mechanical coring still remains too expensive to be carried out continuously. In practice, therefore, one is finally compelled to estimate the probable depths of the more interesting horizons and, allowing a wide margin of safety, to core through those sections only. It is true also that interesting results have been obtained by examining the cuttings brought to the surface by the mud circulated in the well during the process of drilling. Be that as it may, the inescapable fact remains that key horizons may be passed inadvertently, for one reason or another, while the drilling operations are being performed. The only continuous record of the formations encountered is that furnished by electrical surveys. Obviously, it would be desirable to make the electrical survey first and to take the samples from the wall of the hole according to the indications on the electrical log. In this way, it would be possible to core only the exact sections desired, eliminating the otherwise inevitable estimates as to the point at which to start coring, and thereby reducing to a minimum this expensive operation. At the same time this method would provide a maximum of useful samples. A device for taking samples of the formation from the walls of a hole therefore offers the possibility of recovering cores from zones otherwise lost as a source of this type of information. Furthermore, by coring

Jan 1, 1939

By E. G. Leonardon, D. C. McCann

The search for oil has required, and without a doubt supplies, a tremendous amount of information on the structure, composition, physical properties, and history of sedimentary rocks. The earliest and most complete source of knowledge is the sample or core of the rock itself, the uses of which are well known. The purpose of this paper is primarily to discuss a new method for obtaining these cores, and to illustrate its use in connection with electrical logs. Most cores have been obtained through a special adaptation of rotary drilling, and the results have been remarkably good, considering the mechanical problems involved. Unfortunately, because of the time and expense, this method cannot be used for the entire length of the drill hole. Even though ingenious contrivances have been evolved in order to reduce the time spent in round trips, such as wire-line coring equipment, mechanical coring still remains too expensive to be carried out continuously. In practice, therefore, one is finally compelled to estimate the probable depths of the more interesting horizons and, allowing a wide margin of safety, to core through those sections only. It is true also that interesting results have been obtained by examining the cuttings brought to the surface by the mud circulated in the well during the process of drilling. Be that as it may, the inescapable fact remains that key horizons may be passed inadvertently, for one reason or another, while the drilling operations are being performed. The only continuous record of the formations encountered is that furnished by electrical surveys. Obviously, it would be desirable to make the electrical survey first and to take the samples from the wall of the hole according to the indications on the electrical log. In this way, it would be possible to core only the exact sections desired, eliminating the otherwise inevitable estimates as to the point at which to start coring, and thereby reducing to a minimum this expensive operation. At the same time this method would provide a maximum of useful samples. A device for taking samples of the formation from the walls of a hole therefore offers the possibility of recovering cores from zones otherwise lost as a source of this type of information. Furthermore, by coring

Jan 1, 1939

By J. G. Richardson, K. H. Coats

During the initial growth of a gas bubble in an aquifer storage reservoir the injected gas tends to override the water. The resulting low displacement efficiency and high rate of gas travel down-structure make it difficult to maintain water-free production. This paper illustrates the use of two-dimensional, two-phase calculations to simulate this gas-water displacement. Calculations were performed for a stratified aquifer and for several homogeneous sands differing in permeability, porosity and thickness. Results are discussed and compared with performance predictions obtained from the simpler Buckley-Leuerett and Dietz formulas. This comparison indicates the necessity for the two-dimensional calculations in realistically simulating the gravity override of the water by injected gas. INTRODUCTION In recent years natural gas has been stored near markets in aquifers where insufficient storage capacity is available in depleted fields. Operators of these aquifer storage reservoirs have encountered technical problems relating to the gas-water displacement accompanying initial growth of the gas bubble. Injected gas tends to override the water, with a resultant low displacement efficiency and high rate of gas travel down-structure toward spill points. Low displacement efficiency makes if difficult to sustain water-free gas production. Sometimes the fingering of gas down-structure may be so pronounced that the injection rate must be severely curtailed, which excessively lengthens the time required for bubble growth. This paper is concerned with estimating — for given aquifer characteristics and fluid properties — the displacement efficiency, rate of gas movement down-structure and rate of gravity drainage of water behind the gas front. Several published articles relate to simulative capability necessary to handle this problem. The Dietz formula1 and Buckley-Leverett2 method have some applicability to the problem; Woods and comer3 reported one-dimensional, radial calculations which accounted for the two-phase flow of gas and water. Most recent research directed toward understanding aquifer behavior in relation to gas storage has concentrated on single-phase flow in aquifer.4 Douglas, Peaceman and Rachford5 presented a method for calculating multidimensional two-phase flow in reservoirs; their method has been applied in work reported by Nielsen and Tek,6 Blair and peaceman7 and Goddin.8 Refs. 5 and 7 show comparisons between experimental data and calculations similar to those employed here. One purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of two-dimensional, two-phase flow calculations in simulating the difficult problem of water displacement by gas in a vertical cross-section. The pronounced fluid density and viscosity differences combine with the disparity in horizontal and vertical dimensions of the cross-section to pose one of the more difficult problems in reservoir simulation. The calculations described account for capillary and gravity forces, relative permeability and reservoir heterogeneity. An example reservoir is described and calculated results are presented for a variety of injection rates and values of permeability, reservoir thickness and dip angle. A second purpose is to compare the two-dimensional calculations with results obtained from the Buckley-Leverett and Dietz formulas. For this reason most calculations were performed for a simplified example reservoir to which the latter techniques might reasonably be applied. However, the computer program employed applies equally well to cases involving arbitrary spatial variations of permeability, porosity, reservoir thickness and dip angle.