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By George Rice

INSTANTANEOUS outbursts of gas in underground workings are similar in effect to great blasts of explosives, but without heat effects. Fortunately they occur only in a few localities in exceptional coal fields of the world and under exceptional geologic conditions. Such violent outbursts should not be compared with the ordinary outflows of gas into coal mines or with explosions of gas and dust. The phenomenon is essentially one of gas held in circumscribed areas under very high pressure and as a mining face or heading approaches such a place and the mining excavation sufficiently weakens the natural surrounding dam or shell, this is burst by the pressure just as by the discharge of a mass of explosives. The outbursts, so far as known to the writer, have been confined to coal beds and have not occurred in other mineral deposits. Hence, as discussed later, he believes that it is the relation of the gases to the coal material that is a factor in conjunction with others in producing conditions which permit the phenomena to occur when mining is done. The gases in most instantaneous outbursts have been hydrocarbon gases but in two coal fields they have been definitely found to be chiefly or wholly carbon dioxide. One of these localities in which CO2 outbursts have been frequent and have caused loss of life is in the southern part of the Gard basin, near Alais, in southern France. In 1919, the writer visited the Fontaine mine in this field the day following the occurrence of an outburst by which two men were smothered by carbon dioxide and fine dust. After 24 hr. the CO2 had not been entirely removed by the ventilating current. Occasional outbursts of CO2 have also occurred in other small basins in France, causing accidents, as in Puy-de-Dome. However, mines in the Gard basin, north of those in which CO2 outbursts have occurred, have experienced hydrocarbon gas outbursts.

Jan 1, 1931

By George R. Elliott

Methods are presented for measuring and comparing "degree" of water drive, and for observing the control that rate of withdrawal exerts over decline of reservoir pressure. Degree of water drive is studied from pressure-production curves of 10 reservoirs; the method used to present these comparatively is to convert cumulative oil production from barrels to percentage of ultimate. Degree of water drive is also represented by a "water-encroachment factor," representing barrels of water influx per pound-month per acre-foot of oil reservoir. Pressure-production curves for the water-drive reservoirs after a period of declining pressure show a diminishing angle of slope, in some cases to the point where pressure ceases to decline or where it even increases; the shapes of these curves are in marked contrast to the dissolved-gas type of curve, which shows a general trend toward zero pressure at ultimate oil recovery. Yearly rate of oil production in percentage of ultimate oil recovery is correlated with pressure decline. The correct rate of production of oil with its associated gas and water sustains pressure in reservoirs having a high water-encroachment factor. For reservoirs having a low water-encroachment factor, it is necessary to inject the produced water and even inject large volumes of water from an outside source. The discussion of the actual reservoirs is preceded by a general review and is followed by a substantial bibliography. It is now generally accepted that water drive is capable of yielding 60 to 80 per cent of the original oil in place in most reservoirs, as compared with 20 to 40 per cent for dissolved-gas drive. There is no need to question the importance of controlling a reservoir in order to take advantage of such an efficient mechanism. What is a water-drive reservoir? Oil reservoirs usually combine two or more of the four basic mechanisms: dissolved-gas drive, gas-cap drive, water drive, gravity drainage. A water-drive reservoir is one in which water advances to take the place of the oil and gas produced. When the oil withdrawal rate is sufficiently low, the water will tend to maintain pressure. The maximum effectiveness is attained when the water follows the oil withdrawal so closely that little or no decline in pressure occurs. Oil in its underground reservoir is associated with water. This water is significant in the production of the oil according to the source of supply and the permeability of the surrounding formation. As oil is produced and the pressure is lowered, water can move in to replace the oil. With adequate supply and sufficient permeability, actual movement takes place on an extensive scale. The first movement of water takes place by expansion of the water and its associated fluids. While this expansion is of little importance in some fields, in others it is sufficient to supply all of the energy required for the production of oil. When a pressure differential has been established

Jan 1, 1946

By George R. Elliott

Methods are presented for measuring and comparing "degree" of water drive, and for observing the control that rate of withdrawal exerts over decline of reservoir pressure. Degree of water drive is studied from pressure-production curves of 10 reservoirs; the method used to present these comparatively is to convert cumulative oil production from barrels to percentage of ultimate. Degree of water drive is also represented by a "water-encroachment factor," representing barrels of water influx per pound-month per acre-foot of oil reservoir. Pressure-production curves for the water-drive reservoirs after a period of declining pressure show a diminishing angle of slope, in some cases to the point where pressure ceases to decline or where it even increases; the shapes of these curves are in marked contrast to the dissolved-gas type of curve, which shows a general trend toward zero pressure at ultimate oil recovery. Yearly rate of oil production in percentage of ultimate oil recovery is correlated with pressure decline. The correct rate of production of oil with its associated gas and water sustains pressure in reservoirs having a high water-encroachment factor. For reservoirs having a low water-encroachment factor, it is necessary to inject the produced water and even inject large volumes of water from an outside source. The discussion of the actual reservoirs is preceded by a general review and is followed by a substantial bibliography. It is now generally accepted that water drive is capable of yielding 60 to 80 per cent of the original oil in place in most reservoirs, as compared with 20 to 40 per cent for dissolved-gas drive. There is no need to question the importance of controlling a reservoir in order to take advantage of such an efficient mechanism. What is a water-drive reservoir? Oil reservoirs usually combine two or more of the four basic mechanisms: dissolved-gas drive, gas-cap drive, water drive, gravity drainage. A water-drive reservoir is one in which water advances to take the place of the oil and gas produced. When the oil withdrawal rate is sufficiently low, the water will tend to maintain pressure. The maximum effectiveness is attained when the water follows the oil withdrawal so closely that little or no decline in pressure occurs. Oil in its underground reservoir is associated with water. This water is significant in the production of the oil according to the source of supply and the permeability of the surrounding formation. As oil is produced and the pressure is lowered, water can move in to replace the oil. With adequate supply and sufficient permeability, actual movement takes place on an extensive scale. The first movement of water takes place by expansion of the water and its associated fluids. While this expansion is of little importance in some fields, in others it is sufficient to supply all of the energy required for the production of oil. When a pressure differential has been established

Jan 1, 1946

By Franklin H. Wilson

COPPER base alloys containing various amounts of aluminum and silicon are of considerable commercial interest. In particular the alloy containing 7 pct aluminum and 2 pct silicon shows an attractive combination of high strength with excellent machinability. Since there is no evidence in the literature that this ternary system has been studied since the recognition by Smith1 and Anderson2 in 1939 of the kappa phase of the binary copper-silicon system, the determination of the equilibrium phase relationships in the copper corner of the ternary diagram has been undertaken to provide a fundamental basis for understanding the behavior of these alloys. Phase boundaries have been determined by the micrographic examination of quenched samples while points on the liquidus surface have been obtained by thermal analysis. The results, of sufficient precision to serve their major purpose of providing a guide for the control of the manufacture of alloys in the region covered, are presented in a series of both isothermal and vertical sections of the diagram. ALLOYS STUDIED For a rough survey of the copper corner of this ternary system the compositions listed in Table I (Series A) were employed. The results of examinations of these alloys indicated that the compositions listed in Table 2 (Series B) would further clarify regions of greater complexity. All alloys were prepared as 1200 g heats, the copper being melted under charcoal, and then first silicon and then aluminum were added. An [ ] excess of 0.05 pct silicon was allowed to cover deoxidation losses. Two small bars 5/8 by 1 ¼ by 1 ¼ in. were cast using Durville type casting equipment. Analyses were made on all alloys using material which was hot-rolled at 800 or 850°C and annealed 17 hr at 650°C. All analyses were found to be within 0.05 pct of the nominal composition. Since the precision of analysis is not much better than this, the points of both isothermal sections and vertical sections at fixed aluminum and silicon contents have been plotted at the compositions indicated by the nominal composition.

Jan 1, 1948

By Fun-Den Wang

An open pit rock structure usually contains geological planes of weakness. They are formed by joints, faults, bedding planes, fractures, and cleavages. Rock slope failures often occur in the form of sliding of rock blocks along a plane or several planes. Such a rock block has three- dimensional geometry, and consequently a vector method of analysis has been found useful in evaluating its stabi1ity.l-3 Rock blocks of a tetrahedral shape with one free surface have been analyzed by Londe.3 Rock blocks formed by sets of parallel joints have been analyzed by Wittke.1,2 The present chapter presents the analysis of rock blocks formed by planes of weakness of arbitrary orientation, and of three-dimensional geometry. A plane of weakness is represented by its dip and strike in vector form and is reduced to the form of a linear equation. The geometry of the rock block is defined by solving the linear equations. The geometric characteristics of a rock block are based on triangles and tetrahedrons. By this treatment, the three-dimensional geometry is simplified and the number of calculations of forces and moments is reduced. Methods of finding the geometric characteristics are presented, along with equations for calculating the resultant forces and moments and the factor of safety. BASIC ASSUMPTIONS The following assumptions are used : The solid part of the rock mass is much stronger than the rock mass at the plane of weakness and the rock mass will only fail along planes of weakness.

Jan 1, 1972

Visitors frequently put the question to Kalgoorlie gold miners; "Why don't you concentrate your mining operations?" A mine may be drawing ore from over a hundred different working places which are spread out over several thousand feet of strike and on many different levels. The answer to this question is that "finished" can rarely be written for a section of the mine. The intricate web of mineralization in faults, shears and fractures is an endless puzzle, each solution opens up new avenues to be explored. After the last ore is taken from a stope, a program of drilling may continue for several weeks on different possibilities. Perhaps no ore is discovered and drilling is abandoned, but it is not unusual for another search to begin later in that same area on a new theory with successful results. Wherever a slightly richer mineralization is found, it is needed to "sweeten" the mill heads. Over seventy years ago gold was discovered in the dry wastes of Western Australia. Rich deposits of alluvial gold were found at first and as these were worked out they led to the discovery of the lode ores, which were leaner and harder to extract.

Jan 10, 1964

By C. McLean, Erickson, S. G. Kolb, S. C. Moore

The Grossschloppen vein-uranium deposit, Bavaria, West Germany, was examined with underground workings during 1980-82 by Esso Erz GmbH, an affiliate of Exxon Minerals Company (EMC). Geologic evaluation entailed dense drilling of a portion of the deposit from workings constructed specifically for the program. Discovered in 1977, the deposit was initially explored by surface diamond drillholes which allowed definition of a 30-60 m wide vein system discontinuously mineralized along a 1000 m strike length and to at least a 450 m depth. The underground program was conceives as a cost-effective procedure to answer quest ions on vein correlation, grade continuity and variability. A 1200 m decline allowed access for detailed sampling of approximately 10% of the known area of mineralization. Fanned drillholes, logged by gamma probe, were spaced to provide intersections of veins at 10 to 20 m intervals. Six cross-cuts also penetrate the pitchblende and uranophane mineralization which occurs in 0.1 to 2.5 m thick quartz veins. Detailed cross-sections and level plans were constructed for resource estimates of the intensively studied portion of the vein system. The program resulted in the discovery of local, high grade areas and an average grade in the evaluated area nearly double that expected from surface drilling.

Jan 1, 1984

By J. B. Austin, R. L. Rickett

Measurements of the rate of decomposition of austenite at constant temperature are commonly represented by plotting the percentage transformed on linear coordinates against time on either a linear or a logarithmic scale, a method that yields a curve that in shape resembles an integral sign (Fig. 1). A graph of this kind is not always convenient because extrapolation to the beginning or end of the transformation, or even intebrpolation, may be uncertain unless there are a large number of observations, which seldom happens; furthermore, the degree of consistency of a set of measurements is difficult to judge from such a curve. It is desirable therefore to find some mode of plotting, or even better to find a standard variety of graph paper, that gives a straight line instead of the integral shape. The straight line has many advantages; the number of readings required to fix the position of the curve is greatly reduced, interpolatiorr is easy and rapid, extrapolation can be carried out with greater confidence and, finally, the consistency of the measurements is readily estimated from the scatter of the points. The last advantage is particularly valuable when the data are obtained by direct microscopic examination alone, because they are influenced by the skill of the observer in estimating the relative size of areas, possibly also by undetected inhomogeneity of the specimen. A search for ways of representing the observations as a straight line yielded two methods which are described in this paper. The paper also includes an account of some interesting relations brought to light in applying these methods to the available experimental data. Usually the best way to derive such a method of plotting is to base it on established principles of chemistry and physics, as has been done, for example, for the temperature variation of the equilibrium constant of a chemical reaction. But so little is known of the mechanism of the decomposition of austenite, and so little is available in the way of well established background for changes of this kind, that it is simpler to rely upon purely empirical means. The general plan therefore is to study existing data with a view to finding some function of the direct observations that will

Jan 1, 1939

By J. B. Austin, R. L. Rickett

Measurements of the rate of decomposition of austenite at constant temperature are commonly represented by plotting the percentage transformed on linear coordinates against time on either a linear or a logarithmic scale, a method that yields a curve that in shape resembles an integral sign (Fig. 1). A graph of this kind is not always convenient because extrapolation to the beginning or end of the transformation, or even intebrpolation, may be uncertain unless there are a large number of observations, which seldom happens; furthermore, the degree of consistency of a set of measurements is difficult to judge from such a curve. It is desirable therefore to find some mode of plotting, or even better to find a standard variety of graph paper, that gives a straight line instead of the integral shape. The straight line has many advantages; the number of readings required to fix the position of the curve is greatly reduced, interpolatiorr is easy and rapid, extrapolation can be carried out with greater confidence and, finally, the consistency of the measurements is readily estimated from the scatter of the points. The last advantage is particularly valuable when the data are obtained by direct microscopic examination alone, because they are influenced by the skill of the observer in estimating the relative size of areas, possibly also by undetected inhomogeneity of the specimen. A search for ways of representing the observations as a straight line yielded two methods which are described in this paper. The paper also includes an account of some interesting relations brought to light in applying these methods to the available experimental data. Usually the best way to derive such a method of plotting is to base it on established principles of chemistry and physics, as has been done, for example, for the temperature variation of the equilibrium constant of a chemical reaction. But so little is known of the mechanism of the decomposition of austenite, and so little is available in the way of well established background for changes of this kind, that it is simpler to rely upon purely empirical means. The general plan therefore is to study existing data with a view to finding some function of the direct observations that will

Jan 1, 1939

By W. J. Reagan

All of the material described in the following paper is within the following specifications: carbon, 0.50 to 0.85 per cent; phosphorus and sulfur, 0.04 per cent max.; manganese, 0.60 to 0.85 per cent; silicon, 0.20 to 0.30 per cent. Steels with much lower carbon contents can be handled in exactly the same manner. One of the first things necessary to basic open-hearth slag control is uniformity of charge, particularly as to the silicon content and the percentage of lime charged. Our past work has shown that the silicon content of the charge is more important than the carbon content in determining the carbon at which a heat will melt. We have found that by keeping the silicon content of the charge about 0.60 to 0.65 per cent, and with a lime charge of about 7 per cent (limestone equivalent), our heats melt sufficiently high in carbon to allow a moderate feed of ore and the slag will be of low iron oxide content. In making a heat of 0.75 carbon steel we endeavor to have the heat melt at about 1.20 per cent carbon. The iron oxide content of the finishing slag depends upon the final phosphorus desired; for a given ratio of lime-silica in the slag, the lower the phosphorus desired in the final steel, the higher the iron oxide content of the finishing slag must be. By reducing the lime charge to a minimum, the heats melt faster, and by keeping the silicon content at the desired figure the heats melt with a high SiO2 slag, which has been shown in previous work to give a low iron oxide slag. In most of our work, using a 180,000-lb. charge and with basic pig containing about 1.20 per cent silicon, we use a lime charge of 8500 lb. of limestone and 2000 lb. of burnt lime. The pig charge is about 48 per cent of cold pig, and the charge contains a large percentage of works scrap. This causes a heat to melt with about 1.20 to 1.30 per cent carbon, for a heat that will finish about 0.75 per cent carbon. This gives a heat that will need a feed of about 2000 lb. of ore, and also a slag with an FeO content of about 4 to 5 per cent at melting. The additional FeO obtained from the ore addition will bring the FeO in the slag at tapping to about 6 to 7 per cent. It is necessary to carry quite a fluid slag to prevent pickup of FeO, as a too heavy slag causes FeO to build up in it, giving a finishing slag with a greater FeO than is desired. By adjusting the lime charge of a basic open-hearth heat, a very sensitive adjustment of the slag may be obtained. The figures in Table 1

Jan 1, 1935

By W. J. Reagan

All of the material described in the following paper is within the following specifications: carbon, 0.50 to 0.85 per cent; phosphorus and sulfur, 0.04 per cent max.; manganese, 0.60 to 0.85 per cent; silicon, 0.20 to 0.30 per cent. Steels with much lower carbon contents can be handled in exactly the same manner. One of the first things necessary to basic open-hearth slag control is uniformity of charge, particularly as to the silicon content and the percentage of lime charged. Our past work has shown that the silicon content of the charge is more important than the carbon content in determining the carbon at which a heat will melt. We have found that by keeping the silicon content of the charge about 0.60 to 0.65 per cent, and with a lime charge of about 7 per cent (limestone equivalent), our heats melt sufficiently high in carbon to allow a moderate feed of ore and the slag will be of low iron oxide content. In making a heat of 0.75 carbon steel we endeavor to have the heat melt at about 1.20 per cent carbon. The iron oxide content of the finishing slag depends upon the final phosphorus desired; for a given ratio of lime-silica in the slag, the lower the phosphorus desired in the final steel, the higher the iron oxide content of the finishing slag must be. By reducing the lime charge to a minimum, the heats melt faster, and by keeping the silicon content at the desired figure the heats melt with a high SiO2 slag, which has been shown in previous work to give a low iron oxide slag. In most of our work, using a 180,000-lb. charge and with basic pig containing about 1.20 per cent silicon, we use a lime charge of 8500 lb. of limestone and 2000 lb. of burnt lime. The pig charge is about 48 per cent of cold pig, and the charge contains a large percentage of works scrap. This causes a heat to melt with about 1.20 to 1.30 per cent carbon, for a heat that will finish about 0.75 per cent carbon. This gives a heat that will need a feed of about 2000 lb. of ore, and also a slag with an FeO content of about 4 to 5 per cent at melting. The additional FeO obtained from the ore addition will bring the FeO in the slag at tapping to about 6 to 7 per cent. It is necessary to carry quite a fluid slag to prevent pickup of FeO, as a too heavy slag causes FeO to build up in it, giving a finishing slag with a greater FeO than is desired. By adjusting the lime charge of a basic open-hearth heat, a very sensitive adjustment of the slag may be obtained. The figures in Table 1

Jan 1, 1935

By H. Hooykaas

A few years ago Marsal published a method of predicting oil recovery as a function of time for an edge-water-drive reservoir with several rows of wells.' The method is based solely on oil- and water-production data obtained during a short period for the first row of wells and the gross productions (past and future) of all wells. This paper presents a streamlined version of the original publication and experimental evidence showing the reliability of this version. For this purpose scaled experirnents were performed in a large model (750 X 500 X 23 cm, 24.4 ft X 16.2 ft X 8.9 in.) in which edge-water-drive reservoirs with three rows of production wells were simulated. From the results of the experiments it is concluded that the method gives a fairly accurate prediction of the future production behavior of the reservoir and enables us to select the most profitable production plan. Results obtained with the method were always slightly conservative. INTRODUCTION The calculation method developed by Marsal aims at forecasting future reservoir behavior.' It can be applied to floods in which a number of down-dip wells are rapidly going to water. Essentially it is a method for predicting the future behavior of the up-structure wells on the basis of the observed behavior of the down-structure wells. As such, the method is especially useful for predicting behavior of edge-water drives toward several rows of wells. The requirement to be met for justifying the approach is identity of production mechanism in all regions of the reservoir. The attraction of the method then lies in the fact that it applies even when we have no complete description of the prevailing production mechanism. The original publication was in the German language and for this reason, perhaps, did not attract widespread attention. In our opinion it deserves to do so because it does offer in a simple way results which are in fair agreement with observed data. The aim of the present paper is to bring the method to the attention of a wider audience. The method in its most simplified form is reviewed and experimental data in support of it are presented. PRINCIPLES To show Marsal's principle. we will first write the continuity equation for very simple conditions, linear flow (in the positive x-direction) in an incompressible porous body [cross-section A(x), porosity +(x)], saturated with incompressible fluids (oil saturation S). When the oil in this formation is displaced by water, injected at x = 0 (inlet face), we get where q(t) is the total gross displacement rate and f the fractional oil flow. The equation can be solved if we make the assumptions: (1 ) that the fractional oil flow (f) is a univalent function of saturation (S); and (2) that the function is the same throughout the porous medium. Then: f = f(S) Solving this equation with the method of characteristics, we obtain

Jan 1, 1966

By B. N. Thompson

Main industrial minerals produced in New Zealand are nonmetallic - clay, dolomite, limestone, pumice, salt, serpentine, and silica sand. Other minerals, some with minor production, include diatomite, feldspar, magnesite, sulfur, asbestos, and perlite. Energy and metallic minerals and aggregate are excluded from this account. These industrial minerals occur in a wide range of rock types and geological ages. For example, clays are known from the weathering products of Cretaceous rhyolite and leaching of Eocene coal measures; from Quaternary weathering of contemporary loess and shallow marine sediments, and of greywacke of Triassic-Jurassic age; and from the hydrothermal alteration of late Cenozoic acidic volcanic rocks.

Jan 1, 1984

By M. Cohen, B. L. Averbach

Many hardened steels contain significant quantities of retained austenite even in cases where the carbon and alloy contents are low. In fact austenite has been detected in plain carbon steels containing as little as 0.50 pct carbon.1 Although the austenite may not be visible metallographically it causes definite dilatometric and magnetic effects during subsequent tempering or sub-atmospheric coo1ing.l,2,3 Therefore if the reactions which hardened steels undergo during later treatment are to be understood in quantitative fashion it is most essential to have some kind of absolute analysis for the austenite content in hardened steels. Once this analysis has been made, the austenite transformations can be followed precisely by observing such sensitive phenomena as changes in length or in magnetization but the latter techniques can only determine differences in the amount of retained austenite and usually an independent method must be found to put these differences on an absolute basis. In certain instances the microscope can be used advantageously to determine the percentage of retained austenite. The quenched sample is tempered to "darken" the martensite with minimum decomposition of the coexisting austenite, and then is polished and etched in the usual fashion. If the austenite is clearly distinguishable from the tempered martensite and other possible constituents its volume percentage can be measured quantitatively by point counting or lineal analysis.4 Such microscopic methods, however, depend on the etch being sufficiently discriminatory. In fairly coarse structures, if the austenite content is greater than 10-15 pct, there is probably little smearing of the etch, and point counting or lineal analysis seems to be quite accurate. On the other hand if the structure is difficult to resolve, as in commercially treated fine-grained . steels which contain less than 10-15 pct retained austenite, the latter may be completely obliterated by the dark etching martensite or it may appear disproportionately low as the interfaces between the two constituents become difficult to distinguish. Another disadvantage of the metallographic method is the need for "darkening" the martensite and hence the determination cannot be applied to as-hardened steels. The required tempering may spoil the structure for other tests or may even remove a small part of the austenite which is being sought. X ray methods hold more promise for covering the range under 15 pct retained austenite. Although austenite and martensite in the hardened steel may be chemically identical, their crystal structures and lattice parameters differ, and the intensity of an austenite diffraction line is some continuous function of the percentage of re-

Jan 1, 1949

By B. L. Averbach, M. Cohen

Many hardened steels contain significant quantities of retained austenite even in cases where the carbon and alloy contents are low. In fact austenite has been detected in plain carbon steels containing as little as 0.50 pct carbon.1 Although the austenite may not be visible metallographically it causes definite dilatometric and magnetic effects during subsequent tempering or sub-atmospheric coo1ing.l,2,3 Therefore if the reactions which hardened steels undergo during later treatment are to be understood in quantitative fashion it is most essential to have some kind of absolute analysis for the austenite content in hardened steels. Once this analysis has been made, the austenite transformations can be followed precisely by observing such sensitive phenomena as changes in length or in magnetization but the latter techniques can only determine differences in the amount of retained austenite and usually an independent method must be found to put these differences on an absolute basis. In certain instances the microscope can be used advantageously to determine the percentage of retained austenite. The quenched sample is tempered to "darken" the martensite with minimum decomposition of the coexisting austenite, and then is polished and etched in the usual fashion. If the austenite is clearly distinguishable from the tempered martensite and other possible constituents its volume percentage can be measured quantitatively by point counting or lineal analysis.4 Such microscopic methods, however, depend on the etch being sufficiently discriminatory. In fairly coarse structures, if the austenite content is greater than 10-15 pct, there is probably little smearing of the etch, and point counting or lineal analysis seems to be quite accurate. On the other hand if the structure is difficult to resolve, as in commercially treated fine-grained . steels which contain less than 10-15 pct retained austenite, the latter may be completely obliterated by the dark etching martensite or it may appear disproportionately low as the interfaces between the two constituents become difficult to distinguish. Another disadvantage of the metallographic method is the need for "darkening" the martensite and hence the determination cannot be applied to as-hardened steels. The required tempering may spoil the structure for other tests or may even remove a small part of the austenite which is being sought. X ray methods hold more promise for covering the range under 15 pct retained austenite. Although austenite and martensite in the hardened steel may be chemically identical, their crystal structures and lattice parameters differ, and the intensity of an austenite diffraction line is some continuous function of the percentage of re-

Jan 1, 1949

By James W. Dally, William L. Fourney, Anders Ladegaard Peterson

For the past 3 years, the authors have been conducting research sponsored by the National Science Foundation (RANN) to improve the process of excavation by drilling and blasting. The approach followed has been experimental where the development of stress waves and fractures initiated at the bore hole have been investigated in order to obtain a complete understanding of the dynamic Fracture process. The second step in the approach has been to introduce modifications in the drill and blast procedure which will permit closer control of the fracture process.

Jan 2, 1978

By William Newnam

WHEN Hugh Lee Pattinson discovered, in 1829, that the crystals formed during the slow cooling of molten lead were poorer, and the remaining liquid richer in silver, than the original lead, an important step was made in the metallurgy of this metal. Being the first process applicable to the desilverization of low-grade lead bullion, it soon found its way into all European countries having such a product to treat, thereby effecting the saving of many ounces of silver annually which previously had been thrown away. The old hand process was expensive, as viewed from the standpoint of more modern methods; the labor was great anti the tonnage was small, but on the other hand the results were fairly, satisfactory. This process flourished for some time after the introduction of the cheaper Parkes process in 1852 and it is still in use in a few European smelteries. Only one notable improvement was made on the original process, that of Luce and Roan at Marseilles, France. It consisted in the application of steam for stirring and the tapping of one-third of the liquid lead, through perforated plates covering the tap holes flush with the bottom of the kettle, thus leaving two-thirds in the form of crystals in the original kettle. This modification considerably lowered the operating costs as it permitted of much larger kettles, an increased tonnage and eliminated much of the slow, hard labor of the hand process.. The Luce and Rozan process has persisted in its original form to the present clay. Stephen Tredinnick, English born, spent most of his years around the Luce and Rozan plants at Marseilles and elsewhere in Europe, coming later to Eureka, Nev., in 1878, to operate the Luce and Rozan plant at that point. Mr. Tredinnick was a competent Luce and Rozan operator and being devoted to the process he firmly believed that with modifications the costs could be so lowered as eventually to supplant the Parkes process.

Jan 5, 1917

By J. E. Lawver, W. D. Carrier

During the past 20 years, millions of dollars in research effort have been spent to improve methods of phosphate clay dewatering and disposal. Although to date no proven large-scale system has been developed that will result in ultimate below ground storage without the use of at least temporary dams, considerable progress has been made and a variety of techniques are being tested, some on a large scale. This paper summarizes the use of mathematical and centrifuge (physical) models that can analyze and evaluate various systems for the consolidation of phosphatic clays. These provide a powerful tool for engineers responsible for land management and mining waste disposal.

Jan 1, 1985

By John Skelton, E. J. Harvey

Seepage runs (stream flow measurements in a short time at many points in a basin,) and stream flow records are used to locate losing areas in stream basins in the Missouri Ozarks. The terrane consists of dolomitic limestone and sandstone of Ordovician and Cambrian age. Side-looking radar imagery emphasizes variations in topography and reveals two types of drainage basin topography, rough and smooth (deeply dissected and slightly dissected basins). In the deeply dissected basins (rough ones), main streams and tributaries generally gain. In the slightly dissected basins (smooth ones), the streams lose a part or all of their flow. Logan Creek, a tributary of Black River in the southeastern Ozarks, loses much of its storm runoff and all of its dry weather flow. East and West Forks of the Black River, north of Logan Creek, gain water through most of their main stems. On radar imagery Logan Creek basin has a light uniform tone and smooth texture in contrast to the darker tone and rough texture of the East and West Forks. The contrast is due to the difference in degree of dissection. Therefore, radar imagery may be useful in suggesting gaining or losing streams (or reaches of streams).

Jan 1, 1973

CHARGING of an open-hearth heat is begun as soon as possible after the previous heat has been tapped. Ordinarily, about 40 min is required to drain and dress the furnace hearth, make up the taphole, and perform routine repairs of the banks. Repairs to the upper back wall and to the front wall and jambs can ordinarily be done while the first scrap charge is being heated and are therefore allowed to wait in order to save furnace time. Any major repairs required on the hearth or other parts of the furnace necessitate longer delays because such repairs must be made while the furnace is empty. Although charging practice varies considerably in detail with the type and proportions of scrap and iron used, many factors are common to all varieties of charge. Such general considerations are dealt with first. CHARGING EQUIPMENT AND STOCK HANDLING The physical equipment available for loading and weighing the stock, transporting it to the furnace, and charging it, may have a major effect on charging practice. Limestone, scrap, and all other solid melting stock are charged mechanically by means of equipment illustrated in Fig 2-1. The charging of hot metal is shown in the background of this figure. Mechanical equipment and plant layout for stock handling are described in Chapter 1. It is generally desirable to charge the scrap about as fast as the physical volume can be put into the furnace. Charging scrap that is too heavy or adding the charge too rapidly (less than 45 min) may be detrimental to melting rate because of excessive chilling of the entire furnace system and also because of poor conduction of heat to the lower layers in the furnace; but the more common problem is the reverse one of charging light 'scrap fast enough to maintain a normal heat time. A limiting factor may be the height to which the scrap may he piled in the fur-

Jan 1, 1951