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By W. C. Maurer

A drilling-rate formula for roller-cone bits is derived from rock crater-ing mechanisms. This formula holds for "perfect cleaning", which is defined as the condition where all of the rock debris is removed between tooth impacts. Under these conditions, the drilling rate is directly proportional to the rotary speed and to the bit weight squared, and inversely proportional to the bit diameter squared and to the rock strength squared. Under imperfect cleaning conditions, such m those usually present in field drilling, re-grinding of the cuttings occurs under the bit, and the drilling rates fall below those for perfect cleaning. INTRODUCTION Drilling with a roller-cone bit consists of two fundamental operations: the formation of craters under the bit teeth, and the removal of the broken rock from the craters. To delineate the mechanisms of drilling, it is first necessary to understand the mechanisms involved in the formation of individual craters and then to relate these mechanisms to the over-all drilling operation. CRATER FORMATION When a bit tooth impacts a rock, the rock is elastically deformed until the crushing strength of the rock is exceeded, at which time a wedge of crushed rock is formed below the tooth1, 2 as shown in Fig. 1. As additional force is applied to the tooth, the crushed material is compressed and exerts high lateral forces on the solid material surrounding the crushed wedge.- en these forces become sufficiently high, fractures are initiated below the tooth and propagate to the free surface of the rock. The trajectories of these fractures intersect the principal stresses at a constant angle,'s4, as predicted by both Mohr's and Griffith's theories of failure. It has been experimentally 3,1 .6 that the volume of an impact crater, V,, varies as where Ec is the total energy imparted to the rock during the formation of the crater, and E is the threshold energy required before cratering is initiated (Fig. 2). Indexing experiments' have shown that, when there is a second free face to which the crater can fracture, a larger volume of material is removed and that above a transition zone there is a linear relationship between V, and Eo., which has a slope equal to the relationship for the single crater. The beneficial effect of indexing tends to offset the threshold energy requirement to a large extent, as shown in Fig. 2, and the relationship is closely represented by Rate-of-loading effects have been used to explain the nonproportional relationships usually obtained between drilling rate and rotary speed. The data4, in Fig. 3 show that the Ec/Vc parameter remained constant for craters produced with impact velocities ranging from 10 to 8,000 ft/sec. Since no rate-of-loading effects were detected over this wide range of loading rates, it seems improbable that there would be detectable rate-of-loading effects present in the small changes in impact velocities produced by varying the rotary speed. The writer has shown (Fig. 4) that, for craters produced in rock by impacting spheres, where X is the depth of penetration. Simon2 has shown that this relationship also holds for craters produced in rock by penetrating wedge-shaped chisels. The energy used in crater formation is

By P. Greenfield, P. A. Beck

The phase is a hard and extremely brittle material with a tetragonal crystal structure, containing 30 atoms per unit cell' It occurs in many binary and ternary alloys of the transition elements. The existence of twelve a phases has been reported in binary alloys of metals from the group vanadium, chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten with metals from the group manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel. It is a characteristic fact that the composition of the o- phases in the various binary systems is not the same. Rather, there is a gradual shift in composition, for instance in the series of chromium a phases, approximately as follows: CrMn,, FeCr, Cr3Co,. In recent years several ideas have been put forward to account for this variability of composition. SullyZ proposed that a was a type of electron compound, characterized by 1.7 electrons per atom in excess of the number required to fill the Pauling atomic orbitals. These excess electrons were supposed to just fill the first Brillouin zone of the u structure. However, later work indicated that the phase is ferromagnetic at low temperatures, so that a- is unlikely to be a full zone compound.~ Another proposal,* which is also based on the structure of the transition elements advanced by Pauling, and in fact leads to essentially the same a compositions as Sully's theory, suggests that the u phase is characterized by a constant number of electron vacancies per atom. The electron vacancy numbers N,. used were originally the same as those in the Pauling theory, but were later modified empirically vn order to bring about better agreement with data for the p phase in certain ternary systems. For alloys, N,, was calculated on the assumption of simple additivity from the electron vacancy numbers of the components, as follows: N,. = 4.66 (Mo + Cr + V) + 3.2 (Mn) + 2.2 (Fe) + 1.71 (Co) + 1.6 (Ni). On this basis a reasonably constant value of N, = 3.4 was obtained for all of the binary u phases and a fairly constant value of N,, = 3.1 for the various p phases. More recently, Bloom and Granta pointed out that a similar correlation with the total number of 3d and 4s electrons per atom is also fairly well fulfilled and concluded that no reference need be made to the Pauling theory. This proposal does not lead to the same binary a compositions as the one described above, so that the relative merits of the two proposals may be determined on the basis of direct comparison with experimental composition data. The purpose of the present paper is to provide such a comparison. Since the experimental data for the composition ranges of several of the known u phases were rather incomplete, it was decided to carry out new experimental determinations for many of the binary systems. Experimental Procedure The alloys were prepared by induction melting in recrystallized alumina crucibles, either in vacuum or in helium atmospheres. Some aluminum was picked up from the crucibles in the alloys of high vanadium content, but this was minimized by keeping the alloys in the molten state for as short a time as possible. The maximum aluminum impurity was 0.13 wt pct by chemical analysis, in an alloy containing over 50 wt pct V. In general, the as-melted compositions agreed accurately with those obtained by chemical analysis. In the case of manganese, however, losses inevitably occurred; consequently all manganese alloys were analyzed. Specimens of all alloys were annealed at temperatures ranging from 1000" to 1300°C in an atmosphere of purified 92 pct helium and 8 pct hydrogen mixture. All manganese alloys were sealed in quartz tubes under vacuum before annealing. The specimens were held at temperature for between four and eight days before being quenched into cold water. Alloys were prepared for microscopic examination by mechanical polishing, usually followed by electrolytic etching. X-ray diffraction specimens were prepared by crushing the homogenized alloys, and by reanneal-ing the obtained powders in evacuated quartz tubes for a few hours at the temperature of the lump anneal. X-ray diffraction patterns were made with unfiltered chromium radiation, using an asymmetrical focusing camera of high dispersion. Using microscopic and X-ray techniques jointly, the accuracy

Jan 1, 1955

By Victor O. Strobel

Fire-brick hot-blast stoves have been the subject of frequent discussions at the meetings of the Institute; and although it is my object to elucidate some of the points in connection with this subject, I will not go into the specific features of all types, but more especially call attention to a new type recently designed by Mr. Fred. W. Gordon. As the economical production of a ton of pig-iron is a more essential feature than a large output, much depends, where fuel cannot be obtained cheaply, upon suitable apparatus whereby high temperatures can be maintained. Where iron-pipe stoves have been employed, the fuel-consumption reached one and a half pounds of fuel, and, when a larger output was desired, often two pounds, to the pound of iron produced. The temperature attained rarely exceeded 900' F., and that at the expense of frequent renewals of the pipes, which was not inconsiderable. The fire-brick hot-blast stoves of the past five or six years have clearly demonstrated their superiority over the old system. Of the accompanying drawings, Fig. 3 illustrates a four-pass regen-

Jan 1, 1886

PROF RICHARD ÅKERMAN Stockholm, Sweden ANDREW CARNEGIR New York, N.Y. DR. JAMES DOUGLAS New York, N.Y. R.A. HADFIELD Sheffield England PROF HANS HOEFER Leoben, Austria PROF HATON DE LA GOUPILLIERE Paris, France M FLORIS OSMOND Paris, France PROF DIMITRY CONSTANTIN TSCHERNOFF St Petersburg, Russia PROF DR HERMANN WEDDING Berlin, Germany

Jan 1, 1910

By FRANK RIEBERS

IN DISCUSSING the selection of a geophysical method, much of what the writer will say is applicable to any of the various methods and to their use in prospecting, whether for oil or for other minerals. Specifically, the writer's subject is the problem, particularly pressing on the Pacific Coast, of checking the rising cost of the discovery of new fields by the proper employment of geophysical methods. Table I was prepared from statistics published by the California State Milling Bureau. The writer selected five of the largest a:ld most active companies operating in California, segregated the number of wild-

Jan 1, 1930

FRIENDS of the late Charles F. Rand presented in 1930 a sum of money from which the income is available to support various phases of the work of the Institute in which Mr. Rand was so deeply interested. At present the fund amounts to $10,000. The specific terms of the deed of gift are as follows: "The fund collected to establish a memorial to the late Charles F. Rand shall be placed in the custody of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, to be set up as a trust to be known as the `Charles F. Rand Foundation,' the income of which shall each year be applied to a distinct purpose to be decided upon in that year by vote of the Board of Directors. This purpose shall be such as to promote the general welfare of the Institute and to constitute a permanent memorial of the usefulness of Mr. Rand, who for many years gave unstintingly of his time and talents in its service.

Jan 1, 1946

A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in the Council Room of the U. S. Bureau of Mines, Interior Building, Washington, D. C., on Friday, June 21, 1918, at 4 p. m. Twelve members of the Board, the Secretary of the Institute, and nine guests were present. Upon the petition of 28 members of the Institute residing in or near Washington, D. C., a Washington Section was authorized. A committee was appointed to nominate officers and prepare a set of by-laws. The report of the Treasurer was presented in writing, accepted, and ordered filed. Thirty-nine members, 12 associates and 8 junior associates were elected. Two members were reinstated. One resignation was accepted. The dues of 64 members were suspended on account of their being on active war duty.

Jan 8, 1918

By F. H. McDowell

The increasing interest in the subject of electrical separation warrants the addition to what has already been written of a few lines covering the practical workings of the Tilly Foster mill under the direction of Mr. E. S. Moffat, General Manager. Since my last paper was presented to the Institute, Mr. S. P. Tomkins, the superintendent, has had thrust upon him for solution several problems complicated by the introduction of new conditions. 1. The richer portion of the lean ore dump, and that nearest the railroad track, having been worked up in 1890, the handling of the balance, including a largely increased amount of rock, could only be accomplished at an increased cost. 2. The tailings had accumulated close about the mill to such an extent that arrangements had to be perfected to move them further away.

Jan 1, 1893

PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR HOWARD N. EAVENSON PITTSBURGH, PA PAST PRESIDENTS AND DIRECTORS SCOTT TURNER WASHINGTON, D. C. FREDERICK M BECKET NEW YORK, N. Y. VICE-PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND DIRECTOR KARL EILERS NEW YORK, N. Y

Jan 1, 1935

By A. Patton, F. N. Speller

The use of roll scale in the Bessemer process dates back, to the best of our knowledge, at least 20 years. It was first used by the Ohio Steel Go., Youngstown, Ohio (now the Ohio Works of the Carnegie Steel Co.) under the direction of Sam McDonald, Superintendent of the Bessemer Department at these works. Two 10-ton vessels and one blowing engine capable of blowing one heat at a time were employed. The object of using the scale was to shorten the length of the blow, or in other words, to increase the production with the same equipment. Various means were tried out for introducing the roll scale into the bath of molten iron: It was shoveled into the vessel before the heat was charged, so that the metal would flow over the scale; it was shoveled into the bath after the vessel was turned up; it was dumped into the empty iron ladle by the wheelbarrow-load, and at times was dumped on top of the molten metal in the iron ladle. But the practice of introducing the scale into the iron ladle had to be abandoned on account of danger from explosions and of skulling the ladles. It was soon learned that the proper place to charge the scale was in the empty vessel, so that when the molten iron was poured into the vessel it flowed over the scale, causing a considerabIe reaction to take place before the heat was turned up. Eventually, cylindrical chutes similar to those now in use were installed. Into these chutes the scale is dumped and carried into the empty vessel. Before this convenient means of introducing the scale was adopted, the Ohio Works had satisfactorily demonstrated that roll scale would increase production, by blowing 107 heats in one 12-hr. turn (1,087 tons) with one blowing engine, blowing one heat at a time; whereas, prior to the use of scale, the best practice at these works was about 80 heats under the same conditions. In using roll scale and other oxides of iron to facilitate and control the refining of pig iron in the converter, the Bessemer plant has borrowed one of the most active agencies used in the open-hearth process with, as would be expected, much the same results. The effect of such additions to the Bessemer charge may be discussed as to the influence of this practice on quality, production and cost.

Jan 1, 1917

By ELLSIVOKTH DAGGETT

THE Berlin gold quartz mine is situated in Nye county, Nevada, on the west flank of the Shoshone range, about 40 miles south and 30 miles west from the town of Austin, the county-seat of Lander county. The distance from Austin is about 60 miles by stage-road. The outcrop of the vein, at the top of the incline-shaft, is situated just at the base of the mountain proper, almost exactly at the intersection of the mountain-side with the gravelly bench that slopes for about three-quarters of a mile to the flatter sage-brush plain, or desert valley, below. The -vein itself consists almost entirely of quartz, with perhaps 2 per cent. of sulphide of iron, copper, lead, zinc and antimony, and perhaps a trace of some of the compounds of tellurium with gold and silver, although none of the latter have been as yet positively identified. The relative proportion, by weight, of silver and gold in the ores, varies in different parts of the vein, from 12 silver for 1 of gold, to 7 silver for 1 of gold. The quartz vein-filling is usually frozen fast to the walls, and is very hard and compact, seldom showing the friable, fissured, or shelly structure often to be found in quartz veins. Comparatively little evidence of relative motion of one wall of the vein upon the other is to be found-a fact indicating that during the formation of the vein, and prior to the extensive movements herein described, little disturbance had taken place. No evidence whatever of metasomatic origin has been observed. On the other hand, occasional occurrences of comby structure, in which the axes of the quartz crystals are at right angles to the plane of the vein, rather indicate deposition from solution in a pre-existing fissure. Spurs, or branches, and small parallel veins, while not en-\

Mar 1, 1907

By Albert L. Toenges

COAL mining technique progressed slowly until the advent of mechanized mining. The cutting machine was a forward step, but had only a limited effect upon improving the percentage of coal recovery. Previously, the physical fitness of the loaders and the total output of the miners fixed mine production. The miner was an independent contractor and supervision over his working place was superficial. Rising costs and the inroads of substitute fuels demanded increased output per man to lower the unit production cost. Therefore, the amount of coal loaded mechanically in underground bituminous mines has risen from 0.3 per-cent in 1923 to 7.4 in 1929, to 20.2 in 1937, and to 48.9 percent in 1943. When loading devices were introduced it became necessary to adapt them to existing systems of mining, or to alter the mining system to fit the machine. An increased amount of supervision was required as output depended upon proper operation of the machine rather than on the physical fitness of the individual.

Jan 1, 1946

By Thomas T. Read

THE official title of our topic for today is "Resources of Metals and Other Strategic Minerals," but in accepting the invitation to open this discussion I claimed the privilege of being allowed to talk about problems other than resources for the two reasons that a great deal has already been said about resources and because we can never discuss them with the degree of certainty that an engineer likes. Resources are uncertain for many, reasons. One is that we do not know what is in the earth. It is four thousand miles to its center and although oil wells 1 ½ miles deep are becoming common and engineers are now talking of drilling holes 2 miles deep, even when they do they will have advanced only one two-thousandth part of the total distance. Only a relatively few mines are over a mile deep as yet. We know certainly that it is comparatively expensive to work at such great depth, but it would be a very foolish man who would assert it will be' impossible, one or two hundred years from now, for engineers to obtain from great depths mineral supplies that are now being obtained at or near the surface. As long as- I can remember I have been hearing that our petroleum resources were in imminent danger of speedy exhaustion, and yet the yearly output is now of the same order of magnitude as the total resources were once estimated, with ' the cry of over-production the loudest it has ever been. Tapping progressively deeper and deeper sources of supply, has produced this result. Even in the thin layer that we are now working much-exploration still remains to be done. .

Jan 1, 1929

By C. E. Corson

THE experiments of which the results and significance are set forth in this paper do not by any means cover the whole subject of the heat-treatment of the material referred to, yet they constitute a contribution to that general subject, rather than to the special department of annealing. The material here considered is acid open-hearth steel, containing from 0.50 to 0.80 per cent of carbon, with a nearly uniform percentage of other elements. This class of steel is rapidly increasing in commercial importance. It is even rumored that the rail-specifications of some railroads will hereafter require open-hearth steel. Yet this particular grade seems to have received less study and description from the standpoint of the metallographist than many others. The investigation here described was directed to the following points:-Steel containing about 0.50 per cent, of carbon : 1. The structure as related to the temperature, at the same rate of cooling; 3. The structure and physical properties as related to temperature at different rates of cooling; 3. The structure and physical properties as related to different finishing-temperatures and different rates of cooling; 4. The bearing of these observations upon the statement of Prof. Albert Sauveur.1

Sep 1, 1906

By T. J. Woods

This paper deals with the origin, definition and prevention of scabs on semifinished rolled-steel product. Mold coatings, which are considered essential in scab prevention, were found to be effective only in relation to the ingot surface of semikilled and killed steels and not necessary for the rolled product. That is to say, the scabs on ingots caused by having been cast in uncoated molds are eliminated in the soaking and rolling operations, therefore are not present on the rolled product. This fact, which is contrary to the average opinion, was established after extensive and thorough experiments had proved the ordinary conception of the origin of scabs to be incorrect. This subject may be of little or no concern to steel plants producing small ingots for the manufacture of small billets and bars, except as it may be of interest in showing why their surface troubles with scabs do not exist on the product of heats with normal pouring practice. But to the producer of large ingots to be rolled into slabs for large plates used in shipbuilding, it is a very important subject. Definition of a Scab The generally accepted opinion is that the individual scabs present on rolled products (as shown by Fig. I) are considered to have been individual splashes on the ingot surface. This opinion was found to be incorrect. Experiments showed that there were no individual scabs on the product that had appeared as individuals on the ingot surface. The single scabs seen are either pieces of a shell that is present near the bottom of all top-cast ingots, or a veneer that may be present on any part of an ingot improperly poured, as when the stream strikes the mold wall. This definition is based on a detailed study of scabs and their characteristics in which the following have been found true: Location.—On the product of heats poured without trouble, scabs, if present, are always on the product that corresponds to the bottom end of the ingot, and usually occur in clusters. This is true whether molds are coated or not. Shape.—There is no regularity as to shape, size or thickness. It is sometimes possible to separate a few pieces and place them together, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, indicating that at one time they had been united as one piece. If individual splashes were the origin of scabs, the foregoing would not be true. Instead, the splashes, which occur throughout the pouring of the ingots, would be present uniformly over the entire product and there would be considerable similarity in the shape and thickness of the scabs. Experimental Work Our experimental work was conducted on 200-ton heats of semikilled plate steel tapped into an oval ladle 15 ft. high. All ingots were top-cast direct into 24 by 54 by 82-in. molds, straight-sided, set on flat stools. Two separate studies were made about one year apart, each study extending

Jan 1, 1943

By T. J. Woods

This paper deals with the origin, definition and prevention of scabs on semifinished rolled-steel product. Mold coatings, which are considered essential in scab prevention, were found to be effective only in relation to the ingot surface of semikilled and killed steels and not necessary for the rolled product. That is to say, the scabs on ingots caused by having been cast in uncoated molds are eliminated in the soaking and rolling operations, therefore are not present on the rolled product. This fact, which is contrary to the average opinion, was established after extensive and thorough experiments had proved the ordinary conception of the origin of scabs to be incorrect. This subject may be of little or no concern to steel plants producing small ingots for the manufacture of small billets and bars, except as it may be of interest in showing why their surface troubles with scabs do not exist on the product of heats with normal pouring practice. But to the producer of large ingots to be rolled into slabs for large plates used in shipbuilding, it is a very important subject. Definition of a Scab The generally accepted opinion is that the individual scabs present on rolled products (as shown by Fig. I) are considered to have been individual splashes on the ingot surface. This opinion was found to be incorrect. Experiments showed that there were no individual scabs on the product that had appeared as individuals on the ingot surface. The single scabs seen are either pieces of a shell that is present near the bottom of all top-cast ingots, or a veneer that may be present on any part of an ingot improperly poured, as when the stream strikes the mold wall. This definition is based on a detailed study of scabs and their characteristics in which the following have been found true: Location.—On the product of heats poured without trouble, scabs, if present, are always on the product that corresponds to the bottom end of the ingot, and usually occur in clusters. This is true whether molds are coated or not. Shape.—There is no regularity as to shape, size or thickness. It is sometimes possible to separate a few pieces and place them together, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, indicating that at one time they had been united as one piece. If individual splashes were the origin of scabs, the foregoing would not be true. Instead, the splashes, which occur throughout the pouring of the ingots, would be present uniformly over the entire product and there would be considerable similarity in the shape and thickness of the scabs. Experimental Work Our experimental work was conducted on 200-ton heats of semikilled plate steel tapped into an oval ladle 15 ft. high. All ingots were top-cast direct into 24 by 54 by 82-in. molds, straight-sided, set on flat stools. Two separate studies were made about one year apart, each study extending

Jan 1, 1943

Albin, B. R Billings, Mont. '28 Amster, Nathan L . , 25 Broad St, New York, N. Y. '28 Bache, Jules S 42 Broadway, New York, N. Y. '28 Barrett, C. P 5338 Harper Ave, Chicago, Ill. '28 Baum, Frank G Hobart Bldg., San Francisco, Cal. '28 Bayless, Ron. William S Russ Bldg , San Francisco, Cal. ' 28 Bean, Louts H., V.P., Dwight P. Robinson & Co, Inc 125 E. 46th St, New York, N Y. '23 Beatty, Ross J 1105 First National Bank Bldg., Chicago, Ill. '28 Benwell, Oswald F 205 Colorado National Bank, Denver, Colo. '28 Beymer, Albert S., V.P., Keystone National Bank Pittsburgh, Pa. '28 Bingham, Charles W 1542 Hanna Bldg, Cleveland, Ohio. '28 Blumenthal, Hugo 44 Pine St, New York, N. Y. '28 Boettcher, Charles Ideal Cement Bldg., Denver, Colo. '28 Bowlus, Thomas H Iola, Kans. '28 Bragg, E. B Carmel, Cal. '28 Brown, Colvin B Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D. C. '28 Burt, Maxwell Struthers Southern Pines, N. C. '28

Jan 1, 1923

By W. Armstrong Price

INVESTIGATION by German chemists during the World War showed that particles of iron oxide form rapidly in iron pipes carrying hydrogen gas under pressure when the gas contains small amounts of water. Under these conditions, the gas frequently exploded when expanding into a dirigible. The explanation of the explosions lies in the building up of a charge of static electricity in the flow just beyond the orifice and the ignition of the gas by a spark accompanying discharge of the electricity. Friction between the moving particles and the pipe generated the electric charge, which was manifested by a pale blue glow formed in the flow at pressures above two atmospheres. In one experiment, this glow, at eighty atmospheres, extended for a distance of forty to fifty centimetres, but did not ignite hydrogen and air mixtures until the charge was col-lected by a conductor and discharged across a gap between electrodes placed at the side of the column of gas. Autoignition did not occur when this discharge was effected at a distance from the gas column, nor if the gas used was thoroughly dried and free from impurities. The electric charge has been studied by placing various wire and screen conductors in the outcoming stream of gas, Guest having summarized these experiments. The application of these conclusions to fires in petroleum and natural gas issuing uncontrolled from wells is made in the following paper, citing the ignition of a wild gas well in Texas.

Jan 1, 1936

By Carl Lee

WITH the modern trend toward motor drive in coal mines, more careful forethought should be given to future layouts than has usually been done in the past. Both top and bottom equipment of future new mines is likely to differ radically from those of a decade ago. No one is able to predict very far ahead, but provisions can be made to allow for uncertainty. One thing stands out: the mine of the future will be laid out for long life compared to that of the small mine of the past, where an inexpensive top plant, simple equipment, a small timbered shaft, small cars, light rail, hand loading and mule haulage all contributed to a short economical life.

Jan 1, 1933

By J. L. Wyatt

THE smelting of ilmenite to produce a slag rich in titanium, with pig-iron as a byproduct, introduces new concepts in electric smelting metallurgy. Titanium slags are characterized by low electrical resistance, thereby requiring a different type of electric furnace operation, and power supply sources substantially different from those encountered in normal steel melting and siliceous ore smelting furnaces. This paper describes special apparatus for determining specific electrical resistivity of titanium slags, and reports the values obtained on slags encountered in the process of smelting ilmenite ores. In an induction furnace under conditions approximating normal furnacing operation, 25 general heats and 6 special standardization and comparison heats were run. Results indicate relatively low resistivity. Resistivity depends primarily on slag composition, and, to a lesser degree, on temperature. During the summer of 1947 a cooperative project between the National Lead Co. and the Bureau of Mines was conducted at Boulder City, Nevada, in the Electrometallurgical Laboratories of the Bureau. The project involved smelting of ilmenite ores in electric furnaces, and has been reported in detail.' The author participated as a member of the staff of the National Lead Co. during the entire campaign. One outstanding characteristic of the titaniferous slags, their apparently excellent and variable electrical conductivity, was considered sufficiently important to warrant further study. Although little electric smelting of iron ores has been done in the United States, a certain amount of information is available for comparative purposes. Personal experience in smelting siliceous iron ores in electric furnaces furnished further information for comparison. In general, silicate slags are relatively poor conductors of electricity. Current flow during smelting operations may be maintained through a floating layer of coke on top of the slag bath, or through a bath of molten iron, beneath the slag. Silicate slags are not sufficiently conductive to furnish a path for current passage when normal furnace voltages are used. Experimental smelting of a silicate iron ore was undertaken for comparative purposes. A fluid melt was not obtained until the FeO content was reduced to 15 pct. The resistivity increased as the FeO content decreased, FeO compounds being the most conductive of the various oxides in such a normal slag system. The converse appears to be true in slags containing large percentages of TiO2. It has been found that titanium slags become molten with FeO percentages in excess of 30 pct, and that the conductivity becomes generally better as the FeO con-tent of the slag diminishes. This phenomenon was demonstrated in the furnacing operations at Boulder City. During the initial smelting period furnace electrodes could be held immersed several inches in the slag, with tap selectors set for a no-load voltage of 70 v. As the FeO content decreased, the furnace electrodes would "walk up," until at one point in the process the tips would break the surface and arc on top of the slag. This was undesirable since direct arcing caused losses of important flux additions. The slag compositions under study at that time were such that losses due to surface arcing sometimes caused viscous slags to be formed. Forcing the electrodes into the slag bath by manual control to prevent surface arcing resulted in excessive power input and lack of control. Suitable low voltages were not available. Measurement of the electrical resistivity of titanium slags at various operating temperatures and slag compositions was undertaken. It was believed that this information would be of use in the design of electric furnaces suitable for smelting ilmenite, with voltages, electrode sizes, and electrode spacing adapted specifically to titanium slags.

Jan 1, 1951