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By Arthur F. TQggQrt

THE approximate status of education in ore dressing in 1871 is reflected by Rossiter W. Raymond in an article written at that time presenting the curricula and descriptions of the laboratories at the various mining schools in the United States. For the most part, the curricula in which ore dressing was taught were for mining engineering. They comprised courses in geology, mining, and pyrometallurgy about equal in point or credit weights; a short course in ore dressing, and a somewhat longer course in assaying; and courses in surveying, hydraulics, power, and strength of materials-all superimposed on a broad foundation of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Some curricula contained a fair content of the humanities. Then, as now, the emphasis on fundamentals was greater in the older colleges and universities. The report on the Columbia School of Mines, then relatively young, emphasized that a large percentage of its students were college graduates. As technical and scientific knowledge grew, first metallurgy and then geology were set up as separate curricula. So far as curriculum designation is con-

Jan 1, 1947

By J. B. Nau

A short time ago some interesting experiments concerning a new steel-making process in the open-hearth furnace were made by the writer at the Croton magnetic mine, N. Y.

Jan 1, 1892

By George Burgess

NOTE BY THE EDITOR.-This resume of a Technologic Paper which is published in full by the U. S. Bureau of Standards, is brought before the membership of the Institute with the object of affording an opportunity for the open discussion of results of an investigation by the authors named above, of some phases of the manufacture of steel rails which are of great importance to manufacturer and consumer alike. This resume will be presented at the Pittsburg Meeting of the Institute. Discussion is invited, by either members or non-members of the Institute. The discussion may be sent in writing to the Editor, in advance of the meeting, or should preferably be presented in person at the meeting. To those who desire to discuss, copy of the full Technologic Paper (No. 38), as published by the Bureau of Stanaards, will be sent upon request addressed either to the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C., or to the Editor, American Institute of Mining Engineers, 29 West 39th Street, New York, N. Y. Summary of Researches and Conclusions The main objects of this investigation were to determine, from measurements taken at representative rail mills, the present American practice regarding the temperatures at which rails are rolled; to demonstrate the ease and accuracy with which such temperatures may be measured, without interfering in any way with the manufacture of the product; to find out what the "shrinkage clause" in rail specifications really means; and, finally, to determine some of the physical properties of rail steels, particularly those of interest in manufacture, some of which seem to be insufficiently known as yet. 1. Ingot Temperatures.-Measurements made in four mills show that ingots for rails are rolled at temperatures ranging from 1,075° to 1,150° C. (1,965° to 2,100° F.), and that, in a series of 20 to 40 ingots, the variation in temperature from one ingot to another is only 10° to 20° C. 2. Finishing Temperatures.-Rails are finished at temperatures ranging broadly from 880° to-1,050° C. (1,615 to 1,922° F.), but usually ranging within 50° C. of 935° C., and occasionally above 1,100° C.

Jan 9, 1914

By W. H. Forbes

As permissible explosives and electric detonators are now generally recognized as the only safe means of blasting in coal mines, this paper is limited to their use. Causes of Misfires There are many different causes of misfires, but the principal ones are as follows: 1. Explosives which have deteriorated through improper storage either at the storage magazine, the distributing magazine, or at the working face. This is not only true of the explosive itself, but also of its detonating agent. 2. Improper priming and charging at the working face. This commonly occurs when the explosives are handled by inexperienced persons. 3. Improper methods of tamping; the leg wires of the detonator may be abraded or broken by the tamping bar or stick, thereby causing a short or broken circuit. 4. Faulty leading wire, or electrical apparatus of insufficient strength to explode the detonator. Prevention of Misfires Storage is an important factor, especially with permissibles of a nitrate or ammonia base. Both explosives and detonators should be stored in substantially built, fire-resisting magazines and should be situated so that the minimum amount of moisture and heat is present. They should be so constructed that a constant supply of fresh air enters; the floor of the magazine should be raised to permit the circulation of air under the stored explosives. Boxes should be stored top side up and in such a manner that the old explosives are used before those of a later delivery. This eliminates chance of deterioration from lengthy storage. Detonators should be similarly handled and stored. The distributing magazine stock should be regulated so that not more than one day's supply is on hand.

Jan 1, 1930

By Donald L. Katz

THE Oklahoma City Wilcox sand, discovered on March 26, 1930, has produced 394 million barrels of crude oil and 819 billion cubic feet of natural gas as of July 1, 1941. The 100,000-bbl. wells, pressures of 2600 lb. per sq. in., and flows of "Wilcox" sand caused exciting moments in the early life of the field. Today the reservoir is substantially at atmospheric pressure and produces 75,000 bbl. of crude oil daily through 466 pumping wells. Early estimates of the initial crude-oil content of the "Wilcox" sand' indicated that about 600 million barrels of crude oil would remain after the pumping wells ceased to produce economically. The Oklahoma City Wilcox Secondary Recovery Association was organized in March 1939, to study the possibilities of recovering a portion of this oil. Only a very brief summary of the information available can be presented in a paper of this nature. Some simplification and generalizations are necessary to give the over-all picture in so short a space and statements made may not apply to a specific well or small area. Since the area under consideration by the Association is that north of the south line of section 22-11-3, some information will be presented for areas A, B, C, r, 2, 3 and part of 4 of Fig. 2, and some will be for the entire Wilcox zone west of the fault. This paper is essentially an abstract of an engineering report made by A. D. Small, B. T. Murphree, M. C. Sons and the author for the Oklahoma City. Wilcox Secondary Recovery Association on Sept. 5;.1940. Some information is taken from a report to the Association by C. V. Sidwell on March 1, 1940, and some data are from a recent report by A. D. Small. It gives a brief history of the Wilcox zone, estimates of the initial oil contents of the reservoir, present conditions in the reservoir, and probable results from several programs of "secondary recovery." HISTORY OF WILCOX ZONE The Wilcox sand lies on the flank of the general structure, as shown by cross section of Fig. 12.1 .4 and areal map of Fig. 2. The sand is of Ordivician age and is composed of well assorted, rounded' sand grains with no apparent cementing material. The loose texture of the sand is shown by the enormous quantities of sand production from the wells and from the soft cores. The productive sand varies from zero thickness on the east to 220 ft. maximum and to zero thickness on the west because of water. The development of the pool4 was dependent upon drilling restrictions within the city limits, which accounts for the spacing of drilling operations listed in Table I by years. In 1931, areas I through 7 of Fig. 2 were open for drilling with the exception of some west-edge properties, and all wells drilled before Feb. I, 1935, were in this portion of the field. Nearly all wells drilled from 1933 to 1937 were in areas A, B and C. Since 1939, the newly drilled wells have gradually enlarged the producing area toward the west in the northern portion.

Jan 1, 1941

By Kenneth M. Bravinder, Jonathan E. Koogle, Dean H. Sheldon

The solution of subsurface geological problems requires an analysis of vertical and horizontal dimensional relationships. For many, the ability to visualize structures in three dimensions is not easily acquired, and for areas where the structural conditions are complicated by faulting the need arises for illustrative models. This has led to the many forms of peg models, in which the usual course of construction includes a peg for the well bore, and the suspension of strings from peg to peg to illustrate the formation correlation between wells, thus developing the usual folds and flexures. Such models proved unsatisfactory for the analysis of fault problems. Consideration was then given to the use of transparent materials. A model of the Dominguez oil field was constructed in 1935, which consisted of a series of glass panels irom well to well on which the formations were shown in color. This model, though serving its purpose at the time, proved to be impractical from the standpoints of cost, breakage hazard, and extreme difficulty in maintenance. The cost of materials was estimated to be approxi-mately $300, and the construction required the services of one man for a period of from 10 to 12 months. Maintenance after actual construction was an additional expense. Consideration was then given to the use of celluloid, and aiter some experimental work it was found that the advantages in its use were: (I) a short construction time, (2) ease of handling the material, (3) sec-tions are easily reworked, (4) low cost. Construction It would be of little value to recount here the difficulties encountered in the building of the first celluloid model. The conclusions drawn, however, suggest the following pro-cedure for those who contemplate the construction of such a model: 1. Determilzatiolz of the Scale.—Accurate geological interpretation requires the use of the same scale horizontally and vertically. It should be emphasized that the limited size of the celluloid sheets (20 by 48 in. maximum dimensions), the area to be studied, the maximum depths to be plotted, and area of possible future development are the controlling factors in adopting a scale to he used. 2. Construction of the Base.—A satisfac-tory base may be constructed by using two pieces of three-ply wood separated by strips of I by 2-in. material. This type of construction prevents warping of the base. The size of the base is determined by the dimensions of the area to be studied plus 5 in. on all sides. A map of the same scale as that adopted for the model, indicating the lines of section to be used, should be fastened to the base. 3. Constructiolt of the Frame (Fig. I).—In the construction of the frame the use of %-in. 0.d. pipe welded in a box shape is suggested, with two horizontal rods on each of the four sides, top and bottom. The top rod should be at least r in. higher than the

Jan 1, 1941

By Kenneth M. Bravinder, Jonathan E. Koogle, Dean H. Sheldon

The solution of subsurface geological problems requires an analysis of vertical and horizontal dimensional relationships. For many, the ability to visualize structures in three dimensions is not easily acquired, and for areas where the structural conditions are complicated by faulting the need arises for illustrative models. This has led to the many forms of peg models, in which the usual course of construction includes a peg for the well bore, and the suspension of strings from peg to peg to illustrate the formation correlation between wells, thus developing the usual folds and flexures. Such models proved unsatisfactory for the analysis of fault problems. Consideration was then given to the use of transparent materials. A model of the Dominguez oil field was constructed in 1935, which consisted of a series of glass panels irom well to well on which the formations were shown in color. This model, though serving its purpose at the time, proved to be impractical from the standpoints of cost, breakage hazard, and extreme difficulty in maintenance. The cost of materials was estimated to be approxi-mately $300, and the construction required the services of one man for a period of from 10 to 12 months. Maintenance after actual construction was an additional expense. Consideration was then given to the use of celluloid, and aiter some experimental work it was found that the advantages in its use were: (I) a short construction time, (2) ease of handling the material, (3) sec-tions are easily reworked, (4) low cost. Construction It would be of little value to recount here the difficulties encountered in the building of the first celluloid model. The conclusions drawn, however, suggest the following pro-cedure for those who contemplate the construction of such a model: 1. Determilzatiolz of the Scale.—Accurate geological interpretation requires the use of the same scale horizontally and vertically. It should be emphasized that the limited size of the celluloid sheets (20 by 48 in. maximum dimensions), the area to be studied, the maximum depths to be plotted, and area of possible future development are the controlling factors in adopting a scale to he used. 2. Construction of the Base.—A satisfac-tory base may be constructed by using two pieces of three-ply wood separated by strips of I by 2-in. material. This type of construction prevents warping of the base. The size of the base is determined by the dimensions of the area to be studied plus 5 in. on all sides. A map of the same scale as that adopted for the model, indicating the lines of section to be used, should be fastened to the base. 3. Constructiolt of the Frame (Fig. I).—In the construction of the frame the use of %-in. 0.d. pipe welded in a box shape is suggested, with two horizontal rods on each of the four sides, top and bottom. The top rod should be at least r in. higher than the

Jan 1, 1941

By Arthur Coffinberry

EVE have studied the gold-aluminum system by X-ray diffraction and by the microscope over the entire range of composition for temperatures between 300° and 500° C. Results obtained are shown in Fig. 1, com-bined with the work of Heycock and Neville1 at higher temperatures. The diagram differs in important details from that given by Hansen2 in his critical compilation of the literature of binary alloy systems. This work was, undertaken both because of the intrinsic value of a knowledge of the phase diagram of this system and because of the need of theoretical metallurgy for precise and accurate data, particularly X-ray diffraction data. Systematic studies of equilibrium diagrams, particularly by Hume-Rothery,3 have shown regularities that yield a certain insight into the nature of alloying forces. It has been shown, for example, that solid solubility depends on the concentration of free electrons in the alloy, on the relative radii of solvent and solute atones, on the forces of attraction between atoms, and on the relative stability of intermediate phases. The well-known Hume-Rothery rule states that the crystal structures and compositions of many intermediate phases depend on the electron-to-atom ratio. This has been confirmed and extended by wave mechanical calculations.4 A knowledge of the forces between atoms in alloys, even an imperfectly developed empirical one, should be a valuable guide in the preparation of technological alloys of desirable properties. Furthermore, such informa-tion is basic in such problems as rate of diffusion, age-hardening, phase transformations, and others. The most valuable data for this purpose are furnished by X-ray diffraction studies. Unfortunately, work has been

Jan 1, 1938

By Kenneth M. Bravinder, Jonathan E. Koogle, Dean H. Sheldon

THE solution of subsurface geological problems requires an analysis of vertical and horizontal dimensional relationships. For many, the ability to visualize structures in three dimensions is not easily acquired, and for areas where the structural conditions are complicated by faulting the need arises for illustrative models. This has led to the many forms of peg models, in which the usual course of construction includes a peg for the well bore, and the suspension of strings from peg to peg to illustrate the formation correlation between wells, thus developing the usual folds and flexures. Such models proved unsatisfactory for the analysis of fault problems. Consideration was then given to the use of transparent materials. A model of the Dominguez oil field was constructed in 1935, which consisted of a series of glass panels from well to well on which the formations were shown in color. This model, though serving its purpose at the time, proved to be impractical from the standpoints of cost, breakage hazard, and extreme difficulty in maintenance. The cost of materials was estimated to be approximately $300, and the construction required the services of one man for a period of from 10 to 12 months. Maintenance after actual construction was an additional expense. Consideration was then given to the use of celluloid, and after some experimental work it was found that the advantages in its use were: (I) a short construction time, (2) ease of handling the material, (3) sections are easily reworked, (4) low cost. CONSTRUCTION It would be of little value to recount here the difficulties encountered in the building of the first celluloid model. The conclusions drawn, however, suggest the following procedure for those who contemplate the construction of such a model: I. Determination of the Scale.-Accurate geological interpretation requires the use of the same scale horizontally and vertically. It should be emphasized that the limited size of the celluloid sheets (20 by 48 in. maximum dimensions), the area to be studied, the maximum depths to be plotted, and area of possible future development are the controlling factors in adopting a scale to be used. 2. Construction of the Base.-A satisfactory base may be constructed by using two pieces of three-ply wood separated by strips of i by 2-in. material. This type of construction prevents warping of the base. The size of the base is determined by the dimensions of the area to be studied plus 5 in. on all sides. A map of the same scale as that adopted for the model, indicating the lines of section to be used, should be fastened to the base. 3. Construction of the Frame (Fig. I).-In the construction of the frame the use of 1/2-in. o.d. pipe welded in a box shape is suggested, with two horizontal rods on each of the four sides, top and bottom. The top rod should be at least I in. higher than the

Jan 1, 1941

By Eldon C. Pattee

Variations of a very reliable geochemical field test for beryllium developed by Patten and Ward, have been adapted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to facilitate rapid testing of reconnaissance samples and to aid in rapid examination of known occurrences. Although several qualitative tests for detecting beryllium have been described in the literature,1,2,3, the Patten-Ward4 morin geochemical field method has the advantages of being rapid and being quantitative for minute amounts of beryllium. In addition to the morin field method, Patten, in cooperation with Griffitts, have developed a contact- print method for determining beryllium in hand specimens.5 The semiquantitative method can be used for rapid screening of samples in exploration or reconnaissance work. The use of beads for fusing samples provides a more rapid test, but gives less accurate results than the method developed by Patten and Ward. The semiquantitative method, however, requires less equipment and combines three stock solutions into one reagent for easy application. Estimates of samples in the range from 3 to 1000 ppm varied from about 0.25 to 5 times the actual beryllium content.

Jan 5, 1965

By Horace Mann

A FEW years ago, it was generally thought that from 15 to 18 per, cent. of zinc oxide was the upper limit of a workable lead blast-furnace slag. With slags above this zinc-oxide content, the furnaces gave so much trouble because of hearth, wall, and crucible accretions that the campaign was very short. The time lost in cleaning out the frozen furnaces, for it was seldom possible to blow them out, and blowing in was so great that it was considered uneconomical to attempt the running of high-zinc slags, even if this were metallurgically possible. It is true that there are, references to one or two slags much higher in zinc than the foregoing,1 but the average smelterman regarded these, as freaks and not to be considered for regular furnace work. One or two plants, notably the plant of the United States Smelting Co, at Canyon City, Colo., ran charges, higher in zinc. At this plant, the zinc-oxide content of the charge was frequently 20 per cent. and higher but the slags from these furnace's seldom ran over 10 to 12 per. cent. zinc oxide. The furnaces were run with a large volume of air under a relatively low pressure, a low smelting column, and a very hot top; as a result, a large amount of zinc was volatilized. Even with the low smelting column and hot top, accretions caused much trouble and barring, down was a daily occurrence. At the time most of the theories on lead blast-furnace work were promulgated or worked out, it was necessary to run a furnace with a cold top in order to avoid an excessive loss due to fines and fume. At the same time, the smelting conditions had to be such that the lead and silver would be reduced and would enter the bullion. The slag had to be liquid but the charge must not give excessive accretions either in the hearth or on the walls of the furnace. This forced the operators to run the furnaces with a comparatively low blast, which, in turn, caused a small fuel consumption per unit of time with the accompanying result of a low working temperature.

Jan 8, 1925

By D. L. Katz

The Oklahoma City Wilcox sand, discovered on March 26, 1930, has produced 394 million barrels of crude oil and 819 billion cubic feet of natural gas as of July I, 1941. The 100,000-bbl. wells, pressures of 2600 lb. per sq. in., and flows of "Wilcox" sand caused exciting moments in the early life of the field. Today the reservoir is substantially at atmospheric pressure and produccs 75,000 bbl. of crude oil daily through 466 pumping wells. Early estimates of the initial crude-oil content of the "Wilcox" sand1 indicated that about 600 million barrels of crude oil would remain after the pumping wells ceased to produce economically. The Oklahoma City Wilcox Secondary Recovery Association was organized in March 1939, to study the possibilities of recovering a portion of this oil. Only a very brief summary of the information available can be presented in a paper of this nature. Some simplifications and generalizations are necessary to give the over-all picture in SO short a space and statements made may not apply to a specific well or small area. Since the area under consideration by the Association is that north of the south line of section 22-11-3, some information will be presented for areas A, B, C, 1, 2, 3 and part of 4 of Fig. 2, and some will be for the entire Wilcox zone west of the fault. This paper is essentially an abstract of an engineering report made by A. D. Small, B. T. Murphree, M. C. Sons and the author for the Oklahoma City Wilcox Secondary Recovery Association on Sept. 5, 1940. Some information is taken from a report to the Association by C. V. Sidwell on March I, 1940, and some data are from a recent report by A. D. Small. It gives a brief history of the Wilcox zone, estimates of the initial oil contents of the reservoir, present conditions in the reservoir, and probable results from several programs of "secondary recovery." History of Wilcox Zone The Wilcox sand lies on the flank of the general structure, as shown by cross section of Fig. I2,3,4 and areal map of Fig. 2. The sand is of Ordovician age and is composed of well assorted, rounded sand grains with no apparent cementing material. The loose texture of the sand is shown by the enormous quantities of sand production from the wells and from the soft cores. The productive sand varies from zero thickness on the east to 220 ft. maximum and to zero thickness on the west because of water. The development of the pool4 as dependent upon drilling restrictions within the city limits, which accounts for the spacing of drilling operations listed in Table I by years. In 1931, areas I through 7 of Fig. 2 were open for drilling with the exception of some west-edge properties, and all wells drilled before Feb. I, 1935, were in this portion of the field. Nearly all wells drilled from 1933 to 1037 were in areas A, B and C. Since 1939, the newly drilled wells have gradually enlarged the producing area toward the west in the northern portion.

Jan 1, 1942

By D. L. Katz

The Oklahoma City Wilcox sand, discovered on March 26, 1930, has produced 394 million barrels of crude oil and 819 billion cubic feet of natural gas as of July I, 1941. The 100,000-bbl. wells, pressures of 2600 lb. per sq. in., and flows of "Wilcox" sand caused exciting moments in the early life of the field. Today the reservoir is substantially at atmospheric pressure and produccs 75,000 bbl. of crude oil daily through 466 pumping wells. Early estimates of the initial crude-oil content of the "Wilcox" sand1 indicated that about 600 million barrels of crude oil would remain after the pumping wells ceased to produce economically. The Oklahoma City Wilcox Secondary Recovery Association was organized in March 1939, to study the possibilities of recovering a portion of this oil. Only a very brief summary of the information available can be presented in a paper of this nature. Some simplifications and generalizations are necessary to give the over-all picture in SO short a space and statements made may not apply to a specific well or small area. Since the area under consideration by the Association is that north of the south line of section 22-11-3, some information will be presented for areas A, B, C, 1, 2, 3 and part of 4 of Fig. 2, and some will be for the entire Wilcox zone west of the fault. This paper is essentially an abstract of an engineering report made by A. D. Small, B. T. Murphree, M. C. Sons and the author for the Oklahoma City Wilcox Secondary Recovery Association on Sept. 5, 1940. Some information is taken from a report to the Association by C. V. Sidwell on March I, 1940, and some data are from a recent report by A. D. Small. It gives a brief history of the Wilcox zone, estimates of the initial oil contents of the reservoir, present conditions in the reservoir, and probable results from several programs of "secondary recovery." History of Wilcox Zone The Wilcox sand lies on the flank of the general structure, as shown by cross section of Fig. I2,3,4 and areal map of Fig. 2. The sand is of Ordovician age and is composed of well assorted, rounded sand grains with no apparent cementing material. The loose texture of the sand is shown by the enormous quantities of sand production from the wells and from the soft cores. The productive sand varies from zero thickness on the east to 220 ft. maximum and to zero thickness on the west because of water. The development of the pool4 as dependent upon drilling restrictions within the city limits, which accounts for the spacing of drilling operations listed in Table I by years. In 1931, areas I through 7 of Fig. 2 were open for drilling with the exception of some west-edge properties, and all wells drilled before Feb. I, 1935, were in this portion of the field. Nearly all wells drilled from 1933 to 1037 were in areas A, B and C. Since 1939, the newly drilled wells have gradually enlarged the producing area toward the west in the northern portion.

Jan 1, 1942

By M. C. Udy, F. W. Boulger

AN incomplete phase diagram for the U-Ti systern was determined earlier 1 and more recently, a tentative diagram was presented for the uranium-rich end of the system.' In the present re-examination of the whole system of U-Ti alloys, high purity materials were used. Melting stock for the alloys was high purity uranium, containing about 0.09 pct C as the only appreciable impurity, and high purity iodide-process titanium purchased from New Jersey Zinc Co. Both metals were cold rolled to about 1/6 in. thickness, sheared to about I/' in. squares, and cleaned by pickling. The alloys were arc melted under a helium atmosphere in a water-cooled copper crucible. A thoriated-tungsten electrode was used. The furnace chamber was evacuated, then flushed with helium, prior to each melting. It was finally filled with stagnant helium at one atmosphere pressure. Each alloy was remelted three times after the original melting, to insure homogeneity. The alloy button was turned bottom side up before each re-melting operation. Some 22 alloys were examined. Their compositions were spaced at appropriate intervals between 100 pct Ti and 100 pct U. Analyses were made on chips taken after fabrication. The major contaminant was carbon, which varied from 0.03 to 0.08 pct. It appeared in the microstructure as titanium carbide. Alloy compositions were calculated to a carbon-free basis for consideration on the diagram. Tungsten and copper, possible contaminants from the melting operation, were generally less than 100 parts per million each. Fabrication All alloys were forged and rolled to bars approximately V8 in. square. They were clad either in SAE 1020 steel or in a 5 pct Cr-3 pct Al-Ti-base alloy, depending on the fabrication temperature. A temperature of 1800°F (980°C) was used for alloys near the compound composition. This necessitated using the titanium-base alloy, since iron reacts with titanium at this temperature, producing a low melting alloy. Other alloys were fabricated at 1450°F (790°C), using steel jackets. No iron-titanium reaction occurred at this temperature. The jackets were welded in place in an argon atmosphere. Those alloys sheathed in steel were declad and then reclad between rolling and forging operations. On the other hand, those clad with the titanium alloy were cut to a roughly rectangular shape prior to clading and were then carried through both the forging and rolling operations without opening. Those alloys near the compound composition were found to be cracked when the clading was removed. The cracked materials had been plastically deformed, however, and at least some of the cracking had OCcurred during cooling. Heat Treatment The rolled bars, after being declad and shaped to remove surface contamination, were all given an homogenizing treatment of 160 hr at 2000°F. (Samples were taken for analysis following the declading and shaping operations.) All were heat treated at the same time in one furnace, but each was sealed in a purified argon atmosphere in an individual Vycor glass tube. Argon pressure was such that it was approximately atmospheric at temperature. One end of each tube contained titanium chips and this end was heated to 1200°F (650°C) for 10 min prior to the heat treatment. This purged the atmosphere of residual reactive gases. The balance of the tube was warmed during the purge to liberate adsorbed moisture and gases, which also reacted with the hot chips. The bars were furnace cooled from the homogenization treatment. Specimens of each alloy were water quenched after 2 hr heating at 1000°, 1200°, 1400°, 1600°, 1800°, and 2000°F (540°, 650°, 760°, 870°, 980°, and 1095°C). In addition, some were treated at intermediate temperatures of 1300°, 1500°, and 1700°F (705", 815", and 925°C) and at 2150°F (1175°C). Specimens, about '/s in. cubes, were cut from the bars, sealed in individual Vycor tubes, and heat treated as described. All specimens heat treated at the same temperature were processed together. Samples were quenched by breaking the Vycor tube rapidly under water. Metallographic Examination Specimens were mounted in bakelite and ground wet on 180 grit paper held on a 1750 rpm disk. They were then ground wet by hand, using 240, 400, and 600 grit papers. The rough grinding was continued long enough to get well below the surface. Specimens were mounted separately because of the variation in the rate of etching between alloys. The specimens were polished with rouge on a 4 in., 1725 rpm wheel covered with Miracloth. Alloys on the titanium side of the compound composition were etched with a solution of 2 pct hydrofluoric acid in water saturated with oxalic acid. A few crystals of ferric nitrate were added as a bright -ener. Specimens were immersed 5 sec, polished to remove the etch, then re-etched. With the higher titanium alloys, it was often necessary to start the etch on the polishing wheel, because of the formation of a passive film. In some instances, a plain 2 pct hydrofluoric etch was satisfactory. For the alloys on the uranium side of the compound, a distinction between the compound and the uranium phase developed after standing a short time in air. This could be hastened by the application of heat, such as obtained by placing the specimen on a radiator. A deep etch was necessary to develop details in the uranium-rich phase, such as the Widmanstaetten pattern sometimes obtained by quenching y uranium. A 2 pct hydrofluoric acid solution was used for this deep etching.

Jan 1, 1955

By R. J. McNally

THERE are three primary plant nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—expressed in any fertilizer compound as percent N, percent P 2 O 5, and percent K 2 O, in that order. This article will be concerned with the first two. The chief source of P 2 O 5 is phosphate rock. As found in the western states phosphate rock is essentially tricalcium phosphate-calcium fluoride (fluor-patite). As such, it is quite water insoluble.

Jan 1, 1957

By C. W. Davis, L. R. Messer

THE name fuller's earth, which was derived from its early use in "fulling" or removing grease from woolen goods, is a term that is generally considered to designate mineral matter, containing hydrous aluminum silicates of the clay group, which has a high capacity for removing colors from oils, whether of animal, vegetable, or mineral origin. Fuller's earths are usually dried and may be "tempered" by heating or may be treated with water or reagents to improve their efficiency. For our purpose the term "acid-treated earths" will include those products from the partial decomposition of mineral water by acid which are equal to or more efficient than an untreated fuller's earth from Quincy, Fla., when used in bleaching mineral oil by the "contact" process. In general, the contact process for treating oils consists of heating and agitating a mixture of oil and finely divided adsorbent, the latter being subsequently removed by filtration. The term "adsorbent" is used because, although there has been a great deal of controversy over the mechanism of removal of impurities from oils by mineral matter, there is no doubt that adsorption, which involves the surface of the solid, plays a major part.' The properties that make fuller's earth useful in the treatment of petroleum products by "percolation1' and in the purification of edible oils by the contact process have long been studied, but the comparatively recent adaptation of the contact process to the bleaching of petroleum products has made desirable the further investigation of fuller's earth and other adsorbent earths.

Jan 1, 1929

By Charles Will Wright

THOSE that attended the seventeenth International Geological Congress held in Russia last summer had an excellent opportunity to gather data and to form impressions on the progress made in the industrialization of the country, particularly with regard to the mineral industries. Several trips to places of interest were arranged, supplementary to the technical sessions held in Moscow, the one to the Ural region being that which I selected as being most likely to be of interest. The accomplishments of the last decade in opening up new mines and building new metallurgical plants in the Soviet Union have been outstanding. This could only be accomplished by a central government ready to employ the best technical talent, which was

Jan 1, 1937

The plans involve about ten technical sessions, a day spent in Cripple Creek and in Pueblo, where there will he optional visits devoted to steel, non-ferrous metals, etc.; half-a-day each to mills in Colorado Springs district and an auto trip to the top of Pike's Peak. Finally, a day at Leadville devoted to visits, including the molybdenum works.

Jan 4, 1918

By T. Sterry Hunt

THERE are about sixty bodies which chemists call elements ; the simplest forms of matter which they have been able to extract from the rocky crust of our earth, its waters, and its atmosphere. These substances are distributed in very unequal quantities, and in very different manners. As regards the frequency of these elements in nature, neglecting for the present those which constitute air and water, and confining ourselves to the solid matters of the earth's crust, there are a few which are exceedingly abundant, making up nine-tenths, if not ninety-five hundredths, of the rocks so far as known to us. The elements of which silica, alumina, lime, magnesia, potash, and soda are oxides, are very common, and occur almost everywhere. There are others which are much rarer, being found in comparatively small quantities. Many of these rarer elements are, however, of great importance in the economy of nature. Such are the common metals and other substances used in the arts, which occur in nature in quantities relatively very minute, but which have been collected by various agencies, and thus made available for the wants of man. It is chiefly of the well-known metals, iron, copper, silver, and gold, that I propose to speak to-night ; but there are two other elements not classed among the metals, which I shall notice for the reason that their history is extremely important, and will, moreover, enable , us to comprehend more clearly some points in that of the metals themselves. I speak of phosphorus and iodine. You all know the essential part which the former of these, com-

Jan 1, 1967