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By E. A. Sobering

Hydraulic filling or sand filling is a system used to fill underground excavations with a dense pulp. Milltailings are commonly used. The resultant fill, after being placed and de-watered, is known as hydraulic fill. These fills have been effectively used to (a) provide immediate support of the workings place during stoping; (b) .facilitate the recovery of pillars; (c) limit surface damage by subsidence; (d) permit the mining of parallel hanging-wall orebodies; (e) stabilize the ground in mines, thereby reducing the rock burst hazard; (f) control and prevent mine fires; and (g) solve tailings disposal .problems. The various uses of hydraulic filling have been developed during the last ninety years. In 1864 it was employed only to control surface subsidence. Since then, this system has been successfully applied to meet specific ground support problems. Methods of handling mine-fill derived from a source outside the stope include transportation ?Of the material by hand, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic means, or a combination of these methods. The hydraulic method has many advantages not found in the others; a significant advantage is the low compressibility of the material when compared to other mine-fill material. The hydraulic filling operation includes the .preparation and transportation of the pulp. The underground practices in .placing the fill vary from mine to mine. The chief reason, formerly, for using hydraulic fill was the exceptional support it provided, but recently it has proven an important means of reducing mining costs. This is especially true where labour is a large part of an alternative method, or where timber consumption is greatly reduced. The indirect benefits of hydraulic filling are probably as important as the direct benefits, and few important disadvantages exist.

Jan 1, 1956

By Robert F. Mehl

THIS essay is an attempt to present the elementary facts and ideas concerning the growth of crystals, especially of metals. Freezing, like all heterogeneous processes, is a process of nucleation and growth; it manifests itself in metallurgy primarily in the freezing of ingots. The preceding paper in this volume discusses nucleation; the paper to follow describes ingot solidification. The present paper will treat of the growth of nuclei to large crystals, embracing a long series of phenomena, many of which are familiar to metallurgists.† Crystal growth, it will be immediately noted, occurs not only in the freezing of metals, but in the freezing of all substances; and it is a prominent and familiar phenomenon in crystallization from solutions, aqueous or otherwise, and in crystallization from the vapor phase. It will be necessary to include such systems in this discussion, for so much of value to metallurgists has been learned from their study. Apart from this, so far as metals are concerned, it will be simpler to limit the discussion to the freezing of pure metals and of solid solutions. Other types of freezing-eutectic, peritectic, etc.-will be excluded, though they have much of interest and of importance. BASIC MECHANISM OF FREEZING Ideally, nucleation and growth processes can best be considered from the point of view of isothermal reaction and upon the assumption of random nucleation. In. such an ideal case, nuclei form at random, and at a characteristic rate either constant or changing with time, and grow to spherulites at a characteristic rate, constant or changing with time, Fig. I.. On the simplest assumption, the reaction rate-in this case the rate of freezing-is a resultant of these two component rates. The reaction rate equation may be written in terms of these two component rates. The formation of pearlite from austenite closely approaches this ideal case. The ideal case forms a very useful point of departure in considering real cases. Various factors of reality produce deviations from this assumed ideality. In freezing, the isotropic medium, the melt, passes to the anisotropic solid, the crystal. Crystals are lattices of atoms, and the unit cell is often referred to as a crystal unit. Rosenhain, many years ago, represented the nucleation and growth process on freezing in the manner shown in Fig. 2, feeling, intuitively, that there must be some crystal unit in crystal growth. It now appears that this may be true, though his picture requires much elaboration. The greatest deviation from ideality lies in the nonisothermal nature of the freezing process in metals. To approach this properly it should be recalled that many nonmetallic substances freeze slowly. Tammann, to whom we owe the classic approach, studied complex organic materials in which (as in the case of eutectoid steels at high

Jan 1, 1951

By Robert B Sosman

The relative temperature distribution within a coke oven and among the ovens in a battery can be obtained automatically for the operator's guidance by sighting a total-radiation pyrometer on the face of the coke as it is pushed out, and recording the surface temperature. Keeping the instrument clean and keeping its view of the coke unobstructed by smoke and dust are the principal problems. Typical records from three plants are presented in this paper, showing that the temperature patterns are reproducible. Development OF Method The method of coke pyrometry described in this paper was introduced in 1936 by E. A. Lee, then Assistant Superintendent, now Superintendent, of the Coke Plant at Lorain Works, National Tube Co., Lorain, Ohio. At the request of the Coke Committee of the United States Steel Corporation, the Research Laboratory of the Corporation undertook to adapt the method to the somewhat different conditions met with at the Gary Works of the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation, Gary, Ind., and at the Clairton Works of the same Corporation at Clairton, Pa. This work was done in cooperation with the Leeds and Northrup Co. of Philadelphia and later with the Brown Instrument Co. Division of Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co., Philadelphia. We of the Research Laboratory wish to express our appreci- ation of the courtesies extended by Mr. Lee, by A. N. Cole, Superintendent of the Gary coke plant, and by D. P. Finney, Assistant General Superintendent in charge of coke-plant operations at Clairton. We are also indebted to the instrument companies for the loan of a part of the equipment. At Gary and Clairton the instruments were installed and various experiments were made by J. W. Bain, of the Research Laboratory of the United States Steel Corporation. Pyrometry of Coke The coke inside a by-product oven is almost completely inaccessible to pyro-metric instruments. The temperature in the walls can conceivably be measured with thermocouples, but the atmosphere is usually strongly reducing, a condition well known to be destructive to the accuracy of the customary high-temperature couples. In some plants, periodic readings are taken with an optical pyrometer sighted into the top of the combustion flues. This is a useful measure for safety and general control, as it tends to prevent the damage that would result from overheating of the ovens. It does not, however, tell much about the temperature of the coke itself, because of the continually changing gradient in the wall between the coke and the combustion chamber. The best indication of the temperature of the coke itself must therefore be obtained by observation of the product as it is pushed out of the oven. The human eye is very sensitive to variations in brightness of a surface, and particularly to differences in brightness over a continuous hot surface.

Jan 1, 1943

By Robert B. Sosman

The relative temperature distribution within a coke oven and among the ovens in a battery can be obtained automatically for the operator's guidance by sighting a total-radiation pyrometer on the face of the coke as it is pushed out, and recording the surface temperature. Keeping the instrument clean and keeping its view of the coke unobstructed by smoke and dust are the principal problems. Typical records from three plants are presented in this paper, showing that the temperature patterns are reproducible. Development OF Method The method of coke pyrometry described in this paper was introduced in 1936 by E. A. Lee, then Assistant Superintendent, now Superintendent, of the Coke Plant at Lorain Works, National Tube Co., Lorain, Ohio. At the request of the Coke Committee of the United States Steel Corporation, the Research Laboratory of the Corporation undertook to adapt the method to the somewhat different conditions met with at the Gary Works of the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation, Gary, Ind., and at the Clairton Works of the same Corporation at Clairton, Pa. This work was done in cooperation with the Leeds and Northrup Co. of Philadelphia and later with the Brown Instrument Co. Division of Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co., Philadelphia. We of the Research Laboratory wish to express our appreci- ation of the courtesies extended by Mr. Lee, by A. N. Cole, Superintendent of the Gary coke plant, and by D. P. Finney, Assistant General Superintendent in charge of coke-plant operations at Clairton. We are also indebted to the instrument companies for the loan of a part of the equipment. At Gary and Clairton the instruments were installed and various experiments were made by J. W. Bain, of the Research Laboratory of the United States Steel Corporation. Pyrometry of Coke The coke inside a by-product oven is almost completely inaccessible to pyro-metric instruments. The temperature in the walls can conceivably be measured with thermocouples, but the atmosphere is usually strongly reducing, a condition well known to be destructive to the accuracy of the customary high-temperature couples. In some plants, periodic readings are taken with an optical pyrometer sighted into the top of the combustion flues. This is a useful measure for safety and general control, as it tends to prevent the damage that would result from overheating of the ovens. It does not, however, tell much about the temperature of the coke itself, because of the continually changing gradient in the wall between the coke and the combustion chamber. The best indication of the temperature of the coke itself must therefore be obtained by observation of the product as it is pushed out of the oven. The human eye is very sensitive to variations in brightness of a surface, and particularly to differences in brightness over a continuous hot surface.

Jan 1, 1943

By J. C. Barcellos

El presente estudio describe el método de empleo para la determinación del espaciamiento óptimo de muestreo en la Mina Casapalca. La técnica comprende cuatro pasos: recolección y preparación de datos, procesamiento electrónico de datos, análisis de los resultados y la verificación de las conclusiones. Dentro de las conclusiones, se considera que los métodos estadísticos son los más útiles en la solución de los problemas de la industria minera , puesto que cualquier dato numérico pueden ser convertido a un número más simple a través de la computadora.

Nov 20, 1972

"What is your history and how did you get involved in mining?Like many SME members, I came from a mining community with a family history in mining, in my case Walkerville, MT. Both of my grandfathers were underground miners. My father was a miner for a short time. He later sold drinks to the miners. Unfathomable by today’s standards, my dad would pick up the miners’ checks at the pay office and have them cashed and waiting with a shot and beer for the miners when their shift ended. My mother was a nurse, who from time to time, would patch up an unfortunate miner. I remember walking past multiple picket lines on the way to and from grade school, watching homes being boarded-up. I grew up with a deep respect for the critical relationship between labor and management.I had no intention of going into mining and initially set out to pursue a career in chemical engineering. But I attended my first two years of engineering at Montana Tech, due to the proximity and affordability. This is where I met Dr. Tom Finch, a mining professor who taught statics to the engineering students. After a coaching session in a hallway, half way through my sophomore year, I switched to mineral processing engineering. In his colorful way, Professor Finch advised me that, “You do not want to make #@*!! erasers and #@*!! Jell-O the rest of your life go talk to the guys in mineral processing.” He was very persuasive and here I am today.How about your involvement with SME?I encountered SME out of school and a little later in my career. Terry Maio and Jim Arnold invited me to local section meetings in the Missouri Lead Belt. That was my first exposure to the technical programming and relationship building that was possible at the local level. After Ozark Lead shut down and I relocated to Nevada, Rich Johnson, Scott Barr and Dave Collins encouraged me to attend my first annual meeting in Salt Lake City, UT. I joined SME at that time and was fortunate to be engaged by members like Art Schweizer and Jim Arnold, and I soon began the leadership progression for the Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division. Since then, I have supported SME at the national and the local level serving in multiple roles and capacities."

Mar 1, 2017

PROF RICHARD ÅKERMAN Stockholm, Sweden ANDREW CARNEGIR New York, N.Y. DR. JAMES DOUGLAS New York, N.Y. PROF HATON DE LA GOUPILLIERE Paris, France PROF HANS HOEFER Leoben, Austria PROF HENRI LOUIS LE CHATELIER Paris France M FLORIS OSMOND Paris, France JOHN E. STEAD Middlesborugh, England PROF DIMITRY CONSTANTIN TSCHERNOFF St Petersburg, Russia CHARLES D WALCOT Washingtion D.C.

Jan 1, 1910

By Ricardo Castillejo M.

El propósito fundamental de la presente investigación es introducir en el proceso de minado, el uso de un agente de voladura de baja velocidad de detonación (velocity of detonation, VOD) con la finalidad de mejorar los parámetros de voladura en la producción de carbón del tipo Antracita, y por ende reducir los costos de la operación unitaria de perforación y voladura.

Sep 1, 2017

By D. Brisebois, J. M. Fecteau, S. Poirier

"This paper focusses on new developments regarding thermal rock fragmentation applications. The technology consists of a strong burner powered by diesel fuel and air. The thermal reaction that is created allows for the enlargement of 125 mm to 450 mm holes by breaking the rock in a spalling effect. It has been used for over 30 years in Russian open pit mining. Following an agreement between Dynamitage T.C.G. Inc. and the owner of the technology, major improvements have been brought to this technology, allowing for the fabrication of a prototype suitable for the Canadian industry. In Russia and the Ukraine, thermal rock fragmentation is actually used to drill large diameter holes in surface mining. Upon having acquired a better knowledge of this technology, it seems that it presents a great potential for selective mining in narrow-vein operations, for either surface or underground mining.Rocmec International Inc., a subsidiary of Dynamitage T.C.G. Inc., and Natural Resources Canada are technical partners in the evaluation of the operational parameters and environmental aspects such as gas, heat, dust and fog emissions. Furthermore, Canada Economic Development is a financial partner in this project.This paper presents the technology and its history. It also reports on the changes brought to the equipment to adapt it to North American environments. A summary of the tests carried out since 1995 is provided, along with the main conclusions obtained. The anticipated applications for the use of this technology in both surface and underground environments are described such as open pit mining, bulk sampling and narrow-vein ore extraction. An estimate showing a comparison between the thermal fragmentation mining concept and the long-hole mining method is presented and, finally, the future developments planned are listed."

Jan 1, 2003

By James C. Hower, B. K. Parekh

Introduction The purpose of coal preparation is to improve the quality of coal to make it suitable for a specific purpose by (1) cleaning to remove inorganic impurities; (2) sizing-crushing or screening, or both; and (3) special treatment, such as dedusting. The properties and quantities of impurities in coal are of major importance in the design and operation of steam generating equipment. Although boilers are often designed and equipped to use a wide range of coals, no boiler will perform equally well with all types of coals. All coals have certain properties that place limitations on their most advantageous use. These limitations are especially stringent for many of the older installations. Because of a general lowering of quality of raw coal in recent years, the need for coal cleaning has significantly increased. Among the factors contributing to the need for increased coal preparation are (1) increased demand for quality brought on by market and environmental requirements; (2) increased extraneous dilution caused by mine, health, and safety laws; and (3) depletion of the higher-quality coal seams. The major characteristics of coal and impurities from the standpoint of mechanical cleaning are particle size composition, generally called size consist; density differences; the relative friability of the coal and its associated impurities; hardness; and strength. Some of the other factors related to preparation are petrographic composition and rank. RANK CLASSIFICATION Coal is a general designation for a great number of solid organic minerals with different compositions and properties; all are rather rich in carbon and have a dark color, generally black. Next to mineral oil and kerogen, coal is the most important reservoir of carbon in the world. Carbon is an indispensable necessity of life as well as the main source of energy. Coals are found in stratified deposits, sometimes at great depths. All coals owe their origins to slow decomposition and chemical conversion of immense masses of organic material. As found in seams, coal is a heterogeneous mixture of organic and inorganic materials. Not only are there large differences in the properties of coal originating from different seams, but also in coal removed from different locations in a single seam. A genetic relationship exists between peats, brown coals, lignites, biturninous coals, and anthracites. As a whole, the process of coal formation, or coalification, proceeds as a continuous transformation of plant material, each phase characterized by a degree of coalification, or rank. As a measure of this rank, the carbon content or some related parameter can be used.

Jan 1, 1991

Roasting of molybdenite concentrate is an important stage in the production of commercial molybdenum trioxide. The oxidation kinetic and mechanism of molybdenum sulfide concentrates from two plants were investigated at temperatures from 444 °C to 640°C. The rate of reaction was determined for thin layer samples in a muffle furnace at controlled temperatures, oxygen excess and removal of sulfur dioxide. For both concentrates the rate of reaction is fairly slow at temperatures below 500°C and remains fairly constant from 540 to 600 °C. It was observed that the concentrate from the first plant presents a tendency for sintering or glazing at temperatures above 620°C, whereas the same phenomena was observed at 20 or 30 °C higher temperature for the second concentrate. A kinetic model of two reactions, involving the formation of Mo02 as intermediate oxide for the production of Mo03 is proposed and activation energies of 23.0 and 20.8 kJ/mol for the first and second reaction were calculated for temperatures between 520 °C to 600 °C. These low values of activation energies indicate that the overall rate of oxidation is controlled by mass transfer, particularly in a porous layer of oxides. Therefore, the renewal of the surface by mixing and motion of the concentrate layer is of great importance. Sublimation of Mo03 becomes significant for temperatures above 650 °C.

Jan 1, 2007

By Sabri Ergun

NEW theoretical data are presented for the intensity of X-rays diffracted from randomly oriented aromatic and alicyclic molecules and diamondlike structures such as are found in coals, cokes, and carbonaceous materials. Data have been computed using the Debye interference function. Computations for the smaller molecules have been made with the Univac 1204 computer: those for large structures, with either the IBM 704 or Bendix G-20 computer. A brief theoretical introduction of the Dobye interference function is given, and an outline is made of the treatment of experimental data so that the experimental interference function can be obtained.

Jan 1, 1965

By Innocent John Arinze, Chidubem Okwudiri Emedo

This contribution presents the first multi-scale geophysical investigation conducted in the Abakaliki and Obubra mining districts (AOMD), southeastern Nigeria, for the exploration of shallowly emplaced (< 50 m) massive sulfide and barite mineral deposits. Raw airborne magnetic data covering the AOMD was acquired and subjected to diverse enhancement routines to facilitate the identification of areas of subtle magnetic anomalies for subsequent ground truthing. The mineralization is mainly made up of galena, sphalerite, and barite. The contrasting physical properties between these minerals and their host rocks make resistivity, induced polarization (IP), spontaneous potential (SP), and magnetic methods ideal to study and delineate the mineralization and possibly locate the ore bodies. Wenner DC resistivity and IP data acquired along the same parallel traverses are inverted using Res2dinv to produce 2D tomography models of resistivity and chargeability. The resistivity and IP models were successful in delineating zones of sulfide and barite mineralization. The ground SP data collected along the same traverses as the resistivity and IP data were interpreted as line graphs. The 1D SP models show a number of central negative anomalies that could be related to sulfide mineralization. These anomalies show fair-to-good spatial continuity and are in close agreement with the result obtained in the resistivity and chargeability model. This study suggests the presence of exploitable mineral deposits in the AOMD and demonstrates the superior interpretative ability of combined geophysical methods over a single geophysical approach.

Oct 20, 2020

By Richard D. Miller, Geraldine P. Norrell

This publication contains routine analyses and related source data for 295 natural gas samples from 18 States collected during calendar year 1963 as part of a continuous survey of the United States for occurrences of helium in natural gas. This survey has been conducted by the Bureau of Mines since 1917. The analyses published herein were made by mass spectrometer and a special helium analysis apparatus, which are described in Bureau of Mines Bulletins 4863 and 576.4 Five previous publications have been made to present the results of 5,998 gas analyses made by the Bureau of Mines Helium Activity , prior to 1963. The first three , Bulletin 486,5 Bulletin 576,6 and Bulletin 617,7/ contain analyses and source data on 5,214 gas samples collected from 1917 to January 1 , 1961. The fourth and fifth publications , which are published as Information Circulars , supplement the three Bulletins and contain 784 analyses of samples collected during 1961 and 1962. The present Information Circular is the third annual publication supplementing the three Bulletins .

Jan 1, 1965

By Carlos Carrasco Arbieto

El óptimo conocimiento de los parámetros geológicos es importante para la economía de cualquier proyecto minero, dado que la previsión de las fluctuaciones de los riesgos geológicos, reduce la incertidumbre en el planeamiento de Mina. Por ello, la escaza información de sondeos reportada en algunos dominios geológicos de la mina Bunge, señala una falta de confiabilidad en las leyes de óxidos de interés como del modelo. En este sentido, el objetivo del presente trabajo es la creación de una metodología para la actualización sistemática del modelo de bloques a través de la información encontrada en los análisis químicos de los polvos de los barrenos para voladura y sondeo, tanto en los aspectos químicos y geométricos. Así, el Modelo de Bloques de Corto Plazo (MCP) sería el más idóneo puesto que el mapeo geológico en detalle y la simulación geoestadistica, genera una metodología que es aplicable para la actualización, tanto da geometría, como de las leyes de diferentes unidades litológicas que forman el modelo geológico da mina.

Sep 12, 2005

After a three-year period characterized by inflation, recession, depressed metal prices, lack of demand, enormous world inventories, and rapidly escalating costs, the Canadian mining industry is showing welcome signs of recovery. A rise in world metal prices and particularly strong demand for gold, uranium, and coal have stimulated the industry in early 1979. In this atmosphere of growing optimism, over 3000 mineral industry executives, economists, geologists, and mining and metallurgical engineers convened in Montreal, April 26-29, for Canada&apos;s largest mining convention, the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Jan 6, 1979

By R. D. Auten

This paper is primarily a report on the process of using oolitic aragonite, as received from Marconi& Ocean Industries, Ltd. without further processing, for a major portion of the raw feed to a rotary kiln producing cement clinker. Oolitic aragonite is a high purity calcium carbonate material, dust free, with the appearance of a course, white sand. It is farmed when under the right conditions of temperature ocean currents, and ocean floor topography. The calcium carbonate will precipitate into small spherical particles on the ocean floor. These oceanic conditions are correct to cause precipitation of the calcium carbonate near Ocean Cay in the Bahama Island chain. The present growing deposit near Ocean Cay is in the billions of tons and is mined by a relatively shallow-operation hydraulic dredge. The aragonite thus formed is en orthorhombic crystaline form of calcium carbonate with a specific gravity of approximately 2.9. At a temperature of 505°C. (940F), the aragonite converts to the hexagonal crystal of calcite with a specific gravity of 2.6 to 2.7. This change in specific gravity weakens the structure of the particles but the individual pieces are still fairly hard. When the material is then calcined at 900°C (1650°F), the particles retain their shape but become soft and will break up under finger pressure.

Jan 1, 1978

By D. C. Crothers

"What is new in air compressors? A good deal - the designers have been keeping pace with technical developments in related fields and also contributing new techniques of their own. Plant reliability no longer requires bulky slow-speed machines. Even the reciprocating machines, which still provide the most efficient method of compressing air, have been greatly reduced in size and installation cost for a given capacity rating. New materials and fabrication techniques are being used, by most manufacturers, to produce less costly plants in total. Many packaged plants are available, which generally means a more complete assembly for shipment. This type of construction offers savings in handling and erection costs at the site. A warning is in order, however - the extent of packaging in any given plant should be investigated carefully to determine what is included and just what field costs can be realized. A suggested specification has been offered for consideration when studying comparative costs. Rotating machines intrigue many because of their potential as regard fewer wearing parts, higher speeds and hence smaller units, utilizing less expensive drivers, and lack of contamination of the compressed air by lubricants. The inherent shortcomings of these machines - lower •efficiency and capacity control - have been much improved lately, and this type of plant is now becoming quite popular. Noise control, of much concern to everyone, is another development that has received considerable attention.Systems for efficient capacity control and continuous monitoring of compressor operation offer additional reliability and low-cost operation of the modern compressed air plant. Accessory equipment and its effect on over-all plant operation is also considered."

Jan 1, 1972

By Felipe De Lucio Pezet

El presente texto describe la importancia del oro como metal precioso -en tanto sus propiedades permiten que se lo convierta con facilidad, pulverizar y se lo vuelve fundir, a diferencia de otros metales que requieren de instalaciones complicadas para extraerlos. Asimismo, su distribución es homogénea ya que sus yacimientos no están concentrados en pocos países como sucede con el cromo o estaño. De otro lado, el brillo, color y la forma de esta metal genera una belleza particular entre los hombres. En cuanto su uso en la minería , solo una séptima parte es industrial o cotidiana, mientras que el resto es guardado en las bóvedas del banco. Finalmente, la producción del oro en el Perú proviene de una cuarta parte de los lavaderos de Madre de Dios y de una quinta parte de la fundición de La Oroya que lo rescata al fundir minerales de muchas minas que tienen el oro como subproducto.

Jan 1, 1985

By B. C. Allen

Liquid surface tensions of copper and 18 Group IV-A to VIII transition metals (Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Cb, Ta, Mo, W, Re, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Fe, Ni. Co) have been measured by the static pendant-drop and dynamic drop-weight methods on the same rod sample. The drops were formed by electron-bombardment heating in high vacuum. Application of necessary corrections enabled determination of surface tensions to k2 pct and agreement between methods to * 1 to 4 pct for all the metals studied. Evidence is presented that the liquid surface was well screened by metal vapor, suggesting negligible adsorption of gaseous impurities and that the surface tensions measured are characteristic of the metals involved. Correlations between liquid surface tension and melting point, molar volume, heat of vaporization, and atomic number are presented and discussed. Temperature coefficients of surface tension were calculated using Eötvös&apos; law. SURFACE tension and interface energies of metals are the result of incomplete atomic coordination resulting in a force perpendicular to the boundary, tending to minimize its area. These energies are important in many phases of metallurgy, including microstructure, sintering, joining, electronic emission, and lubrication, which in turn affect many physical and mechanical properties of metals. Liquid surface tension refers to the interface between the liquid and its own vapor or nonreactive atmosphere, and is considered a physical property of the liquid. Since equilibrium shapes can be readily obtained with liquids, the units of surface tension (force per length) and interface energy (energy per area) are interchangeable. Thermo-dynamically, the surface tension ?LV is given by the change in free energy F with surface area A at constant pressure P, temperature T, and composition N: for commercially important refractory metals, vanadium, columbium, tantalum,13,14 molybdenum,14 and tungsten,l5 and none for the rare platinum-group metals and rhenium. Measuring the surface tensions of transition metals is difficult because of their high reactivity and melting points. Of the many techniques available,16-18 the pendant-drop 19-21 and drop-weight methods17,22 are considered superior because they can be modified to eliminate persistent sources of contamination such as supports and capillaries necessary in the popular sessile drop, capillary rise, and maximum-bubble-pressure techniques. The necessary modification is to melt a drop on the tip of a vertical rod, which provides support through a solid of the same composition.13,15 The object of the work was to study the surface-tension behavior of copper and transition metals, having reasonably low vapor pressures. Liquid surface tension of each pure metal was systematically determined by using a combination of the static pendant-drop and dynamic drop-weight methods on the same rod. Liquid drops were formed by electron-bombardment heating in high vacuum. EXPERIMENTAL WORK As indicated in Table I, the metals studied were high purity and generally were obtained in rod form. The exceptions were titanium and zirconium, which were machined from crystal bars, and molybdenum (tot 11, osmium, and ruthenium, which were sintered and arc cast into rods. All the metals were ground or swaged to desired sizes between 1- and 7-mm diam, and centerless ground round and smooth to a finish better than 50 µ in., rms. Each rod was thoroughly cleaned with steel wool, degreased, acid etched, and dried. In a typical run, the rod was vertically clamped in a modified floating-zone electron-bombardment furnace designed after Calverley23 and Carlson.24 The specimen was outgassed and maintained positive at several kilovolts in a dynamic vacuum of 10-5 to 10-7 mm. The bottom end was enclosed by a tantalum pillbox and heated by electrons emitted from a hot concentric tungsten filament mounted on a movable bracket. The bombardment power was slowly raised until melting was observed. Power requirements ranged from 30 w for copper to 1300 w for 4-mm tungsten. The stabilized and out-gassed drop of near-maximum size was photographed at 4. 1X on panchromatic film at desired time inter-

Jan 1, 1963