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By Linn Bradley

R. J. WYSOR, So. Bethlehem, Pa. (communication to the Secretary*). At our plant (Bethlehem Steel Co.), we have had several Bradshaw burners under course of construction and erection for some time, but up to the present we have not had opportunity to put them in service. I regret that I can not take part in the discussion with some actual results from these, burners. Mr. Huessener properly emphasizes the importance of obtaining the highest combustion temperature practicable in boiler practice, which demands a near approach to perfect combustion conditions. The ideal burner is the one which, while meeting the various mechanical, requirements, fulfills the above condition under a wide range of gas pressure. The question as to the relative value of hot raw gas and cold washed gas for boiler use is a very interesting one. I think that in the past the importance of low temperature of washed gas sometimes has been over-emphasized. Mr. Huessener has pointed out that so far as temperature is concerned, no advantage accrues in washing gas below 100° F. In

Jan 3, 1917

George Ellery Hale, Director of the Mount Wilson Observatory and Foreign Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences, who has been for the last ten years a Correspondent of the Academie des Sciences, Institut de France, has received the unusual honor of election as Associe Etranger, taking the place of Adolph von Baeyer, declared vacant by the Academy. The Foreign Associates are limited to twelve, and the high distinction has been held by only two Americans-Simon Newcomb and Alexander Agassiz. The National Research Council upon the presentation and acceptance of. Dr. Hale's resignation as its Chairman and the election of James R. Angell as his successor, created and bestowed in perpetuity upon Dr. Hale the title of Honorary Chairman in recognition of his services to the National Research Council and to Science and Research by indefatigable efforts that have contributed so largely to the organization of science for the assistance of the Government during the war, and the augmentation of the resources of the United States through the newly intensive cultivation of research in the reconstruction and peace periods that follow.

Jan 8, 1919

By Joseph L. Mehaffey

A variety of chemicals offered by Armak were evaluated as dewatering aids for aqueous slurries of silica sand, sparsand and feldspar; an established commercial dewatering aid was used as a control. A number of Armak’s potential dewatering aids yielded lower moisture retention values than did the commercial product on all of the mineral samples. In addition to the chemical dewatering evaluations, some of the mechanisms involved in the removal of water from these mineral samples were examined.

Jan 1, 1984

By Harold B. Ewoldt, Robert R. Reynolds

THE Upper Mississippi Valley zinc-lead district covers an area of some 2000 sq ml located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, the north-western corner of Illinois and a portion of eastern Iowa around the city of Dubuque. Commercial deposits of lead and zinc have been mined in Iowa but the major discoveries during the past eight years have been made in Jo Daviess County, Ill, and LaFayette County, Wis. Activities in the state of Illinois are centered about the city of Galena, while those in Wisconsin are located a few miles south and west of the town of Shullsburg.

Jan 3, 1951

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons. ) Position in sales department is open for a mining engineer with experience in mine ventilation and possessing some knowledge of fan design; one competent to lay out ventilating systems to meet various conditions. No. 2. A large company manufacturing mining machinery has an opening in one of its Western agencies for a young mechanical engineer who has had some experience in designing along general machine shop lines, and who is familiar with cost systems. No. 3. A large university desires to secure a prominent metallurgist for a vacant professorship in metallurgy. No. 4. Opening at a mine in New Jersey for a technical graduate to begin work as chairman on the surveying squad. Salary $50 per month to start. No. 5.

Jan 11, 1913

By G. R. Alther

Finely ground dried bentonites were compacted with a laboratory size Komarek roller compactor. Before compaction the moisture content of the bentonite was adjusted from 8-12% by adding water in a mixer. Predetermined amounts of Nat CO3 activator were dissolved in that water and added to the bentonite. Comparative rheological tests were then run with the compacted, activated bentonite versus unaltered bentonite. Compaction and activation of the bentonites improved their viscosity and water loss properties considerably, more so than extrusion and slurrying. It was concluded that, by using a compactor, bentonite reserves can be extended because low quality material can be improved without adding organic polymers. Introduction Many bentonites mined in Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana are naturally of drilling mud quality. Those of low sodium content, and those of predominantly potassium, calcium, and magnesium exchangeable cations need altering to meet drilling mud requirements. Most foreign bentonites require sodium activation to meet drilling mud standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Jan 1, 1984

This is a brief account of the history of unit operation in the Salt Creek field, Wyoming, from the time of the agreement to prorate production in March, 1921, to the present. An attempt has been made to evaluate the savings in development and production costs resulting from the unit plans adopted. Summarized, these savings have amounted to $11,650,000. No effort has been made to estimate any increase in ultimate recovery, for it is believed that unit operation can be justified on saving in development and production costs alone. It would require nearly 20,000,000 barrels of additional oil to be produced in order to return the amount saved by not drilling unnecessary wells. Four horizons are affected by unit or near-unit programs, as follows: The principal operator is under contract with six companies to operate 10,400 acres. This includes all of the productive area of the First Wall

Jan 1, 1930

The old De Beers mine, which lies northwest of Dutoitspan mine at Kimberley, was the mine which launched Cecil Rhodes (In his historical career. It was the nucleus of the De Beers Mining Co. Ltd., formed in 1880, which later became De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. Inactive for more than a half century, the De Beers Mine is being rejuvenated for a new era of operations. Both mines were on the Vooruitzicht farm owned by the De Beers brothers, who had bought it from the Orange Free State Government ten years previously for £50. Although the brothers sold it soon after the discovery of diamonds at Dutoitspan, they are remembered for having given their name to the foremost diamond mining company in the world. Diamonds worth nearly R180,000,000 have come from this ground, and more will be recovered when the mine is re-opened.

Jan 9, 1963

Looking forward to growing demand for the output of the coal mines over the next decade, producers face serious problems in meeting the market. Among the difficulties are the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, wildcat strikes, growing shortage of skilled and supervisory labor, pollution control and rising costs. The two-day program, planned by R. L. Frantz, covered all of these subjects and presented a few remarks on such wholesomely noncontroversial matters as ground support. A prediction of coal for electricity generation in 1980 was made by Philips amounting to 550 million tons, an amount equal to total output now, With respect to competition in this market, he said: "For the foreseeable future there is enough energy demand for all participating fuels." Banana oil conies not from bananas but from coal and science may just convert coal to meat loaf or some other surprising application may come out of research for product markets. Philips sees no revolution in mining methods although longwall mining will be expanded.

Jan 1, 1970

By Norman P. Goss

The Chairman.—Thank YOU, Mr. Goss Gentlemen, I believe we have heard one of the finest papers, especially since Mr. Goss has been very generous in his frank discussion of continuous casting. One point he has brought out which 1 think some of us have not thought through to the same extent that he has—that the continuous casting process offers the small producer an opportunity to compete with the larger, more conventional and presumably better established industries. The meeting is now open for discussion. Are there any questions concerning the first two papers? J. A. Malone.*—I should like to ask Mr. Goss whether there is any special problem involved in the first part, the upper part of the mold before he gets to the first graphite lubricant area. N. P. Goss.—You mean in the forming chamber where chilling first takes place? J. A. Malone.—Yes. N. P. Goss.—So far I have not had any trouble in this part of the setup. My only

Jan 1, 1945

By Jack Fox

Three years ago we attended the V International Mining Congress in Moscow. This year we attended the VI International Mining Congress in Madrid. By almost any criterion, this was a most successful convention. There were 1717 registrants, not counting the ladies. I don't know how many of the latter there were, but they certainly made a welcome addition to the group. Once again, the International Organizing Committee put together a very impressive technical program which the Spanish National Committee backed up with a brand new Palacio de Congresos admirably equipped with simultaneous translation devices and an organization that provided an excellent social program, a tremendous set of post- meeting excursions, and very impressive opening ceremonies, entertainment and closing ceremonies. There was also an exhibit on the subject of Spanish and Spanish American mining history in the Palacio de Congresos.

Jan 1, 1970

By Jack D. Arthur

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, as amended, and related regulations take blasting safety into consideration by requiring compliance with existing state and federal laws. The regulations are based on blasting practices developed by the industry, as well as research and experimentation by the US Bureau of Mines and explosive manufacturers. Residential areas in the proximity of surface mines have made it mandatory that blasting operations be conducted under restrictions and requirements designed to protect the public and structures located within 0.8 km (0.5 mile) of any surface blasting activities. Restrictions against blasting apply where dwellings, schools, churches, hospitals, or nursing facilities are within 305 m (1000 ft) of blasting operations. They also apply where wells, petroleum or gas storage facilities, municipal water storage facilities, fluid transmission pipelines, gas or oil collection lines, and sewage lines are within 152 in (500 ft) of blasting operations.

Jan 11, 1979

One item of general interest in MINING ENGINEERING Trends, May 1952 gives the wrong impression of the scale of the ilmenite operations in North Carolina It also implies there are known deposits of rutile which "guarantee self-sufficiency for many years" So far as we know this is not true At present, rutile is in such short supply in the United States that the Defense Mineral Authority is encouraging prospecting for new deposits So far none have been found of any consequence and our needs have to be met largely from the deposits near Jacksonville, Fla, and rutile imported from Australia JAY P WOOD VICE-PRESIDENT HUMPHREYS GOLD CORPORATION The reference to self-sufficiency was meant to apply to the ilmenite-bearing sands, not rutile, but improper phrasing failed to make this clear However, the press release that the Glidden Co circulated stated that this deposit of ilmenite was one of the largest in North America -Editor

Jan 1, 1952

By John W. Sweeney

Florida is blessed with some of the worlds greatest phosphate rock deposits, and doubly blessed in that those deposits are uraniferous. Until recently, the uranium con¬tained in phosphate rock had been ignored, but spot mar¬ket prices in the $40-per-pound range have spurred actions which will soon transform the state into a major uranium supplier. In 1978, two plants in Florida and one in Louisiana went it on- stream to recover uranium oxide from phosphoric acid, and construction began on three other extraction facilities. Together, these six plants will be cap¬able of recovering 1940 t/y (2140 stpy) of yellow cake from Florida phosphate in the early 1980s, equivalent to 15% of the projected US requirement. By the year 2000, Florida phosphates will have produced a projected 49 000 tons (54,000 st) of uranium oxide to fuel the nation's nuclear reactors.

Jan 9, 1979

By H. W. McCue

In 1944, in the Texas Panhandle, 245 oil wells were drilled with a total daily initial production of 32,886 bbl., representing an average initial production of 134 bbl, per well. This was an increase over 1943 of 121 wells drilled, and an increased initial production of 13,861 barrels. On Dec. 31, 1944, the field was operating on an allowable of 113,567 bbl. per day, but actually was producing 85,539 bbl. per day from the 5901 oil wells. The tota1 production for the year was 33,439,436 bbl., bringing the cumulative total to 5.04,537,048 barrels. Gas Sixty-three gas wells with a combined open flow of 992 million cu. ft., were drilled during 1944. This was an increase of seven wells over 1943, but a drop of 216 million cu. ft. in initial open flow. The

Jan 1, 1945

CAMBRIDGE, MASS., May 22, 1913. TO THE PRESIDENT, American Institute of Mining Engineers. Dear Sir: Referring to Mr. J. WV. Finch's letter printed in the Institute Forum of the May Bulletin, I am very much in sympathy with his suggestion that the Transactions be printed in several volumes devoted separately to the various subjects covered by the Institute papers, such as " Iron and Steel," "Mining Geology," " Precious and Base Metals," etc. The advantages of this plan appear to me so great and so obvious as to far outweigh any possible objections. At a meeting of the Iron and Steel Division Committee held on June 28, 1912, I moved that the Committee recommend to the Council that papers on Iron and Steel be published in separate annual volumes. The motion was seconded and passed. Since then I have never failed to repeat my request whenever an occasion presented itself, and I welcome the opportunity offered by Mr. Finch's communication to again call the attention of those interested to an innovation which appears to me so highly desirable. ALBERT SAUVEUR.

Jan 6, 1913

By John H. Smith

Because of increased pressure from federal and state regulatory agencies, most acid flows will require some sort of treatment prior to being discharged to receiving streams. In many industries, the volumes of liquors are large and their acid content varied. Development of a waste treatment process minimizing equipment cost and utilizing land efficiently is mandatory. Methods of acid neutralization with lime have been known for years, however, the volume and characteristics of the resultant precipitated solids can create a disposal problem. Also, when standard lime treatment is used, the settling characteristic of the precipitated solids is normally slow. In some instances, the necessity of added dissolved solids removal, such as iron, needing aeration, add to the problem of concentrating neutralized solids.

Jan 12, 1972

By H. T. Mulryan

For the producer of industrial rocks and minerals, marketing is often the only means of survival. His material must be sold. There is little of the impersonal force of the market regulating supply and demand. No commodity exchanges facilitate his efforts to dispose of the material he produces, and the success or failure of his business depends primarily on prompt and correct response to market needs and requirements. This response is particularly vital where materials of low unit value must be shipped to distant consumers owing to a relative rarity of suitable deposits. The advantage of positive response to change can best be illustrated by hypothetical cases showing how problems can be turned into opportunity through marketing ingenuity. Three such cases dealing with materials of unit values in the range of $5 to $100 per ton are outlined below.

Jan 7, 1969

By Ali Altway, M. E. Tunison, T. W. Chapman

Simulations of various contactor configurations for simultaneous extraction or stripping of two metals reveal the dependence of conversion and selectivity on operating and design parameters A two-film mass transfer model is used to provide the rates in countercurrent column and stirred-tank cascade calculations Even in these mass-transfer-limited cases the stoichiometry of the extraction reactions introduces nonlinearities and interactions between the two metal transfer rates, but these can be represented In a suitable model One conclusion is that a countercurrent column should be considerably more efficient than a cascade of mixer-settlers of comparable size.

Jan 1, 1981

By Ernest P. Hall

At the SME Fall Meeting held in Phoenix, Ariz. last October, Ernest P. Hall, addressing an Air and Water Pollution session, noted that water pollution caused by acid drainage from bituminous coal measures had begun long before recorded history. "Until recently," he said, "man did not begin to understand the physical phenomena which took place to cause [it] and even today he does not know what can be done to prevent it." CAUSES "It is known from the reports of early explorers that drainage from bituminous coal measures was causing water pollution before coal mines were opened on this continent. They noted the nature of the polluted water in the runs and creeks and predicted the presence of substantial deposits of coal based on the appearance and character of the water. Even today, polluted water drains from virgin coal areas which have not been touched by mining machines," Mr. Hall said.

Jan 1, 1966