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By E. W. Shaw

The past year (1950) has been a big one for the oil industry in Canada, with new records being set in almost every phase of exploration and development activity. New highs were reached in acreage holdings, in geophysical activity, in wildcat drilling, and in field development and production. The only item that did not show a substantial increase over recent years was the amount of reserves added by new discoveries. This was not due to a decrease in the number of new discoveries, however, hut rather to the fact that most of the discoveries were made during the later months in the year and could not be fully evaluated by the year end. The foregoing remarks pertain mainly to activity in Western Canada. In Eastern Canada, operations continued on a modest scale. with exploration drilling down slightly from the previous year but with development drilling and production at about the same level. Returning to Western Canada, it is observed that the general exploration play was one of expansion and intensification. The issuing of new petroleum and natural gas regulations by the province of British Columbia precipitated a moderate entry of companies into the northeastern part of the Province.

Jan 1, 1951

By R. M. Reynolds

Engitec Impianti, S?.p.A. of Milan, Italy has successfully designed, constructed and has in operation state-of-the-art battery breaker systems at two European locations. A third facility i:s partially completed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The CX system crushes whole batteries, separates the various components and desulfurizes the battery paste. The system also produces sodium sulfate from the sulfuric acid and lead sulfate contained in the batteries. Actual plant operating data indicates that the desulfurized paste contains less than 0. 6 percent sulfur and less than 0. 5 percent antimony. The CX system utilizes mechanical screening and an up-flow hydrodynamic separator to accomplish the component separation. Sodiwn hydroxide or sodium carbonate is used for desulfurization. The sodium sulfate brine is evaporated and crystallized to produce clean anhydrous sodium sulfate suitable for use by detergent or glass manufacturers. Plant data also indicates that an increase in furnace productivity of about 25 to 30 percent is achieved using feed from the CX system. The desulfurized paste is very suitable for electrolytic processing as an alternative to pyrometallurqical processing.

Jan 1, 1990

By R. Lanza, M. Hytros, N. Saka, I. Jureidini, J. H. Chun, D. Kim

"A novel method for delineating the solidification front in metal casting has been developed using the attenuation phenomenon of electromagnetic radiation (y-rays or x-rays) and computed tomography (CT). The densities of the liquid and solid phases that exist during metal casting may differ anywhere from 4 to 12 % depending on the metal. As in the medical imaging field, CT provides an excellent means of mapping this density variation in a solidifying casting into two-or three-dimensional images.In an effort to develop an industrial-scale sensor, laboratory-scale experiments have been conducted using a cobalt-60 (Co60) radioisotope and a sodium-iodide (Nal) scintillation detector. The CT image reconstruction was performed on a crucible containing pure tin in a two-phase state. Although the spatial resolution and data acquisition speed were not optimum, the CT images clearly differentiate the liquid and solid phases of the tin in the crucible. To maximize resolution and minimize data acquisition time, a linear accelerator (linac)-based CT sensor is being developed and tested for application in the continuous casting of steel and aluminum alloys.IntroductionIn all casting processes, the quality of a finished product and its production rate depend upon the shape and movement of the solidification front. From a quality perspective, it is well documented that solidification kinetics (heat and mass transfer, fluid flow, microstructure evolution) greatly influence the final properties of castings [l,2,3]. Product shortcomings, such as surface defects, cracks, macro-and microsegregation, and inclusions are directly controlled by the solidification process. By understanding the role the solidification front plays in the casting process, product quality may be dramatically increased through the reduction of defects."

Jan 1, 1997

By B. Pesic

The recovery of silver and gallium from flue dust with acidified thiourea solutions was examined. The studied parameters were temperature, particle size, thiourea concentration, acid concentration, and the presence of oxidants. The study of the extraction of these two metals was undertaken in sulfuric acid medium. Silver dissolution was dependent on all examined parameters, whereas gallium extraction was only dependent on the initial acid concentration. The experimental results suggest a new very efficient method for recovery of both silver and gallium. Almost complete recovery of silver and gallium can be accomplished within 90 minutes. A technological scheme for recovery of both metals is also proposed.

Jan 1, 1986

By J. Charles Miller

THE expansion of facilities for rapid transportation of perishables by train, truck and airplane has necessitated consideration of refrigerants of a minimum weight and volume per pound of cooling and has stimulated the use of solid carbon dioxide commercially. The gas probably has not had wide application in the past in air-cooling equipment for mines, theaters or buildings, owing to its thermodynamic properties, as will be deduced from examination of Table 2. However, consumption of the liquid in carbonating beverages remains a dominant factor. In addition to these uses, carbon dioxide is employed to a limited degree as an explo-sive in the liquid form, as a freezing agent in plumbing, in laboratories for low-temperature work, and in the manufacture of golf balls.

Jan 1, 1936

By A. N. May

"This paper describes the present approach of the Mines Branch to the problem of measuring the stress condition in the interior of rocks surrounding underground openings. An instrument, which will be referred to as a stressmeter, has been developed at the Mines Branch to measure un-directional stress changes in absolute units. There are two modes of operation of this stressmeter. It can be regarded as a fixed instrument, in which case it is installed at the end of a diamond drill hole and left in position to record any subsequent stress changes taking place. Alternatively, three of the stressmeters can be used in conjunction with a trepanning opera-tion to allow the existing stress condition to be determined. The initial laboratory work and subsequent experiences in the field with the stressmeter are described. All the field development work on the stressmeter was made possible through the co-operation of Canadian Refractories Limited, Kilmar, Quebec."

Jan 1, 1960

By Alexander N. Winchell

"THE MICHIGAN COPPER DISTRICT.Location. The copper mines of Michigan are all in the north¬ern part of that state on the Keweenaw Peninsula, which extends from the (Michigan) mainland for about seventy miles northeast¬erly toward the middle of Lake Superior. The mines occur in a belt or zone occupying the central portion of the peninsula from end to end.. The most productive mines for many years past have been those located not far from the city of Houghton in' the central part of the zone, in a section extending about ten miles southwest of Houghton and fifteen miles northeast. The most important mines in order of.location, from the northeast to south¬west, are the following: Mohawk, Ahmeek, Allouez, North Kearsarge, Wolverine, South Kearsarge, Centennial, Calumet. and Hecla, Osceola, Franklin, Quincy, Hancock, Isle Royale, Superior, Baltic, Trimountain, and Champion. The first three named are in Keweenaw county and all of the others are in Houghton county. Still farther to the southwest are the Lake, Mass, Adventure, Michigan, Victoria, and White Pine mines. These are in Ontonagon county.History. The exploitation of these copper mines extends back into prehistoric times. There is little evidence that the American Indians carried on mining operations in this region in the period shortly before the advent of white men, but there is abundant evidence that the ancestors of the Indians, •or some earlier inhabitants of the region, carried on primitive mining operations. For example, Mr. S. O. Knapp, Agent of the Minne¬sota Mining Company, in the winter of 1847-48, made the first discovery of prehistoric mining. This event is described as fol ,lows by Foster and Whitney : Location: As shown on the accompanying map, the Mar-quette district extends from the region of Marquette on Lake Superior westward for about forty miles. The main basin of the district is only about three to six miles wide, but outlying areas which are commonly regarded as belonging to the same mining unit, make the north and south dimension of the district about twenty miles. The most productive portion of the area is in the vicinity of Negaunee and Ishpeming, .about ten miles from Mar¬quette, but important mines are found also all along the range as far west as Michigamme and also to the south in the fold known as the Republic Trough. Comparatively recent developments indicate that important ore bodies have been developed in the outlying Swanzy district about eighteen Miles nearly due south of Marquette.The Marquette Iron District.History: The first discovery of iron ore in the Lake Supe¬rior region was probably that made in 1844 near the site of Ne-gaunee by the government surveying party in charge of William A. Burt, sent out under the direction of Douglass Houghton. This surveying party was using a solar compass, invented by Mr. Burt, and noticed variations in the direction of the magnetic needle at various times and places, but. on the 19th of September, while running the east line of Township 47 North, Range 27 West, the needle varied from its normal position until it stood nearly at right angles thereto."

Jan 1, 1920

By J. H. Bilbrey

A recording thermobalance ,vas used to determine the rates of oxidation of mol-ten tin over the temperature range 550°-900° C. Oxidation rates were found to vary widely for a given temperature, as previously reported by other investigators. 1 X-ray diffraction data indicated that the probable cause of these variations was the development of preferred orientations in the crystals forming the oxide film. No reasons for the differences in degree of preferred orientation were discovered. For relating the weight of the oxide formed (w) to the time of oxidation (t) an equation of the form wn = kt was found to best represent the experimental data. INTRODUCTION In the course of conducting investigations on the feasibility of using selective oxidation techniques for the purification of various metals in the molten state it was soon discovered that data on the oxidation of molten metals and alloys were very scarce. In contrast to the many hundreds of publications on the oxidation of metals in the solid state there are relatively few articles on the rates of molten-metal oxidation. In view of this scarcity of data, it was decided to institute a series of investigations into the oxidation processes of molten nonferrous metals and alloys with the expectation that the information derived could be put to practical use in developing and improving refining processes based on selective oxidation. This report is the first of a series in which oxidation data for molten nonferrous metals and alloys are presented.

Jan 1, 1955

By Léo Daiki Shinomiya

A construção civil é uma das maiores atividades para o desenvolvimento econômico e social, e, ao mesmo tempo grande geradora de impactos ao meio ambiente, quer que seja pelo consumo de recursos naturais ou pela geração de resíduos da construção civil (RCC). Este trabalho tem por finalidade definir a melhor localização para a implantação de uma área de transbordo e triagem (ATT) e uma área de reciclagem (AR) utilizando o método SMART (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique). O método SMART é uma ferramenta inovadora que apoia o decisor com base em alternativas com multicritérios. Esta técnica possui eficiência na avaliação, possibilidade de participação dos stakeholders/decisores nas fases de desenvolvimento e decisão, proporcionando maior legitimidade do processo e compromisso na implementação dos resultados.

Aug 16, 2017

By J. E. Jennings

The problems of slope stability in open-cast mines are examined. A criterion, the instantaneous stripping ratio, is suggested for use in the design of pit slopes and as an index of control at all stages of the exploitation of the ore body, This criterion may also be related to safety and to the maximizing of profits. Two approaches to safe design of slopes, one from the point of view of soil mechanics and the other from the point of view of rock mechanics, are described and critically compared. The effect on slope stability of the regional tectonic stress field is discussed. Explanation is given of the application of the Terzaghi effective stress concept to problems in both soil and rock environments, including possible effects when borehole deformation techniques are used to measure stresses in rock in situ.

Jan 1, 1963

By B. Jin

Removal of fluoride and chloride by alkaline washing from direct lead smelting dust which originated from an Ausmelt furnace is reported. The results show that the fluoride removal efficiency increases with an increase of alkaline concentration, alkaline washing temperature and time. The L/S ratio has little effect on fluoride and chloride removal efficiency. A new flow sheet for removal of fluoride and chloride from the dust was successfully proposed according to the results. Fluoride and chloride removal efficiencies are more than 53.68% and 63.18% respectively using the flow sheet under the optimum parameters of temperature 338 K, L/S ratio 3:1 and alkaline washing time of 1.5 h. The contents of fluoride and chloride in the alkaline washing residues can meet the standard of zinc purity as hydrometallurgical materials for zinc processing.

Jan 1, 2014

By Jack L. Henry

The Bureau of Mines conducted seven pioneering experiments in a 12-inch-diameter Kroll reduction reactor to examine the feasibility of coreducing the chlorides of Ti, AI, and V to produce a homogeneous titanium alloy sponge. The coreduction studies proceeded in a normal manner, and the yields of sponge were comparable with those of pure titanium sponge made in the same reactor. Vanadium concentration was very uniform throughout the sponge cake when VC14 in solution in TiCl4 was fed into the molten magnesium. More difficulty was encountered in feeding solid VCl2 and AIC13. Vanadium and aluminum concentration in the sponge was not uniform, and mechanical difficulties were experienced with the small-scale screw feeder. Although the sponge varied in composition from region to region, the ingots prepared from it were uniform in composition.

Jan 1, 1974

By M. M. Neale

The pottery department has been aptly described as the "heart of the zinc plant," md every operator of a horizontal-retort plant is acquainted with the fact that good retort practice is the keystone of the smelting process. Since retorts and condensers are clay products, it is obvious that improvements in other branches of the ceramic industry should be observed for possible adoption in the pottery process for zinc smelting. Deaeration of clay bodies is one of the improvements that have become fully, established in many brick and pottery plants. Our investigation of a number of these installations always yielded the same answer—improved practice. Improvement in workability, elimination of laminations, less porosity, greater wet and dry strength, were among the claims put forth for this process. All of these features are exceedingly desirable characteristics in the manufacture of a zinc retort. A preliminary test, which involved truck transportation of deaired slugs over a relatively long distance, did show the value of many of these characteristics in forming the retort. Results from the standpoint of , longer retort life in the smelting furnace were not outstanding. The idea lay dormant for several years but was revived again in 1940, when it was decided to make whatever changes were necessary in the equipment for pottery manufacture to fully demonstrate the process. A number of the manu- facturers of machinery for clay work were asked to submit proposals, and the plan finally adopted was extremely simple and economical. Machine FOR DeaeRRATING Selection of the ''Straight-line'' principle for conversion of the "Wettengel" pug mill to a ''vacuum-extrusion" machine preserved some usable parts of the original equipment, such as the drive mechanism, and main shaft. The converted machine consists of a feed hopper, a compression and shredding zone, a vacuum chamber, and an extrusion barrel, as shown in Fig. I. In operation the clay mix travels from the feed hopper into the compression zone, where it is compressed and finally forced around the tapered cone into the vacuum chamber. As it enters this chamber the clay body is shredded into thin plates, for exFosure to the vacuum. The shredder consists of a hub mounted on the main shaft, to which are bolted segmental sections, each of which carries shredder knives. The compression zone and extrusion barrel function as seals for the vacuum chamber and the shredded clay mix is agitated thoroughly during its exposure to the vacuum. A vacuum pump, equipped with a 3-hp. motor, is attached to this chamber, and maintains 25 to 26 in. vacuum during operation of the mill. Changes in Practice Prior to the adoption of the deaeration process, our standard pottery practice called for double mixing in the combination 7

Jan 1, 1944

By Guohui Zheng

The ever increasing quantities of solid wastes generated by various industries are at the source of the growing need for proper waste disposal methods. Thermal treatment of combustible wastes is a proven technology which permits the reduction of hazardous material having to be landfilled. However, this method is not universally applicable to waste disposal. For example, the transferal of heavy toxic metals into the thermal remediation products is a major issue of public concern. This paper focuses on the analysis of morphology changes from solid sludge to ash which is a product of the sludge combustion. The morphological parameters analyzed were particle size and external surface. They were determined using Jeol 840 Super Probe. The experiments were conducted in a computer-controlled high-temperature combustion system consisting of the thermogravimetric furnace coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (TGA-FTIR). Sludge particles were made of complex fibers trapped in the aluminosilicate matrix. At low temperatures, up to 680 K, the solid residue looked similar to the initial sludge. Between 680 K and 1180 K the sludge underwent intensive burning and steadily changed into powdered ash. At the temperature of 1050 K the ash was composed of separate, flat flakes with sizes ranging from 5 to 20 um. At 1470 K the flakes aggregated into large particles. The surface observed at 1670 K was a mixture of mullite crystals. Such structure could result from the solidification of the ash material after its melting. Morphological changes influenced the distribution of metals in the solid residue. For example, Cr was concentrated in small aggregates. Such distribution should allow for recovery of valuable metals from the solid waste residue.

Jan 1, 1996

By W. B. Coker

A helicopter-mounted lake-sediment and lake-water survey was carried out over Grenville rooks in the Renfrew area (parts of Renfrew and Lanark counties) during four days of October, 1975. In the course of this survey. 1150 square kilometers were covered, with 246 lake-sediment and 276 lake -water samples collected from every body of water on which the helicopter could land. Sample sites, which averaged one per 4.6 square kilometers, included lakes, ponds, beaver ponds, swamps and marshes. Lake-sediment samples were taken using a G.S.C. sampler. Waters were collected directly into polyethylene bottles. At each sample site , surface and bottom-water pH, dissolved oxygen content, conductivity and temperature were measured using a Martel. Water Quality Analyzer. The lake sediments were air dried and then ball milled to pass a minus 80-mesh sieve. Lake sediments were analyzed for U by delayed neutron activation and for Mo, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mn, Ni and Co by atomic absorption techniques. The organic content of the sediments was determined by loss on ignition at 450 °C. Lake waters were acidified with nitric acid on the day of collection. The U content of the water s was determined by fluorometry; the Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mn , Ni and Co contents of the waters were determined by solvent extraction - atomic absorption techniques. A close relationship was found between bodies of granitic, syenitic and pegmatitic bedrock and elevated U levels in the lake sediments. The Hurd Lake and White Lake granitic intrusive were encompassed by an annulus of higher U activity. Field inspection revealed that the U concentrations occur within a zone which may represent a contact metamorphic aureole. Within these complexes, anomalous concentrations of U appear to be associated with Mo. Information derived from the lake-water data reinforces the geochemical distributions outlined by the lake-sediment survey . This survey was carried out in order to develop optimum sampling and analytical procedures for geochemical reconnaissance of the Grenville Province that may be carried out under the auspices of the Uranium Reconnaissance Program.

Jan 1, 1977

By Elmars Ence, Harold Margolin

The Ti-Fe and Ti-Fe-0 systems were re-examined because of the controversy regarding the existence of Ti2Fe, and to consider all available data points to the existence of Ti,Fe. The Ti-Fe-0 system contains two ternary compounds: E, corresponding to Ti2Fe; and y. SEVERAL authors have investigated the constitution of titanium-rich alloys of the Ti-Fe system. The most extensive study of titanium-rich portions of the Ti-Fe system was by Van Thyne, Kessler, and Hansen,' who investigated this system up to 50 pet Fe and used the highest purity materials available for their alloy preparation (iodide titanium was used for alloys up to 20 pet Fe). According to Van Thyne et al., phase relationships in the region of investigation are governed by phases a,ß, and TiFe. No evidence of an intermetallic compound Ti,Fe was found. although earlier. works by Laves and Wallbaum,' and Duwez and Taylor' reported its existence. Rostoker's study on the occurrence of TilX phases" confirmed the findings of Van Thyne et al. Rostoker proposed that the compound Ti Fe found by Duwez does not exist but is actually a ternary compound, Ti1Fe3O, originated by inadvertent oxygen contamination. The partial isothermal section of the ternary Ti-Fe-0 system as reported by Rostoker' seems to confirm this explanation. In the course of phase diagram work conducted at New York University, however, certain irregularities were observed to be associated with ternary systems of the type Ti-Fe-X. The ternary phase 6, observed in the systems Ti-Fe-Mo' and Ti-Fe-V." was found to be structurally identical to the com-pound Ti2Fe as reported by Duwez and Taylor, and to Rostoker's compound Ti1,Fe2O. Since the amount of oxygen possibly present in the Ti-Fe-Mo and Ti-Fe-V systems could not account for the observed amounts of the compound, it appears that the d phase in these systems is not Ti,Fe,O. On the other hand, considering the amounts of the 6 phase, particularly in the Ti-Fe-Mo system, the location of the phase was uncertain. It was felt that the introduction of the Ti2Fe phase would alleviate some of the inconsistencies of the two systems. Because of the uncertainties relating to the phase Ti2Fe, or Ti1Fe2O, it appeared worthwhile to re-examine the Ti-Fe and Ti-Fe-O systems in the vicinity of these compounds with highly sensitive metallographic techniques and with X-ray methods. Experimental Procedure Alloy Preparation—For the study of the binary system four alloys were prepared, containing 26.9 (30 wt pct), 34.0 (37.5 wt pet), 41.2 (45 wt pet), and 56.3 (60 wt pet) atomic pet Fe, and for the ternary Ti-Fe-O system 18 alloys were prepared in the composition range of 1.6 to 16.9 atomic pet 0 and 24.3 to 55.7 atomic pet Fe. The materials used for the Ti-Fe alloys were iodide titanium (99.98 pet Ti, 0.002 pet 0) and Ferro-vac-E iron (99.95 pet Fe, 0.0052 to 0.0072 pet 0). For the Ti-Fe-O study the materials used were sponge titanium containing less than 0.06 pet 0, Ferrovnc-E iron, and Baker's analyzed TiO2. The nominal weight and atomic percentages of the ternary alloys prepared are shown in Table I. Melting—Charges of 10 to 15 g were melted in a nonconsumable arc furnace in argon atmosphere according to the technique described elsewhere.'" Since there was practically no weight loss through the various stages of melting and oxygen losses have not been observed previously, it appeared justifiable to use nominal composition for interpretation of data. Iodide titanium control buttons, of the same mass as the Ti-Fe charges, and melted under the same conditions, were used to check hardness pickup during melting. A hardness increase of 2 to 3 Vhn was found. Heat Treatment—The specimens were annealed in quartz capsules under argon. To avoid contact between the specimen and capsule material all specimens were wrapped in titanium sheet. The annealing times are given in Table 11. The attain-

Jan 1, 1957

By Hairong Zeng, Matthew Baumann, Shahram Tafazoli, Edmond Chow

Measurement of rock fragmentation has evolved from a completely subjective and manual process to a statistically objective and semi-automated process. However, ultimately, the vision is to achieve a statistically representative and fully-automated process. From the blast optimization perspective, it is critical to receive reliable rock fragmentation results quickly to incorporate into the planning of subsequent blasts. Since manual rock fragmentation measurement methods tend to be time consuming, a fully-automated method is the practical way to meet these requirements.

Jan 1, 2012

By K H. Esbensen

Sampling of grain, animal feeds (solid and liquid) including important mineral mixtures in the Danish agricultural sector is subject to an ongoing investigation with the objective of improving existing (suboptimal) sampling procedures. Results from the first six months are presented here; the project will continue for two more years and will include international collaborators (Australia and Canada). The Danish authorities have instituted a system of control analysis, which contains a set of mandated sampling and analysis methods. From a preliminary survey it was concluded that in fact all of the existing sampling procedures are not optimised in the light of Pierre GyÆs Theory of Sampling (TOS).

Jan 1, 2005

By E. T. Hayes, A. H. Roberson, M. H. Davies

R. F. Dornagala and D. J. McPherson (Armour Research Foundation, Chicago)—I should like to compliment the authors for a workmanlike job in determining the partial phase diagram of a system comprised of two rnetals which are certainly not easy to work with. We are completing work at Armour Research Foundation on an Atomic Energy Commission-sponsored project for the determination of eight zirconium binary diagrams. Work on the Zr-Cr system has been completed and should be published within the next year. For our work, Westinghouse Grade 3 iodide crystal bar served as the zirconium melting stock. Johnson-Matthey, electrolytic chromium, specially treated for oxygen removal, was employed. The overall constitution of the system determined at Armour Research Foundation is in very good agreement with the present work. We found a eutectic at 18 pct Cr and 1280 °C, somewhat lower than the value reported. This temperature was confirmed by thermal analysis, incipient melting studies, and regular isothermal anneals. The eutectoid was located close to 1 pct Cr and 835°C by metallographic analysis of annealed specimens. Maximum solubility of chromium in /S zirconium was 4.5 pct at the eutectic temperature. Chromium solubility in a zirconium was less than 0.28 pct at all temperatures. We found the compound at 53 pct to melt around 1700°C, with an open maximum, but determined its crystal structure to be hexagonal close-packed (MgZn, type). The lattice parameters were in excellent agreement with those determined by Wallbaum in 1942. The diagrams are in substantial agreement, and .part of the differences are undoubtedly due to the use of different zirconium melting stock. M. K. McQuillan (Birmingham, England)—I read this paper with a great deal of interest, as it covered the same field as some work of my own.' There are a number of points in the present paper on which I would like to comment. First, I should say that I, too, used zirconium prepared by magnesium reduction of the tetrachloride and electrolytically prepared chromium, and melted the alloys in a Kroll-type arc furnace. The purity of my alloys should, therefore, be comparable with the purity of those of the present authors, and any differences in our observations would not be expected to be attributable to this cause. The differences between my observations and theirs concern the presence of the eutectic, the temperature of the eutectoid, and the melting point of the compound. I would be very much interested in any further evidence the authors may have for the occurrence of the eutectic at 1380°C. During the course of my work I noted that a number of my alloys containing 60 to 90 pct Zr melted at about 1400 °C, and for a time assumed that a eutectic occurred at this temperature as described in the paper. On further investigation, however, I found that the structures of the as-melted alloys could not be made to fit in with this interpretation of the system. If a eutectic exists in this region of the system it would be expected that the as-melted alloys would show the usual type of cast structure, i.e., dendrites of the compound plus eutectic. This, however, does not occur, as may be seen from Fig. 9. The compound seen there is not dendritic in form, and the remaining material is by no means certainly eutectic. It may be argued that a compound such as ZrCrl would not form dendrites but would tend to crystallize in geometric shapes. In this case, however, I have evidence to the contrary, as on the chromium side of the compound, where a eutectic occurs at about 1545"C, the compound formed from the liquid takes on a conventional dendritic form, and the eutectic is observed in the interdendritic spaces in the usual way. There is no reason to suppose that the compound would behave differently in an alloy lying on the zirconium side of the compound composition if a eutectic existed there too.

Jan 1, 1953

By A. W. Hull

The new valves described in this article are the latest product of the Research Laboratories of the General Electric Co. Some of them are still in the laboratory stage, others have already found important applications. Some of the larger ones, which have graduated from the laboratory, are waiting for their apprenticeship in industry, there to refine their frailties and complete their preparation as electrical servants. The career that awaits them, though dimly foreseen, appears fascinating. And as surely as history repeats itself, scenes still more romantic, now beyond the horizon, will unfold as we approach them. This is the romance of science. Counting Electrons Let the smallest tube lead the march of review. It is a special Pliotron, designed to measure currents smaller than any yet detected. It goes by the unromantic name of Pliotron FP-54. Fig. 1 shows this miniature tube—miniature in performance rather than size, for it is the size of an ordinary radio receiving tube. Its appearance has nothing distinctive, except the quartz beads above and below the plate, which support the grid. They minimize insulation leakage. In principle, the FP-54 is like any grid-controlled high-vacuum electron tube; but in structure and operating characteristics it is entirely special. An extra "space-charge" grid, maintained at 3 volts positive with respect to the filament, holds back the small but pernicious current of positive ions emitted by the filament; the normal plate voltage is 6 volts, grid bias 3 volts, thoriated-tungsten filament temperature 1700" K., plate current 40 microamperes. These conditions are essential to the avoidance of grid-currents, which may consist not only of insulation leakage and positive ions from the hot filament and from residual gases, but of high-speed electrons from the filament, photo emission from the grid due to the light of the filament, and electron emission caused by X-rays generated by the impact of electrons on the plate.

Jan 1, 1932