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By H. F. Silliman, Daniel R. Hull, Earl W. Palmer

THE brass-rolling industry has not had a great deal of experience with antimony in its product. There have been some recent excursions with antimony as a corrosion inhibitor in tubes, but in sheet brass it has been regarded with apprehension and generally avoided. This is not to say that [ ] contaminations have never occurred, and probably a great many brass mill men have had their own ideas on the effect of such contamination. Our own views were based upon certain experiences some years ago with strip castings that split lengthwise in the early stages of rolling. The nature of this splitting is shown in Fig. I, from a photograph taken in 1922 as a record of 20 bars of 65-35 common brass made with an antimonial brand of copper. These bars were cast 6 ¾ in. wide by 1 in. thick by 45 in. long. In the first pass through the rolls, 19 of the 20 split lengthwise throughout their length, while each half curved outward in a wide arc as it emerged from the rolls. [ ] In those days, if splitting was not a frequent occurrence, it was not unfamiliar. One can recall periods of short duration when large amounts of common brass would behave in this way. There was nothing imaginary about these spells. The affected metal would split lengthwise in the breaking rolls, and no maneuvering of mill practice made any difference. The condition would descend like a plague, demoralize the mill for several days, and disappear. It is doubtful if anyone knew the cause-however many explanations may have been current. In 1921 a quantity of split brass was traced to the use of fired small-arms

Jan 1, 1943

By Clarence Zener

The internal friction of nonferrous metals vibrating at low stress amplitudes has so far always been successfully interpreted in terms of inhomogeneities of one sort or another. Examples are the fluctuation of stress across a specimen vibrating transversely,1,2,3 the stress inhomogeneities due to the elastic anisotropy and partial random orientation of the individual crystallites, localized weak regions introduced by cold-working,6'7 grain boundaries and possibly twinning planes.8'9 Perfect single crystals are, by definition, homogeneous. Actual single crystals usually, perhaps always, contains some imperfections. The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether the internal friction of single crystals may likewise be attributed to inhomogeneities. This study was made possible through the gift of a large single crystal of 70-30 alpha brass by H. L. Burghoff, of the Chase Brass and Copper Co. The specimen, 3.i in. in diameter and 10 in. long, was similar to samples previously described by Mr. Burghoff. Experimental Method The experimental method used has previously been described in institute papers.5'6'9 The measure of internal friction adopted here, I/Q, is X the logarithmic decre- ment, a measure used by some writers, and is also X the specific damping capacity, a measure used by other writers. In all measurements the stress level was kept so low that the measurements were independent of stress level. In all measurements in which the temperature was varied, observations were made as the specimen slowly cooled from its highest temperature. The specimen was vibrated transversely. Observations were made at the fundamental frequency and at the first overtone, of about 620 and 1710 cycles per second, respectively. No attempt was made to avoid acoustical losses. Experimental Results The specimen was annealed for several hours at 450°C. The temperature dependence of the internal friction was then determined from room temperature to 400°C. As shown in Fig. I, the internal friction increased by only a factor of 2 from room temperature to 300°C., then by a factor of 100 during the next Ioo° interval. These measurements are consistent with the view that the observed internal friction is the superposition of two distinct parts. One, dominant at room temperature, is nearly independent of temperature. This part may be accounted for by acoustical losses and by transverse thermal currents. It was not further investigated. The second part, when plotted in the manner of Fig. I, lies upon a straight line. Therefore it has a heat of activation H; i.e., it varies with temperature as Internal friction e-H/RT [I]

Jan 1, 1943

Jan 1, 1943

By G. M. Proudfoot

IN June, 1940, a .Longyear 3420 blast-hole drill rig was purchased by the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company for the purpose of experimental blast-hole drilling. The early work showed that the diamond drill could compete successfully with the Leyners then in use and by January 1st, 1941, the diamond drills were placed on contract. They may be considered to have gone into production at that date. Prior to the introduction of the diamond drill, our bench drilling was clone with Ingersoll-Rand S-70 and S-83 Leyner drills. Holes up to 40 feet were drilled, using coupled 1 1/4-inch round steel. Bits with a gauge of 3 inches were used in starting these holes, with a drop of 1/8-inch gauge for each 2-foot run. The holes normally ended with 1 1/2 or 1 5/8-inch gauge, though bits down to 1 1/8 inches were available for holes longer than normal or for holes drilled in abnormally abrasive ground. This method of drilling was very satisfactory and was a distinct improvement on the three-bench method of drilling used previously (1). During 1937 and 1938, when experienced miners were available, Leyner long-hole drilling was carried on with great efficiency. However, in 1939 and 1940, labour turnover in-creased and experienced long-hole drillers became scarcer. This resulted in a marked decline in the efficiency of the drilling operations, with increased costs and less tonnage drilled per shift. EXPERIMENTAL WORK The initial diamond drilling test work was carried on with a Longyear 3420 air-driven blast-hole drill rig, drilling a 1 3/16-inch hole. Tests indicated that diamond drilling could be successfully adapted to local conditions and that overall costs compared favourably with costs obtained with the Leyner long-hole method. Leyner long holes on stope benches usually bottomed at a larger diameter than the 1 3/16 -inch diamond-drill holes. More powder could therefore be introduced into the Leyner holes than could be placed in the diamond-drill holes. To achieve the same fragmentation, additional footage was required when diamond drilling. Diamond-drill holes of larger diameter were indicated.

Jan 1, 1943

By L. O. Thomas

BROADLY, Yukon is divisible into three physiographic provinces which are extensions of the similar divisions in British Columbia that are there known as the Coastal system, the Interior system, and the Rocky Mountain system. South of Yukon to about the 50th parallel of latitude, the Coastal system consists solely of the Coast range, which, in Yukon, passes behind the St. Elias range and for the remainder of its course constitutes the most easterly portion of the Coastal system. The extension, in Yukon, of the Interior system of plateaus and mountains of British Columbia is commonly referred to as the Yukon plateau, and the extension of the Rocky Mountain system as the Mackenzie Mountains system. The Coast-Range province is largely made up of granitic intrusives; the Mackenzie Mountains province of folded sediments; and the intervening Yukon Plateau province of ancient metamorphic rocks, folded sedimentary rocks, volcanics, and intrusives. Almost the entire area dealt with in this article was subjected to glaciation and, in those parts where its full effect was experienced, the valleys were invaded by vast masses of ice which transported and scattered the stream gravels, with their gold content, so that, even where gold still remains in the old stream channels, it has become so buried under boulder clay and other glacial accumulations that it is, in most places, difficult to find, and, when found, may prove very expensive to mine. Most of the present rivers have done little more than cut new channels in the glacial debris, touching only here and there upon the subjacent rocky floor. The territory in Yukon adjacent to the section of the Alaska highway between Watson and Teslin lakes is for the most part unknown both topographically and geologically. From Teslin to Kluane, the highway travels a fairly well-mapped part of Yukon, but beyond that point, until White river is reached, the geology of the adjacent country has, largely, yet to be determined, particularly on the north side of the highway.

Jan 1, 1943

By A. L. Irwin

THE problem of compensation for labour is probably the oldest and most complicated one in history. The wage that a man receives is possibly the most concrete thing he gets out of his job and, rightly or wrongly, is generally considered by him to be the most important item in connection with his daily work. How today workers in an equitable way has been the study of industrialists for many years, and a great number of ideas have been tried out in an effort to arrive at a reasonable solution of the question. The idea of establishing a measuring stick for various types of work has intrigued industrial management for a long time and, after considerable study, the principle of Job Evaluation has taken form unti1, at the present time, it is becoming increasingly useful to industry at large. Job evaluation is a plan which is used to determine the relative worth of occupations by means of arbitrary measuring scales. These scales are developed for individual industries and are generally 'tailor made' for each particular case. There are as yet no absolute methods of measuring the work done by human beings and, as a result, one has to depend on comparative values to arrive at conclusions. However, job evaluation has provided us with a basis of negotiation for wage rates which is more satisfactory than mere guess work or persona! opinion. It supplies a common ground for discussion which is understandable by all taking part and ensures that thinking with regard to wage setting is carried out along standard lines.

Jan 1, 1943

By Iley B. Browning, Louise Barton Freeman, Coleman D. Hunter

During 1942, production of oil in Kentucky reached a total of 4,169,163 bbl. of which 1,807,809 bbl. came from eastern Kentucky. This was more than a million barrels less than in 1941, owing partly to the low price of crude oil, which almost eliminated wildcatting, and partly to spacing regulations, which limited the number of wells drilled in small, shallow pools where the pressures are not sufficient to maintain maximum recovery in widely spaced wells. In eastern Kentucky much of the oil was produced from outliers of the Mauch Chunk series at the disconformable contact of the Mississippian and Pennsylvanian. Although wells producing from this horizon, known as the Maxon, are sprinkled over the entire area, the greatest concentrations are in Martin, Floyd, Knott and Pike Counties. A new 30 to 40-bbl. well has been completed in this formation in ,Pike County, where the carbon ratio is so high that ordinarily oil would not be expected. Pike County is one of the largest producers of Maxon gas, and the offset well to this oil well produced gas. Of the 412 gas wells drilled in Pike County, 12.2 per cent produced gas from the Maxon horizon. During 1942, the old Menifee " Cornif-erous" field, the Mariba-Denniston field, was redrilled between old wells, and although it did not produce any large amount of oil it did contribute 2018 bbl. In the oldest oil field in eastern Kentucky, the Ragland pool, operators are cleaning out abandoned wells and are using this oil for fuel oil. There is a possibility that some of this may be used in the future as distilled fuel oil. Eight wells were completed in 1942 in the Jackson County gas field. The development of Jackson County, which was started in 1934 and in which commercial quantities of gas were encountered at a depth of 1100 to 1200 ft., has become of importance in 1942 with the completion of eight wells, making a total of 24 commercial producing wells with an average rock pressure of 140 lb. At this time the gas is not being marketed. In the last year it has been found that these wells, which produce from the Niagaran dolomite ("Cornif-erous"), respond to acidizing and the production has been thus greatly increased. There has been less development in Estill and Lee Counties than for several years. Two wells were drilled in Greenup County, one of which had a show of oil in the Berea sandstone. One deep test, drilled by the Owens-Libbey-Owens Co. in Lawrence County, was dry. This well was drilled to a depth of 4975 ft. into the top of the Clinton shale sequence. Of the 202 wells completed in Floyd, Martin, Knott and Pike Counties, 187 were gas wells, 3 oil wells and 12 dry holes. In Floyd County 66 per cent of the gas production was from the Devonian-Mis-sissippian black shales, 53 per cent in Martin, 79 per cent in Knott and 65 per cent in Pike. This is probably the largest continuous gas field east of the Mississippi

Jan 1, 1943

Jan 1, 1943

By C. R. Taylor, John Chipman

The study of chemical reactions of liquid steel and basic open-hearth slag involves a complex slag system of at least eight important components, and often a number of others. In initiating an experimental program on the equilibrium relationship of slag and metal, it became evident that but little progress could be expected in the interpretation of the complex slags until an understanding had been gained of the simpler liquid systems composed of a limited number of slag constituents. The simplest system that in any way resembles open-hearth slag must contain lime, silica and iron oxide. Attempts to produce in an induction furnace slags containing only these constituents have met with serious limitations because of the solubility of refractories in the slag. Thus in acid-lined furnaces the slag is always saturated with silica and consequently contains between 48 and 63 per cent of this component. In basic-lined furnaces an undesired additional component, magnesia, is introduced to the extent of some 3 to 15 per cent, depending upon the acidity, sometimes with disastrous results to the furnace. Thus in a magnesia-lined furnace, Fetters and Chipman1 found it impossible to prepare slags in which the ratio (CaO + MgO)/SiO2 was less than that corresponding to the metasilicate (approximately 0.8:I). Between this composition and that of the true acid slags lies a field of composition about which very little is known and which cannot be explored by any ordinary means. This circumstance, as well as the desire to study the more basic slags in the absence of magnesia, calls for the development of a method by which slags may be brought into equilibrium with molten metal without coming in contact with refractory. Such a technic has been provided by the rotating induction furnace developed by Barrett, Holbrook and Wood.2 Three modifications of the rotating furnace were described by these authors. The first was essentially a rotating refractory cylinder containing the magnesia crucible, which was itself heated by a graphite crucible. In the second, only the magnesia crucible rotated, the cylindrical graphite heater being stationary. In the third, the coil and crucible revolved, and the metal was heated directly by induction. Experimental Method Furnace The furnace used in this investigation differed from previous designs and may be Sci- a fourth modification of the original rotating furnace. Its essential fea tures are shown in Fig. I' The Outer case A is a fire-clay flue liner for control of the atmosphere. The top B and base 6 are alberene stone. The coil supports D are of ""Formica," a material formed from phe-

Jan 1, 1943

By Byron M. Bird

JIGGING is the stratification of a mass of solid particles in upward pulsations of water or in alternating upward and downward pulsa¬tions. The stratification usually is effected in a rectangular open¬top container having a perforated bottom through which the pulsations of water are applied to the materials to be separated; in separating coal, to a mass of coal and refuse. Jigging usually is a continuous process involving three steps: (1) the reception of the raw coal, (91) the stratification of the coal and refuse so that the refuse settles to the screen plate, and (3) the overflow of the cleaned coal and the withdrawal of the refuse collected on the screen. The jig is the most universal washer ever devised. It is handling in practice a wide range of closely sized coals and ores, mixed sizes of coal from 8-in. to 0 through %-in. to 0, and mixed sizes of ores down to %3 O-in. to 0 and even smaller. It is treating materials ranging in specific gravity from that of gold at 19 to that of coal at 1.30. It is handling feeds in which the proportions of high-gravity materials range from 90 per cent or higher, as for some iron ores, to 10 percent or less for some coals. It is handling feeds containing all shapes of particles-round, rectangular, and flat. It is handling simple separation problems and difficult separation problems. Thus, it is an almost universal separating device. One might add that it has been one of the most misunderstood types of washers, from both a theoretical and a practical point of view. Although con¬siderable progress has been made in coal jigging in the past 10 years, the jig probably has more unexplored possibilities than any other type of washer. In this chapter the object has been to treat the jigging process in a practical manner and to give information that will help the reader to improve his particular operation. Inasmuch as performance data from operating plants would contribute little of value, none has been given. Instead, the emphasis is upon jigging principles as a foundation for attacking the problems that arise. These principles are in reality tenta¬tive conclusions from research in the field of jigging during the past 10 years and most of this chapter should be regarded as a progress report on an investigation still under way.

Jan 1, 1943

By V. K. Zworykin

THROUGHOUT its development the science of electronics, like so many other branches of science and industry, has been indebted to the metallurgist. Metallurgy has provided the electronic engineer with conductors to furnish passage for electrons outside of his evacuated tubes; it. has developed tungsten and tantalum wires for emitting electrons and various refractory metals and alloys suitable for electrodes, which receive them and guide them within the tube; finally it has supplied ferromagnetic materials both for shielding electronic apparatus from magnetic fields and for forming highly concentrated fields for deflecting electron. Today I hope to show you that electronics has not been altogether ungrateful for this assistance. More specifically, I wish to indicate the role that the electron microscope, a relatively recent product of electronic engineering, is playing even now in the study of metals. Every metallographer is aware that his standard metallographic microscope will not reveal structural detail involving separations smaller than a certain fraction -at the very best a tenth-of a micron. This limitation, he knows, is a consequence of the fact that the wave length of the light employed for forming the image has this order of magnitude. It is, thus, a property of all light microscopes. To overcome it, a different imaging medium must be employed. The existence of such a medium became evident when it was demonstrated' that electrons were affected by magnetic and electric fields with axial symmetry just as light is affected by glass lenses; these fields, or "electron lenses," curve the paths of electrons reaching them from an object located on the axis of symmetry in such a manner that, at some distance from the lens, a true image of the object is formed, Furthermore, although a wave length may be ascribed to electron beams just as to light, this wave length is much shorter; for electrons accelerated through a difference of potential of 50 kilovolts, the wave length is only about one hundred-thousandth of that of visible light: Actually, the electron microscopes of today resolve detail one hundred times as fine as light microscopes; if the maximum useful magnification of the latter is taken to be a thousand, that of electron microscopes is one hundred thousand. THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE Since electrons are readily scattered and absorbed by matter, specimens to be observed in the electron microscope must be prepared to be less than one micron in thickness; furthermore, the interior of the microscope must be carefully evacuated to prevent collisions between the electrons and the molecules of the air. Finally, as already mentioned, the lenses are formed by axially symmetric magnetic or electric fields, and not by any material medium such as glass. Apart from these basic differences, the electron microscope closely

Jan 1, 1943

By Nan C. Jensen

Modern high-temperature metallurgical processes have created a demand for raw material for furnace parts and lining that not only will with-stand high temperatures is but will not react with the substance being melted in the furnace. Spark-plug insulators, laboratory ware, tanks for the glassmaking making industry, and saggers and kiln furniture for the chinaware and pottery trades also must be made of materials hat have high melting points. Among the minerals that can be employed for such refractory uses ore those commonly known as the "sillimanite group' -kyanite, andaluste, sillimanite, and dumortierite - and the allied minerals topaz and pinite. Consideration of the occurrence, properties, qualities, uses, and sources of supply of these commodities and the markets for them constitute the subject of this paper. General Features of Kyanite and Related Minerals Kyanite, andalusite, and sillimanite ire composed of three elements - aluminum, silicon, and oxygen ? and are called aluminum silicates. The have

Jan 1, 1943

By V. K. Zworykin

Throughout its development the science of electronics, like so many other branches of science and industry, has been indebted to the metallurgist. Metallurgy has provided the electronic engineer with conductors to furnish passage for electrons outside of his evacuated tubes: it has developed tungsten and tantalum wires for emitting electrons and various refractory metals and alloys suitable for electrodes, which receive them and guide them within the tube; finally it has supplied ferromagnetic materials both for shielding electronic apparatus from magnetic fields and for forming highly concentrated fields for deflecting electron . Today I hope to show you that electronics has not been altogether ungrateful for this assistance. More specifically, I wish to indicate the role that the electron microscope, a relatively recent product of electronic engineering, is playing even now in the study of metals. Every metallographer is aware that his standard metallographic microscope will not reveal structural detail involving separations smaller than a certain fraction —at the very best a tenth—of a micron. This limitation, he knows, is a consequence of the fact that the wave length of the light employed for forming the image has this order of magnitude. It is, thus, a property of all light microscopes. TO overcome it, a different imaging medium must be employed, The existence of such a medium became evident when it was demonstrated1 that electrons were affected by magnetic and electric fields with axial symmetry just as light is affected by glass lenses; these fields, or "electron lenses," curve the paths of electrons reaching them from an object located on the axis of symmetry in such a manner that, at some distance from the lens, a true image of the object is formed. Furthermore, although a wave length may . be ascribed to electron beams just as to light, this wave length is much shorter; for electrons accelerated through a difference of potential of 50 kilovolts, the wave length is only about one hundred-thousandth of that of visible light. Actually, the elcctron microscopes of today resolve detail one hundred times as fine as light microscopes; if the maximum useful magnification of the latter is taken to be a thousand, that of electron microscopes is one hundred thousand. The Electron Microscope Since electrons are readily scattered and absorbed by matter, specimens to be observed in the electron microscope must be prepared to be less than one micron in thickness; furthermore, the interior of the microscope must be carefully evacuated to prevent collisions between the clectrons and the molecules of the air. Finally, as already mentioned, the lenses are formed by axially symmetric magnetic or electric fields, and not by any material medium such as glass. Apart from these basic differences, the electron microscope closely

Jan 1, 1943

By Aloys IL. Wollrab

The conditions that govern the selection of a suitable type of detachable bit for the small, isolated mine, for rock work and tunnel contracting and for the large mine are quite dissimilar, therefore intelligent recommendation of a particular make of detachable bit must involve consideration of many factors. Small, isolated mines may find advantageous a detachable bit that a larger mine cannot afford to use, because of more efficient conventional steel sharpening and steel-distribution practice, but a small mine may not be able to adopt the practice of large mines because of necessary capital expenditures for equipment for detachable-bit sharpening and . shanking. The perfect detachable bit, suitable for all conditions, has not yet been developed. Conventional Drill Bit in Use That drilling speed increases as the bit gauge decreases is well known, but since small-hole drilling is the exception rather than the rule the rate of such increase is probably not so generally recognized. Tests carried out by Holman Brothers Limited1 with 7/8-in. steel show that when bit sizes are reduced from I½ in., I3/8 in., and I3/16 in-; to I3/8 in., I1/4 in.., and I1/8 in., respectively, the volume of the hole is I 5 per cent less and the drilling speed 49 per cent higher. Recent tests by the United States Bureau of Mines2,3 in hard, uniform basalt showed that a reduction in average gauge from 2.077 to I,826 in., a difference of o.25I in., gave an increased drilling speed of 65 per cent. The limits to which a drill hole may be extended depend upon the loss in gauge. Since the conventional bit with 5° and 14° clearances did not possess sufficient reaming edge to permit the smaller gauge changes that were required for small-hole drilling, experiments were made in bit construction with a view to correcting this deficiency. This resulted in the adoption of the full reaming cross bit (having full Carr charac1erist.i~~) by some mines4 In order to drill holes having a minimum taper from the collar to the bottom of the hole, full reaming center-hole cross bits with 90° cutting angles, 5° and 14° wing tapers, forged on 7/8-in. quarter-octagon drill rods, are used in the conventional drill-steel practice at Hollinger. In the steel shop close attention is given to the condition of the dies and dollies, which, combined with a rigid inspection of the finished bit, ensures as nearly a perfect bit as call be forged economically. Shop practices and costs have been discussed in earlier paper.5,6 The method by which the radii for the special dies used for forging bits of different gauge diameter are obtained so that the points and reaming edges cut circles of the same diameter has been discussed by Hibbert. Requiremnts for Detachable. Bit for Hollinger Under these it it was appar- ent that it would be difficult to introduce a detachable bit that could successfully compete with the conventional bit already in

Jan 1, 1943

By A. A. Gustafson

In diamond or churn drilling for the prospecting of ore bodies, two products can be used for quantitative analyses; i.e., the core and the cuttings, or sludge. Some operators prefer an assay of core; others insist that the sludge be sent for analysis. Both must recover the sludge for check samples or for assays if there is no core recovery for any particular section of the diamond-drill hole. The Freeport Sulphur Co. found that numerous cumbersome sludge boxes or barrels were inconvenient and delayed drilling. The sludge settled slowly in the ordinary shallow, rectangular diamond-drill boxes and its total removal from the container was difficult, time-consuming and unsatisfactory; and sampling of deposits of which the metal contents are easily concentrated, as in ores containing cinnabar, gold and silver, is subject to error if the boxes are not thoroughly cleaned. Mr. Charles Ballard, dredge superintendent at Freeport's operation at Grande Ecaille, Louisiana, developed a portable cone while he was in charge of prospecting a mercury property near Tonopah, Nevada, in 1940. Ballard later improved the design while the settler was being used at a manganese property in New Mexico. The operation is based on the "free settling" of comminuted particles in a quiescent liquid. The ordinary sludge box discharges over a lip 8 to 12 in. wide and consequently the water has sufficient velocity so that the discharge water is never clear. The cone settler used by Free-port Sulphur Co. discharges over the entire circumference, which gives a discharge ltp of 9 ft. in the size of cone used at the cinnabar and manganese prospects. Consequently, the velocity of the discharge water is slow enough so that all fine material settles and the discharge water is clear. When the drilling of a sample interval is complete, the sludge can be drawn off by the time the driller is ready to cut another sample. Thus, only one cone is needed per drill. The cone has been used by Freeport successfully in churn-drilling a manganese deposit, in diamond-drilling a mercury deposit, and in diamond-drilling a deposit of ore containing tin, copper, gold and silver. The cone is greatly superior to the old methods of collecting sludge and is now used on all Freeport drilling campaigns in the western states, both for surface and underground drilling. Fig. I shows the important details of a cone designed for average operating conditions, 30 in. in diameter and 36 in. high. Abnormal conditions may require some revisions in design. Fig. 2 shows a working drawing. A hose or pipe larger than the one used to convey water from the pump to the swivel head of the string of rods is connected to the stuffing box at the collar of a diamond-drill hole, The usual T-connection is used. It is not necessary to use a stuffing box if the top of the cone can be placed lower than the collar of the hole. Then the return water and cuttings can be made to flow by gravity. This hose or pipe discharges the cuttings of the drill bit and the return

Jan 1, 1943

By W. N. Lacey, D. F. Botkin, B. H. Sage

Joule-THomson coefficients for two natural gases were determined at pressures up to 600 lb. per sq. in. throughout the temperature interval between 70" and 310°F. From these primary data and available information relating to the isobaric heat capacities of the components at infinite volume, the heat capacities of these gases were computed throughout the above-mentioned range of pressures and temperatures. The enthalpies of the gases were computed as a function of state and the results compared with values obtained by several methods of prediction currently available. Table i .—Composition of Gas Samples Components Gas A Gas B Carbon dioxide................ 0.0090a 0 .042 0 Methane...................... 0.8255 0.8385 Ethane.......................0.0901 0 .0637 Propane....................... 0.0462 0.0374 Isobutane..................... 0.0074 0.0039 n-butane................ ...... 0. 0126 0 .0095 Isopentane.................... 0.0032 0.0016 n-pentane..................... 0.0022 0.0011 Hexanes and Heavier........... 0.003& 0.0023 Experimentally determined Joule-Thom. son coefficients for natural gases afford a satisfactory means of checking the accuracy of prediction of their thermodynamic properties from the behavior of the components in the pure state and in binary mixtures. Relatively small samples of these natural gases were available, together with their analyses, and the Joule-Thomson coeffi- The Joule-Thomson coefficients were determined by measuring the change in temperature resulting from the passage of the gas through a porous thimble with a known pressure difference and under such conditions that the process was substantially isonthalpic. The details of the apparatus employed for this purpose have been described.' It is believed that the changes in temperature and pressure were ascertained with an uncertainty of not more than 0.3 per cent. However, as a result of deviations from steady flow, it is probable that uncertainties as large as 2 per cent may exist in the measured Joule-Thomson coefficient. The gases utilized in this work were taken from high-pressure separators and were dried prior to use by passage over calcium chloride at pressures in excess of 300 lb. per sq. in. The gases were subjected to the conventional fractionation and Orsat analyses. The results are recorded in Table I. The composition is typical of gases from such sources, with the possible exception of the presence of significant quantities of carbon dioxide in each of the samples. The experimental results obtained for the two natural gases are graphically Portrayed in Figs. I and 2. The experimental

Jan 1, 1943

By E. R. Borcherdt

Methods and equipment are subject to study in the Butte district at all times in order that advantage may be taken of any new developments that might serve to increase efficiency and lower costs. Detailed time studies of each operation involved in the entire mining process have been of invaluable assistance in analyzing the individual operation for possible improvement. In other words, the fact that a practice has been in vogue for many years does not exempt it from change provided an easier and cheaper method can be found. Exploration Ore occurs in the Butte district in such manner that structures must be drifted on, no matter how small or unimportant they appear when intersected by a crosscut. Parallel structures also add to the crosscut requirements. This prospecting work, which formerly was done entirely by drifting and crosscutting, is now being supplemented by diamond drilling, to aid in greatly decreasing the amount of waste. In long-shot prospecting, or in second or third class prospecting, where the chances of developing commercial ore are not very great, diamond drilling is of particular value. In prospecting where chances of encountering commercial ore are certain or where crosscuts can be used later for haulage or ventilation, drilling obviously is not applicable. Improvement in drilling machines and bits has contributed greatly to the present success of diamond drilling. For many Years square-set filled stoping was the principal mining method used in the Butte district. Later timbered and untimbered rill stopes were used, also some horizontal cut-and-fill stoping where both Ore and walls were particularly strong. Because of the amount of timber required for square-set stoping, and the relatively low production per stope unit, experiments with horizontal cut-and-fill stopes were begun in Ore bodies of which many had fairly weak walls. It was felt that increase in the speed of the stoping operation, followed closely by filling, to avoid weight being produced by permitting ore and walls to remain insufficiently supported over comparatively long periods, would maintain the walls and backs in safe condition without the use of timber and without ore dilution from wall slough. Cycles of drilling, scraping ore, and filling were devised, which have materially increased stope production and decreased timber consumption, so that both stope labor and supply costs were lowered appreciably without materially affecting grade control. In the larger mines of the district, where wide veins favor this stoping method, half of the total production is now being mined by horizontal cut-and-fill stopes (Fig. I). The increase of the filling rate demanded by the increased stoping rate was the greatest obstacle encountered in the accelerated stoping operations. Finally this problem was solved by replacing the time-honored method of transferring filling waste by small cars, which were hoisted or lowered in the auxiliary shaft, by a transfer

Jan 1, 1943

By A. R. T. Denues

"INTRODUCTION The orienting phases of the current investigation of cushioned blasting in the Explosives Division of the Bureau of Mines were indicated in a previous publication (5) 3/. Pertinent literature reviewed therein indicated a highly controversial field. This emphasized the need for experimental studies of many factors that affect the health and safety of miners and the efficiency of mining operations. Results of some orienting tests showed marked effects on practical hazards. Further, they emphasized the necessity and importance of the contemplated investigation. The scope and general plan of these practical inquiries into the safety of cushioned blasting were indicated.This investigation of cushioned blasting relates to the various means employed to reduce the intensity of application of energy from explosive actions in boreholes. It has been suggested (from p. 19 of reference that the divisions of this work would correspond to the salient hazards affected by cushioned blasting. These include the ignition hazard, hazards from poisonous gases, and other practical hazards in the blasting technique. The ignition hazard was resolved into two components of approximately equal weight. These include studies of effects upon (1) the incendivity of blown-out shots and upon (2) the occurrence of such shots. Experimental studies of effects on the incendivity of blown-out shots were first undertaken. Questions of the best procedure for making these evaluations have been adduced, and the interpre-tation and utilization of the results of gallery testing seemed to require detailed attention; some preliminary general considerations of such testing were therefore necessary."

Jan 1, 1943

By A. S. Richardson

AIR conditioning, or air cooling, for the improvement of ventilation in the Butte mines has come into increasing use during the past 10 years. In part, the methods practiced have been described in previous publications of the Institute, but some improvements on earlier methods have been made and a number of new features have been developed. This paper is presented as a record of progress made, and for the sake of completeness describes all general features of the work. The need for air conditioning in the ventilation of mines in the district arises from the fact that the temperature of the ground and mine water has shown a very great increase with increase in mining depth, and has now reached a maximum of slightly over 130°F. The most difficult part of the ventilation problem is the maintenance of temperature and humidity of a satisfactory standard in the working places, especially on the lower levels. Although ordinary ventilation is adequate to maintain good conditions in most of the working places it is subject to a number of limitations at great depth. Most important among these limitations is that with increase in depth the air becomes heated before it reaches the working places, both by compression from increase in atmospheric Pressure and by heat transferred to it from rock at high temPerature, so that its capacity for lowering temperatures is greatly reduced before it reaches the operating zone. Increasing depth of mining also increases the distance traveled by the air in its passage through the mine, and this causes a corresponding increase in resistance to air flow, so that there is greater difficulty in maintaining even the same volume in circulation. Thus, in the face of a demand that the ventilating system have a very much greater capacity to remove heat from the mine, the tendency is for that capacity to diminish. The only evident alternatives were (I) the opening of additional air shafts to increase the volume of air in circulation, (2) an extension of the existing system that would be subject to the same limitations, or (3) the adoption of an entirely different method such as air cooling. Fortunately for an economic solution of the problem, the mean annual temperature of the surface atmosphere at Butte is about 40°F., with very low relative humidity in summer, so that there is unlimited natural cooling power at a temperature range adaptable to air-conditioning methods. Methods Two similar methods of air conditioning are used, as necessitated by service requirements and dependent upon the equipment available. In one, which is the more important and has the greater cooling capacity, water is circulated in a closed circuit, and, alternately, first absorbs heat from warm mine air and then dissipates it in the surface atmosphere by cooling at a cooling tower. The second

Jan 1, 1943

By Warren E. Wilson

PRESENT-DAY design of launders is essentially an art depending to a marked degree upon the experience of the designer, whose problem is that of determining the dimensions of a conduit that will transport the pulp within the physical limitations of the plant and in the most economical manner. This paper has been prepared in an effort to place launder design upon a more scientific basis. A method is developed from elementary principles and presented in a form that may be used directly by the designer in determining launder dimensions.. The equations that are developed are believed to represent an advance over older ones, in that they give due consideration to all the pertinent variables, either including them in the analysis or showing that they may be neglected within the limits of applicability of the equations. Experimental data from several sources are used in evaluating the coefficients that are not determined in the mathematical analysis. On the basis of the material presented, it is concluded that launders may be designed with a much greater degree of accuracy than previously believed possible, when due consideration is given to all the factors involved in the problem. However, a great deal of work still remains to be done in the laboratory before a complete answer to all the questions in launder design can be made available. HISTORY OF LAUNDER DESIGN Among the references1-11 are cited accounts of many experiments that have been conducted in an effort to advance the knowledge of the flow of liquid-solid mixtures in flumes and pipes. With three notable exceptions, this work was carried on in such a manner that the results have limited value in solving the general problem, since not all the pertinent variables were measured and controlled. The exceptions are found in the works of Blue,6 Gilbert,7 and Blatch,11 who exercised great care in controlling and measuring all the significant quantities involved in the experimentation. It is notable that much of the work done by men directly connected with the mineral industries1-4 lacks somewhat in completeness, owing apparently to preconceived notions concerning the factors that determine the flow. For example, many measurements on flow in pipes and flumes carrying liquid-solid mixtures determined only the slope and percentage of solids, with no mention of size of particles, depth of flow, roughness of channel or specific gravity of solids. Material in current handbooks8,9 and textbooks is based largely on the experimental work cited above. Although most discussions of the topic-include statements that the results to be obtained by using the data presented are limited by the fact that all variables have not been considered, it is

Jan 1, 1943