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By Joseph E. Pogue

The outstanding features of 1926 in the petroleum industry included the following: 1. Stocks of all oils (crude and refined) were reduced, making the first annual decline since 1918. 2. Domestic crude oil production increased steadily during the last 11 months of the year, accelerating during the fourth quarter, and ending the year at the highest level ever attained. 3. Three new major oil fields were developed—Panhandle, Spindle-top and Seminole. 4. Important advances were registered in production technique, tending to retard the declines of old wells and to maintain the flush periods of new wells. 5. The problem of gaining greater economic control of production through unit operations and gas conservation received growing recognition by the industry and the Federal Oil Conservation Board. 6. The rate of drilling was sharply increased during the second quarter of the year and suffered only a very slight retardation during the closing months. 7. The runs of crude oil to stills were maintained above normal throughout the year and underwent acceleration during the fourth quarter. 8. The gasoline situation was marked by a continuous and substantial increase in the rate of production of cracked gasoline, and by an improvement in the statistical position of the commodity. 9. Prices of both crude petroleum and its principal derivatives were characterized by more profitable levels and greater stability than for a number of years past; and, while showing declines during the fourth quarter, prices did not recede sufficiently to slow down materially either drilling or refinery operations. Change in Stocks The keynote of 1926 was a reduction in stocks of all oils to the extent of approximately 24,000,000 bbl., or 4.4 per cent., of which roundly

Jan 1, 1927

(Separates of all the Pamphlets published within the last three years (starting with No. 1469) are available, with few exceptions, at Institute headquarters. Separates of all the Technical Publications are also available. All the papers are on file in public, university and technical libraries, and when so indicated in the list, may be found either in the TRANSACTIONS or in the special volumes issued by the Institute.] METAL MINING TRANS. PAMPHLET VOLUME NUMBER TITLE AUTHOR MEETING AND PAGE'S 1033 Relation of Air Pressure to Drilling H. W. Seamon New York 66, 743, 756 Speeds of Hammer Drills Feb., 1921 1034 Time Factor in Depletion of Mines J. W. Roberts New York 66,711 Feb., 1921 1035 Calculation of Ore Tonnage and Grade J. E. Harding New York 66, 117, 122 from Drill-hole Samples Feb., 1921 1038 Discussion of Papers Presented in 1920 1041 Run-off and Mine Drainage H. N. Eavenson New York 66, 624,630 Feb., 1921 1043 The Health of the Underground Worker A. J. Lanza New York Feb., 1021 1045 Dust-ventilation Studies in Metal D. Harrington New York 66, 272, 289Mines Feb., 1921 1046 Discussion of Papers Presented at New York Meeting, 1021 1072 Breakage and Heat Treatment of Rock- B. F. Tillson New York 66,1758 drill Steel Feb., 1921 1073 Discussion of Papers Presented at New York Meeting, 1921 1076-M Analysis of Some Drill-steel Testa F. B. Foley New York 66, 789 Feb., 1921 1077-M Application of Magnetic. Analysis to C. W. Burrows New York 66, 796 Rock Drills Feb. 1921 1078-M Heat Treatment of Rock-drill Steel G.H. Gilman New York 66, 779_ Feb., 1921 1080 What is the Ideal Drill Steel? F. H. Kingdon New York 66,807 Feb., 1921 1051 Rock Drill Steels, etc. - W. T. Ober New York 66,814 Feb., 1921 1082-C Underground Mine Development, Its J. B. Dilworth Wilkes-Barre 66,715, 7.21 Definition and Valuation Sept., 1921 1084 Drill Steel from Hollow Ingots P. A. E. Armstrong New York, 66, 809 Feb., 1921 1088 Authors' Replies to Recent Discussion 1092 Heat Treatment of Rock Drill Steel A. E. Perkins New York 66,811 Feb., 1921 1096-M Octagonal Ventilation Shaft. of Davis- J. L. Bruce Wilkes-Barre 66, 252, 268 Daly Copper Co. Sept., 1921 1100-C Determination of Electrical Equip- G. Bright Wilkes-Barre 66, 580, 605 ment for a Mine Hoist Sept. 1921

Jan 1, 1927

By J. Doig, A. A. Bauer, F. A. Rough

AN investigation of the phase relationships between the 6 phases of the uranium-molybdenum and uranium-titanium systems was conducted by studying alloys ranging in composition from uranium-31.5 at. pct Mo to uranium-34 at. pct Ti. A ternary cut showing these phase relationships is presented upon the basis of thermal-analysis data obtained and upon the basis of metallographic and X-ray examination of heat-treated and quenched specimens. Isothermal ternary sections, inferred from phase relationships determined between the two 6 phases, are presented for the uranium-molybdenum-titanium system. In the compositional range investigated, a y-ura-nium solid solution exists at elevated temperatures. At about 900°C the 6-U2Ti phase, with limited molybdenum solubility, forms. Epsilon, a molybdenum-titanium-rich solid solution appears at the same temperature and appears in all phase regions that exist below this temperature except in the terminal 6-phase regions. The y phase is stable to approximately 660°C in titanium-rich alloys; the y and 6-U,Ti phases decompose at this temperature to a uranium in a peritectoid reaction. The y phase in molybdenum-rich alloys of the ternary cut studied decomposes in an apparent eutectoid reaction, at about 593°C, to the 6-uranium-molyb-denum and a-uranium phases. The e phase while present, presumably plays a negligible role in these reactions. Titanium was found to markedly decrease the stability of retained y in these alloys. Age-hardening characteristics developed in titanium-contain ing uranium-molybdenum alloys quenched from 900°C and aged at 500°C are ascribed to decomposition of Y to the a and E phases. INTRODUCTION Alloys of uranium with molybdenum, titanium, and zirconium, respectively, are of great interest because of their potential use as reactor fuels. As a result, this interest extends to the constitution of these alloys, particularly in view of their uniqueness of constitution. In these systems, alone, among known uranium-alloy systems, an intermediate phase forms by direct decomposition of the high-temperature y-uranium phase. As a prelude to possible future alloy development, an investigation has been undertaken of the phase relationships that occur between the intermediate phases of these systems. These phase relationships have already been reported for the intermediate 6 phases of the uranium-zirconium and uranium-titanium systems.' The results of an investigation of the phase relationships between the 6 phases of the uranium-molybdenum and uranium-titanium systems are reported here. The phase relationships that occur in the binary systems pertinent to this investigation are shown in Fig. 1. Phase nomenclature appearing throughout this report is as shown in these diagrams; the crystal structure of the phase is given in Table I. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Alloys were cast and fabricated to flat plate. Specimens were heat treated and examined metal-

Jan 1, 1959

By Frederick L. Knouse

The south border of Espirito Santo begins about 400 km. north of Rio de Janeiro and extends along the Atlantic Coast northward some 325 km. and inland 100 to 150 km. The area under consideration, where quartz crystal of strategic grades has been mined, extends from 19º to 21º and 30º south latitude; and from 40º to 41º and 30º west longitude. This includes the central part of Espirito santo, chiefly south of the Rio Doce from the Atlantic ocean, and west across the border into Minas Gerais near the town of Aimores, in the municipalities of Aimores, Minas Gerais; Baixo Guandu, Santa Teresa, Santa Leopoldina, Colatina, Joao Neiva, Fundao and Domingo Mar-tines, Espirito Santo (Fig. I). During 1943 and the first half of 1944, this region accounted for approximately 3 to 5 per cent of the quartz crystal produced in Brazil. Shipments of crystal have been made chiefly by rail to Rio de Janeiro. This region is serviced by the E. F. Minas-Vitoria and E. F. Leopoldina to Rio de Janeiro through vitoria; and by the E. F. Minas-Vitoria and E. F. Centra] do Brasil through Bello Horizonte, Minas Gerais to Rio de Janeiro. The major deposits are accessible from the railheads by dirt roads, some being 5 to 30 km. off the road, reached by trail. In 1943 and the first half of 1944, the bulk of the production was from inter- mountain marshes and adjoining hillside alluvial placer deposits in the zone surrounding the town of Santa Teresa. Most of these deposits were formed from the erosion of pegmatite~, quartz veins and pockets in the gneiss, with minor quantities produced from miarolitic cavity fillings in the granitic rock. Early Operations Mining of quartz crystal in this region began in 1928 and has been stimulated by the market demand for military uses. Before 1936 little attention was given to it, either in Espirito Santo or eastern Minas Gerais. From 1936 to 1941 the Japanese sent agents to various points of production or potential production to acquire quartz through purchase. They bought crysta1 as small as 10 grams. Since '94' only the United States and Great Britain have received quartz from Brazil. The United States purchases crystals of 100 grams and larger for strategic purposes. The first known discoveries were made either in the municipalities of Aimores, Minas Gerais, or in Baixo Guandu, 01 Domingos Martines, Espirito Santo. Marketable quartz crysta1 was first found either in the massive quartz replacement veins of the Victor Hugo mine in the municipality of Domingo Martines, or in the large 'ores of quartz in the pegmatites near Baixo Guandu, extending into Minas Gerais. Production The production of quartz in Espirito Santo from 1936 through 1941 as recorded

Jan 1, 1948

By Frederick L. Knouse

The south border of Espirito Santo begins about 400 km. north of Rio de Janeiro and extends along the Atlantic Coast northward some 325 km. and inland 100 to 150 km. The area under consideration, where quartz crystal of strategic grades has been mined, extends from 19º to 21º and 30º south latitude; and from 40º to 41º and 30º west longitude. This includes the central part of Espirito santo, chiefly south of the Rio Doce from the Atlantic ocean, and west across the border into Minas Gerais near the town of Aimores, in the municipalities of Aimores, Minas Gerais; Baixo Guandu, Santa Teresa, Santa Leopoldina, Colatina, Joao Neiva, Fundao and Domingo Mar-tines, Espirito Santo (Fig. I). During 1943 and the first half of 1944, this region accounted for approximately 3 to 5 per cent of the quartz crystal produced in Brazil. Shipments of crystal have been made chiefly by rail to Rio de Janeiro. This region is serviced by the E. F. Minas-Vitoria and E. F. Leopoldina to Rio de Janeiro through vitoria; and by the E. F. Minas-Vitoria and E. F. Centra] do Brasil through Bello Horizonte, Minas Gerais to Rio de Janeiro. The major deposits are accessible from the railheads by dirt roads, some being 5 to 30 km. off the road, reached by trail. In 1943 and the first half of 1944, the bulk of the production was from inter- mountain marshes and adjoining hillside alluvial placer deposits in the zone surrounding the town of Santa Teresa. Most of these deposits were formed from the erosion of pegmatite~, quartz veins and pockets in the gneiss, with minor quantities produced from miarolitic cavity fillings in the granitic rock. Early Operations Mining of quartz crystal in this region began in 1928 and has been stimulated by the market demand for military uses. Before 1936 little attention was given to it, either in Espirito Santo or eastern Minas Gerais. From 1936 to 1941 the Japanese sent agents to various points of production or potential production to acquire quartz through purchase. They bought crysta1 as small as 10 grams. Since '94' only the United States and Great Britain have received quartz from Brazil. The United States purchases crystals of 100 grams and larger for strategic purposes. The first known discoveries were made either in the municipalities of Aimores, Minas Gerais, or in Baixo Guandu, 01 Domingos Martines, Espirito Santo. Marketable quartz crysta1 was first found either in the massive quartz replacement veins of the Victor Hugo mine in the municipality of Domingo Martines, or in the large 'ores of quartz in the pegmatites near Baixo Guandu, extending into Minas Gerais. Production The production of quartz in Espirito Santo from 1936 through 1941 as recorded

Jan 1, 1948

Briefly, can you relate how you got into the minerals industry and some of your experiences as an executive, engineer, and administrator? Also would you tell ME about your affiliation with the Society of Mining Engineers of AIME? Roseburg, Ore., was where I was born and raised. It was, and still is a lumbering town; it couldn't have been any farther from mining. Upon graduation from high school, I turned 18 and, having already signed up with the Army Corps of Engineers, I was in the service eight days after my birthday. Four months later I was in New Guinea. As an amphibious engineer, I saw many of the Pacific and Philippine Islands, and ended up in Japan just a few days after the war was over. In later years, my work took me back to several of the places I had been during the war.

Jan 3, 1978

By Louis V. Bender

THIS paper gives a short review of the installation for and the use of gas, as a. fuel, at the Anaconda Reduction Works of the Anaconda Copper Mining Co. Before putting in gas tile fuels used were pulverized coal, lump coal, coke distillate and oil. These fuels are now almost entirely eliminated. For nearly fifty years bituminous coals from Wyoming and Montana fields had been used. These coals were of a good grade, analyzing 11,300 B.t.u. and having an ash content of 12 per cent. When hydro-electric power replaced steam-driven equipment, the coal requirements were reduced; and, on account of improvements in metallurgy and/ or in furnace design, the quantity was lessened. Later, oil and distillate were introduced and used in some of the operations. All of these things tended toward the lessening of the amount of coal used, and had it not been for the increase in the size of the plant, the tonnage used would have been small when the change was made to gas.

Jan 1, 1932

By Tribhawan N. Srivastava

The Henderson Mine started production in 1976 utilizing a unique, push-pull, mine ventilation plan. As the mine expands in size, the mine ventilation requirements will increase and a more comprehensive system for maintaining ventilation will be needed. A computer simulation study was completed and has resulted in a revised, systematic, mine ventilation plan which is being implemented as mine development proceeds. Based on the computer simulation study, the new ventilation plan takes into account mining of the orebody simultaneously from both the 8100 and 7700 production levels. Present experience and empirical data indicate that volumes of air needed to adequately ventilate both production levels cannot be obtained utilizing the existing mine layout. The total volume of air needed for the mine excluding haulage tunnel will increase from 708 m3/s (1 500 000 cfm) to 1652 m3/s (3 500 000 cfm), thus a new No. 5 exhaust shaft and connecting drifts are being developed to expand the mine ventilation system to service both production levels. The original ventilation plan for the 7500 haulage level was to bring air from the No. 2 and No. 3 intake shafts and exhaust it through the 94X raise to the 8035 exhaust level and then through the No. 1 exhaust shaft to surface. Control of air volumes in loading drifts was initially planned to be achieved by air doors and air curtains. Air doors on the 7500 level require large cutouts, expensive installations and constant maintenance. The computer simulation study indicates that air- flow in the 7500-level production drifts can be con- trolled exclusively by air curtains which are less expensive to install and more effective in regulating airflows than air doors. Air from the 7500 level can be exhausted through a new raise to the new 7635 exhaust level and then through the new No. 5 exhaust shaft.

Jan 1, 1982

By H. W. Kerr, B. Soutiere

THE possibility of using unidirectionally solidified eutectic alloys as high-strength composite materials has been investigated by several workers. Unidirectionally solidified lamellar and fibrous eutectics have been shown to have good short-time structural stability at temperatures close to the eutectic melting temperature.'-4 Several investigations of both short-time high temperature tensile properties and creep properties of eutectic alloys have been carried out,3-" with promising results. Little work has been reported, however, on the thermal stability of eutectic alloys which have been unidirectionally solidified and subsequently deformed in compression. Since processes such as rolling and grinding introduce compressive stresses, and since the properties depend on the spacing and perfection of the composite structure10,11 this aspect is of definite importance if unidirectionally solidified eutectic alloys are to be considered for commercial use. A Cd-Zn alloy made from 99.999 pct starting materials was cast into a graphite boat and zone levelled12 to obtain a completely lamellar structure at one end of the bar. Sections from this region of the bar were removed, recast into 6.5 mm I.D. Pyrex tubing, and solidified unidirectionally upwards at a rate of 2.8 cm per hr. Specimens were cut from the solidified rods, heated in air at 200°C (0.88 of the eutectic melting temperature) for various lengths of time, and examined metal-lographically. Compression specimens were also cut from the solidified rod carefully machined to a length of & in., and deformed with the compressive axis parallel to the original growth axis to produce a total longitudinal strain of 12 pct. Some of these specimens were examined metallographically; others were heated in air at 200°C for various lengths of time and then examined. Metallographic examination of the deformed specimens showed the two types of deformation previously described; slip lines13 (smoothly bent lamellae) and kinks13,14 (sharply bent lamellae). Very close to the specimen ends there were a large number of deformation bands, but at a distance of about -re- in. the deformation was very localized, as shown in Fig. 1.

Jan 1, 1970

By J. E. McDonald, J. G. Eberhart

A model is discussed from which the work of adhcslon .tor liquid transition metals on aluminum oxide surfaces can he calculated, A close-packed (00011 oxygen surface on A12O3 is assumed with two different types of surface sites: one type involving metal-oxygen bonds and the other man der Waals into actions. The work of adhesion is thus expressed as the sum of these two bonsding free energies. Calculated works of adhesion for nickel, titanium, chromium, and zirconium on sapphire agree well with the experimentally determined quantities. The model is extentled to the calculation of the work of adhesion and shear stress required to remove a thin metal film from a sapphire substrate and is in good agreement with experimental values. The obsewed dependence of the work of adhesion on the free energy of oxide formation of the metal is shown to also provide an interpretation of the tittle dependence of thin-film adhesion. THIS paper presents a model for the type of bonding which occurs across a metal-A12O3 interface. The model is used to explain the results of two types of experiments in which such an interface exists: 1) the adhesion of thin metal films on Al2O3 substrates and 2) the wetting of A12O3 by liquid metal drops. The adhesion of thin films to various substrates has been the subject of a variety of investigations.'-' Benjamin and weaver3 and Bowie,6 using the scratch test developed by Heavens,10 studied the adhesion of metallic films to glass substrates. Their observations for noble-metal film adhesion agree well with an adhesion model involving a van der Waals type of bonding between the film and the substrate. For films of metals whose free energy of oxide formation. ?F°f, has a negative value. Benjamin and weaver3 and Bowie6 found a time-dependent adhesion with an initial value that can be interpreted in terms of van der Waals interactions but a larger terminal value which was related to ?F°f, Karnow-sky and Estill7 deposited films on sapphire at elevated temperatures and noticed no time dependence of film adhesion but a similar correlation with ?F°f. Because of the kinetic problems associated with thin-film adhesion it is desirable to examine adhesion in an equilibrium system. The wetting behavior of liquid-metal drops on Al2O3 provides such a system. Systems of this metal-ceramic type have been studied extensively.11 Humenik and Kingeryl2 have measured the wetting of A12O3 (and other substrates) by several metals and have pointed out that the wetting ability of these metals increases with increasing values of -?F°f. It is thus seen that thin-film adhesion and metal wetting on A12O3 are both related to the tendency of the metal to react with the surface oxide ions of the Al2O3 substrate and, because of this, both phenomena should be explainable by an appropriate model for the metal-Al2O3 interfacial bonding. In the sections that follow, wetting and adhesion data on A2O3 are reviewed and a model is presented by which these phenomena can be interpreted. ANALYSIS OF WETTING EXPERIMENTS In an equilibrium system involving a liquid-metal drop on a solid Al2O3 substrate, the work of adhesion, WAD, is defined by the Dupre, equation as WAD = ?s + ?L -?sL [1] where ?s and ?L are the surface free energies of the solid substrate and the liquid drop, respectively, and ?sL is the interfacial free energy. The work of adhesion is the work required to separate a unit area of the solid-liquid interface into two surfaces. The work of adhesion is usually determined from a sessile-drop experiment in which yL and the contact angle, ?, are measured. The Young-Dupr6 equation is then used to calculate WAD Wad = ?L (1+ cos ?) [2] The literature of this subject has been examined and Table I shows work of adhesion data for various liquid metals as measured on A12O3 substrates. The standard free energy of oxide formation of the metal at the temperature of the wetting experiment, ?F°f . is also tabulated in kcal per g-atom of oxygen. The data is grouped according to the gaseous atmos-

Jan 1, 1965

By L. de Florez

The successful control of any operation, whether industrial, military, or purely physical, is fundamentally dependent upon the same elements: (I) The securing of accurate and pertinent information concerning the factors involved in the operation; (2) Correct interpretation of their relationship as affecting future results; (3) Efficient means for effecting changes in the factors governing the operation to shape the result. The analogy which exists in the control of operations in these widely differing fields of action is of utmost interest, and in considering the physical control of a process, the realization of its existence permits a clearer conception of the steps required to achieve results and aids in formulating the problems to be met. Let us imagine, for instance, the requirements for successfully conducting a business. It is evident that the first requisite lies in obtaining continuous and reliable information concerning the functioning of its various branches and in detecting, with the least possible delay, any tendency of change in their functions; next, in correctly analyzing this information by comparison with past records, showing the relation of the particular business to general conditions in the trade; and finally, in employing means for counteracting any unfavorable change in general conditions, or compensating for its effects by an appropriate action. Likewise, in military operations, the success in carrying out a plan lies primarily in the maintenance of proper intelligence and communication service, which furnishes information as to the disposition of forces; in correct analysis of the ascertained position, guided by fundamental knowledge of tactics; and finally, on the efficient carrying out of orders and effecting corrective movements. In the physical operation of a process, such as for example in cracking, our information is obtained by pressure and temperature instruments, etc., which permit us to visualize existing conditions under which the operation is being carried out. The information at hand is then analyzed and certain conclusions arrived at as to the results which will be obtained under the observed conditions. If this analysis should indicate, in the

Jan 1, 1928

By Charles W. Wagner

A premature explosion might be described as an explosion that, occurs before the miner expects it. Notwithstanding that it is unexpected, a premature is generally within the miner's control. A hangfire explosion is a blast that occurs after the miner expects it,, and in all instances, except where the explosives or blasting accessories are defective, hangfire explosions are within the miner's control. Causes of Premature Explosions Generally, there are seven methods of shot-firing in anthracit,e mines; namely: (1) cap and fuse with dynamite, (2) fuse with pellet powder, (3) squib with black powder or pellets, (4) exploders and delays with dynamite or black powder, (5) exploders with dynamite, (6) delay ignitors with black powder or pellets, (7) electric squibs with black powder or pellets. Cap and Fuse.—This method of firing seems to produce the greatest number of premature explosions. This is not solely because of the method, but is the result of mispractices which are possible with this method of firing. The two most common mispractices followed with cap-and-fuse blasting are the firing of multiple holes and the use of short fuse.. In the firing of multiple holes by cap and fuse, investigations have shown that in nearly every instance where the miner was injured by this method of firing he remained too long at the face lighting the several fuses, so that the first shot went off before he could reach a place of safety. Such accidents could have been avoided either by accurate judgment by the miner of the relative lengths of the fuses or by the use of electric firing. Rules exist in nearly every mine forbidding the lighting of more than one hole at a time where the cap-and-fuse method of firing is practiced. Where it is desirable to fire more than one hole at a, time, electric firing should be used. It is difficult to understand why so many premature explosions result from the use of short fuses, inasmuch as the cost of fuse is practically a negligible item in the expense of a day's work. Notwithstanding this, however, we frequently find miners using short lengths of fuse in an effort to save one or two cents per hole, or about 15 to 20 # in a day. A practice

Jan 1, 1931

By Euclid P. Worden

In 1977, an article in World Mining1 reported a total of 2726 rotary blasthole drills in service. This figure included only those machines produced by three of the manufacturers building drills of this type. The total, therefore, is much higher. Rotary drilling in the mining industry is big business to the manufacturers and suppliers involved, and a significant cost item to mine operators. The time has come to take a hard look at rotary drilling technology with an eye to reducing costs by increasing drilling efficiency. The efficiency of any rotary drilling operation is best measured in terms of the rate of penetration achieved by the bit. In blast hole drilling, there are five factors which affect the rate of penetration. They are: (1) bit selection, (2) weight on the bit, (3) rotary speed, (4) hole cleaning, and (5) formation properties. Of these factors, all but one may be controlled by the operator. Looking at any one in detail may reveal possible improvements in the system. One of these factors -- proper hole cleaning - will be discussed in this paper. In order for a bit to perform at its maximum capability, each tooth or insert should strike fresh clean rock as it falls into its drilling position. If the tooth or insert lands on previously drilled cuttings, a major portion of the energy delivered to the bit is absorbed in redrilling this broken material. A major portion of the interest, therefore, should be directed to the proper cleaning of the bottom of the hole. In an in-depth study of the cleaning of large diameter holes, Allen2 reports that horizontal air velocities of 38.10 m/s are necessary to prevent the saltation of drilled cuttings on the bottom of the hole. The exact flow pattern on the bottom of the hole, however, is not generally known. The air leaves the bit through the jet nozzles and the mouths of the cones, but where it goes from there is uncertain. This problem should be investigated by the bit manufacturers because they can best utilize the results of such an investigation to provide a more effective product. Some work has been initiated in this area and competition will probably increase its intensity. Bailing velocity is the best criteria to measure the cleaning of the hole, including the bottom, and is the factor on which efforts toward improvement must be concentrated. The first consideration is "What should the bailing velocity really be?" In drilling deep holes for oil and gas, 15.24 m/s is the generally accepted figure. In blasthole drilling, the figures of 25.40 m/s for average rock to 35.56 m/s for iron ore were first mentioned by Capp3 in 1962. The recommendations are the same to this day. A number of questions could be asked in regard to the apparent disparity between these two sets of figures. Various investigators have derived formulas which support one or another of these criteria. A thesis on the subject was written by Alexander4 who derived a formula based on research which resulted in velocities in the lower end of the ranges quoted previously. He set out to compare this figure to laboratory tests and his tests indicated that the velocities given by the derived formula appeared to be high.1 Perhaps the best reason that the 25.40 to 35.56 m/s range has been used, is that these velocities seem to work. Below the accepted figures, low bit life and slow penetration rates occur. Above these figures, increasing amounts of abrasive wear on the drill pipe and stabilizers seem to appear. There is a fallacy to this entire approach, however. The entire velocity calculation is made using nominal bit and pipe sizes and compressor deliveries with no compensation made for losses in the system. Perhaps an examination of some of the things that are not presently considered could lead to some practical improvements in the operation.

Jan 1, 1980

By C. D. Ramsden

During the war years of 1941 to 1945, maintenance of mine locomotives and other mine equipment took the form of rebuilding rather than of renewing. Purchase of new parts became increasingly difficult and mine operators found it necessary to maintain equipment by salvaging old parts. Mine-locomotive wheels, although not representing a high cost per pound of material, contain a considerable amount of steel and without rebuilding would have to be scrapped long before even a moderate percentage of the steel in the wheel is actually consumed. Many mine operators have been rebuilding locomotive wheels for several years with automatic open are-welding equipment. In 1927, the Pittsburgh Coal Co. started such a program, using a single Westinghouse automatic welding head. Since that time, many refinements have been added, until in 1944 the setup was operating very efficiently. A desire to increase wheel life and to hold down rising costs led the company in 1944 to investigate the possibilities of the under-flux are-welding process for wheel rebuilding, although at that time, little or no work had been done on multiple pass or "build-up" welding with the underflux arc. Work with this process had been confined largely to welding together flat plates in a "down hand" position. Possibilities for savings were intensified by the fact that the company has 300 locomotives in operation, using actively or as spares 1200 sets of wheels. During 1942 and 1943, about 500 sets of wheels were sent each year to the company's maintenance shop at Library, Pa., for rebuilding. Based on having 800 sets in service (many of the company's heavy locomotives have three sets of trucks), the average life of a set of wheels was approximately 19 months. Anything that could be done to increase wheel life promised sizable annual savings. Open Arc Welding With the open arc process, a set of wheels could be rebuilt for about 40 pet of the cost' of new wheels. Underflux arc welding gave promise of greatly increased welding speeds, more homogeneous, dense deposits and the chance for use of a wider range in welding-wire compositions. Against this was ranged the higher cost of materials and the cost of developing the process from the theory to a practical reality. Since 1927, when a single open arc head was placed in operation, fixed welding procedures had been gradually developed, a positioner for handling a set of wheels was built, and a second head was placed in operation in order to weld two wheels simultaneously. The fixture, or positioner, which was built to position and turn the wheels under the two welding heads, included a motor drive, controlled by a rheostat, which rotated the wheels through a double set of speed reducers and a removable jaw coupling attached to one end of the axle of the wheel truck.

Jan 1, 1947

By C. D. Ramsden

During the war years of 1941 to 1945, maintenance of mine locomotives and other mine equipment took the form of rebuilding rather than of renewing. Purchase of new parts became increasingly difficult and mine operators found it necessary to maintain equipment by salvaging old parts. Mine-locomotive wheels, although not representing a high cost per pound of material, contain a considerable amount of steel and without rebuilding would have to be scrapped long before even a moderate percentage of the steel in the wheel is actually consumed. Many mine operators have been rebuilding locomotive wheels for several years with automatic open are-welding equipment. In 1927, the Pittsburgh Coal Co. started such a program, using a single Westinghouse automatic welding head. Since that time, many refinements have been added, until in 1944 the setup was operating very efficiently. A desire to increase wheel life and to hold down rising costs led the company in 1944 to investigate the possibilities of the under-flux are-welding process for wheel rebuilding, although at that time, little or no work had been done on multiple pass or "build-up" welding with the underflux arc. Work with this process had been confined largely to welding together flat plates in a "down hand" position. Possibilities for savings were intensified by the fact that the company has 300 locomotives in operation, using actively or as spares 1200 sets of wheels. During 1942 and 1943, about 500 sets of wheels were sent each year to the company's maintenance shop at Library, Pa., for rebuilding. Based on having 800 sets in service (many of the company's heavy locomotives have three sets of trucks), the average life of a set of wheels was approximately 19 months. Anything that could be done to increase wheel life promised sizable annual savings. Open Arc Welding With the open arc process, a set of wheels could be rebuilt for about 40 pet of the cost' of new wheels. Underflux arc welding gave promise of greatly increased welding speeds, more homogeneous, dense deposits and the chance for use of a wider range in welding-wire compositions. Against this was ranged the higher cost of materials and the cost of developing the process from the theory to a practical reality. Since 1927, when a single open arc head was placed in operation, fixed welding procedures had been gradually developed, a positioner for handling a set of wheels was built, and a second head was placed in operation in order to weld two wheels simultaneously. The fixture, or positioner, which was built to position and turn the wheels under the two welding heads, included a motor drive, controlled by a rheostat, which rotated the wheels through a double set of speed reducers and a removable jaw coupling attached to one end of the axle of the wheel truck.

Jan 1, 1947

By AIME AIME

MOST of us are far .from home, and yet our Japanese hosts- have made us feel very much at home. Here in the Orient we engineers are .learning a new meaning for the word "orientation"- hereafter that engineering term will be a synonym for gracious hospitality, and "to orient" will mean to turn a whole country over to the World Engineering Congress. Mere geographic distance is no longer able to separate nations, for the conquest of distance is one of the triumphs of 'modern engineering. We of the Americas are fortunate in the position of our continents: with their shores lapped by the waves of two oceans, we face' two great civilizations, the' Occidental and the Oriental, and thus we can share the intellectual resources of these two older cultures.

Jan 1, 1929

By S. F. Willey

Difficulties encountered in justifying replacements for overage mobile mine equipment at the Gay mine are common to most mining operations. More critical management reviews, resulting from ever rising capital expenses, increased such difficulties. These increased difficulties are especially apparent to those who are primarily operators and are not statisticians, mathematicians or computer men. The Gay mine is located 17 mi east of the town of Fort Hall in southern Idaho. This open pit operation annually supplies the J. R. Simplot Co. and the FMC Corp. with 1.5-2.0 million tons of phosphate ore. Stripping ratios average approximately three bank cubic yards of waste per ton of ore mined. The mobile mine equipment fleet consists of ten 24-cu yd scrapers; twenty-one 30-50-ton end-dump trucks; four 3%-4%- cu yd shovels; fifteen dozers in the D-8 and D-9 classes; and three road patrols. Equipment replacement is based on the results of evaluations made on individual units.

Jan 9, 1972

By Samuel S. Wyer

1. The following is an abridgment of a recent report made by the author, covering an investigation of: (A) The necessary use of natural-gas compressors; (B) The effect of gas compressors on natural-gas field operating conditions in Ohio, with special reference to the working pressure relations of gas wells of one company discharging by natural rock-pressure flow without compressors, and adjacent wells of other companies, discharging into intake lines to gas-compressing stations. Tests were made at 107 different places in the counties of fairfield, Licking and Knox, Ohio, which required 7,000 miles of automobile driving, and consumed 6 months' time. 2. A proper conception of the necessary use and effect of natural-gas compressors in natural-gas production necessitates a clear understanding of certain fundamental definitions and judicial doctrines, which are given herein. 3. Gas is a fluid composed of a large number of molecules which are vehicles of energy continually in motion, and havingan inherent tendency to get farther and farther apart. The range of motion of the molecules is limited only by the volume of the closed containing vessel in which they constantly move to and fro. The most distinguishing characteristic of gas is its universal property of completely filling an inclosed space. 4. Gas pressure is the result of the combined efforts of all the moving molecules in the mass trying to get farther and farther apart, that is, a mass of gas inclosed in a vessel expands and fills it, and being restrained from further expansion, it exercises a pressure against the walls of the vessel. This pressure is the same in all directions on equal areas of surface, as shown in Fig. 1. With a given mass of gas, any increase in volume of containing vessel will give the molecules more range of motion, * The public's interest in the age and magnitude of the art of gas compressing and development of the law relating to the use of grs compressors in natural gas production is discussed in the preceding paper. Development of the Law Relating to the use of Gas Compressors in Natural Gas Production; see also Is It Feasible to Make Common Carriers of Natural Gas Transmission Lines, vol. xlviii, 471 to 480 (1914). Consulting Engineer.

Jan 1, 1916

By T. E. Leontis, F. N. Rhines

THE oxide scale that forms upon magnesium at elevated temperatures is nonprotective in the sense that the rate of oxidation is constant and thus does not decrease with the growth of the scale as it does with other common metals. This generality was first stated by Pilling and Bedworth1 and has been verified by Suzuki2 and by Scheil.3 Pilling and Bedworth argued that the nonprotective characteristic could be predicted from the fact that magnesium oxide occupies less space than does the metal from which it springs, wherefore the scale is not expected to cover the metal so completely as to exclude all direct access to the atmosphere. Linear oxidation is thought by Scheil to be common to all cases where the reaction occurs at the oxide-metal interface. According to Suzuki,2 the product of high-temperature oxidation in the air is MgO contaminated with no more than traces of a nitride. When the metal is allowed to burn freely a fume composed of cubic crystals of Mg04 is given off. Delavault5 observed that excrescences form upon liquid magnesium and alloys in the course of oxidation. Beyond this it is known that the use of atmospheres containing small quantities of sulphur dioxide6 or carbon dioxide serve to retard the oxidation of solid magnesium and that beryllium7and calcium8 minimize the oxidation of molten magnesium exposed to the air. Many studies have been devoted to the nature and rates of "protective" oxidation, as exemplified by the cases of copper and iron, wherein the rate is characteristically parabolic. The theory of parabolic oxidation is well developed.9 Linear oxidation, on the other hand, has received but little attention and the theories proposed by Pilling and Bedworth and by Scheil have yet to withstand careful examination. There exists no comprehensive survey of the high-temperature oxidation of magnesium (or of any other metal that exhibits linear oxidation) over a broad range of temperature, under a variety of atmospheric conditions and covering a large group of alloys. It has been the purpose of the present investigation to provide such a survey, with the object of gaining a fuller understanding of linear oxidation, especially as applied to magnesium. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE AND RESULTS The experimental studies undertaken were of two kinds: (I) measurement of the rate of oxidation as influenced by the

Jan 1, 1946

By David B. Reger

The substantial expansion of previously discovered gas pools was the principal feature of petroleum activity in West Virginia during 1940. At least one new gas pool was discovered and various other successful wildcat completions may prove to be gas-pool openers. Some slight extensions of oil pools were also made. The new productive territory, principally gas, added by these extensions was approximately 33,800 acres. ' In general, oil activity was slight because of unfavorable crude prices. Gas activity, on the contrary, increased considerably, although the price of gas did not materially change. The account of operations, as gathered from trade journals and other reporting services, shows that 709 new wells were drilled, resulting in 102 new oil wells with I055 bbl. of daily new produc-tion; 468 new gas wells with 633>g47,000 cu. it. of daily open flow; and 139 dry holes. Also, 91 old wells were drilled to deeper sands, with 143 bbl. and 44,833,000 cu. ft. of added production. On the new wells the oil average was 10.34 bbl, per well per day; and the gas average was 1,354,000 cu. ft. per well per day. On new wells the ratio of dry holes to completions was 19.61 per cent. On deeper drilling to other sands the ratio of failures was 12.I per cent. From an exploratory standpoint, one strictly new gas pool (Lorentz) was opened in Upshur County. Little forecast of its extent or reserve can now be made. The new extensions of various other previously discovered pools, however, give assurance of a new gas reserve that will equal approximately a year of gas demand. In addition to these definite supplies two widely separated Oriskany sand (L. Dev.) wildcats in Jackson County, one of which was completed late in 1940 and the other early in 194.1, may indicate two separate pools or may greatly extend known pools. In south-ern Kanawha County, also, an old Oris-kany-sand well deepened to the White Clinton sand (Sil.) showed a volume of 733,000 cu. ft. and rock pressure of 1800 Ib., giving rather clear assurance that this deep sand, in which only slight quantities of gas had previously been found, should eventually supply much new gas. On the other hand, various deep tests to the Oriskany sand in Harrison, Putnam, Randolph and Wood Counties were totally dry or gave only small volumes of gas, The principal oil wells completed, by counties, were: Calhoun, 15; Clay, Ir; Pleasants, 14; Ritchie, 15; and Roane, 7. Production for the year was estimated by the U. S. Bureau of Mines as 3,444,000 bbl., as compared to 3,684,000 bbl. in 1939. The leading counties in gas-well completions were: Boone, 36; Braxton, 17; Cabell, 25; Calhoun, 16; Clay, 22; Gilm.er, 47; Jackson, 38; Kanatvha, 77; Lincoln, 18; Putnam, 32; IGtchie, 40; and Wayne, 31, Production for the year is estimated by me as I70,000,000,000 cu. ft. as compared to I59,226,000,000 cu. ft.* in 1939. No long pipe lines were built but various gas-line extensions and cross connections,

Jan 1, 1941