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By J. W. Miller

One of the major problems confronting coal producers in this highly competitive era is whether or not the potential profit to be made from the products of coal flotation would warrant the capital investment required for the necessary equipment. The author supplies two theoretical cases to illustrate methods for computing such costs.

Jan 3, 1961

By William L. Grube

PECIMEN preparation for electron metallography involves several steps, such as polishing, etching, replicating, mounting, and shadowing. Although each step must be done with care, the operation requiring the utmost attention is etching. Proper etching is important because the relief pattern developed on the surface of the specimen by the etchant, and reproduced as minute differences in thickness of the replica, determines entirely the amount of detail seen in the final micrograph. The characteristic colored stains, sometimes used in light metallography to simplify identification of certain microconstituents, cannot be tolerated because there is danger of introducing artifacts in the replicating operation. It is also quite difficult to remove plastic replicas from stained specimens. A suitable etchant for electron metallography must, therefore, in all cases exhibit a preferential attack upon each of the microconstituents present sufficient to result in a difference in surface elevation. When only two microconstituents are present, it is not too difficult to find a suitable etchant since their physical or chemical properties are generally sufficiently different to result in a marked difference in attack by the etchant. For example, picral (a saturated solution of picric acid in methanol used as an immersion etch) is a satisfactory etchant for the specimen shown in Fig. 1 consisting of iron carbide particles embedded in a ferrite matrix.'

Jan 1, 1952

By D. E. Musgrove

The question of alternating current vs direct current has become an important consideration to the mining industry. Rising production costs demand lower investment, which, in many instances, can be realized by the use of ac mining machines. Generally ac motors, control systems, and distribution and power conversion equipment can be installed for approximately 50 pct of the first cost of their dc equivalents. This basic saving has made ac mining a serious competitor for the traditional dc mining systems. With the increased use of ac voltages underground, there has developed the problem of conveniently converting distribution voltages to usable 480-v power. Power at low voltages should not be carried for comparatively long distances, and the transformation should be made at the point of use. Otherwise, serious voltage regulation problems and objectionable line losses will occur.

Jan 5, 1955

By J. M. Silliman

Isometrical drawing and clinographic projection are generally preferred to perspective drawings for representation of small objects or complicated mechanisms, as they present to the eye a sufficiently accurate picture of the object, while they possess great advantages over perspective in the simplicity and rapidity of execution, and the facility they give for taking measurements directly from the drawings.

Jan 1, 1882

(Members are urged to send in for this column any notes of interest concerning themselves or their fellow-members.) Members and guests who called at Institute headquarters during the period Jan. 10, 1916 to Feb. 10, 1916: William Rettie, Yonkers, N. Y. Wallace E. Pratt, Manila, P. I. R. V. Norris, Wilkesbarre, Pa. T. Skewes Saunders, El Oro, Mex. Fred MacCoy, El Oro, Mex. M. L. Requa, San Francisco, Cal. Reno H. Sales, Butte, Mont. R. W. Schultz, Ravenna, O. R. T. White, Batourn, Russia. H. J. Brown, Chester, Pa. David T. Day, Washington, D: C. A. M. Van Rensselaer, New Rochelle, N. Y. H. M. LaFollette, LaFollette, Tenn. Norman C. Stines, Russia. F. N. Speller, Pittsburgh, Pa. Howard R. Hughes, Houston, Tex. Robert W. Hunt, Chicago, Ill. C. F. Schnepp, Ridgefield Park, N. J. B. E. Fernow, Toronto, Ont., Can. George L. A. Thomson, Elizabeth, N. J. A. F. Bennett, New York City. Jasper T. Robertson, Chicago, Ill. J. C. Ralston, Spokane, Wash. J. B. Tyrrell, Toronto, Ont., Can. George J. Lyon, Schenectady, N. Y. H. G. Officer, New York Cty. Jesse C. Porter is now superintendent of the San Fernando Mine, Hoyo de Manicaragua, Santa Clara Province, Cuba.

Jan 3, 1916

By Frank E. Briber

In the years ahead, the industrial minerals producer will face several major challenges. Not only will he have to market increasing quantities of his product economically, but he will have to do so from lower grade deposits that are farther away from the marketplace. At the same time, he will have to comply with more regulations controlling the handling and disposal of waste products and get along with relatively less available labor than he has at present. Accordingly, industrial minerals developments of the next 30 years will be directed primarily toward helping the producer meet these challenges. There will be greater raw materials usage, new processes, new marketing practices affecting plant location, size and complexity, and maximum automation-all aimed at producing more materials at lower cost. Processes To Make the Most of Materials In future processes for industrial minerals, there will be great emphasis on more or total use of the initial raw materials or plant feed stock. This approach will result in the application of more and more concentration methods to the treatment of industrial minerals-both conventional processes and new ones that might be developed in conjunction with pyro-processing. High-intensity and electrostatic separation are certainly two areas which will see greater use in the field.

Jan 6, 1969

By A. H. Dierker

Next to the metal itself, molding sand is the most important raw material used in the manufacture of steel castings. There are no accurate figures available but probably it would be safe to say that the average steel foundry uses approximately 1000 lb. of new molding sand per ton of castings produced. With untreated sands costing from two to four dollars (in some extreme cases it may run as high as eight or ten dollars) per ton delivered at the foundry siding, molding sand is an important item in the cost of making castings, and any information that may help to reduce this sand consumption should be of interest to the industry. Fundamental Considerations In a general way, molding sand in the average steel foundry passes through the cycle shown in Fig. 1. This diagram indicates that if all of the sand could be returned from the shakeout floor to the mixer no new sand would be required from the stock pile and molding costs would be reduced accordingly. Unfortunately, for reasons to be discussed later, it has heretofore been necessary to dilute the used sand constantly with new raw sand in order to maintain the properties that are essential to the production of satisfactory molds.

Jan 1, 1930

By E. F. La Vigne

ON Aug. 10, 1884, the Retsof Mining Co. began the sinking of an 18 by 12-ft. shaft at Retsof, N. Y. Rock salt was reached in 1885, in September, at 1008 ft. below the surface. The first salt was shipped in the fall of 1885. A timber breaker was built in 1886. In July, 1895, there was a consolidation of the Retsof Mining Co., the Greigsville Salt & Mining Co., the Livonia Salt Co., and the Lehigh Salt & Mining Co. These consolidated salt companies are now known as the Retsof Mining Co., a subsidiary of the International Salt Co. Eventually all of the mines were closed except the mine of the Retsof Mining Co., at Retsof, Livingston County, New York. On July 6, 1921, about ½ mile south of the original shaft and plant of the Retsof Mining Co., a new 9 by 28-ft. concrete-lined shaft was started. The shaft is 1063 ft. deep from the top of the shaft collar to the bottom of the salt bed. At the same time a reinforced-concrete breaker and other buildings were erected. This new plant began opera-tions on Dec. 15, 1923. It was designed for a capacity of 3000 tons in 8 hours.

Jan 1, 1936

By R. L. Curfman

In May 1960, six months after conversion of one- half of the Uranium Reduction Co. mill from acid to alkaline leach, severe corrosion was encountered in the 112 stainless steel wash baskets in the resin- in-pulp portion of the uranium circuit. Fortunately the corrosion was limited to the stainless steel screen cloth and bolts. The frames were not affected. Each resin-in-pulp wash basket serves as a container and a vehicle for approximately 40 cu ft of ion-exchange resin. Four baskets are installed in each tank through which uranium-rich solution flows as the baskets move up and down mechanically in the tank. The ion-exchange resin has an affinity for the uranium in the solution which causes it to be deposited on the resin in solid form. By reverse action with different chemical solutions, the uranium may be stripped from the resin for further processing and purifying. This section is the first step in the actual recovery of the uranium.

Jan 9, 1962

By J. D. Prater, H. R. Spedden, E. E. Malouf

Application of research findings to the old art of leaching copper from copper-bearing mine waste has resulted in a significant contribution of copper to over-all copper production. For example, at the completion of the current expansion program at the Kennecott properties in the United States, copper produced from waste dump leaching will amount to about 25% of the total production, whereas formerly only 2% was derived from this source. This planned expansion of copper leaching focused attention on the problem of developing more efficient methods for the recovery of copper from greatly increased volumes of copper-bearing so1utions.l Detailed investigations made in laboratory pilot plant and plant tests for the recovery of copper from copper-bearing solutions have included electrowinning, solvent extraction, ion exchange and cementation with iron in launders, precipitation drums, activated launders, and precipitation cones. The results of these investigations have led to the development of a precipitation cone-type recovery system having advantages over older methods.

Jan 4, 1966

By John K. Hammes, Stanley D. Michaelson

Generally, the mining costs reported for the large open-pit operations in the United States and South America lie within the range of $0.20 to $0.30 per ton of material moved. (These operations have strip- ping ratios ranging from 1.5 to 4.0.) Productivities for the larger North American properties are in excess of 200 tons of material per man shift, while those for the South American operations are less than 200 tons per man shift. The most significant variations in cost are in the categories of haulage and general mine cost. Haulage costs vary, as expected, according to the mine elevation, pit profile, crusher location, and accessibility of a dump area, and general cost variations depend largely on the overhead cost items included in this category. Drilling and Blasting Practice The majority of open-pit copper mine production drilling is performed by rotary drills. Hole diameter varies from 6 in. to 12 in., with 9-in. holes being most common, and penetration rates vary from 35 ft to 60 ft per hour.

Jan 1, 1968

By John Conley

THE production of lime by the burning or calcination of limestone, including all varieties from true dolomites and magnesian limestones to high-calcium types, continues as one of the essential basic industries. In 1937, a total of 4,124,165 tons of lime valued at approximately $30,091,000 was produced in the United States.1 The importance of any contribution to our knowledge on the mechanism of the lime-burning process is, therefore, obvious. The burning of limestone has been practiced since the earliest days of our civilization, and the literature on the various phases of the industry is voluminous. Calcination of the various types of limestone has been studied by many previous investigators, but some points require addi-tional research. Each occurrence of limestone provides an opportunity for specific investigation, because the characteristics of stones in different localities vary. Knibbs13 has given an excellent discussion of available data on the theory of lime and magnesia burning. The thermal dissociation of calcium carbonate has been studied more recently by Johnston,2 Smyth and Adams,3 Ralston et al.,4 Furnas,5 Potapenko,6 and Southard and Royster.7 As a result of these investigations the dissociation temperature at atmospheric pressure has been established as 894° to 898° C. The dissociation of dolomite and magnesite, although studied by several investigators, 4,6,8 still requires clarification by additional data. The calcination of limestone was studied for a twofold purpose: (1) to extend our information on the mechanism of the lime-burning process and (2) to standardize the conditions for calcination of high-calcium and dolomitic limestones for subsequent hydration tests on the lime.

Jan 1, 1939

The Committee on Papers and Publications has set June 1, 1919, as the closing date for the receipt of manuscripts intended for the Chicago meeting, which is to be held in September, 1919. Manuscripts must be received by the Secretary on or before this date. If they are sent through members of the technical committees they must be sent to those committees long enough in advance to be forwarded and in the hands of the Secretary by the time specified.

Jan 4, 1919

By M. F. Werneke, J. A. Jones

Abstract- The use of a unique class of sulfhydryl collectors, the monoalkyldithiocarbamate salts ([RNHCS]) as direct collectors for malachite and azurite is presented. Microflotation and laboratory scale flotation tests were performed to define the collector properties of these reagents under a variety of flotation conditions. On the basis of the results, it is proposed that some property of the amine-hydrogen atom in the reagent has a significant influence on the unusual activity of these collectors for oxide copper minerals.

Jan 1, 1978

By Marshall Pease, R. J. Brandon

A UTILITY that has a large consumption of coal must insure an adequate and sound supply of fuel. The Detroit Edison Co., which has an annual coal consumption of about four million tons and spends approximately $32 million a year for coal, including freight charges, has developed a program for fuel procurement and for evaluation and selection of fuel for reliable and efficient plant operation. Fuel Procurement Coal Purchasing Division: The Fuel Supply Div. of the Purchasing Dept. combines all of the procurement functions in one group, which must maintain adequate stocks of fuel. In addition to its usual purchasing duties, the division also governs transportation, follow-up, invoice and freight bill, in cooperation with the Accounting Dept. The Fuel Div. is comprised of the fuel agent, an assistant fuel agent, a coal buyer and five coal clerks, who follow the movement of each car, initially approve freight bills and invoices, and file claims whenever there is a shortage of one ton or more. The fuel agent reports directly to the purchasing agent of the Company, and all major programs are planned jointly with the chief purchasing officer. The apparent individuality of the fuel section is necessary because of the tremendous volume of coal cars handled each day, sometimes as many as 500, which must be handled promptly to complete the fastest possible move from the mines to the plants. Determining Annual Coal Volume: Through the combined studies of a Production Dept. Load Committee and the Controller's office, accurate predictions of coal requirements for any given year are provided the Fuel Dept. from 12 to 15 months in advance. This is divided into the requirements of all individual power plants and central heating plants. This in turn determines the quantity and quality for plants whose specific fuels vary with the type of equipment installed. In the Detroit area, which has a high industrial load, early estimates of annual coal consumption usually are resolved at the end of the year within 4 or 5 pct of the original plan. Operating in a highly developed industrial area eases the task of estimating primary output; and, with the residential demands increasing in a steady and fairly well-defined pattern, the overall coal schedules are not subject to radical changes during any given year. Selecting Suppliers: At any time, but especially during or before an emergency, the coal supply factor must be made secure. This is particularly true in the procurement of utility fuel. There are always extreme quantities of so-called "bargain" coal available during the buyers' markets, such as recently prevailed. These opportunistic offerings may be considered a means of averaging down overall price, rather than as a steady and dependable supply source. Coal is purchased on contract from mine operators and sales agents who have proved reliable. They are not opportunists who desert for higher dollars in times of duress; they do not fail to fulfill contracts when markets rise or overship when markets dip. The progressive operator today who is willing to expend capital to improve quality and service deserves much more consideration than a matching of short-term pennies. When a company has a high volume of annual needs, all phases of the mine supply must be considered. The mine must be able to produce the quality required at a fair price and be able to sell oversizes of coal in enough volume to screen sufficient nut and slack. It must crush coal and sell mine run at prices in line with competitive nut and slack and be willing to do so when there is no demand for prepared sizes. Determining Price: The public utility is in direct competition with any of its customers who can, if savings are guaranteed, generate their own power. Today, to a greater extent than ever before, private industry must do a better overall job than Government-controlled operations. The price of coal must be realistically balanced with the price paid by almost all industries and the railroads as well. The supply-demand ratio in coal is not difficult to discern. There is access at all times to Govern-

Jan 1, 1952

By E. J. Wasp, T. C. Aude, F. B. Raymer

Abstract-The following paper deals with technical aspects of terminal facilities for western coal pipelines. The information is taken from the Ohio and Black Mesa pipelines and the proposed one in Wyoming. This paper first discusses the feed terminal, the product that it must produce, and the reasons for coal cleaning. Then, in the delivery terminal section, the various methods of dewatering the coal and some recent innovative ideas on bunkering the dewatered product and storing the dewatered coal in large outdoor piles are discussed.

Jan 2, 1978

By F. V. Tideswell

THE suggestion, which appears to find increasing favor, that the elementary composition of coals should be used as the basis of their classification, makes it important that our methods of expressing this elementary composition should be refined. It is doubtful whether many published ultimate analyses of coals are accurate within 1 per cent. carbon. Many are probably as much as 3 or 2 per cent. in error in carbon. It is, perhaps, not always realized that the extreme variation in carbon content over the range of bituminous coals is but 16 per cent. An error of 1 per cent. in carbon on analysis corresponds therefore with one-sixteenth of the whole range, an amount which is unjustifiable even for the application to commercial needs of a system of classification based on ultimate analysis. For the purposes of scientific research such limited accuracy is of little value. The object of this paper is to examine one important source of error in ultimate analysis, that due to the occurrence in coal of inorganic material, and to emphasize the need for the quantitative measurements (of carbon more particularly) on coals to be rendered independent of their contents of such material.

Jan 1, 1928

By Nelson Severinghaus

Consolidated Quarries Corp. must conduct operations for an average sales price of $1.25 per ton, about the same price at which stone was sold 25 years ago when the dollar was worth twice what it is now. To maintain success in a competitive business, the company must solve the usual production problems, which will be discussed here in the order they occur in the flowsheet. Most crushed stone quarries must first remove soil and decomposed rock. Although seasons of lower sales sometimes release regular quarry excavating and haulage equipment for this purpose, overburden is often too extensive for this method to be used. In such cases, special equipment must be assigned or the job may be contracted. As many earthmoving contractors have heavy duty specialized equipment well suited to overburden removal, they should be seriously considered before the job is undertaken. Pockets of clay beneath peaks of hard stone sometimes defy mechanized removal. Pick and shovel laborers at this point might be supplanted by more ingenious use of pumps and water or some other mechanical means. Where overburden is extremely heavy or difficult to remove, underground mining must be considered.

Mar 1, 1956

By Hugh Tiemann

(San Francisco Meeting, September, 1915) THE desirability of employing the centigrade scale for the measurement of temperatures is becoming more and more recognized in this country, particularly in view of the fact that this scale is used almost exclusively in technical papers and publications-exclusively in those published in French or German. There are, however, a large number of factories and laboratories which still employ the Fahrenheit scale. It therefore frequently becomes necessary to convert one into the other and the accompanying chart (Fig. 1) has been found very convenient for this purpose.

Jan 6, 1915

Gentlemen.-It is pleasant to be able to report that the year just closed has been a prosperous and successful one for the Institute. As is shown by the reports of the Treasurer and the Finance Committee, the business affairs of this organization are in excellent condition. With property valued at more than three-quarters of a million dollars, and with considerable sums in various funds and endowments, it is possible to spend on each member of whatever class $22.65 each year, more than the maxi- mum amount of dues received from any one, and substantially twice the average amount, $10.94, received from all. To do this has required close management and a strict regard for our limitations. In 1926, when the Budget was made up, the estimated expenditures for the work which it was felt the Institute must do exceeded the estimated receipts by some $14,000. At the close of the year, despite a number of unexpected decreases in receipts, it had proved possible to accomplish substantially all the work laid out and close the books with the usual transfer of initiation fees to the General Reserve, and still only reduce the cash balance $2,074.54. This was made possible by the hearty and loyal cooperation of the whole staff of employees and the extremely large amount of gratuitous service rendered by the officers, the members of the Divisions and technical Committees, and the membership generally. Even so it was impossible, because of limitations of funds, to undertake many things it is highly desirable for the Institute to do, and it was necessary to refuse the publication of important papers and committee studies, because of the lack of funds. PUBLICATIONS In an analysis of the income and expenses of the Institute published in the February issue of our Journal, MINING AND METALLURGY, it was pointed out that the largest item of expenditure is, as it should -be, for publications. Printing, binding, and distributing the various technical papers sent to the members cost in 1926 more than all the money received from dues, including the portion allocated as subscription to the magazine. Within the. year, the following volumes were printed and, with the exception of the second volume of TRANSACTIONS, which was mailed in January, were distributed : TRANSACTIONS, Volume 73, 1241 pages, covering papers on non-ferrous metallurgy, milling and concentration, non-metallic minerals, iron and steel, and the Institute of Metals Division papers read at the

Jan 1, 1928