Search Documents

By J. H. Henderson, H. J. Ledbetter, N. B. Gove, J. D. Griffith

INTRODUCTION The results of a series of laboratory flood tests using liquid Iso-butane to displace refined oils from test cores are pre- ented and interpreted on an empirical bask. The study Revealed the similarity of the miscible liquid displacement to that of the immiscible-fluid displacement mechanism. The efficiency of the iso-butane flood decreased markedly as the oil Viscosity increased. but the effect of injection rate on the effectiveness of the primary production stage was negligible over the range investigated. The presence of free-gas saturation prior. to iso-butane breakthrough increased the volume of iso- Butane required to recover a given percentage of the oil present. Injection of liquid i.e.-butane prior to water follicle sculpted in a marked improvement in oil recovery by the water flood. INTRODUCTION The production of petroleum is often enhanced by the injec-1i1)n of extraneous fluids into the reservoir. It has been suggeited that the injection or cycling of a wet gas or a liquefied petroleum gas would he instrumental in increasing the effic.ienr!; of oil recover! to a greater degree than the commonly injected fluids. dry pas and water. Although instances of injection of light liquid hydrocarbons are not unknown, a systrmatic recording of the result is unavailable and superfi- cially, the practice gives the impression of being economicaIIy unsound. For specific types of displacement, analytic: solutions have been advanced which aid in understanding the physical mechanisms involved. However, there is no generalized theoretical concept which permits adequate prediction of displacement efficiency from a knowledge of readily measured reservoir rock and fluid properties. The Buckley-Leverett approach to oil displacement by an immiscible phase is an admirable analysiy of that type of mechanism. Dykstra and Parsons have introduced a useful concept in their evaluation of the role of the mobility ratio and its merit in rationalizing displacement phenomena. Everett, Gooch and Calhoun3 in their report on the effect of viscosity ratio and miscibility have pointed out the lack of a comprehensive theoretical approach and the desirability of investigating the mechanism of miscible-miscible displacement. In lieu of a well-developed theory concerning miscible-111isci1)le displacement and in view of the scarcity of engineering information on actual LPG injection trials, the limited program of laboratory experimentation described below was undertaken. OBJECTIVES The original broad objectives of the program, to study the oil recovery process using LPG as the displacing phase, defined the direction and scope of the laboratory tests. The specific objective. of the experimentation were to evaluate

Jan 1, 1953

By S. Chander, V. N. Sharma

Nickeliferous laterite ore from Sukinda, Orissa (India), consists of very fine particles agglomerated into larger aggregates. The ore is chemically and mineralogically complex and presents many characterization and beneficiation problems. In this study the results of a detailed investigation to characterize the ore by several techniques are discussed. Various techniques used for characterisation include elemental analysis, electron microscopy, electronspectroscopy for chemical analysis, x-ray and electron diffraction, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses, EDAX analysis, Mössbauer and infrared spectroscopy. Generally one method compliments the other and it is shown that a combination of several techniques is necessary to fully characterize the ore. The scope and limitations of the techniques are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1980

By David G. Chedgy, Wen L. Chen, Bill S. Taylor

Theoretically the heavy medium cyclone is capable of cleaning raw coal from a top size of about 38 mm (1 1/2 in.) to a bottom size of about 200 mesh. With this idea, plants have been built recently using the heavy medium cyclone without desliming. The full size range down to zero is fed into the cyclone. Products + 28 mesh are removed in the normal manner on drain and rinse screens. The 28 x 200 mesh products are recovered separately from the magnetic separator tailings. Simplicity of flowsheet and plant operation coupled with the high efficiency of the heavy medium cyclone makes this a very attractive approach.

Jan 1, 1980

By A. D. Taylor

In recent years there has been an increasing effort to attract students into engineering. Obviously, the effort is necessary because young people find the image of the engineer unattractive. Some of the things they find unattractive are real, some are not, and part of the problem is too little knowledge of the field. First, I would like to comment on some of the ideas which appear to be justified. Engineering is a difficult course of study. True, and nothing can or should be done to change this. The education is continually being improved, but it is unlikely to be made easier.

Jan 1, 1970

E. E. THUM,* Salt Lake City, Utah (written discussion?).-While the present paper is confined exclusively to the microstructure of fusion welds, it may be of interest to draw attention to certain appearances existing in resistance welds such as spot or butt-welded joints produced by the Thomson process. For instance, a butt weld between two pieces of carbon tool steel (carbon about 0.90 per cent.) will show concentric ellipsoids of the various materials from pearlite to martensite. The surfaces of demarcation are quite well defined, the center of the ellipsoid being at the intersection of the axis of the piece and the plane of the weld. Often these unannealed welds show a troostitic center; evidently this core was not quenched as rapidly as the surrounding shell. Such specimens are beautiful samples for instruction purposes. An annealed butt weld of this kind will show a very well defined central ellipsoid of decarburized, materials. It is interesting to consider the reason why this change takes place. It must be understood that the heat is on the metal for a very short time, possibly 30 sec. It is therefore evident that the decarburization, or migration, of the carbon takes place with extreme rapidity. Since no blowholes are evident in a well-made butt weld, the deoxidizing air and the products of combustion must migrate with the highest speed; second, the carbon might migrate back into the stock; or, last, a large proportion of the pearlite may be extruded with the hot metal, which forms a fin at the plane of weld. Examining these possibilities in detail, it is not probable that such deep-seated decarburization, extending with maximum effect to the very center of a 2-in. round bar, is done by reaction with the oxygen of the air. This would postulate entrance of oxygen and egress of carbon oxides in large quantity without leaving behind traces in the form of oxides or

Jan 5, 1919

By J. D. Forrester

Many have been prone to credit the decline of professional interest in some branches of mineral industry education to the industrialists and other agencies who use our graduates. We hear the cry that industrial salaries are too low, opportunities for advancement do not exist, and the mineral industry specifically and generally is not interested in the engineer's efforts. Perhaps the time now has come when we should "dress-ranks," examine our practices, and publicize and encourage advanced technical training instead of laying all our troubles elsewhere. There can be no doubt but that industry is interested and stands ready and willing to co-operate. This is demonstrated by the numerous grants-in-aid and co-operative industrial projects which have been made available to those relatively few schools which have been encouraging graduate study and research. There is no dearth of research problems in any of the mineral industry fields and the sooner we realize the great opportunities for constructive, technical research in all areas of our profession the sooner we will reap the benefits of our engineering enterprises by closer liaison and broader understanding with industry. An analysis is offered here of the status of graduate work and research in various phases of mineral industry education in the United States. It is

Jan 1, 1949

By Alan Stanley

THE MacIntyre Development of National Lead Co. is located at Tahawus, N. Y., in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Operations involve the mining and concentrating of a titaniferous iron ore to produce ilmenite and magnetite concentrates. A general description of the operation and metallurgy has been given by Frank R. Milliken.' Pigment plant production demands that the MacIntyre mill produce a 44.7 pct TiO, ilmenite concentrate. To achieve the required ilmenite grade and tonnage it is important that the table concentrate grade be closely controlled. Unfortunately, however, the titaniferous orebody which feeds the MacIntyre mill is not uniform. Ore dressing characteristics vary from one end of the orebody to the other, and from • one level to the next. The changeable nature of the mill feed precludes a single adjustment of the equipment for long periods of time. Thus the operators must constantly watch the equipment to insure a uniform concentrate from the fine and coarse tables and Wetherills, or dry magnetic separators. Chemical assaying of mill products requires about 4 hr from the time the sample is taken until assay results are obtained, and this is available only on a two-shift basis. The ore may change rapidly, even several times during a shift, so that assay results lose most of their control value by the time they are reported to the mill operating crew. Members of the crew have therefore tried to evaluate the table and Wetherill concentrate by visual inspection, since through long experience the shift operators, under most circumstances, can gage closely the grade of the mill products. However, there are times when the physical nature of the ore is radically different from normal. Under these conditions visual inspection is of no value, and at such times final ilmenite as low as 43 pct TiO, has been produced and shipped before the assay results have been received. The specific gravity method of assaying for TiO, has been attempted to eliminate the shipping of ilmenite below normal grade as well as to help control day to day and hour to hour mill production. Table I shows the minerals found in the MacIntyre ore along with their average weight proportions and specific gravities. The first two products considered for the specific gravity method were fine and coarse table concentrates. It was reasoned that these products were essentially ilmenite with the higher specific gravity gangue minerals. Since they were always produced the same way, and the desired grade of TiO, was always constant, the specific gravity of these materials would increase or decrease as the amount of ilmenite increased or decreased. Thus for table concentrates which assayed 40 pct TiOz a constant gravity would invariably be obtained, and as the TiO, value changed the specific gravity would change in direct proportion. The third product considered was Wetherill ilmenite. It was assumed that a desired grade of 44.7 pct Ti02 would also always contain the same amount and type of gangue minerals along with the ilmenite, and thus would always have the same specific gravity. As the TiO, value of the ilmenite concentrate changed so would its specific gravity. Dr. Kenneth Vincent, chief metallurgist of the Baroid Division of National Lead Co. at Magnet Grove, Ark., ran specific gravity tests on 17 samples of the desired products. The lowest specific gravity reading assayed the lowest in TiO, and as the specific gravity increased the trend was for the TiO, assay to increase, see Fig. 1. Since these results warranted further investigation, a 500-g capacity Torsion balance and 250 ml Le Chatelier specific gravity bottles were obtained. Shift samples of fine table concentrate, coarse table concentrate, and final ilmenite were tested. Each sample was split and 85 g weighed on the Torsion balance. The Le Chatelier bottle was filled with water to a zero mark. To avoid wetting the neck of the bottle it was found necessary to do this

Jan 1, 1953

By Alan Stanley

THE MacIntyre Development of National Lead Co. is located at Tahawus, N. Y., in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Operations involve the mining and concentrating of a titaniferous iron ore to produce ilmenite and magnetite concentrates. A general description of the operation and metallurgy has been given by Frank R. Milliken.' Pigment plant production demands that the MacIntyre mill produce a 44.7 pct TiO, ilmenite concentrate. To achieve the required ilmenite grade and tonnage it is important that the table concentrate grade be closely controlled. Unfortunately, however, the titaniferous orebody which feeds the MacIntyre mill is not uniform. Ore dressing characteristics vary from one end of the orebody to the other, and from • one level to the next. The changeable nature of the mill feed precludes a single adjustment of the equipment for long periods of time. Thus the operators must constantly watch the equipment to insure a uniform concentrate from the fine and coarse tables and Wetherills, or dry magnetic separators. Chemical assaying of mill products requires about 4 hr from the time the sample is taken until assay results are obtained, and this is available only on a two-shift basis. The ore may change rapidly, even several times during a shift, so that assay results lose most of their control value by the time they are reported to the mill operating crew. Members of the crew have therefore tried to evaluate the table and Wetherill concentrate by visual inspection, since through long experience the shift operators, under most circumstances, can gage closely the grade of the mill products. However, there are times when the physical nature of the ore is radically different from normal. Under these conditions visual inspection is of no value, and at such times final ilmenite as low as 43 pct TiO, has been produced and shipped before the assay results have been received. The specific gravity method of assaying for TiO, has been attempted to eliminate the shipping of ilmenite below normal grade as well as to help control day to day and hour to hour mill production. Table I shows the minerals found in the MacIntyre ore along with their average weight proportions and specific gravities. The first two products considered for the specific gravity method were fine and coarse table concentrates. It was reasoned that these products were essentially ilmenite with the higher specific gravity gangue minerals. Since they were always produced the same way, and the desired grade of TiO, was always constant, the specific gravity of these materials would increase or decrease as the amount of ilmenite increased or decreased. Thus for table concentrates which assayed 40 pct TiOz a constant gravity would invariably be obtained, and as the TiO, value changed the specific gravity would change in direct proportion. The third product considered was Wetherill ilmenite. It was assumed that a desired grade of 44.7 pct Ti02 would also always contain the same amount and type of gangue minerals along with the ilmenite, and thus would always have the same specific gravity. As the TiO, value of the ilmenite concentrate changed so would its specific gravity. Dr. Kenneth Vincent, chief metallurgist of the Baroid Division of National Lead Co. at Magnet Grove, Ark., ran specific gravity tests on 17 samples of the desired products. The lowest specific gravity reading assayed the lowest in TiO, and as the specific gravity increased the trend was for the TiO, assay to increase, see Fig. 1. Since these results warranted further investigation, a 500-g capacity Torsion balance and 250 ml Le Chatelier specific gravity bottles were obtained. Shift samples of fine table concentrate, coarse table concentrate, and final ilmenite were tested. Each sample was split and 85 g weighed on the Torsion balance. The Le Chatelier bottle was filled with water to a zero mark. To avoid wetting the neck of the bottle it was found necessary to do this

Jan 1, 1953

By G. F. Swindle

This paper discusses a Personal Computer (PC) software package that reduces the time required to evaluate a mineral reserve. It provides for: •Entry of borehole data onto PC diskettes and the creation of a borehole database; •Capture of map data using an attached X-Y digitizer; •Calculation of uniform square grids for thickness, mineral qualities, overburden ratio, etc., •Compilation of multiple such grids into a digital model, and iterative evaluation of the model with the user applying constraints and cut-off values; and • Graphic display of grid cells (blocks) showing which cells failed, and on which constraint(s), and a complete reserve report showing tonnages, averages, histograms, and quality arrays.

Jan 1, 1985

By K. Hanumantha Rao, A. Nayak, . K. S. Narasimhan, S. N. Mahapatra

Selective flocculation studies carried out with iron ore tailings generated at Kudremukh iron ore plant indicate that a concentrate containing 63% iron can be obtained from the tailings containing 34% iron with around 60% recovery. This opens up the possibility of recovering most of the iron lost in the tailings generated at 2 kt/h (2200 stph) while processing 22 Mt (24 million st) ore per year. This would mean that the productivity could increase by around 50%. In these studies, it has been established that caustic degraded tapioca starch is a most effective agent for selective flocculation. While potato starch after caustic degradation can also be used, neither the parent starch nor the amylopectin compound is as effective.

Jan 1, 1986

By D. J. McAdam, R. W. Mebs

THE technical cohesive strength of a metal means, not the interatomic forces, but the technically estimated resistance to fracture. An example of such resistance to fracture is the so-called "true" breaking stress of a tension-test specimen, the breaking load divided by the sectional area at fracture, According to the prevalent view,8 the technical cohesive strength of a metal, in any particular state as regards prior mechanical treatment and heat-treatment, is determined by a limiting value of the algebraically greatest principal stress.? In two previous papers by one of the authors,14,15 evidence was presented to indicate that the technical cohesive strength of a metal cannot be represented by a single stress value, but that it comprises an infinite number of values corresponding to the infinite number of possible combinations of the principal stresses. The technical cohesive strength thus comprises an infinite number of technical cohesion limits, each representing a specific stress combination at fracture. In the same papers, evidence was presented that plastic extension causes a continuous increase in the technical cohesive strength. Such a variation is not in accordance with the prevalent view that plastic extension first increases, then decreases, the technical cohesive strength.8 In this paper, as in the previous papers,14,15 the algebraically greatest principal stress will be designated S1, the least principal stress will be designated S3, and the intermediate principal stress will be designated S2. The technical cohesion limit under polarsymmetric tension (S1 = S2 = S3) will be termed the "disruptive stress," and the cohesion limit under unidirectional tension (S2 and S3 = o) will be termed the "severing stress." 14,15 The yield strength of a metal, according to the generally accepted theory, may be represented by a constant value of the shearing-strain energy, and hence by a constant value of the sum of the squares of the three principal stress differences. In the second of the previous papers,"' however, evidence was presented that the limiting yield stress decreases with increase in the volume stress, the algebraic average of the three principal stresses.* This influence of the volume stress becomes prominent only in the field of triaxial tension. In the two previous papers, 14,15 diagrams were presented to show the variation of the technical cohesion limit, yield stress, and ultimate stress with the combination of principal stresses and with plastic extension. Those diagrams and the resultant conclusions are derived from experimental data obtained by other investigators. They are based chiefly on results of tension tests

Jan 1, 1943

By G. C. Mudd, E. J. Myers

Within the last 15 years David Brown Gear Industries has manufactured approximately 200 large mill gears over 6m diam., 58 of them over 9 m and up to 12 m diam. The experience has not been without problems, due to a lack of clear understanding of the loads and stresses imposed on large gear wheels. American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) practices suggest that a service factor be used for mill gears. But what is meant by "service factor"? The layman might be forgiven for believing that the term is synonymous with "safety factor," but this is certainly not true. The service factor is an aggregate of the following in some proportion: -An application factor, i.e., an allowance for the fact that systems do not run smoothly with uniform torque. -An ignorance factor covering the imperfections in the basic gear calculation. -Possibly a safety factor. In the following sections some of the ways in which the limits of applicability can be overstepped are discussed.

Jan 1, 1983

By Charles H. Morgan

THE case of Henry Cort comprises: (1) the nature of Cort's inventions;, (2) their value to England and to mankind,; (3) the remuneration received therefor by him or his family; and (4) the suitable permanent record and recognition of his services by the representatives of the art lie founded-a debt long over-due, and still unpaid. I. CORT'S INVENTIONS. Under this head, it is unnecessary here to enter into details. The facts have been repeatedly published, and a brief outline of them will be sufficient for my present purpose. . Henry Cort, born in 1740 at Lancaster, England, became a navy broker in. London about 1765, and gained from that business in about ten years. something more than £20,000, which lie devoted to perfecting the manufacture of iron, building a mill at Fontley, near Portsmouth, and prosecuting, between 1777 and 1783, the experiments which culminated in .his two patents, one for puddling iron and the other for shaping it by rolling between grooved rolls.: Careful study of the contemporary evidence, including Cort's specifications, the testimony (in act as well as word) of his business rivals, the public declarations of eminent authorities, and the history of the times, leaves no possible doubt that Cort was the real inventor, of

Mar 1, 1905

By B. C. Craft

The principal events in the oil and gas operations for Louisiana during 1933 have been the rapid development of the Converse field in Sabine Parish, the discovery of three new salt domes, one in North Louisiana and two in South Louisiana, increased development in the Iowa field on the Calcasieu-Jefferson Davis Parish line, and extensive geophysical operations over a wide territory. Other miscellaneous events worthy of mention are the continued leasing of prospective oil lands over a wide area, extension of production at the East Hackberry field, Cameron Parish, discovery of deep sands at Caillou Island, Terrebonne Parish, and the completion of several important wildcats. Despite proration, oil production showed a substantial increase during 1933. The total output for this area was 25,599,802 bbl. as compared with 22,507,387 bbl. during 1932. North Louisiana There were 111 oil wells and 47 gas wells completed in North Louisiana during 1933 as compared with 109 oil wells and 33 gas wells during 1932. North Louisiana oil production decreased approximately 692,625 bbl. in 1933 from its 1932 figure. The normal decline in the old fields was partly offset by increased production at the Zwolle and Converse fields in Sabine Parish. Acid treatment of wells in the Zwolle, Converse and Monroe fields was highly successful. The method of application has been described by H. K. Shearer, Geologist, Pelican Natural Gas Co., as fo1lows:l With tubing in the hole and standing valve removed, the casing is filled with oil to the surface. The limestone solvent is pumped in through the tubing, at the same time bleeding off enough oil from the casinghead to equal the volume contained in the tubing plus the volume of open hole to be treated. The amount of solvent used in most of the wells treated was 1000 gal., which is enough to dissolve about 11 cu. ft. of chalk or limestone. After the computed amount of oil is bled off, the casinghead is closed and the remainder of the solvent is pumped in at whatever pressure is necessary to force it into the oil-producing horizon. The solvent is followed up with enough oil to

Jan 1, 1934

By H. D. Merchant

NUMEROUS publications have examined hot hardness of metals and alloys. Some have studied creep in long-time hardness tests, few of which, however, were tested under a spherical indentor. 1-3 The results of Mulhearn and Tabor' indicate a parabolic-type creep for indium and lead, whereas Moore and Tabor2 how a logarithmic-type creep for indium. Similar semilog relationships between hardness and time have been found by Goffard and wheeler3 for magnesium, aluminum, and their alloys. In this note, the elevated-temperature hardness of some complex alloys, shown in Table I, was examined to discover whether any basic information about the deformation behavior of the alloys could be obtained. One of the alloys, H-13 alloy steel, was tested for short-time creep tests to examine the hardness-time relationship at various temperatures. A standard Brinell Hardness Tester, mounted with an appropriate furnace and 99 pct A12O3 poly-crystalline indentor, was employed for the purpose. The alloys were tested at temperatures from room to 1400°F for 30 sec under 1500-kg load. The creep studies were conducted for about 8500 sec at 7l°, 500°, 1000°, and 1200°F. For constants A and B, a relationship of the type H = Aexp(-BT) [ll was obtained for all alloys between hardness, H, and temperature, T. In the semilogarithmic plot, the data points for each alloy were arranged into two groups, each group on a straight line with a specific set of A and B values. These results are in agreement with many such observations on hot hardness, notably those of Westbrook for pure metals,4 The thermal softening coefficient, B, and transition temperature, Tt, for various alloys are shown in Table I. The change in slope around the transition temperature suggests an apparent change in the mechanism of deformation, probably from the shear (below Tt) to the diffusion type of mechanism. At the temperatures above Tt, for constants A' and B, a relationship of the type was obtained between H and T, Fig. 1. The nature of the equation, where R is gas constant, suggests the possibility of a thermally activated mechanism of deformation above Tt. The constant B' may hence be defined as the apparent activation energy of indentation. The B' values of various alloys are shown in Table I. A plot of B vs B' gives a curvilinear relation shown in Fig. 2. The indentation-creep data for H-13 alloy steel is shown in Fig. 3. At 71" and 500°F, the creep initially follows the logarithmic time law. However, the indentation size stabilizes after 7 sec at 71°F, and after 10 sec at 500°F. Further increase in loading time has no effect on indentation size. The creep of 1000° and 1200°F follows the logarithmic time law for the first 1000 sec, after which the

Jan 1, 1964

By M. E. Nicholson

IT has been suggested by a number of investigators, I including Hume-Rothery and Raynor,' that certain intermediate phases in metal systems take on interstitial crystal structures because of an appropriate ratio of radii of the two atoms. If the size factor is an important parameter in determining whether or not an intermediate phase will have an interstitial structure, then it would appear reasonable that the relative sizes of interstitial atoms should have a direct relation to their solubilities in interstitial compounds. It was on such a basis that Petch,' in his discussion of the cementite structure, concluded that nitrogen is the only possible element which could replace carbon. Recent X-ray studies by Jacka indicate that the solid solubility of nitrogen in cementite is negligible. If this is the case, then on the basis of size factor it would not be expected that any element can replace carbon in FeaC, since according to Schwarzkopf and Kieffer4 the covalent atomic radii of nitrogen, carbon, and boron are 0.71, 0.76, and 0.87A, respectively. Nevertheless, Vogel and Tammann in 1922 indicated that a quasi-binary relation exists between the interstitial compounds FeaC and Fe2B and that the solid solubility of boron in FeaC at approximately 1150°C is 1.4 pct B by weight. Because of the apparent disagreement between theory and experiment, the solid solubility of boron in FeaC has been reinvestigated. In addition, the influence of boron on the saturation magnetic moment (per gram) and Curie temperature of cementite was determined. Experimental Procedure A series of Fe-B-C alloys which varied in boron content from 0 to 5.4 wt pct B were prepared by arc melting a 50-g ingot using carbonyl iron, Ache-son AUC graphite, and Cooper grade A boron for starting materials. The composition of these alloys is listed in Table I and shown graphically in Fig. 1. The samples represented by the solid circles were used for X-ray analysis and Curie temperature measurements; by the squares, samples used for quantitative metallography; and by the triangles, samples used for saturation magnetic moment measurements and Curie temperature measurements. After arc melting and subsequent quenching from 1000°C, so that all phases in the resulting microstructure were brittle, one half of the 50-g ingots were pulverized until a powder was obtained which was less than 100 mesh. These powders were then homogenized in evacuated Vycor capsules at 1000°C for 24 hr and water quenched. Although the homogenized powder had sintered somewhat, it was suitable for saturation magnetic moment and Curie temperature determinations, for which the 60 to 100-mesh fraction of the powder was used. For X-ray analysis the homogenized powder was crushed again until a 300-mesh powder was obtained. After crushing, the powder was mixed with Alundum of approximately the same grit size to prevent sinter-

Jan 1, 1958

PAUL D. FOOTE AND T. R. HARRISON, Washington, D. C. (written discussion *).-There are several methods for measuring the internal resistance of a battery, the line resistance in a circuit containing an e.m.f., or the true value of this e.m.f. The writers, however, were the first to em-ploy a simple principle whereby the total resistance of the circuit is ad-justed to a preassigned value for which the scale of the millivoltmeter is graduated, the only e.m.f. employed being that of the source measured. One of the simplest forms of these instruments is described on page 2842, September Bulletin. In papers now in the press we have described some twenty modifications of this simple design but all operating upon the same fundamentally new principle. The instrument devised by Mr. . Porter is of this general type but, unlike the designs we have recom-mended, is open to serious objections.

Jan 12, 1919

By Andrew Cosgarea, William R. Upthegrove, Morteza Mirshamsi

The capillary-reservoir technique was used with lead-210 and cadmium-115m to determine the self-diffiLsion coefficients of both cadmium and lead in the liquid binary Cd-Pb system. The self-diffusion coefficients of pure cadmium and pure lead were obtained and were compared with the theoretical predictions. Good to excellent agrement between the experimental and predicted values was obtained. The self-diffusion coefficients of cadmium were tneasuved in alloys containing 2.50, 9.13, 17.40, 31.00, 45.00, 69.00, and 97.00 lot pct Cd by determining- the amount of cadniiutn-115m which diffused out of a small-bore capillavy into an infinite reservoir during- a given time peviod. Sinzila7-measurements were made with lead-210 to determine the self-diffusion coefficients of lead in these identical alloys. Diffusivities were determined from measurenzents performed in the temperature interval of 290" to 480°C. The results were correlated with the Ar-vhenius equation, and the maximum variation of the equation parameters (Q and Do) was also inrestigated . THE theory of diffusion in liquids, particularly liquid metals, is relatively undeveloped in contrast to that for the gaseous and solid states. Although the practical application of liquid metals as heat-transfer media has become increasingly important, few liquid-metals systems have been investigated. Experimental data of fundamental significance in this field are not readily obtained, which may explain but not justify the present lack of knowledge. What work has been completed is primarily restricted to liquid diffusion of pure metals; little work has been done in liquid-metal diffusion of binary mixtures. A review of liquid-metal diffusion theory and research is available elsewhere.1-4 In an effort to add to the knowledge of liquid-metal systems and to increase the basic understanding of the diffusion process in liquids, a study of diffusion in the binary-liquid system, Cd-Pb, was undertaken. The capillary-reservoir technique5 was employed to measure the self-diffusion coefficients of cadmium and lead in molten binary alloys. Measurements were made with seven selected compositions and over a temperature range from 290° to 480°C. The experimental apparatus consisted essentially of the following items: constant-temperature bath, diffusion cells, capillaries, capillary-filling device, and a radioactive tracer counting system. EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS Constant-Temperature Bath. A cylindrical steel vessel, 8 in. in diam and 15 in. deep, surrounded by an insulated heating coil was used with a sodium-potassium nitrate salt mixture heating medium. The bath was maintained slightly below the desired control temperature by the furnace-heating element; and a 250-w heater, actuated by a Bayley proportional temperature controller, was utilized for the final control of the temperature. A constant-speed mixer stirred the salt to insure a uniform temperature within the bath. Four calibrated Chromel-Alumel thermocouples were placed at various positions in the salt bath to verify the absence of temperature gradients. The observed temperature variation during any diffusion run was less than 0.l°C. The entire furnace assembly was mounted on four shock absorbers to exclude building vibrations and the stirrer propeller blades were adjusted so not to induce vibrations within the reservoir. A schematic diagram of the furnace and the constant-temperature bath is shown in Fig. 1. Diffusion Cell. The diffusion cells and associated parts were the same, except for slight modification, as the one used by walls1 in this laboratory, and are shown in detail elsewhere.' A graphite crucible, 4 in. long and 40 mm (1-1/2 in.) ID, enclosed in a 60-mm (2-1/4 in.) Pyrex tube cell about 18 in. long, was used as a container for the melt. The reservoir (molten alloy in the graphite crucible) was usually about 2 to 2-1/2 in. deep. Graphite was used because of its satisfactory nature as a refractory material and the low solubility of carbon in molten Cd-Pb alloy.677 The Pyrex cell was closed at the bottom and fitted at the top (open end) with a 2-in. Dresser coupling. A brass flange was welded to the top of the coupling. The upper part of the diffusion assembly was bolted to this flange with an O-ring seal. The lower part of the diffusion cell was supported in a 3-in. brass cylinder which was open to allow for circulation of salt around the cell. The top assembly consisted of two synchronous motors, a drive shaft, a thermocouple well, and controlled-atmosphere inlets and outlets. One motor was used for rotation of the capillaries at a rate of 1/2 rpm in the reservoir during the diffusion run. The other motor was used for the vertical positioning of the capillaries and the capillary holder by means of a simple screw drive. The capillary holder and drive assembly were lowered into the reservoir for the run and raised after the desired diffusion time at a rate of approximately 0.4 in. per min. Capillary holders were made of graphite. These

Jan 1, 1967

By P. H. Mell

AMONG the minerals exhibited at the Atlanta Exhibition of 1881, soapstone, kaolin, and asbestos were well represented. The first two occur in large quantities, of very pure quality, throughout the South. The last is somewhat limited in amount, yet in certain localities it exists in masses sufficiently large to pay for working; in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama it has been mined with some profit. I would, in this paper, call special attention to the minerals soapstone and kaolin, because their many valuable qualities seem to have been al most entirely overlooked by our Southern manufacturers. Steatite, particularly, occurs in such large quantities, and generally in such close proximity to the great iron regions of Alabama and Georgia, that it is amazing that the iron companies will persist in sending abroad under. heavy expense for firebrick. It would require a much smaller sum of money to quarry this rock and place it at the various furnaces ; and the results obtained, I am sure, would prove its superiority over the majority of firebrick brought into this region. Soapstone, as well as kaolin, is found throughout the metamorphic regions of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Below-will be found seven analyses that I have made of this mineral, taken from various points in the four States above mentioned. I have also subjected these same specimens to severe fire-tests, and the results were very satisfactory. The tests were conducted in the following manner: Small portions of the compact variety were carefully weighed and placed in a Fletcher's new crucible furnace for gas, and subjected for half an hour to a heat that will in 12 minutes fuse iron. The only effect upon these specimens was a slight change in color .to a darker shade, a small loss in weight, due evidently to the evaporation of water, and, in one or two specimens, a slight degree of fusion on the sharp edges. The first specimen subjected to investigation was taken from a large outcropping in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. Specific gravity, 2.88 ; hardness, 1.9; color, blue gray. Composition Water, - 2.68 Silica, - 65.46 Iron oxide, - 2.10 Alumina, - 15.02 Magnesia, - 15.35 100.61

Jan 1, 1882

By Frank G. Miller, Ralph A. Seban

Problems relating to thermal methods of oil recovery have been given increasing attention during the past year. The nature of the physical and chemical processes underlying thermal recovery are not yet well understood. The need for pertinent basic information is recognized generally. One of the processes involved is the transfer of heat by conduction in oil reservoir rocks containing moving reservoir fluids. This technical note deals with heat conduction in a laboratory sand column filled with a moving hydrocarbon and therefore should be contributory to the presently inadequate fund of knowledge on thc over-all subject. In an analysis of the flow of vaporiziny propane through a horizontal column of sand, one of the present author9 demonstrated correspondence between thc measured values of pressure along the length of the column and those predicted by a theory which postulated that the enthalpy of the propane was invariable along the length of the column. This postulate way implied as a deduction from the principle of conservation of energy but the details of the deduction were not given. The specific purpose of this technical note is the presentation of these details both as an adjunct to the earlier analysis and to supply some additional details on the processes involved in this type of flow. Results disclose that rates of heat transfer by conduction, in the direction of fluid motion, generally would be small for systems of the type studied. FUNDARIENrAI. ENERGY EiQUAI-[ON The principle of conservation of energy may be applied to a section of the porous material on the basis that heat transfer, like fluid flow, is possible in the x direction only. Transfer of heat in the y and z di'rections is prevented by suitable insulation or by taking the medium as infinite in directions perpendicular to the x axis. For steady state heat conduction and conditions of steady fluid flow the principle of conservation of energy specifies that any reduction in the enthalpy rate increases the flow of heat in the same proportion. Stated mathematically, dH KA 87 —- = - — - — U) * dx W dx........ Lvhere is the flow of heat in the positive x W dx direction. TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION IN DIRECTION OF FLOW The column of sand used in the previoi~sly described research is divisible into three different flow regimes. each of which may be analyzed independently. In the entrance region the liquid approaches the saturation state. A transition region is postulated following the transverse section at which the saturation state of the liquid is attained. In this transition region gas and liquid phases are both envisioned as present, with no vaporization occurring and with fluid movement restricted to the liquid. The upstream end of the exit region is at the transverse section of the column where the fraction of the pore space occupied by gas first becomes great enough for gas flow and where vaporization of the liquid begins. Fig. 1 indicates schematicaHy the thermodynamic processes undergone hv the fluid in the three flow regimes.

Jan 1, 1956