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By H. Landssberg

Subsidence caused by mining operations has been a matter of interest for the mining engineer for just 111 years, since the Belgian committee for study of subsidence in the city of Liege submitted its first report in 1825. This interest is fairly expressed in the enormous amount of literature that has since appeared on this subject. A bibliography, probably far from being complete, which preceded this study as a preliminary survey, comprises more than 800 titles. In spite of this fact the problem remains today as acute as it has ever been. The questions of as good a recovery as possible of the national resources, the safety of the operations, and the protection of private and public property are the important angles from which to look at the problem. The Problem To systematize an investigation regarding the effects of mine excavations two different aspects have to be dealt with: (1) the subsidence of the immediate roof above the workings, affecting the safety of the workers and the progress and efficiency of the operations; (2) the subsidence of the surface, which is also, from the point of time, the second event. The immense importance of surface subsidence as regards the impairment of surface structures of every kind in a mining area is self-evident. Both effects result from reactions of the strata overlying the excavations and they depend mainly on the extent of the excavations and the structure and geological condition of the strata. It has been stressed repeatedly, in this country principally by G. S. Ricel,† that for the understanding of the phenomenon of subsidence accurate surveys are the most urgent necessity. In the past, however, at least in the normal course of mining operations, these surveys have been very crude. The control of the roof in the mine is left to the observation of the behavior of the timber, warning cracks and sounds in roof and walls and to the general judgment and experience of the worker and his supervisors. In any given case this may or may not be sufficient to prevent fatalities but certainly it does not give any accurate information as to what is happening in roof and strata. On the surface, principally in endangered areas, surveys have been conducted more frequently, but also in this case usually weeks or even

Jan 1, 1936

By H. Landssberg

Subsidence caused by mining operations has been a matter of interest for the mining engineer for just 111 years, since the Belgian committee for study of subsidence in the city of Liege submitted its first report in 1825. This interest is fairly expressed in the enormous amount of literature that has since appeared on this subject. A bibliography, probably far from being complete, which preceded this study as a preliminary survey, comprises more than 800 titles. In spite of this fact the problem remains today as acute as it has ever been. The questions of as good a recovery as possible of the national resources, the safety of the operations, and the protection of private and public property are the important angles from which to look at the problem. The Problem To systematize an investigation regarding the effects of mine excavations two different aspects have to be dealt with: (1) the subsidence of the immediate roof above the workings, affecting the safety of the workers and the progress and efficiency of the operations; (2) the subsidence of the surface, which is also, from the point of time, the second event. The immense importance of surface subsidence as regards the impairment of surface structures of every kind in a mining area is self-evident. Both effects result from reactions of the strata overlying the excavations and they depend mainly on the extent of the excavations and the structure and geological condition of the strata. It has been stressed repeatedly, in this country principally by G. S. Ricel,† that for the understanding of the phenomenon of subsidence accurate surveys are the most urgent necessity. In the past, however, at least in the normal course of mining operations, these surveys have been very crude. The control of the roof in the mine is left to the observation of the behavior of the timber, warning cracks and sounds in roof and walls and to the general judgment and experience of the worker and his supervisors. In any given case this may or may not be sufficient to prevent fatalities but certainly it does not give any accurate information as to what is happening in roof and strata. On the surface, principally in endangered areas, surveys have been conducted more frequently, but also in this case usually weeks or even

Jan 1, 1936

By William Johnson

IT is now recognized that several important types of reactions in metallic systems proceed by the formation of nuclei and the growth of these nuclei. The process of freezing is a simple example of this, as Tammann pointed out years ago.1 Tammann held that ' the rate, of freezing is determined by a rate of nucleation, expressed as the number of nuclei formed per unit volume of unfrozen liquid per second, and a rate of growth of these nuclei, expressed as the linear rate of radial growth in units of length per second. For isothermal freezing the conception is simple; for ordinary freezing, extending over a range of temperature, it is not as simple, for the values of the two constants must change with change in temperature. There is ample evidence that the postulated mechanism is correct even though a quantitative derivation of the rate of isothermal or of ordinary freezing in terms of the two constants has been lacking. In recent years other reactions have been found to proceed in a similar fashion. It has been well established, particularly by Bain,2-8 that. the formation of pearlite from the eutectoid decomposition of the solid solu-tion austenite proceeds in such a way, and Polanyi and Schmid, Tammann and Crone, Karnop and Sachs, and others9-11 have shown that the process of recrystallization proceeds in a similar way. Isothermal reaction rates have been determined for eutectoid decom-position by a number of investigators. Bain's2-8 work on the formation of pearlite from austenite is especially valuable in this respect-the type of isothermal reaction curve obtained, as illustrated in Fig. 13, showed an initial slow rate, accelerating to an intermediate maximum rate which then decelerated to the completion of the reaction; similar curves have been obtained by Wever and his collaborators.12 Other eutectoid decompositions show similar behavior: for example, the decomposition of the beta eutectoid in the copper-aluminum system, studied by Smith

Jan 1, 1939

By E. B. Harden, J. H. Harden

The practical use to which topographical models or relief-maps have been put, has within the last few years taken a wider range. They are rapidly coming into favor for other than purely scientific purposes, and their value for illustration and instruction is being more fully appreciated. Topographical maps; representing by contour-curve lines the elevations and depressions of the earth's surface, are now demanded in engineering work of nearly every description, and afford a ready means of bringing out the configuration of the country in a simple manner. A beautiful example of recent topographical mapping is seen in the seventeen sheets just issued by the Geological Survey of New Jersey. By reason of the inability of unskilled persons to understand the nature of a topographical map, it is sometimes necessary to con struct the same in relief, with the rivers, canals, railroads, etc., delin eated upon it. With the aid of such a map, problems in engineer ing science which would otherwise require expert assistance to explain them, are reduced to a simple and understandable form. Relief-maps are also of value to the geologist in working out the geological structure. To the instructor they present the most ready and efficient means of imparting clear and accurate knowledge of topography and kindred subjects. To the lawyer they are invalua ble in enabling him to bring into the court-room a representation of a part of the country with all its features accurately shown, to ex plain to the court and jury the special points about which litigation is pending and which would otherwise require long and laborious description. The application of the topographical map to business purposes is shown in a relief constructed by the writers for the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company and used by that company in the various ways of calling attention to the desirability of its route. This model is based partly on actual survey and partly on sketch topography. The horizontal scale is ,%, the vertical 1/19,200 of

Jan 1, 1888

By C. B. Post, D. G. Schoffstall

A determinatioil of the hydrogen content of molten steel by means of the Vacuum-extraction method, as reported here, consists in first casting a sample of the bath in a bomb, so that the gases evolved during solidification are trapped for analysis. A portion of the cast steel sample is then prepared and heated at a temperature of 600" to 800°C. under high vacuum, and the gaser given off during this vacuum extraction (which are shown to be hydrogen), are collected and measured. Analysis of the gases evolved on solidification and the gases in the solid sample enables an accurate determination of hydrogen in the molten steel. Fig. I shows the bomb and accessories that have been found suitable for trapping the gases evolved on solidification. The bomb is made of scamless steel pipe, approximately 7 in. long by 136 in. i.d., and welded at the bottom. An ordinary pipe cap has a vacuuni-type metal stopcock threaded and brazed in its upper end. This pipe cap fits onto the bomb by means of machined threads. A flange is brazed to the pipe at the point where the cap starts to tighten up, and a rubber gasket is placed between the flange and cap. Heavy vacuum grease is used between the flange and gasket and the gasket and cap. The weight of the complete bomb and it? interval volume is known before the sample is cast. In practice, a sample of about 400 grams of steel is poured into the bomb, the funnel quickly swung out of the way, the bomb cap spun down the threads and tightened against the gasket, and the bomb set in a pail of water to keep the gasket and vacuum grease cool. It is estimated that at least 80 per cent 01 the gases evolved from the liquid sample during solidification are trapped in the bomb."

Jan 1, 1945

By Earl Bardwell

THE structural relations existing between cuprous oxide and copper -were first systematically studied by Heyn1', who suggested that a study of the microstructure of refined copper might be substituted for the analytical methods in vogue for determining the oxygen content of copper coming from the refining furnace. Hofman, Green and Yerxa,2 in their paper A Laboratory Study of the Stages in the Refining of Copper, working along the lines suggested by Heyn, showed that a study of the microstructure could be made to yield a correct estimate of the oxygen content of the specimen of refined copper under examination. In order to determine the oxygen content of the specimen of refined copper under. examination a photomicrograph was first made. From the relative areas of copper and eutectic, the percentage of cuprous oxide and the corresponding percentage of oxygen were then readily calculated. It was found that the values for oxygen thus obtained corresponded closely with the analytical results. With the idea of utilizing this method of determining the oxygen content of each charge dipped from the refining furnaces at the Boston & Montana Reduction Plant, the physical testing laboratory was equipped with suitable apparatus for carrying out the work. It may be of interest to describe certain of the methods which have been worked out in this connection and give such data as have been obtained bearing on the effect of the oxygen content of refined copper upon its conductivity. Apparatus.-For the benefit of those who may be unfamiliar with metallographical apparatus and methods and may be interested to know what equipment is required, a few words with regard to the apparatus is in place at this point.

Jan 7, 1913

By Charles V. Seastone

The hydro-electric plant of the Peninsular Power Co. is located at what is commonly known as Lower Twin Falls on the Menominee River. This location is about 3I/2 miles north of the city of Iron Mountain, Mich. The principal points of delivery of electric energy from this plant are in the mining regions adjacent to Florence, Wis., and Iron River, Mich., and in the cities of Iron River and Iron Mountain. The hydro-electric plant at Twin Falls and the substation of the Iron Mountain Electric Light & Power Co, are connected by a 6,600-volt transmission line carried on steel towers and steel poles, the latter being used within the city limits. The plant at Twin Falls and the substation at Iron River, about 36 miles distant, are connected by a 66,000-volt, duplicate, three-phase transmission line, supported on steel towers. At Iron River, are located a 1,500-kw. auxiliary steam plant, and the substation, from which the current is distributed to the mines in this vicinity. A description of the auxiliary plant, main and customers' substations, and of the main and secondary transmission lines, follows later in this paper. General Layout The relative location of the dam, forebay, and power house will be understood by referring to Fig. 1. The dam is constructed on a ledge of solid rock which forms Lower Twin Falls. This rock ledge offers an excellent location in that the height of the dam, and therefore the amount of concrete, are thereby reduced, and also in that practically no pumping was required in unwatering the dam site. The maximum head provided by the dam is 44 ft., with an average working head of from 40 to 42 ft. The other structures, including the substructure of the power house,

Jan 1, 1915

By A. B. Wilder

We study the past Because it is a guide to the present and a promise for the future. The struggle for a better world is strengthened By the hopes, ambitions, and deeds Of those who were before us. As we look backward Our attention is directed forward. ONE hundred years ago, the manufacture of steel from molten pig iron without the use of fuel first began. In the earlier part of the nineteenth century the crucible process was the principal steelmaking method. It was a costly process, producing only a few pounds of steel at a time; so, most of the ferrous metal output was in the form of wrought or pig iron. With the perfection of the converter technique it became possible to produce low cost steel by the ton, thereby completely changing the structure, not only of the ferrous metal industry, but also of industrial production in general. This was the turning point from the Iron Age to the Age of Steel. William Kelly (Fig. 2), Sir Henry Bessemer (Fig. 1), and Joseph G. Martien experimented with the process before 1856. William Kelly began in Eddyville, Ky., in 1847 and has been given credit for first discovering the principle of the pneumatic converter process. Several years later in England Henry Bessemer independently conceived a steelmaking process similar to Kelly's. Bessemer made public his invention at the annual meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science held at Cheltenham, England, August 1856. As a result of his paper, "On the Manufacture of Malleable Iron and Steel Without Fuel," and his progressive leadership in the years to follow, the process became permanently identified with the name, Bessemer. Credit for the commercial adaptation of the process must be given two additional persons. Robert Mushet (Fig. 3) in 1856 in England recognized the necessity of deoxidation and recarburization of the converter product and evolved the technique for adding high manganese iron following the blow. In Sweden, in July 1858, G_ F. Göranson [ ]

Jan 1, 1961

By Thomas MacFarlane

AMONG the industrial enterprises which have, from time to time, been undertaken in our Dominion, few have been more uniformly unsuccessful than those which have had for their object the develop ment of our mineral resources. These resources hare not been re garded as insignificant. On the contrary, it is supposed that we possess in our ore deposits something more than mere points of mineralogical interest. Some people are enthusiastic enough to be lieve that our mineral wealth will yet occasion the establishment in our backwoods of happy and industrious communities, causing, in fact, our wilderness to blossom as the rose. These enthusiasts do not shut their eyes to the serious obstacles which at every stage in terfere with the carrying out of mining enterprises in this country, and which tempt one to believe that no such enterprise can ever be conducted to a desirable end, but they entertain the conviction that as our capitalists, miners, and technologists reach the years of discretion, and handle our mines in an economical, vigorous, and judicious manner, and as our statesmen become alive to the necessity of fostering, without extremely protecting, our metallurgical indus tries, mines and furnaces will gradually prosper, and so develop as to become a tower of strength to our agricultural, manufacturing, and mercantile interests. The fact that our past experience does not generally justify such glowing anticipations makes one all the more anxious to put on record the history of a successful mine, such as the Silver Islet has, on the whole, been. My connection with its discovery and early development was a very intimate one, and I propose in this paper to sketch its history and character, and sum up the amount of silver it has so far yielded. An additional reason for the appearance of this paper is that the Transactions of the Institute contain only a few references to the Silver Islet Mine. Although this mine is reported successful, we have, of course, no guarantee that it will not fall a victim to the same influences which have

Jan 1, 1880

By F. F. Craig

The authors have done a commendable job in combining a number of recognized waterflood performance prediction methods into one composite method. The availability of a FORTRAN program for this composite method should encourage its widespread industry use. Pan American has had a computer program developed along similar lines for a number of years,' and it has received more use than any other reservoir prediction method. In three important stages of a pattern waterflood, the authors fail to consider fully the effects of water-oil mobility ratio on performance. This is discussed in the following paragraphs and modifications of the prediction method are suggested. During the early stages of a waterflood in a partially depleted formation, the injected water and its preceding oil bank move out radially from the injection wells. As pointed out in the author's paper the method of Yuster and Calhoun2 or predicting the water injection rate during this period assumes that the mobilities of the water and oil are equal. In his book, Muskat3 resents a modification of the Yuster-Calhoun approach that considers fully the influence of water-oil mobility ratio. In Muskat's method, the prediction of the injection rate-injected volume-time relationship is expressed in readily programmed dimension-less unts. At and following fillup the five-spot pattern consists of a water-invaded pattern with the remainder of the pattern containing only oil and connate water. In the paper, Eq. 18 is used to calculate the water injection rate at fillup. This equation considers that the entire pattern is invaded by water. To properly consider both the incomplete areal sweep of water and the water-oil mobility ratio, Eq. 18 should read:

Jan 1, 1969

By R. J. Wysor

MORE than two years ago, in making efficiency tests on our hot-blast stoves, I was surprised to discover a marked difference in temperature as indicated by a pyrometer inserted near a stove on blast, and the regular recording instrument situated near the bustle pipe. A special hole was then provided at the junction of the hot-blast main and the bustle pipe, and portable pyrometers with bare fire ends were used, both at this point and in the stove necks. I had occasion to make a number of such tests on various stoves on the same furnace, the difference in temperature as shown by the two pyrometers varying chiefly with the temperature of the blast, and the distance of the stove from the furnace. However, this difference was always great, often averaging above 100° F., for the entire period of a stove on blast. Later, experiments were made with similar results on another group of stoves. The pyrometers used were properly standardized and checked against each other before and after each test. However, there was still a slight doubt as to the accuracy of the results obtained, as subsequently explained. But I have obtained corroboration of the magnitude of heat losses from blast-furnace hot-blast mains from two independent sources. I have learned from H. A. Brassert, Superintendent of Blast Furnaces, South Works, Illinois Steel Co., that he has recently clone some experimental work similar to my own, and found temperature drops of the same order of magnitude. Also, C. R.. Lyle, of the Armstrong Cork Co., has made some interesting theoretical calculations, based oil the thermal conductivity of fire brick, for the particular conditions of several of our tests; and his theoretical interpolations, all facts being considered, check our actual observations fairly well. I understand that Mr. Lyle expects to publish the results of his investigations.

Jan 10, 1915

By John W. Buch

NeaRly 25 years ago operating officials in the northern anthracite field were confronted with the problem of profitably mining virgin beds of thin coal (those 48 in. and under) or destroying them by mining underlying thick beds. To solve this problem costly hand-mining methods were replaced by cheaper mechanical methods, which eliminated the need for the lifting of bottom or the brushing of top in excessive quantities, which was essential if proper height for hand loading1 was to be provided. During this period long-face mining was an outstanding development. In its favor in comparison with any other method were the ease with which undercutting machines could be used, a differential in powder cost of about fifteen cents per ton in favor of this method over mining from a solid chamber or pillar face, and a greater production per day from a single working place, resulting in lower capital expenditures for a given total production, closer supervision and lower transportation cost. The long faces were drilled by jackhammer and undercut by machines. The coal from the cut was loaded into mine cars placed on the gangway road by means of a double-drum mechanical scraper engine and a mechanical V-type scoop. A tugger hoist was used to spot empty cars at the loading point from a supply placed at the operation by an electric mine locomotive. During loading the roof was supported by vertical wooden props paralleling the face. After the loading was completed the scraper engine and the ropes that had been used to propel the scoop in the loading of coal transferred the props to and along the face. A row of unfilled cogs was then built parallel to the new face and about 6 ft. from it. These cogs were usually made 6 by 3 ft., the longer dimension paralleling the face; they were placed on an average at 12-ft. centers. These wooden cogs were left in place and were buried later by falling roof. Attempts to remove them were never successful. When a new long face was started, the cog spacing would be increased to about 20-ft. centers. As successive cuts were made, weight would begin on the cogs, and they

Jan 1, 1940

By John R. Edwards

Introductory.—There are many interesting and important events connected with the petroleum problem. The remarkable men who conceived 'the thought of transporting petroleum by pipe line, conserving the byproducts of the commodity, and conducting extended investigation and research whereby the flash point of the oil was raised, its cost reduced and its supply assured, are deserving of the gratitude of this nation. It was primarily the success attained by Captain Lucas, after his comprehensive search for oil in Texas and Louisiana, that was the impelling cause which prompted the Navy Department to conduct the extensive series of liquid fuel-oil tests that were made from 1901 to 1903. The sensational discovery of oil at Spindle top made a deep impression upon Rear Admiral George W. Melville, then Engineer-in-Chief of the Navy, and the discovery of the vast oil field in Texas convinced him that, within a generation, if not within a decade, crude petroleum was going to play a very important part in warfare, and that the commodity might possibly develop into a necessary munition of war. The United States' Commanding Position as a Petroleum Producer.— In the study of the various problems relating to the world's production of crude petroleum, the position of the United States is one of commanding importance, whether viewed from the industrial or the military aspect. The present yield of this country is practically double that of the rest of the world, and, in view of the productive and prospective fields possessed by various countries, together with the comprehensive and exhaustive search that has been made throughout the world for petroleum, it is extremely probable that this lead will be maintained for the next decade. As regards the character of the crude-oil yield of different countries, America possesses the greater part of the supply that contains a paraffine base, and therefore a considerable portion at least of the American product produces the best illuminant. Of all the crude-oil distillates, kerosene is in many respects thc most important, and the Appalachian product for this purpose is favored, particularly in the Far East, above that of any other petroleum yield of the world.

Jan 1, 1915

By John W. Buch

NeaRly 25 years ago operating officials in the northern anthracite field were confronted with the problem of profitably mining virgin beds of thin coal (those 48 in. and under) or destroying them by mining underlying thick beds. To solve this problem costly hand-mining methods were replaced by cheaper mechanical methods, which eliminated the need for the lifting of bottom or the brushing of top in excessive quantities, which was essential if proper height for hand loading1 was to be provided. During this period long-face mining was an outstanding development. In its favor in comparison with any other method were the ease with which undercutting machines could be used, a differential in powder cost of about fifteen cents per ton in favor of this method over mining from a solid chamber or pillar face, and a greater production per day from a single working place, resulting in lower capital expenditures for a given total production, closer supervision and lower transportation cost. The long faces were drilled by jackhammer and undercut by machines. The coal from the cut was loaded into mine cars placed on the gangway road by means of a double-drum mechanical scraper engine and a mechanical V-type scoop. A tugger hoist was used to spot empty cars at the loading point from a supply placed at the operation by an electric mine locomotive. During loading the roof was supported by vertical wooden props paralleling the face. After the loading was completed the scraper engine and the ropes that had been used to propel the scoop in the loading of coal transferred the props to and along the face. A row of unfilled cogs was then built parallel to the new face and about 6 ft. from it. These cogs were usually made 6 by 3 ft., the longer dimension paralleling the face; they were placed on an average at 12-ft. centers. These wooden cogs were left in place and were buried later by falling roof. Attempts to remove them were never successful. When a new long face was started, the cog spacing would be increased to about 20-ft. centers. As successive cuts were made, weight would begin on the cogs, and they

Jan 1, 1940

By William L. Fink, L. A. Willey

Since so many different curves have been published for the solid solubility of zinc in aluminum, it seems desirable to definitely establish the correct curve by two or more independent methods. The curve published in part I1t was based entirely upon X-ray measurements because the other methods employed at that time were not satisfactory. The present paper (the seventeenth of this series on high-purity aluminum alloys) describes the determination of the solid solubility of zinc in aluminum by the measurement of electrical resistivity at temperature and by microscopic examination. Since the publication of our part I in 1932, an investigation of the solubility relations in the aluminum-zinc system has been reported by Schmid and Wassermann2, who obtained their solubility results from lattice-parameter measurements on heat-treated and quenched specimens. The diagram that they published is shown in Fig. 1. In this investigation they also found by X-ray measurements that the parameter of the gamma phase changed continuously with zinc content and at such a rate that it would be identical with that of the beta phase at 60 atomic per cent zinc. It was concluded therefore that the beta and gamma phases, from the point of view of structural relationship, are one single phase. They also suggested a gap of immiscibility between 270" and 350" C. The complete boundary in this region could not be determined satisfactorily by the method employed and therefore was not shown in their diagram. Aluminum-zinc Alloys Materials Used.—Electrolytically refined aluminum3 was used in preparing the alloys for the work reported in this paper. Chemical analysis showed the following impurities: 0.004 to 0.005 per cent silicon, 0.006 to 0.008 per cent iron and 0.005 to 0.006 per cent copper. Also,

Jan 1, 1936

By C. W. Davis, R. S. Dean

The purification of iron ores by means of hand magnets dates back more than 100 years. The first record in the United States Patent Office of a machine for the magnetic separation of ores shows that on Feb. 20, 1849, U.S. Patent 6121 was issued to Ransom Cook for improvement in electromagnetic ore separators. The patent covered the use of a revolving cylinder, or drum, with poles of electromagnets in its periphery for the purpose of separating magnetic oxide of iron from substances with which it might be associated, by causing the electrornagnets when revolving as component parts of the cylinder to be successively charged to take up the ore and discharged to part with it. Since this patent was issued the science and technique of magnetism have advanced more than most other fields of endeavor. The development of electrical machinery has required and obtained better and better magnetic materials, and the science of applied magnetism is as completely and satisfactorily developed as any branch of physics. Nevertheless, the patent of Ransom Cook, issued in 1849, comes close to covering everything that is now being applied in magnetic separation. The cynic may conclude that this proves the uselessness of modern science and may point in confirmation to flotation, which has grown in a few years, practically without benefit of science, to be the most versatile and useful of concentration methods. On more careful study, however, it appears that an accurate determination of the magnetic properties of minerals and their amenability to control by mechanical and heat treatments has not heretofore been made. The first essential, therefore, in the design of improved magnetic separators has been missing. In spite of this hiatus in scientific data inventors have been busy, and patents are on file covering mineral separations by means of nearly all known magneto-mechanical effects. Because of a lack of knowledge of mineral properties, most of these inventions never worked well enough to find commercial use. The Metallurgical Division

Jan 1, 1935

By Noel H. Stearn

OF the many instruments devised for the measurement of magnetic anomalies, the ordinary dip needle, by virtue of its superior simplicity of construction, facility of manipulation, and definiteness of interpretation, seems to merit serious attention as the instrument most readily applicable to the detection of magnetic anomalies of the higher order of magnitude. In spite of the fact that it has been used for many years for the discovery of iron ore in Europe and in the Lake Superior region of America, its capabilities as a geological instrument have not yet been thoroughly plumbed. The Wisconsin Geological Survey, under Dr. W. 0. Hotchkiss, E. F. Bean, and H. R. Aldrich, has been most thorough in developing the technique of the instrument, and the results it has obtained have aroused a general interest in a more widespread use of geomagnetics as an exploration method and the dip needle as a geological instrument. The simplicity of the instrument is an especial advantage, as it can be used by anyone, regardless of his technical training; but to insure useful results not only is a knowledge of the background of geomagnetics necessary but also an understanding of the principles of the instrument itself. Principles of the Dip Needle The major feature of the dip needle is an elongated magnet suspended with fixed bearings in such a way that it can move in a single plane. If the point of suspension were exactly at the center of gravity of the magnet, the instrument would be identical with the "dip circle" or "dipping needle" of terrestrial magneticists, and as such could be used to determine variations in the inclination of the earth's magnetic field when observed in the plane of the magnetic meridian. The dip needle, however, differs from the "dip circle" or "dipping needle" in having an adjustable counterweight affixed to one end of the magnet. This counterweight serves to balance the magnet at an angle to the inclination of the earth's field when the instrument is oriented in the plane of magnetic

Jan 1, 1929

By J. P. Kimball

INCIDENTAL to a description of the hytlrographical basin of the Quemahoning in Somerset county, Pa., as a coal-field, I have, without a personal survey of the whole county, taken the pains to collate a synopsis of' leading facts, so car as available, relating to its coal resources. This is here presented, in view of an interest in the subject, growing out of a nearly central traverse of the county, in common with the southern tier of counties of the State, west of Blue mountain, by a new trunk line of railway—the South Pennsylvania. The political east-and-west boundaries of Somerset county, Pa., following the bold topography of Allegheny mountain and Laurel hill, are in common with the east-and-west boundaries of the First Bituminous Coal-basin formed by these ridges respectively, except the southeastern townships which lie on the eastern slope of Allegheny mountain. The nearly parallel anticlinals of Negro mountain and the so-called Viaduct axis stratigraphically divide the basin into three sub-basins, which, in order from east to west, are known as follows, viz. : I. Berlin-Salisbury (Eustern) Sub-basin : Between Allegheny mountain and Negro mountain, embracing the Berlin section of Barren coal-measures, the Salisbury section of Upper Productive coal-measures, and the Meyersdale and Garrett sections of Lower Productive coal-measures. 11. Somerset (Middle) Sub-basin: Between Kegro mauntain and the Viaduct axis, so called from the viaduct on the Conemaugh river, which there crosses it; embracing the section of Lower Productive measures of Mineral Point and Casselman on Castlenlan river, and of Somerset. 111. Johnstown- Confluence (Western) Sub-basin: Between the Viaduct stratigraphical sub-axis (which is less strongly marked topograpically in Somerset county as a ridge than in Cambria county), and the Laurel Hill graud axis. The synclinal of this sub-basin is crossed by tile Conemaugh near Johnstown, and by the Castleman

Jan 1, 1884

By Benj. N. Webber

There is a broad analogy between super gene nickel deposits and super gene copper deposits of the porphyry type. Some of the nomenclature of supergene copper may he applied to super gene nickel deposits. The obvious connection between lateritization and supergene nickel concentration requires some clarification of the nomenclature of laterite of ultrabasic rock parentage. Lateritization is a progressive process and the transition products of the laterite profile are a key to the process of nickel concentration since the profile grades from unaltered peridotite to the highly ferruginous ultimate laterite capping. This profile is formed under highly restricted geographic and geologic conditions. Faulting contributes to the formation and localization of the higher grade commercial segregations of nickel. That there may be auxiliary sources of nickel other than olivine is suggested. The volume of peridotite necessary to produce a unit of laterite at any point in a complete profile is calculated on the basis of the chromite content. The lixiviation, transportation, and precipitation of the elements involved is considered and the source of the reagents and chemical mechanisms are suggested. The role of sodium chloride is considered important. The progressive changes in the lateritic profile have an effect on the general process since lateritization takes place in overlapping environmental phases. The mineralogy of laterite and the redistribution of elements is illustrated by compositional curves derived from a completely mature laterite. Nickel scanvenged by iron oxides tends to be redissolved and moves downward to the zone of transitional magnesium silicates where it is reprecipitated. The geometry of the nickel enrichment zone is simple in general, but complicated in detail. Elongated pods of a greater concentration of nickel are indicated to be a reflection of faulting. Lateritization and concentration of nickel may be arrested at any stage and be modified by several factors.

Jan 1, 1973

RUSSIA was the United States Number One source of manganese ore in 1948 when 34 pet of imports were received from that source, stated Norwood B. Melcher, assistant chief, ferrous metals and alloys branch, Bureau of Mines. In 1949, this country received only 20 pet of 1948 shipments from Russia, and only token amounts are now being received. Aggressive programming by industry and government resulted in prompt increases in shipments from major, producing sources; India, Gold Coast, and the Union of South Africa all increased exports to fill the vacuum left by Russia and provided an excess adequate to increase total imports approximately 290,000 short tons in 1949. Again in 1950, and with, even less ore from Russia, imports increased another 290,000 short tons. Since the shift from Russia as a source of manganese, the United States has received in total about 85 pet of its imports from India, Union of South Africa, Gold Coast, and Brazil in that order of importance. Producers of both home consumed and merchant ferromanganese have been able to adjust downward the manganese content of the home-consumed product and so obtain partial relief. Millions of tons of steel were produced in 1951 with a relatively low grade ferromanganese. This adjustment has been made without decreasing the quality of the steel, although with some increase in cost through introduction of new problems, including increased hand- . ding of material and additional removal of carbon. Forced into a pattern of price and grade structure such as exists today, the producer of ferromanganese must adopt one of three possible courses as a short-range program: 1-He may continue to deplete his stocks by producing standard (78 pet) ferromanganese and hope that the future will bring some form of relief; 2-he may attempt to produce 78 pet ferromanganese by paying higher prices for premium ores; or 3-he may drop the grade of ferromanganese and stretch stocks and future supplies of ore as far as possible. The present rundown condition of Indian railroads is attributed to the fact that the service has had no opportunity to recuperate since the beginning of World War II, while the demand for the movement of commodities has probably increased. The Union of South Africa has expanded its exports to the United States greatly since 1948, but, the showing of that country in 1951 was disappointing. Efforts have been made for some time by firms in the United States, at the urging of the manganese miners in the Union, to prevail on the railroad authority to grant and make available larger allocations of cars for manganese ore movement. As a whole, such efforts have been unsuccessful. Although the allocation of rail shipping has been the obvious factor in the decreased movement of ore, many other less determinate factors appear to be involved. Brazil, long an important supplier of manganese to the United States, has important manganese deposits in three areas, all of which are significant to this country. The Gold Coast is an important source of supply. Its metallurgical ore is particularly of significance because of its unusually high grade which permits considerable latitude in blending with the lower grade materials of South Africa and India. The Belgian Congo should have an output of 100,000 tons or more annually beginning this year. R. S. Dean presented two papers. One with K. M. Leute on hydrometallurgical methods for recovery of manganese from domestic ores and one as sole author on the so-called carbamate or Dean process. The two papers tied into each other. In the first mentioned he reviewed the various processes applicable to oxidized, and nonoxidized and reduced ores. The advantages of each .were pointed out. So far the only process tried on a substantial scale on oxidized ores was the SO2 process used at Las Vegas, Nev., on Three Kids ore during World War II. Many problems were encountered. Some of them were whipped while some of those remaining perhaps would have been whipped had time permitted. Since then work has been done elsewhere to avoid the formation of the troublesome thionates encountered at the Three Kids plant. Dean discussed the thionate and NO, processes as applied to oxidized ores. The only commercially used process on reduced ores is that of making electrolytic manganese. Among others that have been considered are the nitric acid process, the Bradley-Fitch ammonium sulphate process, and Dean's ammonium carbamate process. Dean's thesis was that extremely large tonnages of so-called low grade manganese ores are available, and that these should not be depleted in attempting to simulate a foreign metallurgical grade ore. He pointed out that the grade of the domestic manganese ores would be considered high if the same grade were found in copper ores. The selling price of electrolytic manganese and electrolytic copper are roughly the same. In addition to electrolytic manganese, he believes that domestic ores should be used to make exceptionally high grade products. These might be battery grade oxide or substantially pure oxide sinter, which might be used for high manganese alloys or for upgrading metallurgical grade manganese to produce a high manganese ferroalloy. The carbamate process is based on the fact that manganous oxide is readily soluble in concentrated ammonia solutions containing ammonium salts. In solutions of sufficiently high concentration the manganese exists as an anion. Lixiviants of ammonia and ammonium carbonate permit extraction of the manganese from reduced ores and the manganese can be recovered as carbonate by heating or by driving off ammonia. R. V. Lundquist presented a paper on upgrading high-silica ores or concentrates with sodium hydroxide to extract silica and to yield a product with a more favorable manganese: silica ratio. The NaOH is, regenerated in part by CaO.

Jan 1, 1952