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By H. F. Ramstad, F. D. Richardson

The equilibria (a) SiOz +Hz =SiO +H20 and (b) Si + SiO, = 2Si0 have beet1 studied at temperatures of 1425"to 1600°C ad 1310°to 1485°C respectively. The stattdard free energy changes for the tzrro reactions are given by the equatiotts Combination of the results for both equilibria leads to tiotz removes certain anomalies in existing high-terlzperature data for equilibria involving silica and silicon in iron. In many metallurgical processes and in many laboratory investigations silicon monoxide undoubtedly plays an important role. It is unfortunate therefore that wide differences exist between the results obtained by different investigators1-7 in their studies of such equilibria as In an attempt to put our knowledge of SiO on a surer basis, an exhaustive study has been made of equilibria [I] and [2] at temperatures ranging from 1300" to 1600°C. Reaction [I] was studied by measuring the amounts of silica which could be condensed from streams of Hz or Hz + HzO which had previously been brought into equilibrium with silica at temperatures ranging from 1425" to 1600°C. Reaction [2] was studied by measuring the material that could be condensed from streams of Hz or argon which had been brought into equilibrium with mixtures of silicon and silica at temperatures ranging from 1310" to 1485°C. EXPERIMENTAL Materials. The silicon was "superpure" grade and contained less than 0.1 pct impurities. The silica was prepared from pure mineral quartz; this was crushed and treated with concentrated hydrochloric acid to remove particles of iron, washed with water, and finally dried at 120°C. For the hydrogen + silica reaction, the silica was sized to —20+100 mesh. For the silicon + silica reaction, the two materials were ground to a fine powder in an agate mortar. The hydrogen and argon were commercial oxygen-free gases. The gas streams were controlled with capillary flow meters and the volumes were measured by wet gas meters. After passing through the meters, the gases were partially dried by silica gel. The hydrogen for the HZ + SiOz reaction was then passed through palladised asbestos at 300°C and dried with magnesium perchlorate. The efficiency of oxygen removal was checked throughout the experiments by passing the gas over an electrically heated strip of nichrome, used as an indicator as described by Rathman and de itt.' When mixtures of HZ + Hz0 were required, the partial pressures of water vapor (1.8 to 22 mm) were obtained by passing the hydrogen through oxalic acid dihydrateg' lo held at various controlled temperatures, O.l°C, by means of a water bath. The hydrogen for the Si + Si02 reaction was purified by passing it over a mixture of 3 parts of magnesium to 5 of lime heated to 600°."l1 u The argon for this reaction was passed through titanium powder (-3/16 in. + 100 mesh) heated to 900°C. The nitrogen used to prevent the reaction products escaping from the condenser (see later), was deoxidized by copper or iron at 600°C. All these gases were finally dried with magnesium perchlorate. Furnace, Temperature Contr01, and Measurement A molybdenum resistance furnace was used for both sets of experiments. The reactions were conducted inside a high-grade alumina tube, 36 in. long and 1 in. in diam as indicated in Fig. 1. With this arrangement an even temperature zone (2"C) 4 cm long was satisfactorily obtained. The temperatures were kept constant by means of a proportional controller actuated by a Pt-Pt 13 pct Rh thermocouple. This was placed between the two alumina tubes, so that the temperature at the junction was 1400" to 1450°C. Up to 1485"C, the temperatures were measured with Pt-Pt 13 pct Rh thermocouples. For higher temperatures an optical pyrometer was used, this being sighted (through the glass window 1 in Fig. 1) on the end of the alumina tube, that held the SiOz or Si +SiOz mixture, 10 in Fig. 1. The optical pyrometer was recalibrated whenever a change was made in any part of the apparatus situated in the hot zone. Successive readings with the optical pyrometer were reproducible to within 1"C. Equilibrium Apparatus and Procedure. Hydvogen and Silica Reaction. The apparatus is shown in Fig.

Jan 1, 1962

By R. S. Rickard, M. C. Fuerstenau

Anodic polarization curves for iron dissolution and cathodic polarization curves for copper deposition and ferric and hydrogen ion reduction were studied. These results were used to predict the relative rates of the reactions: The rates of the first two reactions were found to be first order with respect to the reacting ion, and the rale-controlling step was diffusion of the ions to the callzode surface. The rate of hydrogen ion reduction in an oxygen-free solution is dependent on the reciprocal of the square root of the hydrogen ion activity. In solutions containing oxygen, the rate of hydrogen reduction becomes dependent on the square root of the partial pressure of oxygen. At equal concentrations copper precipitation occurs about twice as fast as ferric ion reduction. In an air-saturated solution containing 0.01 M cupric ion at pH 2, the rate of hydrogen ion reduction zs about 10 times slower than that of copper precipitation. At pH values below 3, the rate of hydrogen reduction in oxygen-free solutions is very slozu. COPPER cementation has been utilized industrially for many years as a means of recovering copper from aqueous solutions. There are many different types of cementation plants, but all simply provide a means of contacting iron with relatively dilute copper solutions. In the past little or no attention has been paid to rates or mechanisms of the reactions involved. As a result, this and other studies'-3 have been undertaken recently to establish the important parameters in this system. The reactions involved in copper cementation by iron are: Since transfer of charge is involved in every case, these reactions should be considered from an electrochemical point of view. In any electrochemical system involving electrolytic conduction, passage of electrons necessitates ion transfer to the respective electrodes according to Faraday's law. The current in the system will be proportional to the rate of ion transfer, and, therefore, when the current in the galvanic cell is known, the rates of the reactions involved can be determined. Galvanostatic electrode measurements5" are applicable for these electrochemical studies, in that with this technique polarization curves (current density vs electrode potential) are established by impressing a constant current through an electrode and measuring the electrode potential. Once the current density, electrode potential, and reacting area are known for each reaction in this cementation system, the rates of the iron-consuming reactions can be determined. EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS Several metal electrodes were used in this investigation; they are shown in Table I. Solutions were made with reagent-grade salts and conductivity water. Air, nitrogen, and oxygen were employed. All of these gases were saturated with water and degreased prior to use. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE The experimental work was divided into two general areas. The first area involved galvanostatic measurements, which were used to determine the rates of reactions as a function of various parameters. The second area comprised actual cementation experiments to check the rates predicted from the electrode measurements. Galvanostatic Electrode Experiments. Polarization curves were obtained using a standard galvanostatic technique5'= with the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. The various electrode polarization experiments were run the same way except for changes in solution composition, polarity, and type of measured electrode. The general procedure involved the following steps: 1) a solution was made 0.5 M in sulfate ion and to the desired cation concentrations; this solution was placed in a constant-temperature bath and saturated with the desired gas; 2) the electrodes were cleaned and placed in the electrode holder; 3) the previously cleaned apparatus was assembled and immersed in a constant-temperature water bath (temperature controlled to ± 0.05"C); 4) the electrode was then positioned; the solutions were introduced, and the polarization meas-

Jan 1, 1969

By PHILIP N. MOORE

IT is a pleasure to realize even at that day the dignity of the engineer's calling was upheld. May I also add my firm belief that today there be many engineers who will qualify to the specifications of our interesting author. Since that time, the development of the world has been chiefly due to the engineer, and so far as human brain can foresee, the material tasks of the future will continue to follow the directions of his judgment. Popular opinion says this is the age of the engineer; literature, which in the long run, voices public sentiment, shows it in the number of engineers who figure as characters of fiction. The engineer has been doing the big things necessary to increase the comfort and efficiency of mankind, but while a certain amount of fame and repute falls to him, too often he figures as the hired man of the entrepreneur, using that term not in the offensive sense of a mere promoter, but to mean the great visioned master of enterprise who has seen ahead of other men, recognized the coming needs of the world, and through ability to inspire others and to hire capital for his use has also been able to hire engineers as needed. Justly enough, therefore, to such men comes the fame as well as the prize of the game.

Jan 1, 1926

By Frank Haas

THE public generally has-become aware that there is something wrong with the coal industry and a clamor has arisen for an explanation if not a remedy for this disorder. It is only reasonable that this Institute be looked to for a diagnosis to show the way for some other .agency to prepare the patient for prescription or operation. The subject is extensive, widely diversified, and beyond the efforts of an individual to cover completely; one of the objects of this paper is the initiating of a symposium on the non- technical factors essential to an understanding of the bituminous coal industry. The present condition of the coal industry cannot be described in a few words but, in effect, it resolves itself into a simple statement: The average coal operator is losing money notwithstanding a firm conviction on the part of the consumer that he pays too much for his coal. Without enumerating the many and varied. factors which contribute to this condition, this paper will be devoted to the interrelation of taxation and ownership of coal and its effect on finance

Jan 1, 1930

By R. D. Parker

LARGEST of any hoist installation ever manufactured in Canada is that being erected at No. 5 shaft, Creighton mine, of the Inter- national Nickel Company of Canada, Limited. It is a bicylindrical conical- drum hoist with the drums arranged in tandem, and driven by two direct- current motors through single reduction gearing. This hoist was designed by the Canadian Allis-Chalmers, Limited and manufactured at their works in Lachine, Quebec.

Jan 1, 1936

By Verne D. Johnston

ALTHOUGH the stocks of Lake Superior iron ore on dock or at furnaces at the beginning of the year were about 6,000,000 tons less than at the beginning of 1938, the steel industry was operating at only 52 1/2 per cent of capacity and continued at approximately this rate to about Aug. 1. Consequently the iron mines in the Lake Superior district during the winter and spring period were almost all on a curtailed production basis, governed mostly by the needs of the communities rather than by anticipation of ore demands. Many of these properties gave extra employment by prosecuting heavy strip- ping programs, and the underground mines by shaft sinking and rock development. All underground mines re- turned to full operation in September, mostly two-shift, five days per week. A few operated the sixth day. The ship- ping schedules were increased so that the actual delivery for the year exceeded early expectations by about 20 per cent. Final Lake shipments were slightly in excess of 45,000,000 gross tons.

Jan 1, 1940

By ANTON GRAY

In considering the possibilities and costs of discovering minerals by exploration. mineral occurrences may be classified roughly according to the size of the target they offer to the various methods that have been used to search them out. This classification is advantageous because the methods of search which might be expected to give results in one case may be totally inapplicable in others. Mineral deposits for the most part have been found in groups, or districts, in which the individual deposits occur under the same general geological conditions and usually contain more or less the same metals. There are, also, what are apparently isolated de- posits, although if the truth were fully known many of these probably would not be isolated. These districts, such as the Belgian Congo copper fields, the California Mother Lode, and the Linares lead district of Spain, form the first division of my classification. The second division is formed of the individual deposits of these districts, for example, Kambove mine in the Congo, the Kennedy-Argonaut vein in California, and the Cruz vein at Linares. The third division consists of the separate ore bodies that make up the deposits

Jan 1, 1949

By W. R. Wilcox

The camphor-anthracene system was chosen as a transparent low-melting analog of the zirconium carbide -graphite system. Camphor and zirconium car -bide both grow nonfaceted, while casting of mixtures yields platelets of both anthracene and graphite. Zone melting of thin layers of organic was observed under the microscope. Irregular lamellar structures were produced at high values of the ratio of the temperature gradient G to the zoning rate V. The anthracene invariably led the camphor, indicating lower kinetic undercooling for the anthracene. The lamellar spacing was an order of magnitude greater than typical spacings for metal eutectic systems. Exact behavior depended on orientation of the anthracene. Oriented dendritic structures were produced at low values of G/V. Transient and oscillatory behavior were also observed—much of it unexpected. A.RC-CAST refractory carbide-graphite mixtures are promising thermal-shock resistant materials. Oriented structures of these materials would be superior to arc-cast materials for many applications. Mollard and Flemings1 and Cline2 have shown that aligned structures can be obtained for a wide range of Pb-Sn alloys. However, these metals both solidify in a nonfaceted manner while graphite yields platelets or flakes. In addition only small diameter samples of Pb-Sn alloys were produced because it was necessary to avoid free convection and to have high temperature gradients. The purpose of the present work was twofold: 1) To observe the solidification of a transparent low-melting analog of carbide-graphite systems and 2) to see if larger diameter samples can be produced. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE When zirconium carbide-graphite mixtures are cast, the resulting structure naturally depends on composition. Carbide-rich mixtures yield metal-like nonfaceted carbide dendrites in a eutectic matrix. Graphite-rich alloys have graphite platelets in a eutectic matrix. Empirically it was found that camphor-anthracene mixtures produce similar structures with camphor being nonfaceted and anthracene forming plates. The organic eutectic melted at 116°C and was composed of 78 wt pet camphor.3 The camphor used was U.S.P. grade from Fisher Scientific Company; the anthracene was 98+ pet fro Aldrich Chemical Co. The impurity content is judged to be on the order of 1 pet. Mixtures ranging from 50 to 88 wt pet camphor were employed for the experiments. All but one of the experiments were performed on the microscope-stage zone melting apparatus described in detail elsewhere.4 The organic mixtures were contained in horizontal cells made of microscope slides or cover glasses. In most of the cells the organic was present as a very thin layer, thus giving almost two-dimensional growth behavior. The cells were moved slowly under a heated wire, which caused a molten zone to move through the solid at rates ranging from 0.01 to 5.4 cm per hr. The temperature gradient was estimated before moving the zone by measuring the distance between the line where all solid was melted (freezing point) and that where solid first began to melt (eutectic temperature). The temperature gradient was found to be 465°C per cm in the thinnest cells used, which were made by pressing together two microscope cover slips in the organic melt and then rapidly withdrawing them. RESULTS The experimental results are described in four parts: simultaneous growth, dendritic growth, irregular growth, and transients and erratic phenomena. Steady state data are summarized in Fig. 1. Except where noted all comments are for the cells containing a thin layer of organic. A) Simultaneous Growth. Simultaneous and roughly parallel growth of anthracene and camphor was obtained over the full range of compositions investi-

Jan 1, 1970

By R. S. McClellan

In order to meet the ever-increasing demand by consumers for uniformity of ground talc, a new method of blending its finished product has been developed by Gouverneur Talc Company, Inc., at its plant near Gouverneur, N. Y. The method has been in use for a sufficient length of time to be now judged a success. The Gouverneur district is the leading talc producing area of the world, inasmuch as more tonnage is produced there than from any other state in the U.S. or, so far as is known, from any other locality in the world. Almost all of the output goes into industrial uses, with ceramics and paint being the principal consuming industries. The physical and chemical specifications imposed by these industries are stringent and the trend, as in most industries, is toward ever increasing severity. The blending method described herein has aided Gouverneur Talc to keep up with this trend.

Jan 3, 1961

By B. L. Averbach, Morris Cohen, L. L. Seigle

Free energies, enthalpies, and entropies of mixing of Ni-Au solid solutions containing 5 to 95 atomic pct Ni have been determined by the electromotive force method at 700° to 900°C. The thermodynamic activities exhibit large positive deviations from Raoult's law, and the entropies of mixing are almost twice those of ideal solutions. The enthalpies of mixing are positive (heat is absorbed) and are attributable to the lattice distortional energy resulting from the size difference between the nickel and gold atoms. This factor appears to be responsible for the miscibility gap at lower temperatures. IN the thermodynamic study of metallic solid solutions, most interest has been directed toward systems with negative deviation from Raoult's law, namely, those exhibiting superlattice or compound formation. The results of previous investigations are summarized in recent publications.'-' Relatively little experimental work has been carried out on solid solutions which manifest a positive deviation, possibly because the range of solubility in such cases is usually quite limited. Nevertheless, the relationship of the thermodynamic properties of these solutions to diffusion, nucleation, and precipitation in the solid state are of considerable importance. The binary Ni-Au alloys are particularly suited to an investigation of these relationships. Despite the presence of a miscibility gap at lower temperatures, Fig. 1, indicating a large positive deviation from Raoult's law, complete solid solubility is found above 840°C. Moreover, the difference in the atomic scattering powers of nickel and gold is sufficiently great to permit X-ray diffraction studies of atomic arrangements and pre-precipitation phenomena. Radioisotopes of both nickel and gold are available for diffusion work, and finally, a large difference in nobility between the two elements facilitates measurement of the thermodynamic properties. The present paper describes the experimental determination of the free energies, enthalpies, and entropies of mixing of solid Ni-Au alloys. Table I gives a list of the symbols used in the paper. Experimental Method The stability of nickel chloride relative to gold chloride" indicated that the galvanic cell method could be used for determining the thermodynamic properties of Ni-Au alloys. An electrolytic cell (Fig. 2) was constructed, similar to that of Weibke and Matthes,7 in which the electrodes were solid nickel and Ni-Au alloys, and the electrolyte was a fused mixture of alkali chlorides containing NiCl,. The cell electrodes were made from fine gold granules and carbonyl nickel shot melted together under argon, chill cast, swaged to 1/16 in. diam rod, and annealed for one week at 850°C. Commercial reagent and chemically pure grade salts, purified by dehydration, were used for the electrolyte. The cell, operating in an atmosphere of purified argon, was heated in a resistance-wound cylindrical furnace whose temperature was controlled to within ±0.5ºC. The potential developed between the pure nickel and the alloy electrodes, which is related to the thermodynamic properties of the alloys by standard equations to be presented later, was measured with a potentiometer and a mirror galvanometer sensitive to 10-7 v. Dehydration of the electrolyte was carried out in the assembled cell by evacuating at 100°C for about

Jan 1, 1953

By C. M. Marquardt

Tramp iron and steel moving on a conveyor belt cause small currents to be generated in a coil situated in a strong magnetic field, which are converted to an alternating current and are amplified. The output voltage from the amplifier fires a thyratron with a relay in its anode circuit, which actuates a howler and simultaneously drops a spot of marker material on the belt.

Jan 1, 1950

By M. W. Fabjanczyk, E. G. Alexander

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this paper is to summarise development of design processes used in the 1100 oreoody as a result of experience encountered. Design methods have been developed as a result of the history of ground behaviour, free-standing qualities of cemented back fill and mass blasting techniques. This paper contains an historical review of design methods previously described by Matthews ( 1972 ) , Hornsby and Sullivan (1977 and 19781, Kirkby, Blair and Hutton (19781, and Stewart (1980). The reasoning behind design philosphy changes are discussed and placed into context with methods now adopted. The 1100 orebody is Mount Isa's main producer of copper ore (5 million tonnes per year ) . Proven reserves are 120 million tonnes at 3.2% Cu. Location of the 1100 orebody in relation to overall mine geometry was well described by Dayton (1976). Geology The orebody is located in a series of massive brecciated shale lenses, in either a siliceous or dolomitic matrix, surrounded and separated by a uniform shale sequence. The whole formation is truncated at depth by a faulted contact with a greenschist facies metamorphic sequence below (Figure 1 and Figure 2) Mathias and Clark (1976). The breccia is known locally as silica dolomite and contains nearly all the economic mineralisation. Interfingering of shale and breccia often results in irregular boundaries to the silica dolomite and the ore limits. Geometry The geometry of the orebodies is shown by Figures 1, 2 and 3. Figure 3 also shows the location of the copper orebodies in relation to the lead orebodies. Structure Although the orebody is contained within the massive breccia (u.c.s. 150-250 MPa), it is cut by shear zones sub-parallel to the regional bedding (north-south striking, dipping approximately 60o to the west), and diagonally by major transverse faults (Figure A). These major faults have continuity in excess of 300 metres, with varying amounts of displacement up to 200 metres, and are zones of potential movement.

Jan 1, 1981

By Arthur S. Coffinberry, Ralph Hultgren

We have studied the gold-aluminum system by X-ray diffraction and by the microscope over the entire range of composition for temperatures between 300° and 500° C. Results obtained are shown in Fig. 1, combined with the work of Heycock and Neville1 at higher temperatures. The diagram differs in important details from that given by Hansen2 in his critical compilation of the literature of binary alloy systems. This work was undertaken both because of the intrinsic value of a knowledge of the phase diagram of this system and because of the need of theoretical metallurgy for precise and accurate data, particularly X-ray diffraction data. Systematic studies of equilibrium diagrams, particularly by Hume-Rothery,3 have shown regularities that yield a certain insight into the nature of alloying forces. It has been shown, for example, that solid solubility depends on the concentration of free electrons in the alloy, on the relative radii of solvent and solute atoms, on the forces of attraction between atoms, and on the relative stability of intermediate phases. The well-known Hume-Rothery rule states that the crystal structures and compositions of many intermediate phases depend on the electron-to-atom ratio. This has been confirmed and extended by wave mechanical calculations.4 A knowledge of the forces between atoms in alloys, even an imperfectly developed empirical one, should be a valuable guide in the preparation of technological alloys of desirable properties. Furthermore, such information is basic in such problems as rate of diffusion, age-hardening, phase transformations, and others. The most valuable data for this purpose are furnished by X-ray diffraction studies. Unfortunately, work has been

Jan 1, 1938

By Arthur S. Coffinberry, Ralph Hultgren

We have studied the gold-aluminum system by X-ray diffraction and by the microscope over the entire range of composition for temperatures between 300° and 500° C. Results obtained are shown in Fig. 1, combined with the work of Heycock and Neville1 at higher temperatures. The diagram differs in important details from that given by Hansen2 in his critical compilation of the literature of binary alloy systems. This work was undertaken both because of the intrinsic value of a knowledge of the phase diagram of this system and because of the need of theoretical metallurgy for precise and accurate data, particularly X-ray diffraction data. Systematic studies of equilibrium diagrams, particularly by Hume-Rothery,3 have shown regularities that yield a certain insight into the nature of alloying forces. It has been shown, for example, that solid solubility depends on the concentration of free electrons in the alloy, on the relative radii of solvent and solute atoms, on the forces of attraction between atoms, and on the relative stability of intermediate phases. The well-known Hume-Rothery rule states that the crystal structures and compositions of many intermediate phases depend on the electron-to-atom ratio. This has been confirmed and extended by wave mechanical calculations.4 A knowledge of the forces between atoms in alloys, even an imperfectly developed empirical one, should be a valuable guide in the preparation of technological alloys of desirable properties. Furthermore, such information is basic in such problems as rate of diffusion, age-hardening, phase transformations, and others. The most valuable data for this purpose are furnished by X-ray diffraction studies. Unfortunately, work has been

Jan 1, 1938

By Arthur S. Coffinberry, Ralph Hultgren

WE have studied the gold-aluminum system by X-ray diffraction and by the microscope over the entire range of composition for temperatures between 300° and 500° C. Results obtained are shown in Fig. 1, combined with the work of Heycock and Neville1 at higher temperatures. The diagram differs in important details from that given by Hansen2 in his critical compilation of the literature of binary alloy systems. This work was undertaken both because of the intrinsic value of a knowledge of the phase diagram of this system and because of the need of theoretical metallurgy for precise and accurate data, particularly X-ray diffraction data. Systematic studies of equilibrium diagrams, particularly by Hume-Rothery,3 have shown regularities that yield a certain insight into the nature of alloying forces. It has been shown, for example, that solid solubility depends on the concentration of free electrons in the alloy, on the relative radii of solvent and solute atoms, on the forces of attraction between atoms, and on the relative stability of intermediate phases. The well-known Hume-Rothery rule states that the crystal structures and compositions of many intermediate phases depend on the electronto-atom ratio. This has been confirmed and extended by wave mechanical calculations.4 A knowledge of the forces between atoms in alloys, even an imperfectly developed empirical one, should be a valuable guide in the preparation of technological alloys of desirable properties. Furthermore, such information is basic in such problems as rate of diffusion, age-hardening, phase transformations, and others. The most valuable data for this purpose are furnished by X-ray diffraction studies. Unfortunately, work has been

Jan 1, 1938

By H. M. Howe

A Discussion of the paper of Professor Howe, presented at the London Meeting, July, 1906, and printed in Bi-Monthly Bulletin, No. 14, March, 1907, pp. 169 to 274. SECRETARY'S NOTE.-M. Beutter's introductory remarks, being simply a resume of Prof. Howe's paper, with a disclaimer of the intention to criticise it, have been omitted, and the remainder of this contribution has been somewhat condensed, without omitting any essential statements. M. BEUTTER, St. Etienne* (communication to the Secretary-+):-Professor Howe observes in paragraph 47 of his paper that the fluid-compression of steel. diminishes piping by forcing the liquid and viscous metal, while the pipe is forming, or after it has formed, into the space so produced, and proceeds to study the different systems of compression, alluding to the four principal ones: Whitworth, Illingworth, Williams, and Harmet. Having now for many years had in use the last-named process, that of M. Henri Harmet, I shall attempt to explain the difference between it and the three other processes named. The Harmet process does not diminish or close the pipe after it has formed, but prevents it from forming; and I may add that it is the only one of the four which produces this result. It is true that the Whitworth process diminishes the interior hollow by localizing it around the central axis of the ingot, which is afterwards removed by trepanning the hollow forgings for which this process has been, I believe, always exclusively used. The Illingworth and Williams processes, which, in my opinion, are applicable only to small ingots, of necessity allow the pipe to form, or (to use the expression of Professor Howe) they allow the surface of the lake of liquid steel to sink into the interior of the ingot, since they involve waiting a certain time before compression, so that (in the case of the Williams process) the ingot-mold can be opened without dan¬ger, or (in the case of the Illingworth process) so as to avoid the risk that the steel may enter the grooves produced by the removal of the distance-bars. During the time required for

Jul 1, 1907

By LOWELL LAWRENCE

MAGNETITE minim and milling in the Eastern States continued at a low rate of production during 1934. The year's output was 50 per cent greater than in 1933, but when one considers that the 1934 output was only 1.5 per cent of the combined plant capacities of the eastern iron ore producers, the far-reaching effect of unrestricted importation of foreign ores and pig iron is apparent. The Chateaugay Ore and Iron Co., at Lyon Mountain, N. Y., produced 1.00,136 gross tons of concentrated and sintered ore up to Nov.1, when operations were closed clown. At Mineville, the Witherbee, Sherman Corp. confined its productivity to part-time operation of its Old Bed and Harmony mines front May 1 Lo Oct. 27. This period of activity was brought about by the use of Mineville ores in the recent blast made by the Green Island furnace at Troy, N. Y. The Forest of Dean property at Fort Montgomery, N, Y., has continued closed down during the year.

Jan 1, 1935

By John B. Miles

THE present period of depression in the iron industry, with the resultant close approximation of the cost of production to the selling-price of pig-iron, should make the discussion of this subject at this time not only interesting but, profitable. It is possible that it may result, in the collection of data, which when added to those set forth in this paper will clearly indicate the influence of the rate. of driving a blast-furnace upon its fuel-economy. The question is not whether an excessive rate of driving (meaning a rate definitely in excess of the average rate in the United States) results in, an increase in the fuel-consumption, but rather whether a rate considerably less than the average does not result in a marked decrease in the fuel-consumption. The commercial and metallurgical sides of. this problem must be kept separate. With a large margin between the cost of production and the selling-price of pig-iron, and a plant already in operation, it is frequently profitable to sacrifice a couple of hundred pounds of fuel per ton of pig-iron in order to secure the greater gross profits resulting from a larger tonnage. When this margin decreases with a plant in operation, or when the determination of the size of a new furnace intended for a certain production . confronts the management, a clear understanding of the effect of the rate of driving upon fuel-economy becomes necessary. If it be granted that slow driving leads to low fuel-consumption, it should he borne in mind in the design of a new plant for the production of a certain tonnage that the adoption of an economical rate of driving increases only the size of the furnace proper, whereas, due to the decrease in quantity of blast required on account of the decrease in fuel burned, the stoves, the blowing-engines, the boilers and the piping may be de-

Sep 1, 1908

By H. W. Camp

In attempting to summarize and pick out the outstanding development,s in refinery engineering during the past 12 or 13 months, one is immediately impressed by the great strides that have taken place. It is, of course, difficult to obtain the proper perspective with the old year so fresh in our minds, and if relatively minor improvements seem to be given equal recognition with those of magnitude, it will be because the nature of the human mind causes us to place the trivial incidents of today with the important things of yesterday. For instance, the Twenly-Second Semiannual Motor Gasoline Survey (December, 1930) of the U. S. Bureau of Mines shows that the total gasoline yield per barrel of crude increased from 39.6 per cent.. in 1929 to 41.99 per cent. in 1930. This latter fact may appear rather confusing since the production of high-gravity crudes has been steadily increasing. However, during the past yew there has been a reduction in gasoline end point of approximately 8" F. which roughly corresponds to about 1.0 per cent. yield from the crude oil. It appears, therefore, that, if the gasoline mere based on a corresponding distillation basis 1930 would show better yields from the crude than 1929. Cracked gasoline increased from 14.83 per cent. in 1929 to 17.46 per cent. in 1930. Percentage of total gasoline from cracking stills has doubled since 192.5, thus indicating the extent to which this phase of refining has advanced over past years. Replacement of the old shell still batteries by a pipe still and single flash system, with an efficient fractionating tower, has proved advantageous both in fuel consumption and in decreasing space required for the installation. Considerable activity has been shown in the field of vapor-phase cracking, with the development of several new types of units. The production of a product with a high antiknock value makes the vapor-phase processes particularly attractive. Cracking equipment has shown a marked advance with the development of corrosion-resisting alloys. Nickel, chromium and vanadium have shown interesting possibilities, but as yet are fairly expensive. Ceramic material for lining reaction

Jan 1, 1931

By S. Arthur Krom

(Wilkes-Barre meeting, June, 1911.) RECENT experiments indicate that the usual type of concentrating-table is not only poorly adapted to produce the desired results, but also is based upon an incorrect principle, namely, the use of riffles to perform the work of stratifying the various minerals. We have heard a good deal about riffles for concentrating-tables; exhaustive experiments have been made to discover the proper form of riffle, or to prove the superiority this or that form; disputes and patent-litigation have arisen over the matter of riffles, and thus many have been led to believe that the riffle is the saving-device upon which the process of concentration depends. In the present paper it is proposed to show that the riffle is greatly overrated as to the part it performs in the concentration of minerals, and that, in the near future, it may possibly be eliminated entirely from that process. The experiments in question have shown that the troublesome riffle can be considered of secondary importance at the most, and should be so classed in the construction of a concentrating-table built upon the right lines. The action of any form of riffle on a concentrating-table is such as to upset and retard the process of settling and stratifying the various minerals on the table-deck. From the deck of a riffled table no concentrates can be delivered until the deck is "bedded," that is, until a sufficient amount of metallic values have been fed to the table to spread over a large portion of the deck, forming a substratum of the heavier minerals. This substratum must be maintained by the feed within quite narrow limits, and directly proportional to the rate of discharge from the table, in order that the bed shall not be lost. On the other hand, the riffles having a very lim-

Jul 1, 1911