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By Francois E. Heuze

Today, the favored option for disposal of high-level nuclear wastes is their burial in mined caverns. As an alternative, the concept of deep disposal by rock melting (DRM) also has received some attention. DRM entails the injection of waste, in a cavity or borehole, 2 to 3 kilometers down in the earth crust. Granitic rocks are the prime candidate medium. The high thermal loading initially will melt the rock surrounding the waste. Following resolidification, a rock/waste matrix is formed, which should provide isolation for many years. The complex thermal, mechanical, and hydraulic aspects of DRM can be studied best by means of numerical models. The models must accommo¬date the coupling of the physical processes involved, and the temper¬ature dependency of the granite properties, some of which are subject to abrupt discontinuities, during [a]- ß phase transition and melting. This paper outlines a strategy for such complex modeling.

Jan 1, 1982

By Warren E. Wilson

The transportation of solids in pipe lines is a matter of deep concern in many fields of engineering. Much experimental and theoretical work has been done in an effort to devise means of designing pipe lines that will satisfactorily transport given solid loads, but there remain many unanswered questions in this field. The present discussion will be confined to a rather narrow portion of this field and will endeavor to point out certain factors that may well be considered when comparing the relative economy of various installations. The data have been presented previously but a new interpretation was prompted by a suggestion in a paper by Professor O'Brien,1 of the University of California, that the friction work per pound of dry material should be considered in determining the relative efficiency of various installations. This method of considering relative economy in various pipe lines leads to some rather unexpected conclusions, especially with reference to the economy of large pipe sizes. A previous suggestion by the writer3 concerning the economy of a rather peculiar type of installation is strengthened. It is not believed that the considerations set forth herein apply directly in the case of dredge lines, where economy is largely a matter of a high rate of pumping in order to reduce the unit overhead charge. However, it is believed that some value may be gained from these considerations in cases involving the disposal of a fixed amount of solids per unit time with a minimum expenditure of energy and at a low cost for replacement of worn pipes. Such situations are not uncommon in the disposal of mill tailings and the disposal of solids deposited from irrigation waters. It was found that data leading to general conclusions for various pipe sizes were not available but certain definite trends are indicated and methods of analyzing available data are presented in the hope that they may be of assistance in preparing engineering estimates on designs of pipe lines of the type described above. Energy Requirements Carrying out the idea contained in ' Professor O'Brien's paper concerning the method of computing energy required to transport solids, the following analysis leads to some rather interesting conclusions. Let us represent: Solids load in term of mass per unit time by W Ratio of mass of suspended solids to total mass of mixture flowing by p Volume rate of flow of mixture by Q Length of pipe by L slope of energy grade line by s Mass per unit volume of solids by m. Mass Per unit volume of liquid by mi Mass per unit volume of mixture by mm We then have as an expression for the solids load: W = pQmm The work done per unit mass, P, on the mixture to move it along the pipe the

Jan 1, 1948

By Warren E. Wilson

The transportation of solids in pipe lines is a matter of deep concern in many fields of engineering. Much experimental and theoretical work has been done in an effort to devise means of designing pipe lines that will satisfactorily transport given solid loads, but there remain many unanswered questions in this field. The present discussion will be confined to a rather narrow portion of this field and will endeavor to point out certain factors that may well be considered when comparing the relative economy of various installations. The data have been presented previously but a new interpretation was prompted by a suggestion in a paper by Professor O'Brien,1 of the University of California, that the friction work per pound of dry material should be considered in determining the relative efficiency of various installations. This method of considering relative economy in various pipe lines leads to some rather unexpected conclusions, especially with reference to the economy of large pipe sizes. A previous suggestion by the writer3 concerning the economy of a rather peculiar type of installation is strengthened. It is not believed that the considerations set forth herein apply directly in the case of dredge lines, where economy is largely a matter of a high rate of pumping in order to reduce the unit overhead charge. However, it is believed that some value may be gained from these considerations in cases involving the disposal of a fixed amount of solids per unit time with a minimum expenditure of energy and at a low cost for replacement of worn pipes. Such situations are not uncommon in the disposal of mill tailings and the disposal of solids deposited from irrigation waters. It was found that data leading to general conclusions for various pipe sizes were not available but certain definite trends are indicated and methods of analyzing available data are presented in the hope that they may be of assistance in preparing engineering estimates on designs of pipe lines of the type described above. Energy Requirements Carrying out the idea contained in ' Professor O'Brien's paper concerning the method of computing energy required to transport solids, the following analysis leads to some rather interesting conclusions. Let us represent: Solids load in term of mass per unit time by W Ratio of mass of suspended solids to total mass of mixture flowing by p Volume rate of flow of mixture by Q Length of pipe by L slope of energy grade line by s Mass per unit volume of solids by m. Mass Per unit volume of liquid by mi Mass per unit volume of mixture by mm We then have as an expression for the solids load: W = pQmm The work done per unit mass, P, on the mixture to move it along the pipe the

Jan 1, 1948

By Warren E. Wilson

The transportation of solids in pipe lines is a matter of deep concern in many fields of engineering. Much experimental and theoretical work has been done in an effort to devise means of designing pipe lines that will satisfactorily transport given solid loads, but there remain many unanswered questions in this field. The present discussion will be confined to a rather narrow portion of this field and will endeavor to point out certain factors that may well be considered when comparing the relative economy of various installations. The data have been presented previously but a new interpretation was prompted by a suggestion in a paper by Professor O'Brien,' of the University of California, that the friction work per pound of dry material should be considered in determining the relative efficiency of various installations. This method of considering relative economy in various pipe lines leads to some rather unexpected conclusions, especially with reference to the economy of large pipe sizes. A previous suggestion by the writer concerning the economy of a rather peculiar type of installation is strengthened. It is not believed that the considerations set forth herein apply directly in the case of dredge lines, where economy is largely a matter of a high rate of pumping in order to reduce the unit overhead charge. However, it is believed that some value may be gained from these considerations in cases involving the disposal of a fixed amount of solids per unit time with a minimum expenditure of energy and at a low cost for replacement of worn pipes. Such situations are not uncommon in the disposal of mill tailings and the disposal of solids deposited from irrigation waters. It was found that data leading to general conclusions for various pipe sizes were not available but certain definite trends are indicated and methods of analyzing available data are presented in the hope that they may be of assistance in preparing engineering estimates on designs of pipe lines of the type described above. Energy Requirements Carrying out the idea contained in Professor O'Brien's paper concerning the method of computing energy required to transport solids, the following analysis leads to some rather interesting conclusions. Let us represent: Solids load in terms of mass per unit time by w Ratio of mass of suspended solids to total mass of mixture flowing by p Volume rate of flow of mixture by Q Length of pipe by L Slope of energy grade line by s Mass per unit volume of solids by m8. Mass per unit volume of liquid by mi Mass per unit volume of mixture by 11 We then have as an expression for the solids load: w = pqmm The work done per unit mass, p, on the mixture to move it along the pipe the

Jan 1, 1947

By Warren E. Wilson

The transportation of solids in pipe lines is a matter of deep concern in many fields of engineering. Much experimental and theoretical work has been done in an effort to devise means of designing pipe lines that will satisfactorily transport given solid loads, but there remain many unanswered questions in this field. The present discussion will be confined to a rather narrow portion of this field and will endeavor to point out certain factors that may well be considered when comparing the relative economy of various installations. The data have been presented previously but a new interpretation was prompted by a suggestion in a paper by Professor O'Brien,' of the University of California, that the friction work per pound of dry material should be considered in determining the relative efficiency of various installations. This method of considering relative economy in various pipe lines leads to some rather unexpected conclusions, especially with reference to the economy of large pipe sizes. A previous suggestion by the writer concerning the economy of a rather peculiar type of installation is strengthened. It is not believed that the considerations set forth herein apply directly in the case of dredge lines, where economy is largely a matter of a high rate of pumping in order to reduce the unit overhead charge. However, it is believed that some value may be gained from these considerations in cases involving the disposal of a fixed amount of solids per unit time with a minimum expenditure of energy and at a low cost for replacement of worn pipes. Such situations are not uncommon in the disposal of mill tailings and the disposal of solids deposited from irrigation waters. It was found that data leading to general conclusions for various pipe sizes were not available but certain definite trends are indicated and methods of analyzing available data are presented in the hope that they may be of assistance in preparing engineering estimates on designs of pipe lines of the type described above. Energy Requirements Carrying out the idea contained in Professor O'Brien's paper concerning the method of computing energy required to transport solids, the following analysis leads to some rather interesting conclusions. Let us represent: Solids load in terms of mass per unit time by w Ratio of mass of suspended solids to total mass of mixture flowing by p Volume rate of flow of mixture by Q Length of pipe by L Slope of energy grade line by s Mass per unit volume of solids by m8. Mass per unit volume of liquid by mi Mass per unit volume of mixture by 11 We then have as an expression for the solids load: w = pqmm The work done per unit mass, p, on the mixture to move it along the pipe the

Jan 1, 1947

By R. Al-Hussainy, H. J. Ramey

Previous gas well test analyses have been based mainly upon linearizations of ideal gas flow results, although a method for drawdown analysis based upon real gas flow results has been proposed. Linearizations based upon ideal gas flow require estimation of gas physical properties at Tome sort of average pressure, and implicitly involve the assumption that pressure gradients are small everywhere in the reservoir. A new real gas flow equation has been developed by means of a substitution which couples presTure, viscosity and gas law deviation factor. This sub-stitution has been called the real gas pseudo-pressure. Use of the real gas pseudo-pressure leads to simple equations describing real gas flow which do not contain pressure-dependent gas properties, and which do not require the assumption of small pressure gradients everywhere in the flow system. Equations required to determine flow capacity, well condition and static formation pressure from pressure drawdown and build-up tests with the real gas pseudo-pressure concept are presented. Also shown are applications of the real gas pseudo-pressure to back-pressure testing, the gas materials balance and rigorous determination of average gas properties for previous gas flow equations. Included are sample calculations for well test analyses. INTRODUCTION A recent study' of the flow of the transient flow of real gases in ideal radial systems showed that it is possible to consider gas physical property dependence upon pressure by means of a substitution called the real gas pseudo-pressure. The substitution has the advantage that it enables engineering solutions for steady and transient flow of real gases that are more accurate and general than those previously available. The solutions are particularly important for the case of gas flow in tight, high-pressure formations under large drawdowns. Even for more ideal flow conditions, the real gas pseudo-pressure concept leads to important rules for finding average gas physical properties pertinent for older well test analyses. Ref. I provides a detailed study of the theory behind the real gas flow correlations to be used in this paper. The purpose of this paper is to provide necessary engineering forms for use of the real gas flow results, and to illustrate applications. The following considers flow of real gases in an ideal radial flow system. It is assumed that: (1) formation thickness, porosity, water saturation, absolute permeability, temperature and gas composition are constant; (2) gas compressibility and density are functions of pressure as described by the gas law pv = znRT; (3) gas viscosrty is a function of pressure; (4) effective permeability to gas may be a function of pressure to account for liquid condensation; (5) condensate is immobile; and (6) the formation has no dip.

Jan 1, 1967

By Luther Lennox

THE purpose of this article is not to compare one type of grinding machinery with another and to conclude from a series of tests that one particular machine is superior to all others. Neither is the reader asked to tire himself with the details of many tests to prove the statements herein made. The Chilean mill stands today almost, in outcast from the milling world. It ranks with the applicant for a job who has been given a trial along with others and condemned because he was not able to perform the definite task assigned as well as the others, and was forever eliminated. The judges did not tarry long enough to try this aspirant in a field of a slightly different nature. Even though it has been condemned, the writer contends that the published records will indicate that the trials were never shifted into the field of greatest efficiency for the Chilean mill. Those of us who cling to this outcast as a fine grinder in our milling operations do not wish, naturally, to be condemned along with the machine, and yet we feel that we are classed as behind the times, at least in this phase of our milling judgment. Hence there is considerable personal feeling in our efforts. During the last few years there have been published several papers on the relative merits of the various grinding machines. In two of these articles a comparison was made between Chilean mills and cylindrical grinders. In each case the Chilean mill came out second best from about all standpoints. The outstanding feature in these comparisons would seem to be the decided attempt to keep all conditions the same, so that each machine could be judged on its merit. As Mr. David Cole states, "We are inclined to regard a direct comparison of grinders arranged side by side, and making a product that affords as nearly as possible the same screen measure, as the Supreme Court in these grinding matters." The writer agrees that this is the very best method for true comparison between machines. The results in the two detailed tests should give the relative merits of the two grinders in doing the work assigned. And they probably do. The conclusion drawn in each case was adverse to the

Jan 9, 1919

By L. D. Anderson

WHEN, after years of troublous experiences in roasting sulfide ores with heavy dust and fume losses resulting from the equipment and methods first available, there appeared on the scene of metallurgy that revolutionary process known as sintering, it was felt that at last there had been found the ideal method for preparing sulfide ores for blastfurnace reduction. Not only were the sulfides roasted but also the fine oxidized ores were bound together with them in strong porous cellular masses which were in the best possible condition for reduction. With the experiences gained in the manipulation of the Huntington-Heberlein, Carmichael-Bradford, and Dwight & Lloyd processes there developed a refinement of detail which brought the whole plan of roasting by sintering to a high plane of perfection. But that metallurgy is never stationary is revealed by the fact that changes in milling practice, particularly the development of flotation, have introduced a new set of problems in sintering itself. Inasmuch as it is felt that these problems have not yet been solved in an entirely satisfactory manner this paper is written to record the present practice of the Salt Lake Valley smelters with the hope that there will be brought forth such discussios as may perhaps lead to still better practice. By far the greater proportion of the sulfides smelted today are flotation concentrates. Usually they are high grade, sometimes as high as 70 per cent. and more in lead. They are extremely fine, many mills grinding the ore so that from 60 to 80 per cent. will pass through screens of 200 mesh. The physical condition in which many of these concentrates reach the smelters is disconcerting to the metallurgists. Some are of about the consistency of putty. Others are of a sticky, slimy nature. Others again, dried to the limit, are veritable powders. Remembering that the down-draft sintering charge for the best results must be porous enough to let air be drawn through it reasonably well, must be thoroughly mixed, and must have some coarse material in it to segregate out and form a layer on the grates, it will be understood that the advent of this extremely fine material has made necessary still further elaboration in the equipment and processes of preparing sulfides for the blast furnaces,

Jan 1, 1929

By Adrian C. Dorenfeld

Laboratory data form the basis for the design of flotation circuits. These data, obtained from testing samples of the ore, should show the optimum con- ditions for concentrating the ore and the effects of change in process vari- ables. Among the more important variables commonly met in flotation practice are: Liberation Size-This is the particle size at which substantially all of the valuable minerals are detached from the gangue minerals. Reagent Additions- Experimental data will show the reagents used and their quantity, quality, and point of addition. Pulp Density-This is an important variable in the design of the flotation circuit because it is one of the factors determining the size and number of flotation cells. Flotation Time-The time necessary to make the separation into concentrate and tailing depends on such factors as particle size and reagents used and must be known for determination of the size and number of flotation cells in the plant. Temperature of Pulp-Temperature affects flotation reactions. Water at approximately room temperature is satisfactory for most flotation separations, but some minerals such as fluorspar are best floated in hot water. Type of Circuit-Many types of circuits can be designed, as discussed in detail later. The laboratory tests should provide data for design of the plant circuit best suited to the ore. Water-Knowledge of the quality of the future plant's raw water is important because water quality may drastically affect flotation results. If possible, flotation tests should be made using samples of the water to be used in the plant. Flotation results may vary with seasonal temperatures and with circulation of reclaimed water. Experimentation can show whether it will be necessary to provide for heating, cooling, treating, or reclaiming the water. Uniformity of Ore-The extent of variation of the ore in hardness, grind- ability, mineral content, and floatability should be investigated so that the designer can ascertain methods to overcome problems caused by ore variations. Settling and Filtration Data-To design the plant flotation circuits, settling and filtration rates and ultimate percentage solids of the various products must be determined. Corrosion and Erosion-Corrosion and erosion tests should be made on the flotation pulps, particularly if the pulps are acid or at an elevated temperature, so that suitable materials of construction can then be chosen.

Jan 1, 1962

By Luther W. Lennox

The purpose of this article is not to compare one type of grinding machinery with another and to conclude from a series of tests that one particular machine is superior to all others. Neither is the reader asked to tire himself with the details of many tests to prove the statements herein made. The Chilean mill stands today almost an outcast from the milling world. It ranks with the applicant for a job who has been given a trial along with others and condemned because he was not able to perform the definite task assigned as well as the others, and was forever eliminated. The judges did not tarry long enough to try this aspirant in a field of a slightly different nature. Even though it has been condemned, the writer contends that the published records will indicate that the trials were never shifted into the field of greatest efficiency for the . Chilean mill. Those of us who cling to this outcast as a fine grinder in our milling operations do not wish, naturally, to be condemned also, with the machine, and yet we feel that we are classed as behind the times, at least in this phase of our milling judgment. Hence there is considerable personal feeling in our efforts. During the last few years there have been published several papers on the relative merits of the various grinding machines. In two of these articles a comparison was made between Chilean mills and cylindrical grinders. In each case the Chilean mill came out second best from about all standpoints. The outstanding feature in these comparisons would seem to be the decided attempt to keep all conditions the same, so that each machine could be judged on its merit. As Mr. David Cole states,1 "We are inclined to regard a direct comparison of grinders arranged side by side, and making a product that affords as nearly as possible the same screen measure, as the Supreme Court in these grinding matters." The writer agrees that this is the very best method for true comparison between machines. The results in the two detailed tests should give the relative merits of the two grinders in doing the work assigned. And they probably do. The conclusion drawn in each case was adverse to the Chilean mill as a fine-grinding machine. However, the duty placed upon the machines was that of converting material that had already been

Jan 1, 1920

By D. V. BURR

THE ORIGINAL HUDSON RIVER TUNNEL. NOT quite forty years ago a man of uncommon character entered New York. He had several hundred thousand dollars earned by railroad building in the Nest. He was not an engineer, but he had ideas of engineering work which he was destined to prove correct.. He introduced new ways of tunneling, but his plans had only one distinguishing feature-they were simply interesting as showing how such work could be done; they added nothing to the science, have never been used since his clay, and never will be used again. Engineers of repute ridiculed his proposition ; he was an Ishmael in the profession. But if engineers looked askance at him, he certainly returned their contempt in the heartiest fashion, and had no hesitancy about expressing his views of them individually and collectively. This worked to. his disadvantage when he afterward tried to raise the means to go on with the work. He found that the opinion of engineers was respected by financiers, and that money would not flow contrary to their advice. While his conception of large constructions was distinguishingly original, much more marked was his method of demonstrating the feasibility of, his schemes. In the present clays of great undertakings it is the custom to make the other man pay for the experiments. But the man from the West had other notions of how the thing ought to be done. Having wonderful confidence in his own ability and in his perception of the task before him, he used up all his own money before seeking outside assistance. By building several hundred,, feet of tunnel he proved the correctness of his theory, and the tunnel then dug forms a part of the present tube. The result-he failed to finish the tunnel. He was blind in

Mar 1, 1908

By Lawrence Henderson

TO increase tonnage in the early days of coal mining it was necessary only to hire more men. The job now is to increase the tons per man, but other troubles arise because this has been accomplished. With the introduction of continuous miners, newer and faster loading machines, and faster belt conveyors the safety engineer has been faced with new difficulties. Use of larger equipment created roof control problems, which were thoroughly studied by the safety engineers of various companies. With the assistance of the U. S. Bureau of Mines, safety engineers in Alabama conducted roof bolting experiments wherever they appeared to be applicable. Accident records before and after the method was adopted showed results more than justifying the efforts and funds expended. The larger mining companies responded enthusiastically to the program because roof bolting not only prevented accidents but also increased production efficiency, in many cases rep- resenting the margin between profit and loss. In Alabama today there are miles of roof supported by bolts.

Jan 8, 1957

Plans for the fall meeting of the AIME, to be held in conjunction with the Centennial of Engineering -marking the 100th anniversary of the Society of Civil Engineers-indicate that the Chicago gathering will be one of the most significant in Institute history. Headquarters for the six divisions represented will be the Palmer House. Twenty technical sessions will be held from September 3 to 6, with papers of industry-wide impact to be presented. The papers will follow the theme of the celebration-a century of engineering progress. The MBD will start the ball rolling with morning and afternoon sessions Thursday, September 4. A luncheon also will be held. MBD has scheduled morning and afternoon sessions for the following day as well. MGGD, Iron and Steel, and the Coal Div., will hold sessions Friday afternoon. The Industrial Minerals Div. plans an executive meeting, 5 pm, Friday. Geology Subdivision is slated for morning and afternoon sessions Saturday. The Coal Div. will meet again Saturday morning.

Jan 1, 1952

By W. C. Hayes

The site selected for the United States prototype pumped storage project of Union Electric CO. was Proffit Mountain, five miles from Taum Sauk, the highest point in Missouri. Factors influencing final location were: high local relief; satisfactory rock type and structure; and an economic location in respect to existing transmission systems. The upper reservoir was constructed by excavating rhyolite porphyry from the crest of Proffit Mountain and constructing a rock fill dike encircling the area to form a 4350-acre foot reservoir. A 6564-ft tunnel connects the upper reservoir with the generating and pumping facilities. A concrete gravity dam on the East Fork of the Black River forms the 6350-acre foot lower reservoir. Precambrian rhyolite porphyry forms the crest of Proffit Mountain and the floor of the upper reservoir. The tunnel was excavated in rhyolite prophpy, granite porphyry, dolomite, shales and conglomerate. Abutments and the foundation of the gravity dam are in rhyolite porphyry, and much of the valley floor of the lower reservoir is underlain by dolomite and shale. Core drilling provided data on soundness of rock type, structure, depth of weathered zone and potential water loss in the fractured igneous rocks. After a six-year study of pumped storage and cost comparison with alternate stream generating units, the Taum Sauk pumped storage project was authorized by Union Electric Co. on Dec. 11, 1959.' The site selected is located in the St. Francois Mountains of southeast Missouri approximately 90 miles south of St. Louis (Fig. 1). The lower reservoir was provided by damming the East Fork of the Black River, a small tributary of the Black River with a minimum flow of about 1 sec ft. Construction of the upper reservoir was effected by quarrying the crest of Proffit Mountain - five miles from Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri — to provide material for a rock fill dike surrounding the quarried area. This provided a 55-acre mountain top lake with a water depth of 92 ft (Fig. 2). A vertical shaft and tunnel connect the upper and lower reservoirs through the two reversible pump-turbine motor-generator units operating under 800 ft of hydraulic head (Fig. 3). The output rating of the plant is 350,000 kw with daytime generation of about 2.2 million kw-hr under normal use. Night pumping will replenish water to the upper reservoir in about 91/2 hours3. The automatic operation is remotely controlled from the Osage plant and from the dispatchers office in St. Louis. GENERAL GEOLOGY Mountains of the St. Francois area consist of Precambrian granites, granite porphyries, extrusive fel-sites and basic dikes. Basal conglomerates overlain by Upper Cambrian Bonneterre dolomites and shales onlap the exhumed Precambrian knobs and hills and are exposed in the narrow valleys. Cambrian and Ordovician residuum as much as 200 ft thick is present on the slopes of many hills. Proffit Mountain consists of rhyolite porphyry and granite porphyry. All excavation for the upper reservoir was in rhyolite porphyry, and the same rock is present under the Bonneterre at the plant site and under alluvium at the lower reservoir dam site. The region has been dissected to the stage of early maturity with only small upland flats remaining. Considerable local relief (a requisite for the project) approaches 1000 ft. Streams flowing across the Precambrian ridges have formed restricted narrows, termed shut-ins. A shut-in approximately two miles downstream from the plant site provides an excellent site for the lower reservoir dam. TEST BORINGS Preliminary to final approval of the project, 12 test borings were made to determine subsurface geologic conditions (Fig. 2). Drill hole No. 12 at the lower reservoir dam site showed 20 ft of alluvium over solid rhyolite porphyry. Drill holes No. 1, 2 and 3 were drilled in the tail race area to depths of 66 ft, 75 ft and 95 ft respectively, and all bottomed in Bonneterre. Drill hole No. 4 at the plant site provided NX core to a total depth of 98 ft in Bonneterre. Drill

Jan 1, 1965

By Raja V. Ramani, Jan M. Mutmansky, Ralph W. Barbaro

This paper discusses the effect of the computer revolution on Penn State's facilities and personnel and provides a short history of computer applications in mining in the Department of Mineral Engineering. The computer era began in 1955 at Penn State when the engineering faculty built a sizeable vacuum-tube computer. Since that time, a succession of machines has introduced many changes and presented a variety of opportunities and problems to the university's computer personnel and to the community of users. This paper discusses both the changes in computers and the accompanying problems that occur in a university computing environment. A historical summary of computer simulation programs developed within the Department of Mineral Engineering is presented along with information on computer applications in ventilation, statistics, mathematical programming, coal preparation, and other areas. Finally, computer plans for the future are discussed in terms of the develop- ments in the Charles B. Manula Computer Library and in terms of ongoing and future computer-related research projects.

Jan 1, 1983

To THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF MINING AND METALLURGICAL ENGINEERS. GENTLEMEN Like every other significant activity in the United States today, the work of the Institute has been affected by and adjusted to the prosecution of war against Germany, .Japan and their satellites. As the elaborate engines and materiel of modern mobile warfare are made, for the most part, of metals and other minerals; and are powered by mineral fuels, the industries -represented by the A.I.M.E. are of primary and vital importance. Of some 29 critical materials officially listed by the War Production Board, 24 are minerals. An alternate for one of the others, rated as a nonmineral, is to be made principally from petroleum. This alludes, of course, to rubber. The procurement of tremendous quantities of such raw materials and the effective processing, fabrication, and utilization of them depend on members of those branches of the engineering profession represented by the A.I.M.E.

Jan 1, 1943

By William B. Plank

IN this paper are presented the results of a complete statistical survey of the enrolment, courses and degrees, and the employment situation of recent graduates in all of the 46 institutions in the United States, including Alaska, and four of the six schools in Canada that grant degrees in mineral technology. The data were collected by the writer by means of a questionnaire in December, 1933, to which all the institutions, except one, replied. Included also are data of a similar study made by the writer in May, 1933, for the S. P. E. E. summer session of mining and metallurgical teachers at the University of Wisconsin and published in the Journal of Engineering Education for December. 1933. Some of the data of a paper of the writer's entitled, "The Trend of Mineral Engineering Student Enrolment in the United States," read at the A. I. M. E. meeting on Feb. 16. 1931, are given for comparison. Acknowledgment is made to all the administrative officers of the institutions who took the time from their busy lives to supply the in- formation asked for. Their fine cooperation has alone made possible these two surveys with a completeness of detail never before attempted

Jan 1, 1934

By AIME AIME

Council may deal with any matter of general interest, for which joint action of two or more of its member societies would have been appropriate, if Council had not been established. Council may initiate and carry through projects of the general character defined in the By-Laws, for which the necessary financial provision has been made. Council may take up, and in its discretion act upon, any matter of general interest referred to it by any member society or by any other society, national, state or local, or by any branch of Government, or by any individual or group of individuals.

Jan 1, 1920

By AIME AIME

T HE Board of Directors of the A. I. M. E. held a meeting at Institute headquarters on Jan. 28, 1921. There were present 10 directors and 14 guests, the secretary and the assistant secretary. The following actions of the Executive and Finance Committees were approved: Wilkes-Barre Meeting, Sept. 12 to 17, 1921; authorization of Oregon Section; authorization of Upper Peninsula Section; appointment of Philip W. Henry and Thomas H. Leggett on special committee on Code of Ethics; and presentation of five copies of Raymond Memorial Volume to T. A. Rickard, who edited it. The By-Laws of the Ohio Section were approved. The resolutions in reference to the payment of certain contributions and assessments to the Library Board of the United Engineering Societies, adopted by the Board of Directors on June 27, 1919, were rescinded, and the resolution adopted that the income of the James Douglas Trust of $100,000 be paid over to the Library or otherwise applied by it for the purpose of maintaining the Scientific Library of this Institute in such manner as may be deemed advisable in furtherance of the purposes of such trust, and that said income shall be paid on account of and included in. the assessment levied by the United Engineering Societies on the Institute for the maintenance of the joint libraries of the Founder Societies.

Jan 1, 1921

By F. C. Oliphant, George H. Fancher

Two samples of drilling mud from the Hastings oil field, Texas, were tested, and the solids in each were separated into small fractions of a limited range in particle size. The mineral composition of each fraction by X-ray analysis is reported, and the results are interpreted in relation to other measured quantities, such as the physical properties of the original samples and the density of the various fractions. It was found that only 7 to 8 per cent by weight of the solids was of colloidal dimensions and that neither of the samples contained montmorillonite but did contain illite. Considerable calcite was also found. These data should be useful to the geologist interested in the origin and history of sedimentary strata as well as to the petroleum engineer. Introduction The questions, What is good drilling mud? What constitutes bad drilling mud? are pertinent, because the proper use and control of drilling fluids has been a factor of great importance in the successful drilling and completion of oil wells since the days of Captain Lucas. Adequate control of the characteristics of drilling fluids has assumed greater significance comparatively recently because of the problems introduced by caving formations in deep wells, costly blowouts and impressive mud bills. Much is known about the solution of some of the problems but, despite extensive research directed toward a better understanding of the physical and chemical properties of clay suspensions, it is difficult to define precisely a drilling mud, and much more difficult to say what constitutes a good mud. It is generally believed that the smaller particles of a drilling mud greatly affect its physical properties. In fact, it is customary to blame the colloids in a mud for nearly everything that goes amiss, because colloidal properties have effects out of all usual proportion on viscosity, filtration rate and reaction to electrolytes. It is germane to know whether drilling muds possess colloids and if so, the quantity and kind. Source oF Samples Two drilling muds from the Hastings oil field, Brazoria County, Texas, were selected because it is generally agreed that in this oil field good natural muds made solely from formations penetrated by the drill can be used until the well is nearly ready for completion. Customary drilling procedure in this field is to spud in with water, set a protective string of pipe, drill to 2500 ft. and set the surface casing. Drilling is continued to 5500 ft. with no treatment of the drilling fluid other than addition of water to

Jan 1, 1943