Search Documents

By Theron Wasson

During 1936 the state of Michigan produced 11,868,573 bbl. This is approximately 4,000,000 bbl. less than produced in 1935. The principle reason for the decrease in production over the previous year was the rapid decline of the Crystal field, which reached its peak in October 1935. The old producing area—Mt. Pleasant, Porter, Yost-Clark— accounted for over 7,000,000 bbl. during 1936. Crystal produced a total of 2,400,000. Outstanding among the old fields were Vernon and

Jan 1, 1937

By J. W. Still

CIRCULAR steel sets have proved to be more economical for supporting slusher drifts in the block-caving mining used by the Miami Copper Co., at Miami, Ariz. The first steel sets were installed in July 1950, and up to July 1, 1951, about 474 sets (approximately 1896 ft of drift) were placed; the bulk of this work was done in the latter six months. All of the places selected for the steel were in heavy ground. Based on this experience the following definite conclusions can be drawn:

Jan 11, 1951

By Stanley M. Jarrett

Operating one of the world's largest underground copper mines, Braden Copper Co. has been able to reduce its total accident frequency rate per million manhours by 84 pct, from 27.4 pct in 1945 to 4.45 pct for the first ten months of 1958. It has also won the Inter-American Safety Trophy for 12 consecutive years. The record may seem to indicate a secret formula, but there is none. The results stem only from hard work, and more and more of it.

Jan 11, 1959

By T. A. Ring

The bed filtration of colloidal particles has been modeled by performing a differential particle balance. The balance considered the localized particle deposition rate to be the sum of three rate resistances: mass transfer to a region near the surface, adhesion onto a partially filled surface, and resuspension from a partially filled surface. The differential particle balance equations, one for the free particles and one for the adhered particles, were solved by a finite difference algorithm. Results of this model are compared to experimental filter breakthrough curves.

Jan 1, 1985

By R. W. Smith, R. J. Charles

Fractions of glass particles in the size range 0.5 to 5.0 µ were prepared by an elutriator that operates in a centrifugal field. Although mean sizes of commercially graded abrasive powders were ten times greater than those of samples prepared by the elutriator, frequency size plots for elutriator samples compared favorably. Efficiency of separation was low and amounts of material recovered by the elutriator were small, but the method should find use in preparation of small amounts of sized materials for laboratory investigations.

Aug 1, 1956

By R. E. Old

THROUGH the use of pressure and production records, formation properties and bottom-hole sample data, the performance of an oil reservoir may be studied analytically to define and evaluate the natural forces acting on and within the reservoir. Use is made of material-balance methods and the equations for natural water encroachment to estimate reserves. Methods for calculation of pressures are given. A study of the Jones sand, Schuler field, Arkansas, has been made and is given here to illustrate the value of the methods discussed.

Jan 1, 1942

By J. D. Miller, M. B. Mooiman

It has been discovered that gold can be extracted from alkaline cyanide solution with primary, secondary, and tertiary amines by adding certain Lewis base modifiers, such as organic phosphorus oxides. Under these circumstances, gold can be extracted at about pH 10, commensurate with the pH of cyanide leach liquors. The selectivity of the amines and amine/modifier combinations for Au(CN)[2] over other metal-cyanide complexes is discussed. Potential applications for the solvent extraction of gold from cyanide solutions are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1985

Oscar Rohn was born in Jackson, Wis., June 27, 1870. He attended the University of Wisconsin and there gained from Professor Van Hise his inspiration for scientific effort and useful attainment. While a student at Wisconsin he was interested in athletics and was a member of the first eight-oared crew that Wisconsin sent to compete with Eastern crews at Poughkeepsie. He was an instructor in the gymnasium for several years. He received his B. S. in 1895 at Wisconsin, specializing in engineering and geology. 1229

Jan 1, 1924

By John B. Pearse

The works heretofore used in carrying out the Bessemer process have been constructed substantially as follows: The whole works or plant has been divided into three parts. 1. The division in which the metals for conversion are melted. 2. The division in which the metals are converted into steel and cast into ingots, or the converting department. 3. The engine and boiler department which supplies the hydraulic power required to move the machinery, and which furnishes the blast used for converting the crude metal into steel.

Ask any mineral industry executive what he considers one of the most expensive aspects of getting a product to the ultimate consumer and invariably the answer will be transportation. Some company officials say that transportation charges alone account for over half of the total cost of most products. If these judgments are correct and a recent invention turns out to be the long-awaited breakthrough that shippers have been looking for, then many producers can look forward to slashing their delivery costs by 90%.

Jan 9, 1969

By Kenneth K. Humphreys, R. M. Quinlan, Stan Venkatesan

INTRODUCTION 1 * The coal industry in the United States has undergone significant economic changes in recent years. For example, the price of coal remained relatively constant from 1950 to 1969 (see Figs. 5-1 and 5-2) but steam coal prices tripled and metallurgical coal prices doubled from 1969 to 1974. This price structure has created a new economic environment for coal preparation. Contributing factors to these price trends include: 1) Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. 2) Mid-East oil embargo of 1973.

Jan 1, 1979

By Evert Hoek

An empirical criterion is presented for use in estimating the strength of heavily jointed or weathered rock masses. This criterion incorporates the intact strength of the rock material and introduces two dimensionless parameters m and s which characterize the behaviour of the interlocking particles in a jointed rock mass. The use of rock mass classification systems for estimating the values of these parameters is discussed. The application of this non-linear failure criterion to the analysis of slopes is illustrated by means of a worked example.

Jan 1, 1983

By Irwin Roman

THE literature of geophysics as applied to the discovery of mineral deposits has been very extensive during the past few years,1 but there seem to be few references to the use of the method of least squares for obtaining better interpretations of the observed data .2 There seems to be a general reluctance among geologists and engineers to acquire the technique of least squares, in spite of the fact that a thorough knowledge of the theory is not necessary for the use of the method.

Jan 1, 1932

By W. F. Boericke

AT Kellogg, Idaho, J. Fred Johnson is driving the 5000.-ft Hooper Tunnel under contract for the Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining Co. This was visited by a group of engineers during the recent meeting of the A. I. M. E. at Spokane, who were impressed with several features of the work. An excellent record of advance is being made by the contractor, over 47 ft. being driven in 3 days during October, and 223 ft. advanced in 29 shifts. The size of the tunnel is 8 by 9 ft. The ground is Wallace quartzite and, save for the first hundred feet, stands well and does not require timbering. The grade is held uniformly at 0.5 per cent. Two shifts are employed, with two sets of machine men to the shift. Ingersoll-Rand S-70 drills are used. each machine being set up independently in the heading; 26-30 holes are drilled to the round; using 1 1/4: in. round hollow drill steel. A 7-hole cut is required, and these holes are blasted simultaneously, using 60 per cent gelatine, 12 sticks to the hole. Instantaneous and fire delays of electric detonators are used for the complete round. A feature of the drilling is the use of long carriage drills, necessitating fewer changes of steel, and more time spent on drilling, with less time consumed taking steel back and forth from the face. Of course, this means better blacksmithing so that the drill steel shall stand up for the added footage.

Jan 1, 1930

By AIME AIME

THE Seventh International Petroleum Exposition and Congress to be held in Tulsa, Okla., Oct. 4 to 11, inclusive, in true western spirit promises to be bigger and better than ever. The Exposition has become an established institution. It gives opportunity to petroleum engineers, technologists, and operators to see each year at one place what the tool makers and machinery manufacturers have to offer which is new or better. It has truly become a place "where men, methods and machinery meet." It is also a convenient focus for technical meetings of various kinds devoted to petroleum and natural gas problems. 'The Petroleum Division of the A. I. M. E. has for several years held its chief fall meeting at Tulsa just preceding the opening of the Es- position. This year our meeting will be on Oct. 2 and 3 and it will be held as usual at Hotel Mayo. The Mid- Continent Oil and Gas Association will, as usual, hold a meeting during the Exposition and this year the Petroleum Division of the A. S. M. E. will hold a three- day session, Oct. 6-8, in the auditorium on the Esposition grounds. In all, six technical sessions are planned by this Society, and aside from reports of committees some 20 technical papers are to be presented. Members of the Institute should attend its own meeting and stay over for as many days as possible for the other meeting at which they will hear and see much of helpful interest.

Jan 1, 1930

By AIME AIME

IN a recent technical paper of the Central Committee of the French Coal Mines (Note technique No. 198, by L. Lahoussay) the author points out that continuous in¬crease in depth of mine shafts makes it more and more necessary to look for appropriate means to reduce the weights and dimensions of the hoisting ropes. Increasing depth demands a larger section and weight for the cable if the useful load is not to be cut down at the same time. This naturally leads to increased cost per ton, and at the same time creates serious mechanical difficulties. The dimensions of the hoisting engine must be increased, acceleration at the start must be decreased so as to avoid periods of excessive peak power loads, and a longer time be allowed to slow down the speed of the hoist when applying brakes. The hoisting rope, upon which depend the dimensions and hence the mass of the hoisting engine, presents the greatest obstacle to the development of hoisting from greater depths. Evidently, for a given depth, the total weight of the rope can be notably reduced by utilizing a wire rope of decreasing section, approaching the theoretical logarithmic form. This is a solution frequently adopted for great depths. Of course, the weight of the rope could be easily' diminished by reducing the useful load, but it is certain that with increasing depth of mining, more effort must be made to confine the hoisting to a small number of shafts, and increase the load hoisted per trip.

Jan 1, 1933

The experience of the Committee in connection with securing papers for the Butte meeting in August has shown that authors should begin early on papers contemplated for the New York meeting next February. So many papers come in at the last moment that it becomes exceedingly difficult to have them all read, indorsed, and delivered to the printer in time. Authors should remember that those serving on this Committee are doing so without pecuniary compensation, and it is hardly fair to expect them to devote so much of their time at the last moment from their private affairs. So many papers have to be sent back for corrections of one kind or another, that it is desirable that they be sent to the Committee at least three months previous to the date of the meeting. The Committee desires to be kept informed of contemplated papers on metallurgical subjects particularly. It is hoped that the Institute Transactions can be made an up-to-date record of metallurgical advance of all kinds. For the present, at least, the activities of the Committee include the refining and preparation of the non-metallic products such as phosphate rock, precious stones, cement, lime, gypsum, building stones, etc. Papers covering any of these subjects are desired. General papers covering geological, mining and metallurgical phases of an ore deposit can be sent either to this Committee or to one of the other Committees on Mining Geology or Mining Methods. C. W. GOODALE,Chairman. DARSIE C. BARD, Secretary.

Jan 8, 1913

By Frank C. Greene

The wildcatting in northern and northwestern Missouri, which started in 1939, was continued in 1940. Two new gas fields were found and one discovered in 1939 was further extended. The total number of completions was 94, of which 5 were oil wells with about 48 bbl. initial production, 30 were gas wells with an initial open-flow capacity of 37,655,000 cu. ft., and 59 were dry holes. The outstanding discovery was the Polo gas field, T. 55 N., R. 28 and 29 W., in Caldwell County. A sand now believed to be a lens in the Bandera shale at a depth of 400 ft. yielded flows of more than 12,000,-000 cu. ft. In all, I0 wells with 31,490,000 cu. ft. of gas, were drilled. The rock pres-sure is 80 lb. At present no arrangements for an outlet have been made. In Platte County, the Prairie Point gas pool in sec. 7, T. 51 N., R. 33 W., and sec. 12, T. 51 N., R. 34 W., and the Lake-side pool in sees. 5 and 6, T. 50 N., R. 33 W., were further developed, and in the latter both oil and gas have been found, but data are not available for publication at this time. Drilling for gas continued in proven areas in Clay County, and for both oil and gas in proven areas in Jackson and Cass Counties. Table 1 summarizes the results of drilling in Missouri in 1940.

Jan 1, 1941

By Frank C. Greene

The wildcatting in northern and northwestern Missouri, which started in 1939, was continued in 1940. Two new gas fields were found and one discovered in 1939 was further extended. The total number of completions was 94, of which 5 were oil wells with about 48 bbl. initial production, 30 were gas wells with an initial open-flow capacity of 37,655,000 cu. ft., and 59 were dry holes. The outstanding discovery was the Polo gas field, T. 55 N., R. 28 and 29 W., in Caldwell County. A sand now believed to be a lens in the Bandera shale at a depth of 400 ft. yielded flows of more than 12,000,-000 cu. ft. In all, I0 wells with 31,490,000 cu. ft. of gas, were drilled. The rock pres-sure is 80 lb. At present no arrangements for an outlet have been made. In Platte County, the Prairie Point gas pool in sec. 7, T. 51 N., R. 33 W., and sec. 12, T. 51 N., R. 34 W., and the Lake-side pool in sees. 5 and 6, T. 50 N., R. 33 W., were further developed, and in the latter both oil and gas have been found, but data are not available for publication at this time. Drilling for gas continued in proven areas in Clay County, and for both oil and gas in proven areas in Jackson and Cass Counties. Table 1 summarizes the results of drilling in Missouri in 1940.

Jan 1, 1941

By Alfred H. Bell, Paul F. Simpson

The year 1929 was one of continued activity in the petroleum industry of Indiana and Illinois but the new production obtained has not been sufficient to offset the decline in the production of the old wells. (Table 1). Drilling costs have not changed materially during the year and the prices of crude oil have increased slightly so that the prospects for further testing are good. The total number of completions in Illinois in 1929 (Table 2) was greater than for any year since 1917. More than half of these were in the Dupo field, St. Clair County, and the development of this field was largely responsible for the increased ratio of producers to dry holes in the state as a whole. In the southeastern Illinois field which has produced about 97 per cent. of the state's petroleum the number of completions was greater than in 1928 and the percentage of producers was a little higher. Although a number of scattered wildcat tests were drilled most of them were not located on favorable structure and the only noteworthy discovery was that of a shale-gas horizon at shallow depth in Morgan County in western Illinois where gas has been produced for a number of years from sandstone and limestone. In Indiana the number of completions (Table 2) was only slightly less than in 1928. Most of the new wells were drilled in the southwestern part of the state, which now produces more than 90 per cent. of Indiana's petroleum.

Jan 1, 1930