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By J. L. SCHUELER

THE writer has reread Mr. Ingalls' interesting article in the July, 1923, issue of MINING AND METAL- LURGY on "The Use of Spelter in Galvanizing." It seems that most writers, in commenting upon coatings of spelter on sheets and wire, dwell upon the thin coatings which these materials carry, and rightly so. However, they seem to forget that until very recently, in the case of wire, the manufacturer did not know how to apply a heavy coating of spelter to the wire, especially if the wire was to be woven into fence or fabricated in some other manner, because heavy coatings of spelter are exceedingly brittle. This is even true in the case of high-grade spelter, but to a lesser degree than with Prime Western. Because of this brittleness, it has been necessary for wire manufacturers to smooth the coating by passing the wire through tightly compressed wiping means of some kind, usually asbestos. This removes all of the excess spelter and allows only a thin coating to remain. The latter, as a rule, is malleable and the wire can be fabricated without material injury to the coating.

Jan 1, 1924

By A. E. Lee

THE Blackwell Zinc Co., Inc., a subsidiary of the American Metal Co., Ltd., operates a horizontal retort zinc smelter at Blackwell, Okla. The plant has 14 furnace blocks of 800 retorts each, fired with natural gas on a 48 hr cycle. Over 13,000 tons of zinc-bearing material, chiefly sulphide flotation concentrates, are treated monthly to produce slab zinc and high lead-cadmium fume. In 1942 a program of rebuilding and modernizing the smelter was started. By 1947 furnace smelting capacity had been increased to a point where roasting and sintering facilities were inadequate, and it was necessary to purchase oxidized materials to supplement sinter production. The seven 210 ft Ropp roasters and three 42 in. x 44 ft Dwight-Lloyd machines then in use had been in service at least 20 years and were in need of major rebuilding. Thus it was entirely practical to consider all new equipment and a change of method rather than rebuilding and repairing obsolete units. A study of the problem indicated that roasting as such could be eliminated and roasting and sintering accomplished in one step by a modification of the Robson process,' which had been used since the early 1930's by the National Smelting Co., Ltd., at their plants at Avonmouth, England, and Swansea Vale, South Wales. Francis P. Sinn, General Manager, Zinc Smelting Operations, The American Metal Co., Ltd., who was familiar with the practice in England, suggested the use of one large machine for the entire operation from concentrate to sinter. One step sintering appeared to best meet Blackwell's plant requirements and indicated substantial savings in labor, gas, coal, and repair costs. Choice of Machine Size The sinter machine size was set at 12x168 ft for a rated capacity of 540 tons per day. This tonnage, produced on a five day week, would meet the seven day requirements of the 14 furnace blocks. The one large machine was quoted at a lower cost than two or more 6 ft wide machines of similar total capacity. Further, the larger machine could be housed in a smaller structure and only one set of equipment for charge preparation and delivery and for disposal of sinter cake was needed. One machine on a five day week made possible a concentration of the skilled operating personnel and required less men than a plant including two or more machines and related equipment circuits. Fewer units of equipment meant less maintenance, and the two down days weekly allowed ample time to repair and, if necessary, to make up lost production. Experience had indicated better sintering quality and rates with larger masses of material, not only on wider machines, but also in deeper beds. The ratio of windbox perimeter to area for the 12x168 ft machine is 0.179, compared to 0.353 for a 6x102 ft machine and 0.617 for a 42 in. x 44 ft machine. This meant less air leakage with resulting fan power savings and less spoilage of charge along the pallet sides. Performance Initial operation of the new sinter plant was made in November 1951 and regular production attained late in December. The average product sinter output during 1952 and the first half of 1953 has been 18.2 tons per hr. The average for one month has been as high as 22.4 tons per hr. Considerable experimenting with varied operating conditions accounts in part for the below capacity — 24 tons per hr — average output, and work to further improve production rate continues. A typical sinter analyses is 66.0 pct Zn, 0.3 pct Pb, 0.1 pct Cd, 0.3 pct S, 8.0 pct Fe, 2.0 pct SiO,, 0.8 pct CaO, and 0.2 pct MgO. Use of this material has made possible increases in furnace burden and improved furnace operation over the former practice using sinter made from Ropp roasted concentrates. Better lead and cadmium elimination in sintering has permitted the furnace production of slab zinc lower in lead and cadmium. Anticipated economies of operation have largely been gained. The sinter plant is operated by seven men per 8 hr shift — one head operator, three equipment operators and three sweepers — plus one oiler on day shift only. While it has been necessary at times to operate seven days a week to produce the required sinter tonnage, the five day work week usually has been adequate. Consumption of natural gas for sinter bed ignition is 200,000 to 300,000 cu ft per day. Green Ore Sintering Practice The 30 to 31 pct sulphur content of the —200 mesh zinc concentrates is the fuel used to sinter the charge, no coal addition being required. In the feed to the machine, sufficient concentrates are added to crushed return sinter fines containing 0.3 to 0.5 pct sulphur to produce a charge averaging 5.0 to 6.5 pct sulphur. Since the return sinter used in Blackwell's practice is varied from — 1/2 to — 1/8 in., the actual sintering mixture of fine sinter and concentrates is somewhat higher in sulphur. The coarser sinter particles are too large to resinter and merely aid porosity in the sinter bed. The ratio of concentrates to return sinter in the charge ranges from about 1:4 to 1:5.5. Variations are based on the appearance of pried up bed sections, bed exit gas temperature trends, windbox suctions, and return sinter size. Sufficient sulphur must be used to obtain fritting of the charge into a soft sinter cake and to aid in the elimination of lead and cadmium. Excessive feed sulphur will result in partial slagging of the cake impairing porosity and prolonging sintering time.

Jan 1, 1954

By H. L. B. Gould, Jr. Wenny D. H.

TO date there has been but limited interest in alloys of 80 to 95 pct Co and Fe with or without other additions. In 1932, S. R. Williams' reported practically zero magnetostriction for the 90 pct Co-10 pct Fe alloy. This same composition was used for pole pieces to control the magnetic field in magnetrons operating at high temperatures.' In 1947, a 90 pct Co, 9.5 pct Fe, and 0.5 pct Mn composition was investigated3 for use in ballast lamps because of its high temperature coefficient of resistance. Recently, as part of a survey of ductile and malleable magnetic alloys capable of being processed to thin gages for possible applications in memory devices, the high Co-Fe alloys have been re-examined to determine their fabricating and magnetic characteristics. Alloys from 80 up to 95 pct Co and Fe with and without additions such as vanadium were prepared. In general these all had excellent ductility and malleability. Wire was drawn to thin gages without difficulty and fine hard-drawn wires flattened to 2) The phenomenon may have potential in estimating the carbon content of molybdenum. A given solution-treating temperature and cooling rate could perhaps be calibrated so that the area fraction of surface covered by carbide could be interpreted in terms of carbon concentration. By segregating to the surface, a big "magnification" of the carbon content is obtained, which should make the method cheap, direct, and sensitive and, therefore, perhaps of interest to the molybdenum industry. This work was conducted at Battelle Memorial Institute. Financial support by the Aeronautical Systems Division, United States Air Force, under Contract No. AF 33(657)-7376, is gratefully acknowledged, and the writer is thankful for the experimental assistance of Miss Marjorie Cantin. ribbon without splitting. Similarly, strip was cold-rolled as much as 99.75 pct reduction to a 0.25 mil thickness without intermediate anneals. Samples of round and flat wire and foil, in the severely cold-worked and annealed states, were checked for magnetic characteristics. The alloys exhibited widely divergent magnetic characteristics depending on the processing and heat-treating procedures used in preparing the samples. Direct-current hysteresis loops showing the different magnetic characteristics of 90 pct Co, 9.5 pct Fe, and 0.5 pct Mn alloys are shown in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, while Figs. 9 and 10 show the loops for an alloy of 82 pct Co, 11.75 pct Fe, 5.6 pct V, and 0.65 pct Mn. Figs. 1 and 2 show the high remanence and exceedingly square-loop characteristics of the hard-drawn wire and ribbon roll flattened therefrom. With the change in processing from roll flattening to flattening by drawing through flat diamond dies the resultant change in texture is accompanied by the drastic change in the shape of the loop as shown in Fig. 3. This skewed loop on annealing reverts to a more normal loop as shown in Fig. 8. The most unique loops are obtained with flat rolled strip. These are shown in Figs. 4 and 5. In the case of the hard-rolled material, Fig. 4, there is little change in induction until the magnetizing force reaches 50 oe. From 50 to 60 oe there is a sharp increase in induction to over 15,000 gauss, which for all practical purposes is saturation. The induction remains at a constant value while the magnetizing force decreases to 40 oe. At this point the

Jan 1, 1965

By Ralph A. Sherman

In these days of intense competition for the domestic fuel market much is heard of the low efficiencies with which solid fuels, and most particularly bituminous coal, are burned in domestic heating equipment. In contrast to the every-day operating efficiencies of 85 and 90 per cent in large, central, electric-generating stations, efficiencies of 50 per cent and lower are cited for the hand-fired home furnace. Just as the miles per gallon of gasoline is only one of the factors that determine the cost of operation of an automobile, so the thermal efficiency is only one factor in the cost of domestic or other heating. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the total costs of domestic heating by various fuels and types of equipment, to determine the relative importance of efficiency and other factors, and to discuss what this signifies relative to the future of the use of fuels in the home. Factors That Govern the Choice of Fuel and Burning Equipment A rational, intelligent selection of fuel and equipment for heating the home would consider two groups of factors: Cost Factors Convenience Factors 1. Cost of potential heat in fuel 1. Attention 2. Efficiency of combustion and heat transfer 2. Dirt 3. Fixed charges 3. Noise a. Interest b. Depreciation c. Repairs 4. Power costs 5. Cost of handling ash and refuse. As just stated, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the relative importance of the five cost factors and not to discuss particularly the relative total costs of different methods of heating. However, to arrive at the percentage costs and to show clearly how they were determined, a statement of the total costs is unavoidable. One example only will

Jan 1, 1934

By Julian Kennedy

The different types of blowing-engines in use are so numerous that it would not he practicable to consider them all in this paper. I shall therefore only take up briefly a few well known types. The style of blowing-engine most largely used in this country is the vertical engine with air-cylinder above, cross-head between steam and air-cylinders, and two fly-wheels, each having a wrist-pin in its hub, or in one arm. This kind of engine can be built cheaply, takes up little room and is very accessible. Its disadvantages are that the cross-head is liable to break, and that putting the wrist-pins in the wheels tends to set up vibrations in them. It is likely that on the whole this type of engine will continue to be built quite ex tensively. The same general arrangement has also been used to some extent, but not widely, in horizontal engines. The Bethlehem Iron Company has some very fine blowing-engines of this type, except that they are compound, having the one steam-cylinder replaced by two, side by side. These engines are noticeable not only for the very excellent workmanship on them, but also on account of the weight of the pistons being carried by steam-pressnre applied in chambers in the lower side, the steam being supplied to these chambers through the hollow piston-rods. This arrangement, I believe, has always worked well. Another type of engine which has given good satisfaction is the vertical double-engine, having air-cylinders above, steam-cylinders below them, and cranks at bottom, the engines being coupled to cranks on the ends of the shaft, placed at right angles to each other, the shaft carrying the fly-wheel at its center. Engines of this type, except that they are arranged horizontally, are also used to a con siderable extent. These engines avoid the disadvantage of having wrist-pins in the fly-wheels, and also dispense with the long cross head with its attendant disadvantages. They give a very uniform pressure of blast, and are very convenient for starting. The vertical engines of this type, as compared with the horizontal, take up less

Jan 1, 1894

By Walter Craft, John L. Lamont

Adequate hardenability has long been recognized as one of the first requirements for producing desired mechanical properties in a heat-treated steel. Since the introduction of the Jominy end-quench test' and the development of correlative information to expand its use, industry has had an effective measure of hardenability. Prediction and control of the hardenability have been made possible by Grossmann's principle2 for calculating hardenability from chemical composition; and Field's conversiona from depth of half-martensite hardening to Rockwell C hardness has made the relation more quantitative. These developments have facilitated the design of new steels and the control of standard grades to the extent that it has been possible to establish tentative hardenability bands for some of the more commonly used alloy steels.4 As the depth of hardening of the Jominy test specimen is usually measured by Rockwell C hardness, it was considered that it should be possible to predict the hardness by a more direct calculation. It has been found that this can be accomplished by the addition of Rockwell C units proportional to the carbon and alloy content, grain size, and position in the Jominy test specimen. The calculation has been found to be fairly accurate, and because of its additive character is relatively simple to use. In principle the method of calculation is somewhat similar to the expressions developed by Herty, McBride, and Hollen-back,5 Burns, Moore, and Archer,= and Burns and Riege1.l The calculation is started from a base that includes the effects of carbon content and position in the Jominy test speimen. Rockwell C units are added to the base in proportion to the alloy content and grain size. This sum represents the Rockwell C hardness up to the level at which a disproportionate increase of hardness is caused by the formation of martensite, and above this level an increment for martensite hardening is added. The effects of alloys are directly proportional to the amounts present and are independent of each other, the carbon content, and the position in the specimen. Furthermore, the factors for determining the martensite increment are dependcnt only on carbon content and are independent of cooling rate and alloy content. It is this absence of interrelation between the different factors that makes it possible to calculate the hardness and makes the method of calculation consistent with the principle that the character of the hardening reaction is governed primarily by carbon and that alloys exert their effect chiefly through control of the critical cooling rate. The principle of the calculation, and the effects of alloys on the critical cooling rate,

Jan 1, 1947

By John L. Lamont, Walter Craft

Adequate hardenability has long been recognized as one of the first requirements for producing desired mechanical properties in a heat-treated steel. Since the introduction of the Jominy end-quench test' and the development of correlative information to expand its use, industry has had an effective measure of hardenability. Prediction and control of the hardenability have been made possible by Grossmann's principle2 for calculating hardenability from chemical composition; and Field's conversiona from depth of half-martensite hardening to Rockwell C hardness has made the relation more quantitative. These developments have facilitated the design of new steels and the control of standard grades to the extent that it has been possible to establish tentative hardenability bands for some of the more commonly used alloy steels.4 As the depth of hardening of the Jominy test specimen is usually measured by Rockwell C hardness, it was considered that it should be possible to predict the hardness by a more direct calculation. It has been found that this can be accomplished by the addition of Rockwell C units proportional to the carbon and alloy content, grain size, and position in the Jominy test specimen. The calculation has been found to be fairly accurate, and because of its additive character is relatively simple to use. In principle the method of calculation is somewhat similar to the expressions developed by Herty, McBride, and Hollen-back,5 Burns, Moore, and Archer,= and Burns and Riege1.l The calculation is started from a base that includes the effects of carbon content and position in the Jominy test speimen. Rockwell C units are added to the base in proportion to the alloy content and grain size. This sum represents the Rockwell C hardness up to the level at which a disproportionate increase of hardness is caused by the formation of martensite, and above this level an increment for martensite hardening is added. The effects of alloys are directly proportional to the amounts present and are independent of each other, the carbon content, and the position in the specimen. Furthermore, the factors for determining the martensite increment are dependcnt only on carbon content and are independent of cooling rate and alloy content. It is this absence of interrelation between the different factors that makes it possible to calculate the hardness and makes the method of calculation consistent with the principle that the character of the hardening reaction is governed primarily by carbon and that alloys exert their effect chiefly through control of the critical cooling rate. The principle of the calculation, and the effects of alloys on the critical cooling rate,

Jan 1, 1947

By W. Allen

FOR the past six years gravity surveys have been used for underground prospecting in the copper mines at Bisbee, Ariz. The primary purpose of the surveys has been to reduce the diamond drilling and crosscutting necessary for exploration. Since many of the orebodies are small, and geologic control is not always apparent, any information that will direct the drilling and crosscutting is highly desirable. Because of extensive development and exploration work in the copper mines at Bisbee, it has been possible to cover more than 630,000 ft of crosscuts on 30 levels with the gravity surveys. In the process the gravity procedures have been refined to a high degree. Density Contrast: For a gravity survey to be successful, a sufficient density contrast must exist between the geologic feature sought and surrounding host rocks. Most mineralized areas will provide this contrast if fairly massive bodies are present. In the Bisbee area the entire sequence of formations, except for alluvium, appears to have specific gravities ranging from 2.65 to 2.70. These values have been determined by means of a large number of cut samples and diamond drill cores. As a further check, vertical gravity differences have been used where nonmineralized sections are known to occur.' The only known major gravity disturbances result from mineralization that has increased the density and the voids that have decreased density. The voids are caused by mining operations and by underground water movement that has developed several areas of caverns. Equipment: While not absolutely essential, a small rugged gravity meter, such as the Worden meter, is highly desirable. A tall tripod, about the height of a transit tripod, permits instrument set-ups in deep water and in locations where fallen timber and muck piles make it impossible to use a short tripod. An additional advantage of a tall tripod is that it places the meter in the center of the crosscut, reducing the error caused by the crosscut void. Size and weight are important, since the only satisfactory means of operating the meter underground is to carry it by hand. A backpack can be used in rare instances but is usually a hindrance because of the close station spacing. The operator's ability to move through tight clearances will improve survey coverage, as it is then possible to move through raises and caved areas and to pass mine cars and machinery with a minimum of trouble. Station Control: Gravity stations are normally located every 100 ft along the crosscuts, at each intersection, and in the face of all stub crosscuts. In areas of high gravity relief, or where small anomalies might be expected, stations may be located at 25 or 50-ft intervals. When possible, the stations should be offset to avoid effects of raises or other voids. The gravity stations on a level are tied to one or more base stations, which are usually located at the shaft or near the portal of an adit. The base stations may be part of a gravity control net that extends to each level in the mine as well as to the surface. Such a net extending throughout the potential area of the surveys is highly desirable, as it is then possible to compare all gravity stations on a uniform basis. The stations that are part of the base net should be carefully established by multiple readings and, if necessary, by a least squares adjustment of the loops. In some instances where levels do not have a shaft station, or where access may be blocked by caving, it may be necessary to establish secondary bases at the top and bottom of the raises that are between levels. Under fair conditions 70 to 90 gravity stations can be located and run in 6 hr by a two-man crew. The best field procedures depend on conditions. Reduction of Field Data: Most of the time required to produce a final gravity map is consumed in processing the data. Each meter reading must be corrected for a minimum of five factors that affect the gravity value in addition to the density contrast being sought. These factors are 1) instrumental drift, 2) station elevation, 3) topography, 4) latitude, and 5) regional gravity gradient. Mine openings, such as stopes and raises, will affect the value. However, it is seldom practical to make corrections for these voids. Usually a rotation is made on the field note on the station, and any

Jan 1, 1957

By F. K. Pence

THE reduction of the firing of clay wares to a science has been one of the most difficult problems of modern ceramic engineering. The number of factors involved in the treatment of these wares has been such a complicated composite of the chemical and the physical properties that, according to the old practice, results depended rather on the art of the operator than on any scientific data available. The combined influence of the chemical and physical properties of clay minerals renders it difficult to apply the data obtained in one operation to the forecasting of details to be applied in another. In maturing clay-ware bodies by the application of heat, the chemical reactions involved are, in general, incomplete. The object frequently is to secure a certain physical quality, as density, color, or strength, rather than any particular chemical composition or development: This is more generally true of the so-called crude clay products. In the case of certain more high-grade wares, as the porcelains, it is necessary to reach the temperature required to bring about a certain molecular development or crystalline structure; but even here, time and temperature are at work and must be considered jointly. The conditions attending the firing of clay wares has led to the use of certain devices in the measurement of the progress of the firing process whereby the influence of the various burning factors on the clay composition under fire is indicated. In the simplest application of this practice, samples of the ware itself are so placed as to be drawn for observation at various intervals during the burn. Although the appearance is affected by the quick cooling treatment, by experience, this practice is successfully used, particularly in the brick industry. The settle of the setting of brick, as measured from the top of the kiln may also serve as a guide in the firing operation. Another example is found in the stoneware industry, where the practice of arranging test pieces made of the same composition

Jan 9, 1919

By AIME AIME

METALLIC corrosion, which results from the chemical affinity of different metals for non- metallic elements, should be considered from both the kinetic and static viewpoints. From the stand- point of statics the metals may be arranged in the order of their affinity for oxygen, chlorine or any other acid- forming element. They may also be arranged in the order of the magnitude of the heat of combination of their corresponding compounds. It is misleading to talk about some metals as "noble," because these relations are all relative; and the order varies for oxygen, chlorine or whatever the element may be. A third way to arrange the metals is by their solution pressures. These three methods indicate that one metal is better under one set of conditions, but not so good under other conditions. Considering the problem from the standpoint of kinetics, the thing which saves most metals is what may be called the sluggishness of reactions. Using organic substances as an example, we know they will all oxidize, but fortunately they do so rather slowly. An increase in temperature always means an increase in the reaction rate, and preventing corrosion at high temperatures is a greater problem than at low temperatures. A second consideration is to avoid all sub- stances which might provoke catalytic action, and as it is generally impossible to foresee what substances might do this, the thing is to avoid all substances other than the main constituents of the alloys. A third consideration is to avoid local electrolytic action, which again indicates the advisability of avoiding the contact of differing substances.

Jan 1, 1926

By Samuel S. M. Chan

The magnetic susceptibilities of some ores and the major rock formations of the Precambrian Belt Supergroup in the Coeur d'Alene mining district were determined both in the laboratory by the use of the Gouy method and in the field with a Bison susceptibility unit. Trace element analysis of the same group of rock samples was also made using the atomic adsorption technique. Results of this preliminary study indicate that some correlation exists between the magnetic susceptibilities and the various rock formations. This may be useful for regional mapping and mineral exploration.

Jan 1, 1974

By Gregory M. Dexter

Recent litigation in Pennsylvania between three coal-mining companies and a private water company resulted in the payment by the coal companies of the equivalent of about $500,000 to buy a new water supply to replace that which had been damaged by acid drainage from strip mining. An investigation of the relevant facts indicates that the water could have been treated by spending about $40,000 on equipment and $15,000 yearly for chemicals, labor, and power until the contarnination could be reduced about 80 pct. The water company's supply, furthermore, had deteriorated largely by reason of dry weather before stripping was begun by the coal companies. Payment to the water company should not have exceeded $300,000 and could have been as low as $100,000. Strip mining of coal is common in Pennsylvania. The most important objection to it in Pennsylvania is generally acid pollution of runoff water. An outline of the methods, therefore, that could be used to reduce such pollution, to compare acid-contaminated waters. and to treat such waters to make them satisfactory for public and industrial use is worth-while. The watershed of the West Penn Water Co. covers about 4.5 square miles, 20 miles west of Pittsburgh, and has two 90,000,000 gal reservoirs supplying about 1,300,000 gal daily for public and industrial use of which 450,000 gal daily are for two railroads. The pollution arises from weathered derivatives of typical'" Coal Measures"' rocks, the principal source being pyrite (and marcasite) in Pittsburgh and Rooster coals. Springs and seeps on hillsides issue from sandstone and limestone formations intersecting shale or clay land surfaces, or from perched water tables. The two reservoirs create an artificial permanent water table. Soap-hardness tests on three seepage samples taken in a dry summer ranged from 150 to 500 ppm. Water sampled came from aquifers above Pittsburgh and Rooster coals, obviating the possibility of contact with pyrite-containing coal. Since acid contamination of mine waters is the result of chemical reactions of oxygen and water with pyrite, it will be reduced by the exclusion of either air or water. The Sunnyhill Coal Co. has applied this principle in its "contouring" method of strip mining by burying contaminated coal-waste material under a compact, smoothed-up surface of top-soil, gravel, clay, and sand at a cost

Jan 1, 1950

By Oscar A. Glaeser

MINE VENTILATION is an important factor in mine maintenance as well as having direct bearing on labor efficiency. Effective ventilation systems are costly, especially those for the deeper mines, but with intelligent direction the worth of a system is usually greater than its cost. In most mines using mechanical ventilation, and practically all deep mines, it has been found beneficial to equipment, timber, and the ground, to run the fan or fans continuously even though production has been curtailed or entirely suspended. Therefore, economies in ventilation may be overlooked when general cost reductions are necessary. The operating costs of a well-designed ventilation system should be capable of reduction during periods of curtailed or suspended operations. A mine that is ventilated by splits, or that can be sectionized, can reduce its fan-power costs considerably, and provisional divisions can sometimes be made in other mines, in which the air is ordinarily coursed through all the workings, without harmful effects.

Jan 1, 1932

By L. S. Kolbert, C. H. Baab

Introduction In June 1981, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) issued a report titled "Control Systems in Coal Preparation Plants" to determine the status of instrumentation and automation systems in the coal preparation industry. EPRI concluded that the control systems presently being employed in the US coal preparation plants "are relatively primitive compared with those in other mineral processing industries; and analytical instrumentation is virtually non-existent." With tighter specifications on the quality of steam coal, interest is increasing in more sophisticated control systems. One type of device that is currently assisting the preparation plant operator optimize and control the coal cleaning process is nuclear based instrumentation. Nuclear instrumentation includes methods for measuring weight, level, and density as well as for performing elemental analysis on coal. Major Features and Benefits of Nuclear Measurement and Analysis Systems There are many features and benefits of nuclear instrumentation. The major benefit is that nuclear instrumentation is non-contacting. The measuring heads do not contact the process materials. This enables measurements of corrosive, abrasive, or high temperature materials with no loss of performance, reliability, or useful life. Also, there are no moving parts to wear or be fouled by dust or corrosion. Installation is simple and inexpensive. For instance, density gauges are simply clamped onto existing pipe runs. Weigh scales and level switches usually require nothing more than welding brackets to customers' equipment. Once installed, routine maintenance can be performed without interrupting the process. Thus, nuclear instrumentation is highly reliable and easily installed and maintained. The operating life of the instrumentation is virtually unlimited. Principle of Operation Nuclear belt weigh scales, point level switches and density gauges all operate on the gamma-ray transmission principle. A beam of gamma radiation from a radioisotopic source is projected through the process material either on a belt, in a vessel, or in a pipe. Opposite the source is a radiation detector whose electrical output is proportional to the intensity of the radiation it absorbs. Gamma radiation is part of the same electromagnetic spectrum that encompasses light, infrared, and x-rays. In many respects, gamma radiation behaves much like light. However, it is far more penetrating and can be transmitted through considerable thickness of materials that are opaque to visible light, e.g., several inches of steel. Types of Nuclear Instrumentation in Coal Preparation Plants There are four types of nuclear instrumentation presently being employed in coal preparation plants. They are: •Belt Weigh Scales •Point Level Switches •Density Gauges •Coal Analysis Equipment. Each type of instrumentation has a number of potential applications within the plant. What follows is a discussion of three different types of devices and their applications. Weigh Scales In coal preparation plants, weighing instruments are used for measuring material throughput, totalized weight, and batch weight on conveyor belts and other transport equipment. They are also used on drag chain conveyors, vibrating conveyors, and screw conveyors. Weighing is important for receiving the run-of-mine coal, controlling mass flow, scheduling production, and loading and shipping the washed coal to market. There are two basic types of weighing instruments: gravimetric and nongravimetric devices. Gravimetric devices are units which measure the pull of gravity on the material being weighed. Nongravimetric devices are not dependent on the force of gravity on the sample. Nuclear weigh scales are the most prevalent nongravimetric devices used. The nuclear weigh scale works on the same basic principle as other nuclear gauges. The greater the quantity of material placed in the path of a radiation beam, the more radiation will be absorbed by the material. In weigh scales, Cesium 137 source is generally placed above the moving stream of material so that the radiation is directed through the material. An ion chamber radiation detector is on the opposite side of the material. The radiation passing to the detector generates a signal which is inversely proportional to the weight of the material present. This signal is amplified and integrated with the speed of the process flow yielding the weight. The weight is indicated and can be totalized for throughput, batch control, etc. In conclusion, radiation weighing methods have become well established in the coal preparation industry throughout the world. As mentioned before, this device finds its most

Jan 1, 1985

By Edmund S. Davenport

The production of thorium of high purity by the Ca-CaCl2 reduction has been described by Marden and Rentschler,1 who also reported some of the properties of the coherent, ductile metal obtained from this pure thorium powder. The present paper describes the properties of thorium produced by the Ca-CaCl2 process modified in some details to meet commercial conditions. The principal effect of these changes in process has been an unavoidable increase in the oxide content of the thorium. Materials and Methods The thorium employed in this investigation was made from pure thorium oxide (ThO2) by the Ca-CaCl2 reduction. The washed and dried metal powder was pressed into bars approximately 0.160 in. dia. and 10 in. long, at a pressure of 75,000 Ib. per sq. in. The bars were heat-treated in vacuum at 1175' C. for 1 hr. This treatment yielded ingots sufficiently dense and coherent for mechanical working. Thorium has been successfully worked without a protective metallic covering, but for the purposes of this investigation it was more convenient to inclose the ingots in soft iron tubes and swage or roll cold to the desired sizes. The iron sheath was dissolved with nitric acid, leaving the cold-worked thorium exposed. Chemical Analyses Analyses of typical samples of the material used in this work arc given in Table 1. Thorium powder oxidizes in moist air, even at room temperature; no unusual precautions were taken to prevent such oxidation of the material used in this investigation. A certain amount of oxidation probably takes place during pressing; certainly during heat-treating unless a very slow heating schedule is employed. These factors account

Jan 1, 1930

By S. S. Arentz

PLANNED health and safety programs have become an essential part of American industry because such programs lead to increased operating efficiency, improved labor relations, better public relations, and to substantial savings in compensation insurance. Those of you who have had the unpleasant duty of informing the wife or widow of one of your men of his serious injury or death while on the job, know that all the benefits of a successful safety program do not show on the balance S. S. ARENTZ, Member AIME, is General Superintendent, Nevada Operations, Combined Metals Reduction Co., Pioche, Nevada. AIME San Francisco Meeting, February 1949. TP 2741 A. Discussion of this paper (2 copies) may be sent to Transactions AIME before March 31, 1950. Manuscript received Jan. 6, 1949. sheet. These programs are of particular importance to the mining ,industry because mining's reputation as an unusually hazardous industry and the commonly isolated location of mining operations tend to focus attention on these problems. Description of Operations: Before proceeding with a discussion of our health and safety programs at Pioche, it may be proper to give a brief description of Pioche and of our operations there. Pioche is one of the early Nevada mining camps. It was founded shortly after the discovery of high grade silver ore in 1863 and mining has continued with more or less regularity to the present day. In an era of lawlessness, Pioche was notorious. The story persists that 75 men died with their boots on before one died a natural death, and old payroll records show that nearly as many gunmen were employed to stand off claim jumpers as there were miners working the mine. That was probably as close to a safety program as the times permitted. Pioche is situated in southeastern Nevada on the main highway between Ely and Las Vegas. The camp is on the flank of "Treasure Hill," near the original silver discovery, at an elevation of about 6000 ft. The present day population of about 2000 is primarily dependent upon the mines of the area, although Pioche also serves as the county seat of Lincoln Couqty and as the center of the surrounding livestock industry. The camp is served by a branch of the Union Pacific Railroad and receives power from the generators at Hoover Dam. The Pioche operations of the Combined Metals Reduction Co. were started in 1923 when the first complex lead-zinc ore was shipped to the company's mill at Bauer, Utah. The modern mill at Pioche was completed in 1941. The operations are medium sized in the nonferrous field, employing an average of 350 men in the mine, mill, and related works. The complex lead-zinc ore is mined from replacement deposits in a comparatively flat, extensively faulted, limestone horizon. Mining methods vary from stull-supported open stopes to filled square-set stopes. The thin bedded limestone and shale overlying the ore is allowed to cave as areas are mined out and caving frequently follows closely upon ore extraction. The relatively heavy ground and the numerous faults add to the problems of safe mining. The mine is well mechanized and the mill and surface plant are modern and well equipped. Labor is organized in a C.I.O. union and labor-management relations have been unusually harmonious. During most of the period since 1923 a competent supervisory staff worked to reduce safety hazards but the primary responsibility for safety rested on the individual workman. Accidents happened and all too frequently they were regarded by all concerned as unavoidable. In October 1939, the late Robert L. Dean became superintendent at Pioche. Most of his previous experience had been in the fields of iron and coal mining and from that experience he brought the concept that no accident is unavoidable. Many of the features of our present health and safety programs were initiated by Mr. Dean during his term as superintendent. Health Program: Our health program centers in Dr. Q. E. Fortier and his new, well-equipped, and well-staffed, modern hospital in Pioche. The program starts with a thorough pre-employment physical examination and is followed by yearly re-examinations at the expense of the company. The Pioche Mutual Benefit Association, to which all Pioche mine operators and employees belong, pays benefits covering hospitalization and surgery expense incurred by employee members and their families. The Association is governed by a board of directors elected by its members. The mine operators of the district donated the original capital and pay the monthly dues of the employee members. The employees pay the dues covering members of their families. Though not strictly a part of the

Jan 1, 1951

By S. S. Arentz

PLANNED health and safety programs have become an essential part of American industry because such programs lead to increased operating efficiency, improved labor relations, better public relations, and to substantial savings in compensation insurance. Those of you who have had the unpleasant duty of informing the wife or widow of one of your men of his serious injury or death while on the job, know that all the benefits of a successful safety program do not show on the balance S. S. ARENTZ, Member AIME, is General Superintendent, Nevada Operations, Combined Metals Reduction Co., Pioche, Nevada. AIME San Francisco Meeting, February 1949. TP 2741 A. Discussion of this paper (2 copies) may be sent to Transactions AIME before March 31, 1950. Manuscript received Jan. 6, 1949. sheet. These programs are of particular importance to the mining ,industry because mining's reputation as an unusually hazardous industry and the commonly isolated location of mining operations tend to focus attention on these problems. Description of Operations: Before proceeding with a discussion of our health and safety programs at Pioche, it may be proper to give a brief description of Pioche and of our operations there. Pioche is one of the early Nevada mining camps. It was founded shortly after the discovery of high grade silver ore in 1863 and mining has continued with more or less regularity to the present day. In an era of lawlessness, Pioche was notorious. The story persists that 75 men died with their boots on before one died a natural death, and old payroll records show that nearly as many gunmen were employed to stand off claim jumpers as there were miners working the mine. That was probably as close to a safety program as the times permitted. Pioche is situated in southeastern Nevada on the main highway between Ely and Las Vegas. The camp is on the flank of "Treasure Hill," near the original silver discovery, at an elevation of about 6000 ft. The present day population of about 2000 is primarily dependent upon the mines of the area, although Pioche also serves as the county seat of Lincoln Couqty and as the center of the surrounding livestock industry. The camp is served by a branch of the Union Pacific Railroad and receives power from the generators at Hoover Dam. The Pioche operations of the Combined Metals Reduction Co. were started in 1923 when the first complex lead-zinc ore was shipped to the company's mill at Bauer, Utah. The modern mill at Pioche was completed in 1941. The operations are medium sized in the nonferrous field, employing an average of 350 men in the mine, mill, and related works. The complex lead-zinc ore is mined from replacement deposits in a comparatively flat, extensively faulted, limestone horizon. Mining methods vary from stull-supported open stopes to filled square-set stopes. The thin bedded limestone and shale overlying the ore is allowed to cave as areas are mined out and caving frequently follows closely upon ore extraction. The relatively heavy ground and the numerous faults add to the problems of safe mining. The mine is well mechanized and the mill and surface plant are modern and well equipped. Labor is organized in a C.I.O. union and labor-management relations have been unusually harmonious. During most of the period since 1923 a competent supervisory staff worked to reduce safety hazards but the primary responsibility for safety rested on the individual workman. Accidents happened and all too frequently they were regarded by all concerned as unavoidable. In October 1939, the late Robert L. Dean became superintendent at Pioche. Most of his previous experience had been in the fields of iron and coal mining and from that experience he brought the concept that no accident is unavoidable. Many of the features of our present health and safety programs were initiated by Mr. Dean during his term as superintendent. Health Program: Our health program centers in Dr. Q. E. Fortier and his new, well-equipped, and well-staffed, modern hospital in Pioche. The program starts with a thorough pre-employment physical examination and is followed by yearly re-examinations at the expense of the company. The Pioche Mutual Benefit Association, to which all Pioche mine operators and employees belong, pays benefits covering hospitalization and surgery expense incurred by employee members and their families. The Association is governed by a board of directors elected by its members. The mine operators of the district donated the original capital and pay the monthly dues of the employee members. The employees pay the dues covering members of their families. Though not strictly a part of the

Jan 1, 1951

By E. B. REESER

EFFICIENCY is the foundation on which the prosperity of this Nation must be built. Your organization and the members thereof are constantly thinking of Gays and means whereby greater efficiency may be developed. It is often said that this Nation has become great because of its almost up limited supply of raw materials at low production 'costs. This was undoubtedly true in the earlier years but today we face an entirely different situation. We have learned that nature has been very generous in supplying all parts of the world with ample resources of various kinds to meet the demands. This applies to practically all commodities but for the purposes of this discussion, we will limit our remarks to petroleum.

Jan 1, 1931

By F. S. McNicholas, R. L. Healy

NOTEWORTHY because of the amount of explosives used, the tonnage broken, and the wide range involved both vertically and laterally, was a large underground blast fired last November at the Hidden Creek mine, Anyox, B. C. Stoping methods and mining prac¬tices at the Hidden Creek mine have previously been described in the technical press. Earlier mining methods employed included shrinkage stoping, glory-holing, and "spiral" stoping. The latter especially has been a practice peculiar to the Granby company, having been used for years at its Phoenix mines and later at the Anyox property where conditions as to size of orebodies and strength of ground both in the ore and walls were similar. These methods all leave tremendous excavations supported at key points by pillars and braces that may only be safely mined by big blasts.

Jan 1, 1935

By K. O. Stamm, B. A. Rogers

Because it is the basis of the economically important operation of hardening steel by quenching, the A3 transformation in iron has been the subject of numerous investigations. Although the contributions to this subject are interesting, no general review will be given here. Readers who care to follow the matter further are referred to the comprehensive summary by Cleaves and Thompson,l which covers the literature to about 1935. Their references to 53 papers on the subject suggest that further investigation is hardly justifiable. However, considerable interest has devel oped recently concerning the reversibility of the transformation. From thermo-dynamic considerations, the transition ought to occur at the same point on heating or cooling, if the change of temperature is sufficiently slow. Yet all of the earlier investigators found a difference of several degrees. Burgess and Crowe,2 who used thermal methods, obtained average temperatures of 912" for Ac3 and 900°C. for Ar3 on electrolytic iron. Their data indicate a considerable range of temperature over which the change occurs, both on heating and on cooling. Terry3 measured the susceptibility in the critical range and estimated from the steepest parts of his curves that Ac3 came at 9I8° and Ar3 at 903°C. Ishiwara4 was one of the first investigators to report a shorter interval between the temperature of the change in the two directions. He measured the change of susceptibility of kaolin-coated samples of steel, in a hydrogen atmosphere, at rater of heating and cooling so low that about 3 or 4 hr. were required for the transformation to complete itself. His results show some variability between samples, but indicate that the difference between Ac3 and Ar3 is in the vicinity of 6°C. Roberts and Davey5 measured the space lattice in pure iron in the vicinity of 900°C. and concluded that a change occurs reversibly between 907' 3" and 910" 3°C., probably between 907" and 910°C. Wells, Ackley, and Meh16 made dilatometric determinations of the Ac3 and Ar3 points in samples of hydrogen-treated carbonyl iron maintained under a vacuum. They used three rates of heating and cooling: 2°, ½°, and .?°C. per min. and found the spread between the two points decreased with low rates. At the slowest rate, the Ac3 transition occurred at 909° to 909. 5°C. and the Ar3 change at 907°C. in three of the samples believed to contain the lowest percentages of alien elements. They concluded that if the rate of temperature change and the content of alien eiements were low enough, the A3 transformation would be completely reversible at 909.50 + 1°C. The question of reversibility is an interesting one and when some iron with especially small percentages of alien elements became available the opportunity to conduct an investigation was welcomed. This iron was prepared by the Division of

Jan 1, 1942