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By Harry H. Power

WHILE the attention of all engineering branches is focused today on changes and improvements in the several curricula, we are concerned here with the many questions arising in industry and college concerning the preparation for the petroleum engineering profession. The succession of problems confronting the petroleum engineer demands a degree of versatility not ordinarily encountered in other professions. As a consequence, the student cannot acquire mastery of all the several engineering branches represented in field practice, and as an alternative, he has learned to appreciate the value of thorough training in the basic or fundamental sciences as a preliminary foundation for professional work. While our attention is directed primarily to the training of engineers in educational institutions, it is necessary that the ultimate education of the professional engineer be kept in mind. It is apparent that his success as an engineer is limited not only by his educational and job experience, but by his native endowments: mentality, personality and health. The engineer's lack of job experiences often proves as much a handicap as the lack of adequate college training. If the final product proves to be satisfactory, both industry and technical institutions are to be congratulated. However, if the product is found wanting, the one most responsible should be apprehended. FITNESS FOR PROFESSION For the most part, students of engineering colleges have had their interests in applied science awakened at a relatively early age. Many of them entered college as a convenient means of acquiring a technical education, but undoubtedly would have had better prospects in a shorter program offered by institutions of noncollege grade. The activating motive of practical interest is also strong in students suitable for college training, but in many cases an intellectual interest must be awakened in order that it may survive graduation. Numerous engineers believe that this progressive process of selection and determination of career aims is one of the essential services rendered by the engineering colleges. Industrialists, who are more interested in quality than quantity of petroleum engineering graduates, have pointed out the good that should result if more empha¬sis were given to the work of eliminating the misfits. They also point out the protective measures that have been taken by other professions for the betterment of professional standards. Mention has been made of the beneficial results to be obtained by collective determination of the market for the products of engineering schools, particularly in that the students unsuited to the profession would have an opportunity to prepare themselves for employment more suited to their personalities and other qualifications. In the event that such a system of coordinated personnel direction is developed by the

Jan 1, 1941

By A. H. Larson, R. J. McClincy

The activity of Sb,03 in PbO-Sb,03 slags containing less than 50 mol pct Sb,03 was determined by the inert-gas saturation method at 700°C. In this composition range, the activity gf SbzO3 shows a strong negative deviation from ideality. The activity of PbO in these slags was calculated by application of the Gibbs-Duhem iniegration to the Sb203 activity data. The calculated activity of PbO in slags containing more than 63 mol pct PbO was found to deviate in a positive direction from ideality uthile a negative deviation was found for slags containing less PbO. The standard Gibbs free energies of formation of Sb,03 and PbO. Sb203 have been calculated and compared with existing data in the literature. The activity of Sb203 in PbO-Si0,-Sb203 (PbO/SiO, = 2) slags containing less than 25 mol pct Sb,03 was also determined by the inert-gas saturation method at 700°C. In this composition range, the activity of Sbz03 shows a very large negative deviation from ideality. VERY little experimental work has been published in the past to determine equilibrium data in the oxide systems connected with the refining of lead. These data are of value since impurities such as antimony, arsenic, and tin must be removed from lead and recovered for further treatment. Equilibrium studies on antimony and arsenic systems are also of interest for the design of new processes for lead refining and lead dross treatment. Maier and ~incke' first determined the liquidus curves for the PbO-Sb203 system and identified the compound PbO . Sb203. They found the phase diagram for this system to be two simple eutectics located on either side of the congruent melting compound. They also determined a very limited amount of vapor pressure data for Sb406 abbve PbO-Sba3 melts at 697"~. A second phase diagram investigation on this system was reported by Hennig and Kohlmeyer' who confirmed the existence of the compound PbO . Sb203 as well as the form of the diagram. A disagreement was noticed, however, in that their liquidus temperatures over nearly the entire composition range were higher than those reported by Maier and Hincke. Barthel~ and pelze14 redetermined the liquidus curve at the PbO-rich end of the PbO-Sb@, system and agreed very closely with the results of Maier and Hincke. None of the investigators mentioned above reported any mutual solid solubility in the PbO-SbD3 system. Zunkel and Larson5 have determined the phase diagram for the PbO-rich end of the PbO-Sb203 system by slag-metal equilibrium studies in the Pb-PbO-Sb203 system and by thermal analysis studies in the PbO-Sbz03 system. A maximum solid solubility of 5.6 mol pct Sb203 in PbO was observed at the eutectic temperature of 604°C. Their results for the phase diagram agree favorably with those of Maier and Hincke. The vapor pressure of Sb2O3 in the temperature range from 470" to 800°C has been determined by Hincke, using a modification of the transportation meth~d.~ His results for temperatures below the melting point of Sba3 are the only data reported in the published literature. The predominant vapor species has been shown to be Sb,06 by Norman and staley.? Myzenkov and Klushin,8 using the boiling-point method, have determined the pressure of Sb406 above liquid SbD3 in the temperature range from 715" to 1025°C. The agreement between these two studies is not very close. A portion of the discrepancy lies in the fact that Hincke used silica crucibles, which were attacked by the liquid Sbz03 at high temperatures. This fact does not account, however. for the large difference observed at the melting point. ~aier' gives a brief summary of vapor pressure data for Sb,O, above pure liquid Sbz03 which agree quite well with the data of Myzenkov and Klushin at temperatures near the melting point. This paper describes the determination of Sb2O3 activity data in the PbO-Sb203 and Pb0-Si02-Sb203 (PbO/SiOz = 2) systems by the inert-gas saturation method. These activity data are compared with the data calculated by Zunkel and arson. EXPERIMENTAL Materials. The materials used in this investigation were analytical reagent-grade PbO (99.8 pct PbO, 0.14 pct insoluble in CHsCOOH, 0.02 pct not precipitated by HB, 0.1 pct CaO, and 0.08 pct SiOz), Sbf13 (99.6 pct Sb203, 0.004 PC~ C1-, 0.005 PC~ SO;-, 0.15 p~t AS, 0.001 pct Fe, and 0.03 pct other heavy metals such as Pb), and SiOz (chromatographic grade). Apparatus for Vapor Pressure Determinations. The apparatus used in this investigation consisted of a transportation reaction system with two separate gas trains. The argon transporting gas was first mixed with a small amount of hydrogen, metered, and dried by passage through silica gel and anhydrone drying tubes arranged in series. After this preliminary drying, the argon was passed through copper wool at 500°C to convert the residual oxygen to water vapor which was removed by three anhydrone drying tubes. A second stream of argon was metered and dried and then passed around the outside of the alumina reaction tube to flush away the volatile species to pre-

Jan 1, 1970

By Ernest Darby

IF the correct balance between fuel and air is maintained in an open-flame furnace,1 little chemical action may be expected between the products of combustion and the metal being melted. Physical changes in the metal are the object of the melting operation, and indirectly, under certain conditions, may be the cause of subsequent chemical actions. If sufficient heat has been introduced into the metal to bring about the change from the solid phase to the liquid phase, and still further from the liquid to the vapor phase, the metal vapor in all probability will be carried from the furnace by the exhaust and rapidly combined with the oxygen of the outside air. The charge being melted in the furnace may contain elements which are chemically inactive at normal temperatures but which will form compounds at the elevated temperatures of the metal bath, or even at a lower degree. Such indirect chemical actions are very confusing and often lead to incorrect conclusions regarding furnace atmospheres. In the open-flame furnaces used in the melting of bronze, the furnace atmosphere is spoken of as being either neutral, oxidizing or reducing in its effect upon the metal. A neutral atmosphere, as mentioned, is generally considered as the atmosphere of the furnace that will produce melted bronze, neither oxidized nor gassed. It is in effect an atmosphere which is not directly the cause of any chemical action. In such an atmosphere absolutely pure metals may be melted and poured without the absorption of gases or the formation of metallic oxide. The metal has undergone a simple, physical change.

Jan 1, 1930

By C. D. Woodward

ThE subject of elcctric signals for the despatching of mining cagey through shafts has received cousiderable attention recently from various mining companies. The Anaconda Copper Mining Co. has found it necessary to develop a system that is rcliable, safe and simple in operation, and easy to repair. The movement of all mine cages or skips is under the direction of a station tender, who rides on the cages when men or supplies are being lowered or raised; when ore is hoisted, he is stationed at a skip pocket for loading and despatching the skips. For the station tender's use, two signal systems are installed in cach hoisting compartment, and he is the only employee authorized to use them. One system is known as the "AC " or station bells, as it is operated from the 110-volt, 60-cycle, power service; the other system, called the "DC" or shaft bells, takes its energy from closed-circuit primary batteries. As a supplemcnt to the two main signals, a buzzer system is installed The general arrangement is similar to the main signal, except that there is a mine buzzer at each station. When a signal switch connected into the buzzer system is pulled down, all buzzers arc operated, thus notifying the station tender that he is wanted at seine particular level. Placed on the station posts, and within easy reach of the men on the cages are the signal pull switches for the main signals. The station, or "AC," pull switches are furnished with a short rope as shown in Fig. I, while the shaft, or "DC," pull switches are equipped with ropes that extend down the shaft past the next station. To avoid all confusion in the use of the three signal systems, a standard arrangement has been adopted in all mines for the location of the pull switches. Fig 2 illustrates the position of the pull switch at the various mine stations for the main signal systems, but it does not show the buzzer pull switch; this is fixed to the roof timbers about 25 ft. back from the shaft. If the skip pockets are a considerable distance below the station, a pull switch for each main shaft compartment is connected to the "AC" system and placed at this point. However, if the distance is short, a light cord is attached to the station pull switches and dropped down to the skip pocket.

Jan 1, 1923

By C. D. Woodward

ThE subject of elcctric signals for the despatching of mining cagey through shafts has received cousiderable attention recently from various mining companies. The Anaconda Copper Mining Co. has found it necessary to develop a system that is rcliable, safe and simple in operation, and easy to repair. The movement of all mine cages or skips is under the direction of a station tender, who rides on the cages when men or supplies are being lowered or raised; when ore is hoisted, he is stationed at a skip pocket for loading and despatching the skips. For the station tender's use, two signal systems are installed in cach hoisting compartment, and he is the only employee authorized to use them. One system is known as the "AC " or station bells, as it is operated from the 110-volt, 60-cycle, power service; the other system, called the "DC" or shaft bells, takes its energy from closed-circuit primary batteries. As a supplemcnt to the two main signals, a buzzer system is installed The general arrangement is similar to the main signal, except that there is a mine buzzer at each station. When a signal switch connected into the buzzer system is pulled down, all buzzers arc operated, thus notifying the station tender that he is wanted at seine particular level. Placed on the station posts, and within easy reach of the men on the cages are the signal pull switches for the main signals. The station, or "AC," pull switches are furnished with a short rope as shown in Fig. I, while the shaft, or "DC," pull switches are equipped with ropes that extend down the shaft past the next station. To avoid all confusion in the use of the three signal systems, a standard arrangement has been adopted in all mines for the location of the pull switches. Fig 2 illustrates the position of the pull switch at the various mine stations for the main signal systems, but it does not show the buzzer pull switch; this is fixed to the roof timbers about 25 ft. back from the shaft. If the skip pockets are a considerable distance below the station, a pull switch for each main shaft compartment is connected to the "AC" system and placed at this point. However, if the distance is short, a light cord is attached to the station pull switches and dropped down to the skip pocket.

Jan 1, 1923

By W. F. Chiao

Ultrasonic attenuation, a, measurements in the frequency range of 5 to 55 mc per sec have been studied to determine their quantitative relationship with the following three variables of mixed microstructures in steels: 1) the volume percent, XF, of polygonal fer-rite in mixed structures of martensite and polygonal ferrite in Fe-Mo-B alloys: 2) volume percent, XA, of retained austenite plus martensite aggregates in high-carbon steel; and 3) substructural differences between 100 pct bainitic ferrite structures formed at various temperatures. The quantitative relationship obtained in the first two conditions by plotting a us the known structural parameters can be expressed, respectively, as: where al, a 2 and C1, Cz are constants. In the third condition the nature of the attenuation depends on the state of dislocations generated at the transformation temperatures and also on the alloy composition. From these measured results, the mechanism of ultrasonic attenuation caused by these mixed microstructures can also be studied. MUCH interest has recently been shown in the application of ultrasonic attenuation and wave velocity measurements to the study of the microstructural characteristics of steels. The general aims of most of the investigations in this field can be grouped into two categories: one is to study the mechanisms of ultrasonic losses caused by the characteristic phases in the microstructure of steel,''' and the other is to develop nondestructive test methods and applications for quality control.~' 4 Apparently no work has been done on the evaluation of ultrasonic attenuation meas -urements as a means of quantitative determination of a given phase in the microstructure of a steel. It is well-established that the decomposition of austenite results in four main microstructural constituents—polygonal ferrite, pearlite, bainite, and martensite—and that each phase has different mechanical properties. Thus, when a steel consists of mixed microstructures, the mechanical properties can often be related to a quantitative measure of the volume percent of each phase present. This study relates ultrasonic attenuation measurements to: 1) the volume percent of polygonal ferrite in mixtures of martensite and polygonal ferrite in Fe-Mo-B alloys; 2) the substructural differences between 100 pct bainitic ferrite structures formed at various temperatures; and 3) the vol- ume percent of austenite in austenite plus martensite aggregates in a high-carbon steel. The choice of the specimen materials was based on the laboratory stocks which were suitable to produce the required mixed microstructures for this study. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES Materials and Heat Treatment. Polygonal Ferrite Plus Martensite Structures. This mixture of phases was produced in a vacuum-melted Fe-Mo-B alloy. The alloy was hammer-forged at 1900" ~ to a -f-in.-sq bar. By isothermally heat treating the alloy at 1300° F for various times and then water quenching, variations in the amount of polygonal (or proeutectoid) ferrite can be controlled in a microstructure in which the balance of the material is martensite. In the present work, four different times of isothermal transformation were adopted; after heat treatment, the four specimens were machined for ultrasonic measurements. The compositions, heat treatments, and dimensions of the four specimens are listed in Table I. 100 pct Bainite Structures Formed at Different Temperatures. It has been well-established by Irvine et al.= that the presence of molybdenum and boron in ferrous alloys can retard the formation of polygonal proeutectoid ferrite and expose the bainitic transformation bay, so that a more acicular or bainitic ferrite can be obtained over a wide range of cooling rates. Their investigation6 also showed that the mechanical properties of fully bainitic steels are usually closely dependent on the substructural characteristics of the steels. For studying the substructural characteristics in completely bainitic structures, six Fe-Ni-Mo alloys, of which five were free from carbon addition and one with 0.055 pct C addition, were selected so that a wide range of hardness values for 100 pct bainitic ferrite structures could be produced by normalizing at 1900" F followed by air cooling. The different bainitic transformation temperatures were recorded during air cooling. All of the alloys were vacuum-melted and then forged at 1900" F to square bars. Data on the six specimens of these structure series are summarized in Table 11. Austenite Plus Martensite Structures. The high-carbon steel used to study austenite plus martensite structures was vacuum-melted and then forged into Q-in.-sq bar. The series of mixed structures of austenite plus martensite was produced by quenching the specimens from the austenitizing temperature to room temperature and then refrigerating them at various temperatures within the range of martensite transformation to produce different amounts of retained austenite. Data on the four specimens of this series are listed in Table 111. Quantitative Analysis of the Microstructures. The microstructures containing martensite plus polygonal ferrite were analyzed by the point-counting technique.

Jan 1, 1969

By C. H. Gerould

I would like to take a moment to consider our polystyrene-silica replica technique, which was developed at the Dow Chemical Co. and which was mentioned in the paper just given by Mr. Thielsch. He stated that he feared that our replica technique would cause difficulty due to deformation of the metal as a result of the application of pressure during the molding process. We at the Dow have never had any reason to suspect that any deformation of the metal was occurring during the molding process. Our procedure has been to heat the polystyrene to a temperature of 160°C. before applying any pressure, at which temperature the polystyrene is a viscous liquid. By so doing the pressure of the polystyrene against the metal is essentially hydraulic and is therefore applied equally in all directions, which we feel should not cause deformation. Our work using this replica technique has brought forth several indications that deformation of the specimen is negligible. These indications are: I. Direct comparisons have been made between the light and electron microscopes when studying a specific spot on a metal surface. These "same spot" studies were obtained by first taking micrographs at high magnification, with a light microscope, of a specific structure that could be readily recog-

Jan 1, 1947

By James Aston

THREE years ago the writer presented a paper on the trend of development in the wrought iron industry,1 wherein was described a process in the development of which he has been a factor, which at that time had passed through several years of progressive experimental development but which had not then been put upon a commercial scale of operation. The present paper deals with two years of observation and experience in the commercial operation of a plant by the A. A Byers Co. at Warren, Ohio. It will not enter into the controversial field of the relative merit of wrought iron and steel in various classes of service, nor will it elaborate upon the characteristic services or fields of utility to which wrought iron is particularly adapted. It is sufficient to state that the wrought iron industry is upon a substantial basis and that the material finds service in pipe, where its advantages are in superior corrosion, fatigue, welding and threading qualities; in bar iron for staybolts, engine bolts, and rivets, demanding maximum service against corrosion and fatigue; in plates for corrosion service; and in chains, because of welding and shock-resisting characteristics. In short, ability to withstand the stresses of shock and vibration, or the ravages of corrosion, to hold protective coatings, and to give maximum efficiency in welding, are its features of relative superiority. If these features were not well recognized, the wrought iron industry would have shrunk to insignificance in the face of high costs and acknowledged limitations in manufacture. To charge that this industry is built upon a structure of assumption, psychology, and improperly weighed evidence is an impeachment of the integrity or belittling of the powers of observation of users through many centuries of service experiences.

Jan 1, 1929

By J. T. Dewan

An experimental setup is described whereby the responses of Neutron logging instruments have been determined opposite formations of different porosities and under various borehole conditions. The results of these tests are presented in several charts which show how the Neutron log is affected by the following factors: hole diameter, casing, cement, salinity and weight of drilling mud, and position of logging tool with respect to the wall of the hole. The responses in the case of empty holes are also shown. A chart is furthermore presented which shows the shapes of the Neutron log, as a function of logging speed and time constant, at the boundaries between two formations with different porosities. These were derived mathematically using as a basis laboratory determination of the shape of the curve under static conditions, i.e. at very low logging speed. Corrections for the readings made opposite thin beds are given by these computations. The correction is found negligible under usual logging conditions for beds thicker than about 4 ft. INTRODUCTION The Neutron log is used in borehole surveys both for the delineation of porous formations and for the quantitative estimation of their porosities.1,2,3,4,5 It is common practice to calibrate the response of the Neutron log in terms of porosity values for each given geological unit by means of empirical comparisons between the deflections of the neutron curve and the porosity values given by the core analysis in a sufficient number of wells. Usually, the plots of the porosity values vs Neutron log deflections show a definite trend. It is therefore possible to trace an average line across the plotted points. This average line constitutes a calibration curve which can be used to evaluate the porosities from the Neutron logs in the other wells drilled in the same region. Futhermore, when the porosity values are plotted on a logarithmic scale and the Neutron log deflections on a linear scale, the calibration curve is practically a straight line. Accordingly the calibration curves are often determined by simply tracing a straight line between two points corresponding to two widely different porosities. Different choices are made for these two points, depending on local conditions. For example, one point will be defined by plotting the deflection of the Neutron curve opposite a formation known to be very tight, for which an average porosity value of 1 or 2 per cent is assumed. The other point may correspond to shale sections, to which a porosity of around 40 per cent is ascribed. The information provided by the eletrical logs — in particular the Laterolog, Limestone log or Micro-Latero-log — is also very often a help in the calibration of the Neutron logs. Empirical approaches such as these make possible the derivation of fairly reliable porosity values from the Neutron logs in many cases, at least in open holes and in essentially clean formations. There are, however, several causes of uncertainty which may sometimes entail appreciable errors. On the one hand, the Neutron log readings are influenced by the borehole conditions: hole diameter, presence or absence of casing and cement, presence or absence of drilling mud, characteristics of the mud, and position of the logging instrument with respect to the wall of the hole. The amplitudes of the curves opposite thin beds are furthermore atfected by the bed thickness,

Jan 1, 1957

By James E. McNulty

Coal reserve estimates are prepared using a simple equation: the product of area, bed thickness, density and recovery factors. Each of these elements involves a degree of risk based on certain assumptions. Reserve area, thickness and density rely on certain physical data whose accuracy, reliability and sufficiency may be problematical. Estimates of recovery factors for mining and coal preparation are often subjective. Most reserve estimates assume, sometimes incorrectly, that the subject reserves will be completely extracted. The principle that certain coal resources are reserves, if they can be considered economically recoverable at the time of determination, needs to be reexamined in the light of recent market cycles. Reserve estimating requires the exercise of judgments, the validity of which reflect the qualifications, experience and objectivity of the estimator.

Jan 1, 1985

By Carle R. Hayward

THOUGH recent months have seen a rapid decline in lead-smelting activity and consequent uncertainty as to the future, the first half of the year showed progress in keeping with similar activity in other metals. Demand for scrap increased and various lead-bearing materials found their way to plants producing secondary lead. Some of these materials introduced complications into normal smelting procedure and were the cause of many conferences among plant officials attempting to find the most satisfactory method of treatment. If a blast furnace is to do itself justice it must be run with an open charge. Troubles inevitably result when materials are added to a charge which tighten it up and pre- vent free burning of the coke and con- sequent rapid smelting with a clean hearth This fact has long been recognized by plants producing primary lead, but only recently only it received the attention it deserves.

Jan 1, 1938

By W. H. Forbes

As permissible explosives and electric detonators are now generally recognized as the only safe means of blasting in coal mines, this paper is limited to their use. Causes of Misfires There are many different causes of misfires, but the principal ones are as follows: 1. Explosives which have deteriorated through improper storage either at the storage magazine, the distributing magazine, or at the working face. This is not only true of the explosive itself, but also of its detonating agent. 2. Improper priming and charging at the working face. This commonly occurs when the explosives are handled by inexperienced persons. 3. Improper methods of tamping; the leg wires of the detonator may be abraded or broken by the tamping bar or stick, thereby causing a short or broken circuit. 4. Faulty leading wire, or electrical apparatus of insufficient strength to explode the detonator. Prevention of Misfires Storage is an important factor, especially with permissibles of a nitrate or ammonia base. Both explosives and detonators should be stored in substantially built, fire-resisting magazines and should be situated so that the minimum amount of moisture and heat is present. They should be so constructed that a constant supply of fresh air enters; the floor of the magazine should be raised to permit the circulation of air under the stored explosives. Boxes should be stored top side up and in such a manner that the old explosives are used before those of a later delivery. This eliminates chance of deterioration from lengthy storage. Detonators should be similarly handled and stored. The distributing magazine stock should be regulated so that not more than one day's supply is on hand.

Jan 1, 1930

By Cyril Wells, Robert F. Mehl

The purpose of this investigation was to prepare high-purity iron-carbon alloys, to determine as precisely as possible the A3(GOS), the Acm(SE), and the A1(PSK) transformation temperatures in the meta-stable iron-iron carbide system (up to 1.4 per cent C), and to study the influence of carefully controlled and constant rates of heating and cooling (1/8 to 2o C. per minute) upon the transformation temperature and upon the resulting microstructure. Apart from the general metallurgical importance attending the completion of such a task, it will be noted that highly precise transformation temperatures are of interest and importance in the thermodynamic study of this system1. Several determinations of the iron-iron carbide diagram have been made2. These suffer generally from the low purity of the alloys used, and from the application of methods of investigation of low sensitivity. Attempts to compare and weight the many data available in an effort to construct as accurate a diagram as possible have, in the main, been unsuccessful. In general, the wide differences in the results of different workers, the lack of complete analytical data, the omission of important details relating to the heat-treatment of the alloys, and the meager description of the methods of investigation applied, render such a process of averaging nearly meaningless. It may be seen from the summaries by Epstein2 and Körber and Oelsenl that variations as great as 30' C. exist in the reported data on the A3 temperatures in iron-carbon alloys. Fortunately, the Aa temperature in pure iron is now known to be 910" C. ± 1° C.3 The best recent work on iron-carbon alloys is that of Esser4 on hypoeutectoid steels and that of Sato5 on both hypoeutectoid and hyper-eutectoid steels. Esser made a dilatometric and magnetic study of iron and iron-carbon alloys containing 0.06 to 0.86 per cent C, for which a high purity is claimed. Presumably the electrolytic iron was reasonably pure, but the alloys contained considerable impurities, on the average totaling 0.35 per

Jan 1, 1937

By Jack Parker, Gonzalo Barrientos

The most realistic mine pillar design is based on observations and measurements in situ. Low-cost reliable instrumentation has made this approach possible. At the White Pine mine, with its thousands of pillars of all shapes and sizes under all kinds of loading conditions, practical pillar design criteria have been developed. The pressure arch theory is explained and work in two test panels o f the mine is described. The pressure arch mechanism, which relies on lateral stress for support, can be applied to puzzling roof and pillar conditions in other mines.

Jan 1, 1975

Victor G. Hills, Cripple Creek, Colo. (communication to the Secretary): In continuation of the subject of the perform ance of "baby machine-drills," presented by Mr. Thane, I sub mit the following records of work done with these drills in the Cripple Creek district of Colorado. Two years ago, the Anchoria-Leland mine began to use baby drills ; and, to make the experiment more complete, began by purchasing two machines, of the same size, but of different make. The little drills were first used for stoping and up raising, in which they achieved at once an unqualified success. Soon after, they began to be used for the smaller branch-drifts and prospecting cross-cuts, while the large two-man drills were still used for the main drifts. Now they have almost entirely superseded the large drills, since it has been found that they will do any ordinary work in the mine at less cost, both for labor and for powder, per ton of rock broken. The large drills, of course, make more rapid progress; but it is only where time is a specially important factor that they are now used. The Portland mine, where, until within a year, only the large machines were used, is now using some small drills for stoping, and also for drifting. Mr. Thane speaks of having two men to operate a baby-drill; but in this district the baby-machine is always worked by one man without help. Again, in Prof. Christy's postscript, the quoted extract from a letter of Mr. L. T. Seymour, the South African engineer, mentions a " 2 1/2-inch Little Giant," as though that were the smallest machine used in that region. These statements leave some doubt as to just what Mr. Thane means by a " baby-drill." To avoid any such uncertainty as to the present communication, I will say that the large or two-man drill in common use at Cripple Creek has a 3 1/8-inch cylinder; while a few mines employ a 3-inch, and a few, in running large tunnels, a 3 1/2-inch drill. What we call a baby-drill here has a

Jan 1, 1900

By Harry H. Power

While the attention of all engineering branches is focused today on changes and improvements in the several curricula, we are concerned here with the many questions arising in industry and college concerning the preparation for the petroleum engineering profession. The succession of problems confronting the petroleum engineer demands a degree of versatility not ordinarily encountered in other professions. As a consequence, the student cannot acquire mastery of all the several engineering branches represented in field practice, and as an alternative, he has learned to appreciate the value of thorough training in the basic or fundamental sciences as a Preliminary foundation for professional work. While our attention is directed primarily to the training of engineers in educational institutions, it is necessary that the ultimate education of the professional engineer be kept in mind. It is apparent that his success as an engineer is limited not only by his educational and job experience, but by his native endowments: mentality, Personality and health. The engineer's lack of job experiences often proves as much a handicap as the lack of adequate college training. If the final product proves to be satisfactory, both industry and technical institutions are to be congratulated. However, if the Product is found wanting, the one most responsible should For the most part, students of engineering colleges have had their interests in applied science awakened at a relatively early age. Manyof them entered college as a convenient means of acquiring a technical education, but undoubtedly would have had better prospects in a shorter program offered by institutions of non-college grade. The activating motive of practical interest is also strong in students suitable for college training, but in many cases an intellectual interest must be awakened in order that it may survive graduation. Numerous engineers believe that this progressive process of selection and determination of career aims is one of the essential services rendered by the engineering colleges. Industrialists, who are more inter. ested in quality than quantity of petroleum engineering graduates, have pointed out the good that should result if more emphasis were given to the work of eliminating the misfits. They also point out the protective measures that have been taken by other professions for the betterment of professional standards. Mention has been ,de of the beneficial results to be obtdned by collective determination of the market for the products of engineering schools, particularly in that the students unsuited to the profession would have an opportunity to prepare themselves for employment more suited to their personalities and other qualifications. In the event that such a system of coordinated personnel direction is developed by the

Jan 1, 1941

By Harry H. Power

While the attention of all engineering branches is focused today on changes and improvements in the several curricula, we are concerned here with the many questions arising in industry and college concerning the preparation for the petroleum engineering profession. The succession of problems confronting the petroleum engineer demands a degree of versatility not ordinarily encountered in other professions. As a consequence, the student cannot acquire mastery of all the several engineering branches represented in field practice, and as an alternative, he has learned to appreciate the value of thorough training in the basic or fundamental sciences as a Preliminary foundation for professional work. While our attention is directed primarily to the training of engineers in educational institutions, it is necessary that the ultimate education of the professional engineer be kept in mind. It is apparent that his success as an engineer is limited not only by his educational and job experience, but by his native endowments: mentality, Personality and health. The engineer's lack of job experiences often proves as much a handicap as the lack of adequate college training. If the final product proves to be satisfactory, both industry and technical institutions are to be congratulated. However, if the Product is found wanting, the one most responsible should For the most part, students of engineering colleges have had their interests in applied science awakened at a relatively early age. Manyof them entered college as a convenient means of acquiring a technical education, but undoubtedly would have had better prospects in a shorter program offered by institutions of non-college grade. The activating motive of practical interest is also strong in students suitable for college training, but in many cases an intellectual interest must be awakened in order that it may survive graduation. Numerous engineers believe that this progressive process of selection and determination of career aims is one of the essential services rendered by the engineering colleges. Industrialists, who are more inter. ested in quality than quantity of petroleum engineering graduates, have pointed out the good that should result if more emphasis were given to the work of eliminating the misfits. They also point out the protective measures that have been taken by other professions for the betterment of professional standards. Mention has been ,de of the beneficial results to be obtdned by collective determination of the market for the products of engineering schools, particularly in that the students unsuited to the profession would have an opportunity to prepare themselves for employment more suited to their personalities and other qualifications. In the event that such a system of coordinated personnel direction is developed by the

Jan 1, 1941

By P. Majani, F. P. Kokesh, M. Grosmangin

Determination of the quality of cementation of casing in oil wells in the past has involved inflow and circulation tests to insure that the producing zones were adequately sealed off from the adjacent zones. Existing logging methods, such as temperature and radioactivity surveys, may detect the presence of cement behind the casing. However, the qualities of the cement (i.e., its hardness and particularly its bond to the casing) are not indicated. The new logging method described in this paper operates on the principle that the attenuation of a sonic pulse transmitted by a casing is greatly increased when that casing is bonded to an outer annulus of hard material (such as set cement) which has an appreciably smaller sonic-wave velocity than that of the casing. The down-hole tool contains a source of recurrent sound pulses which are detected by a receiver spaced a few feet from the source The amplitude of the detected casing-borne pulse is measured, and the resulting signal is transmitted to the surface where it is recorded vs depth. Since amplitude is a function of attenuation, the log is readily interpreted. Laboratory studies have shown straightforward relationship between attenuation and such variables as source-detector spacing and per cent of circumference bonded. It is shown that cement not set or not bonded to the casing has compara- tively little attenuating effect. Field examples show not only the cement top, but also the variation in cementation quality below the top. Further, the increase of bonding with time and after squeeze cementation is depicted. The detection of poor cement jobs is confirmed by production tests and by formation-test results. It is anticipated that the method will have wide application in evaluating cementation quality prior to formation testing in completions and recompletions. The analysis it affords may aid in further improving cementation techniques. INTRODUCTION The main purpose of oilwell cementing is to isolate a production zone from other undesirable zones. To investigate whether this purpose has been accomplished, several logging methods have been used such as temperature logs, radioactive tracer logs, etc. While these logs all respond to the presence of cement behind the casing, they do not indicate the degree of bonding of the cement to the casing. Early in the application of sonic logging, it was noticed that considerable attenuation of sound signals takes place in cemented pipe and is often made evident on the standard Sonic log by cycle skipping.' The development of a circuit capable of continuously recording the amplitude of the casing-borne sound signal has made possible an extensive series of laboratory and field tests, which gave the following results. The amplitude of a sound signal after it has traveled in a firmly cemented pipe is only a small fraction of that recorded by the same device in free pipe. This provides a wide spectrum of energy levels; for given local conditions, empirical values of the amplitude can be correlated with the quality of cementation. Interpretations made in this manner generally have been confirmed by production tests, circulation tests and squeeze cementation. The purposes of this paper are to give a general description of the new logging method and to present some laboratory and field results. CYCLE SKIPPING Early attempts to study the quality of the cement behind the casing were performed with a standard Sonic log, which measures the transit time At, and were based on the well known phenomenon of cycle skipping.' Cycle skipping normally is interpreted as being a manifestation of weak signals at the receivers. The log of Fig. 1 was run with the recording instrumentation adjusted to enhance cycle skipping. A mirror-image presentation was used for better visual interpretation. The transit time of sound in steel is about 58 microseconds/ft (corresponding to a velocity of 17,000 ft/ sec), and the portions of the log where this value is recorded are interpreted as zones with no cement bond. Where cycle skipping produces a higher value of At, weak signals (or a high rate of attenuation) are indicated, and a good cement bond may be present. The occurrence of cycle skipping, however, depends too much on instrument adjustment to give a uni-

By AIME AIME

THERE is a constant reiteration in some quarters that technical societies are autocratic and that democracy is utterly lacking and that members would welcome democratic societies in which they had full, control of affairs. While we may not speak for other societies, than our own, in so far as th's Institute is concerned such charges- can only come from people uninformed as to the circumstances. It. is no curtailment of the democratic privileges of the members that a -slate is prepared by the Nominating Committee to be voted on at the annual meeting. The Constitution of the, institute stipulates how the nominating committee shall; be chosen and who shall compose it, which prevents anything like- a- clique controlling- the situation. The Constitution further provides how the nominees shall be distributed geographically and the by-laws specify geographical boundaries: for-these nomination districts. Further more, any man or complete ticket can be placed in nomination by means of a petition signed-by only; twenty-five members,- and three or four times such an independent slate has been so nominated and elected.

Jan 1, 1920

By Leonard C. Grimshaw

The idea of bonding two dissimilar ferrous metals, and making use of both, is an old one. Tips have been brazed onto tool shanks for many years. The bonding of larger pieces to form whole bars and sheets has also been accomplished, but has received little attention in the technical literature, although a number of patents have been issued covering various methods for its accomplishment. There are three main motives behind the manufacture of composite steels. One is that the physical properties of one steel may supplement those of another; a useful, but at the same time, hard, brittle steel may be backed by a soft ductile one, or a stainless steel may be backed by a steel possessing greater strength. Another motive is direct lowering of cost; an expensive steel may be backed by a less expensive one, bringing down the cost of the piece as a whole. The third motive is an indirect lowering of cost, as when a useful steel is backed by a steel that is easier to machine, so that machining cost on a finished product is lowered considerably. Often more than one of these motives lead to a decision to use a composite steel. Previous Methods There are two methods in use that result in tolerably good bonds between ferrous metals: (1) the casting method, and (2) what we shall call the "heat-pressure" method. This "heat-pressure" method covers processes in which the bond is made between two prepared surfaces by heating them and then applying pressure. Usually sufficient pressure must be used to produce appreciable spread and elongation, or else we arc merely brazing and not truly welding. Casting methods for welding together ferrous metals have been used more than 74 years, and are described in the technical literature as applied

Jan 1, 1936