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By F. X. Tartaron

The comparison of actual energy of comminution with theoretical surface energy presents a wide gap. On the other hand, Solid State Theory presents a viewpoint that places actual energy of breakage in understandable relationship with the theoretical strength of materials. Therefore the physical background of comminution theory favors Kick's Law. A11 discussions of comminution theory appear farfetched when comparison is made of the actual energy of crushing with the energy input called for by thermodynamic theory. Quoting Taggart:' "The work required to crush halite was of the general order of 0.10 kg cm per sq cm of new surface produced (based on air percolation) whereas the theoretical energy of this new surface, based on thermodynamic calculation by a number of investigators is 1 x 10'4 kg cm per sq cm or the work expended was 1000 times the new surface energy — an indicated crushing efficiency of 0.10 pct." It is frustrating to probe into comminution theory with the prospect that the energy one is measuring is 99.9 pct waste energy. Do the laws of comminution deal with energy consumed by mineral breakage or with waste heat energy? There seems to be something wrong. Solid State Theory may provide the answer. The following statement is particularly apt to the situation: "The fundamental fact about metals and indeed all materials, is that they are much weaker than they should be. By this, we mean that if the stress required to cause a given plane of atoms to slip past a neighboring plane is calculated from basic atomic and Solid State Theory, the resulting number is some 1000 times too large to be accounted for by errors in approximations or assumptions. We know now that this is due to dislocations, and we even have a fair understanding of the details of the process by which dislocations make a crystal weak. An intriguing possibility which suggests itself, results from the discovery of very minute metallic crystals which are apparently free of dislocations and which have a strength approaching the ideal value for a perfect crystal." Here we have an extraordinary reversal of the situation. The actual energy for breakage is only one-thousandth the theoretical instead of 1000 times as given by Taggart. But the theoretical energy presented by Solid State Theory is the binding energy between atoms (or ions) in a crystal lattice. This is the kind of energy envisaged by Kick's law. The surface energy or the other hand corresponds to Rittinger's law. Comparison of theoretical with actual, on the basis of surface or on the basis of Rittinger's law, seems to present an absurdity; yet Rittinger's law is confirmed by an impressive array of experimental evidence. Comparison of theoretical and actual on the basis of Solid State Theory or, in other words, on the basis of Kick's law seems reasonable; yet there is not a scrap of evidence to verify Kick's law. The situation appears paradoxical, but the developments in the next section of this paper show that the paradox is a hint to a strange turn of events. ENERGY-WEIGHT FRACTION FUNCTION charles3 has presented a final equation showing the relation of energy consumed in comminution to size of product n{-1) a-n + 1 E is energy, C is proportionality constant, a and n are constants and k is the coarsest size in the ground product (size modulus). In the course of study of a large amount of experimental evidence, Charles discovered that in the general case, a-n + 1 approximated zero. For some reason, a and n differed only by unity. But if a—n + 1 = 0 within experimental error, then it is obvious that Eq. 1 states that it requires an infinite amount of energy to grind any sample to any size. This is a case where nature gives an absurd answer to a man-made mathematical equation, hence something is wrong with the equation. An adjustment must be made to fit the equation with experience. TO reveal the nature of the adjustment, the differential equation preceding the second integration in Charles' group of equations is given When Charles integrated the quantity xa-n it was almost impossible for him to realize that he was dealing with a special case of integration and that

Jan 1, 1962

By Fred Wise

THE Getchell mine, a comparatively recent gold discovery, is in the old Potosi mining district, Humboldt County, Nevada. All ore is mined from open pits using Diesel shovels and gasoline trucks. Two types of ore are mined, oxide and sulphide. Oxide ores are siliceous or shaly; sulphide ores either gougy, siliceous or shaly. In mining, the sulphide ore is segregated into hard and gougy ore, because the gouge must be dried before it can be crushed, The oxide ore is not segregated. GENERAL METALLURGY The oxide ore is the leached outcrop that overlies the sulphide ore body. All of the iron and arsenic sulphides found in the sulphide ores have been thoroughly oxi-dized, The sulphur and arsenic have been leached out while the iron is present as hematite and limonite. The oxide ore is amenable to direct cyanidation, and although no visible free gold is present it is released at a comparatively coarse grind. The sulphide ore is more refractory, since the gold is all of micron size and some of it is locked in fine sulphides. It has been established microscopically that the free gold is coated with an impervious shell, which is probably some form of iron compound. The sulphide ores contain from 1.5 to 2 per cent of arsenic, which is present as orpiment and realgar with minor amounts of arsenopyrite. The orpiment and realgar are of a later mineralization than the gold and are barren. Roasting and washing of the sulphide ore prior to cyanidation is necessary to eliminate the arsenic, to alter the gold coating from an insoluble form to a soluble form, and to release the gold associated with the fine sulphides. Washing the ground calcine in weak sulphuric acid, trona, or hot water are beneficial in the order named, but to date the water is the best from an economic standpoint. Metallurgical tests as well as plant practice indicate that a certain amount of gold cannot be recovered even by going beyond economic practices, On this basis metallurgical results are viewed in the light of an optimum tailing rather than a per-centage of extraction.

Jan 1, 1940

By W. P. Haseman

The well method of producing oil and gas is universally used in the development and operation of oil and gas properties. It consists essentially in the spacing of a number of wells on a given tract, and in drilling and operating them in accordance with established practices. The method is based on a fundamental energy principle. This principle governs the state and the change of state of fluids or fluid mixtures confined under pressure within a porous and permeable reservoir in such a way as to direct a flow from the reservoir into and out of a drilled well with a reduction of potential energy. The application of the well method of producing oil has given data which prove that the total yield of oil from a reservoir through wells is, in general, only a small fractional part of the total oil that is contained in the reservoir. It is generally recognized that a spacing of one well to each 160-acre tract of any good oil pool is too wide. However, one well to this 160-acre tract will yield a large quantity of oil and in time will dissipate most, if not all, of the potential energy that was originally stored and retained in the fluids by pressure. Two wells spaced and drilled on this 160-acre tract would yield approximately twice the quantity of oil, while four wells would yield approximately four times the oil. A well spacing is soon reached, with the addition of wells to this 160-acre tract, in which the drainage interference of offset wells will materially affect the yield of oil per well. The increased yield of oil, therefore, is not directly proportional to the added number of wells but the increased costs of development are directly proportional to the added number of wells. It is evident that while an added number of wells to this 160-acre tract yields an increased quantity of oil, there is an economic limit to the number of wells to be added. The yield of oil and the costs of development and operation are of such a nature, and are so related, that

Jan 1, 1930

By P. E. Baker

A paper by A. S. Odeh' expounds a capillary-flow theory which purportedly provides a mechanism whereby relative permeability depends on oil-water viscosity ratio and may be greater than unity for high viscosity ratios. Core-measurement results are presented to support the theoretical development. This paper presents arguments to indicate that (1) the theoretical treatment is basically incorrect, (2) data reported are insufficient to support the conclusions and (3) literature cited does not support the theory or the conclusions. PROPOSED MECHANISM The essence of Odeh's theory is that oil flows as a filament along the central portion of a straight, uniform capillary of radius r filling the tube to a radius ri. Surrounding the filament of oil is an annulus of water in which exists vortex motion but no net flow. The water is described as being in "microscopic but not macroscopic" motion. The oil filament is aided in its flow by moving upon the water vortexes as if on roller bearings. This process is presented as a steady-state flow condition. The first objection to the existence of vortexes in the presumed water layer is that the theory provides no mechanism whereby they can be established. This fact was mentioned by C. F. Weinaug in a discussion published with Odeh's paper. The capillary contains no irregularities or obstructions, and the water is not presumed to be in turbulent flow. Apparently, cylindrical symmetry is assumed; therefore, the supposed vortexes must be toroidal, the line of zero velocity being a circle concentric with and in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the capillary. This is a rather difficult picture to accept. The author referred to Yuster's statement' that he had observed the "spinning in place" of otherwise immobile water. Yuster's article does not describe the conditions under which this motion was observed or the means used to observe it. However, the article does make clear that the observed motion was not in a straight, uniform capillary but, rather, apparently oc-cured in some kind of dead-ended pore space. Obvious- ly, such a report cannot be considered as support for Odeh's concept of two-phase capillary flow.

By Arthur F. Taggart

A general awakening of interest among mill men concerning the mechanical efficiencies of their crushing machines is evident from a perusal of the recent files of mining publications. Considering the large part of the power bill which must be debited to the crushing department, such interest is natural. When, however, the articles on the subject are read, the only statement upon which the writers agree is that fine grinding consumes a large amount of power, and that the machine which, from a concentration standpoint, offends as a slime producer is, for that reason, a serious offender in wasting power. When the mill man attempts to find a method for measuring the power wasted, or to compare the efficiency of one machine with that of another for the same work, he is confronted with a choice of methods which lead to conflicting results. There are two reasons why the work of crushing is not more generally understood. In the first place, experimental data are difficult to obtain; and in the second place, before these data can be put in general form certain assumptions must be made. A difference in these assumptions by different investigators has led to conflicting conclusions. This conflict has resulted in the proposal of two laws. The first of these is the so-called Rittinger's law, which is variously stated as follows: "The work of crushing is proportional to the reduction in diameter."—R. H. Richards: Ore Dressing, p. 304 (1903). "The work required to crush rock is very nearly proportional to the reciprocals of the diameters crushed to."—A. Del Mar: Engineering and Mining Journal, vol. xciv, No. 24, p. 1129 (Dec. 14, 1912). "The work done in crushing is proportional to the surface exposed by the operation, or better expressed for this purpose, the work done on a given mass of rock is proportional to the reciprocal of the diameter of the final product, assuming that all the mass has been reduced to one exact size, which is only theoretically possible."— A. 0. Gates: Engineering and Mining Journal, vol. xcv, No. 21, p. 1039 (May 24, 1913). ' ' " Of this law as variously stated above H. Stadler says (Grading Analyses and Their Application, Author's Reply to Discussion, Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, vol. xx, p. 426 [1910-111):

Jan 1, 1915

By John S. Crandall

THE mineral garnet, while ordinarily considered a semiprecious gem stone or a second-grade industrial gem, has also proved itself in the field of industrial abrasives. Its use is well known as a sandpaper grain, and as a sandblasting sand its qualities are rapidly becoming recognized in more and more industries. Production of garnet as an abrasive is confined chiefly to two areas in the United States, North Creek, N. Y., where the Barton Mines Corp. operates, and Emerald Creek, Benewah County, Idaho, where Occurrence: Garnets in the Emerald Creek area occur as disseminated crystals in beds of micaceous schists of the Belt Series, which in this section are estimated to be close to 4000 ft thick. The schists are high in alumina and silica with iron, manganese, and magnesium. Subjection of the original sediments to high temperatures and pressures caused metamorphism to take place with the resultant re-crystallization of high alumina-silica minerals such as garnet, mainly spessartite and almandite varieties, cyanite, sillimanite, chlorite, actinolite, tourmaline, biotite, and muscovite, with minor amounts of ilmenite and magnetite. Quartz is also present in considerable amounts. Fast erosion of the soft mica schists on exposure to weathering has created extensive alluvial deposits containing up to 10 pct garnet having a maximum grain size of 3/16 in. These alluvial sands and gravels are now being treated for the recovery of garnet sands. Treatment: Overburden of 1 to 4 ft must be stripped to expose the garnetiferous gravels. This operation and the subsequent feeding of the gravels to a trommel-screen washing plant are performed by a % yd dragline. The trommel-screen openings are 3/16 in., thus allowing a separation and concentration based on grain size, since over 95 pct of total free garnets are minus 3/16 in. All plus 3/16-in. material is wasted at this point. The minus 3/16-in. material is further concentrated in a sand-drag classifier, where the slimes and silts are washed out and wasted. The sand product from the classifier varies in garnet content from 20 to 60 pct according to the particular section of ground being worked. This sand product is trucked to a jig plant where two sized fractions are made in a trommel-screen. The minus 3/16-in. plus 10-mesh portion is fed to a Pan-American two cell 42-in. jig. The minus 10-mesh portion is treated in a Bendelari three cell 42-in. jig. The jig concentrates are combined to form a 98 pct garnet sand. The jig tailings contain 3 to 5 pct garnet which is mainly flat crystals and chips which will not settle into the jig hutch. Subsequent treatment of these tailings in a scavenger jig followed by drying and electromagnetic separation will, according to tests, reduce the garnet losses in the tailings to something around 1 pct. Jig treatment of this feed approaches ideal as the major portion of the garnet crystals are the natural dodecahedrons and so are, in general, close to spherical. The specific gravity of pure garnet is 4.2, while the next heaviest mineral in the feed is cyanite with a specific gravity of 3.6, then quartz with specific gravity of 2.6. The garnet concentrate is practically free of quartz. The predominant impurity is cyanite which amounts to about 1.5 pct. The rod-like crystals of cyanite appear to up-end in the jig and go into the hutch with the garnets. Some ilmenite and magnetite appear in the concentrate but in very minor amounts. Subsequent washing in a sand-drag classifier removes fine silts and iron oxides. The gravel feed to the washing plant will average 8 pct recoverable garnet content. Concentration ratio in this plant runs about 2.5 to 1. Washing-plant concentrate as fed to the jigs will average 45 pct garnet by weight. Concentration ratio of jigging runs about 2.2 to 1. The garnet concentrate is dried in a rotary oil-fired drier and then fed to vibrating screens in closed circuit with crushing rolls. Practically any grit from 10-mesh down to 150-mesh grain size may be graded to specifications in two 3-deck vibrating screens. The present production, however, is approximately 75 pct No. 36, 15 pct No. 60. and the balance No. 80 and No. 100. Metal-screen cloth is used for sizes down to 36 mesh. From 36 mesh and finer, silk-screen cloth is used since it has less tendency to blind. All garnet sand is bagged in 100 lb self-sealing, sleeve-type paper bags. Practically all shipments are made in carload lots. Car loading is convenient since the plant is in Fernwood on the tracks of a branch line of the Milwaukee railroad. Truck shipments can and are made occasionally.

Jan 1, 1951

By John S. Crandall

THE mineral garnet, while ordinarily considered a semiprecious gem stone or a second-grade industrial gem, has also proved itself in the field of industrial abrasives. Its use is well known as a sandpaper grain, and as a sandblasting sand its qualities are rapidly becoming recognized in more and more industries. Production of garnet as an abrasive is confined chiefly to two areas in the United States, North Creek, N. Y., where the Barton Mines Corp. operates, and Emerald Creek, Benewah County, Idaho, where Occurrence: Garnets in the Emerald Creek area occur as disseminated crystals in beds of micaceous schists of the Belt Series, which in this section are estimated to be close to 4000 ft thick. The schists are high in alumina and silica with iron, manganese, and magnesium. Subjection of the original sediments to high temperatures and pressures caused metamorphism to take place with the resultant re-crystallization of high alumina-silica minerals such as garnet, mainly spessartite and almandite varieties, cyanite, sillimanite, chlorite, actinolite, tourmaline, biotite, and muscovite, with minor amounts of ilmenite and magnetite. Quartz is also present in considerable amounts. Fast erosion of the soft mica schists on exposure to weathering has created extensive alluvial deposits containing up to 10 pct garnet having a maximum grain size of 3/16 in. These alluvial sands and gravels are now being treated for the recovery of garnet sands. Treatment: Overburden of 1 to 4 ft must be stripped to expose the garnetiferous gravels. This operation and the subsequent feeding of the gravels to a trommel-screen washing plant are performed by a % yd dragline. The trommel-screen openings are 3/16 in., thus allowing a separation and concentration based on grain size, since over 95 pct of total free garnets are minus 3/16 in. All plus 3/16-in. material is wasted at this point. The minus 3/16-in. material is further concentrated in a sand-drag classifier, where the slimes and silts are washed out and wasted. The sand product from the classifier varies in garnet content from 20 to 60 pct according to the particular section of ground being worked. This sand product is trucked to a jig plant where two sized fractions are made in a trommel-screen. The minus 3/16-in. plus 10-mesh portion is fed to a Pan-American two cell 42-in. jig. The minus 10-mesh portion is treated in a Bendelari three cell 42-in. jig. The jig concentrates are combined to form a 98 pct garnet sand. The jig tailings contain 3 to 5 pct garnet which is mainly flat crystals and chips which will not settle into the jig hutch. Subsequent treatment of these tailings in a scavenger jig followed by drying and electromagnetic separation will, according to tests, reduce the garnet losses in the tailings to something around 1 pct. Jig treatment of this feed approaches ideal as the major portion of the garnet crystals are the natural dodecahedrons and so are, in general, close to spherical. The specific gravity of pure garnet is 4.2, while the next heaviest mineral in the feed is cyanite with a specific gravity of 3.6, then quartz with specific gravity of 2.6. The garnet concentrate is practically free of quartz. The predominant impurity is cyanite which amounts to about 1.5 pct. The rod-like crystals of cyanite appear to up-end in the jig and go into the hutch with the garnets. Some ilmenite and magnetite appear in the concentrate but in very minor amounts. Subsequent washing in a sand-drag classifier removes fine silts and iron oxides. The gravel feed to the washing plant will average 8 pct recoverable garnet content. Concentration ratio in this plant runs about 2.5 to 1. Washing-plant concentrate as fed to the jigs will average 45 pct garnet by weight. Concentration ratio of jigging runs about 2.2 to 1. The garnet concentrate is dried in a rotary oil-fired drier and then fed to vibrating screens in closed circuit with crushing rolls. Practically any grit from 10-mesh down to 150-mesh grain size may be graded to specifications in two 3-deck vibrating screens. The present production, however, is approximately 75 pct No. 36, 15 pct No. 60. and the balance No. 80 and No. 100. Metal-screen cloth is used for sizes down to 36 mesh. From 36 mesh and finer, silk-screen cloth is used since it has less tendency to blind. All garnet sand is bagged in 100 lb self-sealing, sleeve-type paper bags. Practically all shipments are made in carload lots. Car loading is convenient since the plant is in Fernwood on the tracks of a branch line of the Milwaukee railroad. Truck shipments can and are made occasionally.

Jan 1, 1951

By J. W. Peirce

Advances in instrumentation now make it possible to measure accurately flaw of such difficult-to-mea-sure liquids as mining slurries. A mass flowmeter, which introduces no restrictions in the line, will measure the mass flow of slurry equal to the volume flow times the mms/unit volume. In the mass flowmeter system a volume flow measurement is electrically multiplied by a density measurement in order to give mass flow. Fig. 1 shows a typical mass flow measuring system. The volume flow is measured by a magnetic flowmeter and the density is measured by a gamma gauge cell, neither of which have any restrictions in the line. Consequently, there is no clogging and no more loss of head than there would be in a similm length of standard pipe. None of the parts extend into the flowing stream and there are no moving parts in the measuring elements. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF THE VOLUME FLOW TRANSMITTER The magnetic flowmeter, which is used for the volume measurement, operates on the principle of a generator (Fig. 2). This principle states that when a moving conductor cuts lines of force in a magnetic field, a voltage is induced in it. Moreover, if the dimensions of the conductor remain constant, then the induced voltage is directly proportional to the velocity of the conductor. Since the voltage is strictly a function of flow velocity, the transmitter output can in no way be influenced by such factors as temperature, viscosity, turbulence, or conductivity. The linear output is detected by flush mounted electrodes (as shown) and transmitted to a potentiometer flow receiver. Magnetic Meter Construction: The metering tube is constructed of nonmagnetic stainless steel. (See Fig. 3.) To prevent shortcircuiting of the generated voltage, the tubes are lined with a suitable liner, depending upon the corrosive, erosive or other properties of the liquid or slurry to be measured. A uniform magnetic field is produced by two saddle-shaped coils of insulated copper wire. A laminated iron core focuses the magnetic field at a 90' angle to the flowing liquid. The voltage generated by a flow of liquid through the magnetic field is detected by two point electrodes mounted flush with the inner wall of the metering tube, 180' apart. Electrodes are made of Type-316 stainless steel or other material suitable to the application . Volume Flowmeter Operation: The millivolt output of the metering transmitter is transmitted to a potentiometer-type receiver (Fig. 4). The self-balancing, self-standardizing receiver has a drive unit for circuit rebalancing. The measurement change imposes an unbalanced input on the twin windings of the drive unit. The resulting unequal pull on a segmental rotor provides the motion which drives a pen, while simultaneously and steplessly repositioning a rebalancing element. Changes in conductivity have no effect on the accuracy of the measurement or the calibration of the instrument. The minimum conductivity values are determined by the length of the transmission cable and the size of the transmitter. They can be as low as five micro mhos, since there is such a small load on the electrodes. Because the meter electrically averages all of the incremental velocities in an irregular flow profile, it is ideally suited for turbulent flow and suspended solids. Straight runs of pipe are therefore not required. The transmitter can be installed close to

Jan 1, 1962

By Allen Rogers

THERE are few natural monopolies comparable with the nitrate industry. Perhaps the only other one is, curiously enough, also an essential fertilizer material, viz., potash, of which the Germans have heretofore held practically a-monopoly due to the existence in their territory of the most important known deposits of potash salts. And although nitrates in minute amounts are found in many desert regions, the only deposits callable of being worked commercially exist in Chile. Combined nitrogen in the oxidized form is an essential for plant life. Nature provides it mainly through the agency of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. But where lands are cropped artificially this supply is too small; and gradually the nitrogen supply becomes exhausted. In order to continue farming, it is necessary to furnish a supply of nitrogenous plant food, and this is clone by putting on various substances containing combined nitrogen. These consist of various animal wastes, ammonium sulphate, the ammonia of which is obtained in the destructive distillation of coal, and Chile saltpeter. The latter is immediately available as a plant food, the nitrogen being in the required form. The other substances must oxidize before they are available. Besides its use as a fertilizer, Chile saltpeter is the source from which the bulk of the nitric acid of commerce is derived. The use of nitric acid in the manufacture of almost, all modern explosives is, of course, well known.

Jan 2, 1918

Louis D. MILLS, San Francisco, Cal. (written discussion *).-The principle involved in the Crowe vacuum precipitation process is so elementary and the apparatus required is so simple, that the whole subject affords scant material for a technical discussion. As. one prominent Colorado metallurgist recently remarked when asked to contribute to this paper: "The Crowe process is the biggest step forward since the early clays of the cyanide process, but there is nothing to write about; just put it in your mill and try it." The writer confesses to a similar feeling, but having been closely identified with the process since its inception in 1916, he is perhaps in a position to at least comment on the theory involved and to record some of the results that have been achieved in actual practise. In practising the Crowe process, the solutions to be precipitated are first vacuumized in a suitable dispersion tower; that is, thin films of the liquid are subject to the action of a vacuum within a receiver. Sub-

Jan 1, 1919

INTRODUCTION Data available on prophyry copper occurrences in the Andean, Caribbean, Appalachian, and Cordilleran orogens may be categorized in a manner to suggest a hypothetical evolution for deposits that occur in the western hemisphere. A classification of de- posits is also suggested. A classification dependent on internal structure of a porphyry copper deposit would lead to two broad categories, breccia pipe and stockwork models. A classification of this type is examined herein but it is not universally accepted in the literature. Modeling based on igneous petrography as well as metasomatism attendant with the sulfide mineralization is more widely accepted by economic geologists whose evaluation of porphyry systems is influenced by the presence or absence of a phyllic zone. Lowell and Guilbert model deposits ordinarily include a phyllic zone, whereas those of the diorite model do not. Position of the phyllic zone in the alteration sequence is a significant ore guide. Should the phyllic zone be absent, dependence on alteration zoning to identify metallization is weakened. Presence or absence of the phyllic zone therefore is a significant parameter in the economic evaluation of a porphyry copper deposit (Hollister. et al., 1975). The Lowell and Guilbert (1970) model commonly includes a phyllic zone in quartz- bearing rocks. Parameters of both calc-alkalic and the quartz monzonite models mentioned elsewhere in this volume are sufficiently close to the Lowell and Guilbert (1970) model that it should be expanded to encompass them. The diorite model remains separate and distinct because deposits of this type are characterized by an absence of quartz in the pluton, commonly highly gold: copper ratios, low molybdenum content, and regular absence of sericite in the alteration zones. Therefore, for the benefit of those

Jan 1, 1978

C. M. Bishop (Aircraft Div., A. V. Roe Cnnada Ltd., Toronto)—Reference is made to the coherency hardening of ß due to ß' and also to the hardening of ß due to a coherent precipitation of the a phase. What is meant by the term "ß'?" Would not the coherency hardening of ß during cooling be due to precipitation of a sub-microscopic dispersion of a, as is the case during reheating a ß-quenched alloy? I feel that these two phenomena are essentially the same mechanism, i.e., precipitation of a from unstable or supersaturated ß. From the text, it would appear that Tables III and IV are intended to show the effect of the martensite transformation on the properties of Ti-Mn alloys. Referring to Table 111, the ß-quenched alloys would contain a greater proportion of retained ß than would the equilibrated alloy. Could not the increase in properties be attributed to this, along with possible coherency hardening of the ß? In the same way, the structures referred to in Table IV contain ß from which they could derive their hardness. It would appear to be difficult, if not impossible, to assess the role of the martensite transformation from the data contained in these tables. F. C. Holden, H. R. Ogden, and R. I. Jaffee (authors' reply)—In reply to the first question raised by Mr. Bishop, the term "ß"' designates an apparent retained-p structure which is harder than it is after the most rapid cooling from the ß field. It is thought to be the result of a coherent precipitation of a. The mechanism by which hardening takes place is undoubtedly the same as that involved in the early stages of aging of a re-tained-p structure, and we are in agreement with Mr. Bishop on this point. The term "ß'" to designate the anomalously hard retained-ß structure was agreed upon at a symposium in 1953." The authors do not agree that the quantity of retained ß and/or ß' in the ß-quenched specimens of Table III is necessarily greater than that of the 600°C equilibrated specimens. The ß-quenched specimen has a structure which appears to be completely a' formed by the martensite reaction. It is recognized that there could be some retained ß (or ß') between the a plates if the M, temperature is below room temperature. This is unlikely for the 3.4 pct Mn alloy where the M, is known to be at about 640°C. Therefore, the increase in strength cannot be attributed to the presence of a greater quantity of coherency-hardened ß, but, rather, the increase in strength must be attributed to the transformation products formed, e.g., a' (martensiti-cally formed a). Concerning the data in Table IV, we agree that it is difficult to estimate the role of the martensite reaction, since the 6.4 pct Mn alloy was retained ß in the quenched condition.

Jan 1, 1955

By W. R. Purcell, C. S. Brooks

The internal surfaces of rocks which are in contact with interstitial fluids are known to influence in some degree the recovery of hydrocarbons from pay zones. Despite the admitted importance of the influence of solid surfaces on hydrocarbon recovery, little information is available concerning the extent of surface of reservoir rocks. In this paper a description is given of the apparatus and procedure employed in the determination of the surface areas of sedimentary rocks, and values are reported for a variety of sandstone and limestone cores. In addition, consideration is given to the Kozeny equation, which relates surface area to porosity and permeability. A colliparison is made between the surface areas as calculated from this equation and the geometrical areas of a series of packs of spherical glass beads. Also, for a group of sandstone cores. Kozeny areas are compared with surface areas as determined by the gas adsorption method employed in this investigation. INTRODUCTION It has long been recognized that many processes which are of importance to hydrocarbon production are controlled in some degree by the extent of the surface of the reservoir rock through which the hydrocarbons move. For example, the recovery efficiency that is obtained in a given reservoir is certainly determined in part by the action of interfacial forces between the reservoir fluids and rock, and this action is influenced in turn by the extent of solid surface. Despite the admitted importance of surface effects to problems of petroleum recovery, little information is available concerning the extent of surface of reservoir rocks." It is the purpose of this paper to describe an apparatus which has been employed for the measurement of the surface areas of rock samples and to present the values which have been obtained for a variety of sandstone and limestone cores. In addition, the relationship of surface area to permeability and porosity, as given by the Kozeny equation, will be discussed. METHOD OF MEASURING SURFACE AREA The method of determining surface areas as employed in this work has previously found wide use in studies of porous solids such as catalysts. The method involves the measurement of the amount of physical adsorption of an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, on the bare surface of the solid at reduced pressure and constant temperature near the normal liquefaction temperature of the gas. With the aid of the theory of isothermal adsorption as developed by Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller,' it is possible to ascertain the amount of gas (and hence the number of molecules) which is required to cover the solid surface with a single layer of molecules. From a knowledge of the covering area per molecule the total surface ares of the solid can be computed. Since the Brunauer. Emmett, Teller (BET) theory has been adequately discussed elsewhere: it will suffice here merely to present their final equation as ordinarily employed for surface-area calculations. This equation relates the volume of gas, V, which is adsorbed at pressure, P, to the liquefaction pressure, Po, of the gas, and to the volume of gas, V.,, that is required to form a monomolecular layer: In this equation C is a quantity which is related to the heats of adsorption and liquefaction of the gas; for a particular solid-gas system at Constant temperature, C is considered to have a constant value. The basic adsorption data can be presented in the form of Equation (1) by plotting the quantity P/V(Po- P) as a func-

Jan 1, 1952

By H. E. Stauss, G. Sandoz

AN increase in the value of magnetostriction1 * is known to result from the annealing of some ferromagnetic alloys in a magnetic field. Similar increases may be anticipated in the value of the magnetostriction of alloys that are of interest because of their normal high values. Two were selected for trial, 87 pct Fe-13 pct Al(Fe,Al) and 69 pct Co-31 pct Fe, the latter being used as a representative of the Co-Fe alloy series. The influence of a magnetic field present during annealing is explained by the domain theory of magnetism." The field orients the domain vectors in its own direction when the alloy is at or below the Curie temperature, and holds them there until the metal is cold. During cooling the interaction stresses between neighboring grains are largely relaxed. Interaction stresses will reappear, however, if the state of magnetization of the specimen is changed in any way, and will be larger the more the new state of magnetization differs from the one existing during the magnetic anneal. In this connection the 180" reversal of a magnetization vector is not considered a change because a simple reversal does not tend to produce a change in shape of a magnetized region. When the field existing during the anneal is removed after the metal is cold, the domain vectors can turn back only to the nearest crystallographic directions of easy magnetization because return to random

Jan 1, 1953

By Robert D. Thomson

LISTED among strategic and critical minerals for stockpiling, mica is an important raw material in electronic and electrical equipment industries. Each year large quantities are consumed in the manufacture of television and radio tubes, radar sets, generators, transformers, electric toasters, and irons. Crude mica, which comes from the mine in crystals or in rough books of various shapes and sizes, is known as run-of-mine or book mica. Structural imperfections, impurities, rough edges, and defective laminae are removed by cobbing, rifting, and trimming to produce a marketable block mica or film mica.' After the rough books have been hand-cobbed to remove adhering rock, dirt, and crushed or defective mica they are rifted, or split. In the U.S. a straight-bladed knife is generally used for rifting. Products of this operation are classed broadly as untrimmed sheet mica and scrap. Sheet mica is any relatively flat piece sufficiently free from physical defects to be cut or stamped into specified shapes for industrial use. Sheet mica is classed as block, film, and splittings. Block mica is not less than 0.007 in. thick with a minimum usable area of 1 sq in. Film mica is split from the better qualities of block mica to groups of specified thickness ranging from 0.0012 to 0.004 in. Splittings are sheets with maximum thickness of 0.0012 in. and minimum usable area of 3/4 sq in. As virtually no mica splittings are produced in the U.S., they will not be discussed in this report. Small, low quality block is subdivided as punch and washer. Punch mica is thumb-trimmed material large enough to yield a circular disk of at least 11/2 in. diam for stained quality mica and 1 1/4 to 2 in. for clear quality. Poorer lots, often referred to as washer mica, are also included in the general term punch mica. Trimming, the next step in processing sheet mica, removes broken and ragged edges, loose scales, and other major imperfections. Trimming may be done with a knife, sickle, shears, or fingers. In the U.S. it is usually done with a 3-in. linoleum knife to obtain a bevel-edged cut. If ragged edges are broken off with the thumb and fingers, the mica is called thumb-trimmed. Full-trimmed is rifted mica trimmed on all sides with all cracks, reeves, and

Jan 1, 1957

By M. H. Gaskell, D. M. Kehn, G. T. Pyndus

A correlation of the bubble point pressure for black oil systems is developed using the standard physical-chemical equations of soiutions. The correlation is based on 158 experimentally measured bubble point pressures of 137 independent systems and is expressed in terins of the usually measured field pnrameters— flash separation gm-oil ratio, rank oil gravity, total gas gravity, and reservoir temperature. The data were obtained on systems produced in Canada, Western and Mid-Continent01 United States, and South America. The average error (algebraic) in the representation is 3.8 per cent, and the maximum error encountered is 14.7 per cent. INTRODUCTION In the absence of experimentally measured properties of reservoir fluids, it is often necessary for the field engineer to make estimates regarding the fluid properties based on the usually measured producing parameters. To aid in these estimations, various correlations have appeared in the literature in recent years. Among the pertinent properties of interest is the bubble point pressure. A correlation for this parameter has been reported by Standing'. However, this correlation was based essentially on California produced crudes and this limitation was pointed out with its presentation. The correlation presented in this paper utilized data on crude oil systems from Canada, Wes- tern and Mid-Continental United States, and South America. CORRELATION DEVELOPMENT The basic assumption used in this development is the same as employed by Standing', There is a wide variety of ways to combine these parameters; however, in this instance the combination was made on the basis of Henry's law2. Accordingly, the relationship proposed is Although Eq. 2 defines an individual system, it is of limited value since H' is a function of gas-phase composition and the system temperature. It was observed that for the systems where the bubble point was measured at several temperatures that the ratio of the bubble point pressures and the ratio of the corresponding absolute temperatures (R) were practically identical. Thus, for correlation purposes the bubble point pressure may be taken as a direct function of the absolute temperature. This relation is valid only for those systems that are not near the critical point. Accordingly, this correlation will be inadequate for systems in the region of the critical point. The solubility of the various hydrocarbons found in the gas phase increases with the molecular weight. Thus, the saturation pressure should be inversely related to the gas gravity. Applying these principles to Eq. 2 and rearranging terms gives: The variables 02 the left side of Eq. 3 were designated as the "hubble point pressure factor". The number of mols of tank oil per barrel is a function of the "mclecular weight" of the tank oil. Although the tank oil is a complex mixture, it was assumed for the purposes of this correlation that a unique molecular weight could be assigned to a given oil. This was designated as the "effective molecular weight", and was related to the oil gravity, This empirical relationship was developed simultaneously with the correlation by assuming values of M,. and working to obtain a smooth curve for both the correlation and the effective molecular weight. The relationship between the oil gravity and the effective molecular weight used in this correlation is shown in Fig. 1. The effective molecular weight is somewhat higher than the molecular weight of the C fraction. The difference between these values is largest for the low-gravity systems. It is noted that this effective molecular

By J. W. Graham

For many years the author has been cognizant of the difficulty encountered by some in treating with the water influx formulas for unsteady-state fluid flow as pertain to the material balance equation. This has particularly applied in establishing reservoir performance and identifying reservoir pressure, which to the practicing engineer has entailed a trial-and-error procedure, and for others has necessitated resorting to computing devices and reiteration processes. In retrospect this difficulty stems from the fact that reservoir pressure in the material balance formulas, as well as associated with the water influx equations, is an inexplicit term, and the work reported in the past is irrefutable. However, what will be presented in this paper is another approach to the problem, whereby the entire material balance equation will be treated by the Laplace transformation, and reservoir pressure which hereto has been inexplicit, can now be isolated by mathematical procedure to relate that parameter with all the factors contributing to its change. This is the simplification entailed, that treats first with an undersaturated oil reservoir as an integrated effect from the inception of production. The second phase pertains to saturated oil reservoirs that encompass a survey traverse. Although both methods of approach are necessarily different in aspect, the most interesting fact is that the mathematics so deduced are identical. Both the linear and radial water-drive systems are incorporated. for which an illustrated factual example is offered for the latter, treating with a saturated oil reservoir. INTRODUCTIO N What is performed in this work is the simplification of an involved computation by advanced analysis. Although such may be construed as a contradiction when one treats with higher mathematics; nevertheless, when direction is given to such an undertaking the results car. be most revealing. Likewise, it is to be mentioned that the bases for these mathematics have been developed on the expediency of the occasion. This is not to be inferred as a qualification of this work, but rather the demands frequently placed upon the author in his private prac- tice in meeting a time limit. A situation, instead of being fraught with hazards, often has given emphasis to creative thought. What will be entailed in this work is the simplification of the material balance formulas by the Laplace Transformation., Although this reveals entirely new horizons that will be given expression in a forthcoming tract, it suffices in the present instance to limit our attention to this phase of the development that treats both with an undersaturated and saturated oil reservoir. To orient the reader's thoughts as to what is involved in this simplification is the recognition that reservoir pressure, as such, is an inexplicit term in the material balance equation. This is the independent parameter that defines the total history of performance in the author's' unsteady-state water influx formulas, as well as the basis for the physical dependency of fluid behavior within the formation as prescribed in the Schil-thuis' material balance equation. Therefore, to isolate reservoir pressure, which is the most essential factor in any reservoir study, is rather a cumbersome procedure entailing either a trial-and-error calculation for the engineer; or as some prefer, a reiteration process performed on a computing device. However, once such an equation can be transcribed as a Laplace transformation, this inexplicitness so expressed can be alleviated to identify reservoir pressure as an explicit function of all the factors contributing to its change. This is the simplification encompassed, that will treat first with an undersaturated oil reservoir as an integrated effect from the inception of production, and secondly, with a saturated oil reservoir as a survey traverse. Although the two approaches are necessarily different because of the uhvsics involved. it is an interesting commentary that the mathematics are identical, showing the interdependency of the two methods. In order to acquaint the reader with this development, the simplest case will be treated first; namely, an under-saturated oil reservoir subject to a linear water drive. However, what may be construed for this example as an idealistic case is actually a most practical application in certain parts of the world, where the size of the fields are so large that radial water-drive approaches the configuration of a linear drive. Further, to avoid the repetition of much symbolism, frequent references will be made to the work of the author and an associate on Laplace Transformations3,

By Thomas L. Kesler

Present Raw Materials The lithium industry has had exceptional growth since publication of the last edition of this volume, and the present scale of mining and consumption of raw materials is a great many times that of 1949. The materials of present economic importance consist of four pegmatite minerals and lithium-bearing brine. Spodumene, a lithium pyroxene, occurs in greatest abundance, and is the chief source. It has the formula LiAlSi2O6 and theoretically may contain 8.03 pct Li2O, but in the more important deposits the content is 6.5 to 7.5 pct. The hardness is 6.5, the specific gravity 3.1 to 3.2, and the color mostly pale green to white although deep green, lilac, and yellow varieties exist. The crystals are prisms with strongly developed longitudinal cleavages, and crushing characteristically produces lath-shaped particles. Giant crystals up to 47 ft long are known, but in most occurrences the predominant size range is 0.5 to 12 in. long and 0.1 to 2 in. wide. Hypogene* alteration has formed lithia-bearing sericite and coarser muscovite and rarely eucryptite, while supergene* alteration yields kaolinite and hydrous mica. Lepidolite, of second importance, is a mica of varying composition approximating K2Li3-A14Si7O21(OH,F)3. It has lamellate cleavage, book structure, and a specific gravity of 2.8 to 3. The books range in size from microscopic to a diameter of several inches. The color is mostly violet, but other colors include pink, gray, yellow, and white. Most commercial lepidolite contains 3 to 4 pct Li20 and chemically is in the higher grade range of a series of lithium micas that includes polylithionite, zinnwaldite, and protolithionite. In this series, the content of Li2O is exceptionally as high as 7 pct. Petalite and amblygonite are also of economic importance, but are used in smaller amounts. Petalite has the formula LiA1Si4O10 and is white, gray, or pink. The hardness is 6, the specific gravity 2.4, the cleavage in two planes 114° apart, and the Li2O content commonly 3 to 4.7 pct with a maximum of 4.88. Amblygonite has the formula LiA1FPO4 in which OH may substitute for F to form montebrasite. It is white and has polysynthetic twinning in two directions at 90°. Amblygonite superficially resembles potash feldspar, but has a bluish or grayish tint unlike the cream or salmon tint of the feldspar.[t] The hardness is 6 and the specific gravity 3 to 3.1, and the content of Li2O is the highest among lithium minerals that occur in significant quantity, ranging mostly from 7.5 to 9 pct with a maximum of 10.2. The brine of Searles Lake in California30 has been a commercial source of lithium since 1938. See Chap. 7, p. 108. The "lake" is a saline evaporite deposit, and the exposed part has an area of 12 sq mi. To an average depth of 71 ft, this part of the deposit consists of crystalline salts with 50 pct interstitial voids. The voids are filled with brine that contains mainly sodium and potassium compounds, but the brine also contains 0.015 pct Li2O, which is recovered as dilithium sodium phosphate containing 21 pct Li20. This deposit overlies a

Jan 1, 1960

By B. F. Buie

For over 200 years meerschaum has been a significant item of trade between the Near East and countries to the west. Best-known for its use in making smoking pipes and cigar and cigarette holders, it is also used in making a variety of decorative and ornamental items. It is easily carved, and is given an attractive, lustrous finish by rubbing. No published specifications are known, but compact form, purity, uniform whiteness or light color, and uniform, porous texture appear to be requisites. Fig. I a shows the appearance of a piece of crude meerschaum from Turkey; Fig. lb a carved item; and Fig. lc, d, and e show the fibrous and porous texture as revealed by the scanning electron microscope. Neither a major industrial mineral nor a precious stone, meerschaum nevertheless holds a record of long-and continuing-association with art and personal affairs of man. It is also a mineral to which modem methods of exploration and production probably could be profitably applied. An interesting account of the preparation and use of meerschaum in the early part of this century is given by Sterrett (1907). Geology and Mining Mineralogy Meerschaum is recognized now to be the compact variety of sepiolite, the claylike variety of which is one of the minerals included in the chapter on clays. The word meerschaum, from the German meaning "sea foam," was in earlier times used synonymously with sepiolite, a word of Greek origin suggestive of the resemblance of the compact variety-then the only variety known-to cuttlefish bone. At one time meerschaum was used as the commercial name, and sepiolite for the scientific name. However, to think of meerschaum as the name by which sepiolite is known commercially is no longer valid, in view of the recent emergence of the earthy variety as a competitor of bentonite and other clay materials. Present tendency is to restrict the term meerschaum to the compact variety, and to use the term sepiolite as a more general name to include both the compact and earthy varieties. This is the terminology followed in this publication. Meerschaum typically is white to light gray, has a hardness of 2 to 2 ½ , conchoidal to irregular fracture, and specific gravity varying with porosity from about 2 to less than 1. The composition is somewhat variable,- but is near that determined by Schaller (1936) for sepiolite as 2MgO.3SiO2.4H2O. A more modern for mula based on X-ray determination of the crystal structure is given by Caillére and Henin (1961) as (Site) (Mg9)030(OH)6(0H2)46H20. The reason for the firm, compact nature of meerschaum, in contrast with the earthy variety of sepiolite, is not fully understood. It may be due to the presence of a very minor amount of some bonding material such as silica. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs of a specimen from Turkey (Figs. lc-le) indicate that the meerschaum is composed predominantly, if not entirely, of crystalline fibers which merge into sheetlike forms in a complex, intertwined mass. Detailed X-ray and crystal structure data, as well as some data on thermal stability range, are given by Caillère and Hénin (1961) for the sepiolite family of minerals. Mode of Occurrence and Origin Most authors have attributed the origin of meerschaum to alteration of serpentine or other magnesian minerals. The occurrence in alluvium and other surficial deposits does not necessarily indicate that the alteration was supergene. In fact, hydrothermal origin appears more likely for some deposits, though not for all.

Jan 1, 1983

By N. S. Stoloff, R. G. Davis

It is concluded from an X-ray stztdy that the formation of the hcp Mg3Cd superlattice is a nuclea-tion and growth reaction. A two-phase, ordered-plus-disordered, region is observed between 153" nnd 141"C. A maximum in the flow stress is observed both at temperature and in quenched specimens within the two-phase region. The peak arises fro112 the extra energy required to create antiphase boundary upon cutting the ordered regions. Hardening during isothermal annealing in Mg3Cd has been shown to be similar to the domain hardening in Cu3Au-type alloys in that up to the maximum the structure is ordered domains growing into a short range ordered matrix. The hardening is due to a combination of short range order strengthening and the strengthening produced when antiphase boundary has to be created. In a recent study1 of the effect of long-range order upon the mechanical properties and deformation modes of hcp Mg3Cd a comparison was made be- tween quenched (disordered) and slow-cooled (fully ordered) specimens. The most striking observations were that the disordered alloy yields at a much higher stress than the ordered alloy, and that there is a change in slip mode from primarily (_0001) ba_sal slip in the disordered state to (0001), {1010}, {1122}, and {l011} slip in the ordered state. The main purpose of the present work is to extend these observations to determine whether MgsCd exhibits a peak in flow stress at an intermediate degree of order, or at a critical domain size, as do other orderedstems. However, disagreement exists about the Mg3Cd order transformation with respect to: 1) the location of the critical temperature for order, 165°C or 153"~,' and 2) how the degree of order varies with temperature. Welber et a1.5 concluded from specific heat measurements that the formation of Mg3Cd is a second-order reaction with the degree of order a continuous function of temperature, while Moore and Raynor concluded that it is neither a first-order reaction, with the degree of order a discontinuous function of temperature, nor a second-order reaction. Consequently it was considered necessary to undertake an X-ray investigation into the change in degree of order and structure in the

Jan 1, 1964