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By Charles Legrand

The power plant of the Burro Mountain Copper Co. is located near Tyrone, N. M., at 5,950 ft, elevation. It is interesting because it uses the largest stationary Diesel engines in the United States. The general layout of the plant is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The building is of steel-frame construction with hollow-tile walls and corrugated-iron roof; the floor is concrete and all windows have steel frames, making a fireproof building. The building is made to accommodate one more electric generator unit, which is being installed; also two 4,000-cu. ft. air compressors direct-connected to three-cylinder engines with the same size cylinders as the electric units. The power plant consists of two 815-kva., 60-cycle, three-phase, 6,600-volt, 180-r.p.m. generators, direct-connected to five-cylinder, two-cycle Diesel engines; the necessary circulating pumps for cooling water, cooling towers and oil storage tanks. A portion of the power is used in the same building as the generating units to run one of two 200-kw. rotary converters delivering 260-volt direct current, and a 2,500-cu. ft. air compressor, delivering air at 95 1b.-pressure, direct-connected to a 400-hp., 6,600-volt, three-phase synchronous motor. The remainder of the power is used to run a 1,500-ton concentrating mill 3 1/2 miles from the power house, various hoists, pumps and motors about the mines and the lighting and water-works of the town of Tyrone. The direct current is used for electric traction in the mine, also to run hoists and motors that were installed before the new power plant was built. Due to the large hoists that take starting peaks of 250 kw. and the 10-ton electric locomotive that takes at times 150 kw., the load is extremely variable, as shown in Fig. 3. The two five-cylinder vertical Diesel engines, which are rated at 1,250 b.hp. at sea level, have cylinders of 525-mm. diameter (20.6 in.) and

Jan 1, 1917

By Lyall Zickrick

Numerous brands of virgin pig lead are used in the manufacture of lead and lead-alloy cable sheath for commercial cables. In changing from one brand of pig lead to another a readjustment of press operating conditions is nearly always necessary. This is due largely to different flow characteristics, and some brands extrude at a much lower pressure than others; for example, copper-bearing lead requires much more pressure than a low-bismuth lead under the same operating conditions. With the modern type of lead press the extrusion practice in general differs very little. Molten lead at a temperature of 375" to 400" C. (710" to 750" F.) is cast in a water-cooled cylinder and allowed to cool or solidify into a slug for six to nine minutes, This slug is forced into the die block and around the core tube through which the cable runs. The • die block is held at an optimum temperature by means of gas flames, usually 175" to 225" C. (350" to 435" F.). Measurements of the temperature of the cable sheath taken at the time of extrusion have covered a range of 190" to 225" C. (375" to 435" F.). According to Tammann, the rate of extrusion for a metal under constant pressure through a simple orifice is almost doubled for each 10" C. rise in temperature. Because of the irregularity of die-block construction, such a great increase is not obtained in lead-cable extrusion practice. To obtain more definite information about the effect of small percentages of metals usually present as impurities in virgin pig lead, a series of compression tests were made covering several different brands of lead and various alloys. Since the usual temperature of the sheath is approximately 200" C. as it emerges from the die block, these compression tests were all performed at 200" C. Five different brands of virgin pig lead were selected, as follows: Brand A: A desilverized western lead of very high purity. This lead contains neit,her copper nor bismuth. Brand B: A bismuth-free southeastern Missouri lead, usually containing 0.05 to 0.08 per cent copper. Brand C: A copper-free mid-western desilverized lead of very good grade, usually containing around 0.06 to 0.10 per cent bismuth.

Jan 1, 1932

By Lyall Zickrick

NUMEROUS brands of virgin pig lead are used in the manufacture of lead and lead-alloy cable sheath for commercial cables. In changing from one brand of pig lead to another a readjustment of press operating conditions is nearly always necessary. This is due largely to different flow characteristics, and some brands extrude at a much lower pressure than others; for example, copper-bearing lead requires much more pressure than a low-bismuth lead under the same operating conditions. With the modern type of lead press the extrusion practice in general differs very little. Molten lead at a temperature of 375° to 400° C. (710° to 750° F.) is cast in a water-cooled cylinder and allowed to cool or solidify into a slug for six to nine minutes. . This slug is forced into the die block and around the core tube through which the cable runs. The die block is held at an optimum temperature by means of gas flames, usually 175° to 225° C. (350° to 4.35° F.). Measurements of the tem¬perature of the cable sheath taken at the time of extrusion have covered a range of 190° to 225° C. (375° to 435° F.). According to Tammann, the rate of extrusion for a metal under constant pressure through a simple orifice is almost doubled for each 10° C. rise in temperature. Because of the irregularity of die-block construction, such a great increase is not obtained in lead-cable extrusion practice. To obtain more" definite information about the effect of small per¬centages of metals usually present as impurities in virgin pig lead, a series of compression tests were made covering several different brands of lead and various alloys. Since the usual temperature of the sheath is approxi¬mately 200.° C. as it emerges from the die block, these compression tests were all performed at 200° C. Five different brands of virgin pig lead were selected, as follows: Brand A: A desilverized western lead of very high purity. This lead contains neither copper nor bismuth. Brand B: A bismuth-free southeastern Missouri lead, usually con¬taining 0.05 to 0.08 per cent copper. Brand C: A copper-free mid-western desilverized lead of very good grade, usually containing around 0.06 to 0.10 per cent bismuth.

Jan 1, 1932

By Lawrence Addicks

One of the properties of copper, which has done much to give it its present prominent place among the useful metals, is its electrical conductivity,—a property which has now become the chief criterion of the value of the commerical product. In pursuance of that distinctively American principle that, " the best is none too good," metal of the highest conductivity is usually called for even when such extreme purity is of no advantage ; for instance, in the making of brass and other alloys. The average brass-founder feels nervous unless his copper is so very pure that it shows a conductivity of 99 or 100 per cent., while the character of the zinc used is usually overlooked in hi s anxiety. Electrolytic refining has made it possible to produce copper

Jan 1, 1906

By W.C Ellis, Earle E. Schumacher

Nonferrous alloys upon which desirable properties can be conferred by heat treatment are becoming of increasing industrial importance. The alloys of copper with a constituent which has a solubility varying with temperature are materials of this character. Some of the constituents which are effective in producing a change in the mechanical properties of these alloys upon heat treatment are, according to Corson,' nickel and silicon, iron and silicon, cobalt and silicon, and chromium and silicon. In addition to these elements, Gregg2 states that the combination of beryllium and silicon is effective in producing age-hardening characteristics in copper. The effect of these elements, however, as dispersion-hardening constituents in the copper alpha solid solutions does not seem to have been studied in any considerable detail. This paper deals with the heat treatment and properties of three alpha brasses containing 3 per cent. of nickel plus silicon in the proportion necessary to form the compound nickel silicide, Ni2Si. Some information of a preliminary nature in regard to the hardening by heat treatment of phosphor bronze containing the same percentages of nickel and silicon is included. The method of hardening the alloys, which is effective in increasing the tensile strength and proportional limit, is similar to that used in the case of duralumin type aluminum alloys. It consists of a quench from a temperature at which the hardening constituent is in solid solution, followed by an aging at a lower temperature to precipitate the dissolved constituent in a dispersed condition. This results in an increased resistance of the alloy to deformation with an attendant improvement in the tensile properties.

Jan 1, 1929

By Earle E. Schumacher, W. C. Ellis

Nonferrous alloys upon which desirable properties can be conferred by heat treatment are becoming of increasing industrial importance. The alloys of copper with a constituent which has a solubility varying with temperature are materials of this character. Some of the constituents which are effective in producing a change in the mechanical properties of these alloys upon heat treatment are, according to Corson,' nickel and silicon, iron and silicon, cobalt and silicon, and chromium and silicon. In addition to these elements, Gregg2 states that the combination of beryllium and silicon is effective in producing age-hardening characteristics in copper. The effect of these elements, however, as dispersion-hardening constituents in the copper alpha solid solutions does not seem to have been studied in any considerable detail. This paper deals with the heat treatment and properties of three alpha brasses containing 3 per cent. of nickel plus silicon in the proportion necessary to form the compound nickel silicide, Ni2Si. Some information of a preliminary nature in regard to the hardening by heat treatment of phosphor bronze containing the same percentages of nickel and silicon is included. The method of hardening the alloys, which is effective in increasing the tensile strength and proportional limit, is similar to that used in the case of duralumin type aluminum alloys. It consists of a quench from a temperature at which the hardening constituent is in solid solution, followed by an aging at a lower temperature to precipitate the dissolved constituent in a dispersed condition. This results in an increased resistance of the alloy to deformation with an attendant improvement in the tensile properties.

Jan 1, 1929

By C. L. Mantell

Although so common and well known a metal, tin is really a less abundant element than many of those less familiar and usually ranked with the scarce or rare elements, such as cerium, yttrium, lithium, beryllium, titanium, zirconium and vanadium. The color of tin is white, with a slightly bluish tinge. When it is compared with nickel, the latter metal is brown. When placed alongside of tin, chromium is definitely blue. Tin is whiter than silver or zinc. Exceedingly thin films of tin show various shades of brown by transmitted light. The metal has a brilliant luster, and when mirror-polished, has high light reflectivity. The luster depends to a large extent upon the pouring temperature at which the metal is cast. If the temperature be too high, iridescent colors may show on the surface. These are the result of oxide film formation. If the pouring temperature be too low, the surface is dull. Small amounts of foreign metals, such as lead, arsenic, antimony and iron, decrease the luster of tin and impart a yellowish tinge to the metal. The structure is decidedly crystalline. The cast metal is a mass of crystals. When a bar of tin is bent, it emits a characteristic creaking sound. This is called the "cry" of tin, resulting from the grinding of the crystals one against the other during the bending of the metal. Tin metal may lose its crystalline structure by cold working, but grain growth occurs rapidly under the influence of heat. Metal which has been cast at a low temperature may become amorphous as the result of mechanical work. If such material be heated to temperatures well below the melting point, say at 110° C. for a half hour or for a few minutes at 150" C. recrystallization occurs. If the surface of tinned plate, tin foil, or tin meta1 in cast form be etched with hydrochloric acid containing a little free chlorine, attack occurs at the intererystalline faces. The surface shows patterns resembling the frost flowers on window panes in winter. The etched appearance is called moire metallique. Fine dendritic surface crystals of tin may be obtained by casting the metal on a surface of polished steel. In commercial tin plate, the intercrystalline boundaries are shown by fine grooves or channels, .which result from the method

Jan 1, 1929

By C. L. Mantell

Although so common and well known a metal, tin is really a less abundant element than many of those less familiar and usually ranked with the scarce or rare elements, such as cerium, yttrium, lithium, beryllium, titanium, zirconium and vanadium. The color of tin is white, with a slightly bluish tinge. When it is compared with nickel, the latter metal is brown. When placed alongside of tin, chromium is definitely blue. Tin is whiter than silver or zinc. Exceedingly thin films of tin show various shades of brown by transmitted light. The metal has a brilliant luster, and when mirror-polished, has high light reflectivity. The luster depends to a large extent upon the pouring temperature at which the metal is cast. If the temperature be too high, iridescent colors may show on the surface. These are the result of oxide film formation. If the pouring temperature be too low, the surface is dull. Small amounts of foreign metals, such as lead, arsenic, antimony and iron, decrease the luster of tin and impart a yellowish tinge to the metal. The structure is decidedly crystalline. The cast metal is a mass of crystals. When a bar of tin is bent, it emits a characteristic creaking sound. This is called the "cry" of tin, resulting from the grinding of the crystals one against the other during the bending of the metal. Tin metal may lose its crystalline structure by cold working, but grain growth occurs rapidly under the influence of heat. Metal which has been cast at a low temperature may become amorphous as the result of mechanical work. If such material be heated to temperatures well below the melting point, say at 110° C. for a half hour or for a few minutes at 150" C. recrystallization occurs. If the surface of tinned plate, tin foil, or tin meta1 in cast form be etched with hydrochloric acid containing a little free chlorine, attack occurs at the intererystalline faces. The surface shows patterns resembling the frost flowers on window panes in winter. The etched appearance is called moire metallique. Fine dendritic surface crystals of tin may be obtained by casting the metal on a surface of polished steel. In commercial tin plate, the intercrystalline boundaries are shown by fine grooves or channels, .which result from the method

Jan 1, 1929

By Arthur Boynton

IN THE preparation of this paper the writer has been influenced by the fact that descriptions of various means of cleaning blast-furnace gas have been published and that further descriptive treatment of the subject will probably be less interesting than a statement of conclusions with regard to preferable methods which have been reached by him as a result, of experience and observation in this country and also as a result of somewhat detailed investigation of the subject made toward the end of the year 1927 on the Continent of Europe and particularly in. Germany. Owing to various circumstances, including a cost of fuel that is extremely high in relation to the wages of labor, the German iron and steel industry has accumulated experience in gas washing which is as yet in part lacking in the United States of America. The paper begins with a statement regarding the economics of the use of blast-furnace gas, then considers the principle's and practices employed in its purification. USES OF BLAST-FURNACE GAS For many reasons having to do with the utilization of coke-oven and blast-furnace gases in steel manufacture and with the use of hot metal, the blast furnace is now usually a part of a steel-producing unit, which also includes coke plant and rolling mill. Therefore both blast-furnace and coke-oven gas are usually applicable to any of the iron and steel-making processes, including the generation of power, and their allocation in any given works should be considered as a single problem. The uses to which blast-furnace gas, either alone or mixed with coke-oven gas may be put, include the following: Regenerative Heating of Air for the Blast Furnace.-This is the oldest and metallurgically the most important of all uses. It is universally performed with unmixed blast-furnace gas and under proper conditions should require not over 23.5 per cent. of the total gas generated for a blast temperature of 1350° F. For Steam-raising Purposes.-This is almost universally done with unmixed blast-furnace gas. From the standpoint of quantity used, it is at the present time the most important application in American steel-works practice.

Jan 1, 1928

By Arthur J. Boynton

In the preparation of this paper the writer has been influenced by the fact that descriptions of various means of cleaning blast-furnace gas have been published and that further descriptive treatment of the subject will probably be less interesting than a statement of conclusions with regard to preferable methods which have been reached by him as a result of experience and observation in this country and also as a result of somewhat detailed investigation of the subject made toward the end of the year 1927 on the Continent of Europe and particularly in Germany. Owing to various circumstances, including a cost of fuel that is extremely high in relation to the wages of labor, the German iron and steel industry has accumulated experience in gas washing which is as yet in part lacking in the United States of America. The paper begins with a statement regarding the economics of the use of blast-furnace gas, then considers the principles and practices employed in its purification. Uses of Blast-furnace Gas For many reasons having to do with the utilization of coke-oven and blast-furnace gases in steel manufacture and with the use of hot metal, the blast furnace is now usually a part of a steel-producing unit, which also includes coke plant and rolling mill. Therefore both blast-furnace and coke-oven gas are usually applicable to any of the iron and steel-making processes, including the generation of power, and their allocation in any given works should be considered as a single problem. The uses to which blast-furnace gas, either alone or mixed with coke-oven gas may be put, include the following: Regenerative Heating of Ail. for the Blast Furnace.—This is the oldest and metallurgically the rnost important of all uses. It is universally performed with unmixed blast-furnace gas and under proper conditions should require not over 23.5 per cent. of the total gas generated for a blast temperature of 1350" F. For Steam-raising Purposes.—This is almost universally done with unmixed blast-furnace gas. From the standpoint of quantity used, it is at the present time the most important application in American steelworks practice.

By Henry S. Rawdon

Any laboratory corrosion test, as judged from the practical point of view, is valuable only to the extent that it foretells what will, in all probability, occur in service. Such a test is most properly to be considered as a "pilot test," that is, a test which indicates the direction along which action may be expected to occur rather than as a truly quantitative test which would be expected to tell just how and to what extent the action would proceed. It is generally recognized that laboratory corrosion tests should be chosen with particular reference to the character of service expected for any particular type of metal, so far as it can be foreseen. Even when this requirement has been fulfilled, however, the question whether the actual service behavior of the material is in accordance and general agreement with predictions based upon such laboratory tests is always a pertinent one. The information available in the technical literature bearing on the correlation between the service behavior of metals from the corrosion standpoint, and the results obtained with the same metals in laboratory corrosion tests is very meager, indeed. The results which have been obtained in weather-exposure tests of sheet duralumin which form the body of this discussion are presented here for their bearing on this particular phase of the problem of the corrosion resistance of duralumin. Although the exposure tests described have not been completed, in the sense that all of the tests, in the series initially laid down, have been accomplished, still the general trend shown by the results is so clear that a number of definite conclusions at this stage (subject, of course, to possible modification in the light of later results) are believed to be warranted. The tests reported upon here form one phase of the much broader study of this subject which has been under way for several years in which the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the Bureau of Aeronautics of the Navy Department, the Army Air Corps and the Bureau of Standards have cooperated. Without the very helpful cooperation of the manufacturers in furnishing the

Jan 1, 1929

By Henry S. Rawdon

Any laboratory corrosion test, as judged from the practical point of view, is valuable only to the extent that it foretells what will, in all probability, occur in service. Such a test is most properly to be considered as a "pilot test," that is, a test which indicates the direction along which action may be expected to occur rather than as a truly quantitative test which would be expected to tell just how and to what extent the action would proceed. It is generally recognized that laboratory corrosion tests should be chosen with particular reference to the character of service expected for any particular type of metal, so far as it can be foreseen. Even when this requirement has been fulfilled, however, the question whether the actual service behavior of the material is in accordance and general agreement with predictions based upon such laboratory tests is always a pertinent one. The information available in the technical literature bearing on the correlation between the service behavior of metals from the corrosion standpoint, and the results obtained with the same metals in laboratory corrosion tests is very meager, indeed. The results which have been obtained in weather-exposure tests of sheet duralumin which form the body of this discussion are presented here for their bearing on this particular phase of the problem of the corrosion resistance of duralumin. Although the exposure tests described have not been completed, in the sense that all of the tests, in the series initially laid down, have been accomplished, still the general trend shown by the results is so clear that a number of definite conclusions at this stage (subject, of course, to possible modification in the light of later results) are believed to be warranted. The tests reported upon here form one phase of the much broader study of this subject which has been under way for several years in which the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the Bureau of Aeronautics of the Navy Department, the Army Air Corps and the Bureau of Standards have cooperated. Without the very helpful cooperation of the manufacturers in furnishing the

Jan 1, 1929

QUICKSILVER is a body that consists of flowing and liquid materials, almost like water with a shining whiteness; it is composed by Nature of a viscous, subtle substance with an overflowing abundance of moistness and coldness together. This composition, in the opinion of the philosophic alchemists, is a thing that is very disposed to become metal-indeed they say that it is the original seed of all metals. When it lacks the warmness and dryness or the specific time that they require, it cannot congeal and so remains in the form that we see as an imperfect thing without becoming metal. These clever investigators have also called it mercury in consideration of its properties, perhaps because of its resemblance to the planet of him whose actions place him between gods and men, according to the poets in their stories. Thus these investigators think that this has a similar place among perfect metals, since it is the primary mineral matter. It might also be that they called it so because like the god Mercury it is winged and fugitive, and by virtue of its powerful subtlety penetrates all things and can issue forth from them at will. But let it be called by any name they wish-it does not matter to us. I, like them, shall sometimes call it mercury and sometimes [23 ] quicksilver as it has been named to me, and you will understand it as such. Now I shall leave aside the disputes on whether it is the primary matter of metals or not, since I have said enough concerning this question in the first chapter of the First Book. In order to approach what the philosophers say about it, I say that it may well be material about to be converted into metal, but since it is seen to be so ill-proportioned and so badly decocted, I cannot believe that it can be disposed to the generation of all kinds of metals. Indeed, if it is, I think that if its necessary processes had not been interrupted it would be more apt to generate lead, tin, iron, or even silver rather than copper or gold. And if we wish to consider it in relation to the natural complexions [of metals] or to the power of the, planets, I think that mercury is far distant from those of gold and from the power of the sun and of the moon. Therefore I say that if it is not what I have said, it is a thing that Nature has been pleased to make as it is. I am led to say this because all of it that I have seen has had the same

Jan 1, 1942

By P. Marier, T. R. Ingraham

When cylindrical powder compacts of nickelous oxide (NiO) are heated in an equilibrated stream of SO3, SO,, and 02, in the temperature range 500°to 800°c, tlickelous suljate (NiSO4) is formed as an adherent layer on the oxide. The reaction is diffusion-controlled, with an activation energy of 13 ± 3 kcal per mole. When cylindrical powder compacts of NiSO4 are heated in a stream of dry nitrogen in the temperature range 1000 0to 11500C, NiO is formed at a well-defined interface between the sulfate and oxide. The interjhce migrates into the sulfate at a constant rate at a constant temperature and gas flow. The reaction rate increases with increasing gas flow and decreases with increasing partial pressure of SO3 in the gas stream. Resolution of the partial-pressure data with a Lang-itzliir Adsorption Isothern suggests that about 80 pct of the NiO interface is covered with SO3. The heat of adsovption is about 68 kcal per mole. The activation energy of the decomposition process is 61 ± 3 kcal per mole. MOST of the work reported on the formation and decomposition of nickel sulfate is related to thermodynamics.1-3 No quantitative work has been reported on the decomposition process. The only kinetic work reported on the formation is that by Fletcher and shelef.4-6 whose main purpose was to study the effects of alkali metal sulfate additions on increasing the rate of nickel sulfate formation. They found that, in the absence of an additive, only small amounts of sulfate were formed and the kinetic data were difficult to interpret. However, they suggested that the sulfa-tion of nickel oxide is a diffusion-controlled process for which the activation energy is approximately 17 kcal per mole.6 In this paper, both the formation and decomposition reactions will be examined; and based on the effects of temperature, flow rate, interfacial area, and partial-pressure of sulfur trioxide, mechanisms and activation energies will be suggested for both processes. EXPERIMENTAL Material. The nickel source material used in all experiments was Baker and Adamson Reagent Grade NiSO4. 6H2O, for which the following analysis was supplied by the manufacturer: C1, 0.001 pct; NO3, 0.005 pct; Co, 0.02 pct; Cu, 0.005 pct; Pb, 0.002 pct; Fe, 0.001 pct: insol, 0.005 pct. The anhydrous sulfate was prepared by heating the hydrate at 420°C in a muffle furnace for 5 hr. Nickel oxide was prepared by decomposing the sulfate at 950°C over a period of 10 hr. Method. The technique used for measuring the rates of formation and decomposition was developed earlier in these laboratories.7-8 The method is based on the observation that the kinetic parameters of a reaction can be established in a flow system, with specimens prepared by compacting powder to a uniform pellet shape. The results are identical with those established with solid polycrystalline specimens or single

Jan 1, 1967

By J. S. Wakeman

INTRODUCTION The primary purpose of comminution circuits in the mineral industry is to reduce an ore to a particle size that will permit separation of the valuable minerals from its gangue constituents. Wide variations in the mineral content and physical characteristics can and do occur throughout a given mineral deposit From the standpoint of their effects on the comminution characteristics of an orebody, these variations may not be identified by the normal sampling and analysis procedures utilized to delimit an orebody and to characterize its grade distribution. The proper design of a comminution circuit for a mineral deposit is very important to the success of that enterprise. It is also an expensive unit process both from the standpoint of capital and operating costs. It is, therefore, essential that any sampling program be designed to identify the variations that may occur that will affect this circuit. Because of the variety of comminution systems that are available, it is also essential that the sampling and subsequent evaluation program be sufficiently comprehensive to identify potentially inappropriate systems or flowsheets. It would be impossible to describe in a single chapter the techniques and approaches that should be utilized for sampling every type of orebody. Each orebody is unique and requires a sampling and testing program designed to its specific requirements for exploration, characterization and circuit design. The following is a general discussion of the guidelines to be used and considerations to be made in establishing such a program. SAMPLE SELECTION When sampling an ore deposit for the purposes of equipment and flowsheet selection for comminution, it is important that the sample composites for grind testing be chosen on the basis of how they will affect the comminution circuit rather than just how they might affect the subsequent metallurgical operations. For example, grindability, classification and liberation size characteristics are more important to the comminution circuit than ore grade. Mineral deposits may contain a multiplicity of ore types that can vary extensively in the dissemination of minerals and optimum liberation size requirements; and may also vary as much as 100% in ore hardness. The accumulation of samples for grind characterization should be done in such a way as to allow the identification of this variation. A proper mineralogical evaluation of the samples obtained to characterize an ore deposit can be a great aid in identifying the individual ore types within the deposit

Jan 1, 1982

By M. H. Childs, K. E. Merklin

Blast furnace feed specifications are being revolutionized because of the large increase in iron pellet production from low-grade ores of the Lake Superior region. Recent laboratory findings aimed at a better understanding of factors influencing the physical quality of pellets produced from taconite concentrates are reviewed. Tests for determining better product quality, the effects of additives, and production factors are discussed. The current revolution in specifications for blast furnace feed is typified to a great extent by the recent tremendous growth in iron ore pellet production from low grade ores of the Lake Superior region. Indeed, pellets are responsible, at least in part, for many of the stringent new requirements that are being placed on the suppliers of furnace raw materials. As the tonnage of pellets going to the steel mills increases, more and more attention is being turned to the detailed characteristics that make this product an ideal blast furnace feed. Control of quality in pellets is similar to that of any other product. A basic understanding of the factors that are encountered in their production, from the crude ore through to the finished product, is required, along with careful process supervision and frequent quality checks. Normally, chemical grade is not a problem. This usually can be controlled within the desired specifications by minor operating variations in the con- centrator. While future changes in requirements may result in the need for self-fluxing pellets1 or other chemical changes, today's quality demands center primarily around the physical characteristics of the pellets. It is in this area that many of the recent laboratory studies have proven helpful to the operating plants. A better understanding of the physical factors involved in pelletizing has provided the basis for a continuing program of quality improvement. Tigerschiold and Ilmoni2 and Cooke with various associates are responsible for the development of much of the basic understanding of the pelletiz-ing process. These earlier findings have served as a most useful background for this work. LABORATORY PROCEDURES Magnetite concentrates produced from eastern Mesabi Range magnetic taconites were used for all of the work reported herein. The sizing and chemical analysis of a random sample are shown in Table t Additives usually are mixed with the concentrates in taconite plants before pelletizing to improve the strength characteristics of the unfired balls. Ben-tonite, soda ash, and coal are in common use. The bentonite used in these studies was of the Wyoming sodium type; the soda ash was a standard commercia1 brand. Anthrafines were used where coal was called for. The procedure for making batches of balls at the Hibbing Laboratory is as follows: In an especially designed mulling equipment 2800 g of dry ore are mixed for 10 min with the desired additives. Water is added and mixing continued for 1 1/2 min. The charge is removed from the muller and put through a mechanical shredder to break down any lumps that may have formed. sixty previously formed seed balls are placed in the balling drum, which is in fact a 6 x 16-in. diam airplane tire turning at 53 Wm. Two thousand grams of the shredded concentrate and additive mix are fed by hand into the tire at a con-

Jan 1, 1961

By William Kent

More than twelve years were spent by Wöhler at the instance of the Prussian Government in experimenting upon the resistance of iron and steel to repeated stresses. The results of his experiments are expressed in what is known as Wöhler's law, which is given in the following words in Du Bois's translation of Weyrauch:* " Rupture may be caused not only by a steady load which exceeds the carrying strength, but also by repeated applications of stresses, none of which are equal to the carrying strength. The differences of these stresses are measures of the disturbance of continuity, in so far as by their increase the minimum stress which is still necessary for rupture diminishes." A practical illustration of the meaning of the first portion of this law may be given thus: If 50,000 pounds once applied will just break a bar of iron or steel, a stress very much less than 50,000 pounds will break it if sufficiently often repeated. This is fully confirmed by the experiments of Fairbairn and Spangenberg, as well as by those of Wöhler; and, as is remarked by Weyrauch, it may be considered as a long-known result of common experience. It partially accounts for what Mr. Holley has called the " intrinsically ridiculous factor of safety of six." Another "long-known result of experience"—although this has not, as the writer believes, been investigated by scientific experimenters—is the fact that rupture may be caused by a succession of shocks or impacts, none of which alone would be sufficient to cause it. Wrought iron will crystallize by repeated blows in service and become weaker than cast iron. Iron axles, the piston-rods of steamhammers, and other pieces of metal subject to continuously repeated shocks invariably break after a certain length of service. They have a "life" which is limited. Iron rods in bridges sometimes crystallize and break, although the rods in most of our iron bridges

Jan 1, 1880

By William Bent

MORE than twelve years were spent by Wöhler at the instance of the Prussian Government in experimenting upon the resistance of iron and steel to repeated stresses. The results of his experiments are expressed in what is known as Wöhler's law, which is given in the following words in Du Bois's translation of Weyrauch :* "Rupture may be caused not only by a steady load which exceeds the carrying strength, but also by repeated applications of stresses, none of which are equal to the carrying strength. The differences of these stresses are measures of the disturbance of continuity, in so far as by their increase the minimum stress which is still necessary for rupture diminishes." A practical illustration of the meaning of the first portion of this law may be given thus : If 50,000 pounds once applied will just break a bar of iron or steel, a stress very much less than 50,000 pounds will break it if sufficiently often repeated. This is fully confirmed by the experiments of Fairbairn and Spangenberg, us well as by those of Wöhler; and, as is remarked by Weyrauch, it may be considered as a long-known result of common experience. It partially accounts for what Mr. Holley has called the "intrinsically ridiculous factor of safety of six." Another "long-known result of experience "-although this has not, as the writer believes, been investigated by scientific experimenters-is the fact that rupture may be caused by a succession of shocks or impacts, none of which alone would be sufficient to cause it. Wrought iron will crystallize by repeated blows in service and become weaker than cast iron. Iron axles, the piston-rods of steam-hammers, and other pieces of metal subject to continuously repeated shocks invariably break after a certain length of service. They have a " life" which is limited. Iron rods in bridges sometimes crystallize and break, although the rods in most of our iron bridges * Strength and Determination of Dimensions of Structures. By Dr. J. J. Weyrauch. Translated by Du Bois, New York, 1877.

Jan 1, 1880

By D. S. Newton

Introduction Historically the production of zinc dust has been based upon residual and secondary zinc. Using horizontal retorts filled with diecasting scrap, galvanizers drosses and sweater billets, dust has been produced by condensation into static condensers on a 24 hour cycle. Although fairly flexible as regards input materials the process is not amenable to close control of the product, is labour intensive and unless carefully run can cause fume problems. With a steadily increasing demand for zinc dust of consistent properties and higher quality there is a demand for an improved method of manufacture in which dust can be produced continuously and which is capable of close control thus ensuring a minimum amount of oversize or unsaleable material. The Process in use in the works of Imperial Smelting Corporation (Alloys) Ltd. in England, and in Canada and Holland, satisfies the criteria stated above, and has proved to be easy to control with a minimum labour demand.

Jan 1, 1970

EVERY English-speaking mining, engineer or geologist knows that some terms used by his profession are not rigid but vary regionally; for example: what is called a vein by some, is called a lode by others and is known as a reef to their Australian colleagues. There are parallels in, the German language. Since, in addition, the meaning of some words may change considerably in 450 years-and other words may disappear completely-and not only the terminology but the concepts of a science are subject to drastic changes over such a long period of time, translating the Bergbüchlein posed some interesting problems. Old German texts and glossaries such as C. T. Delius' Anleitung zu der Bergbaukunst (1773), Minerophilus' Neues and Curieuses Bergwercks-Lexicon (1730), and H. Veith's Deutsches Bergwörterbuch (1871) proved useful sources of information when defini¬tions of obscure terms were needed. The task of translating was made even more challenging by the author's personality. As Ulrich Rülein von Kalbe was primarily a physician, his information must have been mostly secondhand. Since the nomenclature of the miners of Saxony, where he gathered his material on silver ores, undoubtedly varied from that of the German miners in Hungary, for instance, who probably supplied him with data on gold ores, it is not astonishing that he is not consistent in his use of some expressions. To give an example: there is every indication that Flöz and schwebender Gang (see footnote p. 21) are used interchangeably in spite of his occasional disapproval of such usage. It is obvious that he was an educated man with a questing and active mind and, although he apologizes-not wholly sincerely, one might suspect-for the simple

Jan 1, 1949