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By Francis J. Dennis

Many factors govern the value of dredging-ground, and much capital can be wasted by the mistaken policy of contracting for the purchase of property arid the installation of machinery before a thorough examination has been made. To the uninitiated investor the presence of gold is generally the criterion, and very superficial evidence is necessary to satisfy him as to this point. he couuiclers the comprehensive report of a competent engineer as a wasteful extravagance, aild cannot understand why the engineer requires so much time and money to ascertain the information on which to base his conalusions, when the promoter can furnish him such pleaaing and satisfactory data with but little expenditure of time aud money. The uninitiated investor will often optimistically risk capital for purchase and equipment, and riot uiitil the veuture comes to grief does he learn that the condition8 are wholly unsuited for dredging. In many instances, a short preliminary examination by a competent engineer would have disclosed these facts. The mere presence of gold is by no means suficient; sonie of

Jan 1, 1912

By A. E. Dwight, A. F. Berndt

Binary and ternary alloys of uranium with transition metals were prepared with U2X stoichiometry. The compounds U2Tc, U2Rh, U2Os, and U2lr were formed by peritectic or peritectoid transformations, and were shown to be isostructural with U2Ru. The lattice constants are presented. Miscibility relationships obtained from the study of ternary alloys are graphically summarized in terms of an area-of-stability plot. The compound U2Re is not isostructural with either U2Ru or U2Mo. A series of compounds with stoichiometry U2X has been prepared in which X is technetium, rhodium, rhenium, osmium, or iridium. The only other U2X compounds, for which X is related to the above transition metals by proximity in the periodic table, are U2Mo and U2Ru. The structure of U2Mo is the tetragonal C11b type (MoSi2 type)1 and U2Ru is monoclinic, with a new structure type.' This investigation was undertaken to determine if any of the above compounds are isostructural with either U2Ru or U2Mo and to find the range of occurrence of these phases. EXPERIMENTAL Alloys were prepared from stoichiometric amounts of electrolytic uranium (99.99 pet pure) and transition metals of 99.5 pet purity (98+ pet pure Tc), by arc melting on a water-cooled copper hearth under an Ar-He atmosphere. Weight losses were negligible. The buttons were homogenized at temperatures between 700o and 800°C (900°C for U2Tc) in evacuated capsules and air-cooled. The X-ray powder specimens were annealed briefly at the temperature of homogenization. Except in the case of the technetium alloy, metallographic examination was used to determine the number of phases present. The radiation hazard involved in handling technetium precluded the use of metallography to examine U2Tc. The temperature and mode of formation of the U2X phases were determined by heating the metallographic specimens to successively higher temperatures, until examination indicated the presence of chilled liquid or a peritectoid transformation. RESULTS The U2X compounds investigated were found to be formed under the following conditions: UzTc unknown U2Ru peritectic 897o ± 3°C U2Rh peritectoid 755o ± 5°C U2Re peritectoid3 below 750°C Uas peritectic4 920°C U2Ir peritectoid 775o ± 5oC Debye-Scherrer patterns for the above U2X phases were made with CuKa radiation (nickel filter). The similarities in the positions and intensities of the strongest lines in the front-reflection region strongly suggested that U2Tc, U2Ru, U2Rh, U2Os, and U21r are isostructural with only minor differences in the unit-cell dimensions. The known lattice constants and intensities of the Debye-Scherrer rings for U2RU2 were used as a guide in order to index the low-angle X-ray reflections of the U2TC, U2Rh, U2Os, and U2Ir powder patterns. Approximate lattice constants for these compounds were thus obtained and were used along with the intensities observed for U2Ru to index the strongest lines in the back-reflection regions. A sin2 2? correction term was included and the lattice constants were refined and standard deviations estimated by least squares. Comparison of observed and calculated values of Q(= 4 sin2?/?2) used in these calculations are given in Table I. In each case when the positions of lines could not be resolved on the films they were not measured. The final lattice constants, with their standard deviations, are given in Table 11, along with the unit-cell volume and X-ray density. The values of the atomic volume5 of the transition ele-

Jan 1, 1965

By Henry F. Hebley

INTRODUCTION How often has the thoughtful observer pondered the apparent contradictions experienced in the weather? One can take records of two days, one in the winter and one in the summer. The "degree days" indicate that space heating and domestic load were present in one case and not in the other. The Business Index may be about the same, indicating that the industrial activity of the area and its concomitant use of fuel were about the same. Thus the volume of the products of combustion released to the atmosphere varied only as related to the space heating demand. Yet on one day in winter the atmosphere may be clear and bracing, while on a summer's day the air is thick and murky and the visibility sharply reduced. The situation may be reversed. What are some of the factors that contribute to the creation of these conditions? These few notes have been prepared to indicate some of the influences that are exerted on the problem. THE SOURCES OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION The industrial area of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been a dominant center for the production of iron and steel for over one hundred years. In fact, with the growth of the numerous auxiliary processes Allegheny County which contains Pittsburgh is probably the most industrialized county in the world. In addition, the type of manufacture carried out in this area is predominant dependent on thermal energy (heat). That energy is supplied from coke and coal produced in the vicinity of Pittsburgh. Indicative of the stupendous quantities of fuel that are employed in this industrial area's economy, the following (Table No. taken from the U. S. Census (1940) may I of interest. An influence that has never been fully appreciated by many individuals is the fact that no matter what adventures the gases of combustion experience as they pass through the various processes, ulti¬mately the spent gases are discharged through chimneys to the atmosphere.

Jan 1, 1948

By E. F. Burch, R. W. Schoenberger

This paper deals with an investigation of the use of steam filtration for filter cake dewatering and shows that it may be applied on a practical scale. The advent of larger quantities of minus 1/4 in. coal in the raw feed to the preparation plant and the necessity of recovering this material has made the problem of meeting product moisture specifications more difficult. For a number of years thermal dryers have been used advantageously as a means of reducing fine coal moisture content where the over-all economics would justify such an installation. However, these units are not without their drawbacks because of high capital and operating costs, safety hazards and possible degradation of the product, and thus an alternative method of moisture reduction is highly desirable. After the various mechanical variables associated with filtration have been optimized, an examination of theory shows that surface tension and liquid viscosity are the only two remaining variables which might be altered to reduce moisture content. A lowering of the surface tension within the limits of normal wetting agent dosage results in a rather insignificant decrease in cake moisture content. Not until the dosage is increased to a point well beyond this limit is there an appreciable decrease in moisture. At these high dosage levels, interfacial tension is a major factor contributing to the appreciable moisture reduction obtained. Since no suitable method has been developed to recover and recycle this wetting agent, this phenomena is not of practical significance. On the other hand, a reduction in liquid viscosity has a pronounced effect on cake moisture. While it is readily apparent that one method of reducing liquid viscosity is to heat the entire feed slurry, it is equally apparent that this would not be an economic approach except, perhaps, in certain isolated cases. It does, however, suggest that water circuits should be designed to conserve heat as much as possible and to make use of any waste heat that may be available. The use of hot air as a heat carrying medium for drying porous materials on a filter has been practiced for many years. However, this method is restricted to materials with a high air rate in the order of 100 cfm/ ft2 because of the low heat release per unit weight of air passing through the cake. The normal fine coal filter cake has an air porosity far too low to make this a practical approach. Various types of radiant heating devices have been investigated and can significantly lower moisture content at reasonable thermal efficiency. However,

Jan 1, 1964

By P. Greenfield, P. A. Beck

RECENT work by J. Darby, Jr. in this laboratory has shown that the reported vanadium-rich limit of the s phase in the Co-V system at 1200°C is in error. The appearance of a second phase in s actually is restricted to alloys containing over 68 atomic pct V. The error in the original value is due apparently to a reaction that takes place along the numerous cracks in the s specimens between the alloy and the impurities present in the He + 8 pct H atmosphere in the annealing furnace. Such a reaction and the consequent appearance of a second phase can be suppressed if the alloys are sealed under vacuum in Vycor tubing. The new value of 68 atomic pct V for the vana-dium-rich limit of the s phase in the Co-V system effects slightly the s compositions calculated from average values of N, and N,. for various s phases. The standard deviation between experimental mean compositions and those calculated from the assumption that s is characterized by a constant number of 3d + 4s electrons per atom (N,), is slightly reduced from 9.1 to 8.8 pct. The maximum divergence for the V-Mn s phase is reduced from 15.5 to 14 atomic pct. The standard deviation calculated from constant electron vacancy numbers given by N.. = 4.66 (Mo + Cr + V) + 3.2 (Mn) + 2.2(Fe) + 1.71(Co) + 1.6(Ni) is now greatly reduced, as the maximum divergence for this correlation previously occurred in the V-Co system. This maximum divergence is reduced from 7.6 to 2.3 pct, and the standard deviation for all s- phases is reduced from 4.1 to only 2.9 pct. The correlation for electron vacancy numbers given by N. 5.66 (V when with Ni or Co) + 4.88 (V when with Mn or Fe) + 4.66 (Cr + Mn) + 3.3 (Mn) + 2.66 (Fe) + 1.71 (Co) + 0.61 (Ni) is made slightly worse, and the standard deviation increases from 2.8 to 3.9 pct. These changes, however, do not affect the conclusions of the paper.' The deviation between calculated and experimental s compositions is much less for either one of the electron vacancy correlations than for the correlation with the number of 3d + 4s electrons.

Jan 1, 1955

By T. W. Guy

During the past three years the Surface Preparation Committee of the American Mining Congress Coal Operators' Committees has been collecting data on dewatering and drying washed coal, and on screening coal in representative plants in the Eastern and Central bituminous fields. Because of wide variations in bed moisture, such data can be compared only after deducting the bed moisture. It was found that practically every company used a different routine for moisture sampling and determinations. Some reported the moistures as total moistures, others as surface moistures, air-dried moistures, or oven-dried moistures. For most of the reports it was necessary to estimate, from a consideration of the bed moisture and other data available in a given case, corrections to be made in order to obtain surface-moisture figures as a common basis for comparison. At any plant, and regardless of bed moisture, the percentage of surface moisture remaining in a product when the dewatering, or a given stage of the dewatering, has been completed, is the real measure of what has been accomplished. The descriptions and data given with Fig. 1 show that surface-moisture figures show relationships that would not be shown by total moistures. Therefore bed moisture should be deducted, or, if more practicable, the surface moisture of the products should be measured direct. A preparation engineer finds one per cent, or even a part of one per cent, of surface moisture a very important consideration in the results of his efforts to find the most effective and economical methods of reducing and controlling the surface moisture in his products within the required limits. Therefore it is important for him to have accurate measurements of surface moisture with minimum uncertainty as to whether they sometimes include less than the surface moisture and at others all of the surface moisture plus an unknown part of the bed moisture. The Problem We know that pieces of coal have a capacity for holding water: (1) inside themselves, which is a natural characteristic of the bed from

Jan 1, 1938

By T. W. Guy

During the past three years the Surface Preparation Committee of the American Mining Congress Coal Operators' Committees has been collecting data on dewatering and drying washed coal, and on screening coal in representative plants in the Eastern and Central bituminous fields. Because of wide variations in bed moisture, such data can be compared only after deducting the bed moisture. It was found that practically every company used a different routine for moisture sampling and determinations. Some reported the moistures as total moistures, others as surface moistures, air-dried moistures, or oven-dried moistures. For most of the reports it was necessary to estimate, from a consideration of the bed moisture and other data available in a given case, corrections to be made in order to obtain surface-moisture figures as a common basis for comparison. At any plant, and regardless of bed moisture, the percentage of surface moisture remaining in a product when the dewatering, or a given stage of the dewatering, has been completed, is the real measure of what has been accomplished. The descriptions and data given with Fig. 1 show that surface-moisture figures show relationships that would not be shown by total moistures. Therefore bed moisture should be deducted, or, if more practicable, the surface moisture of the products should be measured direct. A preparation engineer finds one per cent, or even a part of one per cent, of surface moisture a very important consideration in the results of his efforts to find the most effective and economical methods of reducing and controlling the surface moisture in his products within the required limits. Therefore it is important for him to have accurate measurements of surface moisture with minimum uncertainty as to whether they sometimes include less than the surface moisture and at others all of the surface moisture plus an unknown part of the bed moisture. The Problem We know that pieces of coal have a capacity for holding water: (1) inside themselves, which is a natural characteristic of the bed from

Jan 1, 1938

By Wittenau, E.

OPERATION of a pilot mill of 100 tons' daily capacity during 1930 and 1931 proved that the copper minerals of the Colorado and Clay sections of the Morenci ore body could be successfully concentrated by the flotation process. Economic conditions caused postponement of further testing work until late in 1938 when the former No. 6 Concentrator at Morenci was converted into an experimental mill of 1500 tons' daily capacity which was known as the Test Concentrator. The Test Concentrator began continuous operation on April 3. 1939, using such crushing and grinding equipment of the No. 6 Concentrator as was appropriate. Modern classifiers and certain flotation machines were installed and later other types of flotation machines, a large grate-type grinding mill. mechanical screens, a short-head cone crusher, and a disk filter were added to the test equipment. Operation was uninterrupted until Dec. 31, 1941.

Jan 1, 1942

By Betty L. Gibbs

A company must have an organized approach to effectively sort through the profusion of available software and hardware and find the programs and equipment which fit defined needs. The selection process must build a complete compatible system which includes hardware and software. The methodology presented in this paper helps identify some of the more important considerations. The steps needed for an organized approach to software/hardware selection are: •All involved staff should contribute to an assessment of current computer capabilities and projection of future needs. •Alternatives are analyzed to determine what software and hardware is available and how selections may possibly be merged into the existing computer system. The evaluation process focuses on details of program capability and hardware compatibility. Analysis must be done to determine how closely individual programs fit the established requirements. The final decision is often a balance of needs between program capabilities and hardware availability. Any programs selected must be able to run on existing and newly purchased hardware. Any additional hardware selected must be capable of meshing with the available computer system.

Jan 1, 1983

By Martin A. Mayers

It has long been recognized that it would be highly desirable to be able to predict the temperatures at various points in a burning fuel bed and their variations with changes of the properties of the fuel and the rate of air supply. Experimenta1 investigations of fuel-bed temperature1-4 have not been lacking, but the absence of any theoretical background has made it impossible to use the results of these tests as a basis for prediction, except in a very general may. A mathematical analysis", based on a somewhat simplified theory of the distribution of lieat in a fuel bed, lias recently been completed by the author. Even though numerical values of some of the coefficients are not known, the calculations result in some conclusions of general significance. Thus, for example, it appears that when the temperatures throughout the fuel bed can be calculated, the rate at which ignition of the fuel by underfeed action can be maintained can also be calcu1ated. The uncertainty concerning the values of the coefficients referred to above is serious limitation on the use of that method. The following paper presents a discussion of these coefficients and includes estimates of their values based on the data now available. A brief description of the theory on which the analysis is based, and some results of the calculations showing their degree of agreement with experimental results, are presented by way of introduction to the discussion of the coefficients. For a more. extended discussion of the theory, see the A.S.M.E. paper5. Theory and Comparison with Experiment The theoretical analysis is similar to that used in the calculation of the stationary temperatures in a conducting solid in the classical theory of heat concluction. The fuel bed is pictured as a uniform, continuous, porous solid through the interstices of which air can be blown and ill which combustion can take place. The solid lias a finite thermal conductivity, so that heat may be transported in any direction, against the flow of air as well as in the same direction. While it is true that nothing

Jan 1, 1938

By Martin A. Mayers

It has long been recognized that it would be highly desirable to be able to predict the temperatures at various points in a burning fuel bed and their variations with changes of the properties of the fuel and the rate of air supply. Experimenta1 investigations of fuel-bed temperature1-4 have not been lacking, but the absence of any theoretical background has made it impossible to use the results of these tests as a basis for prediction, except in a very general may. A mathematical analysis", based on a somewhat simplified theory of the distribution of lieat in a fuel bed, lias recently been completed by the author. Even though numerical values of some of the coefficients are not known, the calculations result in some conclusions of general significance. Thus, for example, it appears that when the temperatures throughout the fuel bed can be calculated, the rate at which ignition of the fuel by underfeed action can be maintained can also be calcu1ated. The uncertainty concerning the values of the coefficients referred to above is serious limitation on the use of that method. The following paper presents a discussion of these coefficients and includes estimates of their values based on the data now available. A brief description of the theory on which the analysis is based, and some results of the calculations showing their degree of agreement with experimental results, are presented by way of introduction to the discussion of the coefficients. For a more. extended discussion of the theory, see the A.S.M.E. paper5. Theory and Comparison with Experiment The theoretical analysis is similar to that used in the calculation of the stationary temperatures in a conducting solid in the classical theory of heat concluction. The fuel bed is pictured as a uniform, continuous, porous solid through the interstices of which air can be blown and ill which combustion can take place. The solid lias a finite thermal conductivity, so that heat may be transported in any direction, against the flow of air as well as in the same direction. While it is true that nothing

Jan 1, 1938

By J. C. Bayles

THE most unsatisfactory occurrences in the experience of a manufacturer are those from which he suffers damage and learns nothing useful. That there are such incidents, and that they occur with annoying frequency, is unfortunately true. An accident which can be understood and explained always carries some consolation with it. However bad the copnsequencee, one finds comfort in reflecting that they might have been worse, and that the knowledge of how to avert a more disastrous calamity from the same cause is worth what it cost. But when an accident occurs, which remains unexplained after anxious days of investigation and sleepless nights of reflection, and which is as liable to occur twice or twenty times, as once, very little satisfaction of any kind can be extracted from it by the most philosophical victim. Three such incidents have come under my notice in one establishment. Fortunately none of them were attended with very serious consequences, as no one was hurt, and the damage to property was slight; but in each instance, loss of life and great destruction were escaped by so narrow a margin as to make them extremely disquieting. I have recorded them in the hope, that from the experience of others maybe gained what my own careful investigations have failed to reach-—satisfactory explanations. The first of these curious occurrences was the bunting of a 16-inch pipe carrying air under a compression of about 1 pound. The pipe was made of light galvanized iron with soldered seams. Into it a rotary fan-blower delivered air, and from it smaller pipes were carried to the furnaces. The blower was run continuously. Neither the main pipe nor its branches had any connection with the gas conduits. Both air- and gas-pipes delivered into the furnaces; but although the gas was under much higher compression than the air, there appeared to be no good reason why, having free escape in case of leakage, it should ever make its way back into the air-pipe. One warm afternoon in June the main air-pipe exploded with great vio-

Jan 1, 1891

By J. D. Mooney, D. L. Darnell

The accompanying chart has been drawn for the convenicncc of engineers as' a means of quickly determining the correct number of plies of conveyor belts operating under specific conditions. The calculations are based on the average safe strength (factor of safety, 15) of the various standard rubber conveyor belts. The calculations assume maximum loading conditions; that is, the belt is considered as carrying the greatest load that it will handle without spillage at ordinary belt speeds. This not only produces the most economical operating conditions, but also the maximum tension in the belt. The chart is a graphical representation of the formula: Where, p = kg W(L + 10H) p = the correct number of plies k = a constant, depending on the type of drive g = the weight 'in pounds per cubic foot of material handled W = the width of the belt in inches L = the length of the belt in feet (approximately twice the center distance). H = the difference in elevation between the head and tail pulleys, in feet. For a simple drive, with a bare pulley, k = ----1 For a simple drive, with a rubber-lagged pulley, k = --- 1 For a, tandem drivej with bare pulleys, k = 1/375.000 For a tandem drive, with rubber-lagged pulleys, k = ---1 The chart is drawn for a simple drive, with a bare pulley (k — =e)1 ; therefore, the number of plies obtained from the chart should be multi- ' plied by the factor 0.83 or 5/6 for simple, lagged drive; the factor 0.67 or 2/3 for tandem, bare; and the factor 0.55 or 11/20, for tandem, lagged. The formula p = kgW(L + 10H) has been developed mathematically

Jan 1, 1916

By STEPHEN L. GOODALE

THE question indicated in this title was put by letter to a number of my friends working in various industries, who have charge of young metallurgical graduates. The replies were almost unanimous in stating that the college training should cover in the most .thorough manner possible those sciences which are the fundamentals - of engineering. Mathematics, physics, mechanics, electricity, chemistry, physical chemistry, and their applications to actual problems of life were mentioned in most of the letters I received. Some writers added also business law, economics,. and finance. One reply expressed it: "These subjects, well founded, mixed with good judgment, well applied, should enable the .young man to carry on the art of life successfully." One answer stated frankly what is really wanted: "As much as possible.' ' This writer mentioned .the sciences as being very important, but he wishes men ' to be trained in metallurgy also, and he concedes the omission of some advanced chemistry and physic's to secure the metallurgy. He emphasized particularly. the a we. desirability of work in college to development' He concludes his letter with a repetition of his slogan that what is wanted is as much as is possible.

Jan 1, 1930

THE BULOLO gold-dredging operations were described at some length by Frank W. Griffin at the Oct. 11 meeting of the San Francisco Section. This enterprise is on the island of New Guinea, about 1800 miles north of Sydney, Australia. The area in which the present placers exist originally was German territory but later the location was taken over by Australians. Gold was discovered in 1923 by prospectors who required 8 to 9 days to pack into the country over severe mountain trails. In 1926 a rich discovery was made on Edie Creek and in 1927 the deposit on the Bulolo River was discovered.

Jan 1, 1932

By Donald H. McLaughlin, Reno H. Sales

ADAPTATION to mining needs of the rich store of geologic knowledge concerning mineral deposits and the application of principles of the science to specific problems in the finding, development and stoping of particular ore bodies are the major tasks of the mining geologist. On him to an increasing degree is placed responsibility for estimation of ore and appraisal of mineralized ground, for explicit guidance of exploration and development, and for reliable advice with regard to the many geologic conditions that influence mining operations. In the long continued and steady efforts to meet these requirements, a special skill in close observation, recording, and quantitative interpretation has been developed, particularly by geologists on staffs of mining companies, which in many districts has proved to be effective, not only for technical ends, but also for advancement of scientific understanding. The foundations for mining geologic work were laid in most districts of the West by investigations of the United States Geological Survey. For years they have provided a reliable basis for geologic thought with regard to ore deposits, and later studies have enriched and supplemented rather than superseded them. In very few districts have the geologic relations stated in the earlier papers needed serious modification or revision, in spite of new evidence subsequently made available in abundance by mining exposures. Indeed, one of the chief satisfactions derived from success in mining geologic work is the assurance that it gives of the correctness bf the major concepts of the science of ore formation, established to so large an extent by the leaders of this notable group among whom Lindgren has been so eminent a figure. The geologists of the Survey have given and are continuing to give the service which can properly be expected of the Federal government. Their work, however, though of the greatest value in establishing the broad geological setting,

Jan 1, 1933

The 27th Regiment of Engineers was organized in the Army not long ago for special mining service at the front (or, we might even say, in advance of the front). In military engineering in warfare, the "sappers and miners" are one of the ancient branches of the corps of engineers; but in modern warfare the importance of this service has been greatly magnified. The 27th Engineers is a. special mining regiment, which is being recruited from mining engineers and miners from all districts of the country, already containing representatives from all the mining states between Arizona and Montana and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coast. Those of us who cannot go to the front should not-be content to tell the young fellows to go, and then forget them. We want the men of the 27th Engineers to know that they represent our industry and their industry; and that the industry is going to think about them and back them up. Expressing the above views, the Engineering and. Mining Journal instituted a fund for the aid of the 27th Engineers. It has already raised a considerable sum of money, and contributions are coming in fast; but there is no limit to what is wanted. This money is being spent in providing the regiment with athletic equipment, both outdoor and indoor; with games for the barracks; with cigarettes and smoking tobacco; with contributions to the funds of the several companies that the men raise among themselves. It is contemplated, moreover, that there will be need to extend aid and comfort to some of the families whom the men have left behind. Contributions of books, sweaters and other knitted articles are also being received.

Jan 3, 1918

By R. E. Wade

The Butte, Anaconda & Pacific electrification is of peculiar interest, in an incidental way, to the entire mining fraternity, and especially the engineering branch, not only in this great Northwest country but throughout the entire Western mining country, which is rich in minerals and water power. It is probably fair to say that the prime object of mining and smelting engineering is to reduce the cost of production, and in the case in hand the relative location of mines and smelter brings the cost of transportation of ore to the front. While some might assign this item to the railway people, it is inseparably a part and parcel of the general scheme of the production of metal from the ore. In considering the electrification of the B., A. & P. railway the mining and smelting engineer, above all, wants to know what saving will be effected by the change in motive power. Unfortunately the new power has been in use during a very limited period and on the Smelter Hill section of the road only, and no reliable data, from actual service conditions, can be obtained until the entire electrified section has been in service for a reasonable length of time. Any remarks on this subject at the present time, therefore, must of necessity be general in nature and more or less descriptive. The railway, electrical and mining worlds and the country in general are indebted to the B., A. & P. railway for the pioneer work it is now doing, as it undoubtedly marks the beginning of the electrification, within the comparatively near future, of all transcontinental roads between the Missouri river and the Pacific coast. Together with this goes the development of an untold wealth in water power and all natural resources within the same territory. For the first time in the history of electric railway work, in this country, direct current at a potential of 2,400 volts is being used. With this potential there is a great saving in transmission of energy to the locomotives and there are only two substations, one at either end and 26 miles apart, for supplying the power for the movement of trains of heavy tonnage over the main line and for switching movements at terminal and intermediate yards, and comparatively little feeder copper is required.

Jan 1, 1914

By D. R. Shoemaker

BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION A 16.5 kt per day underground molybdenum mine is being developed at Questa in northern New Mexico by Molycorp, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Union Oil Company of California. Small scale underground mining first began in 1920 and large scale open-pit mining was initiated in 1965, but because of the high stripping ratio, surface mining is being phased out. Construction of the underground mine began in 1979, and first production is scheduled for 1983. Full production of 9 Gg of molybdenum per year will be reached in 1984. Access to the mine will be through a service shaft, development shaft, and a conveyor decline. 'The service shaft, 7.3 m in diameter and 396 m deep, will be used for personnel, supplies, development muck, and fresh air intake. It will be equipped with a large, double-deck man and material cage. A double-drum hoist will be used for cage hoisting and will handle up to a 27-t load in balance with a counterweight. Development muck will be loaded into skips in balance and a single-drum auxiliary hoist will provide secondary access. The 396-m-deep, 4.3-m-diameter development shaft will be used for initial mine development, mine exhaust air, and a slick line pass for concrete entering the mine. The development shaft is located 400 m north of the service shaft. Run-of-mine ore will be transported from one of two 1.4-kt storage pockets by a 1.2-m-wide conveyor belt located in the 10°, 1980-m-long, 5.0-m-wide, and 4.6-m-high decline. The decline conveyor belt has a centerline length of 2229 m and a vertical rise of 363 m. It will be powered by four 448 kw motors driving a single drive pulley. There will be two 1.2 m transfer belts on the surface with centerline lengths of 322 m and 542 m. All three conveyor belts will be reinforced with steel cables. On the surface, in addition to the headframes and hoist houses for the two vertical shafts, a large maintenance shop, warehouse, compressor house, change house, main office building and timber framing building have been constructed.

Jan 1, 1981

By C. M. Marquardt

Tramp iron and steel moving on a conveyor belt cause small currents to be generated in a coil situated in a strong magnetic field, which are converted to an alternating current and are amplified. The output voltage from the amplifier fires a thyratron with a relay in its anode circuit, which actuates a howler and simultaneously drops a spot of marker material on the belt.

Jan 1, 1950