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By E. Keller

Some years ago the writer's attention was called to the fact that rolling-mill scales from auriferous copper do not have the gold content proportional to the gold contained in the copper from which they are derived.' So, later, he made a few simple experiments, which are described herewith. In order to test the gold movement on the changing surface of a copper plate under the influence of oxidation, plates 6 in. by 8 in. by 1 in. (15.2 cm. by 20.3 cm. by 2.5 cm.) of converter copper, refined, of 99.29 per cent. purity, and leaded copper with a content of 95.65 per cent, copper, were obtained. Ten cuts were made through the thickness of the plates along the longitudinal center and the silver and gold content ascertained in each of the 10 samples in both plates, as shown in the accompanying illustration. The assay results, recorded in Tables 1 and 2, show that the gold distribution is relatively uniform in both plates, while silver has greater variations, especially in the leaded plate. The plates subjected to oxidation were placed in a red-hot muffle for about 2 hr., two small scarifiers being used as supports. Arranged alongside each other, they nearly filled the width of the muffle, and so were practically under equal conditions of heat and draft. The accurate observance of the time was not possible, however, because of other work, but the time of the exposure of each plate in a pair was identical. At the end of each period, each plate was plunged into water and completely freed of scale, which was carefully collected, dried, weighed, and analyzed. Samples of the plates had also been taken of the molten metal and duly analyzed. Table 3 contains the analytical data for the two plates and their several sheets, or layers, of oxide scales. These figures show that in the oxidations of the converter copper the silver is fairly uniform, while the gold is highly irregular and especially low in the first layer. In the oxidations of the leaded copper plate, the silver and gold contents are variable; however, this irregularity is due to two different causes. The

Jan 1, 1919

By W. M. Bertholf

In 1945 tests were made in the coal washery of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation, at Pueblo, Colo., to determine the value of the Humphreys spiral. So far we have demonstrated that it is of definite value to us in rewashing a portion of our table middlings; and we are fairly certain that this is not necessarily the only place in which it can be used to advantage. Because of manpower and material shortages, experimental work has been discontinued for the present. Three of the spirals are being installed for use in rewashing the middlings, and testing and experimental work will proceed when this installation is completed. All evidence secured so far points to the fact that the spiral call make an effective separation of heavy material below 8-mesh; but that it is ineffective in removing larger, heavy material. This, of course, will limit its use to fine coal or a classified feed containing no heavy material larger than 8-mesh. In considering the results of our tests, it should be noted that the feed was our table middling, and that any real separation of this material is a "moral victory)" as there is little material that could be properly called coal and practically no heavy rock, the consequence being that previous attempts to clean the middlings have not been at all successful. Several articles dealing with the spiral and its use in treating heavy minerals have already been published,' but for the benefit of those who have not seen these we include a brief description of the spiral and of the way it operates, taken from Bulletin 4 of The Humphreys Investment Co.: The Humphreys Spiral Concentrator consists of a spiral conduit of modified semicircular cross section. Ore pulp is fed to the top and, as it flows downward, the heavier particles concentrate in a band along the inner side of the pulp stream (Fig. I). Outlets for removal of products are located at the lowest points in the cross section of the conduit. Wash water, added at the inner edge of the stream, flows outwardly across the concentrate band. The width of concentrate band removed at the outlets is controlled by adjustable splitters. Concentrate is usually removed from the upper portion of the spiral and middling from the lower portion. Tailing is discharged from the lower end. Tests are usually made in closed circuit, since this provides a maximum of information with a minimum amount of sample. Fig. 2 shows the spiral set up for closed-circuit testing, and gives a good idea of the general arrangement of such an installation. The small cyclone separator is used to provide clean wash water without introducing additional water into the circuit.

Jan 1, 1947

By W. M. Bertholf

In 1945 tests were made in the coal washery of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation, at Pueblo, Colo., to determine the value of the Humphreys spiral. So far we have demonstrated that it is of definite value to us in rewashing a portion of our table middlings; and we are fairly certain that this is not necessarily the only place in which it can be used to advantage. Because of manpower and material shortages, experimental work has been discontinued for the present. Three of the spirals are being installed for use in rewashing the middlings, and testing and experimental work will proceed when this installation is completed. All evidence secured so far points to the fact that the spiral call make an effective separation of heavy material below 8-mesh; but that it is ineffective in removing larger, heavy material. This, of course, will limit its use to fine coal or a classified feed containing no heavy material larger than 8-mesh. In considering the results of our tests, it should be noted that the feed was our table middling, and that any real separation of this material is a "moral victory)" as there is little material that could be properly called coal and practically no heavy rock, the consequence being that previous attempts to clean the middlings have not been at all successful. Several articles dealing with the spiral and its use in treating heavy minerals have already been published,' but for the benefit of those who have not seen these we include a brief description of the spiral and of the way it operates, taken from Bulletin 4 of The Humphreys Investment Co.: The Humphreys Spiral Concentrator consists of a spiral conduit of modified semicircular cross section. Ore pulp is fed to the top and, as it flows downward, the heavier particles concentrate in a band along the inner side of the pulp stream (Fig. I). Outlets for removal of products are located at the lowest points in the cross section of the conduit. Wash water, added at the inner edge of the stream, flows outwardly across the concentrate band. The width of concentrate band removed at the outlets is controlled by adjustable splitters. Concentrate is usually removed from the upper portion of the spiral and middling from the lower portion. Tailing is discharged from the lower end. Tests are usually made in closed circuit, since this provides a maximum of information with a minimum amount of sample. Fig. 2 shows the spiral set up for closed-circuit testing, and gives a good idea of the general arrangement of such an installation. The small cyclone separator is used to provide clean wash water without introducing additional water into the circuit.

Jan 1, 1947

By W. M. Bertholf

IN 1945 tests were made in the coal washery of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation, at Pueblo, Colo., to determine the value of the Humphreys spiral. So far we have demonstrated that it is of definite value to us in rewashing a portion of our table middlings; and we are fairly certain that this is not necessarily the only place in which it can be used to advantage. Because of manpower and material shortages, experimental work has been discontinued for the present. Three of the spirals are being installed for use in rewashing the middlings, and testing and experimental work will proceed when this installation is completed. All evidence secured so far points to the fact that the spiral can make an effective separation of heavy material below 8-mesh; but that it is ineffective in removing larger, heavy material. This, of course, will limit its use to fine coal or a classified feed containing no heavy material larger than 8-mesh. In considering the results of our tests, it should be noted that the feed was our table middling, and that any real separation of this material is a "moral victory," as there is little material that could be properly called coal and practically no heavy rock, the consequence being that previous attempts to clean the middlings have not been at all successful. Several articles dealing with the spiral and its use in treating heavy minerals have already been published,1 but for the benefit of those who have not seen these we include a brief description of the spiral and of the way it operates, taken from Bulletin 4 of The Humphreys Investment Co.: The Humphreys Spiral Concentrator consists of a spiral conduit of modified semicircular cross section. Ore pulp is fed to the top and, as it flows downward, the heavier particles concentrate in a band along the inner side of the pulp stream (Fig. I). Outlets for removal of products are located at the lowest points in the cross section of the conduit. Wash water, added at the inner edge of the stream, flows outwardly across the concentrate band. The width of concentrate band removed at the outlets is controlled by adjustable splitters. Concentrate is usually removed from the upper portion of the spiral and middling from the lower portion. Tailing is discharged from the lower end. Tests are usually made in closed circuit, since this provides a maximum of information with a minimum amount of sample. Fig. 2 shows the spiral set up for closed-circuit testing, and gives a good idea of the general arrangement of such an installation. The small cyclone separator is used to provide clean wash water without introducing additional water into the circuit.

Jan 1, 1946

By J. R. Ross, J. B. Rosenbaum

Bureau of Mines research has resulted in the development of fluid- bed ion-exchange columns for recovering uranium from slime pulps. In pilot plant tests, slime slurries containing up to 6 percent solids were processed at flow rates of 10 gallons per square foot per minute with high uranium recoveries and efficient resin loadings. Uranium was effectively eluted in a laboratory fluid-bed elution column at eluate-to-resin ratios of less than 5:1 and eluate flow rates of 3 gallons per square foot per minute. Construction costs of mills using these improved ion exchange techniques are estimated to be 25 percent less than for mills using solvent extraction of clear solutions. For mills having a capacity of 2,000 to 2,500 tons of ore per day, the saving would be in the range of $2.5 million. In addition, a saving of about $0.80 per ton of ore in total operating costs is indicated.

Jan 1, 1973

By Thomas T. Read

EVERYONE engaged in the teaching of mining engineering will, I suppose, agree that the most difficult subject to teach is "Mining Methods." One primary difficulty is that the students taking the course have either had no previous experience in mining, or else they have had; either seeming to be somewhat of a drawback. The students who are unfamiliar with mines find it difficult to visualize underground conditions, as described and illustrated with sketches and maps, while those who have had underground experience seem to 'find it difficult to visualize anything much different from that which they have already seen. This reminds one of the remark about the Presbyterian doctrine of predestination, to the effect that "you are damned ,if you do; and damned if you don't."

Jan 1, 1930

By Edmund Newton

THE steel industry of the United States has depended in the past almost wholly upon imports for its supplies of manganese. Many of the important domestic sources yield ores leaner in their natural condition than the foreign ores the steel industry has been accustomed to use. To make them available, therefore, either' the ores must be concentrated or the practice of the steel industry modified. Roughly 25,000 T. annually of high-grade manganese ores are used for dry batteries, for chemical purposes, and in other ways; while approximately 750,000 T. are required for making steel. By present practice, every ton of steel takes an average of about 14 lb. (1.8 kg.) of metallic manganese. This is generally added to the steel in the form of an alloy, the standard alloys being the 80-per cent. ferro-manganese and the 20-per cent. spiegeleisen. During the year 1917 286,000 T. of ferromanganese and 193,291 T. of spiegeleisen were made in this country, the former largely from imported ores; and 45,381 T.

Jan 2, 1919

A comprehensive, systematically structured mineral evaluation system is a prime requirement for objectively assessing mineral supply impacts on the economy. The Minerals Availability System developed by the US Bureau of Mines is a step in the right direction-a well-organized unraveling of the mineral supply network, structured in format to allow quick retrieval for rapid listing, supply analysis, and other uses.

Jan 9, 1977

By Ben L. Seegmiller

Roof, pillar and floor stability is a most important requirement in underground coal mines because it represents the leading cause of fatalities. In future coal mine planning the geotechnical aspects must often be minimized owing to unavailability of data. It is, therefore, very important to include a geotechnical investigation as part of the coal exploration program. Data which should be collected basically include the geological discontinuity characteristics, the rock strength characteristics and the groundwater aspects. Many times the only source of such data is the exploration boreholes. Therefore, an emphasis must be made to extract the maximum information from the core and the borehole. Data collection methods can include the preparation of detailed geotechnical logs for the roof, coal and floor. Laboratory strength testing will provide estimates of the mechanical properties of the various lithologic types. Slaking and swelling tests provide an insight into the stability characteristics of the rock materials immediately enclosing the coal seam. The boreholes may be used to provide permeability and pressurization data. Having developed a suitable geotechnical data base allows various stability prediction methods to be used. These include a geotechnical appraisal of the roof and floor units, depositional environment methods, multiple overlay techniques, hazard analysis techniques and classification/rating systems for roof and floor. The basic geotechnical data and the stability prediction methods form a basis upon which preliminary rock mechanics designs may be developed. Of particular importance to future coal mining are those designs relating to longwall mining because most companies are thinking in terms of the greater safety and greater productivity offered by longwalls. Items which should be ad- dressed when considering a longwall system include the panel layout in terms of a total mining plan, strata mechanics, roof/floor bearing capacities, face support requirements, face length, entry and pillar

Jan 1, 1983

By J. A. Herrick Nashua

IN this country steel made in a Siemens furnace or Bessemer converter, is generally tapped into a ladle or shoe, and then drawn through an aperture in its base into the various moulds. In order to regulate the flow of the molten mass a refractory valve is arranged at the aperture. A plumbago nozzle is fixed firmly in this aperture, and a stopper of like material is fitted to it, making a socket valve. In order to raise and depress this stopper at will, a rod is fastened-to it, extending through, the metal and over the brim of the ladle, where it is bent back in a half circle and secured in a slide. This slide plays vertically in a frame, permanently fastened to the outside of the ladle, and is moved by a lever having as a fulcrum a pin fixed in this frame, one end, of the lever being temporarily fixed to the slide, and the other end being moved by hand. Reference being had to the drawing (see Plate 1, Fig. 1), E is the nozzle, D is the stopper, A is the rod, protected as hereinafter described, C is the cast-iron framework, B is the wrought-iron slide, B' is the offset into which the rod, A, enters, and is secured in the usual manner by a key, a. Section J, K, shows the manner of hanging the lever. J is a pin attached to the slide by which the end of the lever raises the slide, B. J is the fulcrum fastened to the frame, C. K (Fig. 1) is a hand-nut fastening the slide, B, to the frame, C, at will. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of ladle, showing the outside working of the parts above described. It is the common practice to protect the rod, A, by a coating of clay and fire-sand, kneaded to the right consistency and applied to the rod, and then thoroughly dried. Just before casting, the plumbago stopper, D, is heated at its extremity to redness separate from the ladle and, at the moment of pouring, is placed in the ladle and slide, and adjusted as well as practicable. Some very serious defects ensue, causing much trouble and vexation as well as actual loss. The fire-clay coating in drying becomes cracked and seamy, and at its best is more or less loose on the rod. The hot metal sometimes cuts

Jan 1, 1879

By Frank Firmstone

. In the early decades of the past century the method of starting iron blast-furnaces by " scatlolding-down" seems to have been in universal use for coke-furnaces and, at least in this country, for charcoal-furnaces also. It was likewise used at some of the early anthracite-furnaces, as is stated in the important " Reminiscences" printed by the late Samuel Thomas.' It had been generally superseded in Great Britain as early as 1850, by some variations of the plan now used, and was rarely used when Percy wrote.2 On the Continent it was still followed ill the 60's; and was elaborately described by Valerius in 1852. I have never read any statement as to when and by whom " scaffolding " was first dispensed with, but the following extracts from journals of my father seem to fix an authentic date for an instance in this country: " [Pittsburg] July 12, 1838.—Went with Major Wade to his foundry,etc., and he gave me a letter to D. Tyler, Esq., Farrandsville, Agent Boston Coke & Iron Co." " [Lockhaven, Pa.] July 18, 1838.—Heard there was a flat-boat going to take some gentlemen up to Farrandsville. Got on boat and to Farrandsville, 5 or 6 miles, in 1 hr. 30 min. Dined, and then delivered my letter to Ma Tyler, who showed me much attention, and everything belonging to the furnace, and had the water turned on the wheel that I might see the blowing-cylinders at work. There are two cylinders, 6-ft. stroke, -56 in. in diameter, but they find that one makes more than enough blast for the furnace. The furnace has 16-ft. boshes, 7-ft. tunnel-head, and is 47 ft. high, 3 tuyeres, and 3 heating-ovens [hot blast-ovens]. A

Jan 1, 1908

By R. Ingerson

Bore surfaces of used guns commonly show a pattern of cracks in various degrees of development. It has been suggested that these cracks may aid erosion by providing channelways for the gases, eventually leading to the tearing out of blocks of metal. Under the general studies of gun erosion conducted at the Geophysical Laboratory it appeared desirable to consider this factor, and to determine the resistance to surface cracking offered by gun steel and by various other materials that might be used in the bores of guns. Method and Apparatus In order to make such a determination it is necessary to have (I) an arrangement in which the surface to be studied can be subjected to conditions similar to those in a gun with respect to temperature, pressure (developed by explosion gases), composition of the gases and length of time the surface is exposed to the gases; and (2) a specimen that can be examined readily after any number of shots, and then fired again, if necessary. The first of these conditions can be met by using an explosion vessel designed by H. S. Roberts of the Geophysical Laboratory. Fig I shows a cross-section of the apparatus. The "gun" G from which the charge is fired is made from the receiver of a caliber 0.30 army rifle, M1903, and the charges are prepared in caliber 0.30 cartridge cases. The test specimen S is held in place by a cone-shaped plug P and by a steel bridge B which is bolted to the outside of the explosion vessel on either side of the section shown. The plug, in turn, is held in place by a screw collar C. Maximum pressure is controlled by a brass rupture disk R. Part of the explosion gases flow past the two flat areas on S. Temperature and composition of gases, and the time before the rupture disk breaks, can be controlled by amount and kind of powder used, and pressure can be controlled by using rupture disks of different thickness. While the explosion vessel used was not designed so that temperature and pressure could be measured, in other vessels of closely similar size and shape containing proportionate charges of the same kind of powder as that used for standard testing procedure, values of 2700°K and 50,000 psi were obtained. Since the orifices past the flat areas on the plug are small compared to the rupture disk hole (I:I6), most of the gas goes out through the rupture disk when it breaks. The amount that goes by the plug depends on (I) the pressure attained before the rupture disk breaks and (2) the time it takes for this pressure to be built UP. The second condition (examination at will after any firing) is met by using for specimens short rods that have flat areas ground on opposite sides. These flat

Jan 1, 1949

By R. Ingerson

Bore surfaces of used guns commonly show a pattern of cracks in various degrees of development. It has been suggested that these cracks may aid erosion by providing channelways for the gases, eventually leading to the tearing out of blocks of metal. Under the general studies of gun erosion conducted at the Geophysical Laboratory it appeared desirable to consider this factor, and to determine the resistance to surface cracking offered by gun steel and by various other materials that might be used in the bores of guns. Method and Apparatus In order to make such a determination it is necessary to have (I) an arrangement in which the surface to be studied can be subjected to conditions similar to those in a gun with respect to temperature, pressure (developed by explosion gases), composition of the gases and length of time the surface is exposed to the gases; and (2) a specimen that can be examined readily after any number of shots, and then fired again, if necessary. The first of these conditions can be met by using an explosion vessel designed by H. S. Roberts of the Geophysical Laboratory. Fig I shows a cross-section of the apparatus. The "gun" G from which the charge is fired is made from the receiver of a caliber 0.30 army rifle, M1903, and the charges are prepared in caliber 0.30 cartridge cases. The test specimen S is held in place by a cone-shaped plug P and by a steel bridge B which is bolted to the outside of the explosion vessel on either side of the section shown. The plug, in turn, is held in place by a screw collar C. Maximum pressure is controlled by a brass rupture disk R. Part of the explosion gases flow past the two flat areas on S. Temperature and composition of gases, and the time before the rupture disk breaks, can be controlled by amount and kind of powder used, and pressure can be controlled by using rupture disks of different thickness. While the explosion vessel used was not designed so that temperature and pressure could be measured, in other vessels of closely similar size and shape containing proportionate charges of the same kind of powder as that used for standard testing procedure, values of 2700°K and 50,000 psi were obtained. Since the orifices past the flat areas on the plug are small compared to the rupture disk hole (I:I6), most of the gas goes out through the rupture disk when it breaks. The amount that goes by the plug depends on (I) the pressure attained before the rupture disk breaks and (2) the time it takes for this pressure to be built UP. The second condition (examination at will after any firing) is met by using for specimens short rods that have flat areas ground on opposite sides. These flat

Jan 1, 1949

By A. C. Richardson

TROUGHS or launders are probably the oldest machines used for ore. concentration, and their development was suggested no doubt by the natural segregation and stratification of materials that take place in the bed of a stream. Trough washers for coal cleaning were first used in France and Germany about one hundred years ago and have been used in some form or other ever since. The early launders were intermittent or batch machines, and only comparatively recent developments have made them continuous. The chief disadvantage of early launder systems as applied to coal has been that when a satisfactorily clean: coal was produced the loss of good coal in the refuse was excessive. Other disadvantages have been the large quantities of water and the great lengths of troughs necessary to treat moderate tonnages of feed. One of the most widely used types of trough washers is the Rheolaveur, which has been developed in the last 25 years. Fig. 1 shows a more or less standard arrangement for fine coal. In this there are four troughs placed one below the other and sloped a few degrees from the horizontal. Rheo-boxes or draws are provided at intervals in the bottom of the trough for the removal of material deposited from the stream. These draws are spaced substantial distances apart. Some of the rheo-boxes are provided with upward currents of water to modify the horizontal current stratifica-tion. In operation it is the function of the first two troughs to remove all refuse material and permit only clean coal to be discharged over the end. In order to accomplish this, large quantities of coal are drawn through the rheo-boxes. The third and. fourth troughs are used to recover the coal discharged through the boxes of the first two troughs as a middling product and to discharge a clean refuse. The middlings are returned to the first launder and are usually about equal to 40 per cent of the raw coal being fed to the launder.

Jan 1, 1938

By G. F. Comstock

In the literature of metallography there is a large amount of material describing the various non-metallic inclusions found in iron and steel, and the appearance of sulfides, silicates, oxides, or alumina in steel under the microscope is fairly well known. The inclusions found in non-ferrous metals are, however, not so well known, at least judging from published writings, and the author has been interested in examining small castings of copper, brass, or bronze with certain inclusions purposely mixed with the metal, to see what was the characteristic appearance of each kind of inclusion, and if they could be readily distinguished from one another. The method employed in most cases consisted in overheating and oxidizing a small charge of copper, then cooling it somewhat, and adding a suitable amount of the element whose oxide it was desired to observe. This element was stirred in well and given time to react with the oxygen in the copper, then the melt was poured in a sand mold in the form of a cylinder about 21/2 in. (63 mm.) in each dimension, with a sprue about 11/2 in. (38 mm.) in diameter and 3 in. (76 mm.) high on top of the cylinder, the sprue forming the only riser. Samples for examination were cut sometimes from the center of the casting, and sometimes from the sprue or riser. A few of these samples were cast in chill molds. The appearance of sulfides was studied in an alloy containing 10 per cent, each of tin and lead, with which a flux of plaster of Paris was used. The appearance of foundry sand was studied in several alloys, one of them having sand stirred into the metal intentionally, and others having cut into the molds badly when poured, so that the castings were spoiled by included sand. As all this work was done on alloys having copper as the chief ingredient, the natural starting point was copper oxide, the appearance of which in a micro-section is well known. Cuprous oxide is soluble in molten copper, but separates out in freezing and forms a eutectic containing 3.5 per cent. Cu20, or 0.39 per cent. oxygen. If there is less

Jan 1, 1919

By Charles A. Ashburner

The Bradford Oil District lies in the northern part of McKean County, Pa., and the southern part of Cattaraugus County, N. Y. Although petroleum was first found in the producing sand in 1871, it was not until the early part of the year 1875 that a productive horizon was acknowledged to exist, even by those most largely interested in the production of the crude oil. It has been reported to me that the first well drilled in the valley of the Tuneangewant Creek (commonly called Tuna Creek) was drilled by F. E. Dean and brothers in 1865. This well was located on the Shepherd farm, near the present site of Custer City. One hundred and sixty feet of drive pipe was used, and the hole was drilled to the depth of 900 feet. The producing sand at Custer City is found about 1130 feet below the level of the railroad track. The Shepherd farm well was therefore abandoned over 200 feet above the top of the oil sand. The next well was drilled by the Dean brothers on the Clark farm at Tarport. Drilling was stopped at a depth of 605 feet, or over 400 feet above the top of the oil sand. In the year 1862 the old Bradford well, since known as the Barnsdall well, was drilled to a depth of 200 feet with a spring pole, and then abandoned. In the spring of 1866 the citizens of the village of Bradford concluded to club together and sink the Barnsdall well deeper. It was drilled to a total depth of 875 feet, or to within 150 feet of the Bradford producing sand. All of these wells were drilled with the expectation of finding the Venango County oil, and at

Jan 1, 1879

By Chas. A. Ashburner

THE Bradford Oil District lies in the northern part of McKean County, Pa., and the southern part of Cattaraugus County, N. Y. Although petroleum was first found in the producing sand in 1871, it was not until the early part of the year 1875 that a productive horizon was acknowledged to exist, even by those most largely interested in the production of the crude oil. It has been reported to me that the first well drilled in the valley of the Tuneangewant Creek (commonly called Tuna Creek) was drilled by F. E. Dean and brothers in 1865. This well was located on the Shepherd farm, near the present site of Custer City. One hundred and sixty feet of drive pipe was used, and the hole was drilled to the depth of 900 feet. The producing sand at Custer City is found about 1130 feet below the level of the railroad track. The Shepherd farm well was therefore abandoned over 200 feet above the top of the oil sand. The next well was drilled by the Dean brothers on the Clark farm at Tarport. Drilling was stopped at a depth of 605 feet, or over 400 feet above the top of the oil sand. In the year 1862 the old Bradford well, since known as the Barnsdall well, was drilled to a depth of 200 feet with a spring pole, and then abandoned. In the spring of 1866 the citizens of the village of Bradford concluded to club together and sink the Barnsdall well deeper. It was drilled to a total depth of 875 feet, or to within 150 feet of the Bradford producing sand. All of these wells were drilled with the expectation of finding the Venango County oil, and at

Jan 1, 1879

By D. G. Westlake, E. S. Fisher

The habit planes for zirconium hydride precipitation in crystals of a zirconium have been determined at various hydrogen concentrations. The (10 • 0)planes are the predominant habit planes; some (10 • 5) and (10 -1) planes were observed after charging conditions which pevmitted formation of a surface layer of hydride. No platelets zrlere observed parallel to any of the twinning planes. Mechanisms for em-brittlement due to hydride precipitation are discussed. LANGERON and Lehr1 found, in 1956, that zirconium hydride precipitates in zirconium in platelets lying parallel to (10.0) slip planes. In 1960, Kunz and Bibbz reported observing the platelets in three different families of twinning planes, (10.2) {11.1), and {11.2), but never in the slip planes. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the cause of these seemingly contradictory results. EXPERIMENTAL Two specimens of iodide zirconium were used in the experiments. Specimen I was a single crystal, while specimen II contained three grains. Grain growth was accomplished by the technique of Lange-ron and Lehr. Three faces were ground on specimen I; the first was 2 deg from the (00.1) basal plane, a second was 2 deg from the (10.0) prism plane, and a third was 4 deg from the (12.0) plane. One face was ground on specimen II such that the poles of the surfaces of crystals A, B, and C were as shown in Fig. 1. After the faces were ground on 600 grit silicon carbide paper, they were chemically polished by dipping in a solution of 8 parts hydrofluoric acid, 50 parts nitric acid, and 50 parts water. This removed all cold worked metal from the surface. The samples were charged to various levels of hydrogen content by heating in hydrogen gas which had been purified by reaction with uranium powder. The various charging conditions are shown in Table I. Specimen I was heated to the reaction temperature at the indicated hydrogen pressure and allowed to react until essentially all the hydrogen was used up. Then the temperature was raised for homogenization. Specimen II was charged by making periodic addi-

Jan 1, 1962

By H. J. Rose, J. J. S. Sebastian

When coal is stored under ordinary conditions, progressive changes take place in its chemical and physical properties. These changes are largely caused by the reaction of atmospheric oxygen with the coal substance. Although this "oxidation" or "weathering" occurs slowly in the case of high-rank coals, it is nevertheless a matter of considerable importance, since even a small amount of oxidation may affect the value of coal for carbonization purposes. Coal storage is a necessity at all carbonizing plants. In normal times there are about 5,000,000 tons in storage at by-product coke ovens and gas retorts in the United States, as compared with an annual throughput of about 75,000,000 tons. In other words, the average coal reserve at such plants is slightly less than one month's supply. However, owing to the cost of storage and recovery, coal is usually left in stockpile for as long a time as the management thinks advisable. Storage for six to eight months is common practice and is, in fact, a necessity at certain plants which obtain their coal by water routes that are closed during winter months. Modern by-product coke ovens operate continuously, and they are not cooled down from the time that they arc put into operation until they are shut down for rebuilding—perhaps 20 years later. This continuous operation is imposed by silica-brick construction and high operating temperatures. It is therefore obvious that coke plants must at all times maintain an adequate supply of stored coal, in order to prevent a failure in supply from any cause whatever. Thus when strikes or other emergencies threaten, abnormally large coal stocks are accumulated and held at coke and gas plants. Many of these plants have been forced, at some time or other, to use coal that has been stored for several years. Such coal may fail to coke at all, or it may produce a dirty appearing, weak coke of reduced value. The yields of salable by-products may also be distinctly lowered. However, it must not be assumed that slight oxidation or heat effects are always injurious. Certain high-volatile coals produce a stronger, blockier

Jan 1, 1930

By R. D. Carnahan, J. E. White

A study of dispersion strengthening in TD-Nickel (nickel plus 2 vol pct Tho2) was conducted employing microstrain techniques at ambient room temperature. It was found that optimum strength was due primarily to the incorporation of stored energy developed by a variety of thermal-mechanical treatments. The relatively low strength of the recrys-tallized condition implies that the dispersed particles themselves offer only token resistance to deformation. The development of resistance to large-scale recovery or recrystallization at temperatures near the melting point requires a more extensive sequence of strain-anneal cycles than does the development of optimum strength. A micro-Bauschinger effect was observed which appears to be related to the lattice resistance to the movement of free dislocations. The effect was nearly identical to that in pure nickel indicating that the presence of the dispersed phase and considerably increased dislocation density (stored energy) only alters the number or effectiveness of barriers. THE early stages of deformation of engineering materials can be conveniently studied by utilizing strain-gage techniques which permit resolution of strains less than 5 X 10-7 in. per in. for testing in four-point bending (Carnahan and white1). The present investigation, part of a continuing study on the very early stages of deformation, was designed to reveal the true role of a dispersed phase in promoting high strength in a commercially available dispersion-strengthened alloy. Although this technique has been used for some time to study microdeformation in pure metals and alloys, it has just recently received attention as a means of investigating dispersion strengthening. Studying the very early stages of deformation in alloys which depend upon a finely dispersed inert phase for strength may prove to be a very important method for a better understanding of these materials. It is essential to obtain considerable clarification of actual dislocation movement and the kinds of deformation barriers which exist before optimum properties can be designed into this type of material with any degree of confidence. Considerable research on a variety of dispersion-strengthened materials has resulted in two different schools of thought regarding the strengthening mechanism. One faction2-4 favors the idea that the particles themselves resist the motion of dislocations. The criterion for yielding is the fracture of the dispersed second-phase particles due to an array of piled-up dislocations. Other invesfigators5-a have shown that particles are effective primarily by allowing a greater buildup of stored energy or dislocation density through thermal-mechanical treatments in the composite than the pure matrix material. The particles themselves, then, are not exclusive obstacles, but the complex network of particles, dislocation tangles, subboundaries, and grain boundaries are strength determining. The development of such a complex dislocation network in SAP has been studied recently in some detail by Goodrich and Ansell. The ability of dispersion-strengthened alloys to resist softening or recrystallization is also of considerable importance; however, the criteria for maximum stability may not necessarily be those for maximum strength. In this study, in addition to the evaluation of the microstrain properties of TD-Nickel, it is felt that considerable clarification of the true dependence of strength and stability on the dispersed phase is shown. I) MATERIAL AND PROCEDURE TD-Nickel is a dispersion-strengthened alloy developed by the E. I. DuPont de Nemours Co., which contains 2 vol pct thoria (Tho2) in a pure-nickel matrix. The average ThO2 particle size is approximately 0.1 p and the interparticle spacing is less than 1 u. The material was supplied by DuPont in two conditions: hot-extruded bar stock, and stress-relieved cold-rolled sheet 0.025 in. in thickness. The bar was extruded at 2200°F from a cold-pressed and sintered billet. The sheet stock was prepared from the extruded material by a process involving ten or more 50-pct cold reductions by rolling with intermediate anneals at 1800° to 2000°F. Test specimens used in this study were prepared in the form of rectangular parallelepipeds measuring 0.375 by 1.375 in. in thicknesses ranging from 0.025 to 0.040 in. Samples prepared from sheet and extruded stock were mechanically polished before heat treatment and were handled with extreme

Jan 1, 1964