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By C. R. Hocott

The distribution and movement of fluids in oil reservoirs are influenced to a great extent by capillary forces, which depend upon the size and shape of the pores in the reservoir rock, the surface characteristics of the rock, and the interfacial tension between the fluid phases. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the interfacial tension between salt water and crude oil containing dissolved gas under reservoir conditions. Apparatus and Procedure In the preliminary phases of this investigation, it was found that a scum formed at the oil-water interface, which made measurement of interfacial tension by either the ring or capillary rise methods unreliable. Accordingly, the drop-weight method, in which a fresh interface is continuously formed, was selected. In this method, a tip through which drops of one fluid can be expelled is immersed in a second fluid. At the instant that the drop becomes large enough to fall, the gravitational force tending to pull away the drop exactly balances the interfacial force tending to hold it. From the size of the drop, the dimensions of the tip, and the density of the two fluid phases, the interfacial tension may be calculated. The apparatus consists of a circulating pump for bringing the oil to equilibrium with gas at the desired pressure, a displacement pump for forming the drops, an interfacial tension cell in which the drops are formed, and a density cell to determine the density of the oil. The density of the water is determined separately in another apparatus. A flow diagram of the assembled equipment is shown in Fig. 1. The interfacial tension cell contains a stainless-steel dropping tip suspended from the top and extending below the surface of the oil. The tip is a cylindrical rod with a small hole in the center through which the water was forced to form the drop on the lower face. The walls of the tip were highly polished, to prevent the water on the tip from creeping up the side and increasing the effective diameter. The face of the tip, how-

Jan 1, 1939

By C. R. Hocott

The distribution and movement of fluids in oil reservoirs are influenced to a great extent by capillary forces, which depend upon the size and shape of the pores in the reservoir rock, the surface characteristics of the rock, and the interfacial tension between the fluid phases. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the interfacial tension between salt water and crude oil containing dissolved gas under reservoir conditions. Apparatus and Procedure In the preliminary phases of this investigation, it was found that a scum formed at the oil-water interface, which made measurement of interfacial tension by either the ring or capillary rise methods unreliable. Accordingly, the drop-weight method, in which a fresh interface is continuously formed, was selected. In this method, a tip through which drops of one fluid can be expelled is immersed in a second fluid. At the instant that the drop becomes large enough to fall, the gravitational force tending to pull away the drop exactly balances the interfacial force tending to hold it. From the size of the drop, the dimensions of the tip, and the density of the two fluid phases, the interfacial tension may be calculated. The apparatus consists of a circulating pump for bringing the oil to equilibrium with gas at the desired pressure, a displacement pump for forming the drops, an interfacial tension cell in which the drops are formed, and a density cell to determine the density of the oil. The density of the water is determined separately in another apparatus. A flow diagram of the assembled equipment is shown in Fig. 1. The interfacial tension cell contains a stainless-steel dropping tip suspended from the top and extending below the surface of the oil. The tip is a cylindrical rod with a small hole in the center through which the water was forced to form the drop on the lower face. The walls of the tip were highly polished, to prevent the water on the tip from creeping up the side and increasing the effective diameter. The face of the tip, how-

Jan 1, 1939

By H. B. Pulsifer

The unprecedented high price of zinc ore prevailing through the early months of 1915 caused great activity in the Joplin district of Missouri. The Media mill is conspicuous as one of the first of the new "big mills" of the district. The mill was built over a mine previously worked but abandoned in 1912 because of the leanness of the ore and the large quantity of water encountered. The ore prices prevailing—$100 a ton in June, 1915, as against $50 in 1912-—favored the new undertaking. The mill was designed for good recovery so that it might operate in times of depression. In design and equipment, the mill is exclusively local in conception and construction. Former Exploitation The tract of land is a part of the large Guinn holdings; 70 acres are comprised in this particular lot, which is situated just a mile north of the center of Webb City on the Alba line of the Southwest Missouri Electric Railway. The ore lies 242 ft. below the surface at the top of the knoll which is surrounded by the well known properties: Black Cat, Ground Floor, Florence, Hurry-Up, Electrical, and Mercantile. Since the abandonment, in 1913, of the Yellow Dog a bit farther to the north, the Black Cat, Ground Floor, and Florence workings had been flooded. However, as there was no cut through from this side into the area it was proposed to exploit, it was thought that moderate pumping facilities would take care of the water. Three shafts had already been sunk to the ore horizon during the previous operations; the ground was connected by wide drifts and possibly 10 acres mined out, principally about the two southerly shafts which at surface are 8 and 13 ft. lower, respectively, than the collar of the shaft at which the new mill was built. The former mill on the lease was known as the Bohemian Girl. This mill, built in 1910, was removed after some 3 years' work. A head frame and hopper still existed at the middle shaft, sometimes known as the lower Hold Out shaft, but at the most northerly

Jan 1, 1918

By E. F. La Vigne

On Aug. 10, 1884, the Retsof Mining Co. began the sinking of an 18 by 12-ft. shaft at Retsof, N. Y. Rock salt was reached in 1885, in September, at 1008 ft. below the surface. The first salt was shipped in the fall of 1885. A timber breaker was built in 1886. In July, 1895, there was a consolidation of the Retsof Mining Co., the Greigsville Salt & Mining Co., the Livonia Salt Co., and the Lehigh Salt & Mining Co. These consolidated salt companies are now known as the Retsof Mining Co., a subsidiary of the International Salt Go. Eventually all of the mines were closed except the mine of the Retsof Mining Co., at Retsof, Livingston County, New York. On July 6, 1921, about 1/2 mile south of the original shaft arid plant of the Retsof Mining Co., a new 9 by 28-ft. concrete-liried shaft was started. The shaft is 1063 ft. deep from the top of the shaft collar to the bottom of the salt bed. At the same time a reinforced-concrete breaker and other buildings were erccted. This new plant began operations on Dee. 15, 1923. It was designed for a capacity of 3000 tons in 8 hours. Geology The workable rock-salt bed is 1063 ft. below the surface and 326 ft. below sea level, and varies in thickness from 9 to 10 ft. The total thickness is greater than that but is contaminated with shale above and below the pure mineral. The characteristics of the formation are shown in Tables 1 and 2. The bed dips uniformly 0.87 per cent to the south. Prospecting As the salt deposil in New York State is known, very little prospecting has been necessary. Before the sinking of the Retsof No. 1 shaft, a well was drilled to prove the existence of salt. No. 1 shaft was sunk where the well was located. The several salt wells drilled in Livingston Courlty proved generally the existence of salt throughout the county. (See U. S. Geol. Survey Bull. 669: Salt Resources of the U. S.)

Jan 1, 1938

By E. F. La Vigne

On Aug. 10, 1884, the Retsof Mining Co. began the sinking of an 18 by 12-ft. shaft at Retsof, N. Y. Rock salt was reached in 1885, in September, at 1008 ft. below the surface. The first salt was shipped in the fall of 1885. A timber breaker was built in 1886. In July, 1895, there was a consolidation of the Retsof Mining Co., the Greigsville Salt & Mining Co., the Livonia Salt Co., and the Lehigh Salt & Mining Co. These consolidated salt companies are now known as the Retsof Mining Co., a subsidiary of the International Salt Go. Eventually all of the mines were closed except the mine of the Retsof Mining Co., at Retsof, Livingston County, New York. On July 6, 1921, about 1/2 mile south of the original shaft arid plant of the Retsof Mining Co., a new 9 by 28-ft. concrete-liried shaft was started. The shaft is 1063 ft. deep from the top of the shaft collar to the bottom of the salt bed. At the same time a reinforced-concrete breaker and other buildings were erccted. This new plant began operations on Dee. 15, 1923. It was designed for a capacity of 3000 tons in 8 hours. Geology The workable rock-salt bed is 1063 ft. below the surface and 326 ft. below sea level, and varies in thickness from 9 to 10 ft. The total thickness is greater than that but is contaminated with shale above and below the pure mineral. The characteristics of the formation are shown in Tables 1 and 2. The bed dips uniformly 0.87 per cent to the south. Prospecting As the salt deposil in New York State is known, very little prospecting has been necessary. Before the sinking of the Retsof No. 1 shaft, a well was drilled to prove the existence of salt. No. 1 shaft was sunk where the well was located. The several salt wells drilled in Livingston Courlty proved generally the existence of salt throughout the county. (See U. S. Geol. Survey Bull. 669: Salt Resources of the U. S.)

Jan 1, 1938

By E. T. Turkdogan, L. S. Darken, R. G. Olsson, H. A. Wriedt

Several aspects of the calcination of Michigan limestone were investigated: the rate of calcination of limestone spheres with diameters from 1.8 to 14 cm at temperatures from 800° to 1200°C by a thermogravimetric method; the temperature profile across limestone during calcination; the excess pressure developed in the interior of the stone during calcination; the pore surface area, pore volume, and effective gas diffusivity in burnt lime; and the microstructure of polished and fracture surfaces. It is found that, over a wide range of experimental conditions, the difference between the surface and center temperatures remains essentially unchanged during the latter half of calcination. From the rate of weight loss after about 50% calcination, the value 0.00126 cal per cm sec degree is found for the effective thermal conductivity of burnt lime. From the excess internal pressure measurements, i.e., 0.4 to 6 cm Hg at 800° to 1200°C, the permeability of burnt lime is estimated to be within the range 8 X 10-' to 5 X 10' sq cm. With increasing temperature and time of calcination, the pore structure of burnt lime coarsens as indicated by a decrease in the pore surface area, pore volume, and an increase in the average pore size. For the temperature range 600° to 835°C the ratio (effective gas diffusivity/molecular diffusivity) is about 0.18.

Jan 1, 1974

By V. H. Wilhelm

Greater stabilization in the petroleum industry was effected during 1934 through stricter compliance with curtailment measures and the establishment of the Pacific Coast Petroleum Agency. Various estimates of individual, company and state reserves revealed the fact that they were inadequate to sustain the present rate of production over a lengthy period, therefore drilling operations were increased during the year both in proved and wildcat territory. This greater activity resulted in the addition to reserves at Mountain View, Mount Poso and Edison in Kern County, Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County and Playa del Rey in Los Angeles County. Additional reserves were also established in the Long Beach and Santa Fe Springs fields, in Los Angeles County, due to operators being successful in isolating small prolific sand bodies, formerly disregarded during the flush production periods.

Jan 1, 1935

By D. H. Gieskieng

THE advent of curved jaw crusher wearing plates made an approach other than segmental layout analysis desirable for prediction of capacities. For some time it had been known that the drawing board capacities of crushers using these plates had to be considerably modified by complicated experience factors to achieve agreement with results. Because these apparent capacities could be readily increased severalfold by minor crushing chamber shape changes, it was necessary that the utmost precaution be taken in predicting capacities of jaw plates modified for nonchoking, special wear characteristics, or any other reason. To this end the laboratory and field tests outlined by the author in a previous paper1 were made on Blake-type jaw crushers. The results of these tests were summarized in a simple first degree equation applicable to crushers using either straight or curved jaw plates. This equation first outlines the maximum capacity potential of a given crusher, then reduces this figure in accordance with installation circumstances by means of a realization factor. It was found subsequently that this equation, with the addition of an eccentric throw factor, is applicable to standard types of single-toggle or overhead eccentric jaw crushers as far as maximum capacity potential is concerned. However, these crushers have realization factor curves somewhat different from those outlined for the Blake type. While this paper is concerned principally with standard type single-toggle crusher capacities, the evaluation of data obtained with these machines is simplified by comparative reduction to the 10 x 7 in. Blake-type equivalents upon which the summary of the preceding paper was made. Convertibility of data from one type of crusher to the other also tends towards confirmation of both. The agreement of these data is sufficient to be considered complimentary. Consequently the feed factors, f, previously reported for Blake crushers are slightly adjusted to an average with the single-toggle crusher results. Blake-type equation: C = f.d.w.y.t.n.a.r [I] Single-toggle type equation: C = f.d.w.y.t.n.a.e.r [21 where C is the capacity in short tons per hour through the crusher, f is a feed factor, dependent upon the presence of fines in the feed, and the surface character of the jaw plates used. Values of f : Smooth Plates Corrugated Plates With normal fines 0.0000414 0.0000319 Fines scalped out 0.0000368 0.0000252 Large pieces only . 0.0000312 0.0000215 d is the apparent density of the broken product in pounds per cubic foot. (If the true specific gravity of the feed is known, 40 pct voids may be assumed and d becomes 37.4 times sp gr). w is the width of crushing chamber in inches. y is the openside setting of the crusher, in inches. In the case of corrugated jaw plates it is measured from the tip of one corrugation to the bottom of the valley opposite. t is the length of jaw stroke in inches at the bottom of the crushing chamber. It is the difference between open and close-side settings. n is rpm, or crushing cycles per minute, a is the nip-angle factor. It is unity for 26" and 3 pct greater for each less nip-angle degree. A nip-angle of 20" has an a value of 1.18, and an angle of 30" has an a value of 0.88, see Fig. 1. r is the realization factor. It is unity for perfectly uniform choke feeding and usually less for actual operating conditions according to the method of feeding used and the probabilities of hang-ups involving the size of feed and crusher opening. Approximate values are given by the curves in Fig. 2. These values are further reduced by intermittent feeding, e is the throw or diameter of gyration of the single-toggle crusher eccentric in inches. As evident in Fig. 1A, variation of feed size will generally have little effect on nip-angle if both jaw plates have flat areas. Jaw plates having continuous curvature, as in Fig. 1B will have different nip-angles, depending upon the size of feed. For test work as described in this paper this effect was accounted. For general compilation of capacities for average feeds it is suggested that the nip-angle be taken at the various settings computed, at an arbitrary level, such as is indicated in Fig. 1C. Data Evaluation To bring the Blake and single-toggle type crusher capacity test results to common terms for evaluation, all data are converted to terms of 10 x 7 in. Blake-type performance at conditions of 100 lb per cu ft, 10 in. chamber width, 250 rpm, 0.65 in. stroke, 3-in. openside setting, and 18° nip-angle. (The nip-angle of the 10x7 in. Blake is 18° at 3-in. setting.) The single-toggle crusher performances are also divided by the eccentric throw to bring this effect to unity. As outlined,' laboratory and field tests made on Blake-type crushers ranging from 10 x 7 in. to 60 x 48 in. were summarized along the foregoing conditions of speed, stroke, etc. This resulted in groups of data which correspond to feeds with fines, feeds

Jan 1, 1952

By Richard Paul Seelig

The following review covers published information on pressing of metal powders at room temperature. Only those operations are considered which occur between the time the powder is filled into the cavity and the compact is ejected from the die. Thus, this review does not concern hot pressing, coining or sizing feed or flow problems, commercial presses nor designs. It was also necessary to disregard to a large extent the effect of pressing on subsequent operations and on properties after sintering. 'The pressing operation is considered independently in its function to compact loose metal powder into useful shapes which can subsequently be handled. There are some comments by the writer in connection with a few of the findings quoted in the literature in order to stimulate thought and discussion. The selection of references quoted in the text is in some cases arbitrary although an attempt was made to favor papers containing novel ideas, techniques or results which mag stimulate future research. In order to enable the reader to check further into the subjects mentioned, the original, rather extensive, bibliography is appended even though not all the references are touched on in the printed version of this review. The equipment used by various workers, for example a die design created by Bridgman,22 is very interesting. 'The die insert has a conical external surface. The vertical pressure exerted on the punch transmits itself to the die which in turn is pushed harder into its tapered retainer. Thus, the higher the pressure exerted on the punch, the higher also the pressure exerted inwards on the die inserts. Inasmuch as this pressure counteracts the internal pressure from the compact the two stresses balance each other so that it is possible to obtain tremendous pressures without breaking the die. The die collar was made from an oil hardening tool steel, heat treated to a tensile strength of some 300,000 psi. The die was closed at the bottom by a plug made from special tool steels. Bridgman found that there is no steel which will withstand a com-pressive stress of 700,000 psi without continuous slow flow or immediate fracture. Therefore, the only material suitable for use in the pressing punch was sintered carbide. In view of the ingenious design it was possible to use special tool steel as die material. Jones22 raises the question whether this method of pressing has practical application in powder metallurgy. Although these tremendous pressures cannot readily be utilized without many special precautions, the tapered die and retainer idea is believed to be useful even for lower pressures. Bridgman, himself," alls attention to the fact that the properties

Jan 1, 1947

By Richard Paul Seelig

The following review covers published information on pressing of metal powders at room temperature. Only those operations are considered which occur between the time the powder is filled into the cavity and the compact is ejected from the die. Thus, this review does not concern hot pressing, coining or sizing feed or flow problems, commercial presses nor designs. It was also necessary to disregard to a large extent the effect of pressing on subsequent operations and on properties after sintering. 'The pressing operation is considered independently in its function to compact loose metal powder into useful shapes which can subsequently be handled. There are some comments by the writer in connection with a few of the findings quoted in the literature in order to stimulate thought and discussion. The selection of references quoted in the text is in some cases arbitrary although an attempt was made to favor papers containing novel ideas, techniques or results which mag stimulate future research. In order to enable the reader to check further into the subjects mentioned, the original, rather extensive, bibliography is appended even though not all the references are touched on in the printed version of this review. The equipment used by various workers, for example a die design created by Bridgman,22 is very interesting. 'The die insert has a conical external surface. The vertical pressure exerted on the punch transmits itself to the die which in turn is pushed harder into its tapered retainer. Thus, the higher the pressure exerted on the punch, the higher also the pressure exerted inwards on the die inserts. Inasmuch as this pressure counteracts the internal pressure from the compact the two stresses balance each other so that it is possible to obtain tremendous pressures without breaking the die. The die collar was made from an oil hardening tool steel, heat treated to a tensile strength of some 300,000 psi. The die was closed at the bottom by a plug made from special tool steels. Bridgman found that there is no steel which will withstand a com-pressive stress of 700,000 psi without continuous slow flow or immediate fracture. Therefore, the only material suitable for use in the pressing punch was sintered carbide. In view of the ingenious design it was possible to use special tool steel as die material. Jones22 raises the question whether this method of pressing has practical application in powder metallurgy. Although these tremendous pressures cannot readily be utilized without many special precautions, the tapered die and retainer idea is believed to be useful even for lower pressures. Bridgman, himself," alls attention to the fact that the properties

Jan 1, 1947

By John M. Hartman

The high temperature of the blast of modern furnaces renders it desirable that the pipe conveying the blast into the furnace crucible shall transmit and radiate as little heat as possible. To accomplish this, the pipe shown in the accompanying sketch was devised and patented. It consists of a slide-valve, leg-pipe, and belly-pipe, which are held together and to the tuyere by a system of levers and links. The slide-valve is superior to the old throttle-valve. The legpipe is formed of two thicknesses of wrought-iron pipe, with a space of half an inch filled in with clay and brick. The belly-pipe is made in the same way as the leg-pipe, and terminates in a globe face to suit the tuyere. The quarter turn is made extra thick, of cast iron, and the cap on the end is lined with clay also. The catches, A, B, C, are merely for convenience in putting the pipe together. The joints D and E are globe faces, and allow the pipe to adjust itself to any angle. The eye-piece is made of violet glass, which cuts off the glare from the bright coals in the furnace and allows a close examination of the interior, so that any water dropping or vapor can be detected. The glass does not become coated with dirt, like mica. Since good running of furnaces is shown by a bright tuyere, it is necessary to have a good eye-piece to examine them. To detach the pipe, a man lifts the weights, the side rods are then slipped off the bell crank under the quarter turn, the link under the belly-pipe is unhooked, and the pipe carried away. The same process is reversed to put the pipe together. The nozzle is changed by taking off the cap, G, drawing the nozzle through the belly-pipe, and inserting another. In this way the change can be made quickly, without taking down the pipe. On the old tuyere pipe bolts with brass nuts were used, which burned up and gave trouble. In other cases key-bolts were used, making it difficult to adjust the pipe. Bolts make too rigid a joint, and there is no provision for movement from contraction or expansion. As the temperature of the blast increases there is more expansion, and where rigid joints are

Jan 1, 1879

By John M. Hartman

THE high temperature of the blast of modern furnaces renders it desirable that the pipe conveying the blast into the furnace crucible shall transmit and radiate as little heat as possible. To accomplish this, the pipe shown in the accompanying sketch was devised and patented. It consists of a slide-valve, leg-pipe, and belly-pipe, which are held together and to the tuyere by a system of levers and links. The slide-valve is superior to the old throttle-valve. The leg-pipe is formed of two thicknesses of wrought-iron pipe, with a space of half an inch filled in with clay and brick. The belly-pipe is made in the same way as the leg-pipe, and terminates in a globe face to suit the tuyere. The quarter turn is made extra thick, of cast iron, and the cap on the end is lined with clay also. The catches, A, B, C, are merely for convenience in putting the pipe together. The joints D and E are globe faces, and allow the pipe to adjust itself to any angle. The eye-piece is made of violet glass, which cuts off the glare from the bright coals in the furnace and allows a close examination of the interior, so that any water dropping or vapor can be detected. The glass does not become coated with dirt, like mica. Since good running of furnaces is shown by a bright tuyere, it is necessary to have a good eve-piece to examine then. To detach the pipe, a man lifts the weights, the side rods are then slipped off the bell crank under the quarter turn, the link under the belly-pipe is unhooked, and the pipe carried away. The same process is reversed to put the pipe together. The nozzle is changed by taking off the cap, G, drawing the nozzle through the belly-pipe, and inserting another. In this way the change can be made quickly, without taking down the pipe. On the old tuyere pipe bolts with brass nuts were used, which burned up and gave trouble. In other cases key-bolts were used, making it difficult to adjust the pipe. Bolts make too rigid a joint, and there is no provision for movement from contraction or expansion. As the temperature of the blast increases there is more expansion, and where rigid joints are

Jan 1, 1879

By H. C. Brassfield, R. E. Fryxell, E. C. Duderstadt, E. A. Aitken, P. K. Conn

Permeation rates of hydrogen through are-cast tungsten were measured at temperatures from 1300" to 2600°C with hydrogen pressure differentials of 1 and 0.1 atm across isothermal membranes. Rates were nearly Proportional to square root of pressure, were inversely ProPortional to membrane thickness, and were temperature-dependent according to the equation: p = permeation coefficient in cu cm (stp)-mm per sq cm-min-atmlr2, R = gas constant in cal per mole-OK, T = absolute temperature in OK. Permeation rates of oxygen through tungsten were deternlined in the range 1965" to 2300°C and at calculated oxygen (02) pressures of 3.3 x 10-4 to 2.2 x at?n using sealed capsules containing Kmown quantities of tungsten oxide. Permeation coefficients obtained in this manner had a temperature dependency in the range of 40 to 45 kcal per mole of permeating species. Permeation coefficients for oxygen were higher than those for hydrogen in the temperature range studied. This is probably the result of oxygen solubility being much greater than hydrogen solubility at these temperatures at a gzven pressure. The purpose of this investigation was to determine experimentally the permeabilities of hydrogen and oxygen through polycrystalline tungsten at temperatures ranging from 1300° to 2600°C. Permeation rates of hydrogen through tungsten have been measured at temperatures up to 925°C,but no previous measurements have been reported for the temperature range covered in this investigation. Some diffusion measurements3&apos;&apos; and solubility measurements3 have been made for hydrogen at temperatures below 2200°C. No previous permeability studies of oxygen through tungsten are known to the authors; however, efforts have been made to determine diffusion rates5-&apos; and solubilities PERMEATION THEQRY Permeation has been defined by ortton" as the overall steady-state flow process from the gas phase on one side of a membrane or wall to the gas phase on the other side and includes the steps of adsorption, solution, diffusion, exsolution, and desorption; in a given temperature range, any of these processes may be rate-controlling. For diatomic gases, which dissociate prior to diffusion, the quantity of gas which permeates through a membrane or wall at a given temperature is directly proportional to the surface area of the membrane, the length of time of permeation, and the difference between the square roots of the pressures on each side of the membrane, and it is inversely proportional to the thickness of the membrane when diffusion-controlled, thus: q = total amount of gas permeating a membrane, p = temperature-de pendent permeation coefficient, A = area of membrane exposed, / = time, p i = gas pressure of high-pressure side, p2 = gas pressure of low-pressure side, d = thickness of membrane. When the surface reactions are not rate-controlling steps and the solution of the gas in the metal follows Henry&apos;s law, the permeation coefficient, P, is equal to the product of diffusivity and solubility. The permeation coefficient is also temperature-dependent according to the equation: Po = permeation constant, Q = activation energy, R = gas constant, T = absolute temperature. MATERIALS The tungsten materials used in this investigation were greater than 99.9 pct pure. The interstitial impurities ranged from < 1 to 50 pprn C, 7 to 35 ppm O, less than 15 pprn N, and undetectable quantities of hydrogen. Previous high-temperature studies of are-cast tungsten have shown that thermal treatment similar to that which the hydrogen permeation cells experienced reduces the carbon content from starting levels of 50 to 60 ppm to about 30 ppm. Metallic impurities were in the low (1 to 50) ppm range. The argon gas used in this investigation contained about 8 ppm N. None of the following gases were

Jan 1, 1968

By Carl D. Broadbent

In 1956, Kennecott Copper Corp. instituted a slope mechanics program. Its objective was to obtain effi-ient and safe pit slopes. Since then, Kennecott has onducted a great deal of research into the area, most otably at the Kimbley Pit. This paper, which describes the transitional work at this period and draws from the pertinent experimental work done by others, paves the way for the next step of the program: refining the design process and applying it for profit. The goal of slope mechanics is to achieve efficient and safe pit slopes. In the case of ultimate mine slopes, the objective is to minimize the stripping ratio by steepening the slopes to their maximum stable limit. On the other hand, the inclination of working slopes is normally established by operating space requirements and the function of slope mechanics should be the continuous surveillance of slope conditions to assure long-term stability and provide timely warning of impending slides so that corrective measures may be incorporated in production planning. In 1956, Kennecott instituted a program to provide

Jan 1, 1970

By J. A. Hafford, J. K. Kerver, J. G. Richardson, P. M. Blair, J. S. Osoba

This paper presents the results of laboratory measurements of relative permeabilities to oil and gas on small core samples of reservoir rock by five methods, and describes the influences of such factors as boundary effect, hysteresis, and rate upon these measurements. The five methods used were the "Penn State," the "single core dynamic," the "gas drive," the "stationary liquid," and the "Hassler" techniques. In those methods in which the results are subject to error hecause of the boundary effect, the error may be minimized hy the use of high rates of flow. In order to avoid complexities introduced by hysteresis, it is necessary to approach each saturation unidirectionally. Observed deviations of relative permeabilities with rate can be explained as a manifestation of the boundary effect, and disappear as the boundary effect vanishes. The results indicate that all five methods yield essentially the same relative permeabilities to gas. Of the four methods applicable to the determination of relative permeability to oil, three, the Penn State, single core dynamic, and gas drive, gave relative permeabilities to oil which were in close agreement. The Hassler method gave relative permeabilities to oil which were consistently lower than the results obtained by the other methods. INTRODUCTION The relationship between the effective permeability of a reservoir rock to each of the fluids flowing through it and the corresponding fluid saturation is an important characteristic of the reservoir rock. Knowledge of this characteristic is and gas reservoirs and of the ultimate recovery to be expected extremely important in the prediction of the behavior of oil under various operating conditions. These effective permeabilities are usually expressed as the "relative permeability" to a fluid phase, defined as the ratio of the effective permeability to the permeability of the rock to a single phase at 100 per cent saturation. Relative permeability-saturation relations are not the same for all kinds of reservoir rock, but may vary from formation to formation, and within the different portions of a heterogeneous formation. In studying the performance of a specific reservoir, it is necessary, then, that the relative permeability characteristics of the individual portions of the reservoir be measured. These measurements may be made in the laboratory on small core samples from the reservoir. Various techniques have been proposed for the measurement in the laboratory of relative permeability-saturation relations. In varying degree, difficulties attend the use of all of the methods which have been proposed. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the factors which influence the measurement of relative permeability, the difficulties encountered in several methods, and to present comparative results obtained by the use of various techniques. FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE MEASUREMENT OF RELATIVE PERMEABILITY It is necessary that the relative permeability data measured in the laboratory yield the same relative permeability-saturation relationships that would govern the flow of fluids through the sample if it were to occupy its original position in the reservoir. Since the core sample upon which the laboratory measurements are made is not surrounded by similar core material as it was in the reservoir, an error in measuring the relative permeabilities may arise from the "boundary effect" which results from a discontinuity in capillary properties of the system at the effluent end of the core. Again, the rates of

Jan 1, 1951

By J. K. Kerver, J. S. Osoba, J. G. Richardson, P. M. Blair, J. A. Hafford

This paper presents the results of laboratory measurements of relative permeabilities to oil and gas on small core samples of reservoir rock by five methods, and describes the influences of such factors as boundary effect, hysteresis, and rate upon these measurements. The five methods used were the "Penn State," the "single core dynamic," the "gas drive," the "stationary liquid," and the "Hassler" techniques. In those methods in which the results are subject to error hecause of the boundary effect, the error may be minimized hy the use of high rates of flow. In order to avoid complexities introduced by hysteresis, it is necessary to approach each saturation unidirectionally. Observed deviations of relative permeabilities with rate can be explained as a manifestation of the boundary effect, and disappear as the boundary effect vanishes. The results indicate that all five methods yield essentially the same relative permeabilities to gas. Of the four methods applicable to the determination of relative permeability to oil, three, the Penn State, single core dynamic, and gas drive, gave relative permeabilities to oil which were in close agreement. The Hassler method gave relative permeabilities to oil which were consistently lower than the results obtained by the other methods. INTRODUCTION The relationship between the effective permeability of a reservoir rock to each of the fluids flowing through it and the corresponding fluid saturation is an important characteristic of the reservoir rock. Knowledge of this characteristic is and gas reservoirs and of the ultimate recovery to be expected extremely important in the prediction of the behavior of oil under various operating conditions. These effective permeabilities are usually expressed as the "relative permeability" to a fluid phase, defined as the ratio of the effective permeability to the permeability of the rock to a single phase at 100 per cent saturation. Relative permeability-saturation relations are not the same for all kinds of reservoir rock, but may vary from formation to formation, and within the different portions of a heterogeneous formation. In studying the performance of a specific reservoir, it is necessary, then, that the relative permeability characteristics of the individual portions of the reservoir be measured. These measurements may be made in the laboratory on small core samples from the reservoir. Various techniques have been proposed for the measurement in the laboratory of relative permeability-saturation relations. In varying degree, difficulties attend the use of all of the methods which have been proposed. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the factors which influence the measurement of relative permeability, the difficulties encountered in several methods, and to present comparative results obtained by the use of various techniques. FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE MEASUREMENT OF RELATIVE PERMEABILITY It is necessary that the relative permeability data measured in the laboratory yield the same relative permeability-saturation relationships that would govern the flow of fluids through the sample if it were to occupy its original position in the reservoir. Since the core sample upon which the laboratory measurements are made is not surrounded by similar core material as it was in the reservoir, an error in measuring the relative permeabilities may arise from the "boundary effect" which results from a discontinuity in capillary properties of the system at the effluent end of the core. Again, the rates of

Jan 1, 1951

By Charles H. White

+1HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. The equipment of a laboratory in which students are to be trained for practical work in metallurgical chemistry presents many difficulties not encountered in the fitting up of a commercial or works laboratory. At an industrial plant the chemical work required usually demands the frequent repetition of a comparatively limited number of methods. In a steel-works laboratory, for instance, by far the larger part of the work consists in making determinations of the usual impurities found in iron and steel; at a smelter the great bulk of the work is confined to the analysis of ores, slags, mattes, and fuels, which involve the frequent application of perhaps not more than a dozen different methods. In a laboratory of this character, therefore, those operations most frequently applied may each have a certain section set apart and fitted permanently with such apparatus as best facilitates the carrying out of this one operation. The work of a commercial or custom laboratory is perhaps more varied than that of a works laboratory, but the couditions are similar in these respects, that there is usually no great need for economy of space, and that a few skilled workmen are employed to carry the determinations through from beginning to end without interruption. On the other hand, the laboratory of a technical school should be planned on such a scale that a comparatively large number of students may work at the same time, and each desk should be equipped for general metallurgical analysis. In most institutions for technical education the student&apos;s program is so arranged that his day is divided among several subjects in the course of study; only a few consecutive hours being devoted to one subject, or spent in one laboratory. Therefore, those appliances should be provided that render possible the safe continuation of such processes as

Jan 1, 1905

By David W. James

DURING a recent investigation of the transition from a planar to a nonplanar solid/liquid interface for the systems H20-NH4F and 0-AIR,&apos; an apparatus was developed which enabled the morphology of the ice-water interface to be examined during the transition. The slightly curved interface was viewed at a glancing angle with a Bausch and Lomb X30 stereomicro-scope. The interface was obliquely illuminated by a polarized light source. It was thus possible to differentiate between small projections or depressions at the interface, both by a shadowing effect and by the way in which they distorted the colored interference fringes across a particular crystal surface. Many attempts were made to photograph the various stages of interface breakdown. Unfortunately, the limited depth of focus of the microscope rendered the system unsuitable for photographic recording. Visual examination, however, was facilitated by continuous adjustment of the microscope focus control. The following observations of the interface transition were recorded for dilute solutions of ammonium fluoride in water. They are compared with iller&apos;s postulated morphologies shown in Fig. 1. i) The initial departure from planarity was characterized by the appearance of a large number of small depressions or "pores" in the interface. ii) The pores were arranged in wavy rows all lying roughly in the same direction within a particular grain. iii) The pores did not appear to form near to grain boundaries. iv) The pores appeared in certain grains before others. v) The transition from the pore structure to the elongated cell structure, Fig. l(d), was difficult to follow. It occurred quite rapidly and no truly irregular cell structure, Fig. l(c), was noticed. vi) The elongated cells gradually became more uniform in size and shape, with straight cell boundaries. They remained elongated, however, and no regular hexagonal cells were observed, cf. Fig. l(e). Several conclusions may be drawn from these observations. Firstly, the appearance of a poxed or, more accurately, a pore structure can be used as a criterion for the onset of constitutional supercooling. Care should, of course, be taken to distinguish between the true pore structure and artifacts caused by splashed-back liquid, particles of oxide, or inefficient decantation of liquid retained between cell boundaries, as described by Spittle et al? Secondly, and contrary to the suggestions of Tiller el l., it seems that interfacial perturbations are characterized not by curved projections but by small depressions or pores. A recent independent investigation by Biloni, Bolling, and cole5 reported in this issue indicates that the depressions might be explained in terms of dislocations intersecting the solid/liquid interface. It is possible that the dislocation concentration is reduced in the vicinity of grain boundaries. This would then explain the grain boundary depleted areas noted in (iii) above. This work was partially supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Contract No. AF 49-(638)-1029.

Jan 1, 1967

By Joseph Jensen, J. B. Stevens

The history of the normal oil field is supposed to show an oil graph starting high in flush production, descending more or less steeply into the curve of settled production and dropping gradually to the vanishing point of economical operation. Together with this, somewhere in the early history of the field, there appears from a vanishing point a graph showing the production of water. During the period of settled production this graph rises higher and, toward the close, unless extensive work is done in the line of correction, rises far above the oil graph to the point at which the cost of operation terminates profitable pumping. Fields that start out with a high relative content of water are generally very short-lived. Fields that never develop a water problem are exceedingly rare. The McKittrick oil field, Kern County, California, with 840 acres of proved ground, 300 wells and a present recovery per acre of 94,598 bbl. from 1898 to Aug. 1, 1930, presents a study which is an apparent reversal of the outlined normal history. Though the history of the field now covers over 30 years of operation, it is still too early and the conditions too unique to project the graph of production to completion. The present conditions and directions of change are most interesting, in that the curve of oil production is remarkably flat and the curve of water invasion, after reaching an appalling height, has shown a definite reversal and a continued decline for 10 years. Early drilling in the McKittrick field was in or prior to 1898. Development continued steadily to 1918 when the present limitations of the field were determined. Shut-offs, according to accepted practice of the time, were made by driving the shoe into a shale stratum or into a tamped-in bridge of sand, rosin and clay. Records of early days speak of three waters: (1) surface water which was fresh; (2) an intermediate sulfur water, encountered below the top oil or tar sand; (3) bottom salt water. In different portions of the field any one of these waters let into a well by faulty completion might require immediate correction to obtain satisfactory production. In many wells,

Jan 1, 1931

By J. E. Lawver, G. L. Samsel

The success of many mineral dressing processes, including froth flotation and electrical concentration, depends largely on knowledge of physical and chemical structures of the mineral surfaces involved. As a general rule solids have surface layers, usually invisible by optical tests, that differ from the substratum. To the mineral engineer, therefore, a knowledge of the surface structures of minerals is of paramount importance. During the past decade one of the most powerful tools in the study of froth flotation mechanisms has been the use of radioactive tracers, but this technique usually cannot give definite information regarding the chemical changes that may or may not have occurred at the surface. The electron microscope and electron diffraction camera can be particularly useful instruments in surface studies.. An election microscope permits much closer examination of surfaces than can be obtained with a petrographic microscope. In certain cases, it is possible to identify trace quantities formed by chemical reaction between flotation agents and mineral surfaces by the use of a single-crystal, reflection electron diffraction camera. This article describes several instances in which these instruments have been valuable guides in mineral dressing research at International Minerals & Chemical Corp. One of the first applications of these techniques employed by International Minerals was in conjunction with the study of electrical concentration of potash ore. The first reasonably successful separation of potash ore was made by subjecting a sample of the ore to a methanol wash. Subsequent tests using tagged 6C14 methanol showed that only a minute quantity of radioactivity was detectable after the methanol-washed sample had been dried and heated to about 300°F. It was concluded that although some methanol had been held to the surface by adsorption, this could not account for the improved electrification because there was no evidence of methanol selectivity with respect to NaCl or KCl. Consequently there must have been some other change in the surface. Carbon replicas* of the mineral grains were made before and after the methanol wash. The replicas were separated from the minerals by dissolving in water. This extraction replica technique is particularly attractive because the specimen can first be used with the electron microscope to observe the general structure of the surface and can be re-used as a specimen for electron-diffraction studies to identify any solvent insoluble material present on the mineral surface." Fig. 1 shows the general

Jan 1, 1960