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By Walter Miller

During no similar period in the development of petroleum refining technology has so much progress been made in methods and equipment for the economical utilization of heat. Drastically severe commercial and economical conditions controlling the refining industry during 1927 gave a great impetus to improved efficiency and more economical operation in all departments. I think it is fair to say, however, that more progress has been made in the department of heat utilization than in other branches. I use the word utilization advisedly in the dual sense of better primary generation and application of heat and of saving by recovery methods. It was because of this trend that the subject, "Economical Application of Heat," was made the keynote of the refinery engineering sessions just completed. No new, outstanding elemental discoveries can be claimed for the year along this line. Some of the progress made has been in the development of better furnaces and distilling equipment embodying the more modern principles of boiler practice in obtaining complete combustion of the fuel, low excess air requirements and high transfer rates through the heating surface. Transfer rates of 3000 to 6000 B. t. u. per sq. ft. per hr. were considered good some time ago in the older type of equipment. Today a transfer rate of 25,000 to 35,000 B. t. u. is an actual accomplishment in commercial installations and engineers are talking of the feasibility of 50,000, 75,000, even 100,000 R. t. u. per sq. ft. per hr. Contributing most to bringing this about have been the rational use of the velocity factor on both the oil and firing side of the heating surface, and the study and application of the principles of radiant heat in furnace design. Vapor Heat Economy The principle of heat exchange, especially against oil vapors, has been applied to a greater extent than ever before. The recovery of heat from oil vapors is not new. This was practiced 20 years ago or more in Europe,

Jan 1, 1928

By H. Sherman

The general curtailment of activities, so marked in 1931, was continued and intensified in 1932 and although production was maintained at approximately the level of the previous year, 1932 was chiefly characterized by the virtual cessation of drilling in many of the proven fields, a further decline in wildcatting activities, particularly in the Maracaibo Basin, and the relinquishment of large blocks of unfavorably located acreage. A total of only 60 wells was completed during the year of which six were wildcats, while at the same time concessions aggregating approximately. 3,222,000 acres were renounced and reverted to the National Government. The maintenance of production at the previously established level was made possible through the large potential built up by drilling in previous years and by a gradual increase in pumping and gas-lift installations. Towards the end of the year there was a slight but perceptible tendency towards increased drilling in certain of the proven fields. Total production for the year came to 118,076,000 as compared to 118,418,000 bbl. for 1931, while exports amounted to 114,758,000 as against 116,683,000 bbl. in 1931. Table 1 shows production and exports and the average rate per day for the first half of 1932 as compared to the second half. Table 1.—Petroleum Production and Exports in 1932, Venezuela (Barrels of 42 Gallons) Production Rate per Day Export Rate per Day I January-June............ 61,943,000 1 390, 347 July-December.......... 56,133,000 305,071 50,788,000 276,022 Total.........,....... 118,076,000 322,612 114,758,000 313,546 During 1932 the number of active vessels comprising the Lake Maracaibo fleet of shallow-draft tankers was still further reduced, some being temporarily laid up and some transferred to service in other coun-

Jan 1, 1933

By D. K. MACKAY

The production of oil and gas in Arkansas is confined to two distinct and widely separated regions of the state; namely: (1) South Arkansas in the Gulf coastal plain, where 49 fields-many containing two or more reservoirs or pools-yield oil, condensate and gas from beds in the Cretaceous and Jurassic, and (2) Northwest Arkansas, a part of the Arkansas Valley, where only dry gas is produced in 21 fields from sandstones of Pennsylvanian age. Exploration during the year 1945 centered largely in these two producing regions, but some of the geophysical surveys were made and wildcat drilling was done a considerable distance outside these regions.

Jan 1, 1946

By Bruce A. Kennedy

This is an opportune time to examine the disposition of practical rock mechanics in the mining industry. The rock mechanics world has put on steam with publication of a number of books and the organization of a large number of symposia and teaching seminars. SME has just published Stability ill Open Pit Mining. proceedings of a conference held In November 1970 in Vancouver, R.C. R book entitled Planning Open Pit Mines covering the entire range of open pit mining with emphasis on slope stability has just been published by the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The Thirteenth Symposium on Rock Mechanics was held at the University of Illinois. Urbana-Champaign, during the last week of August. The University of British Columbia's Division of Continuing Education is holding a symposium and specialty seminars on stability in open pit mining during the first week in November. A tremendous planning effort has started to organize the Tl3ii.d Congress of the International Society of Rock Mechanics in Denver in 1974. This meeting is held every four years in the country of origin of the president of the Society. This third congress comes to the U.S.A. with Leonard Obert of the 17. S Bureau of Mines as president of the Society. The previous two were held in Lisbon. Portugal and Belgrade. Yugoslavia.

Jan 1, 1971

By G. C. Bateman

THE Workmen's Compensation Act of Ontario was passed in 1915 and Miners' Phthisis was added to the list of compensable industrial diseases in 1916. Under this provision of the Act only about two cases were compensated per year. In 1924, The Department of Public Health made a survey of miners in the four principal camps-Sudbury, Porcupine, Kirkland Lake and Cobalt-and the survey indicated that an alarming proportion of the men exposed to dust had silicosis in one or other of its several stages. A number of conferences were held between representatives of the Department of Mines, the Department of Public Health, the Compensa-tion Board and the mine operators. The operators were advised that in the earliest stages of silicosis there was no physical disability and if men in that stage were removed froni underground there would be little danger of permanent disability. They were further advised that if active steps were taken at once to compensate men that had some real disability and remove from the mines men in the early stages of silicosis, the first cost would be the greatest and thereafter their liability should decrease. As a result of this advice, and having at that time no reason to doubt the findings of the survey, the operators agreed to do all that was asked of them and cooperate with the Government in the steps believed neces-sary to meet the situation, and to provide compensation for the men affected.

Jan 1, 1937

By O. B. Hopkins

Activity in the oil industry in Peru during 1930 was confined almost entirely to the three old producing fields in the northern coastal area. In the eastern part of Peru, in the valleys of the Maranon, Ueayali and Huallaga rivers, additional geologic work was carried on, but no drilling was undertaken. The Peruvian Government granted a concession on June 27, 1930, to W. R. Davis and associates for the building of a railroad from the west coast at Bayovar to Yurimaguas on the Huallaga River. This concession contemplates the construction of 800 to 900 km. of railroad across the Andes and carries with it a grant to the concessionaire of 12,500,000 acres of land with oil and mineral rights. A similar concession was granted in 1926 but after several extensions was rescinded in July, 1929, on the grounds that the concessionaire had failed to begin work on the railroad within the time limits of the contract and its extensions. The production in barrels from the three coastal fields of Peru has been as follows: 1929 1930 International Petroleum Co.......................... 10,821,117 9,766,922 Lobitos Oilfields, Ltd................................ 2,508,091 2,613,511 Zorritos........................................... 75,000a 78,000a 13,404,208 12,459,060 a Estimated. No definite figures available. Although not large, the Peruvian production has been steady during the past years. The reduction of approximately 8 per cent. in 1930 as compared with 1929 is the result of the world's overproduction and the attempt on the part of the International to restrict the output to conform with the available market. International Petroleum Company International Petroleum Co. owns the oldest producing property in Peru. The first well was drilled there in 1872. The cumulative production from the property from 1900 to 1930 inclusive has been over 92,000,-000 bbl. from an area of 15,000 acres. The recovery per acre has varied

Jan 1, 1931

By Louise B. Freeman

Kentucky for the first time in its oil history passed the 10 million barrel mark. Of the total 10,019,641 bbl., 8,262,516 bbl. were produced in Western Kentucky, and Union County surpassed all others, with 4,056,142 bbl., or 40 percent of all the production for the state. There were 930 wells known to have been drilled during the year; 510 in Western Kentucky and 221 in the gas-producing area of Eastern Kentucky.

Jan 1, 1946

By S. Froes

Official daily output of the Reconcavo (Bahia) oil fields, which amounted to 300 bbl., increased by the end of 1944 to 500 bbl. The new productive wells are in the district of Candeias. This figure is expected to further increase during 1945. The Itatig Company, which had drilled five wildcats in the state of Sergipe, stopped in 1944, but intends to resume work during the current year, or as soon as the war is over, in order to try the Cretaceous areas around its salt deposits. Several concessions applied for in the states of Sao Paulo, Parana arid Santa Catarina were favorably considered by the Conselho Nacional de Yetroleo, which is interested in fostering prospecting activities in the country. Several national groups are interested in exploring the federal gas field of Aratu (Bahia), a proposal having been made to use the gas in the manufacture of Portland cement. Undoubtedly the most important fact in the 1944 activities was the visit by two outstanding petroleum geologists, who had the opportunity to examine some of the principal areas and reported their opinions to the Brazilian Government. By special courtesy of the U. S. Government, Mr. E. DeGolyer spent a few weeks inspecting the gas and oil fields of the so-called "Reconcavo" of Bahia (a large tract surrounding All Saints Bay, on whose shore lies the city of Salvador) Later he exchanged ideas with Colonel Joao Carlos Barreto, President of the Conselho Nacional de Petrolco, as to the most adequate measures to develop production. Considering the oil problem in the southern part of Brazil, in the sedimentary belt including formations from the Devonian to the Triajsic, Mr. DeGolyer suggested a visit there by Mr. Lemis MacNaughton. The latter traveled during the months of June, July and August, accompanied by Brazilian geologists Avelino de Oliveira, Vice-president of the Conselho Nacionial de Pctroleo, Pedro Moura, Annibal Bastos, Burdot Dutra and J. Felicissimo, and verified the actual possibilities of the region, thus confirming the opinion of Pedro Moura, Avelino de Oliveira and Froes Abreu as to the advisability of thoroughly prospecting the south of Brazil. It is to be hoped that on the recommendation of these proficient American experts the Brazilian Government will take the necessary measurcs to carry out a complete search 01 such areas, which hitherto have been unsuccessfully drilled because knowledge of the structure was not adequate. The old Government policy of monopolistic essence has now given way to the more enlightened tendency of reconciling official action with private enterprise, which should in no way be curbed but rather encouraged. Such trend is heartily welcomed by financiers and technicians alike, who realize how indispensable is the cooperation of private capital, both national and foreign, in

Jan 1, 1945

By I. J. Gardescu

The production of petroleum in Rumania in 1932 totaled 52,560,000 bbl., an increase of 6.8 per cent over 1931. The average daily production rose from 123,000 bbl. at the beginning of the year to 173,000 bbl. at the end of the year, the production in the Gura-Ocnitzei field rising from 38,800 to 80,700 bbl. per day. This increase was due to competitive development during which time the percentage of total production of the various operating companies remained practically unchanged. Chief producers were: Concordia, 30.3 per cent; Unirea, 21.6; Romano-Americana, 13.5; Steaua Romana, 8.3. Boldesti, where production of the previous year was practically doubled, would have produced far greater quantities were it not for the fact that both Astra Romana and Romano-Americana curtailed drilling operations. Of the total daily production of 21,800 bbl. a day, the Astra Romana, Steaua Romana and Romana Americana, produced respectively 67, 25 and 8 per cent. The Moreni field showed a sudden drop in production from the preceding year, due primarily to reduced drilling activities. Its production of only 21,000 bbl. a day removes it from first position for the first time in many years. All the other fields showed a decrease in production, except Ochiuri, 3 miles west of Gura-Ocnitzei, and Ceptura, 12 miles east of Boldesti. Drilling1 During the first nine months of 1932, 116 wells were completed, 8 of which were dry holes. The Meotian (lower Pliocene) is the producing horizon in 73, the Dacian (upper Pliocene) in 31, and the Oligocene in 4 of the completed wells. Three of the Oligocene wells were drilled in the Bacau district and one at Grausor, near Campina. In addition, 47 wells were drilling on Oct. 1,1932. Of the total completions and drilling wells, 92 per cent employed rotary for a footage of 98.5 per cent of the total drilled. Power for rotary drilling was furnished to 105 wells by steam, to 38 by electricity, and to one by gasoline.

Jan 1, 1933

By Heber Cole

THE gypsum industry of Canada, like all others connected with the construction business, has felt the full effect of the depression during the past few years, and sales of its products have been greatly curtailed. The year 1934, however, saw a decided turn for the better and a gradual but steady improvement is noticeable in all its branches. In many ways the depression has been a blessing in disguise to the gypsum industry; during the years from 1926 to 1930, demand increased so rapidly that companies were forced to expand and often new apparatus and machinery were placed in operation regardless of expense, or plants already existing were taxed to their limit and forced to keep running with the minimum amount of repairs. The depression, therefore, has really given the industry what might be called a breathing spell, in which it has had time to take stock of its position, to reduce its costs of production, to devote more serious attention to the quality of its products, and to con-solidate its operations into a smooth working whole, which as conditions improve will enable it to meet the demands of the trade with more varied products of a quality hitherto unattained. Progress in the gypsum industry, however, has not been confined to the years of the depression, for some of the greatest advances occurred under the spur of increased demand for its products by the building trade. The purpose of this paper is to review briefly some of the out-standing trends in the development of the gypsum industry in Canada during the past 10 or 12 years.

Jan 1, 1935

By G. S. Hume

TuRneR Valley, on the eastern edge of the foothills of Alberta, 35 miles southwest of Calgary, continues to be the major oil field in Canada. This field began production of gas and naphtha from the Mississipian (Madison) limestone in 1924, and until 1936 all wells were drilled for these products. At the end of 1938 there were 104 gas wells. In 1936 proof was found of a crude oil zone in the same horizon but lower on the west flank of the structure, which is a large fold cut off on the east side by an overthrust fault of great displacement. Since 1936 drilling has been done for the development of crude oil and at the end of 1938 there were 64 crude oil wells. On test through a 1-in. choke these flowed at the rate of 50,000 to 60,000 bbl. a day, but on production would not be expected to make this volume. The output has been prorated according to the capacity of the Prairie market. During the harvest season, when the demand for oil and oil products was at its maximum, the allowable production of Turner Valley was 28,363 bbl. per day. With the arrival of winter, this was cut to 11,500 bbl. per day but later was raised to 12,500 bbl. Production in 1937 from Turner Valley was 2,767,221 bbl., which was more than double that of the previous year. Production in 1938 was 6,691,075 bbl., which is considerably more than double that of 1937.

Jan 1, 1939

By G. S. Hume

TuRneR Valley, on the eastern edge of the foothills of Alberta, 35 miles southwest of Calgary, continues to be the major oil field in Canada. This field began production of gas and naphtha from the Mississipian (Madison) limestone in 1924, and until 1936 all wells were drilled for these products. At the end of 1938 there were 104 gas wells. In 1936 proof was found of a crude oil zone in the same horizon but lower on the west flank of the structure, which is a large fold cut off on the east side by an overthrust fault of great displacement. Since 1936 drilling has been done for the development of crude oil and at the end of 1938 there were 64 crude oil wells. On test through a 1-in. choke these flowed at the rate of 50,000 to 60,000 bbl. a day, but on production would not be expected to make this volume. The output has been prorated according to the capacity of the Prairie market. During the harvest season, when the demand for oil and oil products was at its maximum, the allowable production of Turner Valley was 28,363 bbl. per day. With the arrival of winter, this was cut to 11,500 bbl. per day but later was raised to 12,500 bbl. Production in 1937 from Turner Valley was 2,767,221 bbl., which was more than double that of the previous year. Production in 1938 was 6,691,075 bbl., which is considerably more than double that of 1937.

Jan 1, 1939

By E. C. Reed

Drilling operations in Nebraska during 1942 were reduced to approximately 50 per cent of the previous year's record. Forty- No new fields were discovered, but the Barada field was extended and developed. Deeper drilling in the Dawson field was disappointing in view of the high expectstions held for the Viola, but some small Viola production did result, the first from

Jan 1, 1943

By E. C. Reed

Drilling operations in Nebraska during 1942 were reduced to approximately 50 per cent of the previous year's record. Forty- No new fields were discovered, but the Barada field was extended and developed. Deeper drilling in the Dawson field was disappointing in view of the high expectstions held for the Viola, but some small Viola production did result, the first from

Jan 1, 1943

By O. C. Wheeler

The principal interest in the oil situation in Colombia during the year centered around the enactment of the new petroleum law and the applications for concessions subsequently made by various interests. The year was a comparatively uneventful one from the standpoint of actual operations of drilling and development. There was a falling off both in exploratory work and in the development of producing properties; and as a result of curtailment of production, the output of oil from the country dropped to the lowest level since the completion of the looping of the Andian pipe line to the coast in 1927. Legislation Law No. 371 of 1931, with its Regulatory Decree No. 1270, was enacted during the year and marked Colombia's attempt to encourage more extensive exploration and development of the prospective oil resources of the country. Some of the outstanding provisions of the law are as follows: Tracts may be acquired by a concessionnaire directly and by transfer ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 hectares, except in certain reserved territories east of the summit of the eastern cordilleras where the maximum is increased to 200,000 ha. A security deposit of $1 per hectare, minimum $25,000, is required on government grants, and is returned to the concessionnaire only upon the fulfillment of stipulated terms of the law. Rentals, increasing progressively from 10c per hectare per year the first two years to 50c per hectare the sixth year, are required up to the start of the production period (beginning of development). The concession terminates 30 years after the beginning of the production period and can be extended for 10 years more at the option of the contractor. Wells must be produced at no less than 25 per cent of their maximum capacity. Royalties on oil from national lands vary from 2 to 11 per cent of the gross product, depending on the distance of the concession from the port of loading. Petroleum from private property is subject to a governmental tax varying from 1 to

Jan 1, 1932

By Oliver B. Hopkins

During 1931 Peru maintained its position as the ninth oil-producing country of the world, with an output somewhat greater than that of Trinidad and Argentina, and considerably less than for Colombia and Mexico. Outside of the three old producing fields, there was little or no activity of importance; no new areas were brought in and no extensive wildcat drilling was done. On the other hand, the old fields continued to produce at a rate only slightly below normal and such restriction as existed may be attributed to market and not to field conditions. Political disturbances during the spring led to several strikes in the field, causing temporary suspension of activities there. However, such troubles were of short duration and no permanent loss of production was sustained. The production in barrels during the past three years for the three coastal fields of Peru has been as follows: The oil industry in Peru is relatively old; 29 wells were drilled in the Negritos area between 1888 and 1898. Prior to 1900 the production was relatively insignificant but from 1900 until 1929, it has slowly but steadily increased to a maximum annual production of over 13,000,000 bbl. The potential production of the fields since 1939 has exceeded the production of those years; the actual production has been controlled by market conditions. The production of the property of the International Petroleum CO. since 1900 has been just over 100,000,000 bbl. The production from the Peruvian fields will doubtless remain for some years at approximately the same level as during the past few years.

Jan 1, 1932

By K. A. ACKLEY

The petroleum industry experienced a year of satisfactory accomplishment in Oklahoma during 1945. Crude oil production was increased, a new record for recent years was established in well completions, and refinery operations were maintained at a maximum level. Daily average crude oil production increased to 382,000 bbl., reflecting a 13.5 per cent gain compared with production during the previous pear. Total wells drilled during 1945 amounted to 2556, a gain of 28.7 per cent over 1944 Refinery throughout averaged 187,500 bbl. daily, an increase of approximately 4 percent over the preceding year.

Jan 1, 1946

By C. H. Pishny, Raymond M. Carr, E. J. Dickinson

Petroleum development in Oklahoma during the year 1932 was rather colorless. The crude price structure, while it was relatively stable, was too low to encourage wildcat drilling and proration restrictions were such that producing wildcats were usually faced with the drab prospect of being limited to 50 bbl. per day. Proration in flush and semiflush areas was for the most part successfully accomplished. Military enforcement of proration rulings was deemed necessary at Oklahoma City. The trend toward cost cutting and abandonment of unprofitable wells continued through the year. It is estimated that 1500 wells were abandoned and it is not unlikely that as many more were shut down which will never produce again. Oklahoma crude oil stocks were reduced by approximately 11 million barrels in 1932. It is generally conceded that inventories of material have been appreciably reduced. Leasing activity was limited principally to rental reductions and to close scrutiny of all lease holdings. There were numerous "leasing plays" based on geophysical information but with few exceptions they were small. It is estimated that over 15 per cent of the acreage under lease at the beginning of 1932 was surrendered during the year. There was a tendency through the year to prospect shallow pay sands formerly passed by in the search for deeper production. This is especially true of the Seminole area, where the Calvin sand received considerable attention, and where some good wells were completed. Prices There were two price changes during the year that affected the majority of crude sales. Using 36 gravity A.P.I. as a basis of comparison, the price was increased on April 11 from $0.77 to $0.92. On Dec. 16, the price dropped to $0.69. During the fall months there were several postings higher than this schedule but all postings were at the same level at the end of the year.

Jan 1, 1933

By Gilbert P. Moore

Bolivia does not yet have any production which is being marketed. It does have a potential production, however, from wells which have been completed by the Standard Oil Co. of Bolivia, a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey. No other company is active in drilling and development work to date. The total potential production from wells now completed is about 6000 bbl, daily. Wells Completed Completions during 1928 and their initial daily productions. if any, were as follows: Camatindi No. 1, 350 to 1000 bbl.: Camiri No. 1, 500 bbl.; Sanandita No. 3, 100 bbl.; Tatarenda No. 1, dry hole, and Bermejo No. 2, deepened 50 ft. made 1000 barrels. The most striking development of the year was the Camiri No. 1 well which, after just entering the sand, made 500 bbl. per day of 52" B. oil. This well is the northernmost good producer which the Standard has brought in to date. Oil from this well is used without refining in the tractors and trucks of the company. A small topping plant has been installed from which high-grade gasoline is obtained for use in motor cars and some is being produced for the use of air plants stationed at Villa Montes. The results for Sanandita No. 13 were somewhat disappointing since Sanandita No. 2 was rated at about 3000 bbl. Tatarenda NO. 1, located on a large unbroken structure, was drilled to 4000 ft. and abandoned as a dry hole. Bermejo No. 2 was deepened 50 ft. to 2085 ft.. and on a 10-day test averaged 1000 bbl. per day. This well is on the border between Bolivia and the Argentine. Wells Drilling The wells drilling are Camiri No. 2, Sanandita No. 5, Machareti No. I and Bermejo No. 5. This is the smallest number of drilling wells which the Standard has had for several years but is principally due to

Jan 1, 1929

By James M. Winston

When I began my career (the first assignment was mucking the "drainage" ditch) an experienced miner told me, "Remember son, happiness is a journey, not a destination. . . ." If you missed the 100th Anniversary of AIME in New York this year, you are missing the journey. There are not enough superlatives to describe the event. Especially since New York is "known to have it all." An Indefinable Plus There was a little something different at this meeting. I cannot explain what, but there seemed to be more of everything. There were more wives there this year-what a pleasure to see all the lovely women mingling through the conference- which was reflected through our own attire and mannerisms. In fact, everyone looked so great, we checked to see if it really was a convention of miners. You wives keep coming to all of the events, because so much is added by your presence.

Jan 1, 1971