Search Documents

By M. L. Haider

Much has been said and written on the shortcomings of the open-flow and restricted potentials of oil wells to determine their relative ability to produce. The oil industry in general is agreed that the open-flow potential in particular is grossly inequitable, wasteful and expensive, but that potential is still used in many pools. This is partly because no thoroughly satisfactory substitute has been found and partly because operators are reluctant to adopt other methods that have been suggested; or, as Hamlet would say, we would rather "bear those ills we have than fly to others we know not of." In a great many pools the use of tubing potentials has been substituted for open-flow potentials, but open-flow potentials through casing are still being used in many pools, particularly. in Oklahoma, although the expense of such potentials has been pointed out many times. In one of the most recent pools in Oklahoma it is the practice to take open-flow potentials through the casing with the tubing out of the hole. The well is usually tubed after it is drilled in for the purpose of washing it in and cleaning the hole. After preliminary tests are run the tubing is pulled under pressure preparatory to taking the potential. After the potential is taken the tubing is rerun, under pressure. In order to accommodate the large capacity of the wells, it is customary to set three separators, six vent lines and large oil-storage tanks. It is conservatively estimated that the equipment not needed for producing the well currently but which is installed solely for the purpose of establishing large potentials costs the operator at least $5000 per well—approximately 35 per cent of the cost of equipping a well for production. Such needless expenditure constitutes an economic waste in addition to the gas that is wasted in taking potentials. Meaning of Productivity Index A method of measuring the relative ability of wells to produce without open flow that shows considerable promise is the Productivity Index. This method was first suggested by T. V. Moore1, and has since been

Jan 1, 1937

By K. H. G. Ashbee, J. W. Heavens

One consequence of the distribution in orientation of Bragg diffracting planes in an elastically bent foil is that simultaneous diffraction occurs from ±g pairs, where g is the reciprocal lattice vector to a diffracting plane. If such Bragg contour pairs are indexed, then the variation in orientation with respect to the incident electron beam is known. This note describes a construction by means of which Bragg contour pairs may be indexed by inspection. Referring to Fig. 1, the Ewald sphere radius is l/h, where is the wavelength of the electron beam, and the half spacing of first-order reciprocal lattice planes is l/d, where d is the corresponding spacing in direct space. The angle subtended by the zero and first-order planes at the center of the Ewald sphere is a = sin-' Thus, to represent a pair of first-order Bragg contours on a stereographic projection, measure ±a from, and along the normal to, the zero-order plane. The traces of the required Bragg contours pass through these points and parallel to the zero-order trace. In practice, it is desirable to enlarge a stereographic projection of the zero-order planes before making the construction. As an example, a stereographic projection of first-order Bragg contours up to line 27 for an fcc crystal is given in Fig. 2; if required, higher-order contours can easily be added. Fig. 2 is, of course, a map of first-order Brillouin zone boundaries. One use of this construction is the measurement of large elastic fields in electron microscope specimens. Fig. 3(a) shows a pattern of Bragg contour pairs due to lattice distortions near a large precipitate. This particular example is of a T-phase precipitate in Hidu-minium 54 (A1 + 6 wt pct Cu, 0.5 wt pct Mn). Foil buckling is produced by annealing during observation and may be evidence for evaporation from the precipitate.' Comparing Figs. 2 and 3(0), it is evident that the axis of high symmetry in Fig. 3(a) is [lll]. The strain in a bent foil is approxinlately t/2r, where / is the foil thickness and ? the radius to which the foil is bent. From the projections of grain boundaries and of helical dislocations, it was estimated that ( - 3000A, and values for ? were obtained from the

Jan 1, 1968

By Richard P. Rothwell

The device to which I desire to call the attention of the members of the Institute consists of a water-tight caisson, which is connected By a stuffing-box with the tube to be laid, and the caisson is pushed forward with hydraulic jacks set against the end of the tube. The tube is of hard white iron, cast in chills in segments. These segments are carried from shore through the tube itself, in which a track is laid as the work progresses, and the segments are bolted together in the caisson, where there is ample room to work and proper appliances for handling heavy weights. As each segment is bolted on, the jacks are set against its forward end, and when the whole ring is complete, the caisson is pushed forward by the jacks, a trench having been dredged out in front of it, or, in very loose ground, jets of water under a heavy pressure can be thrown out to loosen the ground in front of the caisson. The direction in which the caisson is pushed is completely under control, and both the caisson and the tube are loaded to the amount necessary to overcome their buoyancy. I understand that Mr. H. H. Hall, of New York, the inventor, is negotiating for the construction of a 16-foot tunnel of this kind across the Straits of' Northumberland, between Prince Edward Island and the main-land, and for tunnels in several other places. 4 One of the most interesting uses of this system is in laying water mains out into lakes. The work can be carried on without inter-

Jan 1, 1886

By Norman Ketzlach

ANGANESE today overshadows all strategic materials in our planning for national se-curity," according to a report issued recently by the American Manganese Producers Association. By far the greater part of the manganese ore used in the United States is imported. "We have enough manganese ore in the United States to last from one hundred to three hundred years and longer, but most of the deposits are undeveloped. As in the case of copper, lead, and zinc, manganese ore, both foreign and domestic are low grade. Manganese ores have to be concentrated and processed. After being processed, domestic ores are higher grade than foreign." Most of the manganese ore found in this country, however, is not amenable to concentration by ore-dressing methods. Manganese Products, Inc. has developed a sulphurous-sulphuric acid leaching process for the recovery of manganese from low-grade, intermediate manganese ores. By the term "intermediate manganese ores" is meant those ores in which the manganese in the form of manganese oxides is found to have two different valences, usually two and four, as is probable in Mn,O, or the ore may be a mixture of manganous and manganic oxides. "Intermediate" manganese siliceous ores are ores in which the silica is a constituent of the ore and is loosely linked to the manganese by water of crystallization. This process has been carried out with the type of manganese ore found in the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington; Clough, N. C.; and Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, as well as just recently with manganese ore from Las Vegas, Nev. As far as the manganese leaching process is concerned, these ores differ primarily in the form in which the manganese oxides occur. The tetravalent manganese, the manganese existing in the dioxide form, is soluble in a sulphurous acid solution. To dissolve the divalent manganese, sulphuric acid is required. To dissolve the type of ore found in Washington and North Carolina, a mixture of both sulphurous and sulphuric acid is used. Whereas to dissolve the type of manganese ore found in Idaho and also in Montana, sulphurous acid alone is sufficient. The Nevada manganese ore is of the same type as that found in Idaho as far as the leaching process is concerned. It has long been known that manganese ores, with the exception of rhodonite, which is a true manganese silicate ore, can be dissolved readily in sulphurous and sulphuric acids.' The removal of the impurities such as silica, iron, and alumina from the resulting solution is the step that has been difficult. The process worked out by Manganese Products has been carried through pilot-plant equipment. This process has also been extended to the production of ammonium sulphate. Leaching of Ore: The manganese ore, ground to —-65 mesh is leached with sulphurous acid and sul-

Jan 1, 1951

By Norman Ketzlach

ANGANESE today overshadows all strategic materials in our planning for national se-curity," according to a report issued recently by the American Manganese Producers Association. By far the greater part of the manganese ore used in the United States is imported. "We have enough manganese ore in the United States to last from one hundred to three hundred years and longer, but most of the deposits are undeveloped. As in the case of copper, lead, and zinc, manganese ore, both foreign and domestic are low grade. Manganese ores have to be concentrated and processed. After being processed, domestic ores are higher grade than foreign." Most of the manganese ore found in this country, however, is not amenable to concentration by ore-dressing methods. Manganese Products, Inc. has developed a sulphurous-sulphuric acid leaching process for the recovery of manganese from low-grade, intermediate manganese ores. By the term "intermediate manganese ores" is meant those ores in which the manganese in the form of manganese oxides is found to have two different valences, usually two and four, as is probable in Mn,O, or the ore may be a mixture of manganous and manganic oxides. "Intermediate" manganese siliceous ores are ores in which the silica is a constituent of the ore and is loosely linked to the manganese by water of crystallization. This process has been carried out with the type of manganese ore found in the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington; Clough, N. C.; and Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, as well as just recently with manganese ore from Las Vegas, Nev. As far as the manganese leaching process is concerned, these ores differ primarily in the form in which the manganese oxides occur. The tetravalent manganese, the manganese existing in the dioxide form, is soluble in a sulphurous acid solution. To dissolve the divalent manganese, sulphuric acid is required. To dissolve the type of ore found in Washington and North Carolina, a mixture of both sulphurous and sulphuric acid is used. Whereas to dissolve the type of manganese ore found in Idaho and also in Montana, sulphurous acid alone is sufficient. The Nevada manganese ore is of the same type as that found in Idaho as far as the leaching process is concerned. It has long been known that manganese ores, with the exception of rhodonite, which is a true manganese silicate ore, can be dissolved readily in sulphurous and sulphuric acids.' The removal of the impurities such as silica, iron, and alumina from the resulting solution is the step that has been difficult. The process worked out by Manganese Products has been carried through pilot-plant equipment. This process has also been extended to the production of ammonium sulphate. Leaching of Ore: The manganese ore, ground to —-65 mesh is leached with sulphurous acid and sul-

Jan 1, 1951

By Frank R. Barnako

Coal mining is a hazardous occupation, but tremendous progress has been made in reducing accidental injuries and deaths in the mines. Let us take a look at the hazards in coal mining and the accident record. COAL MINE SAFETY TODAY Underground coal mining creates underground open areas, rooms, and haulageways. The roof (top) and ribs (sides) become highly stressed, and because coal and slate are very weak in tension or compression they frequently fail and fall from the roof and ribs unexpectedly. This is the most hazardous condition miners must cope with underground, and it has consistently produced the greatest number of fatal injuries in the coal mining industry. Only very sophisticated equipment, but which is not yet practical for use underground, is able to detect the buildup of stresses that may eventually lead to a roof or rib fall. Today's miner still looks for fresh cracks in the roof or rib, listens for the "drummy" sound, and feels vibrations from loose material in the roof, when tapped with a sounding stick, in order to find material which may fall. Once located, it is barred down, but if this is not possible, it is then secured to prevent it from falling. The next great& hazard is the equipment used to mine or haul coal. It is large, heavy, reacts quickly to its controls and is operated in con- fined areas with low lighting levels. The record of the last few years shows that fatalities attributable to mining and hauling equipment are about equally divided. Thorough training as part of a complete safety program is necessary to teach employees the hazards of loose roof, rib, and machine operation in order that they can work in the safest way possible. Unless there is such a program, the trade is learned by trial and error with a resulting tragic.

Jan 1, 1973

By Richard H. Bube

Photoelectronic radiation detectors may be conveniently classified as homogeneous intrinsic, homogeneom extrinsic, or junction type. Highly photosensitive homogeneous intrinsic photodetectors may be prepared from a number of different II-VI, III-V, or IV materials. Such materials require the presence of specific imperfections that can act as sensitizing centers to provide long majority carrier lifetime. Homogeneous extrinsic photodetectors are of interest primarity for infrared detection, and consist principully of germaniuim and silicon with suitable inpurities. A vaviety of junction photodetectors exist, with silicon us the most common material for them all. The following extrema in performance are found: 1) highest photoconductivity gain in homogeneous intrinsic photodetectors; 2) smallest response time (highest frequency response) in p-i-n junctions; 3) largest gain-bandwidth product in avalanche diodes. ALTHOUGH the total number of materials exhibiting photoconductivity effects is very large, only a relatively few of these have appropriate properties for a practical photoelectronic radiation detector. In fact if one surveys the commercial detectors currently available, one finds that the field is dominated by some ten or fewer materials. These are summarized in Table 1 in terms of the other important variable in detector fabrication, the structure of the material, i.e., whether the material is used as a single crystal or in polycrystalline form, and whether the material is used as a homogeneous detector or whether the detector depends upon the existence of a junction or barrier in the material. The principal wavelength range for each type of material is also shown, together with an indication of the utilization of intrinsic or extrinsic excitation. For the purposes of the present comparison of various detectors, it will be convenient to discuss two main topics: homogeneous photodetectors and junction photodetectors. The performance of a photoelectronic radiation detector is measured in terms of two parameters: the photoconductivity gain, and the response time of the detector. A convenient figure-of-merit is given by the ratio of gain to response time, often called the gain-bandwidth product. The photoconductivity gain is a device parameter since it varies in many cases with the applied voltage and the detector geometry, and should be distinguished from the actual photosensitivity of the material involved. This photosensitivity can be conveniently given as the product of free carrier lifetime and mobility in the material. The photoconductivity gain is defined as the number of charge carriers which pass between the electrodes per second for each photon absorbed per second, where G is the photoconductivity gain, is the pho-tocurrent in amperes, e is the electronic charge in coulombs, and F is the total number of electron-hole pairs created in the photo conductor per second by the absorption of light. The gain may also be expressed as the ratio of the lifetime of a free carrier to the transit time for that carrier, i.e., the time required for the carrier to move between the electrodes. For a material in which one-carrier conductivity dominates, where T is the lifetime of a free carrier, ttr is the transit time for this carrier, p is the carrier mobil-ity, V is the applied voltage, and L is the electrode spacing. From Eq. [2] it follows that the photoconductivity gain is proportional to the photosensitivity of the material (tP), the proportionality constant being The photosensitivity of a material, and hence the photoconductivity gain of a device utilizing the material, depends on the lifetime of the free carriers as a critical parameter. In a homogeneous material this lifetime is determined by the nature of imperfections in the material, and in an inhomogeneous material the lifetime is determined by the specific junction structure. The speed of response, the other basic photodetec-tor parameter, is determined by factors quite similar to those important for photoconductivity gain. Imperfections are of primary importance in homogeneous materials, and the structure of the junction is a determining factor in junction devices. For infrared detectors it has become common to define another quantity designed to indicate directly how effective the detector is in distinguishing between a small photoconductivity signal and random noise due to the detector and its environment. The detectivity D* is given by

Jan 1, 1968

By G. F. Tagg

Earth-resistivity measurements are often of service in obtaining information regarding geological formations, particularly when applied to structural problems. In such problems the masses of the various bodies are large, and have a corresponding effect on the average resistivity of the soil. Much work has been done using such measurements, but in general the method of interpretation employed is empirical. Since certain simple cases can be investigated mathematically, it appears to be quite sound to endeavor to apply the mathematical solutions to the practical results, in order to deduce from the latter such unknown quantities as depth. This paper deals with such a method of interpretation for the simple case of a single horizontal stratum. In the method described by Wennerl for measuring earth resistivity, four stake electrodes are driven into the earth in a straight line as shown in Fig. 1. A current I amperes is passed between the two outer stakes and the potential difference V volts between the two inner stakes is measured. Then if a is the electrode separation, the specific resistance of the soil, which is assumed to be homogeneous, is given by the formula P = 2?v/1 [1] v or if v/1 is called a resistance R ohms, p = 2?aR [2] If a is in inches, p will be in ohms per inch cube, or ohm-inches, and if a is in centimeters, p will be in ohms per centimeter cube or ohm-centimeters. As stated above, this formula is true only if the earth is homogeneous, and when this is not the case an application of one of these formulas

Jan 1, 1934

By H. E. Wilborg

This chapter deals with those sands employed by the foundries for the manufacture of cores and molds used in the casting of such common metals as steel, gray iron, ductile iron, aluminum-based alloys, and copper-based alloys. Most metal is cast in "green sand" molds in which the sand mixture, consisting primarily of silica, clay, and water, forms a plastic material. This plastic material is rammed around a pattern in a split box called a flask, then the box is separated, the pattern is withdrawn, and the metal poured. These green sand molds are broken apart when the metal has solidified. The sand is then remixed and a new mold made for the next casting. To a lesser extent silica sand is mixed with resins or oils and, after forming, the mixture is hardened either by heat or chemical reaction. In any case, the foundry mold or core is used just once before being broken up and remixed for manufacturing another core or mold. By far the greatest consumption in the foundry is of those types of sand high in silica, low in clay (under 0.5%) and occurring in numerous locations thoughout the United States.

Jan 1, 1975

By John A. M. E. Church

AT the last meeting of the Institute, a discussion arose upon the question, " Is them pressure in coke ovens ?" and many of the members seemed to think that the superiority of the Belgian furnace might be due to the fact that it is a completely closed chamber, in which the gases given off by the coal are, or may be, at more than the atmospheric pressure. It seems to me that this position is untenable, and that an examination of one of these ovens in operation will show, not only that there is no excess of pressure in the coke chamber, but that the contrary is true, and a partial vacuum exists. The Belgian or François oven consists of a rectangular chamber closed at the ends by sliding doors, and furnished with flues in the side walls and floor. The new charge is introduced at a time when the furnace is so hot as to cause immediate and copious discharge of the volatile constituents of the coal. The gases pass downwards through the side flues giving out their heat to the walls and thus to the coal. Underneath the floor air is introduced and the gases burn, producing intense heat. Heat is also reflected from the arched roof upon the coal which is therefore heated from all sides. The especial advantage which this construction was designed to secure is that no air is admitted to the coke-chamber. All the heat is produced by the combustion of the uncokeable gases, and the yield ought to be a maximum. It is so in fact, allowing for the imperfections inseparable from furnace construction and management. Sometimes the yield is in excess of the percentage indicated by assay, showing that

Jan 1, 1873

By John A. Church

AT the last meeting of the Institute, a discussion arose upon the question, Is there pressure in coke ovens?" and many of the members seemed to think that the superiority of the Belgian furnace might be due to the fact that it is a completely closed chamber, in which the gases given off by the coal are, or may be, at more than the atmospheric reassure. It seems to me that this position is untenable, 'and that an examination of one of these ovens in operation will show, not only that there is no excess of pressure in the coke chamber, but that the contrary is true, and a partial vacuum exists. The Belgian or Francoise oven consists of a rectangular chamber closed at the ends by sliding doors, and furnished with flues in the side walls and floor. The new charge is introduced at a time when the furnace is so hot as to cause immediate and copious discharge of the volatile constituents of the coal. The gases pass downwards through the side flues giving out their heat to the walls and thus to the coal. Underneath the floor air is introduced and the gases burn, producing intense heat. Heat is also reflected from the arched roof upon the coal which is therefore heated from all sides. The especial advantage which this construction was designed to secure is that no air is admitted to the coke-chamber. All the heat is produced by the combustion of the unsociable gases, and the yield ought to be a maximum. I t is so in fact, allowing for the imperfections inseparable from furnace construction and management. Sometimes the yield is in excess of the percentage indicated by assay, showing that

By R. Salter, C. K. Chase

Although Asarco's Silver Bell Unit, 40 miles west of Tucson, Ariz., is known primarily for copper production, molybdenite is also produced as a byproduct in the 8000 tpd flotation mill. The Silver Bell ore comes from two pits approximately two miles apart. Copper mineralization is essentially chalcocite resulting from two to three-fold secondary enrichment in a highly altered zone. A typical porphyry copper deposit, Silver Bell ore is of medium hardness. The ore consists of about one part molybdenum to 65 parts of copper. In the copper concentrate which is the starting point for separate molybdenum recovery, the ratio is also one part molybdenum to 65 of copper. Molybdenum mineralization is primary. Enrichment is not evident but it is notable that the molybdenite is more common in the more siliceous, harder rocks. The actual molybdenite occurs as diversely oriented flakes of fairly constant grain size, mostly in fractures associated with quartz veins. Most of the mineral appears unoxidized; secondary coatings on the molybdenite flakes are fortunately rare. In May 1962 a modified, improved version of the molybdenite circuit was put into operation.

Jan 7, 1964

By P. W. Rainier

The Chivor emerald field is situated on the eastern slope of the Andes in the Department of Boyach, at an elevation of about 8000 ft. above sea level. It overlooks the Llanos (plains) of the Orinoco and is watered by many streams flowing into the Rio Meta, the Orinoco's largest tributary. The Rio Meta is navigable from the Orinoco to a point within about 50 miles of the Chivor district and may eventually prove to be the reasonable outlet for the future development of this part of the country. The topography of the district is extremely rugged and mountainous (Fig. I), the difference in elevation between two points on a mining claim 1 km. square being sometimes as much as 4000 ft. The ground is covered with dense forest growth and the available timber is suitable and sufficient for mining purposes, but it is becoming gradually depleted by Indian clearings as the country around the mines becomes settled. The many streams combined with the rough topography give good possibilities for hydroelectric power. The center of population nearest to Chivor is Bogoth, the capital of the republic and a city of some 300,000 inhabitants; the distance is two and one-half days' travel. The first stage of the journey from BogotB is accomplished by rail to Choconta, some 4 hr. travel. From Choconth the journey is made in the saddle, one night being spent in Guateque. The latter is a small town and the nearest post office to the mines, being some 10 hr. ride distant. The roads are mere bridle paths, in parts hazardous and almost impassable in the wet season. All supplies brought to the mines, other than those produced locally, are carried by pack mule; mule freight from Choconth costs 3 centavos1 per pound. The climate of the Chivor district is healthful and bracing. The wet season begins in March and concludes in November, the remaining months being dry. The annual precipitation is about 130 in. The temperature throughout the year is nearly constant, varying from about 45" F. to about 65" F. shade temperature. The rains are cold and unpleasant, and for the greater part of each day in the wet season the country is shrouded in dense mist. A fire can with comfort be kept burning in a living room all the year round. There are a few slight

Jan 1, 1931

The largest variety of asphalt and related bitumen deposits in this country is found in Utah. Utah is one of the few places in the world where the hydrocarbon minerals, gilsonite or uintaite, wurtzilite (trade name elaterite) and ozokerite are produced. These bitumens occur in an area embracing nearly 10.000 square miles in eastern Utah near the Colorado line. This area is largely in the western part of the Uintah basin. The bitumens are in the Tertiary horizon in the various divisions of the Eocene series. Cilsonite is an asphaltite derived from petroleum, wurtzilite is an asphaltic pyrobitumen derived from petroleum, and ozokerite is a native mineral wax resulting from the metamorphosis of paraffinaceous petroleum.

Jan 1, 1925

By Ingemar Marklund

This presentation deals with the conditions at IKAB’s mine in Malmberget but also pertains to underground mining in general. GEOLOGY The Malnberget iron ore field is of pre-cambrian age. The wallrock consists of leptites, gneisses and granites, most of them being recrystallized acid and inter- mediate volcanics. The ore-field is strongly folded, with the folding axes plunging to the south. The original orebed is divided into about 20 different orebodies with a strong variation in dip and form. The ore is mainly magnetite. About 1046 of the ore area consists of hematite ore. The phosphorous content is in average 0,8% and the ore is rather course grained. Fig 1. BACKGROUND At LKAB1s mine in Malmberget the sub- level caving method is the main method of mining. Experiments with vein-mining and sub-level stoping are also underway. The present system of mining is already strictly tied up in investments and infrastructure involved in the mining. Fig 2.

Jan 1, 1981

By Vincent Gianella

Barite deposits are of widespread occurrence in Nevada but there are few pro-ducing properties; most of the latter are in northern Nevada. The production of the state is small at present-in the neighborhood of 15,000 tons annually-but is steadily increasing. The barite occurs in veins and also as replacement deposits in lime-stone. The bulk of the production has come from the replacement deposits. It is thought that the barite was deposited from rising hot waters similar to-and probably contemporaneous with-those responsible for some of the metallic ores of the state. This paper discusses only the deposits in northern Nevada. THE commercial mining of barite did not begin in Nevada until 1916 but although the production has been small there has been a rapid increase in tonnage during the past several years. Barite is widely distributed in the state and production comes from at least nine of the seventeen counties. Apparently this is not generally known, as only two counties are mentioned in a recent publications dealing with barite. The increase in output is due largely to recently discovered barite deposits in northern Nevada. The principal production has come from the northern portions of Lander and Eureka counties; smaller amounts from Elko County. The discussion in this paper is confined largely to the deposits in these counties. Most of the producing area is tributary to the Western Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads, whose tracks lie along the Humboldt River. Barite is known from other northern counties but so far the production has been small. The output has come entirely from veins and replacement deposits, the latter largely in sedimentary rocks. In general, the barite from veins is white; that from the replacement deposits usually is dark gray to black, although some is light gray or white. Most of the veins contain sulphides and many barite-bearing veins have been worked for their content of base or precious metals.

Jan 1, 1940

By P. Gianella Vincent

Barite deposits are of widespread occurrence in Nevada but there are few pro-ducing properties; most of the latter are in northern Nevada. The production of the state is small at present-in the neighborhood of 15,000 tons annually-but is steadily increasing. The barite occurs in veins and also as replacement deposits in lime-stone. The bulk of the production has come from the replacement deposits. It is thought that the barite was deposited from rising hot waters similar to-and probably contemporaneous with-those responsible for some of the metallic ores of the state. This paper discusses only the deposits in northern Nevada. THE commercial mining of barite did not begin in Nevada until 1916 but although the production has been small there has been a rapid increase in tonnage during the past several years. Barite is widely distributed in the state and production comes from at least nine of the seventeen counties. Apparently this is not generally known, as only two counties are mentioned in a recent publications dealing with barite. The increase in output is due largely to recently discovered barite deposits in northern Nevada. The principal production has come from the northern portions of Lander and Eureka counties; smaller amounts from Elko County. The discussion in this paper is confined largely to the deposits in these counties. Most of the producing area is tributary to the Western Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads, whose tracks lie along the Humboldt River. Barite is known from other northern counties but so far the production has been small. The output has come entirely from veins and replacement deposits, the latter largely in sedimentary rocks. In general, the barite from veins is white; that from the replacement deposits usually is dark gray to black, although some is light gray or white. Most of the veins contain sulphides and many barite-bearing veins have been worked for their content of base or precious metals.

Jan 1, 1940

By J. B. Austin

IT is now well established, chiefly through the work of Davenport and Bain,1 that the influence of temperature upon the rate of transformation of austenite to ferrite at constant temperature is represented by a curve of the type shown in Fig. 5 of Tech. Pub. 589; and the reasons for this general shape have been discussed by them in a qualitative way. Thus, the upper part, or nose, of the curve is the resultant of two factors of which the rate of change with temperature is not the same, and by analogy with other like cases it is almost certain that these factors are: (1) the chemical potential, or driving force, of the transformation, which is zero at the equilibrium temperature and increases rapidly as the temperature falls below this point; and (2) a factor analogous to viscosity, or resistance of the crystal lattice to a change in structure, which also increases as the temperature is lowered. Just below the equilibrium temperature this virtual "viscosity" of the metal is relatively low-that is, the metal offers little resistance to a change in lattice-but the driving force is also small, and the net result is that the reaction proceeds slowly. As the temperature is lowered the magnitude of both factors increases; but at first the driving force increases more rapidly than the resistance and the reaction is observed to proceed more rapidly. At lower temperatures, however, the resistance begins to increase faster than the driving force, and eventually, at the nose of the curve, overbalances it, causing the reaction to proceed more and more slowly thereafter. This concept is somewhat, though not completely, analogous to that employed in certain electrical cases where the precise factors are known and are separately measurable. The current I (in amperes or coulombs per second) flowing through a given wire is proportional to the impressed potential, or driving force E, and is inversely proportional to the resistance R of the wire; that is, I = E/R. Stated in a slightly different way,

Jan 1, 1935

By Vincent P. Gianella

Barite deposits are of widespread occurrence in Nevada but there are few producing properties; most of the latter are in northern Nevada. The production of the state is small at present-in the neighborhood of 15,000 tons annually-but is steadily increasing. The barite occurs in veins and also as replacement deposits in limestone. The bulk of the production has come from the replacement deposits. It is thought that the barite was deposited from rising hot waters similar to-and probably contemporaneous with-those responsible for some of the metallic ores of the state. This paper discusses only the deposits in northern Nevada. THE commercial mining of barite did not begin in Nevada until 1916 but although the production has been small there has been a rapid increase in tonnage during the past several years. Barite is widely distributed in the state and production comes from at least nine of the seventeen counties. Apparently this is not generally known, as only two counties are mentioned in a recent publication6 dealing with barite. The increase in output is due largely to recently discovered barite deposits in northern Nevada. The principal production has come from the northern portions of Lander and Eureka counties; smaller amounts from Elko County. The discussion in this paper is confined largely to the deposits in these counties. Most of the producing area is tributary to the Western Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads, whose tracks lie along the Humboldt River. Barite is known from other northern counties but so far the production has been small. The output has come entirely from veins and replacement deposits, the latter largely in sedimentary rocks. In general, the barite from veins is white; that from the replacement deposits usually is dark gray to black, although some is light gray or white. Most of the veins contain sulphides and many barite-bearing veins have been worked for their content of base or precious metals. PRODUCTION The recorded production in Nevada to the end of 1938, according to the U. S. Bureau of Mines,3 is 66,424 short tons, of which 57,157 tons

Jan 1, 1940

By Vincent P. Gianella

Barite deposits are of widespread occurrence in Nevada but there are few producing properties; most of the latter are in northern Nevada. The production of the state is small at present—in the neighborhood of 15,000 tons annually—but is steadily increasing. The barite occurs in veins and also as replacement deposits in limestone. The bulk of the production has come from the replacement deposits. It is thought that the barite was deposited from rising hot waters similar to—and probably contemporaneous with—those responsible for some of the metallic ores of the state. This paper discusses only the deposits in northern Nevada. The commercial mining of barite did not begin in Nevada until 1916 but although the production has been small there has been a rapid increase in tonnage during the past several years. Barite is widely distributed in the state and production comes from at least nine of the seventeen counties. Apparently this is not generally known, as only two counties arc mentioned in a recent publication6 dealing with barite. The increase in output is due largely to recently discovered barite deposits in northern Nevada. The principal production has come from the northern portions of Lander and Eureka counties; smaller amounts from Elko County. The discussion in this paper is confined largely to the deposits in these counties. Most of the producing area is tributary to the Western Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads, whose tracks lie along the Humboldt River. Barite is known from other northern counties but so far the production has been small. The output has come entirely from veins and replacement deposits, the latter largely in sedimentary rocks. In general, the barite from veins is white; that from the replacement deposits usually is dark gray to black, although some is light gray or white. Most of the veins contain sulphides and many barite-bearing veins have been worked for their content of base or precious metals. Production The recorded production in Nevada to the end of 1938, according to the U. S. Bureau of Mines,3 is 66,424 short tons, of which 57,157 tons

Jan 1, 1941