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By Sherwin F. Kelly, Bela Low, William B. Creagmile

Electrical methods and instruments for geophysical exploration have been almost exclusively applied, during these years of development of the art, by a few companies specializing in this field. The control of patents, the cost of the instruments and the general lack of published information on details of field procedure and office interpretation have given these owners a monopoly in carrying out electrical surveys. The development of the Megger Ground Tester1 seems likely to change this situation, and to enable mining engineers and geologists, without special training in geophysics, to carry out simple reconnaissance electrical surveys. Nevertheless, the need for such special training and experience in planning surveys and interpreting their results remains, and probably i always will remain, indispensable for a successful outcome. The unique thing about, the Megger Ground Tester, which gives rise to this hope for its general use, is its simplicity of operation. The four binding posts of the instrument are connected by insulated wires to four stakes driven into the ground at appropriate points. The crank of the Megger is then turned, and the resistance of the ground between the two inside stakes is read directly, in ohms, by the deflection of a pointer over a scale. The apparatus is shown in Fig. 1. Fundamentally, the principle of operation is that of determining the resistance of a four-terminal conductor, as applied by Frank Wenner to the measurement of earth resistivity. "A four-terminal conductor is a conductor provided with two terminals to which current leads may be connected and two terminals to which potential leads may be connected. The resistance of such a conductor is the difference in potential between the potential terminals divided by the current entering and leaving

Jan 1, 1932

By C. Schlumberger, M. Schlumberger

The object of this paper is to clarify the idea, so important when exploring by potential methods, of the depth of investigation attainable by electrical measurements. After defining, with some precision, .the term "depth of investigation'' in geophysics, the authors show how it is possible to regulate this depth in potential methods and to obtain an 'electrical drilling" from surface observations. They consider also the difficulties encountered in deep measurements and indicate how it is possible to reach greater depths than those having an industrial interest. Depth of Investigation The term, depth of investigation, in its general sense, is easily understood. For instance, a driller who can pull cores from a depth of 2000 m. is capable of working, with accuracy, to that depth. By means of a properly placed drill, he may locate an orebody at a depth of 1999 m., however small this orebody may be. On the contrary, the term as used in geophysics requires precise elaboration. As a matter of fact, no geophysical method, irrespective of the physical property studied (density, magnetic permeability, conductivity), can discover a very small body at a great depth because, in practice, the physical parameter upon which such a geophysical method is based is never regular enough, throughout the ground, to distinguish the feeble anomaly caused by the small, deep-lying body from the numerous anomalies due to irregularities of the encasing terrains. Aside from this question of the ratio between the size of the body being hunted for and its depth of burial, a second factor plays its role in the possible depth of investigation; that is the difference, for the parameter under consideration, between the body and its surrounding material. The greater this difference, and the more homogeneous the encasing terrains, the greater is the possible depth of investigation. This being generally established for all geophysical methods, it is possible to distinguish two main classes of these methods, from this same point of view

Jan 1, 1932

By E. G. Leonardon

The object of this paper is to describe briefly the practical results obtained in several problems of civil engineering by resistivity measurements of the underground. It is intended for the mining engineer, as well as for the construction engineer; the stratigraphical problems discussed are general and frequently are encountered in mining exploration. Resistivity measurements have been used in mining and oil exploration for a number of years.' Their introduction in the field of civil engineering, on the contrary, is rather recent. It was applied for the first time in the spring of 1928 near Littleton, N. H., in the survey of two dam sites for the New England Power Assn.2 Since then, the geophysical firm with which the author is connected has had an opportunity to develop this field of activity, and more than 20 investigations at dam and tunnel sites have been carried out in the United States and Canada. A part of this work has been verified by underground or drilling exploration. This paper deals with but a few of the results, which we are permitted to make public now. The theoretical and technical sides of the processes employed will not be discussed; they have already been described in various technical publications. A few general points will be mentioned, to make clear the practical examples given. Resistivities OF the Rocks The surveys are based on the measurement of the specific resistance of the rocks. This resistivity is the electrical resistance of a cylinder of

Jan 1, 1932

By C. Schlumberger, M. Schlumberger

In order to explore electrically a terrain composed of a succession of horizontal beds, a current of known intensity i is caused to flow between two grounds A and B, and the resultant drop of potential , caused by the resistance of the earth, is measured between two given points in the soil, M and N. In practice it is convenient to choose the two points M and N so that they lie on the line AB and their midpoint coincides with the middle 0, of that line, although this is not imperative. When the lengths L and I of the two lines AB and MN are varied, equations are obtained which may be solved for the resistivity p of the subsoil at various depths. Recall briefly that the formula 4 x l gives the average resistivity, in the horizontal direction, of a layer of earth which extends to a depth1 about equal to L/4. This elementary concept is adequate for numerous practical applications. Nevertheless, it must be said that, in many cases, a rigorous mathematical analysis may be made, provided it is always a question of homogeneous, superposed horizontal beds. The authors expect to publish, later on, appropriate methods of calculation for some specific cases.

Jan 1, 1932

By C. H. Wilson, J. W. Daly, J. J. Jakosky

Meteor Crater, Arizona, is a natural wonder which for years has been the subject of considerable discussion and study as to its origin and age (Fig. 1). Of the various theories advanced regarding the origin, two have been considered as most probable by a majority of investigators. The first theory is that the crater was formed by a meteorite or a swarm of meteoric material striking the earth at a high velocity and burying itself. The second theory is that the crater was formed by a "steam explosion" from hot solutions or gases coming from underneath the present sedimentary beds which overlie the area. In order to obtain more detailed information regarding the conditions existing at the crater, the present management decided to have a detailed geophysical examination made. The origin of the crater is of considerable scientific importance and interest. More or less active mining operations have been carried out during the past 20 years by various groups who believed that the crater was of meteoric origin, and who hoped that sufficient quantities of such material had been buried to be commercially valuable. Fragments of meteoric material found on the surface of the ground in the debris around the rim gave analysis of approximately 92 per cent iron and 8 per cent nickel, with some platinum and iridium. The material having a gross value of approximately $50 per ton, mining would be commercially profitable if sufficient quantities of the material existed in condition for mining. In the early work numerous drill holes and shallow shafts were put down, mainly in the northern portion of the crater. Pulverized material and debris caused considerable difficulty, and in an effort to overcome this the present management started a 1500-ft., two-compartment shaft on the south rim of the crater and outside of the fill zone. The intention was to sink the shaft in the solid rock outside of the crater, and then to crosscut toward the crater at a depth of 1500 ft. The work was finally stopped when a depth of 650 ft. was reached, because water poured into the shaft through large cracks and fissures in the rock. The enormous force responsible for the crater had also broken

Jan 1, 1932

By L. E. Porter

El Segundo field is about 14 miles southwest of the central portion of the city of Los Angeles, immediately adjacent to the town of El Segundo and the Standard Oil Company's El Segundo refinery site. The field is served and bisected by several major highways connecting the beach cities on the west side of the Los Angeles Basin. The exact location of the field and its position with respect to other producing areas is shown on the map covering this portion of the Basin (Fig. I). The Republic Petroleum Co. discovered the first commercial production in the area when it completed its El Segundo No. 1 (sec. 18, T. 3 S. R. 14 W.) at a depth of 7402 ft. on Aug. 24, 1935, flowing at the rate of about 400 bbl. per day, 28" gravity oil. The producing horizon in this well consists of about 72 ft. of conglomerate and schist conglomerate situated below the nodular shale (Miocene). The true (or solid) schist (Franciscan) was encountered and penetrated some 20 ft. in the bottom of the hole. This paper gives a report on the history of development and oil production to date, and also submits the writer's interpretation of structural conditions as determined from such development. The limited development, together with the complex and variable nature of the producing horizon, makes any interpretation of the structure at present only tentative, and any forecast for a given well extremely hazardous. History of Oil and Gas Production The El Segundo field has produced approximately 1,920,000 bbl. of oil. It has 27 producing wells and 14 drilling wells or locations. The present daily rate of production is about 13,400 bbl. The production history of the field to date is shown in Table 1. The principal companies operating or owning leases in this field are: Caminol Company, Geo. F. Getty, Inc., Ohio Oil Co., Republic Petroleum Co., Pacific Western Oil Corporation, Royalty Service Corporation, Richfield Oil Corporation, Standard Oil Company of California, The Texas Company, Union Oil Company.

Jan 1, 1938

By H. T. Wyatt, A. S. Baptie

The Ten Section field is approximately 10 miles southwest of Bakers-field, Kern County, Calif. (Fig. 1). There is no surface evidence of the existence of the Ten Section structure, which subsurface exploration has shown to be a gently folded, anticlinal dome. Regionally, this field occurs as a fold in the deeper beds of the gently rolling floor of the San Joaquin Valley. It is on the easterly slope of the valley, its position with relation to the axis of this syncline not having been determined. The field was discovered by Shell Oil Co. with the completion of well Stevens A-l, on June 2, 1936, at a depth of 7888 ft. The location for this

Jan 1, 1938

By E. J. Bartosh

In the brief period from November 1936 to September 1937, the Wilmington oil field developed far beyond all expectations. Decline in some wells appears very rapid, but it is too early to draw definite conclusions, as the majority of wells are maintaining very large and steady output. Heavy curtailment in the central area, which has developed the largest wells, makes it impossible to arrive at a satisfactory estimate of decline. The field is producing oil from the Repetto (lower Pliocene) and Puente (upper Miocene) formations, which are of the same age as formations producing at Torrance, El Segundo, del Rey or the marginal fields of the Los Angeles Basin. All of these fields are underlain by schist. The Long Beach field, northeast of Wilmington, is productive throughout 3000 ft. of Repetto-Pliocene series and also approximately 3000 ft. of Miocene formations, whereas at Wilmington only 700 to 800 ft. of Repetto and 2500 ft. of Miocene formations contain oil and gas. This paper gives a brief summary of the history and development of the field to Sept. 15, 1937, showing the subsurface conditions as they exist with the field only partly developed. History of Development The Wilmington oil field, 20 miles due south of Los Angeles, adjacent to Los Angeles harbor and about midway between the cities of San Pedro and Long Beach (Fig. 7), was producing oil as early as 1932 and only came into prominence as a major oil field of Southern California in the fall of 1936, when the General Petroleum Corporation of California completed Terminal well No. 1 from the upper Miocene, at a depth of 3625 ft., for a daily production of 1500 bbl., 20" gravity A.P.I., thereby establishing discovery of the Terminal zone. As early as 1925, or during the close of the development of Torrance oil field, a number of wells were drilled in the Main Street area looking for

Jan 1, 1938

By R. C. Hyslop

The object of this experiment was to obtain a usable set of field curves for determining the susceptibility of rocks with the vertical magnetometer. The need often arises for determining the susceptibility of rocks in the field in order to interpret magnetic anomalies obtained. This is particularly true when diamond drilling has been done and the relation to the surface rocks of the samples taken is desired. Many methods of measuring rock susceptibility have been developed, but in general they require careful shaping of the sample or pulverizing it in addition to delicate laboratory measuring instruments designed for the purpose. The requirements for a practical method for the determination of susceptibilities are as follows: 1. There should be as little alteration as possible of the specimen. 2. A minimum of time should be required in the preparation of the specimen and the calibration of the equipment. 3. Theequipment used should be portable. 4. An accuracy within the limits of the survey at hand should be obtainable. 5. A means of measuring the remnant magnetism should be available. Laboratory Procedure With these ideas in mind, the problem was approached in the manner in which Koenigsbergerl developed his method using the principle of the electrical theory of images of Lord Kelvin and applying it to the magnetic case. This solution of the problem states that the apparent change in the magnetic field intensity AZ due to the proximity of a specimen is given by: mk AZ = 2a2 Where k is the susceptibility of the specimen, m the strength of the pole of the needle, and a its distance from the surface of the specimen, as shown in Fig. r.2 This relation is true only for an infinite body and corrections are necessary for a finite body. Koenigsberger used in his work a variometer of special design. He suggested that a Schmidt vertical balance or horizontal magnetometer, as well as some other instrument, might be used. The Colorado School of Mines horizontal torsion magnetometer operates on this principle. In the

Jan 1, 1946

By R. C. Hyslop

The object of this experiment was to obtain a usable set of field curves for determining the susceptibility of rocks with the vertical magnetometer. The need often arises for determining the susceptibility of rocks in the field in order to interpret magnetic anomalies obtained. This is particularly true when diamond drilling has been done and the relation to the surface rocks of the samples taken is desired. Many methods of measuring rock susceptibility have been developed, but in general they require careful shaping of the sample or pulverizing it in addition to delicate laboratory measuring instruments designed for the purpose. The requirements for a practical method for the determination of susceptibilities are as follows: 1. There should be as little alteration as possible of the specimen. 2. A minimum of time should be required in the preparation of the specimen and the calibration of the equipment. 3. Theequipment used should be portable. 4. An accuracy within the limits of the survey at hand should be obtainable. 5. A means of measuring the remnant magnetism should be available. Laboratory Procedure With these ideas in mind, the problem was approached in the manner in which Koenigsbergerl developed his method using the principle of the electrical theory of images of Lord Kelvin and applying it to the magnetic case. This solution of the problem states that the apparent change in the magnetic field intensity AZ due to the proximity of a specimen is given by: mk AZ = 2a2 Where k is the susceptibility of the specimen, m the strength of the pole of the needle, and a its distance from the surface of the specimen, as shown in Fig. r.2 This relation is true only for an infinite body and corrections are necessary for a finite body. Koenigsberger used in his work a variometer of special design. He suggested that a Schmidt vertical balance or horizontal magnetometer, as well as some other instrument, might be used. The Colorado School of Mines horizontal torsion magnetometer operates on this principle. In the

Jan 1, 1946

By R. G. Patterson

The usual procedure in determining the magnetic susceptibilities of rocks and formations has been to take samples in the field and measure their volume susceptibilities in the laboratory, using one of numerous methods available. In none of these methods is the measuring instrument suited for field use. Usually the sample is pulverized; sometimes it is machined to a desired sue and shape, and in one method1 a cast of the sample is made and the susceptibility of the rock compared with that of a material of known susceptibility of the same size and shape, made from the cast of the original sample. Some writers assert that the difference in susceptibility of a rock sample in powdered and solid forms is negligible, and while doubtless this is true in many cases there are others in which the difference becomes appreciable. Further, the susceptibility of a small specimen may differ from that of the rock from which it is taken, owing to the stresses produced by the hammering or other forces used to obtain the sample and shape it for testing. Wilson2 found that an individual specimen of granite had about the same susceptibility in the solid as in the powdered form, but that pieces from different parts of the rock varied as much as 750 per cent because of unequal distribution of magnetite. The most accurate value of susceptibility would, obviously, be obtained from averag- ing a number of tests on the undisturbed rock instead of from one or two samples. No such procedures have been published, to the writer's knowledge. It is the purpose of this paper to describe a method by which susceptibilities of rocks may be determined in place by means of a portable instrument. Method The principle involved in this new method is that there is a change in inductance of a coil due to the presence in its magnetic field of a paramagnetic or dia-magnetic medium. In this case, however, the windings of the coil do not enclose any part of the rock under test. Instead, the coil is circular, being small in cross section as compared to its radius, and consists of several hundred turns of fine wire. It is placed flat on the rock of which the susceptibility is to be measured. Thus only part of the magnetic field from the coil penetrates the rock under test. The relation between the change in field strength or inductance of the coil and the susceptibility of the medium will be developed later. To measure the change in the inductance of the coil due to the presence of a magnetic material an alternating-current inductance bridge was chosen. Description of Apparatus Of many alternating-current bridge methods applicable,3 the one shown in Fig. 1 (Owen's bridge') was adopted for its simplicity and sensitivity. In Fig. I, the test coil is indicated by PlL1. It is connected to the bridge by about

Jan 1, 1946

By R. G. Patterson

The usual procedure in determining the magnetic susceptibilities of rocks and formations has been to take samples in the field and measure their volume susceptibilities in the laboratory, using one of numerous methods available. In none of these methods is the measuring instrument suited for field use. Usually the sample is pulverized; sometimes it is machined to a desired sue and shape, and in one method1 a cast of the sample is made and the susceptibility of the rock compared with that of a material of known susceptibility of the same size and shape, made from the cast of the original sample. Some writers assert that the difference in susceptibility of a rock sample in powdered and solid forms is negligible, and while doubtless this is true in many cases there are others in which the difference becomes appreciable. Further, the susceptibility of a small specimen may differ from that of the rock from which it is taken, owing to the stresses produced by the hammering or other forces used to obtain the sample and shape it for testing. Wilson2 found that an individual specimen of granite had about the same susceptibility in the solid as in the powdered form, but that pieces from different parts of the rock varied as much as 750 per cent because of unequal distribution of magnetite. The most accurate value of susceptibility would, obviously, be obtained from averag- ing a number of tests on the undisturbed rock instead of from one or two samples. No such procedures have been published, to the writer's knowledge. It is the purpose of this paper to describe a method by which susceptibilities of rocks may be determined in place by means of a portable instrument. Method The principle involved in this new method is that there is a change in inductance of a coil due to the presence in its magnetic field of a paramagnetic or dia-magnetic medium. In this case, however, the windings of the coil do not enclose any part of the rock under test. Instead, the coil is circular, being small in cross section as compared to its radius, and consists of several hundred turns of fine wire. It is placed flat on the rock of which the susceptibility is to be measured. Thus only part of the magnetic field from the coil penetrates the rock under test. The relation between the change in field strength or inductance of the coil and the susceptibility of the medium will be developed later. To measure the change in the inductance of the coil due to the presence of a magnetic material an alternating-current inductance bridge was chosen. Description of Apparatus Of many alternating-current bridge methods applicable,3 the one shown in Fig. 1 (Owen's bridge') was adopted for its simplicity and sensitivity. In Fig. I, the test coil is indicated by PlL1. It is connected to the bridge by about

Jan 1, 1946

By Parke A. Dickey

Potential differences between strata of shale and sandstone have been recognized for about 15 years, and they form the basis of the electrical logging of oil wells. Hitherto these potentials have been ascribed solely to electro-¦ chemical reactions caused by the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole through which they are generally measured. Observations by the author in wells empty of water and in a mine shaft suggest that potential differences between sandstones and shales are natural and specific properties of the rocks, although they are moditied in measurement by the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole. The cause of these potentials probably is to be sought in the relative polar adsorptive capacities of quartz and clay particles. Introduction The existence of potential differences in the surface of the earth has been known for some time, and their measurement has facilitated the discovery of geological discontinuities such as ore bodies. The technique of measurement has been well established.1-3 In measurements in oil wells, it has been found that the potential of shales with respect to some arbitrary reference is very nearly constant in any one well, at least below the zone to which meteoric water has gained access. Sandstones and some other types of sedimentary rocks have a difference of potential with respect to shale that is negative arid may attain a value of 200 millivolts or more. The difference of potential, as usually measured commercially with water in the hole, is distributed over about one foot vertically at the top and bottom contacts of the sandstones. The sharpness of the curve at the formation contacts can be improved by using a short electrode that is close to the wall of the hole' These potentials generally have been ascribed to the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole. Potentials have been found, however, in wells in which no water was present. In the course of experiments in electrical logging in pennsylvania, carried out by the pennsylvania Geological Survey, observations were made of several phenomena that hitherto have not been described, to the author's knowledge, ill the published literature. The potential differences across the contacts of sandstone and shale are called ill this paper "natural potentials," as distinguished from the potentials caused by electroendosmosis (electrofiltration) and concentration differences, which will be discussed subsequently. Potentials in Cored WeLl In the spring of 1942, the author measured the potentials in an exploratory well (Day 13, near Grand Valley, Pa.) which had been cored With diamond tools. The potentials were first measured with fresh water in the hole. * null balance potentiometer was used in this and all the other measurements described in this paper. One nonpolarizing porous pot electrode, containing copper sulphate solution and

Jan 1, 1946

By Parke A. Dickey

Potential differences between strata of shale and sandstone have been recognized for about 15 years, and they form the basis of the electrical logging of oil wells. Hitherto these potentials have been ascribed solely to electro-¦ chemical reactions caused by the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole through which they are generally measured. Observations by the author in wells empty of water and in a mine shaft suggest that potential differences between sandstones and shales are natural and specific properties of the rocks, although they are moditied in measurement by the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole. The cause of these potentials probably is to be sought in the relative polar adsorptive capacities of quartz and clay particles. Introduction The existence of potential differences in the surface of the earth has been known for some time, and their measurement has facilitated the discovery of geological discontinuities such as ore bodies. The technique of measurement has been well established.1-3 In measurements in oil wells, it has been found that the potential of shales with respect to some arbitrary reference is very nearly constant in any one well, at least below the zone to which meteoric water has gained access. Sandstones and some other types of sedimentary rocks have a difference of potential with respect to shale that is negative arid may attain a value of 200 millivolts or more. The difference of potential, as usually measured commercially with water in the hole, is distributed over about one foot vertically at the top and bottom contacts of the sandstones. The sharpness of the curve at the formation contacts can be improved by using a short electrode that is close to the wall of the hole' These potentials generally have been ascribed to the disturbing effects of the water in the drill hole. Potentials have been found, however, in wells in which no water was present. In the course of experiments in electrical logging in pennsylvania, carried out by the pennsylvania Geological Survey, observations were made of several phenomena that hitherto have not been described, to the author's knowledge, ill the published literature. The potential differences across the contacts of sandstone and shale are called ill this paper "natural potentials," as distinguished from the potentials caused by electroendosmosis (electrofiltration) and concentration differences, which will be discussed subsequently. Potentials in Cored WeLl In the spring of 1942, the author measured the potentials in an exploratory well (Day 13, near Grand Valley, Pa.) which had been cored With diamond tools. The potentials were first measured with fresh water in the hole. * null balance potentiometer was used in this and all the other measurements described in this paper. One nonpolarizing porous pot electrode, containing copper sulphate solution and

Jan 1, 1946

By F. J. Tuck

The Hayden mill of the Ray Mines Division, Kennecott Copper Corporation, is now equipped with two 9 by 12-ft. rod mills having a daily capacity of 6000 tons of coarse-crushing plant product from the mine. These two mills crush a ¾-in. product to approximately 19 per cent on 14 mesh, with only one pass through the mills. Each rod mill has taken the place of four sets of 42-in. Garfield rolls with their attendant screens, and is making a product for the fine-grinding department comparable to that formerly made by rolls in closed circuit with screens. The rod mills are lined with wave-type liners of white iron, varying in thickness from 2 to 3 in. The shell and end liners last approximately 600 to 700 days. Manganese-steel lifter bars, 3? in. thick, are used, spaced about 11 in. apart, and they give a life of 350 to 450 days. Fig. 1 shows the general design and thickness of the wave-type liners and lifter bars; 1½-in. liner bolts are used to fasten the lifter bars to the shell. The shell liners are held in place by the tapered lifter bars. A ¾-in. wood backing is used between the shell and the liners. The rod-mill scoop has removable manganese-steel lips, which last 250 to 300 days. The scoop proper has shown some wear in spots, and these spots have been protected by rubber bolted over them. Water and milk of lime are added to the elevator feeding the mill, but not enough water to cause a pounding of the rods against the shell. Roughly, the water added amounts to 25 to 33 per cent of the ore. Additional water is added to the mill discharge to facilitate distribution to the classifier bowls in the fine-grinding department. Rods are charged to the mill once every four days, the mill being down about 20 min. for this purpose. Other delays are negligible, and usually are due to a loose liner bolt or possibly power trouble. However, these occasions are extremely rare. In charging the mill, a crane is used

Jan 1, 1939

By F. J. Tuck

The Hayden mill of the Ray Mines Division, Kennecott Copper Corporation, is now equipped with two 9 by 12-ft. rod mills having a daily capacity of 6000 tons of coarse-crushing plant product from the mine. These two mills crush a ¾-in. product to approximately 19 per cent on 14 mesh, with only one pass through the mills. Each rod mill has taken the place of four sets of 42-in. Garfield rolls with their attendant screens, and is making a product for the fine-grinding department comparable to that formerly made by rolls in closed circuit with screens. The rod mills are lined with wave-type liners of white iron, varying in thickness from 2 to 3 in. The shell and end liners last approximately 600 to 700 days. Manganese-steel lifter bars, 3? in. thick, are used, spaced about 11 in. apart, and they give a life of 350 to 450 days. Fig. 1 shows the general design and thickness of the wave-type liners and lifter bars; 1½-in. liner bolts are used to fasten the lifter bars to the shell. The shell liners are held in place by the tapered lifter bars. A ¾-in. wood backing is used between the shell and the liners. The rod-mill scoop has removable manganese-steel lips, which last 250 to 300 days. The scoop proper has shown some wear in spots, and these spots have been protected by rubber bolted over them. Water and milk of lime are added to the elevator feeding the mill, but not enough water to cause a pounding of the rods against the shell. Roughly, the water added amounts to 25 to 33 per cent of the ore. Additional water is added to the mill discharge to facilitate distribution to the classifier bowls in the fine-grinding department. Rods are charged to the mill once every four days, the mill being down about 20 min. for this purpose. Other delays are negligible, and usually are due to a loose liner bolt or possibly power trouble. However, these occasions are extremely rare. In charging the mill, a crane is used

Jan 1, 1939

By Eugene McAuliffe

It is not possible to include in this paper, limited as it is in scope, the many diverse steps toward the reduction of mine accidents that are taken in the mines that produce the nation's coal. Every coal-producing state has enacted laws covering proper mining practices, and the major portion of these are directly related to the safety of the mine employees. The United States Bureau of Mines, the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, The American Mining Congress, a number of national, regional and state organizations, as well as the coal technical press, have covered time and time again all of the '(do" and "don't" phases of mine operation that bear on the important question of mine and employee safety. Within the past 15 years The Union Pacific Coal Co, has attempted to put into practice in its mines in southern Wyoming these many good recommendations, finding some value in all, and yet, to secure substantial results, the management found it necessary to resort in the end to what might be referred to as i'extra-territorial" methods. It is the writer's purpose to show in this paper that marked and even extraordinary betterment, can be brought about when employer and employee work together with due sincerity. In presenting our own experience, one that has been duplicated in so far as results are concerned on numerous other properties, no theory of perfection of management exists; on the other hand, our organization feels that as long as our record of accidents remains as shown by even our latest and best performance we still have far to go. Safety work in some form has been carried on in and about the mining properties of The Union Pacific Coal Co. since the first mine was opened at the now long-abandoned town of Carbon, Wyo., in 1868. On June 30, 1903, an explosion and subsequent mine fire occurred in mine No. 1 at Hanna, taking 169 lives, and a second explosion occurred in the same mine on March 28, 1908, in which 59 additional lives were lost. Looking back with impartiality on the causes leading up to these two unfortunate disasters, we can only conclude that shooting from the solid, the absence of adequate ventilation, rock dusting, the use of water at the face to allay

Jan 1, 1938

By Eugene McAuliffe

It is not possible to include in this paper, limited as it is in scope, the many diverse steps toward the reduction of mine accidents that are taken in the mines that produce the nation's coal. Every coal-producing state has enacted laws covering proper mining practices, and the major portion of these are directly related to the safety of the mine employees. The United States Bureau of Mines, the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, The American Mining Congress, a number of national, regional and state organizations, as well as the coal technical press, have covered time and time again all of the '(do" and "don't" phases of mine operation that bear on the important question of mine and employee safety. Within the past 15 years The Union Pacific Coal Co, has attempted to put into practice in its mines in southern Wyoming these many good recommendations, finding some value in all, and yet, to secure substantial results, the management found it necessary to resort in the end to what might be referred to as i'extra-territorial" methods. It is the writer's purpose to show in this paper that marked and even extraordinary betterment, can be brought about when employer and employee work together with due sincerity. In presenting our own experience, one that has been duplicated in so far as results are concerned on numerous other properties, no theory of perfection of management exists; on the other hand, our organization feels that as long as our record of accidents remains as shown by even our latest and best performance we still have far to go. Safety work in some form has been carried on in and about the mining properties of The Union Pacific Coal Co. since the first mine was opened at the now long-abandoned town of Carbon, Wyo., in 1868. On June 30, 1903, an explosion and subsequent mine fire occurred in mine No. 1 at Hanna, taking 169 lives, and a second explosion occurred in the same mine on March 28, 1908, in which 59 additional lives were lost. Looking back with impartiality on the causes leading up to these two unfortunate disasters, we can only conclude that shooting from the solid, the absence of adequate ventilation, rock dusting, the use of water at the face to allay

Jan 1, 1938

By John L. Boardman

Because of the attention that has recently been given to the health and safety of miners by various organizations such as the A.I.M.E., The American Congress, Mining Section, National Safety Council, as well as the Bureau of Mines and various state mining departments, your committee on health and safety deemed it best to call attention this year to the mine-accident cause that is by far the most important; namely, injuries due to falls of ground, rock, roof and coal. Each of several members of the committee contributed a brief outline of the importance of this accident cause in his district. While these papers were brief, it would require too much time and space to give them in full, therefore we present an outline of each and summation of all. Report of M. D. Cooper, Hillman Coal and Coke Co. M. D. Cooper, Division superintendent, Hillman Coal and Coke Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., contributed the following: During the period from 1930 to 1939, accidents from falls of roof in bituminous mines average 54.3 per cent of all accidents. In mechanized mining, there is a tendency toward reduction in this class of accidents because the operator of the machine is usually at a distance of 10 to 20 ft. from the face, whereas in hand load- ing the miner is close to the face during most of the shift. No doubt the use of aluminum and light steel beams supported at regular intervals by jacks, a common practice in mechanical mining, has contributed to the favorable record so far developed. Report of M. H. Fies, De Bardeleben Coal Corporation Milton H. Fies, Vice-President, DeBar-deleben Coal Corporation, Birmingham, Ala., says: With reference to the types of mining, it is suggested that a clear understanding be had as to the character and thickness of the directly overlying strata, with especial consideration to the strength and in some cases an analysis of it. In coal mining, generally speaking, overlying strata higher in silica than others is stronger. In changing from narrow to wide places, the procedure should be experimental, both as to the width and depth of places and as to the nature of the necessary timbering. Since most of the accidents in coal mining particularly are due to falls of roof and coal, this phase of mining should be attacked with vigor There is no substitute for discipline and, in this connection, under present conditions it is important that cooperation by the labor ornanizations- be sought and that a spirit of fairness prevail. Frequent and thorough inspection of all active working places should be made.

Jan 1, 1943

By John L. Boardman

Because of the attention that has recently been given to the health and safety of miners by various organizations such as the A.I.M.E., The American Congress, Mining Section, National Safety Council, as well as the Bureau of Mines and various state mining departments, your committee on health and safety deemed it best to call attention this year to the mine-accident cause that is by far the most important; namely, injuries due to falls of ground, rock, roof and coal. Each of several members of the committee contributed a brief outline of the importance of this accident cause in his district. While these papers were brief, it would require too much time and space to give them in full, therefore we present an outline of each and summation of all. Report of M. D. Cooper, Hillman Coal and Coke Co. M. D. Cooper, Division superintendent, Hillman Coal and Coke Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., contributed the following: During the period from 1930 to 1939, accidents from falls of roof in bituminous mines average 54.3 per cent of all accidents. In mechanized mining, there is a tendency toward reduction in this class of accidents because the operator of the machine is usually at a distance of 10 to 20 ft. from the face, whereas in hand load- ing the miner is close to the face during most of the shift. No doubt the use of aluminum and light steel beams supported at regular intervals by jacks, a common practice in mechanical mining, has contributed to the favorable record so far developed. Report of M. H. Fies, De Bardeleben Coal Corporation Milton H. Fies, Vice-President, DeBar-deleben Coal Corporation, Birmingham, Ala., says: With reference to the types of mining, it is suggested that a clear understanding be had as to the character and thickness of the directly overlying strata, with especial consideration to the strength and in some cases an analysis of it. In coal mining, generally speaking, overlying strata higher in silica than others is stronger. In changing from narrow to wide places, the procedure should be experimental, both as to the width and depth of places and as to the nature of the necessary timbering. Since most of the accidents in coal mining particularly are due to falls of roof and coal, this phase of mining should be attacked with vigor There is no substitute for discipline and, in this connection, under present conditions it is important that cooperation by the labor ornanizations- be sought and that a spirit of fairness prevail. Frequent and thorough inspection of all active working places should be made.

Jan 1, 1943