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By Alfred R. Powell

In another paper the writer has described an investigation in which the forms of sulphur in coke were determined and described. Coke was found to contain four characteristic forms of sulphur- namely, ferrous sulphide, sulphates, ad- sorbed free sulphur, and sulphur held in solid solution in the carbon. While the coke is still in the oven, only two forms of sulphur are present namely, the ferrous sulphide and the sulphur in solid solution in the carbon. During the quenching, however, the sulphur of the coke is subjected to considerable oxidation, a portion of the ferrous sulphide being oxidized to free sulphur and sulphates, while the solid solution form remains unchanged. The coke, however, loses no sulphur during this process, since the free sulphur which is formed ie retained by the coke in an adsorbed form. Since this oxidation of the ferrous sulphide took place so easily, an inves- tigation was undertaken to determine whether this property could not be taken ad- vantage of in some industrial process for the desulphurization of coke. Although it is true that such a roasting process would not touch the solid-solution form of sul- phur, still the removal of the ferrous sulphide sulphur would undoubtedly benefit the coke from the standpoint of the metallurgist. This improvement in the coke would result not only from the decrease in total sulphur, but also from the large decrease in the ferrous sulphide, which is responsible for the contamination of the iron in the upper part of the blast-furnace. The de sulphurization of coke by roasting in air it a new idea, but dates back to the earliest days of coke manufacture. In 1871, Philipparts published the results of some work done by him on the de sulphurization of coke by air, as well as a review of the results of earlier investigators. In the se earlier experiments, nothing was known of the forms in which the sulphur existed in the coke, while the temperature measurements were only approximate, so that altogether the results were not very conclusive nor complete. The de sulphurisation figures given by the se early investigators generally showed a low efficiency for the process, but some extraordinary results were claimed by certain inventors. In the light of our new knowledge concerning the coke sulphur, it seemed to be important enough to warrant investigation.

Apr 1, 1923

By Bowles Oliver

"Modification of Quarry Process.Limestone beds are formed by processes of nature, processes that have been in operation for thousands and perhaps millions of years. Therefore, their com- position and physical properties are long-established and unalterable features over which man has no control. He must take them as he fields them.It is undoubtedly true that the character of lime depends largely on the nature of the parent limestone. A high-calcium lime cannot be manufactured from a dolomite, nor can a pure lime result from the calcination of an impure raw material. However, in the process of turning limestone into lime man is not entirely helpless in his control of quality. Even though a deposit is variable in character a single lime product of uniform quality may be produced by judicious quarrying. A single grade of product may not always be desired, the producer may wish to supply the needs of a variety of users each demanding U different grade or quality of lime such a series of graded products may be produced in part at least by modifying the quarry method. Thus, by changes in quarry practice a single product or a variety of products may be made. The latter problem will be considered at a later time, and the present paper devoted to the first named question' that of producing a single grade of lime from a deposit of variable rock,It is realized of course that uniformity in the product is influenced greatly by manufacturing processes such as calcining' hydrating' grinding or storage, but the present discussion is confined to the influence of raw materials only. In considering the various devices that may be employed it is realized that much remains to be learned, and it is hoped that many operators will contribute to the discussion as they have already done in connection with previous papers of this series."

May 1, 1923

By Raymond B. Ladoo

In order to obtain comprehensive and authentic information on fluorspar mining in the western States , the writer, together with and at the request of representatives of some of the largest fluorspar producers of the Illinois - Kentucky district , spent the month of April , 1922 , in examining all we stem fluorspar deposits ( of which record was available ) believed to be of possible commercial importance .

May 1, 1923

By Earl C. Lane

This is the second of a series of reports on a survey of petroleum products manufactured on the Pacific Coast from California crude oils. California crudes differ in many characteristics from the petroleum produced in other parts of the United States, and the claim has been made that some of the present federal Specifications for petroleum products tend to discriminate against California products. The purposes of the present survey are to determine what particular specification requirements California petroleum products characteristically fail to meet, how widely the products deviate from these requirements, and if possible to show whether the fault lies with the specifications or the products, or along what 'lines investigation to determine the question should proceed. The first report* of the series gave the physical and chemical properties of gasoline and mineral spirits made from California crudes. The present report deals with lubricating oils. Sixty-one samples of lubricating stocks and finished commercial products were generously donated by four of the large refining companies of California. Fifteen samples of automobile lubricating oils, made in California from California crudes, were purchased in the open market. Nine samples of lubricating oils mode from Gulf Coast crude were contributed for comparison by a company in Texas. The refining companies have continued the helpful and cordial cooperation shown by them in connection with the earlier work of the survey.

Jan 1, 1923

By E. D. Eastman

"The factors that determine the efficiency of reduction of iron oxides by gaseous reducing agents may be considered in two classes; those which effect the equilibrium between the reacting substances end their products, and those which affect the rete of reaction. Both sets are of prectical importance, the former as influencing the maximum possible efficiency and the latter as determining what fraction of the maximum yield may be readily or profitably obtained. In addition, the thermal changes attending the reduction greatly affect the chance of successful industrial application of any such process, and knowledge of them is necessary for the intelligent design of apparatus and control of the reaction. Some aspects of each of these three divisions of the problem are discussed below.I. The Maximum Reducing Power of Fuel Gases on the Oxides of IronsThe gases that heve been considered specifically in this work are coal gas, water gas and producer gas, typical analyses” of which are given in Table 1 Of the various hydrocarbons represented in Table 1, (several being grouped or averaged as C2R4), methane is the only gas assumed to be capable of existence at appreciable pressures under the conditions of interest here. The equilibria in the several systems which may ensue when one of the above gases is allowed to react with the iron oxides, may therefore be represented in the most general case by equations of the type of the following arbitrarily chosen ones:"

Jun 1, 1923

By A. C. Fieldner, G. W. Jones

Tests were made at the Government Fuel Yard , operated at Washington , D. C. by the Bureau of Mines , Department of the Interior , in order to determine and improve the adjustment of the carburetors on the trucks used for transporting coal from the Fuel Yard to the different Government buildings in Washington . The tests were made possible through the hearty cooperation of G , S. Pope , engineer in charge of the Fuel Yard . Joseph Burrows and A. E. Foote of the garage department assisted during all the tests and supplied information on the mileage obtained by the trucks for the months preceding and succeding the time the tests were made . The Mack trucks used range in capacity from 2-1/2 to 7-1/2 ttoonnss .. The majority of the carburetors were Stromberg G- 3 type , as shown in Table 2. During the winter months , when the demand for coal is heavy , from 30 to 35 trucks are used . At the time the tests were made , only about ten of the trucks were in daily use , owing to the small demand for coal during the summer months , and scarcity due to labor conditions . Samples of the exhaust gas were taken on the trucks kept in service for summer hauling in order to determine the carburetor adjustment as used . Changes were then made to a more economical adjustment wherever possible , without sacrificing flexibility of operation and power . In every case the adjustments were maintained for maximum power , but were adjusted to the leanest position to give that power . In all but one case the carburetors were found to be adjusted too rich for maximum power and economy . These results are considered in detail in a later part of this report .

Jun 1, 1923

By C. W. Davis, M. W. Von Bernewitz, S. C. Lind

During the past few years our possible domestic resources of platinum have attracted much attention . On account of the extensive use of platinum during the World War , and the practical elimination of the Russian supply , the price of this metal rose to new high levels , as shown in Table 1 ; and though it since receded to some extent , the price is now nearly six times that of gold .

Jun 1, 1923

By W. P. Yant, G. W. Jones

During the testing of porcelain insulators with a " 60 - cycle flash - over apparatus " , gases are liberated having an odor greatly resembling that of ozone . Since the two main constituents of normal air are nitrogen and oxygen , and high voltages (approximately 90,000 volts ) are used during the tests , the conditions are favorable for the production of ozone or oxides of nitrogen , and perhaps both simultaneously . The presence of these gases is only noticeable during the testing period . They soon disappear after the test is over . No fatalities have ever resulted from these gases at the plant visited nor are there any records of any of the men who worked on the tests being confined to their homes from this cause . New employees sometimes complain of a depressed feeling and shortness of breath , which is most noticeable after leaving work and getting into fresh air , but they som become accustomed to it and no ill effects are noticed . In view of previous work*** which the Bureau of Mines has done on oxides of nitrogen in connection with mine gases and problems in gas analysis , tests were made at the plant of the Westinghouse High Voltage Insulator Company at Derry , Pa . to determine the kind and amount of gases liberated .

Jun 1, 1923

By Mayo D. Hersey

This problem was taken up by the Bureau of Mines as a result of the oxygen explosion at the Jefferson Physical Laboratory of Harvard University , and other similar explosions , in order to supply technical information which would serve as a basis for safety precautions in the future . At the Harvard inquiry the fact was emphasized by the Massachusetts State Chemist , Mr. Walter M. Wedger , that we do not know the limiting pressures and temperatures above which compressed oxygen and lubricating oil are capable of spontaneous explosion . The problem is also of importance to the Army and Navy and to the Bureau of Mines in connection with the hazards incurred in the use of compressed and liquified gases in the repurification of helium. In fact , the risk of fires and explosions due to traces of lubricating oil coming into contact with high pressure oxygen is of serious interest to all concerned with the manufacture and use of oxygen , a commodity which is now being produced and distributed on a rapidly increasing scale . Part of the money expended on this investigation was from Army and Navy funds . The problem was undertaken by the Bureau of Mines at the suggestion of Dr. Charles E. Munroe , Chairman of the Committee on Explosives Investigations of the National Research Council , and referred to the Pittsburgh experiment station of the bureau.

Jul 1, 1923

By N. F. LeJeune, Earl C. Lane

This is the third of a series of reports on a survey of petroleum prod- ucts manufactured on the Pacific Coast from California crude oils. California crudes differ in many characteristics from the petroleum produced in the other parts of the United States, and the claim has been made that some of the present Federal Specifications for petroleum products tend to discriminate against Cali- fomia products. The purposes of the present survey are to determine what par- ticular specification requirements Califomia petroleum products characteristical ly fail to meet, how widely the products deviate from these requirements, and if possible to show whether the fault lies with the specifications or the products, or along what lines investigation to determine this question should proceed. The first report of the series gave the physical and chemical properties of the samples of gasoline and mineral spirits. A second report**, gave the physical and chemical properties of samples of lubricating oils. The present report deals entirely with burning and fuel oils. The refin ing companies have continued their very cordial and helpful cooperation. Seven samples of kerosene, four samples of Diesel fuel and eight samples of fuel oil were obtained. The methods of analysis used are those adopted by the Interdepartmental Petroleum Specifications Committee, published by the Bureau of Mines in Technical Paper No. 323. The specifications used for corparison are those officially adopted by the Federal Specifications Board for the use of the various Depart- ments and Independent Establishments of the Government, effective February 3, 1923, and published by the Bureau of Mines in Technical Paper No. 323, Part 1. Specific gravity, degrees A.P.I., viscosity and other special tests al- though not required by the specifications have been given for comparison. All temperatures are recorded in degrees Fahrenheit. Tables have been prepared giving data on physical and chemical propertios of the individual samples. Before each table the classification and specifica- tions for the particular class of oil considered in the table are given. Follow- ing each table, brief notes show wherein samples deviate from specification re- quirements.

Aug 1, 1923

By John H. Thompson

Recent studies ** at the Pittsburgh Experiment Station of the Bureau of Mines have revealed some interesting facts as to the probable behavior of steamed coke in the blast furnace . The literature on the chemistry of the blast furnace was tho roughly reviewed , and with this information in mind , the probable behavior of the coke sulphur in the blast furnace was deduced . Enough small - scale tests were conducted to furnish a check on most of the important deductions , and the conclusions derived therefrom accord with what is already known in regard to the forms of sulphur in coke , and fit in well with the general opinion concerning blast-furnace reactions .

Aug 1, 1923

By S. P. Kinney, P. H. Royster, T. L. Joseph

An investigation of the production of iron in the blast furnace is obviously not an easy subject for research . Enough is known of the mechanical , thermal and chemical conditions existing inside the furnace to say certainly that they are complicated. Furnace operators have found that the process is sensitive to a number of known and to many unknown operating conditions . In order to form any conclusions of value , it seems necessary to collect a large amount of data taken with considerable care and accuracy. These facts make a blast furnace research difficult but not impossible . The most serious obstacle in attacking the problem comes from the fact that it is useless in the design and operation of the blast furnace to use the method of " trial and error , which has proved valuable in so many other industrial problems . The variables are so interrelated and are so dependent one on the other that the number of experimental combinations to be tried is enormous . There are certainly not less than twenty factors in furnace operation and design that are known to influence the results . This is apparent if it is remembered that a phrase like " size and shape of the furnace" includes height of the furnace , height , diameter and angle of the bosh , inwall batter , stockline diameter , and furnace volume ; and that a phrase like " chemical and physical properties of the fuels charged " includes size and shape of the lumps , density, porosity and strength of the coke , in addition to its chemical analysis . Let us suppose that we need choose for each of twenty factors one of two values , for example , suppose we must say only that the furnace shall be " tall " or " short , " that the bosh angle shall be " flat " OF "steep , that the ore shall be " coarse " or " fine , " or that the blast has to be "hot" or " cold , " the number of resulting combinations is more than one million . In putting twenty pennies on the table , either heads up or tails up, the number of permutations possible is the twentieth power of two , slightly more than one million. It is obvious , therefore , that some sort of mathematical relationship , a set of rules of thumb , laws , curves or the like , are needed . Whether the relationships , curves or formulas are derived from experiment , from theory, or from mere guess -work, makes no difference provided they agree with the known facts . If they do not agree with known facts , they are worthless no matter what their origin or how weighty the " authority" vouching for them. Few such relationships have appeared in blast- furnace literature , and it may be doubted whether such formulas can be discovered .

Sep 1, 1923

By G. L. Oldright

"The various districts in the United States where complex lead-zinc ores occur are too well known to require description, there being hardly a mining State with any large amount of ores of either metal that is free from this problem. This paper briefly presents developments in the volatilization process, as applied to the treatment of such ores, since the data in Bureau of Mines Bulletin 211** were published. In that bulletin, among the many types of ore treated, examples are given of the treatment of lead-zinc ores by the chloride volatilization process for the separation of lead. An outline of the general process, with views of the rotary kiln, ore feeder, firing system (these three features resemble closely those of cement-kiln practice), dust chambers, and a Cottrell precipitator to remove the fume from the gas, are also shown in that bulletin, to which the reader is referred for the results obtained, and for practical details of operation. The small initial cost of a volatilization plant, and its adaptability for use in isolated districts were emphasized.In general, it was found that when an intensely oxidizing atmosphere was maintained in the furnace, a good lead-zinc separation could be made. Therefore, a heavy sulphide ore would have to be preroasted, and enough air would have to be admitted to obtain complete combustion of whatever fuel might be used.The work done by private companies and the bureau since the data for Bulletin 211 were obtained, indicates that the ores most immediately amenable to treatment by volatilization are of two types. The first is an oxidzed lead. silrer ore whose variable lime content makes it impractical to chloridize the ore for acidulated brine leaching, and whose base metal content makes treatment by cyanidattion unfeasible, The second type is the lead-zinc ore mentioned above, and is the one on which data are available for publication at present. This article Chows what ores of this latter type are amenable to treatment by volatilization, by giving briefly some of the more important physical and chemical properties an ore should preferably possess. Several examples are given from both laboratory experimental work, and from practice in the field, showing various phases of the volatilization process."

Nov 1, 1923

By W. M. Myers

Water has been commonly used as a collecting medium in many instruments employed in the sampling of dusty atmospheres in mines** add industrial plants, and for this purpose has much to recommend it, particularly the following factors:1.,Water is a very efficient dust collector.2.,Distilled water of great purity may be readily obtained at slight expense. The analytical error introduced by the extremely small amount of foreign matter in carefully distilled water is very small,3.,Water is a very convenient medium with which to work as all the analytical operations of diluting, aliquoting, and filtering are readily and speedily carried out. Water has therefore been used extensively in such instruments as the Palmer apparatus, the Greenburg-Smith impinger, and the dust collector recently described by Drinker, Thompson, and Fitchet. The Bureau of Mines has conducted investigations in many metal-mining districts of the country, determining of dust the nature and amount of dust present in working places, its effect the health of workers, and what precautions may be taken to decrease the hazard of exposure to dangerous dusts. The Bureau is therefore interested in any factor that affects the accuracy of dust sampling.

Nov 1, 1923

By T. T. Read, T. L. Joseph, F. H. Royster

In a preliminary study of the beneficiation of iron ores conducted by the Bureau of Mines, one of the authors (T. T. Read) found it necessary to ascertain, if possible, how much effect a decrease in the silica content of an iron ore has upon the cost of making pig iron from the ore. In the beneficiation of iron ores the most important impurity to be removed is usually silica, and the amount that can be expended on a beneficiation process to reduce the silica content of the ore is obviously determined by the amount of increase in the value of the ore after beneficiation. The price that can actually be obtained for a beneficiated ore is, of course, a matter of negotiation between the seller and the buyer, but since the relative value of different grades of iron ore must be chiefly based upon the cost of making pig iron from them, an approximation as to the effect which decrease in the silica content of ore has upon the cost of snaking pig iron is an important guide in estimating what probable average gain will result from subjecting an ore to a beneficiation process. A search of the literature failed to reveal any detailed statement on this important topic, but fortunately the data are at hand to permit making an approximate calculation of the probable effect. For the purpose of the calculation assume three iron ores with the following composition (natural):

Jan 1, 1924

By F. C. Houghten, R. R. Sayers, C. P. Yalaglou

"Introduction.Atmospheric conditions relative to high temperature and humidity are of great importance in mining, as well as in such allied fields as railroad and vehicular tunnels. An extended investigation into the effect of these factors on men has been in progress for some time, both in the field under actual working conditions, and at the Pittsburgh experiment station of the bureau in cooperation with the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers and the U. S. Public Health Service.For several years one of the writers (Dr. Sayers) and L. Harrington, supervising mining engineer of the bureau, have been studying the effects of hot humid atmosphere in metal mines on the comfort and efficiency of the workers. Some of the reactions experienced in still and in moving saturated mine air at temperatures of 90 to 100°F., with men at rest are presented in a recent paper.****The present paper is based on experiments made under carefully controlled conditions to determine the relative feeling of warmth experienced by men in atmospheres of various degrees of temperature and humidity. The work was conducted by the research laboratory of the American society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, at the Pittsburgh experiment station of the Bureau of Mines, in special physchrometric chambers built for this purpose. It was carried on under the direction of F. Paul Anderson, director of the laboratory, Dr. R. R. Sayers and A. C. Fieldner of the Bureau of Mines. The results given in this paper are for still air only. Investigations of the effects of moving air are being continued, and will be reported later."

Jan 1, 1924

By C. P. Hood

"The amount of ash in anthracite coal interests every buyer, and occasionally produces caustic comment, but there is a lack of authentic figures that will take the subject out of the realm of opinion and agitated fancy and. give a true picture of the quality of coal actually delivered. What per cent ash is to be expected when the coal is good, and when have we a right to make serious complaint?During the past summer the Bureau of Mines took 127 samples of 1000 pounds each, representing nearly 30,000 tons of anthracite is dealers' yards in seventeen cities in the State of Massachusetts. There were three objects in view, to discover the average and the variation in amount of ash in anthracite in some easily described area; to demonstrate standard sampling methods, and to learn something about the feasibility of itinerant coal sampling. Massachusetts was selected because its principal cities could be visited in a single season. There also appeared need for demonstration of standard sampling of coal, since a coal quality law had been passed in the State, to be administered by those unfamiliar with coal sampling."

Feb 1, 1924

By W. P. Yant, G. W. Jones

"Introduction.During the past two years the Bureau of Mines has conducted a study of natural-gas heaters*** to determine (1) what types of heaters literate carbon monoxide; (2) why carton monocide is liberated; and (3) how, by change of design or construction, the liberation of this gas can be largely eliminated, In addition to the above study the bureau has investigated cases in the Pittsburgh dis¬trict where fatalities have resulted from carbon monoxide given off by natural-gas heaters.Since these fatalities were first brought to the attention of this bureau through the press, it is likely that some cases were missed and thus not listed. On the other hand, some cases reported as being due to carbon monoxide poisoning, on investigation were found to be due to causes other than carbon monoride.The cases listed herein were shown in all probability to be due to carbon monoxide. Those in which there is any doubt have been omitted; so have those in which there was part asphyxiation, where the victims later recovered."

Feb 1, 1924

By N. A. C. Smith, D. D. Stark

"Sulphur is apparently a normal Constituent of crude petroleum, but in most crudes is present in percentages of less than one-half of one per cent. Some crudes, however, contain more, and occurrences have been reported of heavy asphaltic oils with as much as five per cent of sulphur.Occurrences of Sulpher-bearing CrudesIn North America, the fields rest of the Mississippi River are almost entirely free from sulphur oils, the time oil from Northern Ohio and Indiana, and the Potrolia crude in Ontario, being practically the only ones which contain sulohur in amounts over 0.5. per cent. In the Mid-Continent district the production of high sulphur crude in general is small and unim¬portant. The two main excentions are the Healdton field in Oklahoma and the El Dorado field in Arkansas, both of which produce oils with considerable sulphur content. In the Wyoming field, one sand, the Ember Sandstone, pro¬duces a crude of high sulphur content, and it is probable that this crude rill be of considerable importance as production increases. At present, however, very little crude is produced from this formation. In the Gulf Coast conditions are irregular, some crudes being low in sulphur and others comparatively high. The same is largely true of California. The crudes of Mexico contain notable amounts of sulphur, and as they have been of great commercial importance in this country, a typical sample of light Mexican crude was selected for the present study. It is probable that the results obtained poly also (but to a lesser degree) to other sulphur-bearing oils. An analysis of this crude will be found in Table 3, also analyses of other typical sulphur-bearing crudes from different sections of the United States."

Mar 1, 1924

By Ernest E. Fairbanks

[Microscopic methods have proved to be valuable assets in the study of low-grade ores. While the chemical assay u a ally discloses tine total content of valuable metals in such an ore, a thorough knowledge of the nature of the ore should form the from which to prepare an efficient means of recovery. In the treatment of low-grade ores, inefficient recovery, as indicated bay the amount of valuable mineral permitted to go to waste in the tailings, is too frequently the rule rather than the exception, As methods of recovery become more efficient, many low-grade 10 mineral A posits suddenly assume o commercial significance, In much of this material the minerals are so finely disseminated and intermixed that identification even by microscopic methods is a difficult matter. The application of microchemical qualitative analysis with the aid of new device described in this paper, will solve many of the problems of identification encountered in the study of low-grade potential ores. In these ores, especially, the limitations of ordinary microscopic methods are liable to become very great. The microchemical tests obtained by applying a standard set of reagents to a polished knoting whether or not a tarnishing action develops, have considerable value but arc far from being infallible. It is well-known that electrolytic effects are apt to affect seriously the diagnostic value of the tests, end this effect is encountered much more frequently in dealing with finely desseminated minerals. resort to microchemical qualitative analysis, therefore, becomes indispensable.]

Jan 1, 1924