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By F. H. Edmunds

LLOYDMINSTER is the centre of a well developed agricultural area, lying on the Alberta-Saskatchewan interprovincial boundary in Township Fifty. The surrounding country is gently undulating, without any notable topographic features, but twenty-two miles to the north the North Saskatchewan river, and thirty miles to the south the Battle river, have cut deep valleys. In the spring of 1934, a wild-cat well (Lloydminster Gas Company's No. 1 well) was successful in striking a large flow of gas at a depth o 1,974 ? feet. The gas was piped into the town, a short distance south, and Lloyd-minster became the first Saskatchewan town to be served with natural gas. Following this discovery, other wells were sunk and, up to the present, thirteen wells have been drilled m what is here designated the Lloydminster area. Ten of these wells are in Saskatchewan and three in Alberta. Seven were successful in obtaining gas, three oil, and three have been unsuccessful. The area tested by this drilling is about eight thousand acres, six thousand of which can be considered as proved gas or oil land. To the south and west of Lloydminster, in the Province of Alberta, there are several areas in which oil and gas have been discovered. The Wainwright field lies nearly fifty miles to the southwest; Battleview, where recently gas has been discovered, is thirty miles west-southwest; and the Ribstone area is about thirty miles south and a little west. At Ribstone, a number of wells were drilled some years ago and there is a small production of oil. The data relating to the wells in the Lloydminster area that are recorded in this paper are taken from the records of the several companies operating in the field. The names of these companies are given on the map and on the type stratigraphic section (Figures 1 and 2). The author wishes to record his appreciation to Mr. R. H. Shaw and Mr. 0. C. Yates, both of Lloyd-minster, for much valuable information; also to Mr. E. Swain, of the Department of Natural Resources, Regina, with whom the writer has visited the field on several occasions, and who, by his enthusiasm and encouragement, has done much to forward the development of the area. The well samples were examined at Ottawa by officers of the Borings Division of the Geological Survey of Canada, who also made the interpretations of the logs. Frequent references will be made to the work of Dr. G. S. Hume, of the Geological Survey, and the writer would like to pay tribute here to his work.

Jan 1, 1940

By Charles Vaught, Michael J. Brnich, Roberta A. Calhoun

This document contains most of the materials needed to use the exercise. The main part of the document is the instructor's copy. It tells how to use the exercise, presents the objectives, the master answer sheet, the scoring key, and discussion notes to be used following the exercise. The next section summarizes results from field tests of the exercise, and reports the miners' evaluation of the activity. The last part of this document is three appendices. Appendix A is the exercise problem booklet. This booklet can be duplicated locally. The booklets are reusable. One is needed for every person in the classroom. Appendix B is the answer sheet. Copies of this answer sheet must have the latent image (invisible) ink answers that appear in Appendix C printed on them.2 Answer sheets are consumable. One is needed for each person or each small group of persons who work the exercise. Exercise Summary Read this section first. It determines if the exercise is appropriate for your classes. If you choose to use the exercise, examine the table of contents and review the remainder of this document. Type: Latent image Audience: Underground coal miners Length: 9 questions (30 minutes for administration and 30 minutes for discussion) Skills: Mine fire escape strategies/procedures Use of emergency breathing apparatus Knowledge of sensations experienced when wearing breathing apparatus Communication Location: Underground coal mine section, average 60 inch seam height Problem: You are the section foreman on the 17 Left longwall development section at the Paula Ann No. 3 mine. The section has been driven about 4,000 feet from 4 West Mains. One of the shuttle car operators took a call from the fireboss saying that there was smoke from an unknown source coming into your section. You attempt to contact someone to find out where the smoke is coming from but get no response. You assemble the crew and start riding out of the section on the mantrip when you encounter heavy smoke. At this point, you decide to take your crew and travel on foot in the belt entry that is on a neutral split of air. After traveling about 6 crosscuts in the belt entry, you encounter heavy smoke at which time you and your crew don your person-wearable SCSRs (PWSCSR). After donning the apparatus, you and your crew continue traveling outby in the belt entry. Near the mouth of the section, one miner in the group starts to have trouble breathing from his SCSR. Because breathing resistance is increasing with the length of time the apparatus is worn, the miner is "outbreathing" the device since his oxygen requirements are greater that what the PWSCSR can supply. Although you slow

Jan 10, 1999

By Mario Bergeron

L'exploration géologique pour les EOP (EOP: platine, palladium, iridium, osmium, ruthénium, rhodium) requiert avant tout des méthodes appropriees à la mesure de ces élémenIs. L'approche analytique choisie doit tenir compte de plusieurs facteurs, les plus importants étant: le type de materiel analysé, sa representativite, la sensibitite de la methode et les cotits reliés à son utilisation. Dans cette optique, plusieurs démarches ana/ytiquessont possibles, toutes requérant une étape de préconcentration. L 'une des plus adéquate consiste à effectuer une préconcentration par fusion plombeuse suivie d'une analyse par émission au plasma, cette procédure permettant de mesurer Ie platine, la palladium et Ie rhodium à des couts compétitifs (15 $/échantillon). Advenant 10 presence de teneurs appréciables de l'un ou plusieurs de ces éléments, une préconcentration par fusion au sulfure de nickel suivie d 'une analyse par activation neutronique assure alors la mesure de tous les EGP ainsi que celie de l’or (90 $/échantillon). Il est important de noter que Ie nickel, ades teneurs superieures à 4%, interfère au cours de l'étape de préconcentration par fusion plombeuse, ce qui se traduit pas sous-dosage des concentrations en platine, effectivement presentes dans l'échantillon. Ainsi, les géologues à la recherche d'EPG dans des environnements géologiques riches en nickel devraient s'assurer que l'analyse utilise, au cours de l'étape de préconcentration, une fusion au sulfure de nickel.

Jan 1, 1990

By D. A. Douglass

This report describes the tri-n-butyl phosphate extraction of cerium (IV) from a sulfate leach liquor prepared from a bastnaesite concentrate as well as from pure eerie nitrate solutions. The work was done on a laboratory scale using separatory funnels. Extraction from pure cerium solutions entailed no great difficulties; however, extraction from the bastnaesite solution proved more difficult, mainly because of the inhibiting effect of the sulfate ion. Despite this, procedures were developed for obtaining good single-state cerium extraction (95+ percent) and a high-purity product (99+ percent), although the maximization of both cannot be achieved simultaneously. This necessitates a compromise in any extraction scheme.

Jan 1, 1959

By Hengwei Yan, Zhanwei Liu, Wenhui Ma, Ping Xiong

The sulfur in high-sulfur bauxite not only pollutes the environment but also harms alumina production. This study investigated the removal of sulfur from high-sulfur bauxite by adding Zn or ZnO during the Bayer process. The results showed that the different valence sulfur (S2−, S2O3 2−, SO3 2−, and SO4 2−) in sodium aluminate solution can be effectively removed by adding Zn during the digestion process. Adding ZnO removes the S2− in liquor, but the other sulfur compounds (S2O3 2−, SO3 2−, and SO4 2−) are not affected. The mechanism of sulfur removal has been elucidated, where the S2O3 2−, SO3 2−, and SO4 2− are first reduced to S2−, and after adding Zn, the S2− enters into red mud in the form of ZnS. The ZnO then reacts with S2− to generate the ZnS that enters into red mud. Thus, this is a new and effective method of sulfur removal by adding Zn during the digestion process. The results shed light on the removal of sulfur from high-sulfur bauxite during alumina production.

Jun 24, 2020

By J. M. Mutmansky, C. Lee

"This paper outlines some of the work associated with a research study into the relationship between the characteristics of coal mine dust and the incidence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). The project involves study of the chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characteristics of the dust. Early stages of the study have dealt primarily with the size analysis and elemental composition of airborne dust in continuous miner sections. This paper outlines the procedures and findings of the elemental analysis portion of the study.Most of the previous elemental analyses of coal were made available in the quest for information on the combustibility of coal dust or on causal agents and prevalence of CWP. However, no extensive studies have been performed to date, primarily due to the limitations of the analytical methods. A review of the analytical methods for elemental characterization of coal and coal dust particles is presented. TI1e comparisons are made based on the sample mass required, the sample preparation required, the destructivity of the test, and the capability of providing an easy multi-element analysis. The reasons for selecting the proton-induced x-ray emission spectroscopy (PIXE) method are outlined.The PIXE method was applied to both the airborne coal mine dust and channel samples collected from seven continuous miner sections in six different mines. Channel samples of the coal, roof and floor were collected and analyzed. Airborne dust sampling was performed using multi-stage cascade impactors and permissible 2.0 I/min pumps. Sampler locations were fixed in the sections with respect to the continuous miner and roof bolter or with respect to the intake and return airways. Sampling times varied from 45 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the dust concentration.The statistical analysis of the resulting elemental data is presented. Of particular importance are the analyses of the variation of elemental composition with size and the variation in elemental composition over the working section. One interesting finding is outlined showing the multivariate statistical analysis of the trace elements and its implications in the identification of the dust sources. The paper concludes with an analysis of the ramifications of the elemental data to related medical studies."

Mar 1, 1989

By A. W. Fahrenwald

The logic leading to the development of the experiments in this paper already has been stated in Part I,3 but is briefly as follows: The results of the batch-grind experiments in which time of "grind" and fineness of finished product were the variables, strongly indicated (1) that batch grinding involving a single grind could not be operated under any condition to give maximum mill efficiency, (2) that the, sieve analysis of the feed charge in the mill materially affected the efficiency of the mill, and (3) that the percentage of finished product in the mill is a vital factor in ball-mill efficiency. A laboratory closed-circuit grind technic designed to simulate present closed-circuit grinding suggested itself, in which: a ball mill and a classifier constitute the grinding unit. The features of the closed-circuit grinding system are: (1) Short large diameter mills, (3) rapid flow of pulp through the mill, (3) continuous automatic removal of finished product from the system, and (4) high circulating loads. The high circulating load is a result if the short length of the Mill - that is, of the time the charge remains in the mill - and the small percentage of finished material produced during each circuit of the feed through the mill.

Jan 1, 1930

By Filippo Maria Leoni, Wesley Schmutzler, Matteo Bertoni

"Deep Mixing Method (DMM) for the Rio Puerto Nuevo Project (Project) in San Juan was chosen by the Corps of Engineers to improve the soils adjacent to a 92 inch ID forced sewer main relocation and to improve the soils for the base of a new drainage channel. The soils to be improved consisted of sandy fill, soft clays, organics and stiff, plastic clays. A pre-construction soil investigation campaign, followed by a Bench Scale Mixing Programme and a Full Scale Field Test were performed during the pre-construction stage to assess soil properties, select binder type and dosage, and disclose the most suitable combination of injection parameters to improve the different soil layers. Production started at the end of August 2012 and was completed in October 2013; over 3,000 DMM elements were installed to a maximum depth of 57 ft below ground for a total gross volume of approximately 125,000 cubic yard. Each element consisted of two 5.5 ft diameter overlapping columns installed simultaneously, and their layout was such to meet the 100% Area Replacement Ratio required by the design. The ground improvement was successfully completed despite some difficulties due to a considerable amount of obstructions. Wet grab sampling and UCS testing of the retrieved specimens were designed as the main QC/QA method for the verification of the quality of the ground improvement. Upon completion of production, approximately 3,000 specimens were cast. The contract also required continuous coring of at least 12 randomly selected DMM elements and the testing of 8 cored specimens per bore for strength assessment. This paper will illustrate means and methods used in the field to construct the designed ground improvement and the results of the QC/QA program, with a focus on the differences between wet grab and coring sampling methods.INTRODUCTIONThe Rio Puerto Nuevo project involved the stabilization of a major drainage channel using the Deep Mixing Method (DMM), and the relocation of a 92 inch ID forced main sanitary sewer outfall. Previously, in 2004, a 40 x 16 x 2,000 ft. box culvert was installed under a different contract to convey runoff waters to the ocean.However, the connection between this culvert and the upstream network of channels was not constructed due to the presence of the forced main sewer pipe. In order for the drainage system to be completed and function properly, the 92 inch ID forced main needed to be lowered about 20 ft to allow for proper drainage.DMM was chosen by the US Army Corps of Engineers to stabilize the drainage channel as well as improve the soil under the relocated sewer main. The DMM was arranged in different zones (A through E) with variable top and bottom design elevations as can be seen in the typical cross section for Zone A (deeper and with a higher strength requirement) and Zone B as an example (Figure 1)."

Jan 1, 2015

By Wainer da Silveira e Silva, Marco Antonio Teixeira, Robisom Damasceno Calado, Carlos Alberto Chaves, Tone Takayama Filho

A preocupação com o adequado tratamento de resíduos industriais surgiu com o conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável criado pelo Clube de Roma e contribuiu para o uso racional dos recursos naturais ao longo dos últimos 50 anos. A preocupação com a produção responsável e uso judicioso de recursos naturais priorizou a reciclagem de materiais na agenda das empresas, tornando-se numa atividade de alta relevância, vital para a sustentabilidade econômica e ambiental. Este trabalho aborda os aspectos técnicos, econômicos e ambientais da reciclagem de resíduos contendo zinco através do estudo de caso de reciclagem de resíduos gerados no processo de fabricação de aço em Forno Elétrico, denominado pó de Aciaria Elétrica (PAE). A indústria ainda está em busca de tecnologias para redução da geração e reciclagem desse resíduo. A relevância do estudo está na utilização da Análise Hierárquica de Processo (AHP) para avaliação e seleção da melhor alternativa, entre várias, para tratamento e reciclagem do PAE. Como resultado, demonstrou-se a eficácia do uso da metodologia no empreendimento de reciclagem de resíduos contendo zinco implantado pela Votorantim, em Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais.

Nov 12, 2019

By O. Espinoza Ortega, S. Song

A process scheme has been devised to improve the silver recovery and the grade of concentrates from the scavenger concentrate of a silver ore flotation circuit. Based on modal analysis studies it was found that silver sulfide minerals in the scavenger concentrate were associated as simple binary particles and finely disseminated in sulfide and non-sulfide gangues. Fine grinding of the concentrate improved the grade-recovery curve of silver to a very limited extent owing to heterocoagulation between liberated fine silver sulfides and coarse particles of gangue. This heterocoagulation phenomenon was prevented by grinding the concentrate in the presence of the dispersing reagent sodium hexametaphosphate. The silver grade-recovery curve was improved by practicing. before the conventional flotation step, a selective aggregation step for the fine silver sulfide particles using the non-polar oil kerosene, the sulthydryl collector Aerophine 3418 and conditioning the pulp under strong agitation conditions.

Jan 1, 2004

By John L. Nieber

This information circular describes a computer program called VARSAT2D, a comprehensive unsaturated fluid flow simulator developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. VARSAT2D solves for either a vertical or horizontal, transient or steady-state solution in variably saturated, heterogeneous, anisotropic porous media using the Galerkin finite-element approach. Simplex triangular elements are used. Moisture retention characteristics are described by specifying either the Brooks and Corey, Brutsaert, or Van Genuchten power functions, with hysteresis described using the Maulem independent domain model. Boundary conditions may include any combination of time-varying seepage, pressure along solution domain, boundaries and/or at internal node points, unit hydraulic gradient at the lower boundary, and a uniform source and/or sink. This program should be a welcome addition for mining and environmental hydrologists, researchers, and engineers interested in modeling unsaturated fluid flow.

Jan 1, 1994

By Arne Landsberg

A study of the chlorination kinetics of germanium, silicon, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, columbium, and tantalum has been made to determine the effects of temperature, chlorine concentration, geometric surface area and gamma radiation. The reaction products were volatile at the temperatures used this making it possible to follow the reaction rates by weight loss of the solid. Chlorination rates of germanium, silicon, and iron were found to be directly proportional to chlorine concentration while the rates for tungsten, molybdenum, columbium, and tantalum were proportional to the 0.5 to 0.6 power of chlorine concentration. A good correlation of reaction rate and geometric surface areas was not obtained because the true surface area of the samples could not be measured. Intense gamma radiation had no effect on reaction rates. The Arrhenius activation energies determined over the temperatures used are as follows: Germanium, 27 kcal/mole (233°-241° C); silicon 33 kcaL/mole (375°-517° C); iron, cold rolled, 20 kcal/mGle (259°-325° C) annealed, 21 kcal/mole (293°-337° C); tungsten, 43 kcal/mole (617-776° C); molybdenum, 37 kcal/mole (445°-4910 C); columbium) 34 kcal/mole (229°?255° C); and tantalum, 29 kcal/mole (370°-449° C).

Jan 1, 1965

By R. Bhaskar

The results of an experimental study on the dispersion and deposition characteristics of fine coal dust in mine airways are presented. Experiments were conducted at various flow velocities using bituminous and semi-anthracite-coal dust which had a large proportion of dust in the respirable size range. Cross sectional variations in the concentration of dust at various points in the airway were also measured. Instruments used in the experiments included gravimetric samplers and impactors. Concentration measurements were made both for the respirable and total airborne dust. The experimental design, sampling procedures and results are discussed. The study is aimed at providing a better understanding of the temporal and spatial behavior of dust particles in underground mine airways.

Jan 1, 1986

By Glenn Buchana

El presente texto señala algunos aspectos técnicos y comerciales del dragado del depósito fluvial. Para ello, es necesario conocer el origen y desarrollo del depósito fluvial. El depósito fluvial es una masa de grava superficial, la cual es producto del desmoronamiento y erosión de rocas sólidas que contienen partículas o pepitas de oro, diamante, estaño, platino u otros minerales valiosos que proceden de las rocas o de las vetas. Entre los tipos de depósitos aluviales tenemos: depósitos aislados pequeños y poco profundos, los depósitos de mediana profundidad, depósitos profundos y los marinos. La explotación se realiza a través de tres sistemas: draga cortadora de succión, la dragalínea de cangilones y la planta de tratamiento flotante.

Nov 1, 1979

By A. Meléndez

El presente trabajo señala el proceso del entrenamiento para Ingenieros de minas en la corporación minera Cerro Verde a través del plan de perfeccionamiento profesional elaborado por la misma empresa privada. El objetivo del plan es darle al profesional egresado, la experiencia práctica adecuada que complemente la formación académica. Asimismo se busca la eficiencia de su profesión, desarrollar la competitividad y el estímulo de superación del egresado dentro de la empresa minera.

Nov 20, 1972

By Rae Simpson

"This paper provides insight into the elements of computerized maintenance systems and identifies some of the factors which influence their effectiveness. The paper describes what to expect in terms of benefits and problems, the nature of effective computerized maintenance systems, some of the systems available and a process for selecting a system for your organization.The paper will be of interest to mining company executives and maintenance or computer personnel who are involved with, or contemplating, the introduction of computerized maintenance systems.IntroductionIn the drive to improve profits in an increasingly competitive world, mining companies are now using some of the most sophisticated equipment available. The introduction of large and complex equipment such as drag lines, haul trucks, and high-capacity milling equipment has resulted in order-of magnitude improvements in productivity. However, this productivity is now, more than ever, dependent on the continued operation of the equipment. A prolonged breakdown of a critical component can have a significant effect on companies' bottom-line results. As more technologically sophisticated equipment is introduced, maintenance costs become an increasingly important factor for mining companies.Fortunately, sound modern management principles are being used more often in maintenance departments. Progressive maintenance managers are turning to computers to help manage the myriad of details associated with running a maintenance organization.Some maintenance departments in larger mining operations would find it difficult, if not impossible, to operate at current productivity levels without their computer systems. Unfortunately, some other companies gain very little from their computerized systems and would probably be better off without them.How can you be sure that computerized maintenance will improve the maintenance picture for your company? What benefits can you expect to achieve? How do you go about selecting a maintenance system for your organization? These are some of the questions facing industry managers and executives today. In the following sections, we will provide some guidelines and insights to help address these challenges."

Jan 1, 1988

By A. J. Kwitowski

Teleoperation is a technology that can provide significant health and safety improvements in mining, by relocating machine operators hundreds of meters away from the face area. The U. S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has recently developed a teleoperation system for continuous mining and haulage equipment. This system features near-real-time closed-loop control. A prototype system was developed and demonstrated on the surface. This system could be used in thin-seam applications down to 914 mm. Details are provided on the developed teleoperation system, results of testing, and expected, future applications of this technology for improved safety.

Jan 1, 1994

By A. J. Naldrett

"Synorogenic mafic intrusions are a common feature of the northern Appalachians. Two sulphide-bearing intrusions in central Maine that have been investigated revealed a number of important features that illustrate sulphide-silicate interaction that relates to magmatic sulphides. The Moxie Pluton is a large mafic intrusion emplaced during the Devonian Acadian orogeny. The Katahdin gabbro is a small mafic body that is probably genetically and temporally related to the Moxie Pluton. Both intrusions were formed bv the intrusion of variably fractionated magmas into irregular chambers and feeder zones. The southern half of the Moxie Pluton contains three small sulphide accumulations, whereas the Katahdin gabbro hosts a large, predominantly massive, sulphide body. Textural evidence clearly documents the magmatic origin of these sulphides.The three Moxie Pluton sulphide bodies are located at or very close to the intersection between the intrusion and the sulphidebearing Hildreths Formation. Sulphur assimilation, suggested by this relationship, is supported by the isotopically light (634S = —8 to —25) and the selenium-poor (S/Se - 25 000-48 000) character of the Moxie sulphides and correlation with the Hildreths Formation sulphides (S34S = —25, S/Se = 25 000-48 000). Isotopically light sulphur (534S = —20 to —21) and high S/Se ratios indicate that the majority of sulphur in the Katahdin sulphide body was also derived from an unexposed country rock source. The volume of sulphide in this example illustrates the potential efficiency of the sulphur assimilation process—so efficient in this case that marked dilution of the economic chalcophile elements resulted from the addition of so much external sulphur.The three Moxie Pluton sulphide occurrences are all impoverished in Ni and Cu (1.87-0.44% Ni; 0.72—0.32% Cu in massive sulphide), but contain normal Co contents (0.22-0.13%) relative to typical magmatic sulphides. The Katahdin sulphides show a greater Ni and Cu impoverishment (0.2% Ni; 0.1% Cu in massive sulphide) with similar Co (0.17%). The Ni content of the Moxie Pluton olivines document the fractional removal of sulphides during crystallization of the host magma, which resulted in the progressive depletion of the chalcophile metals in this magma. Modelling that involved the fractional crystallization of the magma coupled with the fractional removal of a specified proportion of sulphide has successfully duplicated the Moxie Pluton sulphide compositions. A similar magmatic model has been postulated for the Katahdin sulphides with a greater degree of sulphide fractionation. This latter model is again supported by extremely low Ni/forsterite ratios in olivines, though the compositional range is insufficient to document fractionation. These magmatic models are not unique, but they provide a relatively constrained and consistent explanation for the sulphide compositions.The Ni contents of olivines are the most important indicator of sulphide-silicate interaction in mafic magmas and have exploration potential. They provide a means of assessing the timing and extent of sulphur saturation in an intrusion and are a guide to the Ni content of a sulphide accumulation in equilibrium with olivine. In the Maine examples they provide strong evidence of the magmatic origin of the sulphide accumulations and justification for magmatic modelling."

Jan 1, 1984

By Walter Miller

The focus of attention during 1939 was on increasing the octane number of gasoline. The "octane race" resumed full swing. The averagc octane number of house-brand gasoline by the end of the year had easily reached two numbers higher, with several companies in the field actually purveying house-brand gasoline of 78-80 "research" octane number, equivalent roughly to from 74 to 77 A.S.T.M. octane rating, compared with the 70 A.S.T.M. ceiling of two or more years ago. Whether this trend toward much higher octanes is the result or the cause of the many t,echnical developments in the motor-fuel field of recent, years, progress has really been startling. In addition to the advance in catalytic cracking and catalytic re-forming, other important contributions to the technical ability to produce higher octane values include: installat>ions involving increased capacity in thermal re-forming, with improved economic status both as to yields and octane number, by coupling with catalytic polymerization; more widespread adoption of catalytic and thermal polymerization, and a surge toward extensive installations of newly developed alkylation processes for making iso-octane, neo-hexanr and other high antiknock products; and greater use of improved desul-phurization processes, and application of superfractionation methods for segregation of practically pure hydrocarbons with superior octanr qualities from gas and highly volatilc liquids. The approaching of practical limits in the use. of tetracthyl lead (t,hr well-known "law of diminishing returnsn coming into the picture at the higher octane levels being approached) has given impetus to development of the methods listed above. In particular, processes that improve the octane rating and also increase ethyl lcad sc.nsitivity have had considerable study durirlg the year. CatSlytic Re-foRming Although the interesting report on the Houdry catalytic cracking process presented at the annual meeting of the American Petroleum

Jan 1, 1940

By Walter Miller

The focus of attention during 1939 was on increasing the octane number of gasoline. The "octane race" resumed full swing. The averagc octane number of house-brand gasoline by the end of the year had easily reached two numbers higher, with several companies in the field actually purveying house-brand gasoline of 78-80 "research" octane number, equivalent roughly to from 74 to 77 A.S.T.M. octane rating, compared with the 70 A.S.T.M. ceiling of two or more years ago. Whether this trend toward much higher octanes is the result or the cause of the many t,echnical developments in the motor-fuel field of recent, years, progress has really been startling. In addition to the advance in catalytic cracking and catalytic re-forming, other important contributions to the technical ability to produce higher octane values include: installat>ions involving increased capacity in thermal re-forming, with improved economic status both as to yields and octane number, by coupling with catalytic polymerization; more widespread adoption of catalytic and thermal polymerization, and a surge toward extensive installations of newly developed alkylation processes for making iso-octane, neo-hexanr and other high antiknock products; and greater use of improved desul-phurization processes, and application of superfractionation methods for segregation of practically pure hydrocarbons with superior octanr qualities from gas and highly volatilc liquids. The approaching of practical limits in the use. of tetracthyl lead (t,hr well-known "law of diminishing returnsn coming into the picture at the higher octane levels being approached) has given impetus to development of the methods listed above. In particular, processes that improve the octane rating and also increase ethyl lcad sc.nsitivity have had considerable study durirlg the year. CatSlytic Re-foRming Although the interesting report on the Houdry catalytic cracking process presented at the annual meeting of the American Petroleum

Jan 1, 1940