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By Homer Turner

COALS, other than anthracite, have been so thoroughly studied under the microscope during recent years, that we now know what kinds of plants and what parts of plants form the bulk of lower rank coals from peat to bituminous coal. The microscope has also shown the state of preservation of such vegetation as well as the nature and distribution of products of plant decay. These and further details have been ascertained mainly through the employment of two methods of attack, section cutting and maceration. Anthracite has failed to respond to these methods, so well adapted to the study of lower rank coals and, therefore, has been neglected by investigators to such an extent that there is much doubt as to its microscopical characteristics. The object of this paper is to lift anthracite from its realm of obscurity by demonstrating the wealth of microscopical detail that is revealed when reflected light is used on a properly polished and etched surface and, further, to show the relationship between anthracite and bituminous coal.

Jan 2, 1925

By Grover J. Holt

A DETAILED description of the many variations in iron mining and transportation practice in Minnesota would require much space. Since a fairly detailed description of the practices then in use was published in the guidebook issued in connection with the meeting of the Institute on the iron ranges in I920, and subsequent developments have been described by E. E. Hunner,1 M. H. Barber,2 and A. E. Anderson, J. M. Riddell and G. J. Holt,3 it will not be necessary here to do more than review the highlights of current practice. Details on any points of interest can be obtained through correspondence with the operators involved. [T] The iron ores of Minnesota, which have been formed through enrichment of the iron formation in which they occur, largely by the removal of silica, are usually covered by a blanket of glacial drift known locally as "surface." Surface material, including sand, clay, hardpan and boulders, makes up the greater portion of the stripping in open-pit operations. In some instances, stripping also includes taconite and "paint rock," directly below the surface material and overlying the ore. Taconite is the iron formation, a ferruginous chert with interbedded slate layers. "Paint rock" is a local term for oxidized slate layers interbedded in the iron formation, high in phosphorus, alumina and moisture. The iron ores fall into two classes: (I) direct shipping (merchantable ores or ores requiring no treatment except possibly crushing or screening to make an acceptable sized product), and (2) ores requiring beneficiation (such as sintering, drying, washing, jigging, high-density treatment, or magnetic separation in the case of magnetite). The Mesabi Range produces chiefly soft Bessemer and non-Bessemer ores. The Cuyuna Range produces mainly low-manganese brown ore and high-manganese black ores, with some iron ore. The Vermilion Range yields mainly Besse¬mer and non-Bessemer iron ore, with some hard or lump ore that finds use in the open hearth. Open-pit mining is limited to the Mesabi and Cuyuna Ranges but underground mining is done on all three. The choice of mining methods is determined by the relative economics of overburden¬-removal and shaft-mining costs. STRIPPING PRACTICE Common practice has been to remove the bulk of the overburden during the winter season and to mine during the summer. In the present emergency many operators are forced to forego the economies attained by year-round utilization of equipment and to equip for, and carry on, stripping and mining simultaneously. In the normal years or lean years to come, most properties probably will be over-equipped and high depreciation charges will have to be absorbed.

Jan 1, 1942

By O. R. Bergmann

Two approaches were taken to obtain direct experimental evidence jar the existence oj a jet in the explosion-cladding pvocess: 1) direct observation of the claddirg jwocess by rtzeans ojf kig-h-speed photography using a fvartziiy catnera and 2) use of a plated-surface experiment in contribution with clzetrzical analysis. The framing-camera records showed clearly the presence of a jet it1 the form of what appears to be a line spray. The jet velocity is considerably highev than the detonation velocity arid in vacuum it is almost twice as high as the detonatiou velocily. The results jrorrz the plated-surface experiment also corzfivtned the preseizce of- a jet. The artzoutlt o,f etzergy dissipated in the jetting process was foundd lo be consislent with the basic theovetical model o/ the cladding mechanism.. MaNY reports on metal working with explosives have appeared in the literature during the last few yearsThis paper describes experiments concern- ing the mechanism of the explosive metal-cladding process. It has become increasingly important as a unique method for bonding metals and a typical cladding arrangement is shown in Fig. 1. A theoretical analysis of the mechanism of explosive bonding and a description of the nature and types of bond zones obtained was given by Cowan and oltzman." A further discussion of the basic principles of the process, a detailed description of the different bond-zone types, and extensive information on the properties and the applications of explosively bonded metals was recently published by Holtzman and cowan. " The process is now in commercial use by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. The concept of the existence of a jet during metal bonding with explosives forms a central part in the theoretical analysis of the cladding mechanism described by Cowan and Holtzman When a layer of explosive is detonated on a metal plate that is separated from a second metal plate by a small distance the metal plate in contact with the detonating explosive is accelerated by the detonation pressure. An angle is established between the undeflected and deflected portions of the plate. Subsequently the deflected portion of the first plate collides with the second metal plate.

Jan 1, 1967

By Nicholas J. Grant, Italo S. Servi

Extensive data of minimum creep rates and rupture times for high purity and commercial aluminum confirm the existence of a transition range from the low temperature-type to the high temperature-type behavior. The data are analyzed in line with the suggested theories of deformation of metals. CONSIDERABLY more work has been done on the rupture and creep behavior of commercial alloys than on the less complex, high purity metals. As a result, certain fundamental behaviors are overlooked. One of the lesser known variables affecting the high temperature behavior of metals is the impurity content (or alloy content). Impurities are known to affect strongly the recrystallization temperature, electrical resistivity, and other properties of metals, but the effect on creep and other high temperature mechanical properties has been determined for very few materials. In view of these facts aluminum appears to be a fairly ideal metal, since it is available in a wide range of purity contents from 99.995+ down through the 2s (99.0 + Al) and 3s (1.2 Mn) grades in small steps. It is highly resistant to oxidation and other surface instabilities, leaving recrystallization and grain growth as virtually the only instabilities. Control of grain size is also well standardized. Limited data on the creep of aluminum have been obtained by Dushman et a1.l for high purity aluminum; by Sherby2 on 2s aluminum of variable grain size; and by Dorn and Tietz³ on cold-worked 3s aluminum. Experimental Procedure The apparatus consisted of a constant stress, creep testing unit similar to the type described by Hop-kin.' The specimens were held at temperature for 30 min before loading. The loading time was less than 2 min. Factors affecting the accuracy of the data were: 1-—the temperature gradient and control, ± 3°F; 2-the stress determinations, ± 1.5 pct; and 3—elongation measurements (1 in. gage), ? 0.001 in. Three grades of aluminum were tested: 1— high purity (99.995 pct Al), 2—2s (99.3 pct Al), and 3—3s (98.2 pct Al). The spectrographic analyses of these materials are reported in Table I. The specimens were annealed then electropolished in a perchloric-acetic mixture before testing. Data on heat treatments and grain size obtained appear in Table 11. The entire creep curve was determined for almost all of the tests. A few tests were interrupted after the beginning of the third stage of creep, and in these cases the rupture time was estimated. Experimental Results Constant stress creep-rupture testing gives a much longer, more accurately measurable second stage of creep than constant load testing. This behavior is in agreement with the results obtained by Andrade for lead (see Fig. 1). If the test is run to completion, the third stage of creep appears as soon as stress intensification occurs. In the case of specimens which fail in a ductile manner, the stress intensification begins when the sample starts "necking". This differs from the "high temperature brittle" specimens in which the stress intensification is caused by intercrystalline cracking. These specimens

Jan 1, 1952

An "international gold conference" was held at Spokane, Wash., on Sept. 5, 1918, under the auspices of the Northwest Mining Association, which was attended by a large number of engineers, mine operators, and bankers, representing the northwestern states, as well as Alaska and British Columbia. The principal subject under consideration was the doleful condition of the gold-mining industry, gripped between the diminished purchasing value of its product, and the increased cost of its operation. Two resolutions were adopted by the meeting. The first approved the resolution adopted Aug. 12 by the American Gold Conference, a permanent organization formed at Reno, Nev., in which it is stated that relief by the United States to the gold producers of this country should he made to correspond with the increased cost of production, the extent of the relief to be fixed from time to time to Meet changing conditions. The second resolution, adopted after serious and long-continued discussion, was introduced by F. A. Ross, mining engineer, of Spokane, and a member of the Institute, and was as follows: WHEREAS, it is now clearly understood and agreed by the allied nations that national gold reserves must be augmented without delay if rapidly expanding credits are to be secured; and WHEREAS, at this time, the production of gold is daily decreasing to an alarming extent because of well known conditions that, render the mining of gold-bearing ores unprofitable; and WHEREAS there is no way by which the mining of gold-bearing ores may be made profitable except by the direct' aid and influence of the government; and WHEREAS the government has appealed to the mining industry for practical information and practicable suggestions upon this subject; therefore, be it

Jan 10, 1918

By A. G. Allten

EXAMINATION by metallographic and X-ray diffraction means of an austenitic steel containing 0.06 pct C, 1.26 pct Mn, 0.38 pct Si, 21.15 pct Ni, 18.72 pct Cr, 3.07 pet W, and 9.14 pet Mo indicated that a - phase, which had not been reported in the literature, existed in this steel. Both the s and car-bides of the M6 C type were present in the as-forged steel. The carbides dissolved completely in the aus-tenite at approximately 2200°F (1205°C). The s, however, was present at all temperatures up to the solidus temperature of the steel at approximately 2375°F (1300°C). Ferrite was not found in any condition of the steel. The faintness of some of the s lines in X-ray patterns obtained from samples of the steel made it desirable to isolate the s prior to verification of its entire pattern. It was found that the s phase could be separated from samples of the steel which had been water quenched from 2250°F (1230°C) by dis-

Jan 1, 1955

By Iley B. Browning, R. E. Strouder, Coleman D. Hunter, Ralph N. Thomas, George M. Straughan

Activity in the oil fields of the state was at a low ebb during the year because of the longest period of low prices that has yet prevailed, which has been detrimental to both the eastern and western sections of the state. Production for the state as a whole shows a drop of 209,192 bbl. during 1939, the total being 5,356,963 bbl. The loss is in the production of the western division, where a loss of approximately 300,000 bbl. more than offset a gain of approximately 100,000 bbl. in the eastern division. The loss in the western division can be attributed to decline in drilling activity due to the low prices prevailing, which were caused by flooding of the normal markcts with cheap Illinois crude. The gain in the eastern division is the result of repressuring operations begun in previous years and now showing results, and not to any renewed drilling activity. Gas development in western Kentucky during 1939 was of minor importance. In eastern Kentucky approximately 50 producing gas wells were drilled, which were sufficient for present market with excess reserves already developed. With the severe winter and additional industry load every gas well connected has been on line for the past three months. Although all demands are being met, development will be greatly increased during 1940 to meet depletion. From the geological point of view, the drilling activity in the western division developed additional information of benefit. Several wells on blocks of acreage assembled in previous years were drilled in the deeper parts of the Western Coal Basin—southern part of the Illinois Basin— giving for the first time accurate information about the Pennsylvanian and lower formations down to and through the Devonian.

Jan 1, 1940

By Iley B. Browning, George M. Straughan, Coleman D. Hunter, R. E. Strouder, Ralph N. Thomas

Activity in the oil fields of the state was at a low ebb during the year because of the longest period of low prices that has yet prevailed, which has been detrimental to both the eastern and western sections of the state. Production for the state as a whole shows a drop of 209,192 bbl. during 1939, the total being 5,356,963 bbl. The loss is in the production of the western division, where a loss of approximately 300,000 bbl. more than offset a gain of approximately 100,000 bbl. in the eastern division. The loss in the western division can be attributed to decline in drilling activity due to the low prices prevailing, which were caused by flooding of the normal markcts with cheap Illinois crude. The gain in the eastern division is the result of repressuring operations begun in previous years and now showing results, and not to any renewed drilling activity. Gas development in western Kentucky during 1939 was of minor importance. In eastern Kentucky approximately 50 producing gas wells were drilled, which were sufficient for present market with excess reserves already developed. With the severe winter and additional industry load every gas well connected has been on line for the past three months. Although all demands are being met, development will be greatly increased during 1940 to meet depletion. From the geological point of view, the drilling activity in the western division developed additional information of benefit. Several wells on blocks of acreage assembled in previous years were drilled in the deeper parts of the Western Coal Basin—southern part of the Illinois Basin— giving for the first time accurate information about the Pennsylvanian and lower formations down to and through the Devonian.

Jan 1, 1940

By F. R. Koeberlin

ABOUT thirty miles south of the port of Coquimbo, Chile, nestling in one of the western outliers of the main Andes range, lies the little mining town of Andacollo, a place whose history and traditions make up one of the most romantic pages in the life story of this southern republic. The beginning of Andacollo is shrouded in the penumbra of the pre-Columbian era, but its first mining activity probably dates from about the years 1440 to 1460. It was in the middle of the fifteenth century that the Inca Tupac-Yupanqui, grandfather of Atahualpa, conquered this part of Chile. His domain extended even as far south as the present site of Santiago, and perhaps farther, but was maintained with increasing difficulty against the fiercely independent and indomitable tribes of Araucanian Indians of the South.

Jan 1, 1938

By F. Claisse, R. Angers

Self-diffusion in iron has been measured during rapid a-r transformations using a variant of the Kryukou and Zhukhovitskii diffusion method. The study was performed by thermally cycling iron foils (1 to 6 cpm) through the transformation (=910°C). Some foils have been subjected to over 1000 cycles and some have spent more than 15 pct of their total diffusion time in the process of transformation. The experimental results show that the a-r transformation has no measurable effect on self-diffusion in iron. The study is completed by a quantitative analysis of mechanisms which can affect the diffusion rate during the transformation. The analysis confirms the experimental results. SINCE diffusion is an important factor in many solid-state transformations, it is of interest to study how it is affected by the stresses generated during these transformations. Clinard and Sherby1'2 were the first to make a study along these lines. They measured diffusion coefficients in Fe-FeCoV couples subjected to slow thermal cycling (1.5 cph) through the a-r transformation range. They found an enhancement of diffusion by a factor of about two. The purpose of the present paper is to report measurements of the self-diffusion coefficient of iron during much more rapid thermal cyclings (1 to 6 cpm) through the a-r transformation (-910°C). These more rapid cyclings produce higher strain rates during the transformation and should emphasize any possible influence of transformation upon diffusion. EXPERIMENTAL Iron foils, 25 to 35 µ thick, were cold-rolled from 99.92 pct pure iron and annealed in pure helium for 2 hr at 870°C; the resulting grain diameter was about 150 µ. Specimens 0.5 by 8 cm were cut from the foils and I7e55 was vapor deposited on one of their surfaces. A 38 gage alumel-chrome1 thermocouple was spot welded in the middle of one of the specimen long edges, Fig. 1. Two 38 gage chrome1 wires were also spot welded along the same edge on each side of the thermocouple; they were placed 2.5 cm apart and used for electrical resistance measurements. In order to prevent twisting and crumpling, the specimens were pinched between two quartz plates 0.1 by 1 by 7 cm and the assembly was close fitted into a 1 cm ID quartz tube. Four holes were drilled through the tube to let the 38 gage wires out: these were connected to the recording equipment by means of extension wires. 20-gage nickel wires fixed at both ends of the specimens were used to thermally cycle the foils by Joule heating. The above described device was placed in a 2.7 cm ID quartz tube which in turn was placed in a tubular furnace. Either a pure helium atmosphere or circulating hydrogen was used during the experiments. Specimens were subjected to thermal cycles between a minimum temperature To and a maximum temperature Tm at rates ranging from 1 to 6 cpm. This was obtained by maintaining the furnace at a constant temperature near the minimum temperature To and periodically passing an electric current through the specimen. Cooling was achieved by heat losses to the surroundings. The forms and periods of cycles were varied from one specimen to another; however, each specimen was subjected to one type of cycle only. The temperature and electrical resistance variations of the specimens were recorded as a function of time. The temperature curves were used for diffusion calculations while the electrical resistance curves were used to monitor the transformation and to determine its starting point and its approximate duration. Diffusion was measured by the method developed by Kryukov and zhukhovitskii3 and modified by Angers and Claisse.4,5 In this method a metallic foil is coated on one side with a radioactive isotope and the activity is measured periodically on both sides during the diffusion anneal. The following equation then holds: where: I1 Activity on the surface on which the deposit is made. I, Activity on the opposite surface. t Diffusion time. B Constant. D Diffusion coefficient. d Foil thickness including the deposit. G(t) A function of time; it is a second order correction term which is given graphically in Refs. 4 and 5. The diffusion coefficient D is found by plotting ln[(Il - I2)/(I1 + I,)] -G(t) against t; the resulting slope m leads to an accurate calculation of D through Eq. [2]. The effect of the a-r transformation on diffusion is expressed by the ratio DT/DU where:

Jan 1, 1970

By FREDERICK LAISY

A NUMBER of new plants for the treatment of copper ores were completed or under construction during the year. Among these may be mentioned the plants of the International Nickel Co., those of the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co. and of the Roan Antelope Copper Co. Three copper re- fineries have been constructed, one at El Paso, Tex., and the other two in Canada. Two more are projected, one in France and one in England. The International Nickel Co.'s plant consists of an 8000-ton concentrator and a smelting plant containing thirty 10-hearth Herreshoff roasting furnaces, five reverberatory furnaces, and eight Smith-Pierce converter5 . The smelting plant is estimated to have a capacity of 5000 tons of ore or concentrate per day. The roasters are superimposed on the reverbratory furnace plant. As a consequence of this arrangement, the furnace building is unusually high. being 183 ft. from yard level to highest roof elevation.

Jan 1, 1931

NEW MEMBERS The following list comprises the names of those persons who became members during the period Mar. 10 to Apr. 10, 1914. Members ADAMS, DANIEL T., Mining 1416 Westminster Bldg., Chicago, Ill. BLICKENSDERFER, FRANK CLEVELAND, Sampler Morenci, Ariz. CAVERS, THOMAS WILLARD, Met Copperhill, Tenn. CLAPP, CHARLES H., Geol Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. CLARK, PATRICK T., Pres Bullwhacker Mine, Spokane, Wash. COMSTOCK, HARRY, Mining Mineville, Essex Co., New York. COOKE, JOSEPH H., Gen. Mgr Mono Dev. Co., Gisborn, Tooele Co., Utah. COOPER, DEXTER P., Civ. and Hyd. Engr 101 Park Ave., New York, N. Y. DEGOLYER, E. L., Geol Apartado 269, Tampico, Mexico. DESHAYES, ERNEST F., Mine Foreman Baldy, N. M. DOUGLASS, WILLIAM CRAWFORD, Min. Engr 107 Leonard Hotel, Butte, Mont.

Jan 5, 1914

The primary purpose of the Institute is to advance the technologic and engineering arts embraced by it through inter- change of knowledge. This can best be done by the presentation and discussion of technical papers by its members. Short practical papers are especially welcome. An author should always satisfy himself that his material is of a quality that will be a credit to him and to the Institute. The preparation of a good paper frequently leads to a reorientation of the author's thoughts, and publication contributes much to the professional standing of the author. Members are urged to submit papers presenting the results of their work. Attention to the following suggestions will greatly further the prompt and efficient handling of manuscripts.

Jan 1, 1946

US 4,185,996 -- Removal of arsenic and sulfur Impurities from arsenic-containing cobalt sulfide ore. The ore is oxidized In air at a temperature of 700 to 800°C for 3 to 8 hr to drive off the bulk of the sulfur The oxidized ore 1s heated with a reducing gas at a temperature of 700 to 800°C for 2 to 6 hr to volatilize arsenic, and the final calcine 1s leached with an acid to eliminate substantially all of the remaining arsenic. A.R. Zambrano, assigned to Hanna Mining Co Jan. 29, 1980. 3 pp. (75-2). Filed. 2-13-78 (877,002).

Jan 1, 1982

IN A broad sense, the subject of slag control includes not only the adjustment of the composition of the slag but also of its relative weight in terms of percentage of the metal-bath weight. The slag is made up essentially of (1) oxides formed by oxidation of silicon, manganese, phosphorus, and iron in the charge, (2) SiO2, MnO, and other oxides charged as such, and (3) lime charged or fed to the heat to neutralize the “acidic”: oxides present (Si02 and P2O5). Obviously, if practically perfect control were possible over the composition of the charge as well as over the oxidation process during the melting period, both slag weight and composition would be very nearly predetermined, and the control problem would be solved. Unfortunately, we have only a somewhat. imperfect control over these factors, so that beginning at about the lime-boil period in the heat, and later in the early refining period, it becomes necessary for the first helper, as the heat progresses, to make quick estimates of the composition and physical state of development of the slag (as well as of the amounts of phosphorus, sulphur, and carbon in the metal) from which he can judge how much extra lime, roll scale, fluorspar, and other additions will be needed not only to give the desired final slag composition, but also to hasten the complete fusion or shaping to a desired viscosity in the liquid state. The discussion in this chapter is limited essentially to those more or less practical rapid methods of slag estimation that have been used, or at least tried, for these purposes under actual open-hearth shop conditions. Another aspect of importance here is the extent to which the freedom of choice to the operator is limited by available charge materials, product specifications, and the oxidation and other chemical- reaction effects which inevitably occur under the conditions of this furnace process. For a better understanding of these control limitations and of the chemical and physical background of the subject, the reader is urged to read at least part of the discussion in Chapters XVII and XIX. Charge materials are discussed in Chapter IV, and many of the details of charging, melting, and refining practice closely related to slag control are given in Chapters VI and VII.

Jan 1, 1944

By Ronald J. Roman, Craig Olsen

Alterations were performed on a previously developed heap leaching model representing sulfuric acid solution leaching of a malachite sandstone ore. The alterations were made in order to approach a more realistic solution to the leaching equations used in the model and to provide a means of obtaining a constant acid con- centration in the model' s simulated heap effluent solutions. This constant acid concentration is desired if the effluent solutions are to be treated in a solvent extraction-electrowinning plant. An economic study was made showing a use of the leaching model for an imaginary heap leach operation. The example illustrates a method of selecting heap leaching parameters if data are available on mining costs, dump costs, capital cost, etc. This was achieved using an incremental investment technique.

Jan 1, 1974

By Austin Park

More metal at a lower profit continued to be demanded from the mining industry during 1969. Correspondence with U.S. and Canadian mining districts and a study of the mining literature indicate that, a large majority of the mines are keeping pace and rising to the challenge. Continued research and better understanding of pneumatically applied concrete for roof and wall support was of top interest. Many mines are changing mining methods for the adaptation of load-haul-dump units. The most recent adaptation being the use of these units in cut- and-fill stoping and in various types of development headings. Boring methods and use of two- or three- boom drilling jumbos mounted on rubber tires for versatility continues to be the favorite approach to the demand for rapid excavation.

Jan 1, 1970

By James A. Lewis

It is the purpose of this paper to show the importance of sand characteristics, when combined with other physical data, in evaluating production obtained by secondary recovery operations, and to indicate the benefits to be gained from the application of these principles to primary production. Introduction During the past 10 years there has been a growing interest within the industry regarding the movement of fluids through oil reservoirs. A number of research projects have been directed toward the development of the physical laws governing this movement. In the period 1933 to the present, correlations between laboratory analysis of cores, reservoir fluids and well performance have been established and have been applied to successful secondary water-flooding recovery operations; and to the completion, production, reconditioning and evaluation of wells in new fields. The application of these data to water-flooding, either natural or artificial, is comparatively new, but the principlcs involved were set forth in 1880 by John F. Carll,1 who said: The flooding of an oil district is generally viewed as a great calamity, yet it may be questioned whether a larger amount of oil cannot be drawn from the rocks in that way than by any other, for it is certain that all the oil can-not be drawn from the reservoir without admission of something to take its place. If one company owned all of the wells drawing upon a pool, and had accurate records of the depth and characteristics of the oil producing stratum in each well, it is quite possible that some system might be devised by which water could be let down through certain shafts, and thus the rocks be completely voided of oil and left full of water. As it is, however, no systematized plan of action can be adopted. The careless handling of one well. by which water is let down to the oil rock, may spoil several others belonging to different parties. A clashing of interests at once arises and is likely to result in disaster to the whole district. In judging of the probable effects of the intro-duction of water into any particular oil district several things are to be considered. (1st) The time of flooding—whether early in the progress of development, while yet a large percentage of oil remains unexhausted or at a later period after the supply has suffered from long continued depletion. (2nd) The structure of the rock—whether regular and homogeneous throughout, or composed of fine sand inter. bedding connected and irregular layers of gravel, sometimes lying near the top and at others near the bottom. (3rd) The shape of the area being flooded. (4th) The position of the point at which water is admitted. in relation to the location of the surrounding wells still pumping oil. (5th) The height (which governs the pressure) of the column of water obtaining admittance. (6th) The duration of the water supply. Although we may take exception to part of Carll's reasoning, particularly " and thus the rocks be completely voided of oil and left full of water," we must give him credit for pointing out the increased effectiveness of water encroachment in displacing oil from a sand and for his recording six of the present seven considerations necessary for evaluation of production of oil by water

Jan 1, 1942

By James A. Lewis

It is the purpose of this paper to show the importance of sand characteristics, when combined with other physical data, in evaluating production obtained by secondary recovery operations, and to indicate the benefits to be gained from the application of these principles to primary production. Introduction During the past 10 years there has been a growing interest within the industry regarding the movement of fluids through oil reservoirs. A number of research projects have been directed toward the development of the physical laws governing this movement. In the period 1933 to the present, correlations between laboratory analysis of cores, reservoir fluids and well performance have been established and have been applied to successful secondary water-flooding recovery operations; and to the completion, production, reconditioning and evaluation of wells in new fields. The application of these data to water-flooding, either natural or artificial, is comparatively new, but the principlcs involved were set forth in 1880 by John F. Carll,1 who said: The flooding of an oil district is generally viewed as a great calamity, yet it may be questioned whether a larger amount of oil cannot be drawn from the rocks in that way than by any other, for it is certain that all the oil can-not be drawn from the reservoir without admission of something to take its place. If one company owned all of the wells drawing upon a pool, and had accurate records of the depth and characteristics of the oil producing stratum in each well, it is quite possible that some system might be devised by which water could be let down through certain shafts, and thus the rocks be completely voided of oil and left full of water. As it is, however, no systematized plan of action can be adopted. The careless handling of one well. by which water is let down to the oil rock, may spoil several others belonging to different parties. A clashing of interests at once arises and is likely to result in disaster to the whole district. In judging of the probable effects of the intro-duction of water into any particular oil district several things are to be considered. (1st) The time of flooding—whether early in the progress of development, while yet a large percentage of oil remains unexhausted or at a later period after the supply has suffered from long continued depletion. (2nd) The structure of the rock—whether regular and homogeneous throughout, or composed of fine sand inter. bedding connected and irregular layers of gravel, sometimes lying near the top and at others near the bottom. (3rd) The shape of the area being flooded. (4th) The position of the point at which water is admitted. in relation to the location of the surrounding wells still pumping oil. (5th) The height (which governs the pressure) of the column of water obtaining admittance. (6th) The duration of the water supply. Although we may take exception to part of Carll's reasoning, particularly " and thus the rocks be completely voided of oil and left full of water," we must give him credit for pointing out the increased effectiveness of water encroachment in displacing oil from a sand and for his recording six of the present seven considerations necessary for evaluation of production of oil by water

Jan 1, 1942