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By J. Hunter

LouisiaNa ranks fifth among the oil-producing states. In 1941 the state-wide production was slightly in excess of 118,000,000 bbl. of crude oil and conden-sate—an increase of 15,000,000 bbl. over the total production for the year 1940. During 1941, south Louisiana produced approximately 90,900,000 bbl. of oil, while north Louisiana produced approximately 27,000,000. South Louisiana, therefore, produced about 3¼ times more oil than north Louisiana. During the past year, 574,800,000 M cu. ft. of natural and casinghead gas were produced in Louisiana; thus 1941 gas production exceeded the 1940 production by 104,900,000 M cu. feet. Completion records for the year 1941 show that 1512 wells were completed in or adjoining producing fields. These wells, which were drilled to extend known producing areas or were located within producing areas, are not considered as wildcat wells. Of the total number of field wells drilled, 1152 wells found production; the remaining 360 were junked or dry and abandoned. This means that 76 per cent of the wells drilled were successful. Considering the precarious nature of oil-field development, this percentage of new producing wells is exceedingly satisfactory. Of the total number of field welis com-pleted as producers, approximately 86 wells found new and distinct producing sands. During the past year, 30 new fields were found. Four parishes—namely, Caldwell, Catahoula, Orleans, and Natchitoches— entered the ranks of oil-and-gas-producing parishes in the state during that period. This brings the total number of oil-and-gas-producing parishes in the state up to 48. Thus, 75 per cent of the parishes in Louisiana now contain one or more oil and/or gas fields. Although sufficient data are not available to list the addition reserves found in Louisiana during 1941, it is felt that such reserves undoubtedly exceed twice the total production for that year, or at least 200 million barrels. In reserves, therefore, Louisiana ranks third among the various oil-producing states. South Louisiana Although 16 new fields were found in south Louisiana, the outstanding developments in that part of the state were not limited to new discoveries. In fact, most of the increase in reserve in that area has been most consistently accumulated through extensions of known producing sands and through the finding of new sands in already productive fields, especially at depths below the presently producing sands. Since data concerning most of the new extensions and sands are too extensive for discussion here, the more important developments arc briefly outlined below: Abbeville, Vermilion Parish.—Production extended ½ mile to the west. Anse La Butte, St. Martin Parish.—New oil sand discovered at 9400 ft., thus extending production to east flank. West flank defined by dry holes. Barataria, Jefferson Parish.—New oil sand discovered on east side of field at 7620 ft. New

Jan 1, 1942

By J. Hunter

LouisiaNa ranks fifth among the oil-producing states. In 1941 the state-wide production was slightly in excess of 118,000,000 bbl. of crude oil and conden-sate—an increase of 15,000,000 bbl. over the total production for the year 1940. During 1941, south Louisiana produced approximately 90,900,000 bbl. of oil, while north Louisiana produced approximately 27,000,000. South Louisiana, therefore, produced about 3¼ times more oil than north Louisiana. During the past year, 574,800,000 M cu. ft. of natural and casinghead gas were produced in Louisiana; thus 1941 gas production exceeded the 1940 production by 104,900,000 M cu. feet. Completion records for the year 1941 show that 1512 wells were completed in or adjoining producing fields. These wells, which were drilled to extend known producing areas or were located within producing areas, are not considered as wildcat wells. Of the total number of field wells drilled, 1152 wells found production; the remaining 360 were junked or dry and abandoned. This means that 76 per cent of the wells drilled were successful. Considering the precarious nature of oil-field development, this percentage of new producing wells is exceedingly satisfactory. Of the total number of field welis com-pleted as producers, approximately 86 wells found new and distinct producing sands. During the past year, 30 new fields were found. Four parishes—namely, Caldwell, Catahoula, Orleans, and Natchitoches— entered the ranks of oil-and-gas-producing parishes in the state during that period. This brings the total number of oil-and-gas-producing parishes in the state up to 48. Thus, 75 per cent of the parishes in Louisiana now contain one or more oil and/or gas fields. Although sufficient data are not available to list the addition reserves found in Louisiana during 1941, it is felt that such reserves undoubtedly exceed twice the total production for that year, or at least 200 million barrels. In reserves, therefore, Louisiana ranks third among the various oil-producing states. South Louisiana Although 16 new fields were found in south Louisiana, the outstanding developments in that part of the state were not limited to new discoveries. In fact, most of the increase in reserve in that area has been most consistently accumulated through extensions of known producing sands and through the finding of new sands in already productive fields, especially at depths below the presently producing sands. Since data concerning most of the new extensions and sands are too extensive for discussion here, the more important developments arc briefly outlined below: Abbeville, Vermilion Parish.—Production extended ½ mile to the west. Anse La Butte, St. Martin Parish.—New oil sand discovered at 9400 ft., thus extending production to east flank. West flank defined by dry holes. Barataria, Jefferson Parish.—New oil sand discovered on east side of field at 7620 ft. New

Jan 1, 1942

By P. A. Tucker, T. B. Rhinehammer, D. E. Etter, J. E. Selle

The Ce-Cu phase diagram was investigated by differential thermal analysis and rnetallography. Two congruent melting compounds, CeCu2 (817°C) and CeCua (938°C), and three incongruent cornpounds, CeCu (516°C), CeCu, (796°C), and CeCu, CERIUM and copper have been suggested as possible diluents in a liquid-plutonium fueled reactor. As part of the determination of the Ce-Cu-Pu ternary phase diagram, a review Of the Ce-Cu system (798°C), are present in this system. Eutectics exist at 28 at. pct Cu (424°C), 74 at. pct Cu (756°C), and 91 at. pct Cu (876°C). The purity of the cerium used has an important effect on the results obtained by differential thermal analysis. was considered necessary. Previous work by Hanaman was conducted with relatively impure metal: 96.7 pct Ce with 2.5 pct other rare earths and 0.5 pct Fe as major impurities. The metal had a melting point of 715°C as compared to the melting point for pure cerium of 804°C as reported by Spedding and Daane.2 Results presented in this work were obtained primarily by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and metallographic examination of slow-cooled or quenched samples.

Jan 1, 1964

By Richard H. Jahns

Gem materials, comprising those minerals and closely allied natural substances used for personal adornment, for the fashioning of ornamental objects, or for other decorative purposes, have been valued in human commerce for thousands of years. Amber, jet, natural glasses, and at least 15 mineral species were sought and used by primitive man, and most of the materials in common use today were known well before the time of Christ. Their variety is remarkably great, and the traceable relationships among their respective sources, modes of occurrence, properties, and histories of production, preparation, and valuation are extremely complex. Their uses have been affected by numerous shifts in fashion, and from time to time by superstition, by decrees of church and state, by personal interpretations of religious significance, and by various presumptions concerning medicinal value and influence on human behavior (Ball, 1935, 1950; Kunz, 1913; Pogue, 1915, Whitlock, 1946). Thanks to their durability, portability, and relative scarcity, some gem stones have been employed as media of exchange, and the investment value of the more precious stones has long been recognized and exploited, especially in Asiatic and European countries. Demands for gem materials have stimulated trade among various peoples for centuries, and they also were responsible for much early geographic exploration. During more recent times they have prompted numerous geological studies and a considerable amount of research on the growth and properties of crystals. Apart from decorative uses, some naturally occurring gem materials also are employed directly in numerous fields of industry. Substances that are manufactured for gem or industrial uses are termed synthetic gem materials; most of these correspond in composition and crystal structure to certain minerals found in nature. Imitation materials are those whose use is based upon their resemblance to substances of different composition and greater intrinsic value. Gem stone is a designation commonly restricted to those materials suitable for personal adornment, and the complementary term ornamental stone is applied to the remaining materials not used industrially. This distinction is arbitrary and somewhat inconsistent, owing to numerous geographic differences and historical shifts in end uses. Further, there is a complete gradation between the category of ornamental stones and that of dimension stone. Substances that lose their identity in use are excluded from the gem category; thus a transparent crystal of beryl would not be classified as a gem stone if it were processed as a source of beryllium metal. The adjectives precious and semiprecious have been employed as a means for distinguishing different gem materials on the basis of recognized value. Diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire consistently have been regarded as precious stones, and in cut form they commonly are referred to as the noble gems. Opal, pearl, turquoise, and chrysoberyl also have been classed as precious at various times. In recent years, however, it has been increasingly recognized that no satisfactory distinction can be based upon assessed value or any group of specific properties, and now all gem stones normally are referred to as precious. Indeed, the tendency is to extend this term to include many of the so-called ornamental stones, and the designation semi- precious has been essentially discontinued. Unlike most mineral commodities of economic value, gem materials are little altered in processing for end uses. Some stones are used in essentially their natural form, and most are reshaped and polished without significant changes in their fundamental properties. Thus the preparation of gem and ornamental stones is intended chiefly to emphasize or enhance

Jan 1, 1975

By Richard H. Jahns

Gem materials, comprising those minerals and closely allied natural substances used for personal adornment, for the fashioning of ornamental objects, or for other decorative purposes, have been valued in human commerce for thousands of years. Amber, jet, natural glasses, and at least 15 mineral species were sought and used by primitive man, and most of the materials in common use today were known well before the time of Christ. Their variety is remarkably great, and the traceable relationships among their respective sources, modes of occurrence, properties, and histories of production, preparation, and valuation are extremely complex. Their uses have been affected by numerous shifts in fashion, and from time to time by superstition, by decrees of church and state, by personal interpretations of religious significance, and by various presumptions concerning medicinal value and influence on human behavior (Ball, 1935, 1950; Kunz, 1913; Pogue, 1915; Whitlock, 1946). Thanks to their durability, portability, and relative scarcity, some gem stones have been employed as media of exchange, and the investment value of the more precious stones has long been recognized and exploited, especially in Asiatic and European countries. Demands for gem materials have stimulated trade among various peoples for centuries, and they also were responsible for much early geographic exploration. During more recent times they have prompted numerous geological studies and a considerable amount of research on the growth and properties of crystals. Apart from decorative uses, some naturally occurring gem materials also are employed directly in numerous fields of industry. Substances that are manufactured for gem or industrial uses are termed synthetic gem materials; most of these correspond in composition and crystal structure to certain minerals found in nature. Imitation materials are those whose use is based upon their resemblance to substances of different composition and greater intrinsic value. Gem stone is a designation commonly restricted to those materials suitable for personal adornment, and the complementary term ornamental stone is applied to the remaining materials not used industrially. This distinction is arbitrary and somewhat inconsistent, owing to numerous geographic differences and historical shifts in end uses. Further, there is a complete gradation between the category of ornamental stones and that of dimension stone. Substances that lose their identity in use are excluded from the gem category; thus a transparent crystal of beryl would not be classified as a gem stone if it were processed as a source of beryllium metal. The adjectives precious and semiprecious have been employed as a means for distinguishing different gem materials on the basis of recognized value. Diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire consistently have been regarded as precious stones, and in cut form they commonly are referred to as the noble gems. Opal, pearl, turquoise, and chrysoberyl also have been classed as precious at various times. In recent years, however, it has been increasingly recognized that no satisfactory distinction can be based upon assessed value or any group of specific properties, and now all gem stones normally are referred to as precious. Indeed, the tendency is to extend this term to include many of the so-called ornamental stones, and the designation semiprecious has been essentially discontinued. Unlike most mineral commodities of economic value, gem materials are little altered in processing for end uses. Some stones are used in essentially their natural form, and most are reshaped and polished without significant changes in their fundamental properties. Thus the preparation of gem and ornamental stones is intended chiefly to emphasize or enhance

Jan 1, 1983

By Fred W. Stiefel

THIS paper covers the operation and maintenance of Diesel locomotives underground on a portion of the Delaware River Aqueduct.[t] This part of the tunnel is 15 miles long, with shafts 14 ft. in diameter spaced about 5 miles apart. These shafts (2, 2a and 3) are 825 ft., 1551 and 840 ft. deep, respectively. The grade of the tunnel is almost level, except for the 12,100 ft. north of shaft 2, which has a grade of 2.31 per cent. The tunnel is circular, 17 to 19 ft. in diameter. It lies at a depth of 400 ft. below sea level, with a maximum over-burden of 2400 feet. The tunnel driving was carried on in six headings, using 15 storage-battery locomotives, each of 13 gross tons and having a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour. The longest haul was 3 miles, which proved to be the maximum distance for which storage-battery locomotives could be employed economically for the amount of material to be moved. One locomotive was used for switching cars at each heading, one for switching cars at the bottom of each shaft and one on the main-line haul from the heading to the shaft. The maximum amount of material hoisted in one shaft from two headings when 104 ft. of tunnel was driven in 24 hr. was 1000 cu. yd., or about 2000 tons of rock in place. The total quantity excavated was 750,000 cu. yd. (1,500,000 tons of rock). The tunnel-lining operations using concrete presented a problem of hauling a maximum distance of 5 miles in the tunnel. The concrete-placing equipment had a capacity of about 2000 cu. yd., or 4000 tons in 24 hours. Experience had shown that storage-battery equipment could not handle this quantity of material within the time required at the distance of 5 miles. Trolley-locomotive haulage was considered dangerous and expensive, and would cause interference because transmission equipment would be required. Therefore the performance of Diesel locomotives of 160 hp., with a speed of 18 miles per hour, in comparison with that of other types of locomotives, was studied. CHOICE OF LOCOMOTIVES In deciding upon the type of locomotive to be used for the 5-mile haul, four alternatives were considered, as follows: I. To purchase additional storage-battery locomotives with the necessary batteries over the 6 locomotives and 12 batteries available. 2. To convert the existing battery locomotives to the trolley type. 3. To purchase new trolley locomotives. 4. To purchase Diesel locomotives. PROPOSITION No. I The 90-hp. storage-battery locomotives available (each weighing about 12 tons), when hauling a load of 64 tons, with a drawbar pull of about 1900 lb. on a level track, developed a speed of 8 miles per hour and could make five round trips in 8 hr. with a

Jan 1, 1942

By Fred W. Stiefel

This paper covers the operation and maintenance of Diesel locomotives underground on a portion of the Delaware River Aqueduct. † This part of the tunnel is 15 miles long, with shafts 14 ft. in diameter spaced about 5 miles apart. These shafts (2, 2a and 3) are 825 ft., 1551 and 840 ft. deep, respectively. The grade of the tunnel is almost level, except for the 12,100 ft. north of shaft 2, which has a grade of 2.31 per cent. The tunnel is circular, 17 to 19 ft. in diameter. It lies at a depth of 400 ft. below sea level, with a maximum overburden of 2400 feet. The tunnel driving was carried on in six headings, using 15 storage-battery locomotives, each of 13 gross tons and having a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour. The longest haul was 3 miles, which proved to be the maximum distance for which storage-battery locomotives could be employed economically for the amount of material to be moved. One locomotive was used for switching cars at each heading, one for switching cars at the bottom of each shaft and one on the main-line haul from the heading to the shaft. The maximum amount of material hoisted in one shaft from two headings when 104 ft. of tunnel was driven in 24 hr. was 1000 cu. yd., or about 2000 tons of rock in place. The total quantity excavated was 750,000 cu. yd. (1,500,000 tons of rock). The tunnel-lining operations using concrete presented a problem of hading a maximum distance of 5 miles in the tunnel. The concrete-placing equipment had a capacity of about 2000 CU. yd., or 4000 tons in 24 hours. Experience had shown that storage-battery equipment could not handle this quantity of material within the time required at the distance of 5 miles. Trolley-locomotive haulage was considered dangerous and expensive, and would cause interference because transmission equipment would be required. Therefore the performance of Diesel locomotives of 160 hp., with a speed of 18 miles per hour, in comparison with that of other types of locomotives, was studied. Choice of Locomotives In deciding upon the type of locomotive to be used for the 5-mile haul, four alternatives were considered, as follows: I. To purchase additional storage-battery locomotives with the necessary batteries over the 6 locomotives and 12 batteries available. 2. To convert the existing battery locomotives to the trolley type. 3. To purchase new trolley locomotives. 4. To purchase Diesel locomotives. Proposition No. i The 90-hp. storage-battery locomotives the (each weighing about 12 tons), when hauling a load of 64 tons, with a drawbar pull of about 1900 lb. on a level track, developed a speed of 8 miles per hour and could make five round trips in 8 hr. with a

Jan 1, 1943

By Fred W. Stiefel

This paper covers the operation and maintenance of Diesel locomotives underground on a portion of the Delaware River Aqueduct. † This part of the tunnel is 15 miles long, with shafts 14 ft. in diameter spaced about 5 miles apart. These shafts (2, 2a and 3) are 825 ft., 1551 and 840 ft. deep, respectively. The grade of the tunnel is almost level, except for the 12,100 ft. north of shaft 2, which has a grade of 2.31 per cent. The tunnel is circular, 17 to 19 ft. in diameter. It lies at a depth of 400 ft. below sea level, with a maximum overburden of 2400 feet. The tunnel driving was carried on in six headings, using 15 storage-battery locomotives, each of 13 gross tons and having a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour. The longest haul was 3 miles, which proved to be the maximum distance for which storage-battery locomotives could be employed economically for the amount of material to be moved. One locomotive was used for switching cars at each heading, one for switching cars at the bottom of each shaft and one on the main-line haul from the heading to the shaft. The maximum amount of material hoisted in one shaft from two headings when 104 ft. of tunnel was driven in 24 hr. was 1000 cu. yd., or about 2000 tons of rock in place. The total quantity excavated was 750,000 cu. yd. (1,500,000 tons of rock). The tunnel-lining operations using concrete presented a problem of hading a maximum distance of 5 miles in the tunnel. The concrete-placing equipment had a capacity of about 2000 CU. yd., or 4000 tons in 24 hours. Experience had shown that storage-battery equipment could not handle this quantity of material within the time required at the distance of 5 miles. Trolley-locomotive haulage was considered dangerous and expensive, and would cause interference because transmission equipment would be required. Therefore the performance of Diesel locomotives of 160 hp., with a speed of 18 miles per hour, in comparison with that of other types of locomotives, was studied. Choice of Locomotives In deciding upon the type of locomotive to be used for the 5-mile haul, four alternatives were considered, as follows: I. To purchase additional storage-battery locomotives with the necessary batteries over the 6 locomotives and 12 batteries available. 2. To convert the existing battery locomotives to the trolley type. 3. To purchase new trolley locomotives. 4. To purchase Diesel locomotives. Proposition No. i The 90-hp. storage-battery locomotives the (each weighing about 12 tons), when hauling a load of 64 tons, with a drawbar pull of about 1900 lb. on a level track, developed a speed of 8 miles per hour and could make five round trips in 8 hr. with a

Jan 1, 1943

By C. F. Weinaug

In recent years, several methods have been proposed for correlation of physical properties and behavior of hydrocarbon systems. These correlations were found to be unsatis. factory for predicting differential gas liberation and shrinkage data now obtained experimentally. To achieve the desired accuracy, methods were developed to adjust the correlations with two experimental pieces of data. The required data are the saturation pressure at reservoir temperature and the specific volume or density at these conditions. The saturation pressure is used to adjust the vapor-liquid equilibrium-ratio correlations. The density measurement is used to determine the apparent density of liquid methane. With these adjustments, differential gas liberation and shrinkage are predicted within the experimental error. EQUILIBRIUM RATIOS Equilibrium ratios published by the National Gas Assn. of America' were used as a basis for the calculation. The convergence pressure for the sample was determined by using a hypothetical binary system, with methane as one component and the remainder of the system lumped together to form the other component. For the critical temperature of the heavy constituent, the weight average of the critical temperatures of the ethane and heavier components was used. The correlation of pseudo-critical temperature, density and molecular weight of Matthews, Roland and Katzl was used in this calculation for the hexane and heavier fractions. Points for the critical properties of methane and the hypothetical heavy constituent were placed on a chart of the critical loci of hydrocarbon systems. A critical loci for the hypothetical binary system was drawn, and the critical pressure of this system was determined at the reservoir temperature. This critical pressure became the convergence pressure for which equilibrium ratios were read from the NGAA4 charts. The NGAA equilibrium constants for C, through C, were used for the C,; through C, fractions since they were separated on the bases of normal paraffin boiling points. The correlation of Hoffman, Crump and Hocott5 as used to estimate the equilibrium constant for the C fraction. The NGAA eauilibrium-ratio charts are based primarily on paraffin systems and have to be corrected for the presence of naphthenes and aromatics. The correlations in the literature proved too unsatisfactory for determining these corrections. EXperimental data, the saturation pressure, is used with the correlation of Soloman2 to make this adjustment. The correction factors of Soloman were cross-plotted so that the factors for ethane and heavier components were made a function of the factor for methane. a2 = 0.7927 at + 0.1646 .........(1) where a, = correction coefficient for for methane NGAA equilibrium ratio, and a2t = correction coefficient for ethane and heavier NGAA equilibrium ratios. This equation and the equation for the bubble point are solved simultaneously for the correction coefficients. The bubble-point equation is anKnXn = 1.0 . . . . (2) The equilibrium constant for the saturation pressure at reservoir temperature is used. This procedure not only corrects for the relative volatility between components, but also assures that the results will be directly related to the experimental saturation pressure. METHANE DENSITY After determining a set of equilibrium ratios, the apparent density of condensed methane at 60°F and 14.7 psia was estimated. This was found to be necessary because the correlations of Standing3 ere found to be unsatisfactory. The law of additive volumes was employed to make this calculation.

By C. S. Smith, W. M. Williams

THE quantitative study of grain shape in three dimensions has been a difficult one from the practical standpoint. Experiments on grain shape have usually been based on indirect observations of two-dimensional metallographic samples or on grains separated by intergranular corrosion or fracture. The latter method was used in particular by Deschl in 1919 in observing the shapes of ß-brass grains which had been separated with mercury. The similarity in detail of shape and packing that exists between bubbles in a soap froth and metal grains was noted by Desch who remarks that: "Surface tension has an. important share in determining the form of the crystal grains in a solidifying metal and such grains have a tendency to assume the shape of foam cells." More recently the relation between grain shape and grain growth has been studied by Harker and Parker.' The importance of surface tension forces in determining microstructure has been discussed by Smith," and an analysis of the topologi-cal rules that apply to such structures has been made by the same author.' Biologists have made valuable contributions to the general problem of shape and form in an assembly of space-filling cells subject to surface tension forces. Particular mention must be made of the extensive researches of Lewis5,8 on botanical and anatomical tissues, and Matzke and Nestler,7,8 who have made painstaking studies of bubble shapes in different kinds of foam. The present paper introduces a new method of studying individual grains in particular alloys—a method which may well find use in other metallurgical researches, and which seems also to be applicable in biological problems. Metal Grains in Three Dimensions The individual grains in a piece of metal or the bubbles in a soap froth must satisfy two conditions —they must be in juxtaposition so as to fill space and their interfaces must conform to the laws of surface tension. If a further restriction is imposed, namely, that only one type of polyhedron be used, then the sole possibility is an assembly of "minimal" tetrakaidecahedra," each polyhedron having eight doubly-curved hexagonal faces and six plane quadrilateral faces, the angles between adjacent faces being 120". Such cells could be stacked on a body-centered cubic lattice and would be quite stable. For many years it was believed that soap bubbles actually possessed the shape of this ideal body, and the hypothesis was the starting point for several investigations on the shapes of soap bubbles, biological cells, and metal grains. These investigations have shown, what might have been obvious in the beginning, that if the condition of symmetry is relaxed the tetrakaidecahedron is almost never found. If we retain only the rule that all contacts should be in local surface tension equilibrium and that the assembly should fill space, metal grains may then take a nearly infinite variety of shapes and no single one may be regarded as an archetype. These two conditions, which are fully discussed in one of the previously mentioned papers,' lead us to think of a typical grain in an annealed metal as having the following characteristics: 1—A grain may have any number of faces, but usually between nine and eighteen. The faces (each of which is, of course, shared by two grains in the assembly) may have any number of edges, but usually between four and six. Pentagons are by far the most frequent. 2—In the assembly of grains each edge is shared by three faces and by three grains. Each vertex is a point shared by four grains, six faces, and four

Jan 1, 1953

By G. C. Weaver, G. T. Harley

Beds or lenses of potash and magnesium salts are found in a thick salt section (Salado) overlain by Rustler Red Beds in several members of which water is present and from one of which the rehery process water used by International is obtained. Most of the holes drilled are less than 1000 ft. deep, but some wildcat holes have exceeded 3- ft. cable or rotary tools are used to drill down to the salt. when samples of water are desired the cable rig is used, but when this is not necessary, and where caving material is present, the rotary rig has an advantage. The rotary rig has a further advantage in that only one machine is required to drill and core the entire hole, whereas the cable rig must be moved off to make way for the core drill. Casing is placed in the upper section of the hole as required to shut off water, and a 5 3/16 in. string is set in the top of the salt before coring starts. With the rotary rig drilling is often carried to the salt with no casing, as drilling mud seals off caving ground and water-bearing strata, and a string of 4-in. line pipe or 4-in. flush-joint casing is landed on top of salt. Several types of gasoline-powered core rigs have been used in the field and all recover a 2 1/2-in. core. More recently the Sullivan Model 37 rotary rig has been tried, and a Sullivan Model N has been adapted to use a rotary bit in the upper section. Core is recovered in 20 ft. sections with a double-tube core barrel, and the bit used is a bottom-discharge type set with diamonds. The drilling fluid must be a saturated brine to prevent solution and etching of the minerals present. Blowouts are apt to Occur from nitrogen gas trapped under the several polybalite beds, and some have been strong enough to blow the tools out of the hole. Core recovery is practically loo per cent. All holes are plugged after drilling, with cement through the salt section and opposite each water horizon* and mud through the remainder of the hole. Cores are carefully logged and preserved, and in sections containing potash and magnesium minerals they are quartered and analyzed. The correlation of Ore beds between drill holes is briefly described. Introduction Beds Or lenses of potash and magnesium salts are found at varying depths in a thick deposit of salt (Salado formation) in what is known as the Permian Basin, in southeast New Mexico and West Texas. The Salado formation is Composed chiefly of common salt (halite) with numerous beds of anhydrite, polyhalite, and the soluble potash minerals carnallite, sylvite and langbeinite. Many other minerals are present in small amounts but their Presence has no bearing On the coring technique. Before starting to core the salt section it is necessary to penetrate 300 to 600 ft. of unconformably overlying Permian sediments (Rustler formation) which are composed of red and gray clay, sand, anhydrite, dolomitic limestone and occasional lenses of salt. The upper part of the formation is predominantly anhydrite, and the lower part predominantly clastic. A thin bed of dolomitic limestone, known

Jan 1, 1948

By G. C. Weaver, G. T. Harley

Beds or lenses of potash and magnesium salts are found in a thick salt section (Salado) overlain by Rustler Red Beds in several members of which water is present and from one of which the rehery process water used by International is obtained. Most of the holes drilled are less than 1000 ft. deep, but some wildcat holes have exceeded 3- ft. cable or rotary tools are used to drill down to the salt. when samples of water are desired the cable rig is used, but when this is not necessary, and where caving material is present, the rotary rig has an advantage. The rotary rig has a further advantage in that only one machine is required to drill and core the entire hole, whereas the cable rig must be moved off to make way for the core drill. Casing is placed in the upper section of the hole as required to shut off water, and a 5 3/16 in. string is set in the top of the salt before coring starts. With the rotary rig drilling is often carried to the salt with no casing, as drilling mud seals off caving ground and water-bearing strata, and a string of 4-in. line pipe or 4-in. flush-joint casing is landed on top of salt. Several types of gasoline-powered core rigs have been used in the field and all recover a 2 1/2-in. core. More recently the Sullivan Model 37 rotary rig has been tried, and a Sullivan Model N has been adapted to use a rotary bit in the upper section. Core is recovered in 20 ft. sections with a double-tube core barrel, and the bit used is a bottom-discharge type set with diamonds. The drilling fluid must be a saturated brine to prevent solution and etching of the minerals present. Blowouts are apt to Occur from nitrogen gas trapped under the several polybalite beds, and some have been strong enough to blow the tools out of the hole. Core recovery is practically loo per cent. All holes are plugged after drilling, with cement through the salt section and opposite each water horizon* and mud through the remainder of the hole. Cores are carefully logged and preserved, and in sections containing potash and magnesium minerals they are quartered and analyzed. The correlation of Ore beds between drill holes is briefly described. Introduction Beds Or lenses of potash and magnesium salts are found at varying depths in a thick deposit of salt (Salado formation) in what is known as the Permian Basin, in southeast New Mexico and West Texas. The Salado formation is Composed chiefly of common salt (halite) with numerous beds of anhydrite, polyhalite, and the soluble potash minerals carnallite, sylvite and langbeinite. Many other minerals are present in small amounts but their Presence has no bearing On the coring technique. Before starting to core the salt section it is necessary to penetrate 300 to 600 ft. of unconformably overlying Permian sediments (Rustler formation) which are composed of red and gray clay, sand, anhydrite, dolomitic limestone and occasional lenses of salt. The upper part of the formation is predominantly anhydrite, and the lower part predominantly clastic. A thin bed of dolomitic limestone, known

Jan 1, 1948

By W. F., Dietrich

THIS paper deals with the- methods of mining the high-grade clays of California. Although the majority of the clay pits in the state are operated on a scale that is small by comparison with most metal mines, this very fact results in a diversity of methods and gives rise to problems of selection of the method best suited to given conditions. Two or three operators in California produce approximately 500 tons per day of a single kind of clay from a single pit. About five varieties of clay are mined on a scale of 200 to 400 tons per day; not over fifteen varieties are mined on a? scale of 50 to 200 tons per day; and more than 50 varieties are mined at a rate of less than 50 tons per day. It is the aim of this paper to delimit, insofar as the data at hand permit, the conditions and scale of operations that favor the selection of each dominant method of mining that is actually being applied at California properties. Details of the occurrence and utilization of the clays of California have been given in a recent bulletin and are not considered here.

Sep 1, 1928

By R. G. Charles, E. A. Gulbransen, S. Barnartt

KINETICS of the reaction of zirconium with pure oxygen at elevated temperatures have been studied by several workers for periods of time up to 6 hr.1-1 In two cases,3-4 . the experimental values of oxygen uptake, w, as a function of time, t, were best fitted to the parabolic rate law w2 = kPt + constant. In others,3,4 the cubic rate law w3 = kot + constant, showed better agreement. The most recent data of Gulbransen and Andrew4 indicate that the choice between the parabolic and cubic laws for empirical representation of the data will often be arbitrary. This is particularly true if the first few minutes of the reaction with a clean zirconium surface is attributed to a different oxidation mechanism, for deviations from either rate law were found primarily during the initial period. Thus, the kinetics of this reaction have been too uncertain to permit safe extrapolation to oxidation periods of practical interest (many hundreds of hours). The data to be described are of interest, for they indicate that the cubic rate law applies over long oxidation times. The reaction of zirconium with oxygen at 1 atm pressure was followed at 350" and 450°C for 500 and 200 hr, respectively. Abraded test specimens of pure zirconium sheet' 3.0 X 2.0 X 0.012 cm in size were oxidized by the procedure previously described,3 which included periodic cooling to room temperature for weighing. The surfaces were polished to a 4/0 finish using polishing paper wet with kerosene, then wiped with petroleum ether and washed in redistilled acetone. Fig. 1 shows plots of log ? vs log t. Each curve represents the average of duplicate measurements, and deviations from the average were generally less than 3 pet. The cubic rate law (slope = 1/3) is closely followed. The rate constants, 5.2, x 10 -6 and 2.4, X 10- (mg cm-2)3 per hr at 350" and 450 oC, respectively, are plotted as log k, vs 1/T in Fig. 2, together with cubic constants calculated from the data of Gulbransen and Andrew4 for abraded specimens from the same lot of zirconium. Their data refer to runs of 6-hr duration at a pressure of 0.1 atm 0 and under conditions of uninterrupted heating. In spite of these differences, the latter data yield a straight line which appears to apply equally well to the new extended time data. The energy of activation for the oxidation process, calculated from the slope of this line, i.s 38 keal per mole. This may be compared with the value of 47 keal per mole found by Belle and Mallett3 at higher temperatures. It may be concluded tentatively that extrapolation of short-term oxidation data for zirconium to obtain the long-term behavior is best done through the cubic equation ?3 = kpt + constant. References ' E. A. Gulbransen and K. F. Andrew: AIME Trans., 1949, vol. 185, p. A.515; JouRNal OF Metals, August 1949. 'D.p. Cubicciotti Journal Amer Chemical August1949.Soc., 1950, Vol. 72, P. 3 V. Belle and M. W. Mallett: Joulnal Electro chemical Soc., 1954, ' E. A. Gulbransen 339.and K. F. Andrew: Oxidation of Zirconium Between 400" Gulbransenand 800'C.and AIME Trarzs.. 1957, vol. 209, p. 394; JOUR-Nal of Metals, April 1957. IS Barnartt, B G. Charles, and E. A. Gulbransen: Oxidation of 50 weight pet uranium-zirconium alloy, Journul Electrochemical SOC., 1957, vol. 104, p. 218.

Jan 1, 1959

By W. Philippoff, Donald E. Cadwell, S. R. B. Cooke

THE importance of contact angles in flotation has long been recognized, but little has been done to get quantitative relationships between the surface coverage of the mineral by the reagent, the length of the hydrocarbon chain, and the contact angle. It is well known that for a complete monolayer on the surface of a mineral the contact angle 8 is determined only by the reagent1 and principally by the chain length of the hydrocarbon radical. Although for flotation the monolayer usually is regarded as being complete, early experiments of Wark and Cox&apos; showed that at very small concentrations of potassium ethyl xanthate the contact angle on galena changed in a continuous way from 0&apos; to the equilibrium value of 60". Further, Gaudin and Vincenta showed a similar continuity using heptylic acid and sphalerite. This shows that with probably incomplete monolayers, 0 varies with the degree of surface coverage. At the time these experiments were made it was impossible to measure the actual amount of surface coverage, especially since the decrease of the collector concentration in the liquor could be influenced by chemical side reactions. Through the use of the radioactive tracer method for the measurement of the amount of collector adsorbed on the surface of the mineral, Gaudin and Bloecher&apos; were able to determine accurately the actual surface coverage of dodecylamine acetate on quartz, but they did not measure any contact angles. It is believed that the relationship between the surface coverage and the contact angle is extremely important in flotation, especially as Gaudin and Bloecher showed that a 95 pct recovery is possible with a coverage of only 5 pct. Theoretical Considerations The work of adhesion W is the energy bound (in ergs per sq cm) when an interface is formed. It is determined by the difference of the free surface energies (surface tensions) of the respective phases 7j and yZ before contact and the interfacial free surface energy y, after contact. The definition of the contact angle permits the elimination of the unknown surface energy of the solid and hence the calculation of W from the surface tension of the liquid y and the contact angle 8: W = y (1 + COS0) [1] Consider a surface consisting of two components, identified as 2 and 3, 1 being the liquid. The amount of 2 in the composite surface is x, where 0 < x < 1. The respective contact angles with 1 and air are 8, and 8.. The total work of adhesion of such a surface is the sum of the values of the components multiplied by their respective areas. A formal relation can be written: Wm = x-W2+ (l-x)-W, [2] in which W, is the work of adhesion of the composite surface. Eq 1 can be introduced into Wt and Wa, but in the case of W, some discussion is needed. If the two components are segregated, each component forming an integral part of the composite surface there is no physical meaning for a contact angle 8m calculated from W,, by using eq 1. If, on the other hand, the area of each patch of the components is small in comparison with, say, the diameter of the bubble used in measuring, it could be expected that 0m would have a physical significance, because of the action of the surface tension of the liquid-gas interface tending to smooth out sharp corners. How small these patches would have to be is difficult to predict, but by using composite surfaces with microscopically

Jan 1, 1953

By S. R. B. Cooke, W. Philippoff, Donald E. Cadwell

THE importance of contact angles in flotation has long been recognized, but little has been done to get quantitative relationships between the surface coverage of the mineral by the reagent, the length of the hydrocarbon chain, and the contact angle. It is well known that for a complete monolayer on the surface of a mineral the contact angle 8 is determined only by the reagent1 and principally by the chain length of the hydrocarbon radical. Although for flotation the monolayer usually is regarded as being complete, early experiments of Wark and Cox&apos; showed that at very small concentrations of potassium ethyl xanthate the contact angle on galena changed in a continuous way from 0&apos; to the equilibrium value of 60". Further, Gaudin and Vincenta showed a similar continuity using heptylic acid and sphalerite. This shows that with probably incomplete monolayers, 0 varies with the degree of surface coverage. At the time these experiments were made it was impossible to measure the actual amount of surface coverage, especially since the decrease of the collector concentration in the liquor could be influenced by chemical side reactions. Through the use of the radioactive tracer method for the measurement of the amount of collector adsorbed on the surface of the mineral, Gaudin and Bloecher&apos; were able to determine accurately the actual surface coverage of dodecylamine acetate on quartz, but they did not measure any contact angles. It is believed that the relationship between the surface coverage and the contact angle is extremely important in flotation, especially as Gaudin and Bloecher showed that a 95 pct recovery is possible with a coverage of only 5 pct. Theoretical Considerations The work of adhesion W is the energy bound (in ergs per sq cm) when an interface is formed. It is determined by the difference of the free surface energies (surface tensions) of the respective phases 7j and yZ before contact and the interfacial free surface energy y, after contact. The definition of the contact angle permits the elimination of the unknown surface energy of the solid and hence the calculation of W from the surface tension of the liquid y and the contact angle 8: W = y (1 + COS0) [1] Consider a surface consisting of two components, identified as 2 and 3, 1 being the liquid. The amount of 2 in the composite surface is x, where 0 < x < 1. The respective contact angles with 1 and air are 8, and 8.. The total work of adhesion of such a surface is the sum of the values of the components multiplied by their respective areas. A formal relation can be written: Wm = x-W2+ (l-x)-W, [2] in which W, is the work of adhesion of the composite surface. Eq 1 can be introduced into Wt and Wa, but in the case of W, some discussion is needed. If the two components are segregated, each component forming an integral part of the composite surface there is no physical meaning for a contact angle 8m calculated from W,, by using eq 1. If, on the other hand, the area of each patch of the components is small in comparison with, say, the diameter of the bubble used in measuring, it could be expected that 0m would have a physical significance, because of the action of the surface tension of the liquid-gas interface tending to smooth out sharp corners. How small these patches would have to be is difficult to predict, but by using composite surfaces with microscopically

Jan 1, 1953

By Perry Harrison

THE increased use of sintering for the beneficiation of iron ores and the reclaiming of flue dust creates a lively interest in sintering costs and, economics. The character of material sintered and geographical location of plants so radically alter sintering costs and economics that it is well to understand at least the basic elements which control such changes. The following cost factors are believed to be roughly approximated for large-scale Dwight-Lloyd &apos;continuously operated sinter-machine installations located anywhere. PER CRUDE TON Labor, supplies and repairs 0.15 Power 6.5¢ X kw-hr. rate ? Plant overhead and administration 0.05 Depreciation per ton annual capacity 0.05 Fuel: 6 per cent coke breeze or equivalent minimum ? 1 per cent coke breeze additional for each 5 per cent free and combined water in ore or dust ? Ignition distillate at 0.6 gal. per ton ? PER SINTER TON Royalty on Ore 0.10 Royalty on Flue Dust 0.15 PER CRUDE TON "Winter expense"; i. z., the cost of the five months enforced idle . period for plants tied in to Great Lakes transportation season 0.03 Using the foregoing data, it is possible to roughly approximate the cost of efficient sintering at any location for. any ore, viz:

Jan 1, 1932

By R. D. Mollison, C. F. Fogarty

Sulfur is widely distributed in nature. It is present in the earth&apos;s crust, the ocean, the meteorites that come to us from cosmic space and in practically all animal and plant life. According to Clarke,9 the earth&apos;s crust contains 0.06 pct sulfur. Large quantities of free or combined sulfur are found in coal, natural gas and petroleum. Mineral waters contain sulfates and hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur is rather plentiful in the crust of the earth; however, only under special circumstances can it be produced profitably. Sulfur is one of the cheapest raw materials used by industry; and, therefore, the economic feasibility of a given deposit is strongly dictated by the law of supply and demand on local as well as world-wide levels. The forms which are commercially important are elemental sulfur or brimstone, and the sulfides such as pyrite (FeS2), pyrrhotite (FenSn+1), chalcocite (Cu2S), sphalerite (ZnS), and galena (PbS); the sulfates such as gypsum (CaSO4,2H2O), anhydrite (CaSO4), and kieserite (MgSO4,H2O). Elemental Sulfur Elemental sulfur is found in many localities, generally in solfataras and gypsum type deposits. The solfatara deposits are found commonly in the neighborhood of active or extinct volcanoes as in Italy, Japan and Chile, or fumaroles associated with mineral springs such as the Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone Park. Here the sulfur is deposited in tufas or other porous host rocks. This type of sulfur deposit probably results from the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide or the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with sulfur dioxide. Most of the world&apos;s supply of elemental sulfur comes from the gypsum-type deposits. Here the mineral occurs as either crystalline or amorphous sulfur in sedimentary rocks in close association with gypsum and limestone. This association is characteristic and occurs in almost all the great gypsum beds of the world, although sulfur is not always present in quantities of economic importance. Various theories have been advanced to account for this association. Bischof5 suggested that the sulfur came from hydrogen sulfide which resulted from the reduction of calcium sulfate by carbon or methane in accordance with the following reactions: CaSO4 + 2C= CaS + 2CO2 CaS + C02+ H2O = CaCO3 + H2S CaSO4 + CH4= CaS + C02+ 2H20 2H2S + 02= 2H20 + 2S All of the sulfur-bearing domes on the Gulf Coast have calcium sulfate in great quantity in the cap. They all show the presence of hydrocarbons. The oxygen for the final reaction could have been supplied by circulating ground waters. The principal objection to this theory is that temperatures of 700° to 1000°C are needed to reduce the sulfate to sulfide with carbon compounds. The geologic evidence is that the temperature of the sulfur-bearing domes of Texas did not exceed 100°C. Proponents of the theory say that geologic time or a catalyst replaced temperature. According to another theory the sulfur in the salt domes is the result of bacterial action. Sulfate reducing bacteria have been detected in sulfur cores and in the formation water issuing from salt domes. It has, therefore, been suggested that these bacteria converted the sulfate to sulfide which subsequently was converted to elemental sulfur.

Jan 1, 1960

By Fred H. Poettmann, J. K. Welchon, A. F. Bertuzzi

A series of gas-lift tests was made which verified conclusions reached from previous studies and which showed that gas-lift performance could be calculated if reasonably accurate data on the producing characteristics of the well are available.&apos; The test installation is described. Its essential features consisted of a rate-of-flow controller to regulate the input gas and an auxiliary string of small diameter tubing to conduct the input gas to the point of injection in the eductor tubing. In general, it was shown that for continuous gas-lift operation, injection should be as deep as possible consistent with available gas pressure and rate of production desired. Calculated curves are presented which completely characterize the gas-lift performance of the well tested. INTRODUCTION A correlation based on field data from a large number of flowing and gas-lift wells, covering a wide range of oper- ating conditions, was developed which permitted the logical design and prediction of the performance of continuous gaslift installations.&apos; The procedure made it possible to calculate the depth, pressure, rate at which to inject gas, horsepower requirements, and the effect of production rate and tubing size on these quantities. As a result of these calculations certain significant facts were brought to light or re-emphasized. The presence of efficient ranges of operation and an optimum injection depth for a given rate of production were shown to exist as well as the fact that the lower the tubing pressure the less the horsepower requirements to lift the reservoir fluids. The fact that the gas lift performance can be predicted by calculation does not mean that any given installation will perform over the entire range predicted. Many of the conventional continuous gas-lift installations will not permit operation over the entire range predicted by calculation (particularly in the efficient range of operation) because of the performance characteristics of the installation. Consequently, field tests were initiated for the purpose of investigating and arriving at a simple continuous gas-lift installation which would operate under all conditions predicted by calculation. The first series of tests involved the use of mechanically operated valves. These valves were slip-joint type valves which are opened and closed by lowering or raising the tubing at the surface by means of a hydraulic jack. These valves were chosen because it was hoped that they could be opened or closed at will and did not depend on the gas pressure in the annulus or the pressure of the fluid in the tubing for their operation. Unfortunately, the valves did not operate satisfactorily and it was imossible to open or close each valve at will. Some limited data were obtained, however, which verified the predicted benefits resulting from the use of lower tubing pressures. In the next series of tests the valves were removed and the gas was injected from the annulus through a 14/64-in. orifice equipped with a reverse check valve. A packer was set below the valve to seal off the space between the 2-in. tubing and 5-in. casing. The injection point was located at 3,810 ft. This arrangement provided satisfactory mechanical operation. However, it was impossible to obtain low rates of liquid production at low tubing pressures as predicted by calculation. A minimum gas injection rate existed below which steady flow was impossible. Liquid pro-

Jan 1, 1953

By M. A. Selim, W. H. Somerton

Thermal expansions and heats of reaction of three typical sandstones were measured in the temperature range of 25°to 1,000°C. The significance of these data in subsurface heat-transfer calculations is discussed. Linear thermal expansions were measured both parallel and perpendicular to the bedding planes. Volume expansions are reported as the perpendicular expansion plus two times the parallel expansion. Expansion behavior of the sandstones was found to be controlled by the expansion characteristics of the quartz content. Differential expansion of the quartz grains and other minerals included in the sandstones caused permanent deformation of the heated samples after they were cooled to room temperature. Structural damage resulting from heating is probably an important cause of the reduction of thermal conductivity of heated samples. Measurements of heats of reaction were based on the known heat required for a- quartz inversion. Thermal reactions, which probably include deby-droxylation of clay minerals and decomposition of carbonate minerals contained within the samples, were found to require more than one-fourth of the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of the rock alone. In shales and limestones, the reaction heat could be substantially greater than that required from specific heat considerations alone. INTRODUCTION In earlier work, l-3 methods of measuring thermal properties were developed and thermal data for several sedimentary-rock types were reported. Data included thermal conductivity, specific heat and thermal diffusivity. In addition, calculations of heat transfer in subsurface formations may require data on the thermal-expansion characteristics of rock and the heats of reaction of mineral constituents. Thermal expansion of rocks is relatively small in magnitucle and, from the standpoint of change in bulk density, has only minor effects on heat-transfer cliaracteristics. Thermal-expansion behavior, however, may have significant effects on the structure of rocks. Differential expansion of different minerals and along different crystal-lographic axes may result in structural damage which could effectively reduce the thermal conductivity of the rock. Many mineral constituents of sedimentary rocks undergo phase or related changes when heated to sufficiently high temperatures. Although some of these reactions (such as the a-ß quartz inversion) are reversible and the heat absorbed is returned to the system upon cooling, many of the major reactions are irreversible. Through certain temperature ranges, the additional heat energy required to complete the reactions may be nearly as great as that necessary to raise the temperature of the rock in the absence of thermal reactions. If the heat requirements for these reactions are not considered, serious errors in heat-transfer calculations may result. Thermal-tzxpansion and thermal-reaction data have been obtained for three typical sandstones. Methods of measurement and results obtained are reported and discussed in the following. THERMAL EXPANSION OF SANDSTONES The linear expansions of three outcrop sandstones (Bandera, Berea and Boise) have been measured in the temptbratue range of 25° to 1,000° C. Expansion measurements were made in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the bedding. The differential expansion apparatus used is that described by Mitoff and Pask.4 The test sample is heated in an electric furnace with a temperature rise of 6°C/minute. The lengthening of the samples upon heating is compared with the small and known expansion of a fused silica rod. The change in length is transmitted to an X-Y recorder by means of a Statham transducer. A maximum error of ± 1.5 per cent has been obtained with this apparatus