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By G. P. Gladis, R. H. Atkinson

Palladium has been used for jewelry for many years, particularly in conjunction with gold. This use increased in amount during the war, as palladium and gold were only moderately used for war purposes while demands for platinum and some of the other members of the platinum group were so great that their use in jewelry was prohibited. Palladium hardened with a small percentage of ruthenium has the necessary technical properties and appearance for good jewelry, and it is sufficiently rare to be desirable for luxury items—at least I00 times as rare as gold. Although both visual and spectro-photometric examination demonstrated that the color of Palladium was almost the same as that of platinum, a few jewelers found the surface of palladium, even after some polishing, rather dark in areas that had been repeatedly heated during the soldering necessary to assemble certain types of handmade ornaments. This phenomenon is not to be confused with the thin, bluish oxide film that can be produced by heating in air over the range 400' to 800°C., as that film is easily reduced by dipping in warm 5 per cent formic acid or in warm methanol. It was suspected that the difficulty arose from heating in atmospheres that were alternately oxidizing and reducing, as Wise and Vines1 had found that this opened the grain boundaries of palladium and palladium-silver alloys in the same manner as in pure silver, as reported by Martin and Parker.2 This damage is caused by the reaction between oxygen in solid solution in the metal, acquired when heated under oxidizing conditions, and hydrogen diffusing in from subsequent heating under reducing conditions; the steam cannot diffuse out and therefore builds up sufficient pressure to disrupt the metal near the surface. Copper and various other metals can be damaged similarly, but platinum is nearly immune; therefore the problem was new to the platinum jeweler. Sulphur in the fuel gas also can cause trouble but did not appear to be dominant in the present instance. Metallographic examination of both pure palladium and ruthenium-palladium showed that the usual torch using oxygen and city gas as normally operated did in fact cause the surface and subsurface damage that had been observed, and also disclosed that a reducing flame caused more damage than an oxidizing flame and was very damaging even in the absence of any intentional swing in atmosphere from oxidizing to reducing (Fig. 7); besides the surface damage, there was serious loss of ductility. A full explanation of the mechanism of attack is not evident at the moment, but may be allied to the attack that occurs on heating catalytically active metals in nonequilibrium atmospheres.

Jan 1, 1946

By J. W. Halley, G. L. Plimpton

BECAUSE of the two distinct stages in the solidification of rimmed steel, segregation in the rimmed ingot is more complex than that in the killed or semikilled ingot. In the earlier stage, chemical reactions, resulting in evolution of gas and vigorous stirring of the metal, effect a degree of negative segregation unique to rimmed steel. The composition of this zone constitutes the principal quality advantage of this type of steel. In the later stage of solidification, after the evolution of gas has ceased, the segregation follows the general pattern of a more completely deoxidized steel. However, the composition of the liquid remaining after the first solidification stage varies markedly from that of the original melt, some constituents having been partially removed as reaction products while the concentration of others has been intensified by rejection from the metal solidifying in the first zone. The aim, from the standpoint of segregation, in rimmed steel of high quality is to effect a maximum negative segregation in the rim zone without excessive concentration of undesirable elements at the center of the ingot. To achieve this aim, the composition of the melt may be varied and the furnace and pouring practice may be adjusted within certain limits. It is the purpose of this study to discuss segregation in rimmed steel from the standpoint of the mechanisms that produce it and to survey the phases of open-hearth practice that influence those mechanisms. MECHANISMS PRODUCING SEGREGATION The mechanisms that determine the degree of segregation in the rimmed ingot are closely interrelated, making it difficult to select the primary factors and to determine a satisfactory order for presenting them. For instance, the question of sulphur segregation is relatively simple, since sulphur is not directly involved in chemical reactions in the ingot; but its concentration in the rim zone is dependent not only on its original analysis in the melt, its segregation coefficient, and the freezing rate, but also on the rate of its removal from the impure film on the solidifying surface. This washing action involves all the factors (such as freezing rate, the carbon-oxygen product, pressure, etc.) that determine the rate of gas evolution and hence the efficiency of film removal. Sulphur distribution between the rim and core is affected by the volumetric ratio between the two zones, and its segregation in the core is a function not only of the freezing rate of the core but also of all the foregoing factors that determine its concentration in the metal when solidification of the core starts. To simplify the presentation, it is proposed to treat the mechanisms affecting segregation independently in this section, reserving a discussion of their over-all effects for the section in which actual segregation data are given. The factors affecting segregation will be treated in the following order: (I) differential solidification, (2) removal of constituents as

Jan 1, 1944

By G. P. Gladis, R. H. Atkinson

Palladium has been used for jewelry for many years, particularly in conjunction with gold. This use increased in amount during the war, as palladium and gold were only moderately used for war purposes while demands for platinum and some of the other members of the platinum group were so great that their use in jewelry was prohibited. Palladium hardened with a small percentage of ruthenium has the necessary technical properties and appearance for good jewelry, and it is sufficiently rare to be desirable for luxury items—at least I00 times as rare as gold. Although both visual and spectro-photometric examination demonstrated that the color of Palladium was almost the same as that of platinum, a few jewelers found the surface of palladium, even after some polishing, rather dark in areas that had been repeatedly heated during the soldering necessary to assemble certain types of handmade ornaments. This phenomenon is not to be confused with the thin, bluish oxide film that can be produced by heating in air over the range 400' to 800°C., as that film is easily reduced by dipping in warm 5 per cent formic acid or in warm methanol. It was suspected that the difficulty arose from heating in atmospheres that were alternately oxidizing and reducing, as Wise and Vines1 had found that this opened the grain boundaries of palladium and palladium-silver alloys in the same manner as in pure silver, as reported by Martin and Parker.2 This damage is caused by the reaction between oxygen in solid solution in the metal, acquired when heated under oxidizing conditions, and hydrogen diffusing in from subsequent heating under reducing conditions; the steam cannot diffuse out and therefore builds up sufficient pressure to disrupt the metal near the surface. Copper and various other metals can be damaged similarly, but platinum is nearly immune; therefore the problem was new to the platinum jeweler. Sulphur in the fuel gas also can cause trouble but did not appear to be dominant in the present instance. Metallographic examination of both pure palladium and ruthenium-palladium showed that the usual torch using oxygen and city gas as normally operated did in fact cause the surface and subsurface damage that had been observed, and also disclosed that a reducing flame caused more damage than an oxidizing flame and was very damaging even in the absence of any intentional swing in atmosphere from oxidizing to reducing (Fig. 7); besides the surface damage, there was serious loss of ductility. A full explanation of the mechanism of attack is not evident at the moment, but may be allied to the attack that occurs on heating catalytically active metals in nonequilibrium atmospheres.

Jan 1, 1946

By L. R. Plitt, M. K. Kim

The collecting properties of the fatty acid type collectors for barite were studied using zeta potential measurements, infrared spectroscopy, and Hallimond tube flotation tests. Based upon the experimental results, an adsorption model has been formulated which emphasizes the predominant role of the hydrocarbon chain in collector adsorption.

Jan 1, 1975

By Arthur H. Leigh

Anode mud, the residual material collected from the bottom of the electrolytic cells during the refining of copper is leached, roasted, fire-refined and cast into Dore1 metal anodes. Dore1 metal is a gold-silver-copper alloy containing 80 percent silver. The metal is processed electrolytically using the Moebius system to refine silver and separate gold, platinum and palladium. The Moebius cell cathodes receive a deposit of silver crystals which are melted and cast into 1000 ounce silver bars with 999 Fine minimum purity. Gold mud is collected in fabric bags and cast into gold anodes for further refining in the Wohlwill cells. Wohlwill cells are unique in that gold, the noble metal, can be put into solution electrolytically without the use of aqua regia. Gold is collected on high purity gold foil cathodes and cast into 400 ounce bull ion with 999.7 Fine minimum purity. Platinum and palladium remain in the electrolyte progressively increasing in concentration and are finally separated and purified by precipitation.

Jan 1, 1973

By W. G. Pfann

Under certain conditions, a molten zone can be made to move through a solid by impressing a stationary temperature gradient across the solid. This phenomenon can be utilized in fabricating semiconductive devices, growing single crystals, joining, boring fine holes in solids, measuring diffusivities in liquids, small scale alloying, and purification. Fundamentals and exemplary applications are outlined. ANEW aspect of the travel of a molten zone through a solid is considered in this paper. Whereas, in previously described zone melting techniques,'-' zones were usually caused to move by changing the position or temperature of a heat source, in the present technique a zone is made to move by impressing a temperature gradient across it. For example, a thin layer of molten A1-Si alloy, sandwiched between two silicon slabs having a temperature gradient normal to the layer, will travel through the hotter slab. One feature of temperature gradient zone melting, as this technique will be called here, is that zones of unusually small dimensions can be maintained. This leads to such diverse uses as have been listed in the abstract. In this paper fundamentals of the movement of a molten zone in a temperature gradient, and some practical applications thereof, are outlined. Assumptions The movement of a molten zone through a solid body of solvent substance in which a temperature gradient exists will be discussed. The length of the zone will be its dimension in the direction of motion. The direction of the temperature gradient will be toward the region of higher temperature. To be considered is a binary or higher order solute-solvent system in which the concentration of solute in the molten zone is sufficient to produce a lowering of the freezing temperature of the solvent which is at least of the order of the temperature range impressed on the charge. While we discuss primarily molten zones in a solid matrix, the principles are applicable to solid or vaporous zones in a solid matrix, a requirement being that the diffusivity in the zone be substantially greater than in the matrix. Diffusion of solute into the surrounding solid will be assumed negligible. In general, its presence will not basically alter the conclusions to be drawn. For illustration, a system represented by the partial constitutional diagram of Fig. la will be discussed, in which k, the distribution coefficient defined in the figure, is constant and less than unity. However, the technique is applicable to any solute- solvent system in which one component lowers the melting point of another component. Movement of a Molten Zone in a Temperature Gradient Consider, in the system AB of Fig. 1, where B is designated the solute and A the solvent, the effect of sandwiching a thin layer of solid B between blocks of solid A and placing the whole in a temperature gradient such that the temperature of the layer is above the lowest melting temperature of the system. Surrounded by an excess of A, the layer will dissolve A, becoming molten, and expand in length." As so- lution of A continues, at both interfaces, the mean solute concentration in the zone will move to the right in Fig. la, until at temperature T, the liquid at the cooler interface reaches the liquidus concentration C,. Solution of A thereupon ceases because the liquid T1 is saturated with A. The liquid at the hotter end of the zone, being at temperature T2, is not saturated with A at concentration C1. Hence solution of A continues there and concentration C2 is approached. A concentration gradient therefore is set up in the zone, causing A to diffuse toward the cool end and B toward the hot end. As a result, the liquid at the cool interface becomes supersaturated and a layer of crystalline A containing concentration kc, of B in solid solution freezes. Since a source of A

Jan 1, 1956

By Albert F. Hill

The manufacture of structural shapes in steel of uniform quality, which shall command the full confidence of the engineer, is a problem in practical metallurgy which is beginning to attract much attention in this country. The progress of the past fern years in the improvement of plant and processes has placed it within the power of the steel-maker to supply a material of such chemical composition as will meet the requirements; but this solves only in part the difficulties of the constractor. It is well understood that the influence of shop manipulations is a most decisive one upon the mechanical properties of the finished product; in many cases so great, in fact, as to cause an entire transformation in the character of the material, and to render it unfit for the service for which it was intended. On the other hand, mechanical treatment is frequently resorted to as an efficient corrective of certain undesirable properties, which may be due either to chemical composition or previous manipulation. This understood and accepted, it is evident that careful investigation of the effects of mechanical treatment is fully as necessary to the successful use of steel in engineering structures, as the investigation of the influence exerted by its chemical composition. All structural material has to undergo more or less mechanical treatment, such as shearing, punching, upsetting, etc. Each of these operations produces effects which are far more marked and decisive in steel than they are in iron, and means must therefore be adopted to counteract, or at least to modify, these effects before the material is permitted to enter the structure. The fact that both shearing and punching affect the tenacity and elasticity of steel has long been recognized; bat, through more recent investigations, it has been established that these effects are purely local, and are therefore susceptible of correction by other and simpler means than annealing. The importance of this discovery to the use of steel in structures is very great. The impracticability of

Jan 1, 1883

By Clifford Wilson

SCREENED pipe is designed with the view of restraining the fine, free-running sands of the production zone from entering oil wells. Its successful use is dependent on a number of factors. The nature and effects of some of these factors can be determined through experiment and observation, but some of the elements that have a distinct bearing on the use of screened pipe can be evaluated only by estimate. The important subsurface conditions which affect the use of screened pipe are: 1. Depth of production zone. 2. Extent of production zone. 3. Reservoir pressure. 4. Character and relative quantity of oil and gas. 5. Character of sediments a. Consolidation of beds. b. Variation in beds. c. Grain-size gradation of sands. d. Free-running characteristics of sand from different levels. Aside from the use. of mechanical equipment and tools, the measures to be taken in the installation of screened pipe involve: 1. Size of liner. 2. Length of liner. 3. Design and mesh of screen. 4. Portion of liner to be screened. 5. Manner of setting liner. 6. Preparation of or washing of the well before or during the setting of the screen. 7. Manner of bringing in the well. 8. Manner of flowing the well. Values applicable to the actual subsurface conditions that exist at any well can only be approximated. The accuracy of the estimate will be measured by the amount and quality of the evidence at hand and the personal factor of ability to interpret the evidence fairly, whether

Jan 1, 1932

By L. R. Jackson

It is convenient to have a consistent system of notation that will allow the representation of the entire range of complex stresses from hydrostatic compression to hydrostatic tension on plastic flow in a single diagram. Such a system is provided by making use of the fact that any complex stress system can be resolved into a hydrostatic tension or compression and a pure shear. Consider a stress system having the principal stresses This system can be resolved into a new system consisting of the three components and three pure shears. If Sm is positive, the net stress effect is hydrostatic tension; if it is negative, the effect is hydrostatic compression. In order to produce a systematic notation, a quantity that will be referred to as the "triaxial ratio" will be defined by the equation _ Sm Tr = Sm - Sm is given by Eq. I and Sl is the absolute magnitude of the largest principal stress without regard to sign. Table I lists the triaxial ratios for various common systems. Table i.—Triaxid Ratios for Various CommonSyslems Triaxial Ratio Stress System Tr Hydrostatic compression — SI - —St - -S³............................... -1 Torsion or shear -SI - S². S² = O..... O Simple tension SI. SI = SI = 0......... +0.33 Biaxial tension SI = S² S³ - 0......... +0.66 Hydrostatic tension +SI - +S³ = +S³. +1.00 Representation of Strains Strains will be plotted as "true" strains according to the system proposed by Ludwik.1

Jan 1, 1945

By Thomas J. Crocker, Galen G. Waddell, Eugene H. Skinner

This paper describes a method of measuring initial and long-term deformations which occur in the medium surrounding mine accessways, and discusses the importance of this type of measurement in assessing support-problem areas. Delineated are (1) description of the rock-deformation monitoring equipment, (2) results of two field tests which monitored rock deformation around 4-foot-diameter raise bores, and (3) a numerical-analysis (finite-element) technique to correlate theoretical with experimental results. Instrumentation developed provided the sensitivity and resolution needed to measure rock deformation around a full-scale raise bore during excavation. Results of the tests conducted at the Lucky Friday mine, Mullan, Idaho, show the relationships between (a) de- formation vs. time, and (b) deformation vs. bit progress. Based on theoretical evaluation of the initial deformation, the medium appeared to behave elastically. Using an estimated field stress of 5,500 psi and Poisson's ratio of 0.20, the gross modulus of elasticity of the rock was calculated to range from 3.15 to 6.0 x 106 psi (with one outlier which was determined to be >12 x l06 psi).

Jan 1, 1971

By G. R. M. Del Giudice, A. M. Sadler, Arthur F. Taggart, M. Hassialis

FLOTATION of sulphide minerals and native metals is no longer a practical difficulty. The underlying scientific principles of the method, although not explored in anything like complete detail, have been formulated with sufficient breadth so that the direction of attack on any specific case is clearly indicated. It has been known since the earliest days of flotation that certain of the nonsulphide nonmetal minerals-e.g., sulphur and graphite-would respond to flotation by oils as sulphides do; therefore they have been grouped with sulphides in many patents. But since the development of the chemical theory of collection, 1,2,3 this similarity in action has been one of the facts cited in disproof of the theory by opponents of the hypothesis. 4 5-1 Air levitationt of certain oxidized minerals, both metalliferoust and nonmetalliferous, and separation thereby from other oxidized minerals, is a recent development in practice, although the discovery of the method dates back 17 years .7 This paper presents evidence that the principles underlying the air levitation of the nonsulphide nonmetal minerals are the same as those utilized in the flotation of the sulphides and native metals. It will be apparent immediately to anyone with knowledge of mineral concentration that separation of air-levitated minerals in water from minerals not so levitated is a simple matter of water-gravity concentration, the separating device employed depending solely upon the size of the particles treated and the buoyancy differences effected by the levitation. The usual separating means employed are: (1) a flotation machine for fine, slimy and for well aerated granular material; (2) shaking tables for granular less aerated material. By using large quantities of oil, it is possible to form substantially air-free oil-bound masses or granules of nonsiliceous minerals and to

Jan 1, 1937

By A. Beeby Thompson

FOR more than 2500 years, natural gas issues in the Surakhany district of the Apsheron peninsula were the object of pilgrimages by fire worshippers and Hindoos from Burma and India. Even as late as 1890, Hindoo priests conducted ceremonies in a temple at Surakhany, which probably replaced a more ancient one; but later, the visits of the pilgrims were prohibited in order to check the spread of Asiatic diseases in that region. For centuries, limited supplies of oil have been abstracted from shallow excavations in the Caspian oil belt and dispatched into the interior of Asia and elsewhere for medicinal and industrial purposes. Statistics show a yield of 37,400 bbl. in 1863, but only since 1869 has there been serious development; in that year the yield was 203,000 bbl. At that time, hand digging was supplanted by drilling, and the enormous wells that resulted from tapping sources hitherto beyond the reach of operators completely demoralized the industry for a time, owing to inadequate outlets for the products. The early activities in this area were greatly hindered by annoying taxation, monopolies, imperial land grants, etc., but when these were revoked or adjusted, in 1877, the industry sprang into prominence and, between 1898 and 1901, the Baku fields produced practically one-half of the world's supply of oil. Within a few miles of Baku lie the two richest oil fields in the world; viz., the Balakhany-Saboontchy-Romany and the Bibi-Eibat, the latter constituting almost a suburb of the city. For many years the gasoline obtained in the refineries of the Baku area was burned in pits, being considered an undesirable product, and until 1870 the residue also was destroyed, its value as a fuel not being recognized. Kerosene was the main product sought by the refiners. It was shipped across the Caspian Sea and up the Volga to the industrial centers of Russia. Only on the completion of the Baku-Batoum railway did the Baku oil fields secure

Jan 8, 1920

By John V. Beall, William F. Haddon

A long the mighty Andean Cordillera, there is splendor beyond imagination-in the natural beauty of the mountains and in daring engineering and lavish investment in the mines. This is the story of the great copper mines of Chile and Peru. Each mine has a special quality which has tested the physical and spiritual resources of the founder. In the early days of the older mines, the mining engineer of song and story was more the rule than the exception. He was physically tough, ingenious and a leader of men. In the current political and social environment of Chile and Peru, the foreign contract mining engineer is still needed; but he must be a different type of man. To John J. Selters at Cerro's Rio Blanco, the principal ingredient is still "toughness," but it is "toughness of mind" that is needed. "He probably should be a teacher." The copper mines are not new. They were, almost without exception, worked by Indians (La Exotica might prove the rule), and later by the intrepid Spaniards. Modern mining began after the turn of the century. In Chile, the first of the big ones was the Braden Copper Co. founded on the El Teniente deposit. This development was followed by Chile Exploration Co. at Chuquicamata and Andes Copper at Potrerillos. These properties have been developed over the years by vast expenditures of money and a monumental amount of labor. None was free of technical problems-metallurgy at Chuqui, marginal grade of the old mine at Andes, avalanches and the great fire at El Teniente. The evolution which has brought the established mines of Chile, and the new ones coming on stream, to their present state of development is in reality the work of wonders of input-money, engineering and responsible management in an atmosphere of political stability. Without any one of these, the result would have been failure.

Jan 11, 1969

By Michael A. Devane, Neil Duncan

Inclines and tunnels can extend from ground surface to considerable depths traversing a wide range of lithologies. The strata encountered may be affected by loosening and induced stresses at different locations along the route. It is suggested that Phase I of the pre- driving assessment process should include study of the geology, hydrogeology, rock material and rock mass characteristics. A rock mass disruption factor is used to express the ratio of the unconfined strength of intact rock material to the unconfined strength of in situ rock mass. It is suggested that there is a relationship between in situ (secondary) permeability values and the disruption factor, since the permeability of the rock mass is governed by parameters which influence strength. In Phase I1 of the pre-driving assessment, consideration should be given to the prediction of primary loosening which results largely from disturbances to the rock mass arising from the driving process. Also in Phase 11, preliminary assessments are made of the effects of induced stresses and of the geodurability characteristics of the rocks. In Phase 111, the mechanics of various secondary loosening pro- cesses are considered along with their relevance to estimates of stand up time and support requirements. Yield-line analysis is introduced for the study of plastic and brittle type bending deformations. Stand up time and support characteristics are also assessed. In Phase IV, the effects of induced stresses are analysed. It is suggested that even for broken rock in the Yield Zone, the rock mass disruption factor may not often increase above lo which is equivalent to an in situ permeability of 10-1 m/s.

Jan 1, 1983

By Michel David

One of the most important questions that arises in ore estimation can be stated as follows: What is the error when one extends the grade of a sample to a certain volume? The theory of regionalized variables, with the concept of extension variance, provides a response to that crucial question for any kind of sample extended to any volume. For the usual "extensions" encountered in current mining practice, some simple results can be derived from that theory which was initiated by Dr. G. Matheron. These results have been applied to a stratiform lead-zinc deposit for which several estimations of grade, tonnage and related precision have been made for a series of grid sizes such as might be used in a progressive exploration program.

Jan 1, 1969

By William Plank

IN PAST YEARS, engineering educators and others have been able to study the problems relating to en-gineering education in the United States with only inadequate and, frequently, inaccurate data at their command. For the first time there is now available fairly full and accurate information on this subject, gathered and compiled by the Board of Investigation and Coordination of the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education. This board, of which W. E. Wickenden is the director, has for the past four years been carrying out fact-finding investigations into "the objects of engineering education and the fitness of the present day curriculum," under a grant of funds from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Twelve bulle-tins have already been published by the board and others are in the process of preparation. The studies made, thus far, have been of the various phases of engineering education in general as well as of the major branches of engineering. Within the past year. the board has completed a study of mining engi-neering education by means of a questionnaire sent to members of the Institute. A special committee, con-sisting of Charles E. Locke, Allen H. Rogers and the writer, cooperated with the board in drafting certain parts of the questionnaire and in selecting the mailing list. Similar studies have been made through the mem-bers of the four other national societies. The results of these studies have been published only in mimeo-graphed form, therefore, in order to place the data before the members of the Institute an incomplete sum-mary of the replies to the A. I. M. E. questionnaire is here given. The full report will be available for distri-bution at the annual meeting in February. The questionnaire was sent to 306 members of the Institute, a proportion about equal to the proportion of the membership of the other national societies can-vassed; 152 members replied to the questionnaire, 55 per cent of whom had received college degrees in some branch of engineering connected with the mineral in-dustry. Forty-seven educational institutions were rep-resented in the replies. Seventeen different positions were held by the members who replied, with 24 con-sulting engineers at the head of the list, 20 managers, 16 superintendents, 11 presidents, 10 professors, 6 deans, and others.

Jan 1, 1928

Map

Jan 1, 1938

NEW MEMBERS The following list comprises the names of those persons who became members during the period May 10 to June 10, 1915: Members ANDREEN, HARRY MAYO, Millman: and Assayer Thane, Alaska. BANKS, HUBERT RAYMOND, Min. Engr., Mill Staff, Consolidated Arizona Smelting Co., Humboldt, Ariz. BASSETT, ARTHUR F., Min. Engr., Care Consolidated Arizona Smelting Co., Humboldt, Ariz. BLACKNER, LESTER A., Slope Engr.... Care Ray Consolidated Copper Co., Ray, Ariz. BUSHNELL, C. E., Draftsman Butte & Superior Copper Co., Butte, Mont. CAVAGNARO, DAVID AMILE, Min. Engr., Genl. Supt., Wisconsin North Fork GravelMines, Forest, Sierra Co.; Cal. COGHILL, WILLIAM HAKES, Met., Ore Testing Laboratory, 3705 Hueco St., - - El Paso, Tex.

Jan 7, 1915

By John D. Sullivan, Edwin J. Rogers, Chester R. Austin

THE problem of making a building unit combining the necessary physical and mechanical properties and good thermal insulation has been foremost in the minds of architects and ceramic and construction engineers for many years. This paper presents the results of studies on thermally expanding shales or clays to produce light-weight cellular products suitable for making building units. An expanded clay block suitable for building purposes should be large enough so that substantial savings may be effected in labor costs in laying the wall. The permeability should be low and it should have sufficiently good "dry-wall" characteristics to permit exposing the exterior surface to the elements, and to permit plastering directly the inside wall surface. The thermal conductivity should be low and the mechanical properties should be adequate. Obviously, a unit possessing satisfactory qualities for constructing an outside wall would be satisfactory for interior walls and for back-up purposes. The results of studies on bloating various shales or clays† and the properties of the expanded products are reported. In another paper1 basic factors involved in bloating of clays are discussed. Manufacturers of ceramic products, particularly structural clay, may encounter bloating of the ware during burning, and precautions must be followed to avoid this phenomenon. About 1927 the C. F. Burgess Laboratories, Madison, Wis., while carrying on an investigation for the American Face Brick Research Corporation, conceived the idea of intentionally bloating clay while holding it in a restrained condition, with the hope of producing a unitary cellular mass. Work was carried on until about 1931, when studies were terminated because of business conditions. These studies were continued later by The Western Brick Co., Danville, Ill., which developed a process of "inwardly expansive bloating." The major purpose of the latter investigation was to produce back-up tile to compete with concrete blocks made from Haydite or cinder aggregate. Haydite is a light-weight aggregate formed by heating certain clays or shales rapidly in a rotary kiln. While the investigations at the C. F. Burgess Laboratories or at Western Brick Co. were not carried far enough to lead to the commercial production of material for the construction of walls, particularly outside walls, they showed that certain clays could be thermally expanded and that it was possible to produce a material of low permeability with a large percentage of the total voids or cells closed. Commencing in 1939, the Ozark Chemical Co. sponsored a research program at Battelle Memorial Institute for the purpose of determining whether it is technically feasible to make thermally expanded building units, and specifically to get answers to the following questions:

Jan 1, 1942

By H. L. Bridgman

The correct sampling of ores is a subject of far greater importance than is usually conceded to it. Of the little which has been published on this subject, the recent paper by Mr. Glenn, with the accompanying discussion by Dr. Raymond (Trans., xx., 155), is the latest and best, and well worthy the careful perusal of all interested in accurate sampling, whether by hand or by machine. It is doubtless true that thorough hand-sampling gives as good average results as can be obtained; but all hand-sampling is subject to the possible incompetency, carelessness, or dishonesty of the workmen employed. It is, moreover, tedious and expensive, requires large space, and usually entails considerable delay, both in unloading and in sampling. For these and other reasons, machine-sampling is now regarded with more favor than ever before. So-called machine-sampling may be accomplished in two radically different ways: 1. Part of the stream of material is taken for the whole time. 2. The whole stream of material is taken for part of the time. Under the first case the stream, as it issrles from the deliveryspout of the crusher, is cut continuously in any given proportion, such as one-tenth, one-fourth, or one-half, by some fixed apparatus, which, as it contains no moving parts, is strictly speaking not a machine at all, but may be termed an appliance. The principle under which these appliances operate is now pretty generally conceded to be wrong, becanse of the practical impossibility of' cutting such a

Jan 1, 1892