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By E. W. McAllister

The decision of the California Oil Umpire's' office to accept well potentials established from subsurface-pressure data has brought to the attention of many operators for the first time the application of such data to production problems. This paper reviews the development and application of subsurface-pressure data in kettleman Hills, where these data have been used in production work since 1932. The Kettleman Hills field was discovered in October 1928. The first subsurface-pressure surveys were made early in 1932 and by the middle of 1933 the two major operators in the field were making routine pressure runs in thcir respective wells. Shortly therefter, these companies agreed to exchange pressure data, and later a third company entered into the agreement. This made it possible to analyze the effects upon the reservoir pressure of past production practices, which are discussed in the latter part of the report. It is interesting that many of the applications of subsurface-pressure data discussed herein were anticipated by C. L. Clark and C. B. Kimberlint in a report2 dated March 1933. PRODUCTIVITY Index In the majority of individual well problems involving the use of subsurface- pressure data, it is necessary to use a factor known as the "productivity index," which indicates the ability of a well to produce and represents the number of barrels of oil or oil and water per day that will enter the well bore for each pound per square inch pressure drop made opposite the producing interval of the well. The productivity index may be determined from pressure and production data for one or more rates of flow and a static or shut-in pressure survey or from production and pressure data for two or more rates of flow. Productivity indices may be based upon either net oil or total fluid production. All indices referred to in this report are based upon net oil. The value of the productivity index for Kettlcman Hills wells decreases generally with time and it is not uncommon for the index to vary in value at any specific time fur various rates of flow. The decline of the productivity index may be attributed partly to the loss of reservoir pressure. As the reservoir pressure decreases, gas originally in solution is released from the oil, congesting the flow of fluids through the formation and increasing the viscosity and surface tension of the oil; thus the flow resistance of the fluids through the formation is increased, resulting in a decrease of the productivity index. For convenient reference, the productivity indices for each well are plotted against time and a curve is drawn through the points showing the trend of the average index value. Plotted on Fig. I are index values for five

Jan 1, 1941

By E. N. Skinner, Arthur Philliops

During the course of an experimental program concerned with the hydrogen embrittlement of copper containing oxygen in concentrations within the solubility limits it became necessary to make a critical appraisal of the literature dealing with the solubility relationships of oxygen and solid copper. The latest determinations, and perhaps the only data obtained on "spectroscopically" pure copper, are those of Rhines and Mathewson' who reported that the solid solubility increases from 0.007 per cent oxygen at 600°C. to about 0.01; per cent at 1500ºC. Hanson, Marryat and Ford2 had previously placed the solubility limit at less than 0.009 per cent oxygen at 1000ºC. and Allen and Street3 had suggested, on the basis of an unpublished research by T. Hemitt, not over 0.005 per cent oxygen at 500°C. In the introductory stages of the investigation indirect evidence accumulated to suggest that the solubility limits were significantly lower than those previously reported. For this reason it was deemed essential to clarify this point before proceeding with a program intended to establish a quantitative relationship between hydrogen embrittlement and oxygen concentrations positively known to be within the solid solution range. Furthermore, the increasing production and the highly selective applications of the commercial "oxygen-free" coppers inevitably direct attention to the practical necessity for exact knowledge regarding the effects of mini-tie concentrations of the elements ordinarily found in the high-purity coppers now available. Of these elements oxygen occupies a unique position, not only by virtue of its specific effects on copper but more particularly in view of its important reactive tendencies toward the other impurities with which it is associated. Rhines and Mathewson considered several methods for measuring the solubility of oxygen and finally adopted the simple plan of saturating the specimens, obtained from redeposited cathode copper, by heating at the desired temperature in air. After the removal of surface oxide by mechanical and chemical means, the oxygen content was determined in the underlying metal. In general, this process of saturation, with a few modifications, was followed by the present writers. Although the procedure is direct and has obvious advantages, its effectiveness, unfortunately, is reduced by an excessive scaling of the copper, particularly at the higher temperatures. After saturation treatments above 900°C. the writers found that the specimens, necessarily rather thin in the original condition, consisted largely of scale and yielded too little metal for a satisfactory analytical sample. Furthermore, great difficulty was experienced in effecting complete removal of the scale. Needless to say, it is necessary to exercise extraordinary care in the preparation of the surface of the analytical sample in order to eliminate submicro-scopic fragments of cuprous oxide which ordinarily are lodged in the crevasses and

Jan 1, 1941

By H. H. Stout

In the early fall of 1925, the writer was conducting, in the Ledoux and Co. laboratory, New York, experiments directed toward ascertaining the effect on its impurity content when cathode copper was subjected to a current of various gases at an elevated temperature below the melting point. The apparatus consisted of a vertical I-in. dia. silica tube about 12 in. long, heated on the outside. The cathodes were broken to pass 3/8-in. mesh, and a current of various different gases was passed up through a 4-in. long column of these loose cathode particles in the vertical tube furnace. Temperature was maintained to 1500º to 1600ºF. and the gas treatments lasted from 3 to 6 hr. The writer observed that whenever reducing gas (H2 or CO) was used, these cathode particles stuck together at points of contact with each other. The cohesion was so marked and tenacious that an examination was made of the fractured surfaces, when cathode particles were broken from the cluster. Crystal growth was always found to have taken place across the surfaces where separate particles were in contact, but only after all oxides, sulphates, etc., had been completely removed. The idea of a possible new process was then conceived and was disclosed to A. M. Smoot (V. P. Ledoux and Co.) with intent to obtain his views. The first conception as given Smoot was "to gas-clean broken cathodes, put them in an extrusion press, solidify and extrude them at around 1500ºF." Smoot's reaction, after a few moments considera- tion, was, "It looks perfectly all right to me.'' The writer and his assistants, W. H. Osborn and H. H. Stout, Jr., after conferring as to ways and means, decided to go ahead with preliminary laboratory experiments, which, it was thought, would move the new process from the possible to the probable. This program followed a course indicated by three basic considerations: 1. Since brittle cathodes were often unintentionally produced, it seemed probable that the laws controlling this type of deposition could be ascertained. 2. We had already proved the gas-cleaning feature. 3. There remained to prove: whether a sound, homogeneous metal billet could be produced with crystal growth established over the entire surface of each individual particle in the billet; and, if so, what would be the physical properties? Osborn arranged with Columbia University for conducting experiments in its research laboratory to prove or disprove the third item; Columbia assigned C. A. Phillipi, Jr. to assist in the project. A press with a cylinder 2 in. high and of I-in. dia. was used. It was surrouilded and heated by a resistance coil 01 Nichrome wire. Broken tough cathodes were used. Experimental Procedure The first run took place March 18, 1926. The resistance wire gave out when temperature of 1000ºF. was obtained. Pressure was immediately applied: perceptible ram movement stopped when 39,000 lb. per sq. in. on the copper was reached, with a maxi-

Jan 1, 1941

By John S. Brown

As a part of a symposium on the relations of structure to ore deposition, in February 1938, the writer presented some tentative opinions derived from his experience with a number of important lead-zinc replacement deposits. These ideas were set forth, as a basis for discussion and a stimulus to further inquiry, in a mimeographed leaflet that read as follows: Intimate acquaintance with a number of lead and zinc deposits in metamorphosed limestones seems to indicate the existence of certain common features from which can be established some general principles governing the localization of ore in this type of formation. It is suspected that these principles can be applied, with modifications, to mineralization in unmetamorphosed limestone. In metamorphosed formations, some observed rules are as follows: 1. Bands or masses of pure limestone are very resistant to replacement by ore solutions, and are likely either to contain no ore or to resist replacement until near the end of mineralization. The reason for this apparently is physical, not chemical, since microscopic data indicate that when ore is deposited by far the greater part of it substitutes for carbonate. The chief factor is believed to be a lack of porosity in massive limestone that has undergone flowage and recrystallization. 2. Masses of intensely siliceous or silicated rock are likewise unfavorable ore receptacles. This seems to be accounted for by two factors: (a) chemical unsuit-ability or resistance to replacement, and (b) physical resistance to small-scale brecci-ation, which might faeilitate the opening of effective channelways for solutions. Some low-grade ore may occur, however, and also sporadic fracture fillings. 3. The optimum condition for ore reception appears to be found in bands or areas containing carbonate and silicates (or quartz) intimately mingled in something like equal proportions. In this situation movement is likely to result in mixed flowage and fracture, producing a finc-textured porosity that admits solutions freely and provides access to an abundance of replaceable carbonate. Cleavage cracks in some minerals such as diopside are believed to facilitate the penetration of solutions. 4. Certain minerals or assemblages are regarded as favorable impurities in a limestone and others as unfavorable. Original quartz, and subsequently developed diopside, and perhaps garnet, are typical favorable pre-ore gangue; in general rather equidimensional, brittle minerals. Tremolite, biotite, and probably wollastonite, are typical unfavorable pre-ore gangue; in general highly elongated and somewhat flexible minerals likely to develop under strong shearing stresses. 5. Tentative opinion is that the ratio of lime and magnesia in a limestone is of little or no importance.

Jan 1, 1941

By S. B. Patterson, A.R. Amos

Log washers have been used for many years in the washing of clay iron ores, phosphate rock and manganese ores, but not until the past 15 years have they been employed to any extent in the preparation of aggregate materials and fluxing stone. For a machine of such importance where tenacious clay or soft rock must be eliminated, there are few data generally available. The purpose of this paper is to set forth the results obtained from several operations, together with a few suggestions for planning a specific installation. Where the material to be washed out consists of loose surface soil, silt, or small amounts of quickly soluble clay, there is little competition with other forms of washers, because greater power and maintenance are required for the operation of log washers, but where the foreign matter is a stiff clay, such as occurs with high-calcium limestones and in marginal gravel deposits, the ability of other kinds of washers to eliminate completely the hard clay balls is at least uncertain. Then the log washer comes into its own field, for with the breaking and churning action of the logs it will clean out the toughest clay. Even with material from the hydraulic dredge, if it contains tough clay, the log washer is desirable unless the gravel is subjected to a costly soaking and rehandling process. Recently there has been a considerable development in other types of machines to accomplish these results but it is not within the scope of this paper to make comparisons between competitive types, but to present the best obtainable data on log washers only. From the primitive design that gave it its name, a long log hewn from a tree, with paddles forged to shape from strap iron and attached by lag screws, the log washer has gradually been developed to the present all-steel type. As now manufactured, the log washer consists essentially of two built-up logs on which are mounted a series of paddles, carried by shafts fitted at the ends of the logs on bearings fastened outside the enclosing steel box, or trough, which is set at an angle of about 5" to 10" and into which the material is fed. Stuffing boxes at the places where the shafts pass through the box at the lower end are equipped with water-

Jan 1, 1938

By Theron Wasson

The discovery of two new fields—the Reed City area of Osceola County and the Headquarters field, of Roscommon County —and the important development in Winterfield township, Clare County, again demonstrate the fact that it is the unknown and unexpected that enter very definitely into the oil-producing history of Michigan. This is particularly true in the area of thick glacial drift in the north central part of the state, where the new prolific fields have been discovered this year. This shifts the interest from the southwestern part of the lower peninsula, where a number of pools were rapidly developed during 1939 and 1940, back into the Central Basin area. As a result of strict proration in the new areas, the production for the state of Michigan for the year has not been as great as in 1940 or 1939. In 1941 the total production was 16,300,000 bbl., in 1940 it was 19,551,000 bbl., and in 1939, which was the peak year, it was 23,300,000 bbl. However, the discovery of the new fields this year nearly doubles the estimated reserves for Michigan reported at the end of 1940 In 1941 about 12,000,000 bbl. of oil was produced from the older fields, in which the individual well productions were so small that proration was not an important factor. The total production for the state from the discovery of oil in 1925 through 1941 now stands at 161,205,000 barrels. ActIVe Oil Fields Reed City Field.—In the Reed City field, Lincoln township, Osceola County, only small oil wells were completed during 1939 and 1940. The discovery of much larger production in wells drilled somewhat deeper, by The Pure Oil Co. and the Weber Oil Co., in the early part of 1941, led to the rapid development in this area. Some wells have had initial productions as high as 10,000 bbl. By the end of the year III producing wells were completed, with an average depth of 3600 ft., from the Detroit River formation of Devonian age. The entire development of the field to the end of 1941 was on 20-acre spacing. Headquarters Field.—The Headquarters field, which lies along the line between Clare and Roscommon Counties, was one of the most important discoveries of 1941 and will be the scene of vigorous development during 1942. Production so far has been from the Traverse lime at about 3400 it., and development has indicated that this is probably one of the most productive Traverse pools yet discovered. One well had been given a potential of 10,000 bbl. per day. Dry holes well located in relation to big producers indicate that it is a typical Traverse development. Winterfield Field.-This field, in Winter-field township, Clare County, was discovered late in 1940. By December 1941, 14 Dundee and 5 Traverse producers had been completed. The Dundee lime is found at a depth of 3750 it. and the Traverse lime at 3070 it. Producing conditions in the Dundee seem to be erratic because of varying porosity in the dolomit-ized limestone. Kawkawlin Field.—The Kawkawlin field, which was discovered by the Gulf Refining Co. in 1938, is in Monitor and Kawkawlin townships, Bay County. Small production

Jan 1, 1942

By Thomas T. Read

Mining, which is at least twenty cen-turies old, was at first, and long, wholly a practical art. Little more than two centuries have elapsed since the inception of the idea that general education and a knowledge of natural science would be of advantage to those engaged in the mining industry. Though schools of mining began to develop in Europe early in the eighteenth century the concept of educational preparation, for technical conduct of the industry was slow in winning general acceptance in the industry itself. John Hays Hammond, in his autobiography, recalls that when he sought employment with a mining company after he had graduated from Yale and Freiberg he had to assure its executive, before being even considered for employment, that he did not consider that he had learned anything about mining. This was as late as 1880. Existence in the industry of a prejudice against education of the academic type is perhaps an explanation why inadequate provision has been made by the mining industry for the continuing education of technical employees after they enter employment, although engineering education prior to engaging in industry has now won general acceptance. I am familiar with the existence of 'loop" courses for engineering graduates in metallurgical plants, of schemes for giving mining graduates "practical experience," and of the interest in vocational courses for workmen which sprang up in the period of labor shortage during and immediately following World War I (but which quickly died when the depression of 1921 again made experienced workmen available in sufficient supply), having been chairman of a committee appointed by the Mineral Industry Education Division to make a survey of existing provisions for post-employment training for engineers in our industry. The results of that survey, reported elsewhere, clearly indicate that it is inadequate as to amount; the aim of this paper is to present evidence for belief that it is also inadequate in quality. To avoid becoming too involved, no reference will be made here to post-employment vocational training for workmen, which is a subject differing so much from post-employment education for engineers as to require separate treatment. Neither will postgraduate education for metallurgical engineers be discussed, becadse a distinction must then be made between training for research work and for plant operation, whereas mining engineers engage almost exclusively in operations. Since the situation in the coal-mining industry has been discussed at several recent meetings, that also will be passed over, and what follows should be taken as a discussion applying exclusively to the metal-mining industry. Professional Development In the operations field (both in mining and metallurgy) the work to which a beginner is assigned is seldom closely related to previous academic education. The contrast is almost as great as between

Jan 1, 1943

By Herbert A. Stein, John B. Murdock

AN analysis of perlite expansion furnaces must be based upon one consistent theory which explains how and why perlite does expand when heated. There is more than one such theory, so to establish a basis for the rest of this paper, the authors will outline one theory and the data that support it before going into the construction details of different furnaces. JOHN B. MURDOCK, Associate Member AIME, is President, and HERBERT A. STEIN is Secretary, of the Perlite Corp., Phoenix, Arizona. San Francisco Meeting, February 1949. TP 2736 H. Discussion of this paper (2 copies) may be sent to Transactions AIME before Feb. 28, 1950. Manuscript received Jan. 3, 1949. Why Perlite Expands: Perlite is known to contain some dissolved or combined fluid, probably water, which is lost when the material is heated to fusion. It is generally agreed that when particles of this volcanic glass are heated to fusion in such a way that vaporization of this water into steam takes place at the same time as the glass becomes soft, the steam puffs up each particle into a mass of glass foam. It is a simple matter to expand perlite under a blow torch for demonstration purposes, but in commercial installations, the problem is made more complicated by the necessity of making efficient use of both raw material and fuel, and producing an expanded aggregate conforming to close specifications for size distribution and density, using many different types of perlite rock. The ability of a given operation to fulfill these requirements depends upon the proper handling of four variables. They are: (1) the nature of the perlite rock used, (2) the heating time taken to get the perlite particle up to its highest temperature, (3) the size of the particle, and (4) the maximum temperature the particle reaches. Types of Perlite Rock: Perlite may be classified in many ways, but the characteristics most easily correlated with its behavior in furnaces are its softening temperature, its effective water content, and its "liveliness." Actually there is a close correlation among these three characteristics so it is possible to describe a perlite using any one of them. Lively perlites always have low softening temperatures and high effective water contents, whereas the deader perlites have higher softening temperatures and lower effective water contents. These softening temperatures run from 1400°F to above 2000°F and the effective water contents run from over 2 pct down to 0.2 pct. Included in the category of lively glasses are the green pitchstone from the Edgar claim in Superior, Ariz., the red pitchstone on the Animas highway south of Lordsburg, N. Mex., and a gray glass from Beatty, Nevada. Examples of intermediate perlites (in order of decreasing liveliness) are the Guzman-Lobb perlite with obsidian

Jan 1, 1951

By Kefton H. Teague

Attempts to locate domestic supplies of sillimanite have been unsuccessful until recently. This paper describes recent discoveries of sil-limonite-bearing schists in the Southeastern States, with emphasis on geology of the deposits, mineral composition, origin, and reserves. Statements concerning possible methods of mining, milling, and utilization of sillimanite are given. Results from refractory tests on a laboratory scale are summarized. SINCE 1917, when synthetic mullite was first used in spark plug porcelains, there has been a continued search for natural sillimanite. During the recent war this search was intensified, not only for sillimanite but also for any materials which could be used satisfactorily as a substitute for the imported kyanite from India. The Indian massive kya-nite does not decrepitate during calcination as does our domestic bladed kyanite, thus a coarse grog can be obtained from it. Some of the most promising domestic materials suited for high temperatures are limited in quantity. Massive topaz from Chesterfield County, S. C., showed promise of possessing desirable refractory properties; but the action of combined fluorine, liberated during calcination, upon equipment and surroundings, as well as a limited supply of ore and the presence of impurities discouraged its use. Residual lumps and boulders of massive kyanite, similar to the material imported from India, occur in Georgia. This material, like the massive topaz, is of limited quantity. Andalusite from California and dumortierite from Nevada are satisfactory high-temperature refractory materials. Their uses have been restricted to specialized products since the location and character of the deposits are such that large production is impractical. Sillimanite, like kyanite and andalusite, has the theoretical chemical composition of Al2SiO5. It has a hardness of 6 to 7; vitreous, silky to subadamantine luster; specific gravity of 3.2 to 3.3; and is gray to bluish gray in color. Under the binocular microscope, the crystals are transparent. The mineral may occur as dense, fibrous mats (fibrolite) composed of fibrous, sometimes radiating hair-like crystals in schist which are associated with igneous intrusions. Deposits of this type have widespread distribution, but none discovered to date appears to have commercial possibilities. Sillimanite also occurs as bundles of crystals disseminated in biotite schist, as noted in the Hart-Elbert-Madison County, Ga., area and in some of the South Carolina and North Carolina deposits. This type of material has been called prismatic sillimanite by the U. S. Bureau of Mines. Deposits of this variety appear to offer commercial possibilities. When heated above 1650°C, sillimanite expands about 6.5 pct and is converted into a mixture of mullite (3Al2O3 . SiO2) and vitreous silica. This is a stable mixture which has a specific gravity of about 3.15. General Geology: Sillimanite (fibrolite) is a mineral common to the pre-Cambrian metasedi-ments of the Southeast. It occurs throughout the crystalline schists which lie between the Fall Line on the southeast and the established Paleozoic rocks on the northwest (fig. 1). In addition to the meta-sediments, this area contains pre-Cambrian igneous

Jan 1, 1951

By L. D. Woodworth, E. E. McGinley

During the past several years has occurred what, in the light of future events, may aptly be called the rebirth of the acid Bessemer process. The increased attention given to the technical and metallurgical details involved in the production of Bessemer steels has been exceedingly fruitful, and indicates the value of further research and p1ant development. In times like these, when the steelmaking capacity of the country is operating at a maximum rate to supply materials for the national defense program, it behooves the Bessemer operator not only to strive to increase production but also to maintain a high standard of quality. The opportunity is ripe, it seems, to recapture fields of application once considered the birthright of Bessemer steels, but supplanted in recent years by open-hearth grades. This involves cooperation all along the line, from the blast-furnace operator to the metallurgical contact man and salesman. The metallurgist's part in this program involves the study of the many steelmaking variables and the measures necessary to ensure constancy in the finished product. It is equally important that the knowledge gained be disseminated widely to ensure the wise application of Bessemer steels in new fields. The merits of Bessemer steels for certain work are well understood. The combined properties of good weldability, machinabil-ity and stiffness are unique and fully explain the strong entrenchment of Bessemer steels in certain fields; e.g., skelp for small butt-weld conduit, screw steels machined in automatics, and certain tin-plate applications. It is the purpose of this paper to review briefly the physical properties of Bessemer steels as contrasted with those of open-hearth steels, to discuss control measures now employed in the making of Bessemer steel, and to consider the advantages derived from the use of these control measures. Physical Properties oF Bessemer vs. Open-hearth Steels A number of Bessemer blows and open-hearth heats were tested for tensile strength, ductility and impact strength. The steels selected were confined to sections from 3/4 to 1 1/4-in. diameter, inclusive, and the carbon content covered was sufficient to yield parallel ranges in ultimate strength for the comparison. Other factors, such as the extent of deoxidation of the steel and variations in chemistry, were kept as comparable as possible. Machined test pieces of 0.505-in. diameter with an 8-in. gauge length were pulled. The data obtained are shown in Fig. I, ultimate strength being plotted against carbon content. This graph shows that for equivalent carbon content Bessemer steel has on the average 15,000 lb. per sq. in. greater tensile strength and, conversely, for the same tensile strength Bessemer steel requires on the average 0.14 per cent less carbon. The average phosphorus content for the Bessemer steel was 0.090 per cent,

Jan 1, 1941

By R. H. Card

The geophysicist is interested greatly in the resistivities of different formations or parts of the earth's crust; sometimes he is interested in a single figure in the nature of an average, or what may be called the effective resistivity, of all the formations or parts of the crust at a given location to a certain depth. Conversely, the engineer whose work is concerned with the coordination of power and communication lines in such a manner as to avoid electrical interference between these two types of facilities is concerned very much with this effective resistivity; to a lesser extent he is interested in the resistivities of individual formations. In connection with his work the coordination engineer often estimates the effective resistivity of the earth from measurements of the mutual impedances of lines; in other instances he derives from measurements of a different type the resistivities of different layers of the crust and synthesizes these to obtain an estimate of the effective resistivity. In connection with problems concerning the coordination of power and telephone lines, measurements from which earth resistivities can be estimated have been made at many points in the United States by the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. and its associated companies, in cooperation with various power companies and with railroad companies having electrified sections of line. Other such measurements have been made by the Joint Subcommittee on Development and Research of the Edison Electric Institute and the Bell Telephone System. A study has been made of the correlation of these data with the ages and types of materials of the strata of the earth's crust at each of the test locations. The purpose of this study has been primarily to provide information to assist in predicting the order of magnitude of effective resistivities to be used in the preliminary consideration of problems concerned with the coordination of power and communication lines. To make the results of such a study most useful, it is essential that the geological data to be secured when such a prediction is wanted be readily obtainable. Data on the ages of strata and the types of materials composing geological structures can usually be obtained, therefore particu-

Jan 1, 1940

By H. R. Nelson, Martin S. Maier

The diffusion of metals plays an important role in many metallurgical processes,lJ as, for example, the formation of alloys by the annealing of mixed powders, the homogenization of segregated alloys, and the carburization of steel. Other equally important phenomena, such as recrystalli-zation and creep, are based on the movement of like atoms. Although much is known concerning the effects of diffusion in metals, very little is known concerning the details of the physical processes involved. 1,3-5 The data that should give most information concerning the processes involved in diffusion are those on the diffusion of like atoms—self-diffusion. Very little is known concerning the rates of self-diffusion of metals because before the discovery of artificial radioactivity in 1934 there was no means of detecting the movement of the diffusing atoms through the solvent metal except in the elements possessing natural radioactive isotopes—lead, thallium and bismuth. Using the induced radioactivity of the element as an indicator, atoms can now be "tagged" so that the rate of diffusion of the radioactive isotopes of an element (tagged atoms) into the stable isotopes of the same element can be measured. As the radioactive and stable isotopes of an element differ only in nuclear structure, it is quite certain that all isotopes of an element diffuse at the same rate. Two techniques have been used to measure self-diffusion. In one, a thin layer of radioactive metal is deposited on the face of the solvent metal, and the decrease in the surface activity as the radioactive atoms diffuse into the solvent metal is measured. This method has been used to determine the coefficients of self-diffusion of lead6-l0 and bismuth10 using natural radioactive isotopes, and of gold1' and copper12 using artificial radioactive isotopes. In the other technique a thin layer of the radioactive metal is deposited oil one face of the solvent metal, and after diffusion has occurred the specimen is cut in thin sections to obtain the concentration-penetration curve. This method has been used to determine the coefficients of self-diffusion of gold,13 zinc,14-l6 silver," and copper.17 The second method was used for the work described in this paper. Materials The coefficients of self-diffusion were determined in two grades of polycrystalline copper and in single crystals of copper. Commercial OFHC copper was used in the form of disks I in. in diameter by % in. thick. Samples of high-purity copper described by Phillips and Skinnerl9 were supplied through the courtesy of the American Smelting and Refining Co. The high-purity copper rod was used without remelting by cross-rolling to a thickness of 0.075 in., from which disks 7/8 in. in diameter were cut. A good grade of bus-bar copper was used to make the single crystals.

Jan 1, 1942

By H. Cecil Spicer

The results described in this article are based on field work conducted during the periods APril-May, 1939, and MaY-JulY, 1940. The United States Potash CO. is mining potash on Government land under a permit from the Department of the Interior and the geophysical investigation mas completed under a cooperative arrangemerit made between that company and the Conservation Branch of the Geological Survey. The writer, a member of the Section of Chemistry and Physics of the Geologic Branch, was assigned to this investigation. Four definite objectives were in mind for the geophysical work in the studies over the salt deposits. The first was to determine the measure of success that could be attained in this type of work with the resistivity methods that were to be employed. These methods had been introduced into the work of the Conservation Branch by Benjamin E. Jones for the investigation of dam sites, and have been used under his direction by the author for such work. If the method proved to be applicable, an l was to be made to contour the top of the salt beds and also the other formation boundaries known to be present in this area. Salt-water aquifers were to be studied in an effort to determine their boundaries, and an attempt was to be made to delineate the potash-bearing beds. Others have made, and reported, resistivity studies over saliferous deposits in different areas. Friedell and Messrs. Schlumberger2 reported geophysical work performed in the disrovery of the salt domes of Alsace; Carrette and Kelly3 described the geology of the same area. Leonardon and Kelly4 published a resistivity curve obtained over the Hettenschlag dome, and a further discussion of this same area was given by the Messrs. Schlum-berger5 in a communication. Messrs. Alty6 described studies 0" salt deposits in which the sing[e-probe method was used. Sinerez7 mentions that electrical methods were tried over salt deposits in Spain. Geoffrey and Charrin8 show a resistivity curve obtained over marl, gypsiferous marl and salt which is similar to that obtained over the New Mexico salt deposits. Kelly9 reported resistivity work performetl with the ground comparator of Zuschlag over the salt deposits near Syracuse, N. Y., where the Salina formation is at a depth of 700 to 800 ft. Some structural studies on the potash basin of Alsace are described by Poldini.10 Another single-probe resistivity study, made over salt deposits in New Mexico, is briefly described by Heiland,ll through the courtesy of Harry Aurand, of the Midwest Refining CO.

Jan 1, 1942

By A. W. Hesse

Ventilation of all types of coal mines is fundamentally the same, in that sufficient air must be provided to properly dilute and remove dangerous and obnoxious gases and leave the oxygen content of the air not under 1 9 per cent in all places where men and animals must work. Perhaps animals should not be mentioned, as the speed of mechanical loading leaves livestock behind and outmoded. Since this paper has to do with the influence of mechanical loading equipment on ventilation, the problems will be confined to the splits and the coal-producing places of the mine. The removal of coal dust from the air, or its rapid transmission to the return air courses; the possible increase in the liberation of gases by the multiplication of cuts in the coal made during one shift or multiple shifts; and the additional electrical equipment at the faces, are the factors that cause the added importance to good ventilation in the permissible equipment area of gassy bituminous coal mines. Ventilation tor Mechanical Loading in Gassy Mines In gassy mines, the air currents must be maintained across the faces in such a way as to prevent short cuts to the returns and leaving pockets in which accumulation of gas might occur. To do this, two or more doors are required on almost every entry containing a track to the face, so located that in no event will a trip of cars block open the doors and permit the air to bypass some place or places on the air-approach side. This method frequently requires the use of unusual lengths of duplex cables to reach the mechanical equipment at the faces, particularly where the distances between parallel working places are 100 ft., as at the Nemacolin mine. Fig. I shows a pillar section being worked with mechanical loaders. This layout requires carrying the air in on the right and releasing it on the left, because the track clearance is on the right side and the line brattice is built on this side from the last crosscut to the face. Thus, the air travels to the face with greater velocity and gives more assurance of sweeping out the gas that might be exuding from the crevices of the coal. All working places, in driving through solid coal, are thus treated alike. They are all potentially gassy and must be swept clear of whatever may contaminate the air. Once the air starts into the working section, it is not released until it does a good job. Of course the volume of air must be large enough not only to dilute the gases but to carry away explosive fumes and fine coal dust quickly. Mechanical loading entails cutting and drilling of the coal during the same working period as the loading when two-shift and three-shift operations are employed, and all three processes create finely pulverized coal, which in itself is hazardous if not controlled by some means. If the ventilation is inadequate and gas accumulates, and a spark from defective electrical

Jan 1, 1942

By R. B. Gilmore

The North Texas district, as herein defined, includes the counties of Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cooke, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Kiiox, Montague, Wichita, Wil-barger, and Young. Jack and Young Counties are included for the first time so that this district will correspond with District No. 9 of the Texas Railroad Commission. This area covers generally the crest and south flank of a system of buried mountains known as the Red River uplift. The oil and gas accumulations along this feature are in traps, which, although localized by structures incident to the regional uplift, usually are modified by stratigraphic changes in the sediments. The structural deformation caused by the Red River uplift is modified by the Rend arch, which is a broad anticline plunging northward from the Llano uplift in central Texas through Young and into Archer Counties. The fields in southern Archer, southeastern Baylor, southwestern Clay, and western Jack Counties arc on the extreme north end and along the flanks of the Bend arch and have generally the same type of oil and gas accumulation as the other fields in this district. Recent exploration has been along the flanks of the Fort Worth syncline, which is east of the Bend arch and south of the Red River uplift and extends into southeastern Clay and southwestern Montague Counties and along the eastern part of Jack County. The larger part of past oil and gas produc- tion has come from Pennsylvanian strata, with less important amounts lrom the Permian, and minor quantities from the Mississippian and Ordovician. Developments during 1943 About 1100 wells were drilled in the district during 1943 and more than 500 oil wells were completed, an increase from 1942. of approximately 12 per cent in the number of successful drilling operations of the total wells drilled. The addition of Jack and Young Counties to this district accounts for part of this increase, almost 150 wells being completed in the two counties. Production increased slightly over the previous year as a result of an increase in the number of producing wells and a greater demand for this high-gravity, sweet crude oil. The average depth of discovery wells was about 400 ft. deeper than in 1942. Although more discoveries produced from horizons below the base of the Strawn series than from those above the Straw, the deeper horizons, including the Bend series of the Pennsylvanian, the Mississippian limestone and Ellenburger of the Ordo-vician, largely were dissappointing from the viewpoint of major additions to oil reserves. The largest single addition to the reserves was in the basal Strawn sand in the Walnut Bend field, Cooke County. During the year, 31 wells were completed, both in the field and as cxtensions. The most active arca Was Jack County, in which five fields or potential fields were discovered, although only 44 oil wells were completed.

Jan 1, 1944

By Jan Law

Problems of oil recovery are attacked from the approaches dictated by the two strikingly dissimilar complexes that comprise an oil reservoir—the fluid complex and the interstitial complex. Knowledge of the fluid complex, due to labors in the fields of fluid mechanics and physical chemistry, has far outdistanced knowledge of the interstitial characteristics of the sand complex. This paper is concerned with the latter and applies the technique of statistics to petrographic facts—namely, porosity and permeability—dealing with what might be called petrometry. Statisticians have long worked within the problem of reconstruction of a universe oi variables by means of samples that comprise a small percentage of the universe from which the samples were drawn. Core-analysis data comply with the requisite of random sampling as stipulated by theoretical statistics. A basic concept of statistics employs t.he following substitution: 1. The results of sampling are arranged as a frequency distribution. 2. The observed frequency distribution is compared with a mathematically precise distribution. 3. If a sufficiently good agreement is found between the two, the precise distribution is substituted in all subsequent operations involving characteristics of the sampled material. This mathematically precise distribution is also known as the normal curve, curve of error, the probability, the Gaussian, and the bell-shaped curve and is describable with but two figures. Further, these two figures, the arithmetic average and the standard deviation, are subject to mathematical manipulation. This paper demonstrates that, in some cases in the Dominguez field of Southern California, if sufficient core-analysis samples are taken over not too great a thickness of sediments, the resultant permeability and porosity assemblages give satisfactory agreement with ilormal curves. It is shown that the indications are strong that oil wells wherein a satisfactory agreement is found are predictable as to productivity. Since the predictions are made by employing the laws of chance that are operative within sedimentation, it follows that the mechanism by which the predictions were made is a basic concept of reservoir mechanics. Therefore, tentative examples are given of the application of normal curves to the solution of problems of primary and secondary recovery. Nature of Permeability Frequency Distributions Core-analysis data are made available as a tabulated depth vs. permeability profile. The nature of the distribution of permeability values within a given strati-graphic interval may be approximated from an array constructed with samples plotted in the order of their appearance with depth (accession number) against their permeability value in millidarcys. A wide variation in the nature of the distribution of K (permeability) values for

Jan 1, 1944

By P. E. Fitzgerald, Dana G. Hefley

An apparatus has been developed which permits selective acidizing of producing formations and determination of the relative permeability of a formation by fluid injection. This apparatus, known as the "Electric Pilot," is an electrical fluid-interface locator, the electrical circuit of which is completed when the elec-tcodes in the well are in contact with a conductive fluid, but is not completed when immersed in a nonconductive fluid. Results are given for a number of typical acidizing applications in which the interface locator was used to control the acid. Description of the method used in making a permeability survey and the data obtained are also included. Introduction Early in the development of the acidizing industry it was recognized that one of the most important problems to be solved in the chemical treatment of any well was the determination of what part of the exposed section in the well should be treated and the selection of the technique that would insure treatment of the desired section. One of the first techniques adopted for assisting in proper placement of the acid, which is still widely used, is the method of confining the acid to the producing section by means of a column of oil, which is known as the Carr1 method of treatment, named for its inventor. In the Carr method it is not possible to selectively acidize a specific horizon in a multiple pay zone, so many improvements and modifications of the basic Carr technique were devised to accomplish this result. In order to overcome the possibility of the acid entering an undesirable section at the bottom of the well, organic gel plugs2 were introduced into the bottom of the well, which served to halt the entrance of the treating solution into these zones.3 These chemical gels later liquefied because of bacterial action and were removed from the well with the produced fluid. In fields where a gas cap existed, as in the Goldsmith field of Ector County, Texas) it was imperative that a treating technique be evolved that would confine the acid to the oil-producing zone below the gas cap. By so doing the oil-productive capacity of the wells could be improved without greatly increasing the gas production and this would lower the gas-oil ratio of the well. ~h, technique employed4 to achieve this effect utilized two pumps, one for pumping the chemicals down the tubing, the other to simultaneously force oil down the annular space to confine the acid to the oil pay, thus preventing the chemicals from entering the upper gas-bearing zones. Experience has indicated that gas wells and certain types of oil wells respond better to ''stage treating.'' This technique utilizes the introduction of a certain volume of acid and then allows the well to ''clean up99 before introduction of the next and usually successively larger stages. Where such methods are employed steps must be taken to keep a disproportionate share of the acid from entering the most permeable and previously treated Zones. A special tool

Jan 1, 1944

By Charles C. Rodd

Prior to 1938, proration procedure in Kansas required the physical testing of wells in order to set up a basis for allocating production. Subsequently the use of liquid-level data and bottom-hole pressure data was authorized on certain types of wells as a basis for calculating well capacities, thereby permitting wells to be tested at low rates and with small volumes of production. This paper gives some attention to the equipment used for obtaining liquid-level data but in general it is devoted to the theoretical and physical factors involved in well testing by drawdown methods. These tests are divided into two classifications: (I) liquid-level data used directly to calculate capacities, and (2) liquid-level data and liquid-level measuring equipment used in connection with other data to determine bottom-hole pressure. Equations and calculations for both types are shown. Well capacities calculated from fill-up data have not been used generally but offer a simple means of testing some wells. Theoretical factors and calculations for such tests are shown. In the state of Kansas, proration laws required that the "ability of a well to produce" be given consideration in state allocation orders and for many years this was the only factor used in prorating the allowed oil. The "ability of a well to produce", was the quantity of oil that could be obtained from a well in a prescribed period, usually 24 hr. Early in the history of State-regulated proration, Kansas operators realized that, unless some restriction were placed upon equip- ment, the competition between producers to obtain large well "potentials" might result in a race to install the largest pumping equipment. Consequently, restrictions were placed upon the size of tubing and length of pump stroke that could be used in pumping wells during potential tests. Later, restrictions were placed also upon the size of tubing and chokes that could be used in flowing walls. Despite the restriction setup, better pumping equipment was designed and installed, pumps were improved, and various devices were invoked to obtain high rates of production for short periods of time. By 1937 pumping cycles of forty to forty-five 54-in. strokes per minute were not uncommon, and numerous wells had produced at the rate of 3500 bbl. per day for short periods. Such production was far beyond any rate that could be long sustained. Equipment necessary to take "potentials" was several times larger than that needed for normal producing purposes, and repairs and replacements required by the high pumping speeds were excessive. Also, many operators suspected that the high rates of production main tained during '"potential" tests were conducivc to early water encroachment. By 1938 large-scale physical testing of wells in Kansas ended, the use of the bottom-hole pressure gauge had become common, engineers and operators were becoming familiar with the term ''productivity index," and bottom-hole pressure was being used as a factor in allocation in many areas. There were many drawbacks, however, to large-scale use of

Jan 1, 1943

By J. H. Frye, J. W. Caum

One of the most important methods of increasing the hardness of metals is alloying. In spite of the widespread use of alloys, the fundamental mechanism of alloy hardening is little understood. This is true even of the simplest form of alloy, the primary substitutional solid solution in which solute atoms substitute for solvent atoms at random in the crystal lattice of the latter. A fundamental understanding of the mechanism of solid-solution hardening would be important, both because of the widespread use of alloys of this type and because of the light that might be thrown on the mechanism of hardening in more complicated alloys. The present investigation covers the hardness of primary substitutional solid solutions of zinc, gallium, germanium, and arsenic in copper. All of these are B subgroup elements from the third period of the periodic table. Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, and As are in groups I, 11, 111, IV, and V, respectively, and lie just to the right of the transition elements. Because of their cost, it is unlikely that Ga-Cu and Ge-Cu solutions will ever be of commercial importance, but the intent of this study has been to discover some of the fundamentals of solid-sdstion hardening and it has been demonstrated that such a study is far more likely to be fruitful if alloys are made up on the basis of position of the constituent elements in the periodic table than if commercially important alloys are used. Many investigations have been made of the hardness of substitutional solid solutions, but lack of attention to purity of the metals, infrequent grain-size control, and the use of varying testing techniques have virtually invalidated any comparisons. The purpose of most investigations has been to solve immediate problems and not to solve the primary problem: Why do solid solutions usually have a greater hardness than pure metals? Previous Work Theories have been advanced to account for the hardness of solid solutions, but relatively little experimental work has been done. Perhaps the first experimental work of merit was that of Norbury1 on copper alloys. He showed that for several alloys there was a correspondence between the hardness of one atomic per cent solutions and atomic volume of the solutions. More recently Brick, Martin, and Anger2 have investigated the effect of various solute elements on the hardness of copper. They concluded that the hardening effect of these solutes depended "primarily on the difference in atomic volume of solute and solvent or, relatedly, upon the parameter change of the solvent or the extent of solid solubility." They also observed the effect of these elements on hardness and texture developed by rolling and by annealing of rolled material. Austin3 examined the hardness and response to heat-treatment of various iron solid solutions. Frye and Hume-Rothery4 measured the hardness of a number of silver solid solutions containing approximately 1 References are at the end of the paper.

Jan 1, 1943

By R. K. Waring, E. C. Truesdale

The Research Division of The New Jersey Zinc Company (of Pa.) has conducted, over a period of years, numerous tests of the reducibility of various zinc ores and the reactivity of various kinds of coal, using a number of different experimental methods. Most of these tests have involved the reduction of mixtures of ore and coal. In such cases the following simultaneous reactions are believed to be mainly responsible for the production of zinc, as was shown by Bodenstein1 some years ago: ZnO+ CO = Zn + CO2 [1] C + CO2 = 2 CO [2] Each of these reactions is dependent upon the other for the supply of CO and CO2 , respectively, and the over-all rate of formation of zinc vapor will be determined by the slower of these two reactions. An analogous pair of reactions sometimes of importance is: ZnO + H2 = Zn + H2 O [31 C + H2O = CO + Ha [4] While it is possible to obtain an indication of the relative reducibility of various ores, or of a fine versus a coarse ore, by testing them with a given coal, and while coal reactivities may be measured in a corresponding manner, a more direct determination of relative reaction rates is possible by carrying out the desired reactions, such as I and 2, separately and under reproducible conditions. It is one purpose of this paper to present some of the results that have been obtained by the latter method. C. G. Maier2 discusses the relative rates of reactions I and 2 and concludes that while at relatively low temperatures reaction I is faster than reaction 2, this difference becomes less with increasing temperatures, although at smelting temperatures reaction I is still the faster. He also says (p. 48), "At temperatures . . . between IIOO° and I3oo°C., . . . the zinc oxide reduction reaction is intrinsically more rapid than its physical limitations; that is, it is limited by gas diffusion rates." In the course of numerous reactivity tests involving the separate use of reactions and I and 2, we have obtained data that show by direct experiment, we believe for the first time, the correctness of Maier's statements concerning these reactions. We also include data on the relative rate of reaction 3, involving reduction by hydrogen. Finally, some interesting results obtained by carrying out the reduction of a zinc ore-coal briquet in streaming atmospheres of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, respectively, are presented. *

Jan 1, 1943