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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

Discussion of the paper of G. K. Burgess and J. J. Crowe, presented at the New York Meeting, October, 1913, and printed in Bulletin No. 82, October, 1913, pp. 2537 to 2591. HENRY M. Howe, New York, N. Y. :-I think we can hardly rate the importance of the entry of the Bureau of Standards into our field. There is no body in the world that is better fitted to undertake this work than that Bureau, and it is work which really calls for the aid of some national organization. The skill and care with which this work has been done speaks for itself. It is very striking that within a very few months the distinguished English investigator, Professor Carpenter, of whom I spoke before, thought that he had disproved the existence of beta iron by proving that the A2 retardation which Professor Burgess has now demonstrated did not occur. Dr. Burgess's demonstration of the existence of. this retardation makes the existence of beta iron very probable, in my opinion. Osmond used to call beta iron " decipuum." You knew of its existence as you know of the existence of certain planets, only by the perturbation which it caused. Certain phenomena could not be explained, except by assuming the existence of a third allotropic form, beta iron. The evidence that you got was always evasive and susceptible of other explanations, except that which we have to-day, which it seems to me is not capable of other explanation. Professor Carpenter proceeded in the same way that Dr. Burgess has, by taking the heating and cooling curves of exceedingly pure iron, and thought that he had shown that there was no thermal change, no absorption or evolution of heat at the supposed A2 point, and hence that the A2 point did not exist. This he did by a piece of reasoning which I think seems to most of us rather surprising. That is to say, if of ten witnesses, three have seen a thing and seven have not, the evidence of the seven who have not is set aside, and that of the three who have seen stands. In Dr. Carpenter's own experiments under certain conditions he found the A2 change, the heat evolution., under certain others he did not. That is like the three witnesses who saw and the seven who did not see. You can arrange your test so that this change will not become visible or so that it is masked. But though an existent change can be masked a non-existent one cannot be shown. So that the reasoning seemed to me wholly fallacious.

Jan 12, 1913

By Blake M. Loring, Robert A. Colton

MELTING procedures for most metals and alloys usually include some provision for the control of oxygen, since this element frequently has some undesirable effect on the properties of the metal or alloy concerned. In the melting of the various bronzes, this is especially true, since oxygen can be introduced into the melt in a number of ways, most of which are difficult to control. In making bronzes from virgin materials, oxygen is usually present in the commercial grades of copper used; electrolytic he refined copper ingots usually contain from 0.02 to 0.05 per cent oxygen. When ingot metal or scrap bronze is used in the charge, oxides are almost always present to some degree. Under certain melting conditions and in certain types of melting equipment the atmosphere over the metal may be highly oxidizing. This, of course, may be desirable in the melting practice used, but is certain to introduce appreciable amounts of oxygen into the melt, and that may not be entirely desirable. From the foundry viewpoint oxygen may have several harmful effects on bronzes. The formation of excessive amounts of oxides may produce drossy metal, which, in turn, means dirty castings and a potentially high rejection rate. It is claimed, too, that oxides in the metal may combine with hydrogen to form steam and thereby produce porosity in certain of the bronzes. The presence of certain refractory oxides, such as SnO2, may be undesirable from the viewpoint of making machining difficult, or as possible stress-raisers in the metal matrix. It is often said that excessive oxide present in the liquid metal makes the metal run sluggishly. Since it appears impractical to try to control the amount of oxygen introduced into the metal beyond taking the economical limit of precaution about charging dirty scrap, it would seem that control of the oxygen content of the liquid metal offers the most promising approach to this problem. This might be done by using slags, or covers, or by the use of some element or compound added to the melt to remove oxygen preferentially. Most aspects of this problem have been considered and considerable work has been done along these lines. A reconsideration of the problem is indicated, however, by the controversial nature of the evidence at hand, especially on the possibility of using a chemical deoxidizer to control the oxygen content of bronzes. CHOICE OF DEOXIDIZER The choice of the chemical agent selected as a deoxidizer would naturally depend first on the alloy in which it is to be used; in this particular case the alloy is Navy gun metal. In Table I are listed a group of elements that might be considered as

Jan 1, 1946

By J. F. Myers, R. J. Tower

"There is nothing new under the sun." All over the world, mineral-dressing engineers are working at their problems, no two of which are alike. Each encounters equipment and process problems. Many devise simple ways and means of overcoming their difficulties. Many of these problems are quite common in the industry, yet, since no one human being seems capable of thinking of everything, these problems at some plants often are looked upon as necessary evils. The purpose of this symposium is to gather together, from competent engineers, devices and practices that have been useful to them. Most of the ideas contributed are not new, yet there is no plant operator, old timer or youngster, who will not find some idea herein that will give him a suggestion for improving his operation. Space does not permit a complete elaboration on all of the contributions offered. Each item is summarized, but this will be ample for those skilled in the art of mineral dressing. A list of contributors appears at the end of the paper, and the superior number at the end of each item identifies its source. General Equipment A signal light to show that a steel bin, containing relatively line, moist ore, is full, can be made by suspending a copper rod in the bin to a sufficient depth to ensure ample contact with the ore. One wire of a 32-volt circuit should be attached to the rod and one to the side of the bin. Sufficient current will flow to make the signal light burn. A 110-volt circuit could be used, but 32 volts ensures safety.10 Fig I shows a circular bin for crushed ore. It is a concrete structure footed on the ground, using no supporting columns. Tailing from the sink-float was used for aggregate. Cross conveyors for discharging ore are not required, nor is a tripper for filling. Segregation is minimized by drawing from different gates. An exhaust fan on top of the bin eliminates condensation due to temperature of the ore.21 A beam with an adjustable point of suspension near the center permits rigging rolls for removal in a very few minutes. This makes unnecessary the lacing of the cable through the hub bolts on one side, around the shaft on the other, and the trouble of balancing the load.8 The ratchet handle on a Symons crusher may be replaced by a drum with a cable wound on it. When the cable is pulled by a crane or hoist it causes the drum to revolve and thus screws or unscrews the bowl. This reduces handwork and materially shortens the time required for the job.' TO Spread ore feed from an apron feeder over a belt conveyor, place a heavy steel bar about midway between the top

Jan 1, 1949

By E. J. Duggan

The mine and mill of the Climax Molybdenum Co. are at Climax, Colorado. Climax is on Fremont pass directly on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 11,400 feet. Description of Ore The Climax ore-bearing rock is essentially an altered and highly silicified granite, fully half of the gangue being quartz. Molybdenite is the only mineral of economic consequence and most of it is intimately associated with quartz in the form of fine veinlets and stringers. Other minerals are molybdite, pyrite, and chal-copyrite. While the molybdite may be readily extracted by hydrometallurgical methods, its content is too low to make such operations profitable. The pyrite content ranges from 2 to 5 per cent and that of the chalcopyrite from 0.03 to 0.05 per cent. There is not enough copper to make its recovery attractive and one of the metallurgical problems is the elimination of it and the pyrite from the product. On account of the close association of the molybdenite with the quartz and the necessity of eliminating the pyrite and chalcopyrite from the final product, fine grinding followed by flotation is the only feasible method of concentration. History Construction of the first milling unit was started in 1917 and it was operated during parts of 1918 and 1919. In the postwar years, there was almost no demand for the product and production was at a standstill until 1924. The Company's research campaign to develop the use of the metal began to show results in that year. From r926 to 1932 production ranged from 500 to 1200 tons per day. In 1931 an additional mill section was built and production was gradually increased until in 1934 and 1935 about 3000 to 4000 tons was milled per day. This tonnage overtaxed the milling facilities, and as the demand for inolybdenum was growing constantly, additional milling equipment was needed. In 1936 and 1937 another crushing plant, six additional mill sections and the necessary auxiliary plants were constructed and brought into operation. This plant was designed to mill I0,000 tons per day, but it was not long before 12.500 tons was being treated during periods of peak demands. During the summer of 1941, to meet defense needs, the mill has been required to treat 15,500 tons per day. This has been accomplished with little plant expansion and at no loss in recovery, as will be described later. TO increase capacity still further, one more primary section is now being built. This will bring capacity to 18,000 tons per day, which can be stretched to 20,000 tons at a small sacrifice in recovery. Crushing There are two crushing plants: No. I, of 5000 tons capacity (flowsheet in Fig. I) and No. 2, of 15,000 tons capacity (Fig. a).

Jan 1, 1943

By E. J. Duggan

The mine and mill of the Climax Molybdenum Co. are at Climax, Colorado. Climax is on Fremont pass directly on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 11,400 feet. Description of Ore The Climax ore-bearing rock is essentially an altered and highly silicified granite, fully half of the gangue being quartz. Molybdenite is the only mineral of economic consequence and most of it is intimately associated with quartz in the form of fine veinlets and stringers. Other minerals are molybdite, pyrite, and chal-copyrite. While the molybdite may be readily extracted by hydrometallurgical methods, its content is too low to make such operations profitable. The pyrite content ranges from 2 to 5 per cent and that of the chalcopyrite from 0.03 to 0.05 per cent. There is not enough copper to make its recovery attractive and one of the metallurgical problems is the elimination of it and the pyrite from the product. On account of the close association of the molybdenite with the quartz and the necessity of eliminating the pyrite and chalcopyrite from the final product, fine grinding followed by flotation is the only feasible method of concentration. History Construction of the first milling unit was started in 1917 and it was operated during parts of 1918 and 1919. In the postwar years, there was almost no demand for the product and production was at a standstill until 1924. The Company's research campaign to develop the use of the metal began to show results in that year. From r926 to 1932 production ranged from 500 to 1200 tons per day. In 1931 an additional mill section was built and production was gradually increased until in 1934 and 1935 about 3000 to 4000 tons was milled per day. This tonnage overtaxed the milling facilities, and as the demand for inolybdenum was growing constantly, additional milling equipment was needed. In 1936 and 1937 another crushing plant, six additional mill sections and the necessary auxiliary plants were constructed and brought into operation. This plant was designed to mill I0,000 tons per day, but it was not long before 12.500 tons was being treated during periods of peak demands. During the summer of 1941, to meet defense needs, the mill has been required to treat 15,500 tons per day. This has been accomplished with little plant expansion and at no loss in recovery, as will be described later. TO increase capacity still further, one more primary section is now being built. This will bring capacity to 18,000 tons per day, which can be stretched to 20,000 tons at a small sacrifice in recovery. Crushing There are two crushing plants: No. I, of 5000 tons capacity (flowsheet in Fig. I) and No. 2, of 15,000 tons capacity (Fig. a).

Jan 1, 1943

By Blake M. Loring, Robert A. Colton

MeltiXg procedures for most metals and alloys usually include some provision for the control of oxygen, since this element frequently has some undesirable effect on the properties of the metal or alloy concerned. In the melting of the various bronzes, this is especially true, since oxygen can be introduced into the melt in a number of ways, most of which are difficult to control. In making bronzes from virgin materials, oxygen is usually present in the commercial grades of copper used; electrolytic fire-refined copper ingots usually contain from 0.02 to 0.05 per cent oxygen. When ingot metal or scrap bronze is used in the charge, oxides are almost always present to some degree. Under certain melting conditions and in certain types of melting equipment the atmosphere over the metal may be highly oxidizing. This, of course, may be desirable in the melting practice used, but is certain to introduce appreciable amounts of oxygen into the melt, and that may not be entirely desirable. From the foundry viewpoint oxygen may have several harmful effects on bronzes. The formation of excessive amounts of oxides may produce drossy metal, which, in turn, means dirty castings and a potentially high rejection rate. It is claimed, too, that oxides in the metal may combine with hydrogen to form steam and thereby produce porosity in certain of the bronzes. The presence of certain refractory oxides, such as SnOz, may be undesirable from the viewpoint of making machining difficult, or as possible stress-raisers in the metal matrix. It is often said that excessive oxide present in the liquid metal makes the metal run sluggishly. Since it appears impractical to try to control the amount of oxygen introduced into the metal beyond taking the economical limit of precaution about charging dirty scrap, it would seem' that control of the oxygen content of the liquid metal offers the most promising approach to this problem. This might be done by using slags, or covers, or by the use of some element or compound added to the melt to remove oxygen preferentially. Most aspects of this problem have been considered and considerable work has been done along these lines. A reconsideration of the problem is indicated, however, by the controversial nature of the evidence at hand, especially on the possibility of using a chemical deoxidizer to control the oxygen content of bronzes. Choice of Deoxidizer The choice of the chemical agent selected as a deoxidizer would naturally depend first on the alloy in which it is to ~he used: in this particular case the alloy is Navy gun metal. In Table. I are listed a group of elements that might be considered as deoxidizers for bronze, with some of their properties that should be considered in

Jan 1, 1946

By Blake M. Loring, Robert A. Colton

MeltiXg procedures for most metals and alloys usually include some provision for the control of oxygen, since this element frequently has some undesirable effect on the properties of the metal or alloy concerned. In the melting of the various bronzes, this is especially true, since oxygen can be introduced into the melt in a number of ways, most of which are difficult to control. In making bronzes from virgin materials, oxygen is usually present in the commercial grades of copper used; electrolytic fire-refined copper ingots usually contain from 0.02 to 0.05 per cent oxygen. When ingot metal or scrap bronze is used in the charge, oxides are almost always present to some degree. Under certain melting conditions and in certain types of melting equipment the atmosphere over the metal may be highly oxidizing. This, of course, may be desirable in the melting practice used, but is certain to introduce appreciable amounts of oxygen into the melt, and that may not be entirely desirable. From the foundry viewpoint oxygen may have several harmful effects on bronzes. The formation of excessive amounts of oxides may produce drossy metal, which, in turn, means dirty castings and a potentially high rejection rate. It is claimed, too, that oxides in the metal may combine with hydrogen to form steam and thereby produce porosity in certain of the bronzes. The presence of certain refractory oxides, such as SnOz, may be undesirable from the viewpoint of making machining difficult, or as possible stress-raisers in the metal matrix. It is often said that excessive oxide present in the liquid metal makes the metal run sluggishly. Since it appears impractical to try to control the amount of oxygen introduced into the metal beyond taking the economical limit of precaution about charging dirty scrap, it would seem' that control of the oxygen content of the liquid metal offers the most promising approach to this problem. This might be done by using slags, or covers, or by the use of some element or compound added to the melt to remove oxygen preferentially. Most aspects of this problem have been considered and considerable work has been done along these lines. A reconsideration of the problem is indicated, however, by the controversial nature of the evidence at hand, especially on the possibility of using a chemical deoxidizer to control the oxygen content of bronzes. Choice of Deoxidizer The choice of the chemical agent selected as a deoxidizer would naturally depend first on the alloy in which it is to ~he used: in this particular case the alloy is Navy gun metal. In Table. I are listed a group of elements that might be considered as deoxidizers for bronze, with some of their properties that should be considered in

Jan 1, 1946

By F. J. Plecity, W. C. Leslie, F. W. Aul

During isothermal recrystallization, the rate of grain growth in dilute Fe-hlo alloys decreased rapidly with increasing Mo content, up to -0.04 at pct, and less rapidly therea-fter. Rate of growth also decreased sharply with time at constant temperature. The observed rates of boundary migration did not cor,espond to predictions of the Lucke-Detert theory. It is proposed that the growth of recrystallized grains is inhibited by clustering of solute atoms at inzperfections in the unrecrystallized matrix. It is now firmly etablished" that the rate of re-crystallization of cold-worked metals, i.e., the rate of growth of recrystallized grains into the deformed matrix, is greatly inhibited by the presence of alloying elements in solid solution. The effect is greatest with the first very small quantity of alloying elements, and additional increments cause much less pronounced retardation of growth. The early papers on this subject were reviewed in Ref. 6. The mechanism of retardation of growth is not clear; only one theory, due to Lucke and Detert? has been advanced. This assumes an elastic interaction between grain boundaries and solute atoms which tends to increase the concentration of the latter in the grain boundaries. Except at very low solute concentrations or at high temperatures, the mobility of the boundary is assumed to be controlled by the rate of diffusion of the accompanying solute atoms. Abrahamson and Blakeney2 have noted a correlation between "recrystallization temperature of binary alloys of iron and the number of d-shell electrons in the solute atoms. There is need for considerably more experimental data on the effect of solute elements on the rate of migration of grain boundaries into the deformed matrix, to provide the basis for an understanding of the annealing process in metallic solid solutions. Only a start has been made in this direction. To avoid unnecessary complications, alloys in which precipitation does not occur should be used, but to produce the maximum effects it is desirable to select alloys with a large difference between the sizes of the atoms of the solvent and solute. For these reasons, alloys of iron and molybdenum sen for this study. MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES A 30-lb. ingot of iron and four similar ingots of Fe-Mo alloys were vacuum melted in magnesia crucibles and poured into cast-iron molds. The molybdenum contents were planned according to the results of Abrahamson and Blakeney2 sothattwoalloyswould fall in the region of rapid change of recrystallization kinetics with change in composition (0.006 to 0.015 and 0.030 to 0.045 at. pct Mo) and two alloys would fall in the region of gradual change (0.18 to 0.24 and

Jan 1, 1962

By W. H. Lang, C. H. Cox, H. Snell

The treatment of unaltered western phosphate ores by both wet and dry methods is discussed. The objective of the beneficiation is to produce salable Phosphate rock ( 31% P205), with an economic recovery of P205.

Jan 1, 1981

By H. L. James

This paper presents the results and analysis of field trials of various magnetic instruments over anomalies ranging from 20 to 5000 gammas of vertical intensity. The following instruments were used: Askania vertical magnetometer, Wolfson vertical magnetometer (model M-I), Hotchkiss Superdips (used both parallel to and normal to the magnetic meridian, with several settings of the "sigma" angle), Lake Superior dip needle, and the dipping circle for measurements of inclination. The change in inclination over the measured anomalies ranged up to 4"; this caused pronounced changes in sensitivity of the Hotchkiss Superdip oriented parallel to the magnetic meridian. The variable sensitivity not only gives apparent displacement of crests of anomalies, particularly at high sensitivities, but also makes the data difficult or impossible to use in preparation of iso-anomaly maps. This weakness in field performance of the Superdip is shown to be eliminated by orienting the instrument normal to the magnetic meridian and measuring vertical intensity only, which in the latitude of upper Michigan is equal to 97 pct of the total intensity. The dip needle is seen to be relatively ineffectual for location of anomalies of less than 400 gammas. Introduction The U.S- Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Geological Survey Division of Michigan Department of Conservation, has for the past three years been engaged in a restudy of the Iron River-Crystal Falls iron mining district of upper Michigan. The bedrock in a large part of this area is covered with glacial deposits as much as 500-ft thick, and, inasmuch as some of the rocks have moderate to high magnetic permeability, extensive magnetic mapping has been done to assist in unraveling the complicated structure of the area. Several types of instruments have been used, and the major purpose of this paper is to present comparative data on the field performances of some of these instruments so as to aid others who face similar problems elsewhere to evaluate and choose the instruments best suited for the work. The paper is directed primarily to geologists and engineers rather than to geophysicists, although some familiarity with the instruments is presumed. The geology of the area consists of a complexly folded series of weakly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, including the iron formation, which rests on older greenstones. Although the iron formation itself is only locally magnetic, some of the beds stratigraphically above the iron formation are rather strongly so. By tracing these hanging wall magnetic anomalies valuable information is obtained from which the structure and distribution of the iron formation can be inferred. Critical anomalies range from 25 to 6000 gammas of vertical intensity. Many anomalies can be traced in part with the common dip needle, but detection of others requires more sensitive instruments.

Jan 1, 1949

By Samuel E. Doak

The utilization of rotary kilns, of the well-known cement type, for the preparation of iron ores for the blast furnace, has become of considerable economic importance within the past 10 years in certain localities, notably those where the native ores are lean. Such kilns may be used simply for the agglomeration of ores too fine to be charged into the blast furnace (i.e., ores whose, loss in the dust catchers is excessive, and whose fineness is detrimental to the working of the furnace), or for the desulphurization of lump and fine ores the sulphur content of which does not exceed 6 or 7 per cent. The desulphurizing action can be combined with that of agglomeration provided the kiln is sufficiently large. Other processes have been developed for the same purpose, but while I am not able to draw a comparison between them by reason of lack of sufficient data, it is safe to say that the kiln, if properly dimensioned for the character of ore to be treated, will compare favorably in its results, both as to economy and quality of product, with any other process. It is not, however, as well adapted for the treatment of flue dust as is a sintering operation, on account of the large percentage of fine coke contained therein. Any combustible entering the kiln at its feed end renders the process very much more expensive and unsatisfactory on account of the difficulty of controlling the temperature, also because of the rapidity with which long "rings" form, due to the increased heat at the cooler end of the kiln. The greatest value of the kiln at present is in the treatment of pyrites cinder; that is, the residue from pyrites ore after the extraction of the greater part of the sulphur. This cinder, while high in iron content, has too much sulphur remaining in it to be allowed to form a large part of the blast-furnace burden, without further treatment. It will range in metallic iron from 42 per cent., representing a very low-grade cinder from a domestic pyrites, to 64 per cent. of the residue from the best Spanish ore, and the corresponding silica content will vary from the maximum of about 25 per cent. to 11/2 per cent. The residual sulphur depends largely on the type of burner used in the original desulphurization. In general, the leanest original ores retain the greatest amounts of sulphur. In modern practice the percentage of sulphur in the cinder is rarely as great as six, and seldom lower than one and one-half. Average analyses for iron, silica, and sulphur of the cinders that have come under my personal observation are as follows:

Jan 1, 1916

By H. L. James

This paper presents the results and analysis of field trials of various magnetic instruments over anomalies ranging from 20 to 5000 gammas of vertical intensity. The following instruments were used: Askania vertical magnetometer, Wolfson vertical magnetometer (model M-I), Hotchkiss Superdips (used both parallel to and normal to the magnetic meridian, with several settings of the "sigma" angle), Lake Superior dip needle, and the dipping circle for measurements of inclination. The change in inclination over the measured anomalies ranged up to 4"; this caused pronounced changes in sensitivity of the Hotchkiss Superdip oriented parallel to the magnetic meridian. The variable sensitivity not only gives apparent displacement of crests of anomalies, particularly at high sensitivities, but also makes the data difficult or impossible to use in preparation of iso-anomaly maps. This weakness in field performance of the Superdip is shown to be eliminated by orienting the instrument normal to the magnetic meridian and measuring vertical intensity only, which in the latitude of upper Michigan is equal to 97 pct of the total intensity. The dip needle is seen to be relatively ineffectual for location of anomalies of less than 400 gammas. Introduction The U.S- Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Geological Survey Division of Michigan Department of Conservation, has for the past three years been engaged in a restudy of the Iron River-Crystal Falls iron mining district of upper Michigan. The bedrock in a large part of this area is covered with glacial deposits as much as 500-ft thick, and, inasmuch as some of the rocks have moderate to high magnetic permeability, extensive magnetic mapping has been done to assist in unraveling the complicated structure of the area. Several types of instruments have been used, and the major purpose of this paper is to present comparative data on the field performances of some of these instruments so as to aid others who face similar problems elsewhere to evaluate and choose the instruments best suited for the work. The paper is directed primarily to geologists and engineers rather than to geophysicists, although some familiarity with the instruments is presumed. The geology of the area consists of a complexly folded series of weakly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, including the iron formation, which rests on older greenstones. Although the iron formation itself is only locally magnetic, some of the beds stratigraphically above the iron formation are rather strongly so. By tracing these hanging wall magnetic anomalies valuable information is obtained from which the structure and distribution of the iron formation can be inferred. Critical anomalies range from 25 to 6000 gammas of vertical intensity. Many anomalies can be traced in part with the common dip needle, but detection of others requires more sensitive instruments.

Jan 1, 1949

By J. F. Myers, R. J. Tower

"THERE is nothing new under the sun." All over the world, mineral-dressing engineers are working at their problems, no two of which are alike. Each encounters equipment and process problems. Many devise simple ways and means of overcoming their difficulties. Many of these problems are quite common in the industry, yet, since no one human being seems capable of thinking of everything, these problems at some plants often are looked upon as necessary evils. The purpose of this symposium is to gather together, from competent engineers, devices and practices that have been useful to them. Most of the ideas contributed are not new, yet there is no plant operator, old timer or youngster, who will not find some idea herein that will give him a suggestion for improving his operation. Space does not permit a complete elaboration on all of the contributions offered. Each item is summarized, but this will be ample for those skilled in the art of mineral dressing. A list of contributors appears at the end of the paper, and the superior number at the end of each item identifies its source. GENERAL EQUIPMENT A signal light to show that a steel bin, containing relatively fine, moist ore, is full, can be made by suspending a copper rod in the bin to a sufficient depth to ensure ample contact with the ore. One wire of a 32-volt circuit should be attached to the rod and one to the side of the bin. Sufficient current will flow to make the signal light burn. A 110-volt circuit could be used, but 32 volts ensures safety.10 Fig I shows a circular bin for crushed ore. It is a concrete structure footed on the ground, using no supporting columns. Tailing from the sink-float was used for aggregate. Cross conveyors for discharging ore are not required, nor is a tripper for filling. Segregation is minimized by drawing from different gates. An exhaust fan on top of the bin eliminates condensation due to temperature of the ore.21 A beam with an adjustable point of suspension near the center permits rigging rolls for removal in a very few minutes. This makes unnecessary the lacing of the cable through the hub bolts on one side, around the shaft on the other, and the trouble of balancing the load.8 The ratchet handle on a Symons crusher may be replaced by a drum with a cable wound on it. When the cable is pulled by a crane or hoist it causes the drum to revolve and thus screws or unscrews the bowl. This reduces handwork and materially shortens the time required for the job.3 To spread ore feed from an apron feeder over a belt conveyor, place a heavy steel bar about midway between the top

Jan 1, 1947

By Karl Fetters, John Chipman

The relationship between the composition of the slag and that of the underlying metal during the refining of a heat of liquid steel may best be studied in the light of the two broad physicochemical concepts of equilibrium and reaction rate. Actual steel-making processes, typified by basic open-hearth practice, involve such complexities of operating variables that it is impossible to distinguish with any degree of certainty between the general limiting conditions imposed by chemical equilibrium and the effects associated with rates of diffusion or of chemical reaction. Further advances in the physical chemistry of steelmaking will depend upon our ability to distinguish clearly between these two kinds of effects, and the experimental work that must be done falls naturally into two classifications. The first is the study of chemical equilibrium that cannot be carried out with assurance under operating conditions but must be done in the laboratory. The second is the -subject of rates of reaction and diffusion and the mechanism of the process as a whole, which can best be studied under operating conditions. The latter is not entirely independent of the former, since its interpretation often requires a knowledge of the equilibrium state. It is the purpose of this and of several papers that will follow to present the results of labora- tory investigations of equilibria involving liquid steel and slag. Open-hearth slag is a complex mixture containing at least eight major components and perhaps twice as many whose influence may be classified as probably minor. It is not surprising that progress toward a complete understanding of such a material at high temperatures has been slow. Attempts to apply the established principles of physical chemistry to the behavior of the individual components of this mixture have been beset by an almost complete lack of data on its chemical properties in the liquid state. This has necessitated the adoption of various methods of approximation based upon such assumptions as, for example, that for a given component the ratio of its mol fraction in the slag to that in the metal is a constant, or that the molecular composition of the liquid slag is the same as its crystalline constitution after solidification. From the thermo-dynamic viewpoint, such assumptions are merely useful dodges, which enable one to hazard a guess as to the magnitude of the more fundamental quantities, the chemical potentials and activities of the components of slag. The problem of determining the activity of each substance in an eight-component svstem seems too complex to be undertaken without the aid of generalizations derived from experimental data on similar systems containing a smaller number of components. Accordingly, it was planned in the present investigation to study the equilibrium of molten iron with the simplest

Jan 1, 1941

By W. A. Anderson, F. N. Rhines, W. A. Johnson

THE rate of the high-temperature oxidation of pure copper has been measured repeatedly by numerous investigators. It appears to be generally agreed: (I) that at constant temperature, after the initial stages of oxidation have been passed and the scale has attained a substantial depth, the film thickness increases in proportion to the square root of the time of oxidation; and (2) that for any given period of oxidation the logarithm of the square of the film thickness is proportional to the reciprocal of the absolute temperature of oxidation.' These relationships are explained upon the basis that the rate of diffusion of copper to the external surface of the film is the controlling factor in establishing the rate of growth. Extensive studies have been devoted also to the mechanism and rates of the early stages of oxidation. There is thus available a reasonably well established theory of the oxidation of pure copper upon which to construct an explanation of the more complex oxidation of copper alloys. Few general principles have as yet emerged from the chaos of observations that have been reported in the field of the oxidation of alloys.2 It is evident, however, that the copper alloys may be divided into two main groups, whose oxidation characteristics are distinguish able. The first group, composed of the alloys with the noble metals, forms substantially pure copper oxide scales; the alloying element is concentrated within the residual metal, and sometimes particles of almost pure noble metal are found in the scales completely surrounded by copper oxide. In the second group, composed of the alloys of copper with the baser metals, the alloying element appears as an oxide in the scale, often in greater concentration than in the alloy itself and sometimes to the exclusion of copper oxide. The oxide scales of the latter class have been found to be made up of one, two, and sometimes more distinguishable layers of which the innermost is often metallic in character, composed of particles of the oxide of the alloying element embedded in essentially pure copper and known as the subscale or zone of internal oxidation. The need for a thorough quantitative study of these modes of oxidation is evident. Since it is apparent that several mechanisms must be cooperating to produce the complex oxide scales found on copper alloys, the analysis of the process into its several simple operations should prove instructive. Fortunately, it is possible experimentally to produce internal oxidation in the absence of an external scale; this permits the isolation and intensive study of one of the steps in the oxidation process. In the present research the rates of internal oxidation of an extensive series of dilute solid solution alloys of copper have been measured and a theory has been developed to predict the observed

Jan 1, 1941

By Karl Fetters, John Chipman

The relationship between the composition of the slag and that of the underlying metal during the refining of a heat of liquid steel may best be studied in the light of the two broad physicochemical concepts of equilibrium and reaction rate. Actual steel-making processes, typified by basic open-hearth practice, involve such complexities of operating variables that it is impossible to distinguish with any degree of certainty between the general limiting conditions imposed by chemical equilibrium and the effects associated with rates of diffusion or of chemical reaction. Further advances in the physical chemistry of steelmaking will depend upon our ability to distinguish clearly between these two kinds of effects, and the experimental work that must be done falls naturally into two classifications. The first is the study of chemical equilibrium that cannot be carried out with assurance under operating conditions but must be done in the laboratory. The second is the -subject of rates of reaction and diffusion and the mechanism of the process as a whole, which can best be studied under operating conditions. The latter is not entirely independent of the former, since its interpretation often requires a knowledge of the equilibrium state. It is the purpose of this and of several papers that will follow to present the results of labora- tory investigations of equilibria involving liquid steel and slag. Open-hearth slag is a complex mixture containing at least eight major components and perhaps twice as many whose influence may be classified as probably minor. It is not surprising that progress toward a complete understanding of such a material at high temperatures has been slow. Attempts to apply the established principles of physical chemistry to the behavior of the individual components of this mixture have been beset by an almost complete lack of data on its chemical properties in the liquid state. This has necessitated the adoption of various methods of approximation based upon such assumptions as, for example, that for a given component the ratio of its mol fraction in the slag to that in the metal is a constant, or that the molecular composition of the liquid slag is the same as its crystalline constitution after solidification. From the thermo-dynamic viewpoint, such assumptions are merely useful dodges, which enable one to hazard a guess as to the magnitude of the more fundamental quantities, the chemical potentials and activities of the components of slag. The problem of determining the activity of each substance in an eight-component svstem seems too complex to be undertaken without the aid of generalizations derived from experimental data on similar systems containing a smaller number of components. Accordingly, it was planned in the present investigation to study the equilibrium of molten iron with the simplest

Jan 1, 1941

By Wesley G. Josephson

THE MINING PROPERTY of the Argonaut Mining Co., Jackson, Calif., is one of the oldest on the Mother Lode. A vein outcropping on a hill in this section could not long elude the eye of the forty-niner, so it was first discovered in 1850. From that time until 1893 the Pioneer mine, as it was then called, limped along under various poorly equipped and financed operators who tried tapping it by trenching and tunneling. Then the Argonaut Mining Co. took over the property and sank the present 65° inclined shaft in the hanging wall of the vein. The mine workings have now reached the 6000-ft. level, which is 5283 ft. vertically below the surface, or just 3 ft. over a mile. The total production of the mine is uncertain, because of lack of early records, but from 1893 to 1932 it is known to have produced in excess of $17,000,000.

Jan 1, 1932

AS you and anyone else can understand, a great expense and a large supply of things are necessary for parting a quantity of silver by means of aqua fortis. First, as you have seen, it is necessary to have a great abundance of every kind of cucurbit and alembic, of charcoal and wood, and a large number of pounds of a vigorous, well-purified aqua fortis, because for every pound of silver there are of necessity [71v] at least four pounds or more employed from the parting to the coloring of the separated gold. It is also necessary to prove its fineness and to granulate or beat it, to have furnaces and supplies, and to provide for a thousand other necessities which need not be repeated now. The most important thing in this art seems to me to be that it requires continual working night and day with extreme watchfulness and care. For this reason another way, much quicker, less dangerous, and less expensive than the aforesaid one was found by some clever men (alchemists, I believe) in order to avoid such laborious and heavy methods. It produces the substance of the thing exactly as the acid does. If you wish to make use of it in conjunction with the acid it is possible to render great aid to this work although there is a great difference in the techniques of the two. The method used in this parting is as follows: First, make a round or square wind furnace for melting, below ground or above, and of height and size in proportion to the work and as it comes out best for you. Then take a large clay crucible and fill it almost up to the edge with that silver which contains the gold, cut into pieces, and put it to melt with the silver on top of a piece of brick cut to the size of the bottom of the crucible and resting on a grate in the middle of coals that are burning well. When you see that the silver has been made so hot by the fire that it looks white and that it wishes to begin to liquefy, take a little stick of sulphur or a small piece of antimony and put it in. When this is melted, lifting away the charcoal that covers it, put in more sulphur or antimony (for the method is the same with either one) until the silver is very well melted and these materials properly incorporated. Then for every pound of silver that you put in add half an ounce of sheet copper. When this is melted take your crucible out with tongs or pincers and strike the bottom gently on the coals two or three times so that the gold may make a residue on account of

Jan 1, 1942

By James K. Stanley

Preferred orientation, particularly in irons and low-carbon steel, is a phenomenon that is both of considerable importance and theoretical interest. At times it is a liability and at other times an asset. In deep-drawing operations, preferred orientation is extremely undesirable because it necessitates trimming operations and increases scrap loss. Furthermore, oriented metals are likely to crack more easily than randomly oriented material because the forming of symmetrical and unsymmetrical shapes out of preferentially oriented metals and alloys increases the probability of rupture in regions of high stress, owing to differential ductility.' In the electrical industry, on the other hand, preferentially oriented silicon irons are in demand for transformer application because of the improved magnetic permeabilities in the rolling direction.2 This phenomenon of preferred orientation in soft magnetic materials has been responsible for the tremendous improvement in transformer design and construction in recent years. Directional properties in metals have received a great deal of attention in the metallurnical -literature,3-9 in which much of the information reported about orientation has been obtained by conventional methods, mechanicai properties and X-rays. A wealth of data has been obtained and often at a great expenditure of time. The recent introduction of the magnetic torque measurements on ferromagnetic materials provides a very simple and rapid method of evaluating orientation. The judicious use of the method can supply important information, but it should be borne in mind that such studies must be supplemented by X-rays, optical methods,10 and etch and pressure figures" to get a rational understanding of the orientation phenomena. No claims are made that the magnetic torque of evaluating orientation will reveal the behavior of the metal in deep drawing. For this purpose the accepted tests for deep-drawing quality must be used. For a good drawing stock, which must have low impurities, desirable grain size, ductility, strength, hardness, good surface, random orientation, and good recrystallization behavior, it cannot be expected that any simple test will be satisfactory for appraising all the factors. The only factor on which the magnetic method can be used is orientation, which is, of course, of considerable importance. When directionality can cause a 10 to 15 per cent change in tensile strength and a IOO to 300 per cent change in tear length,12 it goes without saying that a reliable as well as rapid method for detecting these changes would be desirable. There are certain inherent advantages in testing orientation by the torque method: The method is rapid with the proper type of equipment; no elaborate preparation of specimens is required—it is only necessary to punch or machine a I-in. disk of the sheet material and insert it into the testing device.

Jan 1, 1944