Search Documents

By A. R. Gregory

A shear wave velocity laboratory apparatus and techniques for testing rock samples under simulated subsurface conditions have been developed. In the apparatus, two electromechanical transducers operating in the frequency range 0.5 to 5.0 megahertz (MHz: megacycles per second) are mounted in contact with each end of the sample. Liquid-solid interfaces of Drakeol-aluminum are used as mode converters. In the generator transducer, there is total mode conversion from P-wave energy to plain S-wave energy. S-wave energy is converted back to P-wave energy in the motor transducer. Similar transducers without mode converters are used to measure P-wave velocities. The apparatus is designed for testing rock samples under axial or uniform loading in the pressure range 0 to 12,000 psi. The transducers have certain advantages over those used by King, 1 and the measurement techniques are influenced less by subjective elements than other methods previously reported. An electronic counter-timer having a resolution of 10 nanoseconds measures the transit time of ultrasonic pulses through the sample; elastic wave velocities of most homogeneous materials can be measured with errors of less than 1 percent. 5- and P-wave velocity measurements on Bandera sandstone and Solenholen limestone are reported for the axial pressure range 0 to 6,000 psi and for the uniform pressure range 0 to 10,000 psi. The influence of liquid pore saturants on P- and S-wave velocity is investigated and found to be in broad agreement with Biot's theory. In specific areas, the measurements do not conform to theory. Velocities of samples measured under axial and uniform loading are compared and, in general, velocities measured under uniform stress are higher than those measured under axial stress. Liquid pore fluids cause increases in Poisson's ratio and the bulk modulus but reduce the rigidity modulus, Young's modulus and the bulk compressibility. INTRODUCTION Ultrasonic pulse methods for measuring the shear wave velocity of rock samples in the laboratory have been gradually improved during the last few years. Early experimental pulse techniques reported by Hughes et al.2 and by Gregory 3 were beset by uncertainties in determining the first arrival of the shear wave (S-wave) energy. Much of this ambiguity was caused by the multiple modes propagated by piezoelectric crystals and by boundary conversions in the rock specimens. Shear wave velocity data obtained from the critical angle method, described by Schneider and Burton4 and used later by King and Fate sand by Gregory, 3,6 are of limited accuracy, and interpreting results is too complicated for routine laboratory work. The mode conversion method described by Jamieson and Hoskins7 was recently used by King 1 for measuring the S-wave velocities of dry and liquid-saturated rock samples. Glass-air interfaces acted as mode converters in the apparatus, and much of the compressional (P-wave) energy apparently was eliminated from the desired pure shear mode. A more detailed discussion of the current status of laboratory pulse methods applied to geological specimens is given in a review by Simmons.8 A new shear wave velocity laboratory apparatus has been developed for testing rock samples under elevated pressures. This apparatus employs liquid-solid interfaces as mode converters. The technique for generating pure shear waves at liquid-solid interfaces was developed from studies of critical angle methods.6 Two identical transducers are placed in contact with opposite ends of the rock sample, one transducer acting as an ultrasonic energy emitter or generator and the other acting as an ultrasonic energy receiver or motor. The P-wave energy emitted from the piezoelectric crystal in the generator transducer is converted into pure S-wave energy at the Drakeol-aluminum

By M. H. Caron

BASIC U. S. Patent 1,487,145 on ammonia leaching of nickel ores was issued to the author on March 18, 1924. Equivalent patents in other countries were obtained later. The Dutch Syndicate Brikcarbo became interested in the process in 1935; and a couple of years later the late Dr. H. Foster Bain sent samples of Surigao laterite iron ore to Delft and witnessed tests made there on this material for the Philippines Commonwealth. As a result, the author was asked in April 1940 by Dr. Bain to go to the Philippines to erect and take charge of a pilot plant for the process. The World War prevented carrying out this proposal. The Dorr Co. also became interested in the process at about the same period. The investigations by the Freeport Sulphur Co. on the process as applied to the Cuban nickeliferous laterites, which resulted in the Nicaro enterprise, and the results of this operation have been well described elsewhere.1,²,³,4,5 This Nicaro plant was, in operation for almost two years, and during this period produced about 10 pct of the world nickel production from laterites containing 1.35 pct nickel. This plant and its operation were war measures and, in view of this, activities were suspended in April 1947. The results obtained fully demonstrated the technical feasibility of the process and its economical aspects on a commercial scale. In this respect, it should be understood that it is probable that improvements may be made by further development, and that there are possibilities for advantageous application of the process to garnierite and similar ores with higher values in nickel than the laterite iron ores at Nicaro. While the articles cited above have given a certain amount of information, no general article containing all the important process data has been pub- lished. Since the process is of more than local interest, a fuller knowledge of the fundamental and practical factors of the method may be welcome to those interested in this new field of metals technology. The author, accordingly, takes pleasure in submitting this article to the AIME as it represents in a condensed form the results of many years of research. The brief outlines of the fundamental and other factors and the explanation of observed phenomena are presented with as little discussion of details as possible, consistent with clarity. It is a special satisfaction to the author to make some contribution of his own in return for the benefits of the many valuable publications issued by the Institute during his thirty years of membership. Ores Adapted for Ammonia Leaching: All nickel and cobalt ores which originate from weathering of peridotites or similar basic rocks having sufficient values are suitable for treatment by the ammonia leaching process after a preliminary reduction under proper conditions. The formation of these deposits was probably as follows: In the course of time the basic rocks were attacked by atmospheric agencies; MgO and SiO2 were gradually leached out, and secondary nickel minerals formed, such as garnierite, a hydrated silicate of nickel and magnesia. These secondary products are, however, not stable. They decompose in a further stage of weathering and ultimately only a relatively small residue of insoluble oxides remains, known as laterite iron ore with a small nickel content and very little cobalt. Under these mantles of laterite, richer nickel values may be found, usually indicated by the occurrence of garnierite. The more the ore is disintegrated by nature, the higher the iron content and the better the nickel extractions that may be expected therefrom. Table I shows extractions that may be expected from different types of ores, assuming treatment of -200 mesh products and that all precautions have been taken for obtaining maximum extractions. As for the distribution of the various nickel minerals and compounds that may be present, great variations may occur from locality to locality as well as vertically in a deposit. From such "run of

Jan 1, 1951

By F. M. Walters

IN order to isolate the effect of an element on some property of an alloy, the effect of the other alloying elements must be elimi- [ ] nated, either by reducing their quantity to the extent that they may be neglected or by determining the specific effect of each. The success of Grossmann1 in calculating [ ] hardenability from chemical composition by means of factors suggested such a

Jan 1, 1942

By Walter Kauenhowen

The production of crude oil in Germany during 1933 totaled about 1,669,521 bbl., a slight increase over the 1,608,558 bbl. produced in 1932. This is an extension of a yearly increase which has continued uninterruptedly since 1928. The 1933 increase in production is due chiefly to developments in the Nienhagen field. The production of the Wietze and Oberg fields remained rather stable, while the Oelheim-Eddesse and Volkenroda fields showed decreases. Nienhagen Field.—This field furnished about 61 per cent of the total German oil production in 1933. Most of the drilling activity centered the north district near the village of Nienhagen, where the trend of

Jan 1, 1934

By H. R. Hoffman

SINCE slag is a necessary product of the reactive oxygen additions necessary to the present-clay quality steelmaking, the study of the control of its volume is being attempted. With other varying factors that may affect the volume of slag kept as nearly constant as possible, the object of this investigation is to determine what effect the one factor of varying the amounts of iron-ore additions and the time of the additions may have upon the volume of slag in producing an acid electric steel heat.

Jan 1, 1947

Secretary's NOTE—on page 176,of this paper, in the fourth line of the first footnote, " 4° " should, be " 1" )'; and on page 180, at the beginning of line 23, ('lined boot" should be " unlined boot." Discussion. Frank Owen, London, Eng. (communication to the Secretary) : In his very interesting and valuable paper, Prof. Snow

Jan 1, 1900

In the four articles presented on the following pages, a panel of comminution experts offer readers the benefit of their experience with autogenous grinding and forecast some of the future developments to be expected in this fast-growing field. The articles are based on an AIME panel discussion in which the authors participated.

Jan 1, 1970

(Members are urged to send in for this column any notes of interest concerning themselves or their fellow-members.) Members and guests who registered at Institute headquarters during January: A. Neustaedter, Jersey City, N. J. William Jones, Kent, England. A. J. Sweetser, Boston, Mass. Percy E. Barbour, Candor, N. C. Algernon Del Mar, Los Angeles, Cal. Herbert S. Kohlberg, El Paso, Texas. W. B. Cogswell, Syracuse, N. Y. I. N. Knapp, Ardmore, Pa. R. E. Chambers, New Glasgow, N. S.

Jan 2, 1914

By Charles M. Cooley

DURING the last week in April, cards were sent out from New York to Institute members affiliated with the Mining, Geology, and Geophysics Div. The cards requested recipients to indicate their main technical interest, within the division, i.e., mining, or geology, or geophysics. The reason for the cards is simple. Within the Institute more than 8000 have expressed either primary or secondary interest in this division. However, there is no way to determine the technical association stimulating this interest.

Jan 6, 1953

By Tuncel M. Yegulalp

This article summarizes the preliminary results of continuing research at the Henry Krumb School of Mines. Columbia University, which is directed towards improving the production efficiency of mining operations. The purpose of the particular

Jan 1, 1979

By R. Schuhmann

Distribution of material in the fine sizes of a comminution product generally is well represented by the empirical equation [ ] in which y = cumulative percent finer, x = particle size, = distribution modulus, and k = size modulus. Charles found that the energy consumption in comminution is usefully expressed by another empirical relation, [ ] in which E = energy input per unit volume of material, A = a constant, k = size modulus based on Eq. 1, and n = a constant; ( 1-n) is the slope of a plot of log E vs log k. Holmes has presented energy equations similar to Eq. 2.

Jan 2, 1960

By C. A. Stetefeldt

Steam-dRied sulphides, obtained in the lixiviation-process, are now almost exclusively sold to smelters, the old methods of melting (after roasting) in crucibles, or cupelling with lead at the mill, having

Jan 1, 1892

By John W. Vanderwilt

The fluorescence of scheelite has been an important aid in recent years in the discovery and development of scheelite deposits. The use of fluorescence of synthetic compounds in industry, particularly in advertising, also has expanded greatly during the past decade. As a result, a number of new and convenient units for producing ultraviolet energy have become available, which have led to a greater application of fluorescence in the study of minerals. Studies have shown that the fluorescent color of a mineral may vary: (I) with the kind and quantity of trace elements, and (2) with the particular wave length of ultraviolet energy used. The wave length is dependent first on the type of generating equipment used, and finally on the filter employed to remove the visible light that may be present. A number of so-called ultraviolet lamps are listed and described, together with suitable filters known to be available. Scheelite fluoresces brilliantly with wave lengths of 2200 to about 3000Å., but not with longer wave lengths. The most convenient and efficient sources of ultraviolet for scheelite fluorescence are portable and laboratory units designed particularly for use with scheelite. So-called ultraviolet light globes of the photo-flood type emit wave lengths too long to cause scheelite to fluoresce. Attention is called to the minerals that fluoresce in a manner similar to scheelite, which necessitates a check test by means of characteristic physical properties. Chemical tests are the final authority both for identity and content of tungsten in scheelite ore. Introduction Recent development and extensive use of fluorescent lighting make it unnecessary to explain what fluorescence looks like. The fluorescent light tube is in reality a mercury vapor arc, which generates ultraviolet energy. Coating the inside walls of the tube is a substance, called a phosphor, that converts the ultraviolet rays to visible rays of light. In a like manner, certain minerals will transform ultraviolet energy to visible rays of various colors. The phenomenon of brilliant fluorescent colors cannot be satisfactorily described or reproduced photographically; a display must be seen to be appreciated. Only a few years ago fluorescence was regarded primarily as a source of entertainment, chiefly in spectacular displays of specimens in museums. The brilliant fluorescence of willemite, a zinc ore mineral, at Franklin, New Jersey, was utilized quite early in checking the efficiency of certain milling operations. Fluorescence has been used extensively in exploring for scheelite, as well as in mining this ore, during the past 10 years. The use of fluorescence in detecting scheelite, an important tungsten ore mineral, is well established, and much success has attended this new method; scheelite is a very inconspicuous white to gray mineral in ordinary light, but it

Jan 1, 1949

By John W. Vanderwilt

The fluorescence of scheelite has been an important aid in recent years in the discovery and development of scheelite deposits. The use of fluorescence of synthetic compounds in industry, particularly in advertising, also has expanded greatly during the past decade. As a result, a number of new and convenient units for producing ultraviolet energy have become available, which have led to a greater application of fluorescence in the study of minerals. Studies have shown that the fluorescent color of a mineral may vary: (I) with the kind and quantity of trace elements, and (2) with the particular wave length of ultraviolet energy used. The wave length is dependent first on the type of generating equipment used, and finally on the filter employed to remove the visible light that may be present. A number of so-called ultraviolet lamps are listed and described, together with suitable filters known to be available. Scheelite fluoresces brilliantly with wave lengths of 2200 to about 3000Å., but not with longer wave lengths. The most convenient and efficient sources of ultraviolet for scheelite fluorescence are portable and laboratory units designed particularly for use with scheelite. So-called ultraviolet light globes of the photo-flood type emit wave lengths too long to cause scheelite to fluoresce. Attention is called to the minerals that fluoresce in a manner similar to scheelite, which necessitates a check test by means of characteristic physical properties. Chemical tests are the final authority both for identity and content of tungsten in scheelite ore. Introduction Recent development and extensive use of fluorescent lighting make it unnecessary to explain what fluorescence looks like. The fluorescent light tube is in reality a mercury vapor arc, which generates ultraviolet energy. Coating the inside walls of the tube is a substance, called a phosphor, that converts the ultraviolet rays to visible rays of light. In a like manner, certain minerals will transform ultraviolet energy to visible rays of various colors. The phenomenon of brilliant fluorescent colors cannot be satisfactorily described or reproduced photographically; a display must be seen to be appreciated. Only a few years ago fluorescence was regarded primarily as a source of entertainment, chiefly in spectacular displays of specimens in museums. The brilliant fluorescence of willemite, a zinc ore mineral, at Franklin, New Jersey, was utilized quite early in checking the efficiency of certain milling operations. Fluorescence has been used extensively in exploring for scheelite, as well as in mining this ore, during the past 10 years. The use of fluorescence in detecting scheelite, an important tungsten ore mineral, is well established, and much success has attended this new method; scheelite is a very inconspicuous white to gray mineral in ordinary light, but it

Jan 1, 1949

By AIME AIME

THE World. Engineering Congress closed as it opened, with a brilliant and dignified ceremony. On Oct. 29, 1929, there were hearty speeches of welcome and of hope for the successful issue of this international gathering; on Nov. 7, the farewells were even more heartfelt expressions, and anticipation gave place to, realization. H. I. H. Prince Yasuhito of Chichibu, who had graciously opened the Congress; was unavoidably absent at the closing ceremony, being on duty with his command at the Army maneuvers, so that the principal speech was made by the President of the Congress, Baron Furuichi. The outstanding statistics of the meetings were: an over-all attendance, delegates and members, of 800 from overseas and 2800 Japanese 83 sectional meetings, all. meetings having practically capacity attendance, this being especially true of Section 11, mining and metal¬lurgy, where standing room only was commonly the rule; and 780 papers were presented, in full or in abstract or by title. H. I. H. Prince Chichibu attended each section on Oct. 31. The large attendance of Japanese students was notable at most sections.

Jan 1, 1929

By Lester C. Uren

THIS paper reviews the industrial trends and changes in educational concepts that have led to the development of the modern petroleum engineering curriculum. A trend toward emphasis on engineering fundamentals is noted. While most universities are committed to the traditional four-year engineering program, it is agreed that more than four years is necessary for academic preparation of the petroleum engineer in all phases of his profession. The author proposes a coordinated program of undergraduate and graduate training that will permit of adherence to the general pattern of the present four-year engineering course, with provision for extension of the program into specialized graduate courses of professional character. In the latter, emphasis may vary with the interests and objectives of the individual student. A specific undergraduate curriculum is proposed in which upward of 80 per cent of the available time is devoted to engineering fundamentals. A broad survey of the professional field is afforded in courses grouped in the third and fourth undergraduate years, but detailed treatment of the professional aspects of petroleum engineering is reserved for the graduate program. INTRODUCTION Of necessity, engineering curricula must ever be changing to reflect the new techniques, the changing concepts that are presented as the engineering industries develop and unfold. Particularly is this true of the younger engineering curricula representing comparatively new and rapidly changing industries such as the petroleum industry. Institutions that planned their petroleum engineering curricula a decade or two ago now find that the petroleum industry has become vastly more technical in its requirements. Entirely new methods and techniques have come into vogue and must be given place in the curriculum, and some of these are of a character that demands changing emphasis in the fundamental preparatory subjects. College and university faculties cannot complacently assume that curricula in this field that were considered appropriate 10 or 20 years ago still reflect the needs of the industry that they are designed to serve. If they do, their graduates will be poorly equipped to meet the requirements imposed upon them by a rapidly changing industry. Perhaps it is not too much to expect academic authorities to anticipate the trends of industry and equip their graduates with what they will need to attain leadership 10 or 20 years after graduation. Whether or not this desirable objective is possible, there is no excuse for allowing curricula to fall behind the current needs of industry. DURATION OF CURRICULUM The majority of our engineering schools and colleges still adhere to the four-year curricula and there appears to be a definite - sentiment among many engineers engaged in industry that work should be so planned that the engineering student may secure the essential academic preparation for his profession in a terminal four-year program. Yet, in recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that four years of

Jan 1, 1941

By William Hamilton Merritt

At the Atlanta Meeting in October, 1895, a short paper was presented by Mr. R. W. Leonard on the " Assay of Auriferous Ores and Gravels by Amalgamation and the Blow-pipe" (Trans., xxv., 645), embodying the results of some very conclusive tests as to the value of the process. His arguments regarding the desirability of the process appear to be indisputable, but the practicability of the field-outfit used by him is open to question. The Province of Ontario, in which Kingston is situated, is still largely unexplored; and at the Kingstoil School of Mining we give much attention to the instruction of prospectors and the testing of ores. To this end, not only is there a small mill (to which Mr. Leonard alludes) attached to the school, but prospectors' classes

Jan 1, 1897

By G. J. Borbely, E. A. Devuyst, V. A. Ettel

Introduction Of the techniques reported for cyanide removal from effluents, alkaline chlorination is the most common (Fisher and Wasser, 1969; Reidt, 1969). Shortcomings with this technique are the high reagent costs, chlorine contamination, and potential formation of cyanogen chloride. Chemical oxidation methods are also not suitable to remove cyanide from effluents containing sulphides in suspension, such as flotation tailings. An inexpensive method for removing cyanide, combined cyanide and related species from waste waters has been developed in Inco laboratories. The method is based on the use of sulfur dioxide (or a sulfite), lime, and air as the reagents. The decomposition reactions of cyanide, combined cyanide, and related species are catalyzed by copper in solution. Complete removal of cyanide species, most of which are oxidized to cyanate, is obtained by treating copper containing cyanide effluents with sulfur dioxide-air mistures while maintaining the pH between 6 and 10 with addition of lime. The new approach can also be applied to selective destruction of cyanide and combined cyanide in effluents containing sulphides in suspension, such as pyrrhotite. Again, a sufficient amount of dissolved copper must be present or added. Metals and precious metals present in the effluents are recovered as hydroxides by adjusting the pH of the treated effluents to about 9-10. Using the new method, the anionic species are removed in the following order: Free CN- > Complex CN- > Thiocyanate The above removal sequence is unusual as oxidants such as chlorine and ozone oxidize thiocyanate preferentially over the combined cyanide.

Jan 1, 1985

By Lester C. Uren

Tars paper reviews the industrial trends and changes in educational concepts that have led to the development of the modern petroleum engineering curriculum. A trend toward emphasis on engineering fundamentals is noted. While most universities are committed to the traditional four-year engineering program, it is agreed that more than four years is necessary for academic preparation of the petroleum engineer in all phases of his profession. The author proposes a coordinated program of undergraduate and graduate training that will permit of adherence to the general pattern of the present four-year engineering course, with provision for extension of the program into specialized graduate courses of professional character. In the latter, emphasis may vary with the interests and objectives of the individual student. A specific undergraduate curriculum is proposed in which upward of 80 per cent of the available time is devoted to engineering fundamentals. A broad survey of the professional field is afforded in courses grouped in the third and fourth undergraduate years, but detailed treatment of the professional aspects of petroleum engineering is reserved for the graduate program. INTRODUCTION Of necessity, engineering curricula must ever be changing to reflect the new techniques, the changing concepts that are presented as the engineering industries develop and unfold. Particularly is this true of the younger engineering curricula representing comparatively new and rapidly changing industries such as the petroleum industry. Institutions that planned their petroleum engineering curricula a decade or two ago now find that the petroleum industry has become vastly more technical in its requirements. En¬tirely new methods and techniques have come into vogue and must be given place in the curriculum, and some of these are of a character that demands changing emphasis in the fundamental preparatory subjects. College and university faculties cannot complacently assume that curricula in this field that were considered appropriate 10 or 20 years ago still reflect the needs of the industry that they are designed to serve. If they do, their graduates will be poorly equipped to meet the requirements imposed upon them by a rapidly changing industry. Perhaps it is not too much to expect academic authorities to anticipate the trends of industry and equip their graduates with what they will need to attain leadership 10 or 20 years after graduation. Whether or not this desirable objective is possible, there is no excuse for allowing curricula to fall behind the current needs of industry. DURATION OF CURRICULUM The majority of our engineering schools and colleges still adhere to the four-year curricula and there appears to be a definite sentiment among many engineers engaged in industry that work should be so planned that the engineering student may secure the essential academic preparation for his profession in a terminal four-year program. Yet, in recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that four years of

Jan 1, 1941

By Alexander Knoll, Dwight L. Baker

THIS paper is a report on work undertaken to investigate the results and conclusions of Ravitz and Porter1,2. that galena freed of surface oxidation products and lead carbonate ("clean" galena) is water-repellent, and that the action of xanthates in flotation is the action of a cleansing agent, enabling oxidized galena particles to expose a pure lead sulphide, water-repellent surface. The apparatus, in construction and use, was essentially that of Ravitz and Porter. The only significant modification introduced by the present authors was the substitution of a three-necked flask for the flotation cell as the "reaction vessel." Our procedure was to place 50 grams of freshly ground, minus 200-mesh galena in the reaction vessel, sweep out all molecular oxygen from the system with oxygen-free nitrogen, and proceed to wash the galena surface free of its oxidation products with repeated small portions of (I) ammonium acetate (500 c.c. of water, 200 grams of ammonium acetate) or (2) ammonium chloride, hydrochloric acid (2 liters containing 200 grams of ammonium chloride and 25 c.c. of 1.18 sp. gr. hydro chloric acid). The galena was next washed with many 100-c.c. portions of oxygen-free, distilled water. The galena was finally considered free of soluble salts when wash water that had been in contact with the mineral for at least 48 hr.* gave negative tests for: (I) lead ion with sulphide; (2) chloride with silver ion; (3) acetate with cuprous chloride, sodium chloride; and (4) ammonium ion with Nessler's reagent. Next 500 c.c. of potassium ethyl xanthate solution, free of dissolved oxygen, was run onto the "clean" galena particles. For this system there were determined: I. The wetting properties of the clean galena particles by shaking the reaction flask and noting the degree of mineral collection at the liquid-air interface. This was, of course, simply a qualitative test, but it proved adequate for our purpose. 2. The removal of xanthate ion from the potassium xanthate solution on being shaken with the "cleansed" mineral. Xanthate concentrations were determined by iodine titration according to the methods of Taylor and Knoll.3 3. The pH of the xanthate solution after having been shaken with the "cleansed" galena. The pH was determined colorimetrically.4 The results of five experiments of the type mentioned above are given in Table I.

Jan 1, 1941