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By Valentine R. Garflas

The Mexican oil fields, during 1921, produced in round numbers 203,000,000 bbl. of which 176,000,000 bbl., or 86 per cent., were exported, the bulk of these exports, or about 73.3 per cent., going to the United States. The Mexican exports were divided by grades as follows: Light crude, 47.0 per cent.; heavy crude, 22.0 per cent.; tops, 3.5 per cent.; fuel oil from light crude, 24.0 per cent. The balance, or 31/2 per cent., includes the bunker fuel shipments and the coastwise trade in Mexico, which is not classified as to grades. The figures show that, in importance, the light-oil fields form about 75 per cent. of the Mcxican petroleum industry. The production of the Panuco field has followed the general history of the American fields, and its gradual decline, which is at present foreshadowed, may be estimated as well as its ultimate economic life. On the other hand, the behavior of the light-oil fields to the south is unlike any in the world so far discovered, and as a result we have concentrated overproductions followed by sudden droughts, both sometimes equally unexpected. The coming in of two or three gushers within adequate pipe-line facilities will flood the market with 100,000 bbl. or more a day, while the flooding by water of a particular pool will, in a few weeks, remove from the market one-half the total production of the Mexican fields.

Jan 1, 1923

By Read Winterburn

This study of the relationship of the accumulation and drainage of oil to the structural conditions in the Wilmington oil field is presented with the hope that the data contained herein will aid in efficient exploita-tion of other fields where similar conditions exist. It is also probable that the conditions observed in this field will enable accurate comparisons of various well-spacing programs as to efficiency of production and ultimate recovery. Formations in Wilmington Field Age Formation Thickness Lithology and Remarks Quaternary and Pleistocene. San Pedro 1000 t Fresh-water sands, gravels and clays Pliocene Upper Pico 800 t Alternating sands and silt- Stones Pliocene Middle Pico 0-200 ± Sands and siltstones Unconformity Pliocene Repetto 875-1150 Gray and green shales, silt-stones and sands at top grading to interbedded gray-ish brown shales and fine-grained sands toward bot-tom Miocene Puente 4100± Hard brown shales and sands. Sands are fine and uncon-solidated at top, becoming firmer and coarser grained toward bottom. Top por-tion contains layers of lam-inated diatomaceous shale Unconformity Schist The data included herein are not complete as to all areas and zones, being confined mostly to the area south of Anaheim Street. The sections presented are illustrative of edge-water conditions in the Terminal zone and Tar zone, but have not been extended down the structure far enough

Jan 1, 1940

By Christopher W. Schram, Allan B. Tanner, Frank E. Senftle, George R. Boynton, Philip W. Philbin

A borehole sonde using a 252Cf neutron source and a Ge(Li) gamma-ray detector was field tested in a coal bed in Belmont County, Ohio, to ascertain whether such a device could be useful as a coal-exploration tool. As the sonde was lowered into the borehole, successive spectra were accumulated over short time intervals. The intensities of the capture gamma rays from hydrogen and of decay gamma rays from aluminum were determined simultaneously in each spectrum. A log of the intensities versus depth shows the depth and thickness of the coal bed. With the sonde stationary at points above, in, and below the coal bed, capture gamma rays were measured to show the variation in concentration of certain elements. From the spectrum recorded in the bed, a complete ultimate analysis, the percent ash content, and the heat content were determined without recourse to an external standard. Delayed gamma-ray analyses of the core were also made on the surface in the vicinity of the borehole in a fixed-geometry irradiation facility wing the detector in the borehole sonde. The concentrations of 10 elements were determined by this method on a coal split from the drill core. These experiments show that it is feasible to use a 252Cf- Ge(Li) borehole sonde as an aid in coal exploration.

Jan 1, 1979

By John W. Chang

Introduction Automatic control of primary ball mill circuits has received much attention over the past decade, primarily because its advantages ultimately can be translated into economic terms. Apart from such obvious benefits as improved product quality, increased throughput, and more stable operation, less direct benefits such as easier operation, more orderly maintenance scheduling, and timely management reports all can be realized with the application of modern automatic process control equipment and techniques. Software configurable digital computer-based control systems offer ease of change in control strategies. Occasional control strategy changes are necessary whenever control objectives change or circuit modifications occur. The dependency of control strategies on control objectives and circuit equipment to effect optimal circuit operation is an important, but often neglected issue. Because of the potential for even better control, research and development work continues. [See (Ulsoy & Sastry, 1981) and (Hulbert & Braae, 1981).] Some of the possibilities are discussed later in this presentation. A few preliminary remarks may be in order concerning the relationships among control objectives, control strategies, and circuit equipment. Generally accepted control objectives for primary ball mill circuits include: 1. Maintaining a desired percent solids in the mill. 2. Maintaining a desired measure of particle size distribution at the cyclone overflow. 3. Maximizing throughput. Control Objective I is a requirement for proper operation of the ball mill, especially if it is a grate mill. It concerns smooth movement of material through the mill. Control Objective 2 is a product specification - one of the requirements for proper flotation operation. Control Objective 3, an expression of the desire to get the most out of the circuit, is the easiest to evaluate in economic terms. It assumes that the processes downstream

Jan 1, 1982

By C. V. Millikan

Production engineering has continued its rapid progress during the past year. Many engineering efficiencies long practiced in other industries are being rapidly accepted by the oil industry, and every branch of development and production work is undergoing study that is reducing the time and hazard in the drilling of wells even for greater depths, is securing better service from equipment, and is obtaining greater ultimate recovery from the reservoirs. Deviation of Drill Holes Deviation of drill holes probably has attracted greater and wider study than any other subject. Until about one year ago it had been given little attention. Some California operators knew the common magnitude of deviation, but Mid-Continent operators hesitated to believe that holes could be drilled so crooked. The great emphasis and publicity given to the seriousness of the problem resulted in the design of many instruments to record the deviation by chart or photograph. Instruments which would give the direction as well as deviation were not generally favored because of the grave fears of the legal complications which might result if the bottom of a producing well should prove to be on a neighboring lease. With all the instruments available for determining deviation, the use of etching on a glass bottle by hydrofluoric acid is still the most common method employed. The beneficial result of this earnest effort to drill straighter holes is proved by a comparison of deviation of wells completed recently with those completed over a year ago. The time of this change is arbitrarily taken as Jan. 1, 1929, as at that time the operators were aware of the deviation which usually occurred, and most of them were making some effort to reduce it. Table I shows averages of wells completed by several companies. Data on a few wells outside the greater Seminole area are

Jan 1, 1930

CONTENTS CATES, LOUIS S.-Factors Affecting Bank Slopes in Steam-shovel Operations. Discussed by Fred Hellman, Louis S. Cates, W. D. B. Motter, Jr., George S. Rice 1 CRANE, W. R.-Mine Subsidence in the Red Iron Ore Mines of the Birmingham District, Alabama. Discussed by George S. Rice, W. R. Crane, Louis S. Cates : 3 Factors Affecting Bank Slopes in Steam-shovel Operations Discussion of the paper of Louis S. CATES, presented at the New York Meeting, February, 1925, and issued, as Paper No. 1360-M, with MINING AND METAL-LURGY, August, 1924. FRED HELLMAN, New York.-My experience with shovel mining has been restricted almost entirely to Chuquicamata as far as operation is concerned. We had there an unusual condition in that the rock is cohesive because of the salts in it, so that you can probably work higher banks than is possible in most places. Recently they have reduced the height of the banks and have found that lower bank affords better working condition than the higher bank. It took two years of experimentation to determine the best height of bank for that particular mine. Each mine should be considered by itself and, to state off hand the best height of bank. for any given mine is impossible. We worked the high banks in Chile without much trouble. We adopted high banks in the beginning in order to obtain the minimum expense in railway approaches at that time. The first plan was for 50 ft.; then to get production started with the smallest possible expenditure of money, the approach to the deposit was changed and the first bank had an ultimate height of about 180 ft. We worked that bank; quite success-fully, but I do not think that it could be done anywhere else.

Jan 7, 1925

By W. K. Whiteford

Until the beginning of the year 1930, conditions in the oil industry were such that the production engineer was chiefly concerned with improving the efficiency of development and production technique. Good engineering practice had been adopted to devise and improve methods and materials better suited to drilling for and producing oil and gas. These efforts reduced the hazard and expense of deeper drilling, increased the ultimate recovery from reservoirs and lowered production costs. Equipment was of better design and materials were better suited for the work and were more permanent. These improvements naturally have contributed their share toward increasing the volume of crude oil produced each year. The industry is now faced with a need for preventing a waste of this natural resource; waste which came as a result of continued reckless drilling of new reservoirs. To make a careful study of this economic problem and to devise methods for correcting these conditions was a logical problem for the production engineer. Much time and study have been devoted to the question, and remedial plans have been suggested during the last year and a half. The principles of unit operation have attracted the engineer's attention, as they present ideal conditions for the most scientific and economical development of an oil field. Unitization During 1930 unitization of producing and potentially producing areas has made real progress, and as each new unitized development is agreed upon the objections that loomed so large at the inception of the idea fade into comparative insignificance. Undoubtedly the outstanding example of the efficacy of unitization is the Kettleman Hills project in California. Unitizing this structure, with its almost incredible reserve, is an important step forward in the industry's concerted effort toward conservation. With this partial acceptance of the principles of unit

Jan 1, 1931

By W. Rostoker, H. Nichols

The embrittlement by mercury of aluminum alloys in various states of anneal, cold work, and aging has been studied. It is shown that single phase and non-precipitation hardened structures irrespective of de,pee of prior cold work demonstrate some small measure of yielding before fracture occurs. Sub-yield-stress failure is confined to the aged state, and embrittlement is accentuated by small plastic prestrains. With large plastic pyestrains, embrittle~nent is progressively reduced. In previous work' it was shown that the propensity of commercial aluminum alloys for embrittlement when wetted with mercury seems to be related primarily to the intrinsic strength in the normal un-wetted condition. The data from a large number of commercial alloys in various states of anneal, cold work, and/or aging gave a generalized relationship. At low strength levels, the wetted fracture strength increases proportionately to the increase in tensile strength; but above 65,000 psi normal ultimate strength, the trend is abruptly reversed, and the wetted fracture stress decreases proportionately to the increase in tensile strength. This paper will demonstrate that the simple character of this relationship between normal tensile strength and wetted fracture strength is fortuitous. It will be shown that structure and thermal-mechanical history are clearly relevant factors. The term brittle fracture has been used to connote the geometry of the fracture surface (transverse vs shear plane) or the negligible extent of preceding plastic strain. At its maximum effectiveness, liquid metal embrittlement can satisfy both criteria—fracture transverse to the axis of tension and without observable plastic strain. In this paper, brittle fracture will signify failure at stresses below the engi-

Jan 1, 1962

By Gregory Comstock

THERE is a growing interest in the possibilities presented by the manipulation of metal powders, which justifies an attempt to summarize their character and potential value. A summary of this kind presents an opportunity for making a classification of metal powder products into several general types. Our present knowledge of the finer and more abstract aspects of many of the principles involved in metal powder technique is extremely limited. Any conclusions as to the ultimate value of the process will, therefore, for the present at least, be of doubtful value unless they are substantiated by its products. The number of such products is increas-ing. A study of their diverse and unusual characteristics; an examination of the methods by which they ale made, and a consideration of the reactions that take place during their fabrication, in so far as we can define them, should afford as good an evaluation of this interesting development as it is possible to make at this time. A critical study of this kind results in a formidable list of special attributes, which apparently are characteristic of applied powder metal-lurgy. A comparison of these special effects with the end products and well defined limitations of the melting and casting process indicate that often they may very well be considered as being special advantages. They are subject, of course, to certain not as yet so well defined limita-tions of their own. Based on current products only, a necessarily con-densed summary of the more striking special attributes of the metal powder process follows.

Jan 1, 1938

By J. B. Stubbins, D. F. Coates, K. L. McRorie

Twenty-two pit slides that occurred in two Canadian open pit mining properties are analyzed. Information on the results of laboratory tests of the rocks and a brief description of the geological environment are also presented. One deduction from the study is that slides seem to be predictable by using established theory. This corroboration indicates that, contrary to normal mining practice, the appropriate slope angle should vary with the height of the wall. In addition, if the general ground water level around an open pit can be reduced, the appropriate slope angles of the walls could then be increased by a determinable amount. The ultimate objective of these investigations is to determine the relationship between the percentage probability of failure of any slope designed with specific strength paraheters. With this relationship it would then be possible to determine optimum slope angles. Because of changes in various economic factors, open pits are now being mined to much greater depths than previously. The need to keep stripping ratios low without endanrrerine.-- lives and equipment provides a strong incentive to determine the maximum practicable wall slopes. Applied research work is currently being conducted to establish the methods for analyzing optimum slopes.

Jan 1, 1963

By Frederick K. Allgaier

As part of an ongoing research program, the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, is monitoring surface subsidence over six longwall panels at three Utah coal mines. These sites are characterized by mining depths of 244 to 610 meters (800 to 2,000 ft .), thick and massive sandstone layers in the overburden strata, multiple seam mining, extraction heights of approximately 1.8 to 3 meters (6 to 10 ft.), and rugged surface topography. Maximum subsidence, angle of draw, timing relative to mining, horizontal strain, and rate of subsidence development are being determined and correlated with mining and geologic variables. Results to date indicate the maximum vertical subsidence over the monitored panels ranges from 0.6 to 0.9 meters (2 to 3 ft.). The major factors controlling the amount of subsidence are the panel dimensions and the status of adjacent panel mining. Only minor surface cracking at the panel ends was evident at any of the sites. In all cases, there was a time lag of several months between the start of mining and subsidence at the surface. As subsequent panels are monitored and additional data become available, better estimates of the effect of various site characteristics on the subsidence will be possible. Ultimately, improved prediction capabilities will allow mine operators in the West to evaluate the potential for subsidence-related damage which could affect the current or future land use above the mine.

Jan 1, 1982

By T. S. Fuller

The tensile properties of steels at elevated temperatures have been studied by numerous investigatorsll primarily for the purpose of determining their suitability for structural uses. Tests with this objective have been confined largely to the temperature range of approximately 20" to 500' C., because of the rapidly decreasing tensile strength at the latter temperature. Tests have also been extended to higher temperatures2 for the purpose of determining the most suitable forging range. This temperature range is also of theoretical interest. The phenomenon if increased tensile strength and decreased ductility .in the so-called "blue-heat" range, approximately 200" to 300" C., is well known. It was suggested to the Bureau early in 1926 that a study of the properties of rail steels in this temperature range might prove of interest in relation to the studies of transverse-fissure failures in rails. There were available from another investigation3 several new rails from several different heats made to approximately the same specification requirements, the complete manufacturing histories of which were known. It was decided to determine, at least in the preliminary series of tests, only the ultimate tensile strength, elongation and reduction of area, because of the difficulty, time and cost involved in determining the proportional limit and yield point at elevated temperatures.

Jan 1, 1930

By R. V. Vines, E. M. Wise

It is known qualitatively that the recrystallization behavior of platinum is dependent upon the amount and particularly the nature of impurities present, the amount of prior cold-work and the annealing time and temperature, but published data are limited. A study of the effects of cold-work and annealing temperature on the hardness of a sample of very pure platinum was undertaken to supply part of this information. Conclusions 1. The platinum used in the experiments had a probable platinum content of 99.99+ per cent, and had the following mechanical properties in the completely softened condition: Vickers hardness number, 39.4; ultimate tensile strength, 19,340 lb. per sq. in.; proportioilal limit, very low; elongation, 37.5 per cent in 2 inclles. 2. The effect of cold-rolling on the hardness is shown in Fig. 1. The hardness increases rapidly up to 10 to 15 per cent reduction and more slowly up to about 75 per cent reduction, beyond which it increases more rapidly. 3. The recrystallization temperatures for a 15-min. anneal, after cold-rolling 19, 39.5, 50.8, 66, 80.5 and 89.5 per cent reduction in thickness, are approximately 765°, 700°, 635°, 600°, 545' and 425°C., respectively. 4. The recrystallized grain size of this platinum is a function of the percentage of cold reduction, being larger the lower the percentage of cold-work. 5. Little or 110 grain grourtll resulted from subjecting recrystallized samples to higher temperatures or annealing for longer times. Prior Work As already mentioned, data on the recrystallization of platinum are scarce. Gmelin'sl handbook, which summarizes data published earlier than August 1938, lists values ranging from 400' to 810°C. for the minimum temperature of recrystallization of samples with rather indefinite

Jan 1, 1940

By Breaux B. Castleman

The ultimate test of a business strategy is whether it achieves the owner's objectives. Most shareholders are interested in growth and profits, and share values on stock exchanges are very often closely correlated with profit growth and profitability measured as return on equity (ROE). Strategic management, then, involves managing investments or resource allocations to optimize long-term growth and real return on equity, within reasonable limits of risk. Figure 1 shows a plot of the five year, weighted average ROE of a number of communications companies against their stock market valuations in 1983, measured as a ratio of market value to book value. The principal explanation of the differences in the relative valuations of the individual stocks is historical ROE, weighted toward the most recent years. Further analysis demonstrates the added importance of growth in explaining the differences in stock market to book ratios. [ ] Research conducted by Booz Allen and others in recent years suggests that the relationships between ROE and market to book multiples hold true in industry after industry. Furthermore, we have found that in assessing business strategies for companies in these industries, the analyses should focus on whether proposed strategies are likely to lead to consistent long-term growth in real ROE, without excessive leverage. Our research also reveals, however, that these approaches to strategy assessment are not consistently applicable in the natural resource extractive industries. Figure 2 shows a similar comparison of market to book values against five year average ROE for a group of nine mining companies in 1983. Market value of the shares shows little correlation with ROE. [ ] Analysis of the data for other extractive industries indicates a similar pattern; that is, low correlation between share values and

Jan 1, 1985

By G. B. Pryde

IN laying out a new mine, provision should be made for the ultimate recovery of as much coal in any given bed as is consistent with safety and economic mining. Though each mining district, if not each individual mine, has problems that make the adoption of any hard and fast rule impossible, certain basic principles are adapted to practically all conditions. One of the most vital is the provision for barrier pillars of ample dimensions to protect all haulage and permanent airways during the life of the property. Where conditions permit, room or butt entries should be driven on the strike or slightly to the raise and rooms turned at right angles to said entries. The width of rooms and room pillars is governed by conditions prevailing in the mines under consideration. A safe rule is: In advancing, extract not more than 25 to 35 per cent. of the entire seam; in exceptionally thick seams, considerably less than 25 per cent. should be taken. Rooms usually vary in length from 250 to 350 ft. (76 to 106 m.) with a barrier pillar of not less than 80 ft. between the last crosscut in rooms, and entry and room crosscuts should be driven on sights; room crosscuts should be driven at right angles to the direction of the rooms. In mines under excessively heavy cover or where roof conditions are bad, rooms should be driven narrow and a barrier pillar left at every fifth to tenth room. This barrier should be of such dimensions that one or more rooms, with pillars of usual dimensions, may be turned through it when the barrier is no longer required. Two of the advantages of such a barrier are the protection of the panel against peaking of roof load during pillar extraction and the easy closing of the entry in case of fire.

Jan 2, 1921

By G. A. Reinhardt

THE Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. has produced a large tonnage of 0.35 to 0.45 carbon forging steel, the acceptance of which was based on the physical properties of test specimens obtained by forging the original 5 3/4 in. (14.5 cm.) square bloom to a ¾ in. (1.9 cm.) round. Annealed and tempered specimens were required. The test bars were annealed by heating from 900 ° to 950° C. and cooling slowly in mica. The test bars were tempered by heating to 825° to 875° C., quenching in water, and drawing to 515° to 535° C. Immediately after heat treatment, the test pieces were machined to a diameter of 0.534 in. (1.38 cm.) and tested. Very good physical properties were obtained and no difficulty was experienced in meeting the specifications called for. ULTIMATE STRENGTH, ELONGATION, LB. PER SQ. IN. PER CENT. IN 4 IN. NOT LESS THAN Annealed specimens 78,230 to 92,450 18 Tempered 120,000 to 149,350 9 After experience oil this material, production of slightly higher carbon forging steel was started. The method of testing this material required that test blooms be either normalized or annealed. The normalizing consisted in heating to 850° to 900° C. and cooling in still air; the annealing, in heating to 850° to 900° C. and cooling in the furnace or in mica. From the treated bloom, the test pieces were taken either by core drilling or by sawing from points midway between the edges and the intersection of the diagonals. The cores or blocks were turned to a standard 2-in. test piece with a diameter of 0.564 in. and tested without further treatment. The physical requirements of the test pieces were:

Jan 7, 1919

By E. M. Wise, R. V. Vines

It is known qualitatively that the recrystallization behavior of platinum is dependent upon the amount and particularly the nature of impurities present, the amount of prior cold-work and the annealing time and temperature, but published data are limited. A study of the effects of cold-work and annealing temperature on the hardness of a sample of very pure platinum was undertaken to supply part of this information. Conclusions 1. The platinum used in the experiments had a probable platinum content of 99.99+ per cent, and had the following mechanical properties in the completely softened condition: Vickers hardness number, 39.4; ultimate tensile strength, 19,340 lb. per sq. in.; proportioilal limit, very low; elongation, 37.5 per cent in 2 inclles. 2. The effect of cold-rolling on the hardness is shown in Fig. 1. The hardness increases rapidly up to 10 to 15 per cent reduction and more slowly up to about 75 per cent reduction, beyond which it increases more rapidly. 3. The recrystallization temperatures for a 15-min. anneal, after cold-rolling 19, 39.5, 50.8, 66, 80.5 and 89.5 per cent reduction in thickness, are approximately 765°, 700°, 635°, 600°, 545' and 425°C., respectively. 4. The recrystallized grain size of this platinum is a function of the percentage of cold reduction, being larger the lower the percentage of cold-work. 5. Little or 110 grain grourtll resulted from subjecting recrystallized samples to higher temperatures or annealing for longer times. Prior Work As already mentioned, data on the recrystallization of platinum are scarce. Gmelin'sl handbook, which summarizes data published earlier than August 1938, lists values ranging from 400' to 810°C. for the minimum temperature of recrystallization of samples with rather indefinite

Jan 1, 1940

By David J. Selleck, Eugene P. Pfleider

9.61. Introduction. Open pit mining methods produce more than 80% of all raw materials today in the United States. Much of this comes either from properties that formerly employed underground methods and were converted to open pit or from mines that ultimately must go underground when the economic stripping limit is reached. Generally the ores are transported over large vertical distances and techniques have been developed to do this economically. One approach is to combine conventional surface trucking, over relatively level roads, with the use of gravity and underground facilities. There are various modifications, depending upon the character of the orebody and the topography. Several schemes, as used in Sweden, Canada, and the United States, merit describing. One of the critical problems involved in the transference of ores from surface to underground is that of flow of bulk solids. Must it be crushed? Will it hang up in the transfer? What size and inclination of ore pass are required. How is the ore best fed onto the transporting device underground? As an example, the planning engineers for the Carol Project of the Iron Ore Company of Canada faced these problems in making their designs for the production and transportation of some 55,000 tpd from their Smallwood Mine in Labrador. Other operations, facing somewhat similar conditions, used other approaches of interest. This chapter describes some of the factors involved in the design, construction, and operation of a combination surface underground transportation system as applied to open pit mining operations. 9.62. Tunnel-Ore Pass Systems. The type, shape, dip, and size of the orebody, as well as the surface topographic features, generally estab-

Jan 1, 1968

By H. M. Howe

It is a grave objection to the present system (or rather lack of system) of mineralogical nomenclature that, in the very great majority of cases, the name of a mineral gives no hint of its chemical composition, one might almost say no suggestion, however faint, of anything connected with it or characteristic of it, chemical, physical, historical, geographical, geological, or lithological. In becoming acquainted with a mineral, in addition to learning its composition and important characteristics, one must also learn a name wholly unconnected with any of them. It has occurred to me that a system might be devised in which the name of each mineral should express at least an approximation to its ultimate composition. It is far easier to learn the names of most minerals than their compositions. Most of us are familiar with the names and appearance of many minerals, especially among the silicates, of whose compositions we have but a rough notion. It would be the aim of such a system to enable us, in making the one slight effort of learning the name of a mineral, by that same effort and involuntarily to learn its composition, which now requires an additional and a much greater effort. I have worked out a system designed to meet this requirement, and its description occupies the remainder of this article. Doubtless there are many devices on which could be based other systems fulfilling the requirement above set forth better than that about to be described does, and at the same time furnishing names

Jan 1, 1884

By Phillip O. Tyree, Joseph W. Mussey

Bio-epigenetic sulphur deposits occur in Pecos, Reeves and Culberson Counties of far West Texas. Sulfate reducing bacteria, utilizing hydrocarbons as energy, transformed gypsum into replacement limestone and hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, retained in the pores of the replacement limestone, was subsequently oxidized by highly oxygenated groundwaters, and native sulphur precipitated. West Texas sulphur was first recognized at surface exposures by William P. Blake, a geologist attached to the Captain Pope Military/ Scientific Expedition of 1854. Attempts were made in the early 1900's to mine these sulphur vent exposures by a retort method, but the ventures met with little success. In 1967, Duval discovered a large sulphur deposit near some of the old sulphur works in Culberson County. Duval also expanded reserves in a small sulphur deposit in Pecos County. The Frasch process, developed for producing sulphur from Gulf Coast salt domes, proved successful in West Texas type sulphur deposits also. However, modifications of the process were necessary to provide economical and efficient sulphur recovery from the varied ore occurrences. West Texas conditions and logistics require the ultimate in productivity to be competitive in the domestic and foreign sulphur markets. Several companies, in addition to Duval, are producing or have produced sulphur in West Texas. As of June 1, 1984, a total of 29.87 million mt (29.4 million long tons) of sulphur had been produced west of the Pecos River. Duval Corporation has produced more than 88 percent of that total.

Jan 1, 1985