Search Documents

By M. A. Scheil, S. L. Hoyt

About three years ago eight standard steels were prepared for the cooperative investigation of methods for oxygen analysis, sponsored by the Iron and Steel Division of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers and by the National Bureau of Standards. A preliminary report of the results was made at the annual meeting of the A.I.M.E. in February, 1936. † This report showed the reliability of vacuum-fusion methods and further brought out certain advantages of the fractional vacuum-fusion method. The results obtained by the authors with the latter method will be discussed here, with some comments on the procedure for those who are interested in determinations of gases in steel. Some additional comments are offered on the use of the polarizing microscope for identifying the inclusions in the steel to check and amplify the findings of the fractional vacuum-fusion analysis. For details of the fractional method, see the paper by L. Reeve1. Degassing the Crucible One of the sources of error in vacuum-fusion methods has been the blank gases evolved from the graphite crucible after preliminary out-gassing. We have used 1750" C. as the outgassing temperature. This gives a base pressure at that temperature of less than 0.030 mm. after one hour and of 0.004 mm. on dropping the temperature to 1575" C. At lower extraction temperatures the base pressure is 0.001 mm. at 1050" C., 0.002 mm. at 1170" and 0.003 mm. at 1320' C. Because of the size of our induction coil we are limited to this temperature, although it 'would be advantageous to use 1950" to 2000" C. Hamilton2, after outgassing at 1850" C. for 100 min., was able to reach a base pressure of 0.001 mm. for a temperature of 1700' to 1725" C. This would give a blank corresponding to less than 0.00015 per cent 02 and 0.00005 per cent H2. Chipman and Marshall outgas at 2000" C. for one hour by using a special construction

Jan 1, 1937

By J. F. KENP

THE White Knob copper-deposits are situated about three miles south of Mackay, on the Salmon River .branch of the Oregon Short Line Railroad, in Custer county, Idaho. An outline-map of this district is given in Fig. 1. The deposits have been known and spasmodically worked for many years, and a total of over 3.5 miles of tunnels, shafts and other workings has been driven with a view to their development. These extensive excavations have exposed the deposits sufficiently to permit a careful geological examination. The peculiar features which give special interest to this paper are the branching, free-like form of the ore-bodies; the absence of zones of secondary enrichment in the partly oxidized pyritic deposits, and the fact that while the deposits are associated in a general way with the contact of an eruptive rock with limestone, which it penetrates, the garnetization has taken place not in the limestone, as is the usual case, but in the igneous

Mar 1, 1907

By James H. TaVoularis, William J. Wiehagen

This paper discusses the application of commercially available microcomputers for assisting trainers in the delivery and evaluation of new hire, refresher, and occupational training. A brief overview of mine training highlights major issues facing the mine training community. The use of computer-based training has a potential for reducing costs and improving the transfer of conventional training to the job.

Jan 1, 1983

By John H. Hearding

Induction heating, together with automatically controlled tempering and hardening is giving Oliver faster and more accurate bit sharpening, while experiments with bit taper promise to offer increased footage per bit.

Jan 10, 1953

Jan 1, 1924

Jan 1, 1924

By Charles W. Bloomquist

The profitability of miscible flooding in a hypothetical target oilfield is examined. The major costs, including Windfall Prof it Tax, are identified and their re1ative importance are discussed. The sensitivity of profit to important physical and economic variables is evaluated and discussed, including variance in oil recovery, oil price, injectant requirements, injectant cost, and capital requirements. Economic sensitivities to important development and operating decisions such as timing, Spacing, Slug size, and gas recycling are also analyzed. The Windfall Profit Tax (WPT) as it applies to gas miscible EOR projects is reviewed. The effect of WPT on each of the various project cases is analyzed and the effect of reduced WPT on remaining production from existing operations is evaluated. Tax implications are compared for integrated vs. "independent" controlled projects and the alternative of expensing vs. capitalizing tertiary injectants is also evaluated. The impact of the Net Income Limitation in reducing WPT. during early and late project life is determined and discussed.

Jan 1, 1982

By J. Brian Eby

The Gulf Coast of southern Louisiana during the year of 1940 was subjected to an extensive exploration and development campaign, as a result of which 16 oil fields and about 38 new producing sands were found. Although this record of discovery appears in keeping with the rate of 1939 actually in amount of new proven reserves, it may fall short of that of the previous year. Only five or six of the discoveries rated as first-class or important fields at the close of the year. The most prominent new fields opened during the year were Neale field in Beaure-gard Parish, the West Cote Blanche field in St. Mary Parish, the Stella field and the West Bay field in Plaquemines Parish, and the Lake Salvador field in St. Charles Parish. There were many important oil-sand discoveries in proven fields, such as in the Bayou Perot field, the Golden Meadows field, the Iowa field, West Lake Verrett field, and the Venice field. During the year, 1047 weUs were drilled in southern Louisiana, of which 768 were completed as oil-producing wells, 17 as gas wells and 262 as dry holes. The Neale field in northwest Beauregard Parish is considered one of the most important discoveries of the year. The f~eld centers around the north half of sec. 26, 'Y.3 S., R.I I W., just north of the town of Neale. It was discovered by the Atlantic Refining Co., using reflection seismograph to locate the structure. Production was found in the second well drilled in the Wilcox sand on the downthrown side of a fault. The structure is known as the "Tepetate" type, being similar to that of the well-known Tepetate field. There were 12 oil wells and 3 dry holes drilled during the year. The Wilcox sand in this field occurs between 8350 and 8400 ft. and averages 30 ft. in thickness. The West Cote Blanche Bay field, in West Cote Blanche Bay, St. Mary Parish, is a 1940 discovery by the Texas Company, credited to reflection seismograph exploration. The oil is from two sands occurring at 3110 to 3140 ft. and from 4950 to 5020 it. Four wells were drilled during the year, three oil wells and one dry hole. The deepest hole drilled reached 9491 ft. without encountering salt or dome material. In Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans, the California company has a new field known as the Stella field. The sand was found at a depth of 7485 ft., and 5 ft. of perforations made a well capable of producing 486 bbl. of oil in 24 hr. through a 9.is-in. choke. The oil is 42" gravity. The discovery well was drilled to a total depth of 10,258 ft. and other producing sands were indicated. A good field appears assured, although only one well was completed within the year. The Lake Salvador field, in the center of Lake Salvador, St. Charles Parish, gives promise of being one of the most important discoveries of the year. The discovery well was perforated at 9775 to 9800 ft. making 850 bbl. of 33.7° gravity oil daily through a 1/4-in. choke. Three wells were completed in 1940 but few details have as yet been made available.he Gulf Oil Corporation apparently has a good field in its wildcat discovery in West Bay, Plaquemines Parish. This well found

Jan 1, 1941

By J. Brian Eby

The Gulf Coast of southern Louisiana during the year of 1940 was subjected to an extensive exploration and development campaign, as a result of which 16 oil fields and about 38 new producing sands were found. Although this record of discovery appears in keeping with the rate of 1939 actually in amount of new proven reserves, it may fall short of that of the previous year. Only five or six of the discoveries rated as first-class or important fields at the close of the year. The most prominent new fields opened during the year were Neale field in Beaure-gard Parish, the West Cote Blanche field in St. Mary Parish, the Stella field and the West Bay field in Plaquemines Parish, and the Lake Salvador field in St. Charles Parish. There were many important oil-sand discoveries in proven fields, such as in the Bayou Perot field, the Golden Meadows field, the Iowa field, West Lake Verrett field, and the Venice field. During the year, 1047 weUs were drilled in southern Louisiana, of which 768 were completed as oil-producing wells, 17 as gas wells and 262 as dry holes. The Neale field in northwest Beauregard Parish is considered one of the most important discoveries of the year. The f~eld centers around the north half of sec. 26, 'Y.3 S., R.I I W., just north of the town of Neale. It was discovered by the Atlantic Refining Co., using reflection seismograph to locate the structure. Production was found in the second well drilled in the Wilcox sand on the downthrown side of a fault. The structure is known as the "Tepetate" type, being similar to that of the well-known Tepetate field. There were 12 oil wells and 3 dry holes drilled during the year. The Wilcox sand in this field occurs between 8350 and 8400 ft. and averages 30 ft. in thickness. The West Cote Blanche Bay field, in West Cote Blanche Bay, St. Mary Parish, is a 1940 discovery by the Texas Company, credited to reflection seismograph exploration. The oil is from two sands occurring at 3110 to 3140 ft. and from 4950 to 5020 it. Four wells were drilled during the year, three oil wells and one dry hole. The deepest hole drilled reached 9491 ft. without encountering salt or dome material. In Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans, the California company has a new field known as the Stella field. The sand was found at a depth of 7485 ft., and 5 ft. of perforations made a well capable of producing 486 bbl. of oil in 24 hr. through a 9.is-in. choke. The oil is 42" gravity. The discovery well was drilled to a total depth of 10,258 ft. and other producing sands were indicated. A good field appears assured, although only one well was completed within the year. The Lake Salvador field, in the center of Lake Salvador, St. Charles Parish, gives promise of being one of the most important discoveries of the year. The discovery well was perforated at 9775 to 9800 ft. making 850 bbl. of 33.7° gravity oil daily through a 1/4-in. choke. Three wells were completed in 1940 but few details have as yet been made available.he Gulf Oil Corporation apparently has a good field in its wildcat discovery in West Bay, Plaquemines Parish. This well found

Jan 1, 1941

By E. R. Kaiser

COAL research during 1942 was directed in an important degree toward the solution of problems of wartime importance. A wider selection of coals for carbonization to meet the increased demand for coke, and the improved utilization of lower-grade coals for boiler fuel were made possible by fundamental studies on cod and ash behavior that had been started several years ago. The coal industry's interest in the work of the various laboratories brightened significantly as results were demonstrated on smokeless combustion in stoves, on stokers without coke trees, and on pulverized firing of forge furnaces. Despite the limitations of priorities and scarcity of materials, the mineral industries building of the West Virginia University was completed and equipped with facilities for research on coal min

Jan 1, 1943

By W. R. Crane

DRAINAGE in these mines has been discussed in papers, on mining practice,1 but the fact that water, varying from 0.16 to 3.46 and averaging 1.43 times the amount of ore mined, has to be pumped from the mines daily, indicates the importance of the problem and the advisability of making a thorough investigation of the source of mine water, its mode of entry into the mines, its effect upon mining conditions; and consideration of means of improving the conditions. While conditions are not serious, yet there is danger that they may become worse if present mining practice is continued, owing to the presence of formations, known to carry large quantities of water, that overlie the ore bed worked. Much detailed information has been collected regarding: rainfall, and run-off in streams draining the district; the effect of different kinds of formations, porous and non-porous; the inclination of the surface; the condition of the surface above the mines, i. e., whether or not disturbed by ground movement; the occurrence of the ore and character of associated formations, particularly with respect to presence of jointing or slip planes, faults, etc.; failure of top rock in the old stopes; and the conditions under which water effects entrance into the mines, i. e., whether as a natural or forced flow. The study furnished fundamental data on the source of waters now entering the mines and that which may later enter due to collapse of top formations in. abandoned workings. The presence of jointing, or slip planes, has a pronounced influence upon the whole drainage problem. These present lines of least resistance to the water and, by weakening the top formations, cause fracturing of the overlying rock, allowing both surface and deep-seated waters to enter the mines.

Jan 1, 1927

By Leon W. Dupuy

Many articles have been written describing peculiar and particular types of drilling. Little correlation has been made between the character of ground to be drilled and sampled and the type of drilling most desirable for procuring satisfactory samples. In development work, the engineer and metallurgist often desire the recovery of a sample in as physically natural a condition as possible, particularly when the sample must provide material for process tests as well as chemical and physical analyses. This paper describes the results of experimentation in drilling unconsolidated materials carrying titanium minerals in the Magnet Cove area, Ark. The drilling was most difficult in that the ground varied much in consistency, and it was vitally necessary to recover a physically natural sample. Ordinary churn drilling recovered a sample that could be analyzed chemically, but the sample was not in its natural state. The problem was successfully solved by utilizing and further developing methods used in the oil and clay industries.

Jan 1, 1949

By H. O. Hofman

WITH the exception of lead sulphate, all common metallic sulphates are completely decomposed upon heating into metallic oxide, sulphur trioxide, sulphur dioxide and oxygen. Some give up their trioxide readily at a low temperature, others require considerable heat and much time to be completely freed from sulphur. Kerl in 1881 arranged the principal metallic sulphates as they are decomposed by a rising temperature in the following order: silver, iron, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, manganese and lead, lead sulphate being decomposed only slightly at a white heat. The researches of Bradford, published in 1903, show, however, that ferrous sulphate is decom¬posed at 590° C., cupric sulphate at G53° C. and argentic sulphate at 1,095° C. By the present investigation it will be seen that zinc sulphate is decomposed at 739° C. As far then as our present knowledge goes, the order in which the decomposition of the leading metallic sulphates takes place is the one given in Table I.

Jan 1, 1905

By Harold Markus, Gerhard Derge

THE first paper1 of this series described a technique of careful surface preparation by means of which reproducible results may be obtained from potential measurements of the behavior of tin in carbonate solutions with a pH range from 8.4 to 11.2. It then went on to establish the behavior of pure tin electrodes under these conditions and showed that the metal remains active at all times, though the steady potential attained after several hours decreases from I.I2[t] volts at a pH of 12.6 to 0.6 volts at a pH of 8.4. This behavior may serve as a norm with which all other data can be compared. In the second paper,2 small amounts of other anions were added to the carbonate solutions and the conclusion was reached that the common impurities encountered in alkaline materials packaged in tin do not increase corrosion. In fact, in some cases these anions may actually promote the formation of protective films. The present paper rounds out this survey by presenting data on the influence of cations added to the carbonate solutions, as well as the effect of alloy additions to the tin. In many cases the potential data are supplemented with weight-loss measurements. Information is also presented on the effects of some additional anions, the influence of gases above the electrolyte, the behavior of high-purity tin, and the effect of atmospheric oxidation on the corrosion resistance of the above-named alloys. Analysis of the entire body of data discloses some general rules applicable to corrosion in carbonate solutions. The experimental methods used are the same as those previously described. EXPERIMENTAL DATA Cations.-The carbonates of the cations K+, Li+, NH4+, which are soluble, were studied in the same way as the anions, by adding 0.01 mol of the metal carbonate to one liter of 0.2 M sodium carbonate solution, pH 11.2, or to 0.1 M sodium bicarbonate, pH 8.4. The other metallic carbonates are only slightly soluble, of the order of 0 7-3 mols per liter or less, and the sodium carbonate solutions were saturated by adding excess reagent several days before the experiment, shaking frequently, and filtering just before use. The chemicals were c.p. grade in each case except the indium salt. This salt was prepared by solution of the metal in hydrochloric acid and precipitation by addition of Na2CO3. These cations may be divided into two classes, according to their effect on the potential behavior of the tin: (I) normal, (2) passive. To offer a basis of comparison, curves I of Figs. I and 2 are given to illustrate the behavior of tin in carbonate solutions saturated with CaCO3. These curves are the

Jan 1, 1941

By A. C. Bulnes

This paper applies the methods of statistical analysis to the interpretation of core analysis data of dolomitic limestone from the San Andres formation at Wasson and the Clearfork formation at Fullerton. Probability relationships are shown to connect the porosity and the permeability and the porosity and the fluid saturation. For example, the porosity-permeability relationship expresses the probability that a sample of porosity,f, will or will not be permeable. The over-all porosity frequency distribution of the reservoir together with the frequency curves of permeability (one for each class interval of porosity) provide a precise basis for computing the weighted average productive porosity of the reservoir for any assigned value of the minimum productive permeability. The probability that the permeability of a core specimen from Fullerton will exceed a given value appears to be dependent on the percentage porosity of the specimen, its void structure type (i.e., porosity in the qualitative sense), and the given value of the permeability. If continuous profiles of void structure type and porosity are available together with the appropriate porosity-probability of permability plots, the nes pay thickness may be estimated. The Invasion Index of a well is defined in terms of the porosity and permeability data. This index is suggested as a basis for comparing wells as regards their suitability as fluid-injection wells. Three problems of importance in the exploitation of limestone reservoirs may be stated as follows: 1. The determination of the productive porosity of the reservoir. The productive porosity is defined as f = fPVP/V [II in which Vp, is the volume of the reservoir that is sufficiently permeable to oil to give up an appreciable fraction of its original oil in place during the economic life of the reservoir; fp, is the arithmetic mean porosity of the permeable volume v*, and V is the total volume of the reservoir. 2. The determination of the number of feet of oil-bearing porous rock that will produce at a commercial rate into the well bore; i.e., the net pay thickness. 3. The choice of fluid-injection wells in a secondary recovery program. The ultimate recovery of the reservoir is proportiona1 to the productive porosity. The productive capacity of the well is proportional to the net pay thickness. The principal purpose of this paper is to show that the methods of statistical analysis when applied to core analysis data of dolomitic limestones offer a useful approach to the solution of these three problems, as well as others of importance in reservoir engineering. The use of these methods was suggested by the work of Jan Law.1

Jan 1, 1946

By A. C. Bulnes

This paper applies the methods of statistical analysis to the interpretation of core analysis data of dolomitic limestone from the San Andres formation at Wasson and the Clearfork formation at Fullerton. Probability relationships are shown to connect the porosity and the permeability and the porosity and the fluid saturation. For example, the porosity-permeability relationship expresses the probability that a sample of porosity,f, will or will not be permeable. The over-all porosity frequency distribution of the reservoir together with the frequency curves of permeability (one for each class interval of porosity) provide a precise basis for computing the weighted average productive porosity of the reservoir for any assigned value of the minimum productive permeability. The probability that the permeability of a core specimen from Fullerton will exceed a given value appears to be dependent on the percentage porosity of the specimen, its void structure type (i.e., porosity in the qualitative sense), and the given value of the permeability. If continuous profiles of void structure type and porosity are available together with the appropriate porosity-probability of permability plots, the nes pay thickness may be estimated. The Invasion Index of a well is defined in terms of the porosity and permeability data. This index is suggested as a basis for comparing wells as regards their suitability as fluid-injection wells. Three problems of importance in the exploitation of limestone reservoirs may be stated as follows: 1. The determination of the productive porosity of the reservoir. The productive porosity is defined as f = fPVP/V [II in which Vp, is the volume of the reservoir that is sufficiently permeable to oil to give up an appreciable fraction of its original oil in place during the economic life of the reservoir; fp, is the arithmetic mean porosity of the permeable volume v*, and V is the total volume of the reservoir. 2. The determination of the number of feet of oil-bearing porous rock that will produce at a commercial rate into the well bore; i.e., the net pay thickness. 3. The choice of fluid-injection wells in a secondary recovery program. The ultimate recovery of the reservoir is proportiona1 to the productive porosity. The productive capacity of the well is proportional to the net pay thickness. The principal purpose of this paper is to show that the methods of statistical analysis when applied to core analysis data of dolomitic limestones offer a useful approach to the solution of these three problems, as well as others of importance in reservoir engineering. The use of these methods was suggested by the work of Jan Law.1

Jan 1, 1946

By Eugene Guccione

Australia could eventually become a major world supplier of uranium oxide-but how quickly that happens depends on the outcome of a highly complex and emotional battle among different special interests.

Jan 1, 1977

By L. E. Shiffman

This paper describes the operation of two kerosine flotation plants in Alabama for cleaning —10 mesh bituminous coal. One plant treats washer sludge, the other raw coal. Data on capacity efficiency and capital and operating costs is given. Methods for increasing cell capacity are discussed. IN cleaning coal it has long been recognized that methods which give excellent results for the coarser sizes may give poor or even no cleaning for the finer sizes. Effective cleaning of the fines, therefore, is usually a separate and distinct problem. For many years the problem of fines was considered of relatively minor importance. Now there is growing interest in methods of cleaning the fine sizes of coal because: 1. There are more fines. Increasing mechanization and the adoption of full seam mining methods have resulted in the production of a greater percentage of smaller particles than were produced by hand loading methods. 2. The fines have deteriorated in quality. The same causes that have led to increased quantity have also operated to decrease quality through greater contamination with slate, rock, and other diluents. 3. The fines have become more valuable. When coal was comparatively cheap, loss of the finer sizes was tolerated but, with the rapid increase in the cost of mining coal, it has become imperative that the maximum amount of clean coal be recovered from the mixture of coal and rock delivered to the tipple. 4. In many cases, the fines have become a stream pollution problem. Increasing governmental activity and legislation to prevent stream pollution often have made it necessary to retain the fine material which formerly was permitted to escape with the washer effluent into flowing streams. The Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron Co. operates four coal mines, all within a 20-mile radius of Birmingham, Ala., with a total annual production of 1,-250,000 tons of washed coal. Three of these mines are in the Mary Lee seam and one in the Jefferson seam. Although some steam and domestic coals are produced, the major portion of the coal is used to make coke for blast furnace operation. Fine coal is desirable for coking, and all the coal so used by Sloss is crushed to 1/4 in. Therefore, there is no problem of an outlet for even the finest sizes of coal. Since the coal is used for metallurgical purposes, low ash is of greater importance than would be the case if it were used for steam generation or domestic heating. Based on present blast furnace practice at Sloss, it is calculated that each percentage of ash in the coal carries a penalty of $0.22 per ton of coal. Thus there is a considerable margin for operating costs in a fine coal cleaning method that will result in materially lowering the ash content of the cleaned coal. Development of Fine Coal Cleaning Problem In 1942 Sloss reopened its Bessie mine and constructed at this location a new preparation plant to clean 11/4 in. x 0 coal from the Mary Lee seam.

Jan 1, 1951

By L. E. Shiffman

This paper describes the operation of two kerosine flotation plants in Alabama for cleaning —10 mesh bituminous coal. One plant treats washer sludge, the other raw coal. Data on capacity efficiency and capital and operating costs is given. Methods for increasing cell capacity are discussed. IN cleaning coal it has long been recognized that methods which give excellent results for the coarser sizes may give poor or even no cleaning for the finer sizes. Effective cleaning of the fines, therefore, is usually a separate and distinct problem. For many years the problem of fines was considered of relatively minor importance. Now there is growing interest in methods of cleaning the fine sizes of coal because: 1. There are more fines. Increasing mechanization and the adoption of full seam mining methods have resulted in the production of a greater percentage of smaller particles than were produced by hand loading methods. 2. The fines have deteriorated in quality. The same causes that have led to increased quantity have also operated to decrease quality through greater contamination with slate, rock, and other diluents. 3. The fines have become more valuable. When coal was comparatively cheap, loss of the finer sizes was tolerated but, with the rapid increase in the cost of mining coal, it has become imperative that the maximum amount of clean coal be recovered from the mixture of coal and rock delivered to the tipple. 4. In many cases, the fines have become a stream pollution problem. Increasing governmental activity and legislation to prevent stream pollution often have made it necessary to retain the fine material which formerly was permitted to escape with the washer effluent into flowing streams. The Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron Co. operates four coal mines, all within a 20-mile radius of Birmingham, Ala., with a total annual production of 1,-250,000 tons of washed coal. Three of these mines are in the Mary Lee seam and one in the Jefferson seam. Although some steam and domestic coals are produced, the major portion of the coal is used to make coke for blast furnace operation. Fine coal is desirable for coking, and all the coal so used by Sloss is crushed to 1/4 in. Therefore, there is no problem of an outlet for even the finest sizes of coal. Since the coal is used for metallurgical purposes, low ash is of greater importance than would be the case if it were used for steam generation or domestic heating. Based on present blast furnace practice at Sloss, it is calculated that each percentage of ash in the coal carries a penalty of $0.22 per ton of coal. Thus there is a considerable margin for operating costs in a fine coal cleaning method that will result in materially lowering the ash content of the cleaned coal. Development of Fine Coal Cleaning Problem In 1942 Sloss reopened its Bessie mine and constructed at this location a new preparation plant to clean 11/4 in. x 0 coal from the Mary Lee seam.

Jan 1, 1951

By R. S. Montgomery

Laboratory experiments simulating rock drilling were conducted on a number of commercial grades of tungsten carbide in order to determine their wear rates when they are used as inserts in percussive rock drill bits. The test rock was Barre granite and tests were made at conditions similar to those of the carbide buttons near the periphery of a large, down-hole, button bit. In addition, some wear rate measurements were made at a low blow energy. Wear rates of these carbide buttons were an extremely sensitive function of their cobalt contents and hardnesses and were proportional to e-°.57Hup to a hardness of about 91 RA. The point of minimum wear rate, which occurs at about 92 RA, corresponds to the point of maximum compressive strength. Modern percussive rock drill bits have inserts of cemented tungsten carbide on their wear faces. These inserts have drastically reduced bit wear in comparison to that of earlier all steel bits. The most common cemented carbide grade used in percussive rock drill bits contains about ten weight percent cobalt, although grades containing more or less cobalt are also used. Contrary to the case with carbide in metal-cutting tools, alloying materials are rarely used in mining grades. There are a number of designs of rock bits in current use. The most common form is an X bit which has four chisel-form radial wings. The button bit is another important design and one which has been recently developed. This design uses a flat steel face studded with relatively small hemispherically tipped carbide buttons. These types are illustrated in Fig. 1. Studies have been made of the sliding wear of cemented tungsten carbide on rock 1-4 and multiple-impact fracture', 5-6, b~t there has been comparatively little published on the percussive wear of this material although the wear of the impact face is the most important. There is some available data on the rate of dulling of rock bit inserts in actual drilling 7 but no laboratory studies. Sliding wear studies are useful for understanding the wear of coal and mineral cutting tools and gauge wear of percussive drill bits. but the

Jan 1, 1970