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By M. A. Orehoski, J. M. Hodge

It is now generally conceded that if a steel is to develop optimum physical properties in the conventionally quenched and tempered condition, the microstruc- ture after quenching should consist wholly of martensite; and that transformation of austenite to intermediate-temperature products during quenching will have a deleterious effect upon the physical properties, particularly the toughness, of the tempered material. This implies that, in order to obtain the optimum physical properties from a given steel, its "harden-ability " should be high enough to suppress all transformation except that to martensite under the heating and quenching conditions to which it will be subjected, and this premise is probably the most important reason for hardenability control. However, the criterion of hardenability that at present is most widely accepted and used is based on a microstructure of 50 per cent martensite. This criterion, which was suggested by Grossmann,' does have considerable justification. It may be readily measured by a fracture or etch test and, since it represents the point at which the hardness is changing most rapidly with variations in cooling rate, it may be determined empirically from a hardness-depth curve by determining the point of steepest slope (the inflection point). Furthermore, in plain carbon steels or in steels of low hardenability, the difference in hardenability expressed in

Jan 1, 1947

By J. M. Hodge, M. A. Orehoski

It is now generally conceded that if a steel is to develop optimum physical properties in the conventionally quenched and tempered condition, the microstruc- ture after quenching should consist wholly of martensite; and that transformation of austenite to intermediate-temperature products during quenching will have a deleterious effect upon the physical properties, particularly the toughness, of the tempered material. This implies that, in order to obtain the optimum physical properties from a given steel, its "harden-ability " should be high enough to suppress all transformation except that to martensite under the heating and quenching conditions to which it will be subjected, and this premise is probably the most important reason for hardenability control. However, the criterion of hardenability that at present is most widely accepted and used is based on a microstructure of 50 per cent martensite. This criterion, which was suggested by Grossmann,' does have considerable justification. It may be readily measured by a fracture or etch test and, since it represents the point at which the hardness is changing most rapidly with variations in cooling rate, it may be determined empirically from a hardness-depth curve by determining the point of steepest slope (the inflection point). Furthermore, in plain carbon steels or in steels of low hardenability, the difference in hardenability expressed in

Jan 1, 1947

By S. F. Emmons

The first paper which appears in the published Transactions of our Institute is that read by our respected Secretary at its first meeting in Wilkes-Barre in May, 1871. It is entitled " The Geographical Distribution of Mining Districts in the United States," and presents a brief but masterly review of what was known of the distribution of our deposits of useful minerals, particularly the metals, not only from a geographical but from a geological stand-point. At the request of Dr. Raymond I agreed, somewhat hastily, perhaps, to write for this occasion a brief sketch of the geological distribution of the deposits of the useful metals in this country, in the light of the increased knowledge of the present day. In the time given no personal investigation was possible, and as it was therefore out of the question to attempt to make anything that could be considered an original contribution to the history of our ore-deposits, I have been obliged to limit myself to an examination of such pub-

Jan 1, 1894

By Charles Holland

MINERS have observed for many years that as pillars are removed in mining operations the pillar adjacent to those mined out frequently shoes evidence of being compressed. Although this has been known for a long time, little or no information is available concerning how far from the mining area the pillars are affected in this manner, or how great is the magnitude of the compression, or concerning the manner or char-acteristic way in which the compression acts, as the mined-out area approaches the pillar under consideration. The writer made a study of pillar action in the Mona mine of the Arkwright Coal Co., partly to get some quantitative data on the deformation of coal-mine pillars. The study was not completed but it seems best to present the information that was obtained.

Jan 1, 1937

By M. J. Shulman

An algorithm used by the US Coast Guard to find lost objects is utilized to optimally allocate exploration efforts during initial stages of an exploration program. Based on classical search theory, the algorithm assumes a target probability distribution function, a detection function, and a cost function. The three functions are analogous to delineating areas of possible mineralization, choice of exploration methods, and exploration budget. Application of the algorithm is shown for a hypothetical target distribution. Using the maximum number of field day available as the cost function, the optimal allocation of effort is shown for different exploration methods, e.g. electromagnetic survey and induced polarization. The adaption of the algorithm for the exploration process is discussed.

Jan 1, 1984

By B. W. Vallat

The Newport mine, located at Ironwood, gogebic county, Mich., on the Gogebic iron-range, is owned and operated by the Newport Mining Co., for the mining of iron-ore. I. GEOLOGY. The general geology of the gogebic range has been determined and recorded at different times by well-known geologists,' and their work will be referred to briefly in connection with the local conditions in the mine. The strike of the formation across this property is about 15" north of east. The general dip is 68" to the north. At the base of the formation on the aouth lies the granite. Looking north, at right angles to the strike of the formation, we have the foot-wall of quartz-slates and quartzite about 400 ft. wide; the iron-formation about 800 ft. wide, and the hanging-mall of black slates. The iron-formation is composed of banded jasper and quartzite together with iron oxide and concentrations of iron-ore. In character the ore iu a soft red hematite, with occasional masses of hard blue "steel ore." The formation is crossed in many places by diorite dikes, which cut through at various angles, the larger or main dikes dipping into the foot-wall in a SE. direction at angles varying from 15" to 30°, while numerous small dikes occur which strike through the formation in a vertical plane and at approximately right angles to the main dikes. There are various theories concerning these dikes, especially as to the time of their origin with relation to the ore-deposition. The commonly-accepted theory is that the dikes were there first, but there are some who contend that they were formed

Jan 1, 1912

By Henry S. Munroe

THE plan of organizing a summer class of students of the School of Mines, for the practical study of mining and miner's work, received at the outset the following cordial indorsement : I have thought over the plan proposed by you of taking the students to the mines during the summer, and of having them actually take part, under the direction of skilled workmen, in all the various kinds of mining work; and of using them as a carps of engineers to make Inside and outside surveys, particularly with a view to the detailed study of the geology of the mine. I have no hesitation in saying, that if the students have been previously instructed in the theoretical part of their studies, by lectures and practice during the winter, the plan would be an admirable one. Of course experience will suggest modifications of detail. From the work you have done at our mines this spring, I feel sure that you would be perfectly competent to carry out your plan, and I shall gladly aid you in any way I can. "Yours, sincerely, T. B. Coxe." The plan of the proposed summer school thus indorsed by Mr. Coxe was adopted by the trustees of Columbia College, and an appropriation of one thousand dollars, or so much thereof as might be necessary, was voted for the experiment. A volunteer class of thirteen students was formed, and the first summer school was held at Drifton, in July and August of that. year (1877). The following extract, from an editorial notice in the Engineering and Mining Journal, of August 11, 1877, will give an idea of the 'organization of the school and the work required of the students. "The students, on reporting to Professor Munroe, were divided into squads of two or three men each, and on Monday, July 2d, were assigned to the Care of skilled miners, selected for the purpose by the mine boss, for instruction in gangway work. Half of the students worked in the morning and the other half in the afternoon, one squad at a time with each miner. The times of going and coming to and from work were so arranged that each student spent four to four and a half hours in the mine each day. While in the mine they assisted the miner to load his car, thereby learning readily to distinguish 'slate ' and

Jan 1, 1881

CRUSHING and concentration flow-sheets of western mills have become greatly simplified and more or less standardized of recent years with the introduction of modern grinding methods and flotation. Improvement has not stopped, however, and advancement is continually being made in crushing and milling practice. A case in point, where remarkable improvements in efficiency have resulted from comparatively minor changes in the flow-sheet, is in the New Cornelia mill of the Calumet and Arizona Mining Co. at Ajo, Ariz. This mill, completed in 1924 for the concentration ,of the sulfide ores of the New Cornelia mine, was originally designed for a 5000-ton capacity. Before recent changes and additions were made the five 1000-ton units were handling 6500 to 7000 tons per day, giving a flotation feed of approximately 14 per

Jan 1, 1930

By W. H. Emmons

Most mineral deposits change as they are followed downward on their dips. Some of these changes are due to primary arrangement; different ores were precipitated at different depths when the deposits were formed. Other changes are due to weathering or secondary enrichment. The chief changes resulting from weathering, in the main, are understood and standard changes are recognized. The processes are relatively simple. They take place at ordinary temperatures and pressures and can be duplicated in the laboratories. Moreover, there are thousands of deposits available for study, because the processes take place near the surface where the development of mines is begun. The changes due to primary arrangement of the deposits of the metals are not so well understood. Deposition has taken place at higher temperatures and our knowledge of the chemistry of the processes leaves much to he desired. Very few experimental data are available. The deposits, moreover, offer fewer examples because many mines are not developed to depths where the changes can be studied and a change to unprofitable material usually results in stopping work. Most students of ore deposits now accept, as confirmed, the hypothesis that nearly all lodes and related deposits were formed by solutions originating in intrusive igneous masses. Outward from these masses, the deposits at many places are grouped in zones and the arrangement noted from the intrusions outward are commonly the reverse of the changes noted from the surface downward in a single lode. A study of the changes in groups of deposits, from the parent intrusion outward, will throw light on the changes to be expected in a single lode downward. Recause the changes in series of deposits from the intrusive outward may all be observed near the surface, where more data are available, it is possible to increase the number of examples many fold and to apply the statisttical method of study with greater confidence of avoiding error. It is not everywhere possible to identify the parent igneous body to which a group of ore deposits are related. Several kinds of criteria are available; certain groups are superior to others. By applying the

Jan 1, 1924

By Jack A. Kanz, Samuel R. Shortes, E. C. Wurst

Zinc diffusion into GaAs from the vapor phase through reactively sputtered SiO, films Izas been inrestigated for various zinc pressures at 1000"C. Diffusions were carried out in evacuated quartz ampules with elemental zinc and with various Zn-Ga alloys. Sputtered films have proved effective in lowering surface concentrations and preventing surface deterioration during diffusion. Approxin.ate complenzentary error-function impurity distributions were found when surface concentrations were reduced to approximately 3 -—4 x 10" atoms cm'3 or less with dilute zinc sources or by diffusion through SiO, films. Zinc difhsions in GaAs tlzrough SiO, films produced more planar diffusion fronts than were observed with uncoated zuafers under identical conditions. A) Surface Deterioration During Diffusion. Device technolorn-- in compound semiconductors has been hampered by several difficult problems not normally encountered with silicon and germanium. 111-V and 11-VI compound semiconductors generally have volatile constituents at temperatures used for diffusion. To achieve specific junction depths in reasonable lengths of time, or to obtain particular impurity distributions and doping levels, it is often necessary to use temperatures which cause surface deterioration and erosion of the wafer. The resultant surfaces are generally unsuitable for devices. The type and extent of surface damage depends to varying degrees on the particular environment of diffusion and on the particular impurity in question. The most common type of deterioration results from simple dissociation of the gallium and the arsenic during diffusin.' The deterioration process is significantly enhanced by thermal gradients in the diffusion zone, usually resulting in vapor transport and condensation at the cooler portion of the system. The resulting damage sometimes appears as a general haziness over the surface or an array of pyramidal etch pits characteristic of the particular orientation. Occasionally, erosion of the surface occurs uniformly over the wafer so that surface loss is not readily apparent. Workers in GaAs usually resort to the sealed-ampule type of diffusion system3"5 rather than the more conventional open system used for silicon and germanium. Another type of deterioration results from direct interaction of the impurity with the surface. The form of deterioration may vary from surface alloying, as in the case of zinc, to direct chemical attack and vapor transport of the reaction products, as in the case of sulfur. Surface alloying with zinc occurs at higher temperatures and source vapor pressures.4 The process is largely controlled by the amount of free gallium on the surface of the wafer in equilibrium with the arsenic lost to the system. The group-VI elements, sulfur, selenium, and tellurium, are commonly used donor impurities for gallium arsenide. These elements are characterized by high vapor pressures and high chemical

Jan 1, 1964

By William E. Ford, Edward Salisbury Dana

I. Oxides of Silicon. 11. Oxides of the Semi-Metals : Tellurium, Arsenic, Antimony, Bismuth ; also Molybdenum, Tungsten. III. Oxides of the Metals. The Fifth Class, that of the OXIDES, is subdivided into three sections, according to the positive element present. The oxides of the non-metal silicon are placed by themselves, but it will be noted that the compounds of the related element titanium are included with those of the metals proper. This last is made necessary by the fact that in one of its forms TiOz is isomorphous with MnOp and PbOz. A series of oxygen compounds which are properly to be viewed as salts, e.g., the species of the Spinel Group and a few others, are for convenience also included in this class.

Jan 1, 1922

By Joseph E. Pogue

Proration in the petroleum industry has come to mean a method for curtailing the production of crude petroleum by artificial effort, and it is in this sense that the term is employed throughout this paper. Although a contrived curb on supply has been invoked at various times in the past in particular fields and to meet specific situations, it is not until the past few years that this procedure has become general and assumed a dominant role in the oil business. In the sense that we now understand it, proration had its inception in the Seminole area of Oklahoma in 1927, from which time and place the practice spread to include practically all the flush oil fields of the country, especially those of California, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. At present there is perhaps no phase of the oil business that commands more attention than proration, nor one that engages more time and effort on the part of executives in the business. The practice of proration, indeed, has not only become an integral part of the policy of most companies and operators, but it has also taken on the aspects of a "movement" involving two schools of thought with considerable feeling, and at times some bitterness, on both sides. In this atmosphere it is difficult to find calm, dispassionate consideration of proration, for most discussions are either vigorous exhortations by its proponents, or else sharp condemnations by its opponents; although it appears that the majority of the industry is clearly "in favor of" proration. It is hoped that this analysis will be taken as an attempt to appraise the movement as an economic force, without bias and without regard to the incidence of the conclusions upon any preconceptions that the industry may entertain. Evolution of Proration To appreciate the causes that brought proration into being, it is necessary to view briefly the development of the petroleum industry over the past twenty years, approximately the span of the gasoline era., For the first ten years of the period, the industry was seeking capital

Jan 1, 1932

By W. H. Emmons

INTRODUCTION MINERAL deposits that have formed by the various geologic processes, when exposed to air and water at or near the surface of the earth, break down and form new compounds that are stable under surface conditions. Mechanical disintegration of the ores proceeds along with chemical alteration which generally is attended by oxidation, carbonation and hydration. Essentially all minerals are affected-silicates, carbonates, native metals, sulphides, etc. Where iron sulphides are present, oxidation yields sulphuric acid, and in the presence of oxygen and iron, ferric sulphate, a powerful solvent, is formed. Above the water level, in the vadose or shallow zone, both air and water are present. Below the water level air is excluded and that which is carried down with water is removed from the solution by reactions with reducing materials. Above the water level, solution is the pre-dominating process; below the water level, precipitation generally is equally important. In some deposits, particularly above the hater level, valueless materials are removed from the ore, leaving certain metals in a more highly concentrated state. This type of alteration, which has been termed negative enrichment, is common in ores of iron, aluminum, manganese and certain other metals. Some gold deposits, particularly those in which the environment is unfavorable for solution of gold, have been enriched near the surface by removal of material other than gold. Certain metals are readily dissolved in an oxidizing acid environment. These include copper, silver and, under certain conditions, gold. In the presence of iron sulphides, deposits of these metals are likely to be leached above the water level. The metals are carried downward to depths where air is excluded, and where they may be redeposited, generally below the water level. Such enrichment by addition of metals has been termed positive enrichment.

Jan 1, 1933

By S. J. Hardison

IN the fall of 1912, the appearance of water in the oil of the Nevada Petroleum Co., Coalinga, Cal., made necessary the installation of a dehydrating plant to reduce the water below the 3 per cent. limit prescribed by the agency. Unlike the mining industry, technical literature of the oil industry is limited and extremely unsatisfactory. Until the recent efforts of the Petroleum and Gas Committee of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, no concerted movement has been instituted to secure publication of papers dealing with the problems of the oil business, and because of the additional fact that dehydrating of oil has not been practiced in California to any extent up to comparatively recent time, it was found necessary to experiment in order to determine the most satisfactory plan for this purpose. It is easy to write regarding successful enterprises, but, while not so pleasant, it is equally desirable to write of failures so that others may be saved the loss incident to such investments. The water in this oil occurs both free and as an emulsion. Free water easily settles out, but the emulsion requires treatment. So far as can be determined, the emulsion consists of globules of water surrounded and enveloped by a film of, oil. Starting with this hypothesis, the theory has been evolved that in order to break up this emulsion the water must be heated at least to boiling point, when an explosion takes place destroying the globule. Unfortunately, this condition was not recognized in the installation of the first plant, which was planned on the following lines: A heater was arranged so that all the oil from the wells could be heated before reaching the shipping tanks, these being already fitted with coils for steam heating. Tanks were filled with about 4 ft. of water, live steam was turned into the coils and the water brought nearly to the boiling point, when the heated oil was run in. This for a time was partly successful, but the length of time necessary to apply this heat was too great for practical operating.

Jan 3, 1915

By John Hays Hammond

The following notes are descriptive of a country as yet in its infancy as regards the advancement made in mining operations. Its inaccessibility and other militating circumstances have retarded progress in that direction. With the completion of the railroad, now under construction, having the city of Cali as its objective point, with the concomitant civilizing and developing consequences, it is certain that the slopes of the Cordilleras will prove to be a South American Eldorado. Deposits of coal, copper, and minerals other than those of the precious metals are known to exist in quantities which, under more favorable conditions of accessibility, etc., could be profitably mined. The Government of the United States of Colombia, I think, is disposed to encourage and foster mining enterprises. Articles designed for mining are admitted free of duty; the permanency of the government is, at least, as well assured as that of Mexico (which is not noted for its immutability), and a more sincerely friendly sentitment towards Americans prevails in the United States of Colombia than in Mexico. This paper is confined to a description of the property of the Cauca company's mines, and is intended rather as a preliminary notice than as an exhaustive report. The Cauca mining district is reached by the following route: New York to Aspinwall; to Panama; to Buenaventura, a port on the west coast of the United States of Colombia, distant thirty-six hours from Panama by steamer; to Cali in the State of Cauca. The State of Cauca is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the northwest by the State of Panama, on the northeast by the States of Bolivar and Antioquia, on the east by Brazil and Venzuela, on the south by the Republic of Ecuador, and on the west by the Pacific. Ocean. It has a territory of 41,443 square miles, which is about one-tenth of the entire territory of the United States of Colombia. Its population, including the 50,000 savage Indians of the Caqueta (some of whom are cannibals), is nearly 450,000 souls, or about one-sixth of the population of the Colombian republic. Of these, one-fifth are whites (Spanish' South Amer-

Jan 1, 1885

By T. B. Counselman

AfteR several years study, the Universal Atlas Cement Co. decided to rebuild its plant at Leeds, Alabama. The entire old plant, which was to operate during the new construction, was then to be scrapped with the exception of two kilns. The quarry was to be mechanized, new and larger kilns installed, with the most modern type of equipment all through the plant. Raw grinding operations at all of the Universal Atlas plants were dry. However, the dust hazard of this operation and the growing emphasis on occupational diseases made wet grinding attractive. Coal at Leeds is cheap, so that a slightly higher coal practice was unimportant. Power was cheap, so that waste-heat boilers were not desirable. Since new kilns were to be installed, these could be made long enough to make filters unnecessary. Wet raw grinding could be either the old practice of open-circuit compartment mills or closed-circuit grinding in accordance with metal-lurgical practice. The latter saved power and steel wear and saved initial investment. This had been demonstrated in cement plants. Also, the elimination of tramp oversize was a most important advantage. Ease of chemical control was another factor. Blending in the thickener, with elimination of slurry mixers had been found practicable. Therefore, if wet raw grinding were used at all, the advantages were clearly in favor of closed-circuit grinding. Detailed layouts of the most modern possible closed-circuit dry-grinding plant and of a closed-circuit wet-grinding plant were prepared, and careful estimates were made of initial investment and operating costs. Full consideration of all the factors involved resulted in a decision to install wet closed-circuit grinding. The capacity of the new kilns was established at 4000 bbl. per day. Two new kilns were installed, each with a capacity of 80 bbl. per hour. Since 625 lb. of raw material is required to make a barrel of finished cement, the capacity of the grinding plant for the new kilns had to average only 1250 tons per day. Sufficient additional grinding capacity had to be provided for the two remaining old kilns, or their possible replacement by a third new kiln. The grinding rate, therefore, was set at 90 tons per

Jan 1, 1939

By T. B. Counselman

AfteR several years study, the Universal Atlas Cement Co. decided to rebuild its plant at Leeds, Alabama. The entire old plant, which was to operate during the new construction, was then to be scrapped with the exception of two kilns. The quarry was to be mechanized, new and larger kilns installed, with the most modern type of equipment all through the plant. Raw grinding operations at all of the Universal Atlas plants were dry. However, the dust hazard of this operation and the growing emphasis on occupational diseases made wet grinding attractive. Coal at Leeds is cheap, so that a slightly higher coal practice was unimportant. Power was cheap, so that waste-heat boilers were not desirable. Since new kilns were to be installed, these could be made long enough to make filters unnecessary. Wet raw grinding could be either the old practice of open-circuit compartment mills or closed-circuit grinding in accordance with metal-lurgical practice. The latter saved power and steel wear and saved initial investment. This had been demonstrated in cement plants. Also, the elimination of tramp oversize was a most important advantage. Ease of chemical control was another factor. Blending in the thickener, with elimination of slurry mixers had been found practicable. Therefore, if wet raw grinding were used at all, the advantages were clearly in favor of closed-circuit grinding. Detailed layouts of the most modern possible closed-circuit dry-grinding plant and of a closed-circuit wet-grinding plant were prepared, and careful estimates were made of initial investment and operating costs. Full consideration of all the factors involved resulted in a decision to install wet closed-circuit grinding. The capacity of the new kilns was established at 4000 bbl. per day. Two new kilns were installed, each with a capacity of 80 bbl. per hour. Since 625 lb. of raw material is required to make a barrel of finished cement, the capacity of the grinding plant for the new kilns had to average only 1250 tons per day. Sufficient additional grinding capacity had to be provided for the two remaining old kilns, or their possible replacement by a third new kiln. The grinding rate, therefore, was set at 90 tons per

Jan 1, 1939

By William T. Schneider, Taylor Cole

Drilling in West Texas during 1941 was more active than in any year since 1937, a total of 2325 wells having been drilled. Pre-Permian exploration was the greatest in the history of the area; 106 wells tested pre-Permian formations during the year. Wildcatting reached the peak since 1937, with 135 wildcats, of which 20 per cent were producers. The wells were drilled to a greater average depth than in any previous year. Slim-hole drilling was the common practice, using drilling equipment that is largely portable. Because of deeper drilling, more attention was paid to mud fluids, especially the use of materials to reduce water filtration. There has been slight improvement in the protection of the pay horizons while drilling by the use of reverse circulation, and drilling-in with oil as well as low water-filtration muds. The practice of setting and cementing the oil strings through the producing formation and perforating opposite the pay zones has increased in the fields producing from sands. It is doubtful whether this practice is of unusual value in dolomitic limestone fields. There have been few if any technological improvements in obtaining necessary information on the pay sections penetrated, by coring, core analyses, better sampling, and more detailed drilling time. However, more operators are beginning to realize the necessity of good samples. For a proper study of the reservoirs in West Texas, it is essential that better samples be obtained, that more core analyses be run, and that better methods of obtaining drilling time be initiated. It should be noted that increased drilling speeds and slim-hole drilling have tended to reduce coring and core recovery and have not aided in obtaining good subsurface samples. In fact, fast drilling speeds and slim-hole drilling have reduced the cost of drilling operations, but with the sacrifice of much needed subsurface information. Larger quantities of slower-reacting acid are being used per well. There has been improvement in shooting, in that a greater number of quarts per foot have been used and an attempt has been made to concentrate the shots opposite the pay zone. The use of mud logging to determine the characteristics of the pay section increased considerably over the year 1940. There has been a slight increase in obtaining reservoir information in the new fields, such as bottom-hole sampling, bottom-hole pressures, and records of gas, oil, and water withdrawals. However, there is great need for more data on these subjects, particularly accurate information regarding gas and water volumes. There are three repressuring projects and a fourth is nearly ready for operation in the Kermit field. There is one repressur-ing project in the Payton field and one in the North Ward field. So far, the gas-injection projects have not shown very impressive results. As yet, there are no water-flooding projects or water-disposal projects in West Texas. Not including gathering lines within the fields, 222 miles of feeder pipe lines were

Jan 1, 1942

By Taylor Cole, William T. Schneider

Drilling in West Texas during 1941 was more active than in any year since 1937, a total of 2325 wells having been drilled. Pre-Permian exploration was the greatest in the history of the area; 106 wells tested pre-Permian formations during the year. Wildcatting reached the peak since 1937, with 135 wildcats, of which 20 per cent were producers. The wells were drilled to a greater average depth than in any previous year. Slim-hole drilling was the common practice, using drilling equipment that is largely portable. Because of deeper drilling, more attention was paid to mud fluids, especially the use of materials to reduce water filtration. There has been slight improvement in the protection of the pay horizons while drilling by the use of reverse circulation, and drilling-in with oil as well as low water-filtration muds. The practice of setting and cementing the oil strings through the producing formation and perforating opposite the pay zones has increased in the fields producing from sands. It is doubtful whether this practice is of unusual value in dolomitic limestone fields. There have been few if any technological improvements in obtaining necessary information on the pay sections penetrated, by coring, core analyses, better sampling, and more detailed drilling time. However, more operators are beginning to realize the necessity of good samples. For a proper study of the reservoirs in West Texas, it is essential that better samples be obtained, that more core analyses be run, and that better methods of obtaining drilling time be initiated. It should be noted that increased drilling speeds and slim-hole drilling have tended to reduce coring and core recovery and have not aided in obtaining good subsurface samples. In fact, fast drilling speeds and slim-hole drilling have reduced the cost of drilling operations, but with the sacrifice of much needed subsurface information. Larger quantities of slower-reacting acid are being used per well. There has been improvement in shooting, in that a greater number of quarts per foot have been used and an attempt has been made to concentrate the shots opposite the pay zone. The use of mud logging to determine the characteristics of the pay section increased considerably over the year 1940. There has been a slight increase in obtaining reservoir information in the new fields, such as bottom-hole sampling, bottom-hole pressures, and records of gas, oil, and water withdrawals. However, there is great need for more data on these subjects, particularly accurate information regarding gas and water volumes. There are three repressuring projects and a fourth is nearly ready for operation in the Kermit field. There is one repressur-ing project in the Payton field and one in the North Ward field. So far, the gas-injection projects have not shown very impressive results. As yet, there are no water-flooding projects or water-disposal projects in West Texas. Not including gathering lines within the fields, 222 miles of feeder pipe lines were

Jan 1, 1942

By R. B. Schluter, M. M. Fine

The Bureau of Mines' Twin Cities Metallurgy Research Center has of late concerned itself with reduction-induration of iron ore. One development provided a flowsheet for the agglomeration of green concentrate pellets in a reducing atmosphere created by a solid reductant external to the agglomerate. The product pellets were well metallized and physically competent. Maximum recommended operating temperature was 2100º F. In these studies, it was observed that unflred iron ore pellets indurated in a bed of anthracite or certain lignite chars frequently acquired exceptional crushing strength. A diagnosis of the phenomenon revealed that sulfur in the fuel was the probable cause. Accordingly, a research program was established to test this premise and to put it to practical use. Gaseous reductants were employed initially because of the ease and accuracy with which they could be metered.

Jan 10, 1969