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By R. H. Olds, B. H. Sage

The formation volume and volume of the liquid phase of oil and gas obtained from four fields in the San Joaquin Valley have been investigated at pressures, temperature, and gas-oil ratios comparable to those encountered in underground reservoirs. All the fields covered in this investigation yielded a product of a gas-oil ratio in excess of 5000 cu ft per barrel and the gravity of the tank oil for the four fields in question varied between 52° and 63' API. The results of the investigation, together with analytical data concerning the composition of the oil and gas, are submitted in tabular form. Rough correlations of the formation volume as a function of pressure, temperature, and gas-oil ratio and of the retrograde dew-point pressure as a function of gas-oil ratio, temperature, and gravity of tank oil are presented. It was not found feasible to correlate simply the formation volume of the liquid phase as a function of the applicable variable. It is desired to emphasize that these correlations are considered applicable only to the range of conditions covered in this investigation and for systems of similar nature and composition. Introduction Information concerning the physical properties of mixtures of oil and gas from particular fields have often been employed in predicting the situations obtaining in underground reservoirs. One of the earlier studies of this nature was the work of Beecher and Parkhurst,1 while a more recent study of the Dominguez Field2 presented detailed volumetric data in the two-phase as well as in the single-phase regions. Although these studies were confined to individual fields, their results proved of value in application to other fields. It has recently been shown 3,4 that it is possible in the region of low gas-oil ratios* to correlate the volumetric behavior of naturally occurring hydrocarbon mixtures from a single geographical area with sufficient accuracy to be of industrial value. For this reason it is considered of interest to submit information concerning the volumetric behavior of oil and gas mixtures from four different fields in the San Joaquin Valley and, in combination with similar published data5 concerning mixtures of oil and gas from the Paloma field in the same area, to show rough correlations between the composition and the behavior of materials from these fields. This effort seems particularly worth while since all of the

Jan 1, 1947

By C. D. King

THIS year the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary as well as the same anniversary of iron and steel in this country as we now know it. The society's span of life comprehends the very beginning and gradual development of the present-day iron and steel industry and its TRANSACTIONS are rich with the trials and achievements of the pioneers in this field. It is difficult to believe that in the first year of the Institute's existence there was produced in this country only 84,000 net tons of ingots, of which only 2000 tons was made by the open-hearth process; that the bessemer process was just barely beginning; that charcoal and anthracite were virtually the only blast-furnace fuels; that Mesabi ores had not been used in blast furnaces, and such pig iron as was then made was produced at a number of small units, each adjacent to its ore and fuel supply. The growth from 84,000 net tons production of steel ingots to 95,500,000 tons in 1945 eloquently tells the story of America's industrial growth.

Jan 1, 1947

By B. Silliman

The regions of New Mexico referred to are in Socorro, Grant, and Dona Ana counties, and a portion of Lincoln County, embracing in the aggregate a very large area, of most of which our knowledge is as yet very fragmentary and superficial. It is only very recently that large portions of this region have been accessible. It has been full of danger from hostile bands of wandering Apaches, whose murderous raids have slain many adventurous miners and seriously prevented developments. But this evil has now been largely abated, and in many of the mining camp of this region there is no longer any danger from this cause. SOCORRO MINES. About three and a half miles back of the old Mexican town of Socorro, on the Rio Grande, chief town of the County of Socorro, are two or more large veins of heavy spar, cutting across the fat* of Socorro Mountain in a northeast and southwest direction, and dip ping at an angle of about forty degrees into the body of the mountain. These veins are in rhyolite, and, so far as could be seen in openings on the Torrence Mine, which I examined, are without any clay parting or selvage. The average thickness of the Torrence rein may be about five feet, the thickness varying from pne or two feet to thirteen feet. Upon the cleavage planes of the heavy spar occurs, in visible patches, of a waxy Iustre and gray color, silver chloride, which gives value to the vein, from a few ounces up to one hundred and twenty ounces to the ton, averaging about forty ounces, as I

Jan 1, 1882

By C. P. Walker

Determining the distance to remote objects by observing the time required for sound to traverse the intervening space is an old practice. Attempts have been made to use this method for determining the fluid level in oil wells but as far as the writer is aware it was not found to be practicable, because vibrations in gas in the audible frequency range do not travel as well and as far as low-frequency pressure waves, which are capable of transmitting a greater amount of energy than can be transmitted by audible waves. Wood, in his book "Sound," states that in a given medium the range of sound transmission will vary inversely as the square of the frequency. The fact that the sound from a whistle having a low tone has a much lower attenuation rate than that from a whistle of high pitch is well known. Also, the pressure waves caused by cannon fire often rattle windows at points so distant that no sound of the cannon is heard. In 1932 P. E. Lehr and H. T. Wyatt, of the Shell Oil Co., experimented with the principle of the concussion, or pressure-wave echo, method of determining fluid levels in oil wells. They released compressed gas into the top of the casing, thereby creating a pressure wave, which traveled down the well and back again. Their experiments proved conclusively that, with the proper apparatus for recording the echoes and determining the velocities at which the waves travel, the method could be used successfully for determining fluid levels in oil wells. Wells are often equipped with from one to three tubing catchers and these together with the top of the liner are frequently above the fluid. Each of these obstructions reflects a part of the pressure wave. In such wells there may be, therefore, as many as five pressure-wave reflections. Thus it is obvious that in order to identify the various reflections and to determine therefrom the fluid level in a well it is necessary to obtain a graphic record of these reflections.

Jan 1, 1937

By G. Richards Gwinn

THE mineral graphite has been known for hundreds of years and was first used commercially as a coloring agent. Its true identity, however, was not recognized until the end of the eighteenth century and its commercial development did not become extensive until near the close of the nineteenth century. The common names for this mineral are graphite, plumbago, and black lead; others less frequently used are potelot, crayon noir, carbo mineralis, and kish. Graphite was named by Johann Gottlieb Werner in 1789 from the Greek word graphein, to write, and this name was applied primarily to the large crystalline, flake variety. Plumbago is a trade term used primarily for massive graphite as found in Ceylon. Black lead is also a trade term and, like plumbago, is based upon the idea that prevailed throughout the Middle Ages that graphite was a form of lead, or at least contained that metal. Graphite is a soft, black, unctuous form of carbon that crystallizes in the hexagonal system with rhombohedra1 symmetry. It occurs occasionally in six-sided tabular crystals but usually is found in foliated masses, minute disseminated scales, or earthy lumps. It has perfect basal cleavage, is gray to black, has a metallic luster and a gray streak. The specific gravity is 2.1 and hardness is 1 to 2. It is opaque even in finest particles; extremely resistant to the action of acid or heat; and a good conductor of both heat and electricity. Graphite may be separated into three classes: ( ) natural, (2) manufactured (which is sometime called artificial), and (3) colloidal. Natural graphite is divided into two classes, "crystalline" and "amorphous." Crystalline graphite may occur as flake, lump, chip or dust. Amorphous graphite is a commercial term only, as all graphite is crystalline, but grades in which the individual grains cannot be distinguished are classified by the trade as amorphous. Natural mixtures of crystalline and amorphous occur in all proportions. The term "artificial graphite" is a misnomer; "manufactured graphite" is a better term, because it actually is pure crystalline graphite,

Jan 1, 1949

By George Rice

INSTANTANEOUS outbursts of gas in underground workings are similar in effect to great blasts of explosives, but without heat effects. Fortunately they occur only in a few localities in exceptional coal fields of the world and under exceptional geologic conditions. Such violent outbursts should not be compared with the ordinary outflows of gas into coal mines or with explosions of gas and dust. The phenomenon is essentially one of gas held in circumscribed areas under very high pressure and as a mining face or heading approaches such a place and the mining excavation sufficiently weakens the natural surrounding dam or shell, this is burst by the pressure just as by the discharge of a mass of explosives. The outbursts, so far as known to the writer, have been confined to coal beds and have not occurred in other mineral deposits. Hence, as discussed later, he believes that it is the relation of the gases to the coal material that is a factor in conjunction with others in producing conditions which permit the phenomena to occur when mining is done. The gases in most instantaneous outbursts have been hydrocarbon gases but in two coal fields they have been definitely found to be chiefly or wholly carbon dioxide. One of these localities in which CO2 outbursts have been frequent and have caused loss of life is in the southern part of the Gard basin, near Alais, in southern France. In 1919, the writer visited the Fontaine mine in this field the day following the occurrence of an outburst by which two men were smothered by carbon dioxide and fine dust. After 24 hr. the CO2 had not been entirely removed by the ventilating current. Occasional outbursts of CO2 have also occurred in other small basins in France, causing accidents, as in Puy-de-Dome. However, mines in the Gard basin, north of those in which CO2 outbursts have occurred, have experienced hydrocarbon gas outbursts.

Jan 1, 1931

By M. D. Flavel

The paper describes the physical aspects of the compression and impact crusher types along with the information needed to apply, install and operate them to best achieve designed performance levels. It reviews key performance parameters such as energy size relationships for crushing processes and how automation devices can optimize machine productivity. Weaknesses of existing application engineering methods are discussed. The use of pilot plant information and appropriate laboratory testing procedures are reviewed from the point of view of the application design engineer so that the best type of machine can be selected for a proposed installation.

Jan 1, 1982

By Carl G. Schwenk

Rocks of the Precambrian Shield of Rusk County, Wis., were recognized as a favorable host for volcanogenic base metal deposits by personnel of Bear Creek Mining Co. Most of the county is covered by a thick layer of glacial drift: consequently, geophysical techniques played a prominent role in the exploration program conceived and initiated there in 1966. The original work on three Precambrian exposures was followed by an airborne electromagnetic survey and subsequent ground follow-up. A geophysical evaluation of air-borne anomaly F-22 defined a target which was interpreted as a massive sulfide body. Numerous potential field and electrical tools were utilized to describe the geometry and physical properties of the target. Drilling confirmed the massive sulfide interpretation and eztentually outlined a 6 million-ton copper deposit.

Jan 1, 1977

By A. M. Kivari

OPERATIONS at the cement plant of the Permanente Corporation, in the hills about 45 miles south of San Francisco and 12 miles west of San Jose, are interesting to the members because of the adoption of modern hydrometallurgical methods for handling and beneficiating raw materials Closed-circuit grinding, classification, hydroseparation, flotation, agitation, and thickening are familiar terms at this cement plant These methods make it possible to process refractory limestone into suitable materials for the manufacture of modern cements Construction of the plant, haying originally a design capacity of 7000 bbl of cement per clay, was started in June 1939, and the first clinker was ground on the following Christmas Day At present the capacity is about 12,000 bbl of finished cement per 24 hr , most of the production being low-heat cement † About 3130 tons of limestone, 620 tons of clay and 100 tons of gypsum are required daily for this output Occasionally iron oxide is added to the clay to obtain the desired composition This, together with the gypsum, is purchased from outside sources Up to the present time, the corporation has produced low-heat, normal, moderate¬ heat, moderate-sulphate-resisting, high-early-strength, oil-well, modified-oil-well, and plastic cements Most of the present production is for Shasta Dam, near Redding, Calif , the told demand being 5,800,000 bbl of cement Following are sonic of the cement requirements of the Shasta D [im] specifications [ ] The average specific surface in the bin s sampled shill be not less Ulan 1800 sq cm per gram and no individual sample less thin 1600 sq centimeters Compressive strength The average compressive strength in pounds per square inch of three mortar cubes composed of one part cement and 2 75 parts fine testing sand, by weight, shall be equal to or greater thin the following

Jan 1, 1941

By E. M. Wise

The practice of adding moderate quantities of nickel to a variety of bronzes has been employed by foundrymen for many years with several objects in view. In some instances it was desired to harden the alloy; in others it was to increase the fluidity or to improve the solidity of the castings, or to refine their grain. These important matters have been considered in detail by Pilling and Kihlgrenl and by numerous other workers cited by them, and with the exception of the first will not be considered in the present communication. The possibility of reducing the cost of bronze by replacing a portion of the tin with nickel received attention some years ago by Burgess and Woodward12 and, as will be shown later, offers attractive savings in cost under present conditions. The age-hardening characteristics of the nickel bronzes of appropriate compositions have been known for some time and were mentioned by Price, Grant and Phillips3 and discussed by Wise4 in connection with their paper. These matters are further considered in recent patents15 and are becoming of commercial importance in the production of high-strength castings. The equilibrium relations existing in the high-copper region of the copper-nickel-tin system have been carefully studied by Eash and Upthegrove,6 and in somewhat less detail by Veszelka.7 The observa-

Jan 1, 1934

By G. Rowan, M. W. Clegg

Approximate analytical solutions for non-Darcy radial gas flow are derived for bounded and infinite reservoirs producing at either constant rate or constant pressure. These analytical solutions are compared with published results for non-Darcy flow obtained on digital and analogue computers, and the agreement is show to be very good. Some observations on the interpretation of gas well tests are made. INTRODUCTION The flow of gases in porous media is a problem that has been the subject of much study in recent years [l - 71 , and many methods have been proposed for solving the non-linear equations associated with it. The assumption that the flow satisfies Darcy's Law It has been observed, however, that the linear relationship between the flow rate and pressure gradient is only approximately valid even at low flow rates, and that as the flow rate increases the deviations from linearity also increase. It has been suggested by a number of authors that Darcy's Law should be replaced by a quadratic flow law of the form This form of equation was first suggested by Forchheimer [9] and, later, Katz and Cornell [10], and Irmay [lll, developed a similar equation. Houpeurt [12] derived this form of equation using the concept of an idealised pore system in which each channel consists of sequences of truncated cones giving rise to successive restrictive orifices along the channel. This type of representation leads to a quadratic flow law of type [4], for all fluids, but it is found that the quadratic term is only significant in the case of gas flow. The methods of Houpeurt for solving gas flow problems will be discussed further in another section of this paper. Solutions of the non-linear equation for Darcy gas flow 121 may be classified as either computer (digital and analogue), or approximate analytical ones. The former include the well-known solutions of Bruce et al. [13], and Aronofsky and Jenkins [14] , but the latter solutions, apart from the simple linearisation of equation (2) to yield a diffusion equation in p2 , are not so well-known. Amongst these approximate analytical solutions should be mentioned the work of Barenblatt [IS], who has applied the techniques of dimensional analysis to obtain similarity solution to a large class of non-linear equations; also, a number of Russian authors, including Barenblatt [16] , Kim [17] and others, who have used the method of moments for obtain-

Jan 1, 1965

By C. A. O’Connell

Surface exploration drilling at Mufulira started in 1928, with drillhole No. 1 intersecting ore near the eastern fringe of the deposit. Subsequent drilling along strike intersected ore until the western fringe was fixed some 7500 ft west of drillhole No. 1. Further intensive drilling down dip disclosed a large triangle of ore with its apex 3350 ft deep. It contained approximately 11 6 million tons of ore at 4.41% total copper in three superimposed orebodies. The east and west limits of the orebodies were presumed to have a pronounced rake to the north with a strike length of 8000 ft. Subsequent exploration underground seemed to bear out this presumption to the 1150 ft level. In 1947, attention was directed to the area west of the known orebodies in conjunction with plans for increased production and increased depth of the mine workings.

Jan 12, 1962

W. P. Blake, Shullsburg, Wis.: I desire to express my admiration of Prof. Posepny's memoir, and particularly of the charming manner and spirit of the introduction. With respect to his mention of the ore-deposits of Missouri and Wisconsin, reference may be made to my paper presented at this meeting (Trans., xxii., 621)) showing the existence of dislocations and breaks in the bedding, and their apparent close relation with the localization of the ore-deposits as claimed by Dr. James G. Percival, and also so claimed by Dr. Jenney in his paper before us (Trans., xxii., 171). I have in my paper given reasons for believing that the zinc- and lead-ores in the strata above the compact Trenton limestones were formed by lateral secretion and concentration from above downwards, substantially as shown by Prof. J. D. Whitney, and not by the ascent of solutions through the fissures, as Prof. Posepny (p. 304) seems inclined to believe. In regard to the contemporaneity of the ore and the rocks, and in favor of a later introduction of ore through fault-fissures, Prof. Posepny (p. 310) cites the influence of these fissures. In my paper, already referred to, I have endeavored to show how faults may have influenced the deposition of ore without being themselves channels for the flow of mineral solutions, and how they may have caused the contemporaneous formation of metallic sulphides from sea-water in the body of a forming rock; the faulting fissure being formed at an early period in the foundation rocks, and probably continuing to be a plane of break and movement in the deposits of later formation.

Jan 1, 1894

By W. Tovote

This paper is based upon 12 years' experience in the Southwest, including three years that were spent in constant traveling as examining engineer for the Phelps-Dodge Corporation. The material was gathered during rather extensive work in Bisbee, Clifton-Morenci, Globe, and Tombstone, and also on short and rapid trips into most of the mining camps and prospect fields of New Mexico, Arizona, the desert country of California, and as much of Sonora as was safe at the time. My methods of observation and my deductions are not put forward as new or scientific; they are simply rough field methods, based upon short notes, rough sketches, and largely upon memory, which I have found useful for coördinating geological data for the purpose of passing quick judgment on mining possibilities in certain districts exhibiting uniform characteristics. The opportunities for observation have been better these last few years than ever before, due to the unprecedented activity in mining, which has caused the reopening of hundreds of old mines and the starting of even more numerous prospects all over the mining states. Possible Systems of Classification By Geological Provinces There are a number of well defined geological provinces in the territory under discussion, and a study of their individual features is of interest. The following are a few of those that are most striking in their uniformity. 1. The "Desert province," extending roughly from Wickenburg, Ariz., to and beyond Barstow, Cal. In its north-south extent it reaches up to the Colorado River and down into Sonora, but overlaps other provinces. It is characterized by a worn-down basement of schistose and granitic rocks, on which rest remnants of Paleozoic and pre-Paleozoic sediments, including very old limestones. The sediments are disrupted and contorted. Alteration in the mineralized areas is very prominent, especially in the schists and limestones. Cenozoic volcanic rocks, principally of semi-basic composition, have been intruded into this complex and sometimes cover it as lava flows. 2. The "Yavapai schist" province, similar to the one first mentioned, consists of metamorphosed basic and semi-basic rocks. It lies in northern

Jan 1, 1920

By G. Koves

The behavior of case-hardened AISI C-1213 free -machining steel under complex impact-fatigue -wear load conditions was investigated. The inherently poor dynamic properties of the steel are mainly affected by the stress distribution in the case, component shape, and tempering. Cold-riveted components showed unexpectedly high dynamic strength compared to basic parts. A compromise beatment—which provides good dynamic properties, reasonable wear resistance, and fair riveting characteristics—zuas developed. A number of mechanical components in data-processing machines are made of free-machining carbon steel. Although, selected primarily due to manufacturing requirements, components made of these grades frequently undergo complex heat treatment and must sustain impact-fatigue loads. A typical free-machining steel is the AISI C-1213 grade, which is a resulfurized and rephosphorized open-hearth steel. While the undesirable effects of sulfur and phosphorus on the mechanical properties are well-known, data on dynamic properties are scarce.1"3 Rapid rotating or oscillating motion while carry- ing a high cyclic load requires a combination of wear resistance with high endurance limit and impact toughness. The inherently poor dynamic properties of the free-machining steel are further degraded by the machining, which introduces local stress-concentration areas. While the heat treatment (usually case hardening) improves some mechanical properties, it necessarily impairs others. Another problem arises when components, such as studs, must be fastened by riveting. The high crack-sensitivity of the free-machining steel, especially in the presence of a hardened case, makes this operation difficult. In view of the preceding considerations, it is of interest to investigate the behavior of a typical component under complex impact-fatigue-wear loading conditions in order to explore the effects of material, machining, and heat treatment, to obtain specific data on the dynamic characteristics of free-machining steel, and to arrive at a process which would adequately utilize the inherent qualities of this material. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE To simulate actual service conditions, a typical component was selected, based on frequency of application, complexity of load, and processing difficulties. The dimensions and shape of the component—a stud used in many electromechanical document-handling machines—are shown in Fig. 1.

Jan 1, 1964

By Eugene Stebinger

INTRODUCTION. A LARGE number of papers and reports dealing with the coalfields of Montana have been published + during the last 30 years, but the information is much scattered, appearing in many technical and scientific journals and in government reports, in many cases inaccessible to those most interested. In recent years, especially since 1905, ,our knowledge of the geology and coal contents of the important fields of the State has been much increased. Fairly specific and detailed information is. at hand on all of the principal coal-bearing areas. The fields for which data are not at hand are small and inaccessible, and their omission will not materially affect an estimate of the coal resources of the State, viewed as a whole. The paper here presented is a summary of existing information, all sources having been freely utilized in its preparation. The viewpoint adopted is that of the geologist, rather than that of the engineer or colliery operator, because by far the greater portion of the coal areas present have had only the most meager development, making information that, will aid in prospecting and opening the at present little used coal lands of paramount importance to those interested in the coal fields of the State.

Jan 9, 1913

By C. W. Stratford

[During the last few years, the necessity for development work has been generally recognized by executives throughout the oil industry, resulting in greatly accelerated progress and the adoption of many noteworthy improvements in refining methods and equipment. Several years ago, the Associated Oil Co. decided to improve distillation methods with the object of reducing refining costs. This extremely interesting work was entrusted to the writer, and W. S. James, now Chief of Research for Studebaker Corpn. of America, was selected as the principal collaborator. The latter contributed much during his two years with the Associated Oil Co., to the development work that has followed. The writer extends to the Associated Oil Co. his appreciation for permission to disclose the details of distilling equipment. In petroleum refining the principal requisites of good economics are the separation of high-priced distillates from those of lower price; maxi-mum yield of any desired distillate; lowest capital investment in refining equipment; lowest cost of operation and maintenance, and the best adaptability and flexibility of the same refinery equipment for handling crudes of widely varying characteristics. The first two items mentioned, separation and yields of distillates are determined by efficiency of fractionating equipment,. Discussion in this paper is chiefly concerned with oil-heating equipment, combustion and furl economy. It has long been well known that velocity plays a very important part in all heat transfer systems. Any betterment in specific transfer. rates in such systems must. always involve velocity. Realizing this fact, IV decided to adopt as a basic principle, the employment of energy to impart velocity required for high transfer rates through a heating diaphragm, and our method of modernizing obsolete shell stills is founded on this principle. Mechanical energy is usually cheap and its rational rspcntliture is returned in the form of greatly increased heat transfer rates, on both oil and gas sides of the sheet. Certainly there is nothing new in this principle, the only novelty being that of our peculiar method of application On the oil side (Fig. I) use is made of a centrifugal pump to jet the oil against the heated sheet thereby creating a high velocity sheet flow over the entire fired area. Such a pump is one of the most efficient machines, so far developed, for moving fluids. 'I'he oil, under pressure impinging

Jan 1, 1928

After the close of the Revolution, settlers began to pour over the mountains, to settle in the western parts of Pennsylvania, of Virginia, to move down the Ohio into Kentucky, and in the late seventeen-eighties to settle on "the Indian side" of the river, now Ohio. With the growth of population the interest in coal increased and it was not long before the production of coal west of the mountains was larger than that east of them. Foreign nations, too, became interested in the young republic and in 1783, at the instance of the Swedish government S. A. Hermelin, an engineer, visited this country to investigate its iron industry. He made a very interesting report, not published until 1931, in which he gave many details of the iron plants in the eastern United States; apparently he was not west of the mountains, but was well informed about conditions there. He says, "that some coal near the first branches of the Schuylkill River has been mined and utilized by the blacksmiths," referring, of course, to anthracite; again that "coal mines have also been worked for several years near Pittsburg," and that "great supplies of iron ore are available at the Ohio Falls and further to the west, at Coney Creek, a part of the Green River, where there is also coal."' In 1788, Dr. Johann David Schoepf, who came to this country with the Hessian troops, visited Pittsburgh. He was an intelligent man and acquainted to some extent with minerals and methods of working them. In speaking of Coal Hill on the south side of the Monongahela he mentioned several strata of marble in the lower part and that

Jan 1, 1942

By Alfred H. Bell, Charles W. Carter

In 1943, Illinois produced 82,256,000 bbl. of oil, or 5.5 per cent of the total for the United States, and ranked sixth in the nation in oil production. This represents a decline of 23 per cent from 1942, when the total Illinois production was 106,ggo,o~~ bbl. and Illinois ranked fifth. The daily average production for 1943 was approximately 225,000 bbl. Daily averages by months were as follows: Jan......... 238,000 July......... 218,000 Feb......... 240,000 Aug......... 216,000 Mar......... 237,qoo Sept........ 220,ooo Apr......... 230,000 Oct......... 220,000 May....... 221,000 Nov......... 223,000 June......; . 222,000 Dec......... z18,ooo This shows that most of the decline during the year took place between March and May, and that for the last eight months of 1943 production has been essentially steady. This means that there has been enough production from new wells drilled to balance the natural decline of the Older wells. The trends of drilling and production are shown in Fig. I and Table 3.

Jan 1, 1944

By Paul D. Merica, L. J. Gurevich

In connection with other investigations on the properties and characteristics of chilled-iron car wheels, the question as to the best range of annealing temperatures was raised. Chilled-iron wheels are cast with a chill against the tread and the inside of the flange, the remainder being in sand. The composition of the metal is so chosen that under these conditions the trcad and inside of the flange will show white iron to a depth of from 5/8 to in. (15 to 22 mm.), the remainder of the wheel becoming graph itized or gray. In order to relieve the stresses set up during cooling under such drastic conditions, the wheels are stripped from the mold, while still red hot, piled in a soaking pit, and allowed to cool very slowly from their temperature at stripping. Obviously the most suitable temperature for this annealing is the highest at which no formation of graphite occurs within the white tread and at which the wheels can be stripped from the molds. Inasmuch as no direct determinations have been made of the temperatures at which the formation of graphite takes place in white iron of compositions used in car wheels upon annealing, it was considered worth while to determine these temperatures as a means of establishing the maximum temperatures at which the annealing of the wheels may be carried out. In the course of this work, some incidental observations were made which are of interest in connection with the theory of graphitization in whitc iron. The literature on the subject of the formation of graphite both during cooling at casting and upon annealing is very extensive and can be best studied by reference to a comprehensive discussion of the subject by Hatfie1d.l Perhaps the most important contributions of previous investigation are the following: 1. Whether a given mass of molten iron becomes white, mottled, or gay upon casting, depends on its composition and its rate of cooling through the temperature range of solidification and immediately below. 2. The more rapid the rate of cooling, the less is the extent of graphitization.

Jan 1, 1920