The Iron Age 1927-05-05: Vol 119 Iss 18

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THE KOPPERS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY PITTSBURGH CHICAGO NEW YORK 1927, IRON AGE THE IRON AGE New York, May 1927 ESTABLISHED 1855 VOL. 119, No. After Years Progress the Industry Reviewed Charter and Other Members—First Symposium Ever Held Direct Ore Reduction Processes ELEBRATING the twenty-fifth anniversary its birth the city where originated, the American Electrochemical Society last week, April 30, distinguished itself least two important respects: made notable con- tributions the literature the gaseous reduction ores, and staged review the remarkable achievements electrochemistry the last quarter cen- tury. The prestige the society, already large, was accordingly advanced new heights. Recognition should also accorded excellent symposium the electrochemistry concentrated solutions. For the silver jubilee session, special contributions historical nature were made specialists various fields and the presence several charter members the society added unusual interest. The symposium direct processes for the reduction iron and other ores, the first its kind, was one the most, not the most, valuable one ever organized the society, which noted for its crystallizing, technical information through the medium symposiums. The attendance for the three days reached 300 members and guests, fully equal some the largest meetings ever held. many were the subjects broad scientific and industrial import, treated the papers scheduled for the four sessions, that only part these can well reviewed the following account. Silver Anniversary Impressively Celebrated ORMAL recognition the birth the society was concentrated special session Friday eve- ning, April 29. Colorful surroundings and favored with unusual weather, consisted jubilee dinner the Old Mohican Club House Morris-on- the-Delaware, the east side the Delaware River, few miles north Camden, Late the after- noon April 29, over 150 persons, including nine the charter members, were transported buses from the Benjamin Franklin Hotel, shown above, the headquarters Philadelphia, this interesting place. The company viewed the preparation plank shad dinner its old-fashioned surroundings around fire the yard and had its photograph taken. The affair resolved itself virtually into banquet. Some papers had been prepared for this anniversary session—papers largely historical, reviewing the progress electrochemistry since the founding the society. This formidable program was abandoned and, its place, few appropriate addresses were made three the founders present. Reminiscences Charter Members Dr. Edgar Smith, professor chemistry, Uni- versity Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and one the six honorary members the society, was introduced the retiring president, Dr. William Blum, United States Bureau Standards, Washington, chairman, really toastmaster, for the evening. 1277 Referring himself one the “recalcitrants” “scamps” who refused 1902 recognize the feasibility organizing American electrochemical society, Doctor Smith paid tribute the society and its work and the fact that history had justified the step then taken. When had been notified that the anniversary convention was held the Benjamin Franklin Hotel Ninth and Chestnut Streets, Phila- delphia, once recalled the appropriateness the location. Back 1819, diagonally across the street where now stands the United States Post Office, there was once building belonging the University Penn- sylvania, where Robert Hare, professor chemistry that time, did some remarkable work. those early years Professor Hare, that spot, developed the electrical dissociation calcium chloride the presence mercury, forming the Ca-Hg compound. also produced small electric furnace calcium carbide which, thrown water, produced acetylene, and was also who was successful producing graphite electrically. These were pointed Doctor Smith the foundations present-day large commercial electro- chemical industries. Professor Hare also introduced the mercury cathode, with Gibbs his pupil 1843, who 1883 announced new way determining metals electrically—a process which today the basis the electrolytic refining industry. 1874 Smith himself separated cadmium from zine electro- — 4 > 7 7 | Nine the Charter Members Who Were Present: Left right—Carl Hambuechen, Ajax Metal Co., Philadelphia; Prof. Louis Kahlenberg, University Wisconsin, Madison, and general manager Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., producer magnesium; Co., New York; Lawrence Addicks, consulting engineer, New York; Samuel Sadtler, Electric Smelting Aluminum lytically and produced cadmium the electrolytic said. Doctor Bancroft and Theory The first charter member called Doctor Smith was Dr. Wilder Bancroft, professor chemistry Cornell University, Ithaca, ducing him the author many notable contributions electro- and physical chemistry, paid special tribute his work the founder and editor the Journal Physical Chemistry, achievement alone worth distinguished recognition. humorous vein Professor Bancroft reviewed some the incidents the formation the society, his most serious offering being one the papers referred and entitled “Twenty-five Years Theoretical Electrochemistry.” Professor Kahlenberg and Facts the second the three founders, Doctor Smith called Prof. Louis Kahlenberg, professor chem- istry, University Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. Re- ferred the man who always insists facts contrasted with the more theoretical tendency the previous speaker, Professor Kahlenberg, also humorous vein, indulged reminiscences. Seriously, however, paid tribute three other early pioneers the society’s history—E. Roeber, Joseph Richards and Carl Hering—now passed away, whose spirits felt were present this reunion. cited the fact that the Farady Society England an- How the Society Came Into Being — alogous the American Electrochemical Society, and that Germany has its German Electrochemical Society. the early days electricity, said, was pointed not “thing” but energy. Now regarded really “thing” and hence “we are the society.” Professor Kahlenberg also the author one the papers referred to, Retrospect and Look Into the Future.” Lawrence Addicks, Theory and Practice The third charter member called upon Doctor Smith was Lawrence Addicks, consulting engineer, New York, who, after several humorous allusions, developed the theme that both theory and practice are needed and each needs the other. Some the Review Papers Iron April 21, page 1163, there was published detailed program papers for both the jubilee session and the symposium gaseous re- duction. already indicated, the jubilee program, which some late additions were made, was presented only title. Electric Furnaces Niagara Falls Besides the two papers charter members the society, already referred to, there were several others which dealt with the history the various phases the industry the past years. Among these may EALIZING that electrochemistry was rapidly assuming large scientific and industrial impor- tance, six men, October, 1901, proposed letter thirty-four other scientists and engineers the formation national electrochemical society. The six men were Carl Hering, Reed, Richards, Roeber, Prof. Samuel Sadtler and Dr. William Wahl. Friday evening, Nov. 1901, those who were sympathetic toward such movement met the Engineers Club, Philadelphia. The result was the organization new society which held its inaugu- ral convention Philadelphia, April was the conviction those pioneers that the American Chemical Society, then over twenty-five years old, was not organized serve such industry electro- chemistry. did not have organized divisions then now, and there was “educational qualifica- tion for membership which kept out many electrical engineers and others interested electrochemistry, though not primarily from the chemical end.” Efforts cooperate failed and the American Electro- chemical Society came into being. The first president was Prof. Richards, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., who later, sec- retary the for many years, passed away five years ago. Reed was the first secretary and Pedro Salom, storage battery fame, was treasurer. Founded enthusiastic group men “highly imbued with the idea the service which electro- chemistry, properly developed, could render mankind,” the society started with 272 members, which has expanded now over 1700. numbers, and has had its roll, many distinguished theoretical and practical scientists and industrialists, and its sessions rank today among the best technical value the brilliant roster American associations scientific nature. 1927, The Iron Age St. ison, ium; num St. Louis, treasurer Benwood-Linze Co.; Clamer, president and general manager Wis.; Prof. Wilder Bancroft, Cornell University, Ithaca, Y.; Dow, president Dr. Becket, vice-president Union Carbide Carbon Co., and Electro Metallurgical president Samuel Sadtler Son, Inc., Philadelphia, and Alfred Cowles, president Co., Sewaren, mentioned one entitled “The Use Electric Fur- naces Niagara Falls, 1902 1926,” Fitz- Gerald, FitzGerald Laboratories, Niagara Falls, The paper presents figures showing the remarkable growth furnaces used certain electrothermic processes Niagara Falls during the existence the American Electrochemical Society. Electric Steel During Years the field electric steel there were two papers, one entitled “Electric Steel United States ‘Attains Its Majority’,” Dr. John Mathews, vice-president and metallurgist Crucible Steel Co. America, New York, and the other entitled “American Electric Steel Expansion the Last Twenty-five Years,” Cone, associate editor THe AGE, New York. The paper Doctor Mathews deals with some the metallurgical and other developments the in- dustry. Electric steel was not produced commercially the United States until about four years after the founding the society, one the handicaps being the difficulty procuring carbon electrodes sufficient size and mechanical strength. During the author’s ex- perience, the electrode cost per ton steel has dropped from less than cents. The first American “all electric” steel from ore finished product was poured 1909, and one the chief factors that has furthered the electric steel industry the central station’s lowering wholesale power rates. “Electric steels are produced today superior quality any Wa fuel-fired furnace product. This new standard quality great importance and value the motive industry.” The paper Mr. Cone brief statistical review the progress the industry since its beginning, showing the approximate number furnaces which have been installed year year and the electric output the country from 1909 1925. From only about six furnaces 1910, the number has expanded over 500 the present time this country, with the duction attaining over 615,500 tons 1925 from beginning only 13,600 tons 1909. Reference was made the large tonnages cast iron and gray iron, particularly alloy, made electric furnaces, and tribute paid the society for the role has played developing knowledge this subject. Rapid Progress Electric Non-Ferrous Melting valuable contribution the developments the use the electric furnace the non-ferrous industry contained paper entitled, “Twenty-five Years Non-Ferrous Electrothermics; Fifteen Years Electric Brass Melting,” Dr. Gillett, chief division metallurgy Bureau Standards, Wash- ington. The author asserts that the proportion electrically melted metal much greater the brass industry than the steel industry and that electric brass melting now practically standardized upon three specific types furnaces. all the thousand individual electric brass furnaces that have been built Three Founders the Society Who Have Passed Away ROEBER RICHARDS CARL HERING The Iron Age, May 1927—127 q America, both for domestic and export trade, more than per cent have been these three types. About 675,000 tons brass, bronze and nickel silver were electrically melted 1926, requiring 180,000,000 kwhr. The paper contains much other valuable information this important field. Progress Aluminum Reviewed Two papers were devoted aluminum, one entitled “The Discovery Aluminum,” Martin Tosterud, and Junius Edwards, Aluminum Co. America, New Kensington, Pa., and the other entitled “Alu- minum from Oersted Arvida,” also Mr. Edwards. somewhat elaborate, written discussion the latter paper was printed form offered Alfred Cowles, Sewaren, J., now generally recognized the originator the electric reduction aluminum. Mr. Cowles was one the founders the society and was present during the convention. There were several papers electrolytic refining some the major metals. One contribution this subject was written Lawrence Addicks, entitled “Electrolytic Refining During the Past Twenty-five Years,” and some the others were “Twenty-five Years Progress the Electrolytic Refining Copper,” Skowronski, research chemist Raritan Copper Works, Perth Amboy, While much progress has been made practice, considerably greater progress has been made the theory electrolytic refining, said Mr. Addicks, recognized authority this field. Twenty-five years ago copper was practically the only metal electro- lytically refined large commercial scale. Today lead, zinc, gold and silver are refined very similar processes. Mr. Skowronski his paper stated that the annual production electrolytic copper this country has increased five times that 1902, and that the capacity the American copper refineries today about 1,500,000 tons. Some the metal- lurgical details which have developed recent years perfecting the refining copper are dealt with the paper. Metals Reduced from Oxides Direct Processes NIQUE its originality and the variety topics presented, the symposium the “Gaseous Reduction Ores and Other Metal Compounds,” the first one ever held, exceeded the expectations its promoters its success and the interest that excited. The scheduled program papers was long that part had pushed over from Thursday Saturday for presentation. Special credit due Frank Hodson, consulting metallurgist, Philadelphia, and chairman the local committee charge the convention, for his part organizing this program, particularly the section re- lating iron ores. Mention should also made here the splendid work the local committee for the arrangements the convention whole. The symposium included direct reduction oxides iron, tin, zinc, molybdenum, tungsten and copper. feature was the international character the pro- gram, some papers coming from England, Canada, Japan, Sweden and Germany. Metallic Iron Obtained Gaseous Reduction far the most interesting and important section the symposium was that devoted iron the direct process for making steel metallic iron. Six papers were presented and discussed before attentive assemblage over 200. Space does not permit the presentation adequate abstracts each paper—only general summary possible both the papers and the discussions, which were animated. Frank Hodson, chairman, opened the meeting with appropriate brief address which called attention the fact that the subject for the session 1280—May 1927, The Iron Age “is probably one the most fascinating and yet the most elusive all metallurgy.” Referring briefly some the work the past and some the men who have investigated this field, Mr. Hodson said that certainly the ancients, with their simple but crude processes for iron ore reduction, did not have specify certain grades pig iron for certain kinds work. Their reductions were comparatively low tem- peratures and their product was far superior any pig iron now made, evidenced some the metal, hardly equalled today, such the metal column Delhi, India, and others. Two Theoretical Papers The general subject the symposium was intro- duced two papers, Resumé the Facts In- fluencing the Rate the Gaseous Reduction Metallic Oxides,” Emmett, assistant chemist, Fixed Nitrogen Research Laboratory, Washington, and “Equilibrium for the Reaction Dr. Alfred Stansfield, professor metallurgy, McGill University, Montreal. Both papers are contributions the theory the processes, the first taking the temperatures and chemical conditions present, including physical properties the material, and the second determination the efficiency the reactions certain temperatures. Doctor Stansfield recognized authority low temperature iron ore reduction. Steel “One Process” Direct from Ore the six papers dealing directly with the pro- duction sponge granular iron, one the most interesting was entitled “The Manufacture Steel Four the Vice-Presidents and Managers One Process from Ore,” Oliver Smalley, con- sulting and foundry advisor, New York, and Frank Hodson, consulting metallurgist, Phila- delphia. The authors described two processes that have been developed within recent years which claimed that the production quality steels one operation direct from ores are commercially successful under cer- tain conditions. They both originated Europe. One known the Pehrson-Prentice process and the other the “Carsil” process. The former the outcome the cooperative investigation its Swedish and Scottish inventors and the latter had its genesis Sheffield, England, being the result the combined efforts Silva the United States and The Pehrson-Prentice process described contin- uous, the ore being reduced primary rotary furnace ingenious and practical design, finishing the prod- uct entirely new type arc-resistance furnace. The “Carsil” process uses the Greaves-Etchell are furnace with certain modifications and changes design, which form the subject patent while the process itself also Both processes are claimed achieve the same object and enable the production high-grade steel, ordinary, alloy stainless. They differ that the Pehrson operates two stages, the initial reduction the charge iron-rich sponge, followed direct melting, while the “Caorsil” process progressive and somewhat extended di- mensions. The paper well illustrated with photo- graphs, line cuts and tables, giving the details both processes. another paper Mr. Hodson and Mr. Smalley, entitled “Development the Low Temperature Re- duction Iron Ore,” this and the previous paper having been presented abstract Mr. Hodson, the authors describe several processes somewhat briefly, including the Greaves-Etchell, process for converting iron ore directly into steel; the Hornsey process; the Croese and the Edwin processes, well the Gron- wall and the Flodin method. Some facts are also given about the Bardue process, designed Bardue San Francisco and operated the Wakama Iron Steel Co. Paper Offered from Japan From Japan came paper entitled “Gaseous Re- duction Iron Ores,” Heihachi Kamura, depart- ment mining and metallurgy, Meiji College Technology, Tobato, Fukuoka-Ken, Japan. The author states that, compared with low temperature gaseous reduction iron ore carbon monoxide, modern blast furnace operation inefficient. Furthermore, states that the excessively high temperatures the blast furnace bring about reduction the most stable. oxides present, such silica, manganese dioxide and phosphorous pentoxide, which result pig iron con- Four Prominent Electrochemists taining many objectionable impurities. reduction, however, with carbon monoxide gas, generated separate furnace, sponge iron produced, said Mr. Kamura, which practically free from phosphorus, sulphur and manganese. The fuel consumption for sponge iron thus made calculated 0.3 tons coke and 0.5 tons coal, compared with one ton coke for pig iron made the blast furnace. The author’s paper illustrated with photographs, charts and tables, well mathematical calculations prove his contentions. Contribution from England From England paper entitled “The Direct Pro- duction Pure Iron” was presented abstract Doctor Fink, the author being Percy Longmuir, metallurgical engineer, Sheffield. The author reviews briefly the most important results obtained various investigators this field since 1910, and states that his experience such lead him the rather than the optimistic view the commercial possibilities direct reduction. states that the Thomas Rowlands process offers decided advantages over other older ones, the primary advantage being the direction the recovery the whole the iron present the ore state metallic purity. The main stages this process are fully described and the author reports that the iron produced forms excellent foundation material for the production the highest class straight carbon and alloy steel. New Swedish Method for Sponge Iron Swedish paper was presented abstract Mr. Hodson entitled New Method for the Production Iron Sponge” Martin Wiberg, metallurgical engineer, Falun, Sweden. The author describes semi- commercial tests carried out under gaseous reduction iron ore, using carbon monoxide plus little hy- drogen the reducing agent. The author attempts show that gaseous reduction can carried out con- tinuously and efficiently, provided the reducing gas separately generated and then passed over the heated iron ore, and provided also that large proportion the circulating gas removed from the reduction fur- nace before enters the preliminary zone. This by- passed gas then enriched carbon monoxide coming contact with incandescent carbon, and then enters the final reduction zone. The gas escaping from the reduction furnace stated run high per cent carbon dioxide. high quality sponge iron produced analyzing low sulphur and phosphorous. Low-grade iron ores are suitable for the process and most the gangue removed magnetically after the reduction. Fine-Grained Ores the Blast Furnace From Germany paper was offered Konrad Hof- mann Breslau, Germany, under the title “The Ad- Industry LANDIS FITZGERALD The Iron Age, May 1927—1281 vantages Smelting Fine-Grained Ores the Furnace.” The author reports that samples ferric oxide and magnetite were reduced with hydrogen under carefully conditions and that was found that the degree reduction minimum about 750 deg. This ascribed the superficial welding together the reduced grains. states that there must taken into account carrying out gaseous reduction commercial scale so-called “passive resistances” which are understood forces op- posing complete and rapid reduction: The author his conclusions compares deductions drawn from the laboratory experiments with results obtained the United States. Judgments Differ the Various Processes animated exchange views interspersed the presentation the preceding papers and several prominent metallurgists took part. The general drift the rather disconnected discussion was about follows: Reduced Iron Better Than Scrap Steel Asserting that the average product the direct reduction iron ore very poor one commercially and not worth the price scrap steel, Prof. Bradley Stoughton, head the department metallurgy, Le- high University, Bethlehem, Pa., was positive that must produced price below equal poor steel scrap, such turnings. graphically pointed the fact that the “cemetery the direct process full many graves” representing unfulfilled dreams and failures achievement. not opposed the direct process for iron ore, but must face the facts.” That the point view made scrap correct was partly agreed William Smith, formerly head the research department Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich., but now consulting metallurgist, Detroit. But there isn’t enough scrap, insisted Mr. Smith. added that the cost the materials the important point, one that believed Professor Stough- ton had mind. possible get pure iron com- mercially direct reduction, but the cost must determined order have something on, said Mr. Smith, who has developed process his own. Unless the separation the reduced material from dross very pure, Kent Smith, well-known British scientist and consulting metallurgist, Detroit, said that could not agree entirely with some the previous statements, but felt that the inherent value sponge granular iron much greater than scrap. testified that has made heats from sponge iron, the results which speak for themselves. Nitrogen Factor the Final Product That the cemetery full graves was explained Edwin Cone, THE IRON AGE, New York, being due partly death from the disease high costs. also brought the question the relative amounts nitrogen the blast furnace product compared with the gaseous reduced iron and hence the final steel. Claims have been made, said, for the superiority the latter because its small content nitrogen. This point was answered Sims, formerly with the United States Bureau Mines, Pittsburgh, but now assistant director research American Steel Foundries, Indiana Harbor, Ind., and also Kent Smith. Mr. Sims’ view was that nitrogen steels made from sponge granular iron lower than other steels and that often introduced into steel made electric furnaces. Kent Smith, who was called upon, said that nitrogen steel was “old hobby” with him, that harmful least one form and that steels which contain this form not stand up. Occluded nitrogen, did not consider harmful, but nitrogen nitrides, dissolved the ferrite, pointed “all kinds trouble.” comes into the steel, believes, cyanogen the blast furnace and cited the fact that cold blast better than hot blast charcoal iron and that both are better than coke iron. unfortunate, thought, that modern laboratories cannot analyze for occluded distinguished from the other form nitrogen steel, but expressed be- 1927, The Iron Age lief that the etching and the super-microscope will solve this problem. American Process Being Installed Japan The Anderson-Thornhill process was alluded Gilbert Doan, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. being installed Japan, said, where 2400 tons iron per day the expected output. The metal electrically separated after reduction. This process, invented two Americans Wisconsin, being ap- plied the large deposits titanium-bearing iron sands Japan, said Edwin Cone, who reported that has had considerable correspondence with Mr. Anderson about this development. Certain interests CARL SCHLUEDERBERG FRANK HODSON SCHLUEDERBERG, Westinghouse Elec- tric Mfg. Co., George Cutter Works, South Bend, Ind., had charge the jubilee ses- sion. Mr. Hodson, consulting metallurgist, Phila- delphia, chairman the local section charge the convention Japan, already anounced THE IRON AGE, are licensed use the process. The inventors claim effi- ciency and low cost and separation titanium from the iron. Sponge Iron Not Readily Oxidized Rather startling testimony came from Sims the oxidizability sponge iron. Stating that the Bureau Mines one time went great detail into investigation the direct reduction iron ore when was employed the bureau, urged that all critical scientists. made the statement that had been experimentally demonstrated that per cent hot sponge iron was not oxidized when cooled air. another point the discussion, Mr. Sims re- ported that phosphorus not reduced gaseous re- duction the temperature that iron is, but that sulphur introduced absorption, least, from fuel gases. Phosphoric minerals, however, remain with the sponge iron. Usually such iron from 0.10 0.30 per cent carbon found combined and free carbon. Other things being equal, the temperature and size the material are the largest factors the reduction per cent iron, there volume reduction about per cent, this oxide passes FeO. accurate determination the actual surfaces reduced essential, said Breyer, formerly with the New Jersey Co., but now consulting metallurgist, New York. The reducibility rate cannot judged unless the surface reduced known, and this particularly true oxide, claimed. Commenting the paper Martin Wiberg, Dr. Colin Fink, head the electrochemical department Columbia University, New York, testified that the paper appealed him application the counter current principle: Weakest gas for the richest ores and the strongest gas for the poorer ores. That high-grade sponge iron can obtained from pyrite roast “blue billy,” was called attention . Edward Kern, professor metallurgy, Columbia University, New York. mixing per cent sulphur and sintering, followed reduction with nitrogen, fine grade granular iron possible, reported. Doctor Fink announced that written discussions had been received from Farley Clark, consulting engineer, Toronto; from Joseph, metallurgist, United States Bureau Mines, Minneapolis, Minn., Canby, consulting metallurgist, Wallingford, The Round-Table Luncheon Discussion Special arrangements had been made for round- table discussion luncheon following Only few remained, due partly the fact that the subject had been pretty thoroughly canvassed the morning. Kent Smith, however, who was scheduled lead this round-table discussion, was successful interesting small group the subject iron ore reduction and presented some facts which were de- cided interest. Such discussion, which never re- ported nor entered into the records the society, was participated also William Smith, Prof. Bradley Stoughton and others. Tin Obtained Gaseous Reduction comparatively new development the gaseous reduction tin ores containing oxide tin was presented the postponed meeting the original DR. EDGAR SMITH ROFESSOR SMITH, head chemical de- partment University Pennsylvania, pre- sided the jubilee session. Professor Debye, University Zurich, Switzerland, was the chief speaker the symposium concentrated solu- tions PROF. PETER DEBYE session the form three papers, one entitled “The Reduction Tin Oxide and Cassiterite Concentrates,” Edward Kern, department metallurgy, Columbia University; another, “The Gaseous Nature Carbon Reduction Tin Concentrates,” well one entitled “Gaseous Reduction Tin Concentrates,” both Dr. Colin Fink, Columbia University, New York, and Charles Mantell, consulting chemical engineer, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn. Reduction Tin Concentrates Professor Kern the first paper stated that had been found that stannous and stannic oxides are readily reduced metal atmosphere illuminating gas, the reduction starting just about 500 deg. with rapid reduction above 780 deg. The reduction bituminous coal has been found less rapid, oc- curring higher temperatures than illuminating gas, but above 850 deg. the reduction rapid and complete. Reduction charcoal, the author states, slower than bituminous coal. Hydrogen was found more efficient reducing agent for cas- siterite than carbon monoxide and the percentage re- duction was found decrease proportion the amounts carbon dioxide and nitrogen the gaseous mixtures, whereas the efficiency reduction increased with the decrease the amount carbon monoxide and hydrogen the gaseous mixture. Discussion the discussion this paper Mr. Mantell dis- puted the results which Doctor Kern had obtained the reduction stannous oxide. This not re- duction ordinarily understood, heating stannous oxide without any reducing agent one ob- tains only per cent tin metal. Doctor Fink re- ferred the experiments with solid carbon, coke, coal, and cited tests which indicated rather con- clusively that the reduction cassiterite could not take place between solid carbon and solid tin oxide, but that the reduction was entirely due carbon monoxide. further emphasized the outstanding physical and chemical properties metallic tin and tin oxide. contradistinction with iron and other metals, tin efficiently reduced temperatures above its melting point and the product can readily removed from the sintered gangue material. The tendency for tin oxide dissociate high temperature extremely small compared with that iron oxide copper oxide. Mr. Mantell described experiment which mixed tin oxide with solid carbon and heated the mix- tures high temperatures the absence air. reduction took place. Similar experiments with copper oxides resulted the reduction copper due the dissociation cupric oxide and the reaction the oxygen with the incandescent carbon form carbon monoxide, which turn reduces some the cuprous oxide. Gaseous Reduction Tin Oxides The first paper Doctor Fink and Mr. Mantell the gaseous nature the carbon reduction tin con- centrates based experiments carried out Columbia University. These led the conclusion that general “solid carbonaceous fuel reduction re- ductible metal oxides gaseous its mechanism. Carbonaceous reduction requires higher temperatures than gaseous reduction, the carbon must first gasified rapid rate.” the discussion Professor Kern referred the splendid work Mr. Alexander the American Smelting Refining Co. the development tin smelting the blast and reverberatory furnaces. The other paper Doctor Fink and Mr. Mantell the gaseous reduction tin concentrates covers elaborate investigations the reduction tin oxide and tin concentrates hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Present reverberatory and blast furnace practice re- requires temperatures 1300 1400 deg. C., whereas hydrogen reduction may effected beginning 250 deg. with the most economical point between 750 and 800 deg. Quoting the authors: Using hydrogen for tin concentrates reduction, rough estimate the power consumption based the following factors: One pound (454 grams) metallic tin requires for its reduction from cassiterite cu. ft. (170 liters) gas. One kwhr. produces cu. ft. (199.21) gas the elec- trolysis water. The theoretical value about cu. ft. power requirements for pro- duction are therefore 0,86 kwhr. per Ib. metal, 1030 kwhr. per ton per cent concentrates. Discussion Discussing this paper, William Winship the Thermal Syndicate, Ltd., suggested the use quartz apparatus for the reduction tin oxide. Mr. Mantell replied that experiments with cassiterite 1000 deg. resulted hole the quartz tube but that lower temperatures the material might very service- able. stated also that tin reduction can carried out glass low temperature, with failure quartz 1000 deg. being due possibly complicated reactions involving devitrification. Frank Hodson, con- sulting metallurgist, Philadelphia, considered the con- sumption 1930 kwhr. per ton per cent con- centrates rather high. felt that the direct appli- cation electric heat would more efficient. Farley Clark, consulting engineer, Toronto, who for the past ten years has been investigating the possi- bilities hydrogen reduction, complimented the The Iron Age, May . authors their findings, but considered the process more applicable Nigerian and South African tin ores. reasonably cheap power can had India, the gaseous reduction should adaptable Malay tin ores. stated that there little hope getting power Bolivia less than per kwhr., but, course, not essential that the concentrates re- duced Bolivia. the case Portuguese stream tin using both hydrogen and carbon monoxide reducing agent, Clark obtained reduction cost $19.30 per ton per cent concentrates. However, the recovery the other metals present, bismuth, antimony, lead, copper, presented considerable difficulty. needed deal with Bolivian concentrates, remove the stranglehold the British smelters and ap- New Officers President, one year: Dr. Lind, director school chemistry, University Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. Secretary, one year: Dr. Colin Fink, Columbia University, New York. Treasurer, one year: Acheson Smith, vice-president and general manager, Acheson Graphite Co., Niagara Falls, Vice-Presidents, two years: Duncan MacRae, manager, research labora- tories, Guggenheim Brothers, New York. Paul Kreusi, president Southern Ferro Alloys Co., Chattanooga, Tenn. Robert Turnbull, consulting engineer, Niagara Falls, Managers, three years: Oliver Ralston, assistant chief metallurgist Bureau Mines, Pacific Experiment Station, Berkeley, Cal. Baldwin, manager sales, Republic Carbon Co., Niagara Falls, Hugh Cooper, laboratory director, Beryllium Corporation America, Cleveland. | portion the average Bolivian miner his rightful part the sale price tin.” Electrolytic Reduction Bolivian Concentrates Concluding his discussion, Mr. Clark described briefly electrolytic reduction process which has been applied Bolivian concentrates with economic results warranting the belief that the United States tin market can freed from the nightmare the progressively increasing cost tin. test run with concentrate containing 76.26 per cent 10.13 per cent iron, 7.51 per cent 0.53 per cent with the small percentages sulphur, bismuth, lead, antimony and lime, and with allowance made for furnace soakage, delivered per cent the tin the concentrate 97.975 per cent, premium tin, and 17.5 per cent 99.75 per cent tin. thorough testing out this electrical process indicates that with coal $15 per net ton, electrodes $160 per ton, limestone $12 and silica per ton, with electrical energy per kwhr., the recovery 97.5 per cent the tin the concentrate can had less than $30 per net ton, including all costs. During the short session corrosion toward the close the convention Saturday, Mantell and King discussed the reversed potentials the cor- rosion tin plate. Their results were commented upon tinental Can Co. Chicago. Zinc Ores Reduced Gases question problem the gaseous reduction zinc ores was discussed two papers, one en- titled, “The Gaseous Reduction Zinc,” Charles Maier and Oliver Ralston, metallurgist and superin- tendent respectively, Pacific Mining Experimental Sta- tion, Berkeley, Cal., and the other, “The Mechanism the Metallurgical Production Zinc,” Max Boden- stein, professor physical chemistry, University Berlin, Germany. The first the two papers gives consideration some the theoretical phases the subject, including data the thermodynamic properties zinc oxide, which enable the calculation the reduction brium considerable certainty. General considera- tions relative the implication results with respect present practice and future possibilities are cussed. the other paper, the one from Germany, the author states that the past the reduction zinc oxide carbon has been regarded taking place be- tween two solids. carefully following the course the reduction and analyzing the gaseous products formed, the author claims that the reduction proceeds two stages. His results, pointed out, prove con- clusively that the reduction zinc oxide gaseous reduction. Discussion the brief discussion which followed, Breyer, consulting metallurgist, New York, stated that, his opinion, the conclusions offered the paper Messrs. Maier and Ralston, are fallacious and based upon fun- damental error. reference both papers, Mr. Breyer stated that had quarrel with the authors their work based theory, but believed that the value any theory depends upon the results ob- tained. There too much theory offered present many cases, and not enough experimental data based facts. stated that there more gained assuming that zinc oxide and carbon react when pres- ent close physical contact. Reduction Molybdenum and Tungsten Gases The same program contained papers the treat- ment molybdenite ores leaching, the reduction pure oxides and salts tungsten and molybdenum and the gaseous reduction oxides tungsten and molybdenum. There was paper also the reduction copper oxide gaseous reducing agents. Electric Furnace Papers Two papers the electric furnace field included one entitled, “High Speed-High Frequency Inductive Heat- ing,” Northrup, Ajax Corpo- ration, Trenton, J., and one entitled, “The Minguet Electrode and the Minguet Marcel Ar- rouet, Société Metallurgique Montricher, Paris, France. Other Sessions and Features the Convention FEATURE the convention which attracted con- siderable attention was symposium “Elec- trochemistry Concentrated Solutions,” organized and presided over Prof. Hugh Taylor, professor physical chemistry Princeton University, Princeton, Five papers were presented various phases the subject after address Prof. Peter Debye, professor physics, University Zurich, Switzerland, “The Dielectric Constant Electrolyte Solutions.” Professor Debye Dutch ancestry and delivered his lecture splendid English. The discussion following the address and papers was particularly animated. 1284—May 1927, The Iron Age special technical session Saturday morn- ing, April 30, electrodeposition, presided over Doctor Blum papers were scheduled. Among these may mentioned “Practical Uses Pure Nickel,” McKay, superintendent technical service Inter- national Nickel Co., New York; “Pure Zinc,” Cyr, research division New Jersey Zinc Co.; “Bright Dipping Metal,” Kenneth Graham, University Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; “Note the Crystalline Structure Electrodeposited Chromium,” Frederic Sillers, Jr., scientific aid United States Bureau Standards, Washington; “On the Properties Elec- | DR. LIND trolytic Copper Sheet,” Sonoda, Inari, near Kyoto, Japan, and “The Protective Value Nickel Plating,” Thomas and William Blum. Honorarium Given Secretary Fink recognition the untiring zeal and amount work which the secretary the society has freely devoted the many details his office for the last five years, the board directors, brief business meeting following the luncheon Friday, April 29, presented Doctor Fink check for $1,000. notify- ing the recipient the unanimous vote the board, Doctor Blum paid graceful tribute the secretary. this luncheon the result the election officers for another year was announced, printed another column and Dr. William Blum, the retiring president, delivered splendid address “Industrial Research, the Bridge Between Science and Industry.” ab- STEEL DWELLINGS Fireproof Brick House Has Steel Beams, Rafters, Stairs and Casements About year ago THE IRON AGE published series articles the use steel residence building. Some these contemplated making the walls that material. Others were steel frame and still others used steel for floor beams, rafters, etc. recently built house Great Neck, Y., and described American Architect, the latter type. The design was worked out carefully with the idea building permanent, fire-resisting materials, within the cost houses more usual construction. the present design, the new Junior beams were used throughout for floor framing and for plates and rafters for the roof. All windows were steel case- ments steel frames. All stairs were built steel, those the basement being open riser type with checkered plate treads. Stairs above this used steel risers and steel treads, the latter covered with oak treads bolted on. Outside walls are brick. Floor construction interesting, consisting grid 6-in. Junior I-beams about in. centers, with gypsum board laid across the top, 21-in. 2-in. wooden sleepers placed in. centers above the board and the slabs between sleepers filled with gypsum poured finished wood floor then laid top the gypsum and nailed the sleepers. the under side, %-in. steel channels about in. apart are carried across and clipped the beams, with metal lath and the ceiling plaster attached these channels. Total construction cost, including all items usually covered the general contract, reported 52c. per cu. ft. not possible segregate the steel Newly Elected Officers for the Ensuing Year: Doctor Fink and Mr. Smith were Reelected ACHESON SMITH stract will published later issue THE IRON AGE. Visits industrial plants were liberally patronized and included the Leeds Northrup, Atwater-Kent, tor Talking Machine and Brown Boveri plants, well the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Future Conventions The next annual spring meeting the society will held Bridgeport, Conn., April, 1928, and the fall meeting for that year will take place, probably September, Toronto, Canada. previously an- nounced THE IRON the fall meeting this year will northwestern trip starting Chicago, Sept. and returning Sept. 20, including visits many metallurgical, smelting and refining plants, far west Washington and into British Columbia. Several foreign members have signed for the trip. items completely, but the structural steel for floors, roofs and lintels was 6.7 per cent the total cost, and the stairs were 2.3 per cent, not including the wooden treads and hand rail. The steel sash, glazed and in- cluding the sash hardware, accounted for per cent. These three items made per cent the total cost. Persistency Employees Experience data from Pennsylvania manufactur- ing concern hiring about 200 employees year have been translated into curves persistency staying the job. This curve published the Executives Service Bulletin the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. based the number weeks elapsing between connection with the plant and time leaving. The employees were rated two age groups, one being under years and the other over 16. The older ele- ment left much more rapidly than the younger. the end weeks, the departures the youngsters amounted about per cent the total entering group, while the older group had lost per cent. The average was about per cent. The curves flattened out considerably after this period until, the end two years, there remained the organization about per cent the older employees and per cent the younger, average little over per cent the total. main driving belt that claimed the largest rubber transmission belt the United States has been purchased from the Security Rubber Belting Co., Chicago, the Bryant Paper Co., Kalamazoo, Mich. This belt will 142 ft. in. in. ply and will weight about tons. will handle load approxi- mately 1100 hp. The Iron Age, May 1927—1285 5 7 7 What Size Ideal Inventory? Purchase Raw Materials, Control Work Process, Changes Design and Variation Output All Relate Inventory Balance EDUCTION inventories was emphasized the keynote lowering manufacturing costs meeting the production executives division the American Management Association held with the cooperation the management division the Ameri- can Society Mechanical Engineers and the Detroit section the Society Automotive Engineers the Book-Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, April 27-29. While other points such the purchase and inspection raw ma- terials, the planning and control work process, the training workers and economies during change de- sign variation rate output were considered, the discussion seemed invariably revert the control inventories. The policy ideal inventory condi- tion reduction zero was advocated but most companies favored balance between purchases, pro- duction and sales which would give the highest possible turnover without recurrent losses through failure make deliveries the specified time. Key Points Expenditure Control PLEA for measuring devices which determine the relative importance and possibilities the hun- dreds small details which complicate the problem controlling manufacturing expenditures was made Oscar Grothe, vice-president White Sewing Machine Co., Cleveland, the first paper presented Wednes- day. dealt fully with the various points manu- facture which his own company had sought control expenditures, emphasizing location, size and type factory building, purchase materials, flexibility production, inventories, consolidation departments and simplification, incentives and assignment labor, budgets, source power, losses through scrapping and the education workers, closing the paper with the statement that additions the staff clerks who keep records manufacturing performance were usually investment which paid high dividends. paper Wallace Clark, consulting management engineer, New York, “Procedure for Locating Cause Unnecessary Expenditures and for Indicating the Executive Action for Their Control,” was read the author’s absence Donald, managing director the association, and had principally with the selection the person persons who should held responsible for accomplishing the aims mentioned the preceding paper. Sailor, production engineer Hupp Motor Car Co., Detroit, who led the discussion, questioned the elimination the foundry factor for the reduction manufacturing costs. Willis Wissler, bureau busi- ness research