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RESEARCH &

ENGINEERING
MAGAZINE OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT —

JANUARY, 1956

M HEW
A. Ho. un

ISOTOPES IN INDUSTRY

RESOURCES AND RESEARCH IN THE SOUTH

EXECUTIVE HEALTH
holders
for all types of fuses, resistors, capacitors and other small
tubular components, A broad standard line
of stock items for your selection and convenience.

for research, design, product development, tooling and


production of special items for electronic, electrical and
automotive applications—fuses circuit breakers, fuse blocks,
in-line holders and harnesses,
terminal blocks and
low voltage lamp assemblies.

NEW ENGINEERING CATALOG NUMBER 14


‘We are always at your service to make recommendations and A Littelfuse field representative will be glad to come to you.
develop the solution to any circuit protection problem. —_

anuary
MATTHEWS LIBRARY
A. S.C., TEMPE, ARIZ.
INDIANA
PERMANENT MAGNET published for industrial and consumer
DESIGN INFORMATION product engineers and designers

HOW TO MAGNETIZE An assembly consisting of a bar-type blocks (a) removed; and third, with
magnet and soft-steel pole pieces blocks (b) also removed.
PERMANENT MAGNETS should be placed with the magnet be- For a complete discussion of how to
tween the magnetizer pole pieces as magnetize permanent magnets by the
shown in Fig. 1-B. Positioning the as- electro-magnetic method, write for a
sembly as shown in Fig. 1-C will not copy of Applied Magnetics, Vol. 2, No. 3.
fully saturate the magnet.
“U” shaped magnets and assemblies
should be positioned as shown in Fig.
2, with the tapered ends of the mag-
netizer pole pieces used toward the
gap. A meter or separator assembly
would be placed on the magnetizer as
shown in Fig. 2-B.

oO, ee ee

Magnetizing permanent magnets aft-


er assembly into the product offers sev- Chesterfield?
eral advantages. Higher field strengths Cigarette manufacturers invest a great
are obtainable. The magnetic field pro- deal of time and money to bring you
duced in a loudspeaker, for example, the best smoke possible.
using an Alnico V permanent magnet Chesterfield is no exception . . and
that has been magnetized after assem- strangely enough, behind some of their
bly, is about three times as great as the recent efforts is an Indiana Permanent
field obtained when the same magnet is Magnet. You've probably read dozens
magnetized before assembly. of ads which say, “Chesterfield . . made
The unmagnetized magnets are eas- the modern way . . with AccuRay.”
ier to handle and to assemble with AccuRay is a machine, made by In-
other parts of the assembly. There dustrial Nucleonics Corp., that checks
is less contamination due to pick-up and controls the making of Chester-
of magnetic particles. When a “U” shaped magnet is tall or fields. One of the basic parts of this
Magnetizing after assembly is also larger than the generally accepted set- machine is a contact meter-relay, man-
advantageous in such applications as ting of the magnetizer, the field pro- ufactured by Assembly Products, Inc.
watt hour meters, polarized relays, and duced at point “X” (see Fig. 2-C) may And the heart of this relay is an Indi-
permanent magnet motors. not be sufficient to saturate the mag- ana Hyfiux Alnico V magnet!
net. In this case there are two accept-
Using the Magnetizer Report on Indox |!
able methods of magnetization. One is
Most commonly used magnets are to place the magnet with its side on the Ceramic Permanent Magnets
of simple bar or “U” shapes, which le pieces as shown in Fig. 2-D. This This recently published four-page
may be magnetized with an electro- allows the yoke of the magnet to be- technical bulletin, “Indox I Ceramic
magnetic magnetizer in the user’s plant. come magnetized. The magnet is then Permanent Magnets,” suggests factors
Fig. 1-A shows how a bar magnet raised to the position in Fig. 2-C and to be considered during design calcula-
should be positioned between the mag- again magnetized. tions, and discusses possibilities for
netizer’s pole pieces. The square ends The other procedure is to stand the new applications or improvements of
of the pole pieces are used toward the magnet on the magnetizer pole pieces existing ones.
gap. The space between the pole pieces with one or two steel blocks against Also discussed are some 30 repre-
is adjusted so the magnet can be easily each of its legs as shown in Fig. 2-E. sentative sizes and shapes available in
inserted and removed. Normally, only The magnet (or assembly) is then sample quantities for immediate ship-
one to two seconds are required to fully magnetized three times: first, with both ment. Ask for price list and Catalog
magnetize the magnet. pairs of blocks in place; second, with 15-Q-1,

THE INDIANA STEEL PRODUCTS COMPANY INDIANA

Valparaiso, Indiana PERMANENT

WORLD'S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF PERMANENT MAGNETS MAGNETS

anuary 1956
37153
RESEARCH &
ENGINEERING
(eqn/ a6.) 2 RC. WILLIAM H. RELYEA, JR. Publisher

builds-in elirel ita’, EDITORIAL STAFF


HAROLD G. BUCHBINDER o Editor
LUIS J. A. VILLALON ® Management Affairs Eo
SAMUEL D. HOBBS a Associate Editor
MELVIN MANDELL s Associate Editor
DEBORAH B. SILLER @ Editorial Assistant
GRETA LAREDO . Editorial Assistant
MARTHA MOFFETT a Circulation Assistant

MARTHA KNOWLES € Assistant to the Publish

..ewith the aidof the


q
JAMES FLORA . Art Director

RCA ELECTRON MICROSCOPE


CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
ROBERT BROTHERSTON @ JAMES M. BEVERIDGI
MERRITT A. WILLIAMSON
Figure 1 shows the microstructure of ao steel after it has been quenched at 500° F. The same
specimen is shown in Figure 2 after reheating for one hour at 800° F. An original automotive
paint surface is shown in Figure 3; Figure 4 is the same surface after the binder has broken
down and free pigment particles have appeared, forming a whitish surface loyer.
ADVERTISING OFFICES
In producing its great line of cars “with the forward look,” NEW YORK @ LAWRENCE L. GRAV
NEW ENGLAND 103 Park Avenue
the Chrysler Corporation uses the RCA Electron Microscope New York i7, N. Y.
to inspect many of the materials. These studies cover steel, LExington 2-0541

paint finishes, rubber parts, metal powders, brake linings, NEW JERSEY @ DUNCAN MACPHERS
and the extremely fine colloidal particles used for reinforc- EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA 126 Summit Avenue
Jenkintown, Pa.
ing fillers in plastics and rubber. TUrner 6-4487

The investigations, which are headed by Dr. D. M. Teague


CHICAGO @ R. JEROME CLAUSSE
of the Chrysler Physical-Chemical Research Department, Rm. 534, 53 W. Jackson |
Chicago 4, Illinois
also have been broadened to include foundry smoke and
WaAbash 2-7838
the effect of wear upon metallic parts.
PACIFIC COAST @ WILBUR MENNE
JACK FOLLANSBEE
RADIO CORPORATION ROBERT ZUNICH
The Menne Co.,114 Sansome St.
ARDEN H. PARKES
The Menne Co., 1127 Wils
of AMERICA San Francisco 4, Calif. Blvd., Los Angeles 7, C
GArfield 1-3846 MUtual 4191

More and more the use of the RCA Electron Microscope


ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
is becoming mandatory throughout industry for the
high magnification and resolution it affords. Find out RAYMOND H. STOKES—Assistant
how the Electron Microscope can help you . . . to Advertising Manager
determine the structure of materials, control quality,
cut costs, save time, acceierate development
RESEARCH & ENGINEERING is circulated to men in charge
work. Installation supervision is supplied industrial research, development and design departments in all branc
of industry and in government research installations. Subscripti
and contract service by the RCA Service U. S. A. and Canada, $10.00 annually; other countries, $20.00 annua
Company is available, if desired. For Single issue $1.00 when available.

complete information, write to Dept. Published by The Relyea Publishing Corporation, William H. Rely
Jr.. President. Advertising and subscription offices: 103 Park Aven
A-281, Building 15-1, Radio Corporation New York 17, N. Y., LExington 2-0541. Editorial office: 77 South
Stamford, Conn., Fireside 8-778i. Unsolicited manuscripts must
of America, Camden, N. J. in Canada: accompanied by return postage. Although all reasonable care will
taken, the editors assume no responsibility for their safety or retv
RCA VICTOR Company Ltd., Montreal. All editorial communications should be sent to the Stamford Off
Rueenes and accepted as controlled circulation publication at Orar
onn.
RESEARCH & ENGINEERING functions as a news reporting serv
and the publishers assume no responsibility for the opinions of co
tributors or validity of claims reported in advertisements or edito’
material.

Copyright 1956, The Relyea Publishing Corporation

Research & Engineerianuary |


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at the point
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where

fires start...
ish

GI

Fire-resistant Celanese* Cellulubes* £


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Synthetic lubricants and power transfer fluids ?
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now available in 6 controlled viscosities o

-E Celanese Cellulubes are fire-resistant synthetic oils, tion, use coupon below to order working samples and
i] designed to provide protection against fire hazards complete use data. Celanese Corporation of America,
and explosion inherent in many industrial operations. Chemical Division, Dept. 548-A, 180 Madison Avenue,
As air cylinder lubricants in compressed air systems, New York 16, N. Y.
Cellulubes prevent the formation of excessive carbon
deposits— No. 1 source of compressor fires and explo-
sions. They are excellent lubricants—highly stable, ge
non-corrosive, non-foaming.
*Reg. U.S. Por. OF. CHEMICALS
As the hydraulic fluid in diecasting and similar criti-
cal operations, Cellulubes reduce the ever-present
danger from uncontrollable fires due to line breaks Celanese Corporation of America, Chemical Division, Dept.
548-A, 180 Madison Avenve, New York 16, N. Y.
or other failures. Chemical compounds that contain
no additives, Cellulubes’ physical properties are ex- Please send me working somple and technical bulletin on Cellu-
lube for cir compressor service___for hydraulic syst
ceptionally stable under continuous duty. Send technical representative
6 CONTROLLED VISCOSITIES
With the expansion of the Cellulube series to 6 con- —
trolled viscosities: 90, 150, 220, 300, 550, and 1000 me
(S.U.S. @ 100° F.), the way is open to replace flam- Company
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would like to evaluate Cellulube in your own opera- _ ne ___—_Zone____State

» CAREERS ...IN RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, PRODUCTION AND SALES. Write Personnel Department “F” for o copy of “Celonese Coreers.

‘ianuary 1956
A A A A LS A LF LS SF KK Ss cm -
i

THIS MONTH’S !
CONTRIBUTORS |
$= ABC+ABC+ABC+ABC
ey:
LgeIe oe
ies LLLe SA mee come mee

SIDELIGHTS ON THE SCIENTISTS

number of a series SEYMOUR ROTHCHILD


Tracerlab, Inc.
As a former USAF Captain in meteorology
from 1942 to 1946, Seymour Rothchild
studied the effects of weather on radar
propagation. With Tracerlab since 1948,
he now heads the Organic Chemistry De-
partment. His professional interests in-
clude propagation of labeled compounds, IS
Data obtained from
a 20% random sample
radioanalytical techniques and applications
of the 2,200 professional! of radioactivity.
engineers and scientists
of Hughes Research and
Development Laboratories.
er
ee
ee

EDWARD SHAPIRO
Tracerlab, Inc.

Scientists Edward Shapiro, head of Tracerlab’s In-


organic Chemistry Department, has studied
effects of radiation on material and proper-
and ties of radioactive isotopes at the Uni-
versity of Chicago’s Metallurgical Lab. and

Their the Clinton Labs. at Oak Ridge, Tenn. As


Chief Chemist at the Bartol Research
Foundation from 1948 to 1952, he worked
Children NUMBER
OF
CHILDREN with radioactive isotopes.
B.S. M.S. Px. D.

TYPE OF DEGREE

SoME OF THE YOUNG FELLOWS on our Security considerations have largely FRANK J. SODAY
staff have been analyzing our files of obscured Hughes’ pre-eminence as a The Chemstrand Corporation
personal data regarding scientists developer and manufacturer of air- Dr. Soday is vice-president and director of
and engineers here at Hughes. What borne electronic systems. Hughes is
group characteristics would be now largest in the field. The Hughes Research and Development for Chemstrand.
found? research program is of wide variety Prior to joining Chemstrand in 1951, he
With additional facts cheerfully and scope. It affords exceptional free- was director of research and development
contributed by their colleagues they dom as well as exceptional facilities.
have come up with a score of rela- Indeed, it would be hard to find a
for Lion Oil Company, El] Dorado, Ark.
tionships—some amusing, some quite more exciting and rewarding human He is president of the Southern Associa-
surprising. We shall chart the most in- climate for a career in science. tion of Science and Industry and a member
teresting results for you in this series. Our program includes military proj-
ects in ground and airborne electron-
of the American Chemical Society and
Results may be to some extent
atypical due to California locale. Yet ics, guided missiles, automatic con- American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
we would surmise that they are fairly trol, synthetic intelligence and pre-
representative. Some may well lead to cision mechanical engineering. Proj-
soul-searching: “How am / doing in ects of broader commercial and scien-
my chosen field? In my projected tific interest include research in semi-
S. EDWARD EATON
career, am I near the point of opti- conductors, electron tubes, digital and
mum advancement, or am I just some- analog computation, data handling, Arthur D. Little, Inc.
where along the way?” If the time navigation, production automation. Mr. Eaton has been associated with Arthur
should come when a move is indi- D. Little since graduating from Wesleyan
Ricut Now we have positions for
cated in your case, we hope you will
give serious consideration to joining
people familiar with transistor and University in 1937. From 1937 to 1947 he
digital computer techniques. Digital took further training at M.I.T. A lecturer
the exceptional group at Hughes. computers similar to the successful
. . +
Hughes airborne fire control on atomic energy and author of numerous
IN OUR LABORATORIES here at Hughes, computers are being applied by the publications, he was recently a delegate
more than half of the engineers and Ground Systems Department to the Atoms for Peace Conference in
scientists have had one or more years to the information processing and
of graduate work, one in four has his computing functions of the large Geneva where he presented a paper on
Master’s, one in 15 his Doctor’s. The ground radar weapons control “Radioisotopes in Industrial Research.”
professional level is being stepped up systems, Engineers and physicists
continually to insure our future with experience in these fields,
success in commercial as well as mili- or with exceptional ability, are invited
tary work. to send us their qualifications.
WILLIAM V. KEARY
Arthur D. Little, Inc.
A member of the American Institute of
Scientific Staff Relations
Chemical Engineers and author of several
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT technical papers, Mr. Keary directs the
LABORATORIES Process Design Group of the Chemical and
Culver City, Los Angeles County, Calif. Metallurgical Engineering Division of
Arthur D. Little. He has worked on prob- sys
e
Fg
m s
lems of organic chemical syntheses, carbon
disulfide manufacture and purification,
nitration process pilot plant studies and
hydrocarbon oxidation studies.
47)

Research & Engineering


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RESEARCH &
[ENGINEERING
MAGAZINE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

: :

+ VOL. II—NO. 1—SECTION | JANUARY 1956


ar MO TTT UAL LLL LLL Eee

8,
e- CONTENTS eee ae Soe
So Re e * Be ~

ne

is, ISOTOPES IN RESEARCH AND


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ae DEVELOPMENT 18 6 = —
e:@:6:6°’ Vac
.@:a:e°8
e@ eee) .ee
Reece S
Seymour Rothchild and Edward Shapiro out-
line the unique role of radioisotopes in indus-
trial research and development, a role that is
less than ten years old but already shows signs
- of becoming an accepted industrial resource.
>(

r- NUCLEAR RADIATION TECHNIQUES IN THE


A FOOD INDUSTRY 26 MC ea! ~V*

INTERVAL GENERATOR
s W. V Keary and S. E. Eaton describe current
h uses of nuclear radiation devices in processing =
~

d food products . . . another important peace-time


application of atomic energy with great promise
for the future. *

RESEARCH AND RESOURCES IN THE SOUTH 30 irethy-Ve


According to Frank J. Soday, science is the
if
:
; : :
major key to economic progress in the South. 1-3 ye ee lke
. An advancing technology and awareness of
t economic needs on the part of all the people has GENERATOR
.. created a brand new revolution with important EXACT DIGITAL SELECTION
- implications for the future.
NO CALIBRATION REQUIRED
d EXECUTIVE HEALTH: FOURTEEN WAYS TO SINGLE RANGE 100,000 STEPS
MAINTAIN IT 34
Been reading lately about the high incidence of
The “PIG” will —
heart and nervous ailments among busy execu- GENERATE DELAYS
tives? Luis Villalon passes on fourteen hints
from leading doctors and psychologists on how
to keep fit without impairing drive and efficiency. )>GENERATE PULSE BURSTS
THE SUN AT WORK 37
Renato Contini reports on significant new at- )>GENERATE VOLTAGE GATES
tempts to harness sun-power, the world’s last
great source of untapped energy.
60
ee
a|
i
)>MEASURE TIME INTERVALS

R/EMARKS 6
a

r time base
DEVELOPMENTS IN R/E 10 p to 1 megacycie

| R/ESEARCH ADMINISTRATION 40
| | LETTERS 42
| R/EVIEWS 4a
RESEARCH REPORTS 47
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 48
SUPPLEMENT-SECTION 2 Facing page 48

January 1956
JACKPOTS and BONANZAS
INETEEN FIFTY SIX may be a year of unprecedented at the rate of ten percent per year. To him, research has
INI interest in research and development in the temples of not only become a very dominant economic factor, but the
the ticker tapes comparable to that currently existing in the very mainstay of our economy.
laboratories of engineers and scientists. The groundwork Frank L. Folsom, president of the Radio Corporation of
for such interest has been slowly taking shape over the America, believes that within the next ten years the elec-
past ten years. tronic industry will have an annual output “well over the
Since the end of World War II, we have had an increasing $19 billion mark.” He reports that more than eighty per-
disclosure in facts and figures of what research and develop- cent of today’s RCA business is in products that did not
ment have achieved—a replotting of the outer fringes of even exist ten years ago. Moreover, he said “.. . in another
scientific and applied knowledge and remapping of the fron- ten years, regardless of the size of the industry, I believe
tiers of financial opportunity and success. No matter what that a comparable percentage of the volume will be in
terms are used—dollars invested versus dollars returned, products not now on the market.’ He should know.
percent increase in gross national product, percent increase Don G. Mitchell, chairman and president of Sylvania
in national income, total current dollar of an industry ver- Electric Products, Inc., is even more optimistic. He predicts
sus 1940—tthey are happy ones. that today’s electronics industry with an annual volume of
Today enough of these figures have been accumulated so about $9.5 billion will reach $15 billion by 1960 and $20
that each research director, each vice president in charge billion by 1965. And he cautions that these figures may
of research and development can be, and rightly so, a prog- have to be revised upward. For the production level of
nosticator of the nation’s economic well being. Startling electric products, he estimates an annual volume of business
disclosures and rosy predictions are now emanating not so from $35 to $40 billion in the next ten years, more than
much from our economists as from our technically trained double the current annual rate.
management men. Based on past performance, the crystal In the chemical field Commercial Solvents Corporation
balls in our ivory towers appear to be well above the cloud made no predictions. They merely revealed that research
ceiling. Jackpots need no longer be associated with one- on nitration processes and products and in nitroparaffin
armed bandits, and bonanzas with a few lucky prospectors derivatives has led to more than four hundred patent ap-
still wandering in those few areas yet unlogged by man. plications, neatly putting the lie to the U. S. Government
Here are some of the predictions and their sources. Patent Office supervisor, who quit his job around the early
part of the century because he was certain that every-
thing had been invented or discovered.
Arthur D. Little’s Industrial Bulletin reported last Octo-
Cc LYDE E. WILLIAMS, director of Battelle Memorial In- ber that research has doubled production in petrochemicals
stitute, one of our largest research organizations, be- since 1940. The present output of some 3000 petrochemi-
lieves that many of us will live to see a doubling of current cals is estimated at about 32 billion pounds, and sales at
stock market prices. Using 1940 as a base, he gives most of $3 billion. Projected expansion in the next decade will boost
the credit to applied research for the increase in our national petrochemicals to over 50 percent of the total chemical in-
productivity: a synthetic plastics industry eleven to twelve dustry output, and a substantial part will come from the
times as large, an electronics industry with a sales volume major oil companies whose interest in the field is fairly
eighteen times as large, an aluminum industry eight and a recent. The Bulletin reports that the outstanding leaders
half times as large, and an electric power industry growing (Continued on Page 8)

Research & Engineering


See what
this highly reactive
nitroparaffin derivative
might do for you ams
Sa

“Tris Amino” is short for Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. PROPERTIES


This chemical is unique. It is the only tri-hydroxy molecule
commercially available having a primary amine group. Molecular Weight 121.14
CH,OH Boiling Point, °C 219 to 220 10mm
H2N—C— CH,OH Melting Point, °C 171-172
“\cH,OH pH of 0.1M Aqueous
Solution at 20°C 10.4
Tris Amino is a raw material undergoing a very wide variety Solubility in Water at
of chemical reactions. The reactivity of Tris Amino makes it 20°C, g/100 mi 80
of unusual interest in chemical synthesis, since it contains a
primary amine group and three primary reactive hydroxyl Other Aminohydroxy Compounds
groups. Manufacturers of resins, synthetic drying oils, and
surface active agents cannot afford to overlook the potential AB (2-Amino-1-butanol)
usefulness of Tris Amino as a raw material. AMP (2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol)
AMPD (2-Amino-2-methyl-1,
Tris Amino reacts with higher fatty acids to form soaps with 3-propanediol)
unusually strong emulsifying power. Relative hgh boiling AEPD (2-Amino-2-ethyl-1,
point and low combining weight recommend the use of Tris 3-propanediol)
Amino in preparation of cosmetic creams, textile specialties,
cleaning compounds and many other emulsions. Now available in
pilot-plant quantities.
CSC’s great new Nitroparaffins plant at Sterlington, La., is
now in full production assuring certain, constant supplies of
Tris Amino.

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om ee —e |

January 1956 «yy


in research are Shell Oil Company through its research been halted during the period 1928 through 1953 and, con-
associate Shell Development Company, Standard Oil Com- sequently, that the average national economic growth rate
pany of New Jersey and the Ethyl Corporation (half owned was 2.5 percent per year instead of the actual 3 percent.
by Standard), Esso Research and Engineering, Phillips The cumulative loss in gross national product would have .
Petroleum Company, Standard Oil Company of California, been $400 billion dollars for the twenty-five year period.
Gulf Oil Corporation and its half owned Goodrich-Chemi- The actual cost of research and development in the United
cals Incorporated. States during that same period, however, was about $30
billion dollars, indicating a return on research investment
of 13 to 1, 1800 percent. Some payoff!
“Looked at another way—and my versions here are
N NUCLEAR ENGINEERING, secrecy restrictions prevent greatly oversimplified—the National Science Foundation
full disclosure of the probable size of the industry ten has computed that research and development conducted
years from now. But radiations from fragments occasion- from 1928 to 1953, the same twenty-five year period, con-
ally released indicate that under peaceful conditions the tributed a minimum of $43 billion dollars to the gross na-
mushroom cloud could readily be converted into a blaze of tional product in 1953—over half of it in the categories
economic glory. A little over ten years ago, the first of new products and lowered production costs alone. Over
engineer who gazed upon photos of the destruction at Hiro- the same period research expenditures averaged $1.2 billion
shima and Nagasaki and noted that the only standing dollars yearly. Comparing average investment with mini-
structure was a reinforced concrete building probably rea- mum return in one year, the ratio is 36 to 1. 1953’s re-
soned that the only jackpot or bonanza emanating from search cost of $3.8 billion dollars compared with the esti-
nuclear development would be in concrete stocks and under- mated minimum return of $43 billion dollars that year
ground structures. Today, he has more reason for believing indicates a payoff of 11 to 1, 1100 percent in one year!
that stocks in the member companies of the Atomic In- Research, it appears, is paying its own way with dividends
dustrial Forum, Inc. may be a better investment. that would make any stockholder’s heart beat faster.”
From the investor’s viewpoint, Newton I. Steers, Jr., Not the least significant part of Dr. Hobson’s state-
president of Atomic Development Mutual Fund, Inc., re- ment is the one that ccncerns the pace of the stockholder’s
ported the most significant area in atomic energy to be heart. So important has the stockholder’s knowledge of
that of nuclear propulsion. He quoted that an authorita- the research and development work become, that companies
tive source disclosed that the Navy will request a total of 17 with significant sums of money in research plants, hard-
atomic submarines during the next fiscal year at an ap- ware and personnel have begun to issue special reports ex-
proximate cost of $50 to $60 million per submarine. plaining the importance of and the extent to which they
When nuclear propulsion expenditures for the other types are engaged in research and development. The latest
of Navy vessels, merchant marine vessels and aircraft brought to our attention is an excellently executed thirty-
power plants are summed to the previous estimate the two page, four color report of Standard Oil Company of
total should easily extend into several billions of dollars. New Jersey. It begins with what has become an axiom for
Not bad for an infant industry that as little as ten years today’s management man: “The growth of companies is
ago was not expected to materialize in our lifetimes. directly linked to the research they do.”
There are more areas from which we can report predic-
tions. As a matter of fact, we can think of no field un-
touched by research and development efforts, not even that
of the funeral directors. David Riesman and Howard Rose- UT, OF COURSE, the danger of overselling the results of
borough report (Consumer Behavior, Volume II, The Life research and development to some stockholders cannot
Cycle and Consumer Behavior, New York University Press, be overlooked. Some of them may have to be cautioned in
1955) that Robert Habenstein in a study of the career of
a manner similar to that reportedly used by a United
the funeral director, observed a growing vogue for caskets States Army General to a dinner companion. When urged
that cradle the dead and hearses that do not jolt the body— to simply put more engineers and scientists to work in order
though all the while . . . the evidence pointed to the fact to solve his research and development problems, the Gen-
that the standard of dying has hardly kept pace with the eral replied that the generation of the solution was some-
standard of living. The conclusion is quite logical since what akin to the gestation period in humans; it still took
research and development efforts are ultimately directed nine months more or less regardless of how many men
toward a better standard of living as indicated by the fact were employed.
that at least one-half the products of all fields in daily If we can rely on what our engineering and scientific
use today were not generally known or available in 1930. leaders say—and I believe we can—the activities of the
past fifteen years have done considerable damage to mid-
depression concepts with respect to the frontiers of science
and the outposts of finance. Jackpots and bonanzas, per-
ERHAPS THE MOST intriguing analysis of the relation-
haps bigger than those recorded in our history books or
ship between our research and development efforts and
contemplated by our geologic, financial or scientific prospec-
our economic well-being was delivered by J. E. Hobson, tors are still before us. But like the boom in uranium, when
Director of Stanford Research Institute. He had this to
jackpots and bonanzas turn out to be geological, they will
say about the first attempt (by Raymond Ewell of the result from research and development efforts.
National Science Foundation) to estimate qualitatively the
economic return of research on a national basis “.. . if re-
sults to date are tentative and speculative, they are also flavel
6 (Lkhinde-
conservative. One approach assumes that all research had EDITOR

Research & Engineering


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MIRRO BRITE
LAMINATED AND METALLIZED

MYLAR
is now available for unlimited industrial applications


cr

oe
oa
Pe

Take a look at the attached sample. It repre- designers and manufacturers unlimited oppor-
sents a development you can’t overlook .. . tunities for novel effects and functions.
(half mil) .0005 gauge aluminized Mylar lami-
MIRRO-BRITE MYLAR can be furnished in
nated to 14 gauge non-migratory vinyl and
laminations to paper, plastics, leather, board,
dimensionally embossed. Here is the newest en- textiles and other materials. It can be embossed,
try in the materials supply field with a limitless die-cut, printed and processed in many ways.
potential for many usages. A wide variety of color finishes, embossing pat-
Mylar, the miracle polyester film with amazing terns and special effects available in continuous
tensile strength, embodies an unusual combina- rolls in 40 and 54” widths or cut-to-size sheets.
tion of physical, electrical, chemical and thermal Send for additional information, prices and
properties. Combined with metallization, it offers data now. Samples upon request.

COATING PRODUCTS
Dept. RE-1 101 WEST FOREST AVENUE ENGLEWOOD, N. J.
*Mylor is DuPont's registered trade mark for its brand of polyester film.

ALSO MIRRO-BRITE ACETATE, POLYSTYRENE, BUTYRATE AND ETHYLCELLULOSE

January 1956 , 9
Deve lopments in R/E-

NBS: Cornucopia of Research samples have been difficult and time consuming. The direct
analytical method involves successive steps where the
Three new measurement techniques and a new piece of sample is extracted, dried, and digested by chromic acid.
medical hardware have been developed by the ubiquitous No differentiation between natural and synthetic rubber is
scientists of the National Bureau of Standards. A technique possible and the results are subject to large cumulative
for preparing thin asphalt films for weathering studies errors with this older method. EIR
Meee

could also be applied to studies of materials like paraffin In the NBS method, the sample is milled and extracted
and stearic acid rosin; rapid determination of lens distor- with acetone, and the solvent removed by vacuum drying.
tion should be of interest to optical laboratories; determina-_ A 0.5gr specimen is pyrolyzed in a modified combustion
tion of the amount of natural rubber in vulcanizates of furnace at 550°C. One or two drops of the liquid distillate
natural rubber and GR-S can be accomplished by a new NBS are placed between two sodium chloride windows having a
infrared spectroscopic analysis technique; and, finally, tl lead spacer 0.025mm thick. Each liquid distillate obtained
action of the heart can be studied with a new barium ti . ‘ upon pyrolysis is analyzed with a recording spectrophom-
ate “jerkmeter”’. “ay @ter using sodium chloride optics. The concentration of
Previous tehniques in preparing thin asphalt films) natural rubber is determined by comparing the relative
mechanical in nature. Coatings thinner than 0.15” could “intensity of absorption bands at wavelengths characteristic
not be satisfactorily obtained. In the new spinning-dise- — Gf yatural rubber and GR-S. These bands are 11.25 microns
process, the aluminum test panel on which the asphalt 18~~ $57 natural rubber and 11.02 microns for GR-S.
poured is preheated. The procedure was developed by L. R.* 4 calibration curve related the ratios of transmittances
Kleinschmidt. or GR-S and natural rubber. The work has established
Lens Distortion that the log of this ratio is nearly linear with respect to the
concentration of rubber based on total polymer weight.
A. A. Magill of the Bureau’s optical instruments lab-
oratory has shown that the distortion in the image pro- Cardiographic Jerkmeter
duced by a projection lens can be readily calculated as a The jerkmeter is employed to measure the displacement
linear function of the magnification. He has developed a of a reclining patient due to the inertial forces generated
simple equation that expresses the distortion at any mag- by the flow of blood. Thus, the proper functioning of the
nification and two previously measured distortions. This heart can be determined. Unlike most instruments used in
equation should be of particular value in photogrammetry, ballisto-cardiography, the Bureau’s barium titanate jerk-
where high precision is required in order to produce accu- meter does not require a fixed reference point. It is, thus,
rate maps from aerial photographs. inherently isolated from extraneous notions, such as build-
When used for copying or projection, the distortion of a ing or operating-table vibrations. The device was designed
lens varies with the magnification at which it is used. It has by T. A. Perls and C. W. Kissinger.
been customary to measure distortion for each object-to-
image ratio employed. However, when the NBS-developed
equation is used, distortion need be measured at only two
magnifications. The two distortions are those obtained with
parallel light incident, in turn, on the front and back of the
lens. These distortion values not only require the simplest
experimental setup but also have special significance in
being determined at the limits of real image formation.
Specifically, if D, represents the distortion obtained with
parallel light on one side of the lens (zero magnification) Prehistoric Research
and D,, the distortion obtained with parallel light incident
on the other, then the distortion D,, at any finite magnifica- “Applied research has been in progress in one form or an-
other ever since some prehistoric male first caiculated distance,
tion is given by D,, equals D, — mD,.
arc, pressure, weight and several more human phenomena and
then proceeded to batter his fair beloved into submission with a
Rubber Determination club. This was the first example of applied mechanics in biology.”
The technique for determining the natural rubber in
J. E. Hopson, Director, Stamford Research Institute
vulecanizates of GR-S and rubber was developed by M. in an address “The Need and Dimensions of a National Science
Tryon, E. Horowitz, and J. Mandel. Until now methods Policy”, before the AICE at San Francisco on April 18, 1956.
for quantitative estimation of natural rubber in vulcanized
ee
Se
e————
.

10 Research
& Engineering :
}
Zirconium, another of the recently rare metals, is now
coming forward as rapidly as production can be increased
because of its corrosion resistance in presently available
sheet, strip and wire. Boron carbide, too, is now available
in commercial and high purity grades for widely spaced
uses such as chlorination, nuclear reactor shielding, also in
molded shapes, refractories and abrasives.
Applications of the plastics and resinous products in
Chem Show: New Materials and Designs general] continue to multiply in the chemical industries, as
do sources of supply. The exposition marked the advent of
The climbing demand for chemical products brought
one of the largest steel manufacturers into the field of
forth a forecast of still further growth at the twenty-fifth
plastic pipe in polyethylene flexible and polyvinyl rigid
Exposition of Chemical Industries in Philadelphia, De-
products. At the same booth a new line of stainless steel
cember 5-9. The well-marked economic trend is toward in-
pipe had its first showing in sizes up to 26 in. O. D.
creased outputs resulting from the adoption of new and
improved facilities; rising costs will be more than offset New Designs in Processing Equipment
by higher working efficiencies and lower unit costs. The bulk of display space was occupied by processing
equipment, revealing a great deal of invention in the way
Structural Materials
of mechanical design. Twelve years of development work
Of major interest were metals and other structural ma- and more than a million dollar expenditure was represented
terials such as plastics. Improvements in such materials are in a super classifier for dry material shown by one of the
the foundation of better design. A number of them, shown leaders in centrifugal machinery. Extraordinary efficiency
for the first time, have already been incorporated in re- is claimed for this machine—80 percent at a 15 micron top
designed equipment and prototypes of entirely new ma-

ill
.

on the fine cut, compared with the 15 to 30 percent with


-
chines. Stainless steel is in almost universal use where its conventional equipment. This result is accomplished at
properties are wholly satisfactory. At least one manufac- super speeds: 3,000 r.p.m. for the ten-ton model, largest of
turer has brought forth two new series of steels, having im- four in the series; 7,800 revolutions for the smallest one-
proved properties. ton model.
The newest addition to another producer’s group of high- Several instances of new design and new applications of
nickle alloys has ben developed to handle certain corrosive time-tested operations illustrated the trend toward higher
conditions of unusual severity. It is highly resistant to most economy. A centrifugal machine no larger than an office
urganic acids and has promising applications in handling desk is now replacing extraction towers six or more stories
sulfuric, phosphoric and nitric acid solutions. in height. This extractor, extensively used heretofore in
One radical departure in steel manufacture is the extru- the manufacture of anti-biotics, has now been adapted to
mh
i
We
——
sion of stainless steel in bars and shapes. This formidable one step in refining petroleum products where it replaces
task has been accomplished through the aid of glass as a the typical tower structure.
die lubricant—analagous to the use of the grease in cold- Despite the elaborate construction and massive layouts
drawing. often associated with the larger chemical plants, several
Where stainless steel leaves off, from the standpoint of equipment makers are recognizing the needs of the many
corrosion resistance, titanium takes up. Military aircraft small chemical plants, and have given thought to package
priorities presently account for its principal use since it has units. One such is an air filter incorporating the familiar
high tensile strength with densities little more than half blow-ring continuous cleaning principle in an exceedingly
VV
Fe
wa
rFT
TC those of steel. However, its use in chemical plant and food compact, self-contained unit. In this design, the filter medi-
industries equipment is increasing and is expected to be- um is a stack of circular cells, which are swept by rotating
come more prevalent as production facilities improve. There tubular arms in which are the air jets.
come
is interest also in the titanium chemicals that are useful as The success of the many chemical manufacturing proc-
stabilizers and plasticizers for vinyl plastics, as gelling esses depends on precise regulation of the temperatures,
agents, pigments, resin coatings, cleaners and polishes. pressures and flow rates of ingredients, as well as process
The use of aluminum metal and alloy fabrications is also timing. Hence the heavy dependence of these industries on
growing because of lighter weight and improved work- indicating instruments and control devices, which are con-
ability. As for the aluminum chemicals, one exhibitor dis- tinually becoming more exact in operation and more penet-
played forty-four chemicals, belonging to the family of alu- rating in their applications. There were 25 exhibits of con-
mina; their principal uses are in the manufacture of re- trol apparatus, 22 exhibits of process control units in th
fractories, ceramics and abrasives. exposition. Instruments of precision for the laboratory an
Rare Metals research department accounted for 30 exhibits; testing ir
Chemical industries also make increasing use of the rare struments shared about the same number of booths.
metals, accounting for approximately half of the U. S. an- New Glasses and Applications
nual consumption of platinum; for example, in glass manu- The role of glass in the chemical industries is likewise of
facture, petroleum refining, synthetic fibers, chemical and growing importance. Previously the principal structural
drug products, laboratory and process control devices. Plat- material for laboratory ware, it now has extensive use as
inum catylysts, rhodium-platinum gauze for processing ni- a corrosion-resistant lining for metal vessels. At the ex-
tric acid, rhodium-platinum wire to actuate a gas analysis position it was brought forth as a structural material.
cell for process control, and a rhodium-platinum spinneret
—barely two inches in diameter and pierced with 500 jet-
shaped holes—were displayed.
Developments in R/E

January 1956
Pin
eel
<A
have been developed in which the glassed surface of the
Developments in R/E working element is carried part way through to the lower
ring of the stuffing box. Glass is applied over Hastelloy
One exhibitor has gone into the highly active field of and the glass surface with which the inner ring of the
heat exchange equipment with an all-glass shell-and-tube multiple-ring assembly is in contact, is necessarily ground
unit for heating or cooling corrosive liquids. In one applica- on the shaft to a fine tolerance.
tion a steel shell is used with a glass core for heating sul- Of interest in nucleonics was a special! high lead glass
furic acid. The more radical development is the all-glass mo- developed for reactor observation windows. This glass has
dule which besides its effectiveness for heat transfer, per- approximately the same shielding effect as iron. However,
mits visual observation of product and flow conditions. with a density of 6.2, the window will weigh from three
Standard modules may be built up in series or multiple com- to eight tons depending on the number of thicknesses used,
binations to meet design conditions and are easily adaptable which may be from one to four.
to process change. Recognizing the increased use of liquid metals, notably
Another innovation was a Pyrex glass centrifugal pump. in cooling atomic reactors, a chemical company has brought
Unlike the familiar glass models, such as exhibitors use to out a flowmeter for molten metals. This meter works on
reveal inner parts of machines or demonstrate the flow a principle common to all electric generators: a conductor
of materials, this is a commercial development. Structural moving perpendicularly through a magnetic field generates
parts of the pump follow conventional lines as to metallic a current. In the liquid metal flowmeter, the conductor is
base and driving parts but to handle corrosives, or materials the metal] itself, flowing through a non-magnetic tube of
the purity of which must be maintained, rotor, shell, and stainless steel and passing between the poles of a per-
all connections are glass. manent magnet. Wire electrodes connected to the tube pick
Glass linings for steel pressure vessels and processing up the voltage generated by the flow for proportional
machines to operate under very high working pressures measurement.

Products, Inc., corrosion is the principal obstacle to the


use of fluid reactor fuels. Speaking before the National
Industrial Conference Board, Dr. Kopelman stated that
cooperation between the reactor physicists, metallurgists,
nuclear engineers and chemical processors will be needed
to develop long-life fuel elements that are relatively easy
Nuclear Notes to fabricate and reprocess.
In another talk before the same meeting of the NICB,
Waste Reactor Heat Used a GE engineer predicted that 23% of installed generating
capacity in 1980 will be atomic. Samuel Untermyer II, a
Waste heat from atomic reactors is being used for space reactor designer for GE, also predicted that the number
heating at the Hanford, Washington plant of the Atomic of different reactors will decrease as atomic power output
Energy Commission. The system is in line with the com- increases. The utilities will discard the poorer designs
mon plant practice of using low-pressure steam from a based on operating experience.
plant’s own power turbines for space heating.
At the Hanford Works, water from the Columbia River Reactor Design Problems Solved
is pumped through the reactors used in producing plu-
tonium. In cooling these reactors, the water absorbs im- Zirconium, a metal important in fabrication of nuclear
mense amounts of heat and picks up slight traces of radio- reactor cores, can be protected against oxidation by enam-
activity. The cooling water is pumped to a heat exchanger, els developed at Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus,
where it gives up its heat to an ethylene glycol water solu- Ohio. These adherent, defect-free enamels have low ther-
tion, which transmits the heat to various air conditioning mal-neutron-absorption cross sections.
systems. The reactor cooling water is held until its radio- Coated zirconium specimens were tested by heating them
activity level has decreased to a point where it can safely to 600°C in air. After 1000 hours no oxidation was ob-
be discharged to the river. Ethylene glycol is used to served. In 100-hour tests in which coated zirconium was
prevent freezing in the outdoor bank of air conditioning immersed in liquid lead at 345°C and liquid bismuth at
coils during sub-zero weather. 600°C, the enamels also guarded the zirconium. But liquid
Safety of the system is gained by maintaining the ethy- potassium at 345°C attacked the enamels rapidly. The
lene glycol at a higher pressure than the cooling water. enamels did not give zirconium suitable protection against
If a leak should develop, the flow will be from the non- high-temperature water.
radioactive fluid to the radioactive water. The system was The enamels were developed from frits based on the
designed by engineers from the General Electric Company lead silicate glass system, and were formulated to mature
and C. T. Main, Inc., Boston, Mass. either above or below the transformation temperature of
zirconium.
Solid Nuclear Fuels in Solid Battelle has also been investigating beryllium oxide,
which is of great interest to reactor designers. It com-
Because of the relatively advanced state of development bines resistance to high temperatures in oxidizing atmos-
of solid fuels, they will be utilized in most reactors rather pheres with more efficient moderating power than most
than liquid fuels. According to Dr. Bernard Kopelman, other materials. In addition, beryllium oxide has a high
chief engineer, Atomic Energy Division, Sylvania Electric thermal conductivity, approaching that of iron. In the 4

12
4

Research & Engineering


:

4
-
ei
oo
Ww

THE RARE EARTHS


a report by Lindsay, world’s largest producer of cerium, rare earth and thorium chemicals

Let’s look back billions of years. Far application in a wide variety of indus- Rare earth and thorium chemicals
beyond the beginning of history, back trial processes. have attained new importance through
to the very formation of the . Here The use of rare earth-thorium ores the work of Lindsay scientists who, for
the rare earths were created .. . con- was born with the invention of the in- 53Pgrsenhave pioneered the research
ceived in the raging inferno of a new- candescent gas mantle late in the 19th and development of these chemical
born planet. century. The key element in the manu- tools for industry. This, coupled with
Down from the high country trickled facture of these mantles was thorium, extensive raw material sources, has
- See..
ae
ee the streams, joining into rivers, rollin which is found in conjunction with the helped Lindsay develop the world’s
on to the immense seas that cove rare earths in monazite ores. Interest in largest facilities for the production of
much of the globe. On the deltas, the elements 57 through 71 was aroused rare earths. Salts of thorium and rare
rivers deposited their loads of sand . . . and since then, they have become in- earths are available for prompt ship-
we
se

some of it monazite, the glassy, brown — important in a wide variety ment—a gram ora pat
— that hold the rich treasures of of manufacturing processes. We have noted a few of the indus-
thorium and that peculiar and wonder- Motion picture projectors, lighter flints, trial applications of rare earth chemi-
ful chemical clan . . . the rare earths. alloy pri ceramic ~ glass col- cals. There are others and certainly
This was the beginning . . . this was oring, glass decolorizing, glass, mirror, many more as yet undiscovered. If you
the formation of the deposits of mona- television picture tube and granite are curious about the possibility that
zite that are found today in such widely polishing, photosensitive glass, paint rare earths may have useful applica-
separated locations as the Union of driers, sunglasses, nausea preventatives, tions in your industrial processes, or
South Africa, India, Brazil and, domes- reagent chemicals . . . these are but a would like more information from us,
tically, certain southeastern and far few of the many commercial applica- we welcome your inquiry. Technical
western states. tions of Lindsay rare earths. data is available and the facilities of our
* x *
research staff may be helpful to you.
With the invention of the electric
The rare earths are metals, not earths light, the demand for gas mantles
— and they are by no means rare. To- dropped sharply, and with it this need Please address your inquiry to:
Dr. Howard E. Kremers, Director of Research.
aged they comprise approximately for thorium. In 1945, however, interest
ve thousandths of one per cent of the in thorium again shot upward, for this
earth’s surface. This group of 15 ele-
ments— atomic numbers 57 through 71
element holds great promise of becom-
ing important in the development of [yNDSAY (HEMICAL (OMPANY
—has evolved from a role of interesting atomic energy for peacetime use. You 274 ANN STREET, WEST CHICAGO,
ILL.
chemical oddities to a position of ex- see, while thorium alone is not fission-
citing importance in scientific and in- able, it becomes so when combined
—_—
=Ww

eh
. dustrial technology. with small amounts of uranium. Thus
Until recently, the rare earths re- reactors, using relatively inexpensive
mained virtually untouched by com- amounts of thorium me §
uranium can
mercial investigation. Many researchers ee the electricity-generating power
believed them unavailable for large of thousands of tons of coal. The na-
scale use because they were difficult to tion’s need for this material has
separate. This is no longer true. Lind- prompted Lindsay to accelerate its
say is refining and separating these search for domestic deposits of mona-
unique elements in large volume for zite ore which is now obtained from
commercial use. The rare earths offer a the Union of South Africa. As more
rich field for scientific study and hold thorium is extracted from this ore, more
significant possibilities for profitable rare earths are available for industry.

lotest oddition to Lindsay monozite Port of 12,000,000 pound stock pile


processing plont ot West Chicago. of monazite in Lindsay worehouse. in new plont addition.

7 January 1956
a
Developments in R/E A

aelachy ef
<<
="

LVFoe
flocs eee SOM <7
.
past the low densities of pure beryllium oxide ceramics
have limited their usefulness.
This research project demonstrated that high-purity
beryllium-oxide shapes of a density far greater than pre-
viously obtainable can be fabricated by the usual ceramic
Russians Build Nuclear Merchant-icebreaker
processing methods. It was shown that proper calcination
of a suitable starting compound produced a beryllium The Russians are building an atomic-powered vessel for
oxide powder that would densify readily after being com- use in the Arctic. The merchant ship will be equipped
pacted into the desired shape. with high-pressure steam nozzles to held melt the arctic
Corrosion of fuel elements subjected to hot water, ice. The vessel will have the hull of an icebreaker and a
another important reactor design problem, can be studied displacement of 25,000 tons and a maximum speed of
visually with an apparatus developed at Battelle. The de- about 24 knots. The nuclear power plant will develop
vice consists of an autoclave fitted with windows for ad- about 200,000 kw.
mitting light and taking photographs under conditions of If ice-breaking steam nozzles are used extensively, the
rather high temperature and pressure. It is designed to vessel will require a huge water evaporator to convert
allow time-lapse motion pictures of a metal sample, such sea water into pure water. If the sea water is converted
as a piece of clad uranium, to be taken from the instant directly into steam for nozzle discharge, so much salt will
of contact with the high-temperature water until the cor-
deposit in the boiler, it will soon become completely clogged.
rosion is complete.
If the Russians have developed a system of converting
The most important advantage of the instrument is that
sea water to steam and precipitating out the salt at the
it provides a picture of the corrosion phenomenon while
same time, they have accomplished a technical “break-
it is occurring. Thus, researchers can discover what would
through” of major important in marine propulsion.
happen if the cladding of a reactor fuel element were to
develop a pinhole in service.

international Flame Research


At the very time when atomic energy and international
Nuclear Science Curriculum Underway cooperation for utilization of atomic energy are being em-
The rapidly expanding American atomic industry will phasized in the news, important internationally sponsored
soon need thousands of young engineers specifically trained research is being conducted in older forms of energy. The
for its needs. To prepare the instructors who will be train- International Flame Research Committee, an organization
ing these engineers, the Argonne Laboratory School of with British, Dutch, French and Swedish backing, has
Nuclear Science and Engineering will run a summer session just completed construction of a pulverized coal research
with an enrollment of 60 teachers. Co-sponsored by the addition to its experimental station at Ijmuiden, the
Atomic Energy Commission, the National Science Founda- Netherlands.
tion, and the American Society for Engineering Education, Practical changes have resulted from the Committee’s
the two-months course will begin in late June, 1956. studies in European coal and oil-burning practices. It now
Courses will be given in nuclear physics, nuclear en- hopes to raise the efficiency of furnaces using pulverized
gineering, metallurgy, instrumentation, and other subjects. coal. The increase in mechanized coal mining is increasing
The National Science Foundation will provide cost-of-living the proportion of pulverized coal in total coal output. Even
stipends of about $600 to those attending the session and if atomic or other new forms of energy replace coal and
to defray their travel expenses. Training programs such as oil for electric power production, coal will still be important
this one should help the nation’s engineering schools adjust in the steel and chemical industries. And total world coal
to the demand for courses in nuclear engineering. Un- reserves contain more energy than either our oil or uranium
doubtedly, the newness of the field will attract many able resources, according to recent surveys.
students who had originally planned to enter one of the Research at Ijmuiden is carried on by international teams
other fields of engineering. Inquiries concerning enrollment of scientists. The four main objectives of the new pulverized
in the institute may be addressed to the Dean of Engineer- coal project are: (1) to gain a better understanding of the
ing, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. principles of heat release from pulverized coal which
should aid equipment designers; (2) to extend knowledge
World’s Fair To Be Lighted Atomically of the chemical reactions in burning this form of coal in
suspension; (3) to help the operational engineer predict
Belgium will install an atomic power plant at the 1958 the effect of changes in operating conditions; and (4) to
Brussels’ World Fair. The reactor will be used to supply develop instruments and measuring techniques. Since large
electric power for the fair grounds. It will be constructed amounts of pulverized coal are burned in the United States,
by Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa. The capac- this project will probably be followed closely by American
ity of the system will be 11,500 kw. engineers and scientists.

14 Research & Engineering


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Photo of actval run made on new P-E Vapor Fractometer. To find mole % concentration of a component,
analyst simply integrates area under peak by multiplying peak height (a) times half-band width (b).

This quantitative analysis took only 23 minutes


on the new P-E Vapor Fractometer that costs only $1,375

HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE YOU?


Employing the principles of gas chromo- Take, for example, the analysis of a syn-
tography, P-E’s new vapor fractometer is a thetic LPG mix shown above. Here 12 com-
revolutionary advance in the field of gas and ponents, representing the hydrocarbons most
volatile-liquid quantitative analysis. It is frequently encountered, were clearly sepa-
fast, precise, uncomplicated to operate, ex- rated—a job extremely difficult to accom-
tremely simple in calculation, and above all, plish by ordinary vacuum distillation meth-
many times less expensive than distillation ods. The perfect shape of the recorder bands
columns, mass spectrometer, or any other makes quantitative analysis simple and ac-
instrument for the purpose. curate. Area under each peak is the measure
For qualitative analysis, the instrument of the mole % concentration of the compo-
gives extremely clean separations —even of nent. These area relationships are all that is
components and isomers which cannot be needed for calculation, without preliminary
separated by ordinary methods. For trace calibration for each individual component.
analysis, high sensitivity permits use of ex- There is no faster, no simpler, no more
tremely small samples. inexpensive method in existence today. This is the Model 154
Vapor Fractometer —

Perk El1Lmerr «oxvo:unn


- in price,
recorder.
$1375.00
Send
without
for de-
Norwalk, Connecticut scriptive bulletin.

January 1956 15
R/D Costs and Company Taxes
Developments in R/E If industrial concerns heed the advice of the American
Institute of Accountants, Uncle Sam’s T-men are about to
lose a healthy wedge of the corporate tax melon. But in the
Research Solves English Clinker Shortage long run, both government and industry benefit—the for-
As more and more British power stations switch to pul- mer through a long-range increase in the tax base, the
verized coal, a shortage of clinker for use in making build- latter through additional funds to expand and improve
ing blocks has been growing. The British Building Research their profit position. The AIA, a group of certified public
Station found a solution by developing a method of “pelle- accountants, declares that taxes can be honestly cut if busi-
tizing” the fine ash produced by pulverized fuel. The pellets nessmen know about the tax considerations affecting a vari-
can be formed into blocks that have a better appearance ety of transactions. Where research and development costs
than clinker blocks. In addition, there are no concentrates are concerned, the CPAs say that management can either
of unburnt coal, lime or pyrites in the blocks to cause treat R/D costs as immediately deductible expenses or
trouble in completed structures. No fuel is required for the amortize them over a period of years. The immediate de-
process because fly ash contains about 5% unburned coal. duction is a “bird in the hand” which may attract the com-
In the United States, the problem is the opposite of that pany needing this tax benefit to help finance the research
of the British: there is too much fly ash. American utilities undertaking. But, claims AIA, the company which can
are trying to develop markets for the fly ash to save truck- afford to spread the cost over the estimated useful life (or
ing and dumping costs. Fly ash can be used directly in the at least sixty months if useful life cannot be determined)
making of concrete. may find it advantageous, particularly if income is expected
to rise.
Water and Air Pollution Progress
Against a background of growing criticism of industrial
pollution of the air and waters c* the nation, seven major
steel companies are cooperating in building and operating
a demonstration plant for disposal of waste pickling liquors.
The current method of treating the 600 million gallons of
pickle liquor resulting from steel-making operations each
aw
y-6
—(
PS
&_
4, =
i

year involves large amounts of sludge, which presents a


difficult disposal problem.
Blaw-Knox Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., will construct the plant,
which will use a European process. In this Ruthner process The Engineer’s World: Chaos Amid Order
the entire sulfate equivalent of the waste liquid is regenera- “One of the reasons past civilizations fell was the neglect
ted as fresh sulfuric acid for reuse. The iron in the solution of engineers to fulfill their obligations to society”, said
is recovered as pure iron oxide, which is recharged to the Morris D. Hooven, President of the American Institute of
blast furnaces.
Electrical Engineers, at the annual Metropolitan Student
Night of the New York Section of AIEE.
Air Poliution Studied “This is an engineer’s world,” Mr. Hooven told the stu-
In another attack on the pollution problem, experiments dents. But his privileges bring obligations to society, he
are underway on a small-scale model of a power plant to said, adding that in the fallen civilizations, the “ingenious
determine the best means of preventing air pollution near ones” or engineers failed in these obligations.
the station. The Research Division of New York University “This world is not such a simple one that one reason
College of Engineering constructed the model of a Niagara can be given for all. But through all these disintegrations
Mohawk station at Tonowanda, N. Y. runs a common thread. The ‘ingenious ones’ did not look be-
Speeds at which stack gases should be ejected and the yond their interesting puzzles. The brightest minds were
use of nozzles on the stack will be determined. Set up in concerned with development of techniques. Too few of them
the University’s 30 inch air pollution wind tunnel, the paid attention to the life which surrounded them.
model makes smoke combined with helium to simulate the “A queer combination of confidence and uneasiness con- —se
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buoyant gases of the actual stacks. fronts the scientist and engineer of today—confidence in
his ability to control the physical world; uneasiness con-
cerning the end to which he is leading his civilization. It
Survey of Public View on Scientists seems to be indicated that the engineers of the past failed
A by-product of a study on how the public gets and re- to keep alive the culture which they served because they
acts to science news revealed that most of the 200 respond- were too well devoted to techniques. The answer to what
ents fee] that scientists are “superior in intellect, dedicated lies beyond engineering is a simple one. It is the obligation
to their work, and absent minded.” The study also disclosed of the engineer to be a dynamic part of his community.”
an impressive interest in science stories and a desire by The engineer also has obligations to his profession “to
many for more extensive coverage of the field. It seems maintain independence of mind plus interdependence of
likely, the researchers concluded, that a potential for growth association for exchange of ideas.” Finally, according to Mr.
of the science audience exists at many levels of readership. Hooven, the engineer has an obligation to himself, to main-
The study was conducted by the Survey Research Center tain his own physical and mental well-being. “He must in-
of the University of Michigan and sponsored by the Na- clude in his thinking background poetry, philosophy, litera-
tional Association of Science Writers and New York Univ. ture and the like.”
in
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16
Specific Heat Study May Yield
Secrets
Determining
of Superconductivity
the specific heat of materials at GAOCLEME! covica. mstavmentanion
temperatures near absolute zero is one new ap-
proach to understanding the phenomenon of super- Do you need to make a precise linear measurement?
conductivity. Scientists at Westinghouse Research
Laboratories investigating superconductivity have
developed a method of finding electronic specific If so, it is quite possible there is a Gaertner instrument
heat at —273°C to an accuracy of one percent. They that will permit you to do the job conveniently, accurately
hope to stimulate the conception of improved and reliably.
theories of electrical and thermal conduction, mag-
netism and crystal dynamics.
Specimens of metals like lead, tin, aluminum and
vanadium are suspended by fine nylon threads in-
side a chamber held at a vacuum of 10-° mm of
mercury. This ultra-high vacuum is necessary to
prevent excessive heat conduction between the
sample and the walls of the chamber by gas mole-
cules. Temperatures between one and five degrees
absolute zero are maintained by immersing the
chamber in a liquid helium refrigerant. The illustration shows a versatile optical measuring instru-
The major difficulties arise because the quanti- ment permitting extremely precise measurement in two
ties being measured are very small. For most ma- coordinates.
terials the specific heat at these temperatures are
one thousandth of their room-temperature values Write describing your measuring requirements and ask
or less. Specific heat is determined by adding heat for Bulletin 161-54.
to the samples equivalent to five microwatts for
30 seconds. The temperature of the sample is raised
about five hundredths of a degree. THE GAERTNER SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
Since the phenomena of superconductivity arise 1249 Wrightwood Avenue, Chicago 14, Illinois
from unique behavior of the electrons, a study of
the electronic specific heat of metals has great
value. The way in which energy is absorbed by any
element and distributed among the various possible
energy levels is basic to the understanding of its
properties. In the case of metals, energy is ab-
sorbed separately and, to a first approximation, in-
PROPIPETTES
dependently by the atomic nuclei forming the cry-
stal lattice and by the conduction electrons. The
SAFETY PIPETTE FILLER
latter behave as a fluid more or less free of the ELIMINATES THE DANGER OF BURNS AND POISONING OF
lattice. At room temperature the energy absorbed MOUTH PIPETTING—GIVES SUBTLE AND COMPLETE CONTROL.
HIGH MEASUREMENT PRECISION OF 0.01 cc. DELIVERS LIQUIDS
by the metal is distributed about 99% to the lattice QUICKLY—HOLDS LIQUID AT SET LEVEL INDEFINITELY. SIMPLE
and 1% to the electrons. There is a temperature TO OPERATE.
for most metals within a few degrees of absolute These new “Propipettes” eliminate the dangerous ——
zero at which the energy absorbed is equally di- of using
ing to draw liquid
the mouth liquids into pipipettes.
simple to use and the operator ¢ proficient
so
vided between the electrons and the lattice. In
DD easurement Rh
precision is igh: 0.01 a
cc. i ng 4
other words, the electronic and lattice specific heats has three agate-dall valves which operate independently and the
entire procedure can be done entirely with one hand. “Pro-
are equal. Below this temperature, the electronic pipettes” are ed for:

specific heat dominates. That is why this new ® Transferring corrosive, toxic, infectious, ill-smelling liquids
such as Ny alkalies, cyanides, ides, bacteriological
measurement technique is of such interest. cultures, chloroform, ether, urine, excrements, dyes.

e Skimming off with precision minute quantities of liquid float-


Oak Ridge School Seeks Students ing above a sediment without danger of mixing as in serum
from red blood corpuscles micro-analysis.

The Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology is e Skimming off and measuring the liquid floating above a chem-
ical precipitate.
now accepting applications for enrollment in the
® Transferring sterile samples of liquids to other tubes and
1956-57 session. Industrial organizations and gov- containers.
ernment agencies are invited to sponsor people All laboratory pipettes
from their technical staffs for this 50-week train-
ing program in nuclear reactor engineering. The
deadline for receipt of applications is March 12,
1956. The session begins Sept. 10, 1956. Further
information and application forms may be obtained STANDARD SCIENTIFIC en Oe ot oe CORP.
from F. C. VonderLage, Director, Oak Ridge 34 West
4th Street New York 12. N. Y.
School of Reactor Technology, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, P.O. Box P, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

ee
ee

January 1956
\

(Bh:

SEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT


Seymour Rothchild and Edward Shapiro
Tracerlab, Inc.

ADIOISOTOPES play a unique role in industrial research @ mechanism studies on the sub-molecular level such as
Re. development, a role less than ten years old and in biochemistry, organic molecular rearrangements and in
one that is showing signs of maturing into an accepted catalytic processes
industrial resource. Radioisotopes can be utilized to trace When radioisotopes are used as a source of radiation, the
atoms and, therefore, the molecules in which they may be measure of the interaction of the radiation with the matter
incorporated or utilized as a source of radiation. The con- it is being passed through can be used to indicate a change
cept of “tracing” depends on the detection of energetic in some physical property. Thus gauges which detect small
sub-atomic particles (alpha, beta or gamma rays) which a changes in the radiation flux after it has penetrated a
radioactive atom emits during a decay process. The radio- manufactured article are routinely used to measure the
isotope is combined into a molecule by standard, though thickness of this material with startling sensitivity. Dis-
often ingenious, chemical methods, and the molecule is continuous surfaces, such as encountered during the
traced by virtue of its radioactive tag. Thus the measure- measurement of liquid levels, are easily detected by the
ment of the rate of decay under standard conditions pro- abrupt change in radiation intensity, measurement of
vides a means for quantitatively determining the amount which can conveniently be conducted outside the containing
of tagged material being traced. vessel. The widely used technique of “photographing” cast-
ings and weldments to detect flaws is another example of
Typical Techniques this type of application. More subtle is the use of radio-
Tracing techniques may be applied to a wide variety of isotopes in oil well logging wherein the interaction of fast
problems, some of which could not be tackled until radio- neutrons with the various geological strata furnishes infor-
isotopes were made available. Here are some typical cate- mation regarding the structure and composition of the rock.
gories of applications: The unique properties of radioactive emanations make
@ detection of minute amounts of impurities or residues them particularly useful for problems which require loca-
@ studies of solubility, coprecipitation, distillation and ting objects or flow patterns under abnormal conditions.
distribution coefficients Many unusual applications of this nature have been report-
@ migration of one component out of a multicomponent ed: the location of pipe line scrapers, of the interface in
system or migration across barriers, films or other dis- oil line shipments and of unusual lots of steel melts, the
continuous surfaces determination of flight patterns of mosquitoes, of catalyst
@ diffusion of metals flow rates in refinery catalytic crackers, of leaks in water
@ wear studies with radioactive cutting tools, plastic and gas lines and across barriers and the location of
molds, piston rings, rubber tires soldered connections in coated wires.
SOL
AD.
Lhe

18 Research & Engineering


Here’s an outline of radioactive techniques and radio-
isotope applications that may contain the solution to
one of your current research, development, process or
production problems.

Present efforts to harness ionizing radiations for food


preservation have been widely publicized. Ionizing radia-
tions are also used in voltage regulator tubes to reduce the
starting potential, in static eliminators, self-luminous
markers and nuclear batteries.

Advantages
Because there are a wide variety of applications for
radioactive materials in industrial situations, the R/D
director should have sufficient understanding of the capabil-
ities of this new tool so that he can capitalize on its potenti-
alities. Advantages offered by radioactivity when compared
with alternative methods are that:
(1) Detection of radioisotopes and, therefore, the com-
pound being traced, is direct since it is dependent on a
property, the decay process, which is unique. Thus
chemically complex mixtures are usually as easily assayed
for radioactivity as simple mixtures.
(2) The sensitivity with which one can detect radioactive
material is usually greater than by other available
methods. A herbicide labeled with carbon-14 at a specific
activity of five microcuries per milligram can be detected
readily in a gas flow counter at levels below 0.1 microgram,
or below 1 ppm if present in plant material and assayed
in an ionization chamber.
(3) It is usually possible to define the parameters of the
experiment before embarking on the work since character-
istics of the radiation and its detection are well established.
The amount of radioactivity required, sensitivity of the
work, sample preparation and assay problems can be calcu-

January 1956 19
lated and thought out in the planning stages, and, therefore, safely.
the feasibility of using radioactivity for a particular The maximum permissible constant exposure of the ' @
4
A

problem determined. whole body to radiation has been set by an international ¥


:
(4) Cost of the work can be estimated closely. When commission. In practice one strives for a zero level of .
compared with other methods, cost is frequently found to exposure and takes all reasonable precautions to ensure
be considerably less. that the working radiation level is at a minimum while hCe
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As important as the understanding of its capabilities is permitting the work to be done in a satisfactory fashion.
the understanding of the disadvantages of using radioiso- Most radioactivity applications involve none or only slight
topes. The technique is not generally adopted for simple exposure hazards.
routine analytical problems for which other methods are There is no reason for any worker to be exposed to
available. The amount of radioactive material required in unknown radiation levels. A wide variety of instruments
a production control process may be excessive and lead to covering all phases of radiation survey methods is com-
health hazard and contamination problems. Training of mercially available. Laboratory monitors, air monitors,
personnel is mandatory. Psychological barriers, prejudices dosimeters, film badges, alpha, beta, gamma meters and
and misconceptions exist and have to be overcome at both Cutie Pies are just a sample of the esoteric names given to ie
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management and worker levels. The drawbacks may limit these instruments. Each serves a particular and useful
the breadth of application of radioisotopes but do not purpose. The choice of which instruments to buy is deter-
detract from its essential utility. mined by the work being done.
Control of Disadvantages Laboratory Requirements
Much of the existing fear of radioactivity is a fear of In addition to instrumentation, a radioactivity laboratory
the unknown. People trained in working with radioactivity requires a good hood, which is probably the most important
and accustomed to using it in their work have a proper item in the laboratory. Many satisfactory types designed
respect for its potential hazards and work with it in ac- for work with radioactivity are available and can be bought
cordance with accepted safe working procedures; but they from catalogs. Ingenious types of remote control apparatus
are not afraid of it. Adequate education will serve in time ranging from Master-Slave Manipulators which permit the
to remove unwarranted fears arising from working with worker to perform complicated chemical experiments
radioactive materials and allow them to be accepted as the behind three to five feet of concrete shielding to simple
useful tools they are. Experience gained from work with Remote Pipettors which permit tne worker to pipette and
radioactivity in the Atomic Energy Commission labora- transfer liquids behind a lead shield are also items which
tories, in academic and industrial laboratories shows can readily be purchased.
conclusively that all levels of radioactivity can be used For work with soft beta emitting isotopes, such as

DEFINITIONS
Radioisotopes arises during a transmutation process one cubic centimeter of dry air at stand-
when certain nuclei are bombarded with ard temperature and pressure. The maxi-
ATOMIC NUMBER is the number of pro-
energetic particles or thermal neutrons. mum permissible weekly dosage for con-
tons in the nucleus.
PROTON is the nucleus of the hydrogen stant exposures for humans is 0.3 roent-
ATOMIC MASS is approximately equal to
ato.n. It is a positively charged elementary gens (300 milliroentgens).
the number of protons plus neutrons in the
particle of mass number one. MEV is the abbreviation for million elec-
nucleus.
tron volts. It is a unit of energy equa! to
ISOTOPES are atoms of the same chemical
Units 1.6 x 10ergs. The energies of most of the
element having the same atomic number
normally encountered nuclear radiations
but differing in atomic mass. CURIE is the unit of radioactivity equal
lie between 0.01 and 3.0 MEV.
RADIOISOTOPES are species of isotopes that to 37 billion (3.7 x 10!) disintegrations
emit radiation of varying types as a re- per second and is represented by the sym- Instrumentation
sult of a nuclear transformation to a lower bol c. The millicurie, mc., is one thousandth Wi
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energy state. of a curie and the microcurie, sc, is one GEIGER MUELLER TUBE (Geiger Counter)
thousandth of a millicurie or 37,000 dps. is a radioactivity detector consisting of a
SPECIFIC ACTIVITY is the ratio of the gas filled tube with a center wire. The
Radiation
number of atoms of a radioisotope to the tube and center wire are electrodes. With
A general term covering all types of en- total number of atoms of that element a high potential difference across the elec-
ergetic rays and particles emitted by nuclei. present. It is conveniently expressed as trodes, any radiations that ionize the gas
The most commonly encountered ones are: microcuries (millicuries) per milligram in the counter produce a pulse of charge
ALPHA RAY is a positively charged par- (gram) or microcuries (millicuries) per between the electrodes, and this pulse is
ticle emitted from a nucleus and composed millimole. registered on a scaler.
of two protons and two neutrons. It is HALF-LIFE is the time necessary for a SCALER OR SCALING CIRCUIT is an instru-
identical in all measured properties with particular sample of radioactive isotope ment which totalizes pulses from the de-
the nucleus of the helium atom. to decay to such a point that the rate of tector. This total divided by the counting
BETA RAY is an electron (positive or nega- disintegration is reduced to one half of the time gives the counting rate.
tive) ejected at high velocity from a radio- initial value. The half-life value is a phys- SCINTILLATION COUNTER is a radioactiv-
active nucleus. The term beta ray is re- ical constant for each isotope and is un- ity detector consisting of a phosphor and
served for electrons of nuclear origin. alterable by any physical or chemical photomultiplier tube. The ionization pro-
GAMMA RAY is a penetrating electromag- means. duced by the incoming radiation causes
netic radiation of about 0.1 to 3 mev. ROENTGEN (milliroentgen) is a measure the phosphor to emit a flash of light which
NEUTRON is an elementary particle hav- of x- or gamma radiation in a region. is detected by the photomultiplier tube.
ing zero charge and a weight approxi- One roentgen produces one electrostatic The phosphor (scintillator) may be a solid
mately the same as the hydrogen atom. It unit of charge as a result of ionization in crystal or may be dissolved in a suitable
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Research & Engineering et


lela
Vi
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carbon-14 or sulfur-35, no shielding other than the glass
container is needed. At the other extreme a container for
a radiography source of five to ten curies of cobalt-60
requires six to seven inches of lead shielding and weighs
approximately 600 pounds.
Before a company can order radioactive material in
quantities greater than license exempt amounts (one mic-
rocurie, if half life is greater than 30 days, ten micro-
curies if less than 30 days), it must assure the AEC that
the people who will be working with radioactivity are
properly trained and able to work safely with it. Training
courses in which people can learn proper techniques are
given periodically by the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear
Studies, by various universities and industrial firms.
The rapid expansion of the laboratory use of radioactive
isotopes and the accompanying developments in laboratory
technique have brought with them a wide selection of
instrumentation for nuclear work. Consequently a rather
careful choice must be made in setting up a new laboratory.
The basic considerations which enter into this choice are:
(1) the isotope or isotopes to be used (2) the desired
accuracy (3) the level of radioactivity which will be
handled (4) the amount of work which will be done and
(5) the long range plans.
The first of these determines the general type of equip-
ment which will be needed to work with the type and
energy of radiation emitted by the active material. The
second narrows the choice of counting equipment to the
ae
ee
ee)
a.
a type which can give the desired degree of accuracy. The
third is the deciding factor in the selection of monitoring
and personnel equipment. The fourth indicates the need or
lack of need for automatic equipment, and the last calls
for a review of the decisions based on the first four points
in the light of the possible, and frequently likely, expansion
of the isotope work after the laboratory has been estab-
lished. In addition to these considerations, budgetary condi-
tions sometimes require additional compromise, but in most leading Well, then, this might be a good time to get out of the dog
house and on your way to a big career at Fairchild to
instances the cost of nuclear equipment is surprisingly low assist in the engineering of several airplane prototypes
and usually constitutes only a small part of the cost of <A dog’s now scheduled.
a new laboratory. Minimum prices for counting equipment, Investigate the list of categories below. See where you fit in.
including a detector, a sample holder, and a scaler, range life ? Aircraft Engineers with supervisory experience in one
from $600-700. Typical expenditures for radiochemical or more of these positions:
measuring equipment range between $1500 and $2500, Design Coordinators
while an elaborate array of automatic counting instrument- Design Engineers for Sheet Metal Structure, Hy-
ation and special instrumentation will cost between $5000 draulic Systems, Landing Gears, Control Systems,
Equipment and Furnishings, Electrical and Elec-
and $10,000. tronics Installations, Power Plant Installations
Most of the radioisotopes used in this country are pro- Stress Engineers for both Sheet Metal Structures and
duced in the large graphite reactor at Oak Ridge National Mechanical Systems
Weight Control
Laboratory and are available directly from there in desig-
nated chemical forms. For instance, carbon-14 is sold as iayout Designers and Draftsmen
barium carbonate, iodine-131 as dilute sodium iodide solu- Project Coordinators and Administrators
tion, sulfur-35 as sulfur, sulfate and barium sulfide. Prices You'll like working at Fairchild, and you'll like living in
Hagerstown, Maryland—excellent housing, schools, rec-
vary from $1000 per millicurie for chlorine-36 to $0.002 reational facilities . . . close to urban Baltimore and
per millicurie for tritium; many isotopes are available in Washington.
the range of $1.00-$2.00 per millicurie. If a special tagged Send your resume today to Lou Fahnestock, Director
compound, one other than that sold by the Oak Ridge of Engineering.
National Laboratory is desired, it is necessary to synthesize A Division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation
it from the “raw material” or to buy it from a commercial
supplier of tagged compounds. Lists of tagged compounds ++ - WHERE THE FUTURE 16 MEASURED IN LIGNT-VEARS?I

offered for sale by various companies have been published


by the Isotopes Division in “Isotopics’”’, and each firm has «FAIRCHILD
AIRCRAFT DIVISION + HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND
available catalogs. Frequently it is advantageous to pur-
chase tagged intermediates from a commercial supplier and
to complete the synthesis in one’s own laboratory.
Continued on page 22

January 1956 21
RADIOISOTOPES:
Current Applications and Techniques

Ty
tion either by removing a shield from in
front of the source or by moving the source
from inside the shield to an open region
near the surface.
Radiography with radioisotopes follows Thickness Measurements with Beta
the same principles as radiography with Gauges .
x-rays or with radium sources. Because Beta gauges continuously measure and
the high energy rays can penetrate low record deviations in the thickness of sheet
Determination of Sulfur in Oil density material more readily than solid material—paper, plastic, rubber, thin met-
steel, a gas hole or slag inclusion will show al sheets, coatings, by means of a beam of
A source of iron-55 which emits 2.5 up as a darkened area or spot on the neg- beta rays. These rays are emitted from a
X-rays and decays with a half life of 2.7 ative. A skilled operator can readily iden- sealed radioactive source and pass through
years is used in conjunction with a special tify the nature of the flow from the radio- the sheet being measured into a radiation
Geiger Muller tube sensitive to x-rays. A graph. detector. Variations in sheet thickness in-
sample of oil is placed in a cell between Using a 1000 mc. cobalt-60 source, one crease or decrease the number of electrons
the source and the detector. Since sulfur can obtain a radiograph of a two-inch steel getting through the sheet and entering the
has a much higher absorption coefficient section showing two percent sensitivity in detector. Each change brings about a cor-
for the x-rays than either carbon or hydro- 20 minutes, with a ten-inch source to film responding change in electrical current
gen, the transmission of the x-rays is a distance. Thicker sections require more flowing to the gauge meter and recorder,
function of the weight percent sulfur in time, usually stronger sources are used. so that sheet thickness deviations are read-
the oil. Corrections for variations in car- ily measured. An extension of this gauge
bon-hydrogen ratio must be made. If ele- is a control mechanism which receives in-
ments other than carbon, hydrogen or sul- formation from the gauge and operates to

i
fur are present in quantities greater than control, for example, the separation of the
0.01% special corrections must be applied. calender rolls, thereby keeping the sheet
Analysis requires about five minutes, uses thickness constant.
a few milliliters of solution and is as ac- Another type of beta gauge, called a
curate as the lamp sulfur method which backscatter gauge, measures from one side
requires three hours. only and is useful in measuring coating
thicknesses. A backscatter gauge is es-
Radiography sentially the same as the absorption beta
Wear Studies
gauge except that the radiation source and
Radioisotopes are used to take pictures The object to be studied is made radio- detector are located on the same side of
through metals to detect flaws in welds and active either by irradiating it in a nuclear the material being measured. Only back-
castings. Availability of isotopes which reactor or by incorporating a radioactive scattered radiations, i.e., beta rays which
emit high and low energy gamma rays material into it. The effect of wear-is to have hit the sheet and have been reflected,
makes it possible to obtain radiographs remove radioactive material from the sur- are measured. Radiation backscattered
through steel thicknesses up to ten inches face. The wear rate is directly related to from the base material has to pass twice
or down to 0.12 inches with high resolu- the rate at which radioactivity is removed; through the coating, once getting to the
tion. For thick sections cobalt-60 is most the exact relationship can be determined base material and again away from it. Thus
frequently used since it emits high energy by measuring the radioactivity of a known the intensity of radiation which reaches
gammas and is available at low cost and weight of the test object. the detector will depend among other things
at high specific activity. The last feature A typical example is the use of radio- on the thickness of the coating; changes
permits the use of small sources of high active piston rings to study wear in en- in intensity are used to measure changes
strength thereby giving sharper images. gines. Rings are activated by irradiation in coating thickness.
For intermediate steel thicknesses between in a nuclear reactor, producing iron-59, a
1.5 and 0.75”, cesium-137 is used, while gamma ray emitter which serves as a
for the thinnest steel sections or for lighter tracer for the piston ring. The activated
alloys of aluminum and magnesium irid- ring is installed in an engine and on oper-
ium-192 or thulium-170 are used. ation of the engine radioactive particles
Radiography cameras are commercially from the piston ring accumulate in the oil
available for many purposes. In one type which is circulated past a gamma ray de-
the source is made to emerge from the tector. The rate of increase of activity as
shield by a remotely controlled mechan- measured by the detector is a measure of
ism. Thus it is possible for the radiographer the rate of wear of the piston ring. This
to set up his work in a complete circle method has been used to study the influ- Leak Detection
around the shield, leave the vicinity of the ence of fuels, operating temperatures and A radioactive compound is dissolved in
source, press a button to bring the source lubricants on the wear rate of rings. It the liquid carried in the leaking pipe. If
out of the shield, expose the steel for a is particularly useful in studying the the pipe is buried, as it is in home radiant
predetermined time, press a button to effects of oil additives since the results of heating systems, radioactive solution is
bring the source back into the shield, enter tests are obtained with sufficient speed to forced out of the pipe at the leak by closing
the area and remove the exposed radio- permit the study of a wide variety of ad- the line downstream from the leak and
graphs—all this with no radiation hazard. ditives in a reasonable time. One company applying pressure upstream. On following
Another type camera is useful for taking claims that it carried out a million dollar the line at the floor surface with a radia-
radiographs in front of the camera in an research project with radioactive piston tion detector, one finds an abrupt drop in
arc of 60° to 120°. These cameras func- rings at a cost of $35,000. radiation level at the site of the leak since

22 Research & Engineering


Information! How to Purchase
a ee he RY & LIED RAS
and use RADIOCHEMICALS —
x 3 Sat Pry | Abs PE We cea
a
at
t-

of
a
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t BAKER & ADAMSON


>
x -Radiochemicals
e

- Fis
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Industrial and research applications of radioisotope


extremely valuable for
reagents are increasing by leaps and bounds. Vir-
tually every field can use them profitably. That’s
why Baker & Adamson’s special 24-page radiochem-
icals catalog is a “must” for everyone who wants to
oe,
de
Stn
oi
learn more about these unique new nuclear tools.
The booklet is simple, clear, instructive; written
for the non-technical management man as well
as the laboratory scientist. Besides telling what
radiochemicals are, it includes:
® Information on the most important fields of use. REAGENTS

© Complete listings of the full line of BRA Radiochemicals


including Carbon-14 Labelled Compounds and Deuter- A minimum of special facilities i adequate to
establish a program using radioisotope reagents
_


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ated Compounds as made for B&A by Tracerlab, Inc.


* Formulae, specific activities, energy in MEV of principal ATTACH TO YOURLETTERHEAD AND MAIL,
radiations.
* Data on prices, packaging, shipping and handling. BAKER & ADAMSON PRODUCTS
GENERAL CHEMICAL DIVISION
* Details on how to obtain necessary AEC authorization. ALLIED CHEMICAL & DYE CORPORATION
40 Rector Street, New York 6, N. Y.
GET YOUR FREE COPY! Fill in coupon
or write Please send a copy of cataing,*‘Baker & Adamson Radiochemicals”
today on your letterhead for a copy of Baker & Adamson
Radiochemicals and learn how you too may benefit from
using them in your research and development programs.
Position

BAKER & ADAMSON Aegon Company


GENERAL CHEMICAL DIVISION Address
ALLIED CHEMICAL & DYE CORPORATION
40 Rector Street, New York 6, N. Y. RE-1
City Zone __State

; January 1956
the active solution does not move beyond isolated and its specific activity determined, out to be difficult, if not impossible, be-
it. A modified technique involves flushing thereby determining the initial amount of cause of the trace levels of residue or
out the line after the radioactive solution A present in the mixture. because the analysis is complicated by the
is forced in as just described. In this way Where a mixture contains labeled com- presence of plant tissue. Under these con-
residual activity will be found only at the pounds in smal] mass quantities, a reverse ditions the possibilities of using radioactive
location of the leak. Recent refinements isotope dilution procedure may be per- tracers should be investigated since the
have enabled leak detection in underground formed by adding a large quantity of non- approach is direct and independent of many
pipes several miles in length. labeled compound, isolating a pure sample drawbacks of other analytical methods.
Leaks in underground cables have been and measuring its specific activity. Residue problems are very widespread,
located by pumping radioactive gas into Several recent literature reports have appearing in many industrial processes.
the cable and determining the presence of treated the methods in a more sophisticated Chemical residues in foods incorporated as
radioactive gas at the ground surface. manner by combining the above procedures the result of chemical processing may have
This method takes advantage of the ability with “radiometric” techniques which in- to be determined at levels of parts per
of gas to diffuse through overlying earth volve formation of a derivative of the un- million because of governmental restric-
layers into a region sufficiently close to the known material with a labeled compound. tions imposed on the food industry. Dur-
surface to permit detection. A single derivatizing labeled compound ing the past few years, many chemical
may then suffice for the analyses of a class manufacturers have found that labeled
of compounds and may simplify isolation compounds offer a simple, and in the long
of the pure fraction because of a change run, cheaper way of obtaining such data
in physical properties of the derivative. for presentation to the Food and Drug
Commercially, isotope dilution has been Administration.
applied to the analysis of fermentation
broth samples of penicillin and streptomy- KiZ
Activation Analysis cin, of lindane in benzene hexachloride Se
Neutron activation analysis is a method mixtures, and of 2,4-D and homologs in
for quantitatively determining minute technical mixtures.
amounts of certain elements by their irra-
diation in a nuclear reactor and the sub-
sequent identification of the radioisotopes
produced. Reference samples are simultan- Migration
eously irradiated with the unknown. Ele- It is necessary to be able to tag the
ments are identified by means of their spe- compound to be studied at a sufficiently
cific radiation characteristics, the amount
of radioactivity serving as measure of each
kas high specific activity so that a predeter-
mined level of migration can be detected.
element. This type of analysis has proved For example, a plasticizer incorporated in
Biological Applications
useful when the concentration of an un- a plastic film used for food wrapping was
known element is too low to be identified The unique means of locating metabolic
labeled with phosphorus-32 to determine
by conventional methods or where conven- fragments in biological systems by tagging
if the plasticizer migrated into the food.
tional methods are not satisfactory because them with radioisotopes has made available
Calculations showed that the analytical
of interfering contaminants. For certain to biochemists a tool of major importance.
sample could be analyzed for as low as 2
elements with desirable neutron capture Of special industrial significance have been
ppb of the plasticizer for simple solutions
properties, the method can be accurate and studies on the biological equivalence of food
and 100 ppb for meat and fats if the origi-
sensitive. Detection limits range from mi- substitutes. Previous studies have required
nal specific activity of the compound were
crograms to micro-micrograms. Further extensive balance experiments involving
50 millicuries per gram, for a 28 day test
information on specific analyses and order- measurement of food intake, excretion and
period (2 half lives for P-32). The com-
ing procedures can be obtained from Oak retention. The labeling of the food sub-
pound was synthesized and immediately
Ridge National Laboratory. stitute provides unequivocable evidence of
introduced into the film using pilot plant
the fate of this material and greatly simpli-
equipment. A small aliquot was kept as
fies the quantitative measurement of the
reference material for decay corrections.
metabolic products. Such work has been
Plastic bags were prepared, and various
done on the conversion of sodium sulfate
foods were placed in the bags. These opera-
to cystine and methionine in ruminants
tions were carried out behind a plastic
and the biological equivalence of calcium
shield in a hood; the operators wore rub-
DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyrate with
ber gloves. The homogenized foods were
methionine.
analyzed at intervals to 28 days.

"@ oom
Many experiments have been carried out
isotope Dilution Analysis on the study of migration and diffusion
Analysis by isotope dilution is a valuable phenomena using radioisotopes. A few ex-
approach to “difficult” analyses of gross amples are the study of the migration of
amounts of material. To a mixture con- polyvinyl! alcohol in milk carton adhesive,
taining a compound A in unknown quantity Residues the penetration of water vapor through
is added a measured amount of A, tagged A problem that frequently arises when protective coatings, the penetration of a
with a radioactive isotope. A physical prop- a new agricultural! spray, such as a herbi- rust preventive coating into a rusted metal-
erty of A is thus established, namely its cide, defoliant or a ripening agent, is in- lic surface, diffusion coefficients in metal,
specific activity or the amount of radio- troduced is whether or not a residue re- movement of preservatives in wood, dif-
activity added to the mixture, divided by mains on the crop after it is harvested. fusion of sulfur in rubber, transport rates
the unknown mass of A plus the added The direct solution of course is to spray across membranes as a function of applied
mass of the tagged A. Experimentally then, the chemical agent and analyze for it in potential gradients, gas diffusion at ele-
a pure sample of the compound A must be the crop. Quite often this analysis turns vated temperatures.

24 Research & Engineering a


Ja
What do you see’...

the young girl

or

the old woman 7?

(Can you see both?)

How long did it take you to find the other? operations and your product line. With their help,
Or, are you tied to one view? your problems often can be turned into profits.

*For an explanation, write for our book-


Business and industrial problems also can be
let on “Problem Solving — The Busi-
seen in different ways. But the competitive position nessman’s Guide to Seeing Alternatives.”
of your firm may depend on how quickly you can
see new solutions for old problems.
Arthur DLittle, Inc.
Creative Technology Since 1886
ADL’s technologists have an outside point of
34 Memorial Drive, Cambridge 42, Mass.
view. The analytic skill of ADL scientists comple- Graybar Bidg., 420 Lexington Ave., N. Y.
Offices and Laboratories
ments your seasoned business judgment on your Cambridge, Mass. * San Francisco
New York City * Chicago

Product Research (consumer, industrial) « Product Improvement + Industrial Chemistry *« Advanced Equipment +« Business Research * Metallurgy
Industrial Economics + Food and Flavor + Nuclear Science + Industrial Design + Process Engineering + Domestic and Overseas Area Development
Biological and Medical Sciences + Operations Research + Mechanical Enginecring + investors Advisory Service + Diversification Guidance + Applied Mathematics

January 1956 25
Research in nuclear radiation is showing
food processors how to improve product
quality and uniformity and reduce manu-
facturing costs. Initial laboratory experi-
ments with radioactive tsotopes prove
that measurement and control devices
utilizing radiation techniques, while
sometimes costlier than conventional
methods, can result in advantages similar
to those brought to the chemical process-
ing industry.

NUCLEAR Important applications are possible for external radio-


isotope sources in measuring and controlling many food
product properties. Since radiation techniques depend upon
the unique phenomena by which materials absorb or re-

RADIATION flect nuclear radiation, changes in mass-per-unit-area of


the process material can be made to cause a significant
change in the strength of a signal. This makes possible
measurement and control not only of mass-per-unit-area,

TECHNIQUES but also of thickness, density, level and composition. Accu-


racy of measurement and control is high.
In a typical application a radioactive isotope is used as
a source of beta or gamma rays. The apparatus is arranged

IN THE so that the process material lies in the path of the radiation
beam, which, after pasing through the material, is picked
up by a detector capable of converting the energy received
into an electric signal. The signal in turn can operate indi-

FOOD cating gages or recorders and activate control circuits.


Since each isotope has a characteristic radiation, the pen-
etration power of the nuclear beam is determined by the
_-
-_
s
O—

INDUSTRY
type as well as the quantity of the isotope used. An attempt
is usually made to match strength of the source with ab-
sorption power of the process material. The thicker the
material or greater its density, the more penetrating the
radiation source used. A unique quality of radioisotope de-
vices is that the fractional change in signal strength is pro-
W. V. Keary and S. E. Eaton portional to added thickness but is independent of the actual
average thickness. In most other thickness measuring in-
Arthur D. Little, Inc. struments an added increment of thickness is determined
by the difference between two large numbers; radioactivity
measures the added increment directly. Isotopes useful in
gages include strontium 90, thallium 204, cesium 197, pro- fH
So
Ome
Oo
oe
eh
SH
er
he
wma
=FF
methium 147, tritium, iridium 192 and cobalt 60.

Research
& Engineering
Where a considerable thickness of material must be is too thin and the control circuit operates to widen the
scanned, as, for example, when metal pipe walls are included, rolls. This contro] is accomplished without contact of any
gamma radiation is employed. Beta radiation may be used control device with the sheet material. The point of measure-
with considerable increase in accuracy, but special design of ment can be very close to the rolls so that process lags are
the system is needed to keep the total mass of material to held to a minimum.
be scanned, including confining walls, within range of the
radiation. The Process
Lag Problem
While complete automation is usually desirable, the radi-
Lag is often an important and difficult problem in this
ation gage is a primary measuring instrument and is often
used alone. For example, a gage may be used with a recorder type of measurement process. When a correction is made in
to provide accurate production records, or it may merely the calender roll clearance, thickness is immediately
be used to indicate thickness or level, leaving correction to changed, but the new thickness is not detected for a finite
period. To prevent momentary upsets from throwing the
the operator’s judgment. In considering each application, a
food processor would want to weigh cost of the control ele- system out of control, a time delay is often built into the con-
ments against potential savings possible through their use. trol circuit to postpone a correction, at least until the ma-
terial under the roll has reached the gage. Thus if the upset
For process: control work described in this article, the
corrects itself, no action is started by the controller. Cor-
utility of radioisotope techniques depends upon the effect
rective action, when applied, can be staged so that overcor-
of matter on radiation, not radiation on matter. The type
rection is avoided. When the process lag is very short, as is
of radiation used does not induce any radioactivity in the
possible with the back scatter gage, for example, the amount
material under process. The radioactive source is not in-
of off-specification material produced during the correction
corporated in the food material, and no radioactivity is
added to the food. process is held to a minimum. Similar types of back scatter
control units could be applied to any sheet material, such as
cookies, chewing gum, noodles, chocolate or packaging.
Mass-Per-Unit-Area Applications

The system is somewhat analogous to the transmission of Sugar Industry Application


light through translucent materials; the intensity of light A recent and interesting application of mass-per-unit-
perceptible through the material depends on the material’s area measurement has been disclosed in the sugar industry.
opacity and on the strength of the light. When nuclear radi- A radiation device is now used at the Experiment Station
ation is substituted for light, the opacity is essentially a of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association to monitor
function of the amount of matter in the path of the beam— the amount of bagasse produced at the end of the sugar ex-
the mass-per-unit-area of the material. We shall examine traction process. Measurements are obtained on the mass-
first some processes in the food industry where mass-per- per-unit-area of a stream of bagasse, free-falling at constant
unit-area of the product is of chief concern. velocity between a radioactive source and a measuring in-
strument. Readings are correlated with the amount of sugar
Manufacture of Baked Goods produced from the same weight of cane. By keeping a rec-
ord of the source of the cane, effectiveness of the fertilizing
The manufacture of cookies from sheet dough poses a and growing methods used in the field from which the cane
problem because thickness of the dough sheet before bak- was harvested can be analyzed.
ing cannot be accurately controlled. Therefore weight-per-
we
—_—
t+
rer
piece of the baked goods varies considerably. As a result,
Multiple Fill of Containers
+
the number of pieces required to fill a one-pound package
may vary by four to six percent. To meet a one-pound-min- Another possibility for mass-per-unit-area applications
imum specification, some packages are considerably over- exists in the field of multiple fill of containers. For example,
weight. More accurate weighing during packaging would manufacturers of chicken noodle soup would like to be sure
not solve the problem since one pound of overweight pieces that each can contains at least a minimum amount of nood- .
still leaves the box partly empty. A radiation gage and con- les, chicken and broth. These ingredients are added to the
trol circuit (Fig. I shows a typical control circuit), such as can separately and consecutively. By using several radiation
is used in the rubber industry, might control the process gages in sequence, it is possible to determine that each can
has its required ingredients.
nXlhmlUOr
ih
-l
iF
OE
COE
within one percent. About three-fourths of present losses
due to overweight packages could be eliminated. Such a device is not presently available, and poses several
A proposed device incorporates a principle known as technical problems. The high speed of the can line is one
“back scatter’. In gages of this type (see Fig. II), the such problem. A radioactive isotope source emits radiation
source and detector are located on the side of the material which has a remarkably constant average intensity.How-
being measured. The radiation is aimed directly at the ma- ever, this intensity is due to a random emission of particles,
terial while it is still on calender rolls. With no material on and the intensity level of the beam is not constant over time
the rolls, the signal detected is high because of the great re- intervals as short as the passage of one can in a filling line.
flective power of the steel roll. With a sheet material in the Therefore, the radioactive source would have to be large
way, there is considerable attenuation of the signal, for enough so that variation in strength of the radiation would
the rays must pass through the material, be reflected not give false readings on the fill of the individual cans.
from the roll, then pass back through the material, be- The source and meter could be located so that the entire
fore being “seen” by the detector. At the standard thick- cross section of the can is monitored vertically. The depth
ness of sheet material only a fraction of the radiation of noodles or chicken probably would not be uniform in
strength is measured by the meter. When the strength the can. Thus it would be desirable that the source produce
of the signal exceeds this standard value, the material a constant intensity across the can.

January 1956 27
i
CONTROLLER RECORDER . CONTROLLER
| a A
V
!
| !
I
RECORDER
CONTROL :
ELEMENT DETECTOR |
I
DETECTOR
!
!
RADIO
ISOTOPE SOURCE
SOURCE
I
|
I
Fig. I. Radiation gage control circuit. | Fig. Il. Back-scatter gage.
|
|
l

Thickness Control than do conventional methods. mixing processes have large system capaci-
ties compared with the capacities in such
Where thickness as a dimension is im- Mayonnaise operations as calendering of sheet ma-
portant, a radiation gage can be used as A similar control problem concerns the terials. Therefore the design of control
a monitor. In this instance density of the density of mayonnaise. Here the manufac- systems for mixing operations is relatively
material must be constant. Although mass- turer is chiefly concerned with product simple and high accuracy can be expected.
per-unit-area still determines the gage quality rather than weight since the de- Temperature is a very important variable
reading, thickness can then be measured gree of air introduced into the product in control of specific gravity and some
and controlled. Used in the packaging field, affects consistency and stability. The same radiation gages incorporate efficient tem-
this machine controls the thickness of wax type of control used for ice cream should perature-compensating circuits.
on wax paper and of plastics on aluminum be directly applicable to mayonnaise. The
laminates. In the nonfood field, linoleum Mass-Flow Meter
flow would be monitored in the pipeline
and sandpaper coatings are controlled by between the mixing and packaging proc- Still another possible application of
radiation gages. esses and the control device would regu- density measurement consists of develop-
late mixer speed. ing a mass-flow meter, using both a radia-
Density Control tion gage to measure density and a true
Density can also be monitored by radia- Measurement of Specific Gravity volumetric-flow meter to measure velocity.
tion devices—an apvlication with much Manufacturers of present radiation The two instruments could then be coupled
promise for the food field. Here again the density gages claim accuracies of 0.1% to give a direct reading in weight rather
radiation device really measures mass-per- (for food), if sufficient thickness of sample than volume. If desired, a timer could be
unit-area, hence thickness of the material and suitably penetrating radiation are used. incorporated in the circuit to give con-
must remain constant. If the source and Considerable interest has been aroused in trolled fill on a packaging line.
detector are located so that a section of the food field in measuring specific gravity
pipeline always full of fluid is scanned, for of solutions and syrups. For example, a Level Control
example, this condition can be met. Radia- radiation gage might be applied to pipes Another process variable amenable to
tion attenuation will then be a function of feeding soft drink bottling lines. Concen- control by radiation gage techniques is
the material’s density. centration of the drink could be maintained level. A radiation gage ‘would have a high
within a close tolerance at the set level, reading when no process fluid was in the
Packaged Ice Cream beam. As the level rose between a source
thus avoiding syrup waste. Again, some
Several manufacturers are interested in tomato paste purees are sold at 1.035 spe- and a detector to intercept the beam, a
a proposed radiation gage to measure and cific gravity. To insure meeting specifica- quick change in gage reading would result.
control density of packaged ice cream. Such tions a control of 1.040 must now be set, Most operations could use this change in
a gage (see Fig. III) would measure the resulting in a potential loss of almost 15 signal to operate on-off controller mechan-
density of ice cream flowing in the line gallons of product for every 100 gallons isms .that interrupt the flow of fluid into
from mixer to packaging equipment. Since packed. If the radiation gage could detect or out of the process vessel. Use of these
density is a function of the amount of air differences in specific gravity between 1.035 devices on large tanks with conventional!
incorporated in the cream, the signal from and 1.037, the product could be much more metal walls is quite practical. For example,
the detector could control the mixing-aerat- closely controlled to specifications. Thus a radiation gage can be used in a three-
ing step earlier in the process. Only a specific gravity miglit average 1.037, re- foot-diameter tank with % inch stainless
minor process-lag problem is involved be- sulting in potential savings on a 10,000- steel walls and with suitable beam collima-
cause a large amount of ice cream is usual- gallon-per-day production of about 1,000 tion. According to the manufacturers of
ly in the mixing vessel, and a change in gallons. these gages, level can be controlled within
mixing speed does not cause an immediate 0.1 inch without any connection to the tank
change in the gross density of the batch. Factors Influencing Accuracy or any device within the tank. Where sani-
Mixing speed and also the time lag between The accuracy of 0.1% in density, men- tary conditions must be maintained, and
mixer and point of measurement can be tioned above, is the accuracy of the de- where floats and other mechanical devices
adjusted by a control circuit. Relatively tector. The accuracy of control which can have been rejected because of cleanliness
simple, this application seems to afford be maintained on any given process depends requirements, this gage should be useful
considerably better possibilities of control largely on the process itself. In general, to the food industry.

28 Research & Engineering


Important process applications are seen was reached. Composition Control
for level control in feed tanks and evapora- Accurate control of level without inter-
ruptions or wide variations in the flow Researchers hope that radiation gages
tors for continuous processes involving
rates of a continuous process can thus can be used to monitor and control com-
large flow rates (see Fig. IV). Arranging
.

be provided. An example of such an ap- position of material. For such applications,


ss
the contro] circuit so that only a small
they hope to utilize the principle that ab-
eee
~*~

incremental stream is interrupted by on-off plication might be the level in a continu-


control is usually desirable. The major ously-fed evaporator. Not only is it desir- sorption and back scatter of beta, gamma
able to maintain the level, but also to keep and neutron rays depend not only on mass
stream into the tank is then set at a fixed
the flow rate constant to avoid wide changes of the material, but also on its atomic num-
rate not quite sufficient to maintain the
ber and electron density. This principle has
level. In this manner the period during in demand on the heating equipment.
been utilized for determining the ratio of
which the controlled flow is on can be
Level Gaging For Package
Filling carbon to hydrogen in hydrocarbons. Ap-
lengthened considerably, and cycling of the
plication to the food field is admittedly
process can be avoided. In most instances Package filling is an important applica- more complicated since in addition to car-
these systems have inherently high ca- tion of level gaging. In filling beer cans, bon and hydrogen, oxygen is always pres-
pacity, and process lags and cycles can be for example, it is possible to monitor the ent. A measurement of great potential in-
easily eliminated by proper design of the can line with a radiation gage to insure terest might be the moisture content of
control circuit. that each can is full before capping. Since foods, particularly baked goods. If per-
cost of cans is high, an important saving centage moisture could be continuously
Proportional Control Methods is realized by rejecting the can at a point monitored, the baking process could be
On-off control is adequate for most ap- where it can still be salvaged and refilled. more closely controlled and final adjustment
plications. One disadvantage, however, is Radiation techniques are uniquely success- of moisture on the finished goods avoided.
that it is limited to control at a fixed level ful here since the foam will not cause a Since the radiation gage in its present
in the vessel. If proportional control with false signal. commercial state of development cannot
a variable set point is required, several Level control by radiation gages has been distinguish between the oxygen-hydrogen
methods may be used. Locating the source spectacularly applied in the nonfood in- ratio in carbohydrates and that in water,
above the level and the detector beneath dustry. One such system is used to control this control is difficult but further develop-
the container and shooting all the way the petroleum coking process. Radiation ment holds promise.
through the liquid is one way. Another is gages monitor the rate of rise of coke in
to shoot diagonally down through the liquid a coking drum. As the drum becomes full,
with the detector located at the side of the coke level interrupts the beam from Cost Versus Savings
the container. Thus the radiation gage the gamma source, and the operator is Radiation devices compete with older
reading is a function of level through the warned that the drum is ready for cooling methods of measurement such as the vari-
complete range from full to empty or any and emptying. The coke level shrinks below ous types of scales for weight applications;
desired portion thereof. The desired level the beam as cooling begins, and when the floats and manometers for level; and elec-
can be at any position in the tank and can cooling water fills the drum, the beam is tric eyes for level, container fill and count-
be varied at will. The difference between again interrupted. This control is accom- ing. Currently, a typical radiation control
the gage reading at the set point and the plished in 16-foot-diameter coke drums with circuit costs $2000 or more, probably higher
actual reading varies with changes in level thick refractory walls. than for most other types. The advantages
to give a modulating signal in the control In a similar application the level of of direct mass-per-unit-area and composi-
circuit. molten glass in glass furnaces has been tion measurement, accuracy, remote sensing
In another system radiation can be controlled. A radiation gage monitors the and simple electrical output signal often
beamed across the level of the tank, but level in an eight-foot-diameter tank with offset this cost. At any rate, the large sav-
several detectors can be arranged to cover 10 to 12 inches of fire brick plus one inch ings possible by adopting a good control
a vertical distance of several feet. Strength of steel on each side. The level is measured device frequently make the cost secondary.
of the total signal received by the detectors and controlled without contacting tank or Development of these new tools is still in
would then vary continuously as level glass at temperatures far above those at its infancy; as they become more widely
changed over this several foot range rather which any normal mechanical device is used, it will be interesting to see if their
than rise sharply when a point level successful. high technical promise can be realized.

CONTROL
Conrnot. CONTROLLER CONTROLLER RECORDER

TO PACKAGING
‘ DETECTOR
UNITS

i
>
ne
Fig. ll. Density of ice cream control. | Fig. IV. Evaporator
level control.

January 1956
HE SOUTH’S PRESENT INDUSTRIAL BOOM is largely the resources can easily support these expanding manufactur-
Ty product of research. Such technical operations as the ing operations. The South’s principal resources are described
production of petrochemicals, synthetic fibers and light below and in Table I.
metals owe their existence to the laboratory. While much of
this basic research has been carried out in the North, it is Water Resources
plunging the South into an advanced state of technology. One of modern industry’s most important raw materials
In this challenging climate, the South is beginning to build is water. The South’s average rainfall is 40 inches, com-
its own research and development facilities to insure its pared with a national average of 30 inches. Well supplied
future industrial growth. This, rather than the vast expan- with streams and rivers ideally located for plant operations,
sion in manufacturing facilities, is the real industrial the South uses only four percent of its available water
revolution. supplies.
The South is actually engaged in two revolutions at once.
Still in the middle of its industrial revolution, it has Mineral Resources
launched a marketing revolution which may have even more
lasting effects upon its future development. The balanced The South is also well provided with minerals, supplying
economy achieved by blending diversified agriculture with over 50% of the nation’s current requirements. Petroleum,
industry has greatly increased per capita income and gen- including natural gas, accounts for about 80% of the total.
eral prosperity of the South. Implications of this growth Petroleum and coal represent 90% of overall mineral
from a marketing standpoint are obvious; the South is production.
rapidly becoming its own best customer.
Ocean Resources
How Southern Industry is Growing Production of chemicals from sea water will continue to
The South’s share of the nation’s manufacturing indus- be a fertile field for development. The South’s long coastline
tries increased from nine percent in 1900 to 25% in 1954 gives it important advantages in exploiting this virtually
(see Table I). Today, the South has about 15,000 manu- inexhaustible source.
facturing establishments employing 50 or more workers.
Its industrial output increased from $11 billion in 1939 Agricultural Resources
to $60 billion in 1953. If southern industrial expansion con- Many agricultural products are important raw materials
tinues, the area should have 30% of the country’s manufac- for industrial operations. Expanding demands for this pur-
turing facilities by 1965. pose have changed the production pattern of many south-
ern crops. For example, the development of edible fats from
Factors Influencing Southern Industrial Growth cottonseed oil has changed the status of cottonseed from
The South’s industrial surge is chiefly due to its rapidly an unwanted by-product to that of an important agricul-
growing consumer markets. Per capita income in the area tural commodity.
has increased 250% since 1939, 64% above the national
average. Forest Resources
Projected industrial expansion during the next ten years Basic raw materials for one of the oldest as well as one
will require unprecedented quantities of raw materials. A of the newest southern industries are obtained from the
careful survey shows that no other section of the country is pine tree. Rosin and turpentine are starting materials for
so well endowed in this respect. Farm, forest and mineral the naval stores industry; cellulose is used in making Kraft

30 Research & Engineering


——
DX
ke
4
W

1:

paper and newsprint. As southern petroleum and coal re-


sources dwindle, the pine tree will become an important
source of raw materials for industries based on their use.

Energy Resources
Another important factor in southern industrial growth
is the abundant supply of energy sources, such as petro-
leum, natural gas and coal. The South’s superiority in this
respect should play an important part in developing many
Research
new industries.
Electric power growth in the South probably will proceed
at a faster rate than in other sections of the country. Plenti-
ful rainfall and the availability of hydroelectric power sites
and Resources
maintain storage areas at satisfactory levels.

in the South
Because many government atomic energy installations
are in the South, the area should play a major role in de-
veloping atomic energy for industrial purposes. According
to estimates, production of components for reactor plants
will be a $700 million-a-year business by 1963.
The South is no longer the Number One economic
Transportation Facilities
problem of the country. In fact, it?s well on the way
About 60% of the nation’s navigable waterways are in
to becoming our Number One economic stronghold.
the South; ten states reach tidewater. The area also has
more than one-third of the combined road, railway and air- For the South is lifting itself up by its own scientific
way mileage of the nation. bootstraps. The result: a virtual revolution in indus-
try, spurred by research, which has upped the South's
Resources Alone Not Enough share of the nation’s industrial output by more than
Within the next decade the South can use these resources 500 percent since 1939.
to become the most prosperous region in the country. But
to make this dream come true, scientific and engineering tal-
ents must be fully utilized. Mere possession of abundant
-~—
'|__—
Ff
raw materials, a good climate and good soil is no guarantee Frank J. Soday
of future prosperity.
Vice President and Director
Until the scientist can see in natural resources an answer
to a human need, and the engineer can supply the necessary of Research and Development
technological skill, they have no economic value. Man’s The Chemstrand Corporation
knowledge and understanding of scientific and engineering
principles, coupled with vision, leadership and investment
capital, has been responsible for the rapid industrial de-
Ww
we
*ses
cr velopment in the South.

January 1956 31
Technology Unlimited of research upon GNP Dr. Ewell reports The Problem in the South
that return on research investment during
While the four major resources of the Because much of the new southern in-
the past 25 years has been approximately
nation—natural resources, agricultural ca- dustry has a strong technological flavor,
150% per year.
pacity, industrial facilities and manpower basic research problems are particularly —
Despite the rich rewards of technology, sR
ie
OF
—are limited, there are no foreseeable acute. With 32% of the country’s chemical
the well is rapidly running dry. For scien-
limits on technology. Technology, in fact, industry, for example, the South has about
tific research is suffering from a grave
is the nation’s prime resource for in the 15,000 professional chemists. Despite this
case of malnutrition. The solution is not
South and elsewhere, it is blazing new simply the provision of larger sums of advancing technology southern schools are
frontiers in uncovering sources of raw not graduating enough chemists and chemi-
money for research. We must create and
materials. Today’s nitrogen for explosives cal engineers to take care of industry’s
maintain an intellectual atmosphere where
and fertilizers is obtained from the air, fundamental research can flourish. minimum needs. Educational activities
and magnesium comes from sea water. have not kept pace with the area’s expand-
In his paper on the “Role of Research More Funds Needed ing chemical industry; the South is not
in Economic Growth,” Dr. Raymond H. self-supporting in chemically trained man-
Ewell points out that the United States While most research administrators feel power at any level of education. Further-
has the highest economic growth rate that 10% of their funds should be chan- more, many students are exported for study
among highly industrialized countries. neled to fundamental research, less than at the Ph.D level.
More important, the U.S. devotes the high- five percent of the total funds available
Another survey shows that southern
est percentage of its monetary resources are actually used for this purpose. A much
schools do not support research to the ex-
to research and development. He concludes higher proportion of research funds abroad
tent justified by needs and opportunities
that research may be the most important are devoted to fundamental studies. As a
in the area. Farm income is about one-
factor in the nation’s economic growth. result, most important technological ad-
quarter of the income derived from in-
vances in this country during the past two
dustry, but no southern state spends half
decades have been based on fundamental
Research Expenditures and GNP as much for industrial research as for
discoveries made in other countries.
agricultural development programs.
Dr. Ewell’s studies show that $39 billion Fortunately, many industrial organiza-
It is disconcerting to find that the South
has been spent on research in this country tions recognize the need for increasing the
accounts for only four percent of the in-
to date—45% of it during the past five stockpile of fundamental information. Gen-
dustrial research under way in this coun-
years (see Table II). In 1953 research eral Electric, for example, has concentrated
try. Fortunately, the South is well aware
expenditures amounted to one percent of on fundamental studies so fully that they
of its need for research facilities; over 100
the gross national product (GNP), while are able to report: “From basic research
new research laboratories, or major addi-
capital expenditures were 11% of GNP. we achieve what appears to be an answer
tions thereto, were constructed in 1952 and
It is apparent, then, that $11 in capital to a problem; we then search through our
40 consulting research units were estab-
expenditures will be needed for each re- complex technology for the problem.”
lished in the last decade. According to
search dollar. Alfred P. Sloan, Chairman of General
predictions, at least 1000 new industrial
The GNP’s average rate of growth is Motors, says that “American industry must
research laboratories will be constructed in
three percent per year. Research expendi- expand its facilities for basic research to
the area in the next ten years.
tures have increased at an average rate of support its applied research and advanced
10% per year. After analyzing the effects engineering studies.”
Shortage of Scientists
One of the most important problems con-
fronting the nation today is the shortage
TABLE | of scientists and engineers. During the
A Thumbnail Review of Resources and Manufacturing in the South. current year 60,000 new graduates are
SOUTHERN RESOURCES needed; only 22,000 will be available.
— Rainfall -odogasn ghrhgene e Future needs are set at 120,000 techni-
Petroleum Reserves of U. S. Tota .
Petroleum Production 65% of U. S. Total onl onl enguncene Gretnets coh yur
Natural Gas Reserves 80% of U. S. Total
Natural Gas Production 75% of U. S. Total
Coal Reserves 20% of U. S. Total TABLE Il
Coal Production 25% of U. S. Total
Forests 30% of U. S. Total Research in the United States
Navigable Waterways 60% of U. S. Total ; :
Saeedutlon Facilities 33% of U. S. Total Total Research Expenditures to 1950 $21.5 billion
(Road, Railway and Airway Total Research Expenditures 1950-55 $17.5 billion
(Mileage) Avg. Expenditures Per Year for Research $4 sé billion
SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING Pct. Capital Expenditures of GNP* 11%
Manufacturing Industries 1810 30% of U. S. Total Pct. Research Expenditures of GNP 1%
Manufacturing Industries 1850 14% of U. S. Total Avg. Rate of Growth of GNP 3%
Manufacturing Industries 1900 9% of U. S. Total Avg. Rate of Growth of Research Expenditures 10%
Manufacturing Industries 1954 25% of U. S. Total Avg. Estimated Yearly Return on Research
Industrial Output 1939 $11 billion | incer—nata 150%
Industrial Output 1953 $60 billion gh .
Raw Materials Production 36% of U. S. Total Pct. Private Research Expenditures for Basic
Processing Industries 21% of U. S. Total Research ' 3%
Commerce and Trade 23% of U. S. Total Pet. Government Research Expenditures for
Dollar Value Food Mfg. $8.9 billion Basic Research 7%
Dollar Value Textile Mfg. $6.6 billion Pct. Southern Research of U. S. Total 4%
Dollar Value Chemical Mfg. $5.6 billion
Dollar Value Petroleum and $6.2 billion *Gross National Product
Coal Industries A
a
Ts

32 Research & Engineering


by 1965. During the next decade the South Synthetic Rubber
is expected to have 30% of the country’s Another important phase of the southern
industry; hence, southern schools must chemical industry is synthetic rubber
graduate
take care
36,000 engineers
of minimum
each
demands.
year to
Equally
manufacture. About 70% of the country’s ae
production facilities are located in the
pressing is the need for more research South. Without rapid development of the LIQUID
facilities and research personnel.
synthetic rubber industry during World
Southern schools must prepare them-
War II, with petroleum and natural gas as
selves to take care of immediate techno-
basic raw materials, the nation would not
logical needs within a reasonable period.
have been able to wage the war success- _
2+

Industries will not continue to expand in fully. a


*

an area where the most indispensable per- er

sonnel are not available. Fortunately, sev- Synthetic Fibers


eral southern states are taking active About 70% of the nation’s rayon produc-
measures to increase the supply of techni-
5
.Leet
im
~
eee,
*,
Pa?

tion capacity is in the South; contem-


cal and engineering graduates. The future plated new plants will increase this propor-
rn of southern industry depends upon the tion even further. Since the basic raw ma-
ex- success of this undertaking. terial—cellulose—is available in almost un-
ies limited quantities, this is a logical loca-
ne- Pattern of Industrial Development tion for the industry.
in- Modern southern industry dates from the Research has guaranteed the South’s
alf turn of the century when textile businesses future as far as synthetic fibers are con-
‘or started to move into the area. Today food cerned for they are needed in great quanti-
manufacturing is the South’s most impor- ties to clothe the world’s expanding popula-
ith tant industry, followed by textiles, indus- tion. Providing these growing quantities is
tries based on petroleum and coal, and the at once a promise and a challenge to south-
in- chemical] industry. ern industry—an outstanding example of
\re To many southerners, however, the pot how research contributes to the prosperity
of gold at the end of the rainbow looks of an area.
ii- remarkably like a test tube. The South is
nd betting on chemicals in a big way; some Forestry Products . . » permits automatic, continuous
b- $710 million in new chemical plants were Manufacture of forestry products, par- sampling for process control
to completed during 1954 and another $780 ticularly those based on pine, is increasing . . +» monitors SPECTRAL CON.
ial million are on the way. With one-third of TENT without calculation delays
rapidly. Even in this field much research
. . . senses deviations in SPECTRAL
the nation’s chemical industry now, the work remains to be done in utilizing the absorption or transmission instantly
South expects an increase to one-half with- whole tree. Only 65% of the average tree * The Kaye Spectrostat provides a ©
in ten years. is converted into useful products. Continu- - complerely
new method of automatic |
oewillis gosgh ee wherever |
Petrochemicals, accounting for over 25% ing research on forestry products and by- process may be .
rement
of all chemicals produced in this country products will undoubtedly cause them to defined by SPECTRAL (wavelength )
today, are the backbone of the southern assume an increasingly important role. composition the Spectrostat will
supply deviation information instant-
chemical industry; over 80% of all U.S. ly, eliminating time-wasting calcula-
petrochemical plants are in the South. Frozen Citrus Juices tion delays.
A classic example of the speed with Spectrosta t operates in a wide range |
The Influence of Research which research can change the whole com- — from ultraviolet through the vis-
ible color range into the near infra-
Probably no other section of the country plexion of an industry in a remarkably red spectral bands — monitors qual-
illustrates so well the value of research in short time is the development of frozen ity by differential wave length de-
improving the economic well-being of a citrus juice. During the last decade Florida tection, signaling whenever preset
limits are ‘
region as the South. Most of its industry was faced with a chronic oversupply of For any process — liquids, gases,
is based upon recent technological advances. citrus. Turning to research for an answer slurries, sheets or a unit flow of
Of the 250% increase in per capita income the Florida Citrus Commission allocated five solids — Spectrostat provides com-
plete automatic control; cuts manu-
in the South since 1939, at least 50%, and percent of a self-imposed industry tax to facturing costs by eliminating sub-
perhaps as much as 75% may be directly development of new citrus products. With- standard material and rejects.
attributed to research. The petrochemical in five years a new frozen citrus concen- For complete information on the
industry, for example, is based entirely trates industry, worth $200 million a year, Spectrostat please request Bulletin 10.
upon fundamental studies relating to con- had been established.
version of hydrocarbons to chemical prod- Such research efforts, applied to broad
ucts. More than one-third of petrochemicals areas of the South, are paving the way for
are used in manufacturing plastics and continued industrial expansion and an ever
plasticizing agents, both products of mod- higher standard of living—a far cry from
ern research. the chaotic economic conditions existing at
One of the most important petrochemical the turn of the century. The twin keys of
products is ammonia, indispensable
agriculture. The South produces over half
to stepped-up research and more technical and
engineering graduates have helped the KAYE °“conean
DEVELOPMENT

this country’s synthetic ammonia produc- South to become one of the principal main- SUBSIDIARY OF
ATOMIC INSTRUMENT COMPANY
tion of three million tons, with the major springs of our national economy, with an
portion made from natural gas. If research influence felt throughout the world as well. CONNECTICUT AVE.
SOUTH NORWALK. CONN.
had not shown how to convert readily-
available natural gas into ammonia south- This article was abstracted from a paper
ern agriculture would be in a rapidly de- presented to the October 1955 meeting of the
clining state today. Industrial Research Institute.

January 1956
SRS
Pee
Ht

EXECUTIVE HEALTH: 14 Ways to Maintain It.


Hints for the busy executive from leading doctors and psychologists
on how to keep healthy without impairing drive and efficiency

Luis J. A. Villalon, Management Affairs Editor

ing
: DRAMATIC AND HIGHLY PUBLICIZED heart attacks re- machine subject to wear at different rates according to the
cently suffered by President Eisenhower and Senate amount of use it is given. The executive uses his harder tim
Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson—clearly two of the na- and longer than most of his fellow men. He pays for his tha’
tion’s busiest men—has sharply focused the attention of extra rewards in the form of more midnight oil burned,
other busy men on occupational hazards of their work. more nerve wracking decisions to face and a greater volume tun
Heart ailments, as a matter of fact, are only one of a of body cell incineration. disc
number of diseases that can fairly be called occupational More and more medical men are coming to assign men-
when referring to the decision-making, relatively sedentary tal causes to physical ailments. Some of these are, of course, In °
“headworker.” Dr. Anthony J. Lanza, of the Institute of legion; the production worker is just as apt to have a way- bill
Industrial Medicine of the New York University Medi- ward son, a difficult wife or financial troubles as is the bec:
cal Center, has noted that “executive diseases are apt to be executive. But the executive has many more problems that
diseases of middle age and the upper age brackets because the production worker isn’t even aware of. He faces the dov
that’s the age range where most executives are.” However, emotional and physical strain of work unrelated to the
a variety of company studies have made it clear that the time clock, the infinitely greater pressure from his su-
frequency of certain of these is much higher among the periors to do an exceptional job and the general pressure
tension-ridden business executives than among the non- from other companies.
executive group of the same age. The very traits that make an executive successful also
In order of frequency, executives have been found to are his areas of vulnerability. The successful executive is
suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), heart im- motivated by a passion for achievement. Yet if his goals
pairments, kidney ailments and a number of previously
exceed his capacity, he’s a constant victim of frustration.
unsuspected diabetic conditions.
A good executive has to be the kind of man who relishes
American Heart Association figures indicate that diseases
authority. Yet, at the same time, he has to be able to ac-
of the heart and blood vessels—of the type which struck
cept authority on the road up. This split personality is not
both President Eisenhower and Senator Johnson—are the
easy to live with.
leading causes of death in men in the executive category.
After age 34 cancer becomes the second most important An executive isn’t worth a tinker’s damn unless he can
killer. make a decision. But the strain of incessant decisions is
But there’s one thing upon which all experts agree— likely to get all but the greatest executive egotists down
when a modern business executive slides across the forty occasionally.
year line, full of pep, vim and vinega: as he may be, he’d An executive is primarily a man of action. It’s not easy
better keep his eyes on the health hazards waiting to cut for him to turn off his spigot. A vacation that relaxes an
him down, as well as on his goal posts. ordinary man may entirely fail of its purpose with the
Why? Simply because the good executive taxes his physi- highpower thoroughbred who just can’t stop running.
cal resources, nerves, and emotions more than almost any- The research executive, of course, is not a special case.
He is subject to these same tensions and occupational
fS
Se
&
Rae

one else in our society. The human body is, after all, a

34 Research & Engineering


hazards as are his fellows in other areas of industry. important of all as it establishes a base against which a
A substantial number of companies are beginning to man’s future condition can be compared, to see what con-

ml
recognize their executives’ health as a legitimate matter of ditions are normal to him, which are getting worse or
corporate concern. A considerably smaller number are do- slowing down.
ing something effective about it. An executive in ill health
is an expensive industrial machine operating at only a
fraction of its rated capacity. Other machines are replace-
able, but it’s not easy to replace decades of experience in
one’s company’s special problems. This is why companies
like Standard Oil of New Jersey and Consolidated Edison
place such emphasis on executive health programs. They ca. ae

are making it clear that physical fitness counts in deciding cy iL


g
on promotions. They are making preventive medicine easy
for the executive to get at and making it clear that they
would rather have a man give good service over a long
period than a firecracker who burns himself out after a |3|“Don’t Let the Job Boss You’’
few brilliant flashes in the sky.
This is the advice of Dr. John J. Wittmer, a member
These company executive health programs, though all
of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Institute of In-
frankly aimed at protecting their investment, differ in de-
dustrial Medicine. This is another way of advising the
tail, but the collective opinion of the medical men who
executive to avoid excessively long hours and single-minded
supervise them is remarkably similar. They have come up
concentration in his job.
with seven specific pieces of advice for the executive who
This doctor’s opinion of “briefcasitis” is brutally frank;
really wants to live long enough to reap the benefits of
“when you see a man taking his briefcase home every
his exalted post.
night, you can be pretty safe in putting him down as one
who has made his present job by the skin of his teeth, a
Don’t Be Afraid of Finding Something fellow who has to spend long hours just covering up his
Wrong With Yourself
ignorance or lack of intelligence.” It’s also quite possible
One of the biggest stumbling blocks in the way of keep- that the job is going to kill him before he licks it.
ing executives healthy is their own fear of checking in with
the company doctor or the outside specialist for the first
time. Bluntly speaking, they’re afraid he’ll tell them [4] Get Rid of Health Phobias
that they’re working too hard—and tell the company too. Industrial doctors agree that executives turned up in the
They’re afraid this will mean the end of promotion oppor- office with funny feelings in their stomachs the day after
tunities and that they’ll soon be heading for the conipany the late Mayor of New York, LaGuardia, suffered his last
discard heap. illness. The same doctors experienced an epidemic of leg
This is a perfectly natural reaction, but not very realistic. numbness after the papers carried extensive stories of the
In the majority of cases, the fellow will be given a clean illness of King George of England. It’s a safe bet that re-
bill of health and come out of the ordeal more effective cent months have shown a sharp upturn in heart attack
because of a reassured mind. And in the few cases where symptoms. At least these imaginary sufferers have enough
there is a real caution, he would presumably rather slow sense to go to their doctors. A good many others don’t and
down a bit than drop dead. their imaginative ills become contributing factors to real
ones.

Ce
The most important thing of all is for the executive
himself to know just what kind of shape he’s in and to live
in accordance with it. The great majority of heart attack
victims go on to lead perfectly useful and normal lives—
but not by ignoring the fact that they are subject to the
difficulty.
“An adult who is not cognizant of his own physical and
mental capacity is in need of medical counsel and guid-
[2] Don’t Neglect That Annual Physical ance,” says the head of the nation’s largest executive
This isn’t as simple as it sounds. An effective physical health program. “And, as such, he is not executive ma-
examination depends on three things—an accurate ac- terial. The man who is cognizant of these limitations, yet
counting of the patient’s history, the physical examination fails to live within them is not executive material. Know-
itself, and the availability to the doctor of a thorough ing his limitations and living within them, an executive
knowledge of how the patient works, what his job is and can live a happy life, useful to himself and to his company.”
an estimate of his capabilities. The insurance company
exam isn’t good enough; a physical-pyschological measure
of the patient’s condition is necessary. |©|swe weiss is ee einen |
Dr. Charles A. R. Conner, of the American Heart As- At a certain point in life even the healthiest must slow
sociation, insists that the check up at age 40 is the most down. But he can maintain his effectiveness by doling out

January 1956
his energy to the most significant parts below. In them you will see that relaxation, keeping his mental balance.
of his job. He can let those visiting fire- instead of the lost weekend, or the Rip “It is time to abandon the flashiness of
men put out their own fires; i.e., cut down Van Winkle sleep, is really action of an- great bursts of speed, impressive though
on the socializing that presumably goes other kind. they may be, in favor of steady work at a
hand-in-hand with the executive function. There’s only one fatal thing about this moderate pace . . . time to recall that be-
He can take those short, frequent vaca- business of relaxation, and indeed about having excitedly does not pay off in re-
tions; they’re better than the long ones the whole area of preventive medicine for sults for an executive nearly as well as
if less work piles up while he’s away. executives—that’s saying that you don’t carrying out his task in a calm manner.
need it. In this connection the Royal Bank “No mere mask of composure will do.
Most important of All, of Canada has issued the following warn- It is the inward peace and relaxation that
He Can Learn to Relax ing to busy executives: counts in your health, not the pretense
Many executives are afraid or ashamed “People, of course, deny that they are assumed to create an impression.”
to relax. Other people might think they’re under tension or strain. They think that All of these are simple rules, easy to
loafing. They just don’t understand what to admit being upset would be somehow follow. Yet remarkably few business ex-
relaxation means. Even that hardest worker degrading. They keep piling up grains of ecutives heed even a majority of them.
of all, the human heart, relaxes. It rests irritation, like the drunken Rip Van Winkle The most culpable of all is the scientifi-
between each beat. Relaxation is nothing in Jefferson’s play, who excused himself cally trained executive. After all he deals
more nor less than the proper discharge for every fresh tipple saying ‘I won’t count with physical properties and their limita-
of aroused nervous energies; if contained, this one.’ tions all day long. There is no excuse for
they can become a psychological liability. “Well, he may not count it, but it is his not recognizing the same problems in
Under this definition relaxation doesn’t re- being counted nevertheless. Down among the human body. One thing is sure. This
quire slumping onto the nearest couch. It the cells and tissues the count goes on... is no place for him to experiment. The least
means a switch of activity from the main storing it up to be used against him. he can do is take the advice of his fellow
line until the main line can be repaired. “The executive who is right most of the scientists on how to maintain his own use-
There are at least seven specific ways time is doing very well, and if he is con- fulness to his company and family over a
to effective relaxetion, and they’re detailed tent to be right most of the time he is longer period.

YY
7
Mus
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pa

Wtf “&(472
Aa SEVEN
SANE WAYS
TO RELAX Oaa
m
wO
YY
y jf fPWw"-“ yyY YU Vp.

Saying you’re too busy to relax is determinedly finishes one job before the theater or what have you. Find an
like saying you’re too busy to be ef- tackling another, he can easily end up old house to redo. It’s no coincidence @®
an
©~
ficient. The most effective executives tossing away his nights on a bed of un- that Eisenhower and Churchill are both
train themselves to use relaxation to finished nightmares. “Sunday painters”, and Truman played
help them do their real jobs better. Here (3) Play to Relax. Playing is no syno- the piano, and F. D. R. collected stamps.
are seven ways to reduce accumulated nym for childishness. It’s a superior (5) Talk to Relax. Don’t let your
nervous energy and confusion. With a way to discharge accumulated nervous problems jam up inside of you. You can
little experimentation you can find the energy. But most people don’t know how swear about them to the atmosphere,
one that fits you best. They have been to play. Finding your kind of play may discuss them with an associate you re-
defined and isolated largely through the be as difficult as finding a child’s special spect or even a long suffering member
efforts of industrial psychologist, Dr. L. toy. It might be a hobby like picture of the family. Try not to talk around
G. Freeman. taking or stamp collecting. It might be them; recognize them for what they
(1) Change Your Pace. Take a break the care and feeding of a special kind are. Some people talk out their prob-
in your work or thoughts by switching of pet. It might be local politics or lems with pencil and paper and feel a
to something else for a moment. Give painting scenery for the amateur the- lot better afterwards.
other brain cells or muscles a chance to atrical group. Any one that appeals is (6) Do For Others. Getting involved
work. Many successful men have de- recommended with one reservation. Don’t in other people’s problems—a pet charity,
veloped the knack of relaxing simply by get so serious about it that it upsets for instance, takes an executive’s mind
switching from one difficult problem to you as much as your work does. The off his own. The same applies to work
another, preferably unrelated. But don’t man who plays 18 holes of golf worrying with the local PTA or YMCA. This is
change pace so erratically that your about his score every step of the way one of the best ways to put one’s own
mind gets confused; this only adds to isn’t relaxing. He’s re-exciting himself. problems into their proper perspective.
nervous tension. (4) Use Your Imagination. Most good (7) Laugh to Relax. The executive
(2) Plan and Organize. Uncompleted executives have active imaginations, but who loses his sense of humor isn’t go-
tasks cause tensions. With planning you here again it’s healthy to switch them ing to be very happy, let alone make
tend to finish the jobs in logical order. from dreams of future company con- those around him happy. Laughter is
This is a special problem for the man quests. Turn your flexible mind loose on the universal safety valve; laughter at
who runs a large division. Unless he the worlds of music, painting, religion, oneself can be most valuable of all.

Research & Engineering


Arizona Conferences Show
New Solar Energy Devices

THE SUN AT WORK

Applied research in solar energy got a healthy boost last Novem-


ber when about 1,000 scientists from 25 countries unveiled their
progress in improved solar furnaces, solar stills and solar engines. Renato Contini
Here, an eyewitness to the conclaves reports on what's been done New York University
and what to look for in the future.

HE CONFERENCE ON SOLAR ENERGY and the World Sym- Many of the papers indicated that research workers are
posium on Applied Solar Energy, held at Tucson and concerned with both scientific and economic aspects of solar
Phoenix respectively early in November, showed that utili- energy research. Numerous papers showed careful analysis
zation of solar energy is no longer merely a matter for of a particular device’s possible cost and possible cost sav-
scientific speculation. Although much research still is indi- ings that might be accomplished in volume production. Some
cated, solar energy has entered the applied stage; tools and devices (see accompanying illustrations) are currently at a
techniques have been developed which are available for in- stage for possible industrial adaptation ;others show enough
dustrial application. promise to warrant an interested look by industry.
Although little new material was presented, the confer- The future for solar energy research and application was
ences were uniquely successful in that for the first time succintly expressed by Henry B. Sargent, President of the
specialists in the respective fields of solar energy had an Association of Applied Solar Energy, in his opening address
opportunity to exchange data. The results should lead to to the World Symposium: “The primary purpose of the
more effective, coordinated research in the future. Symposium (was) to arouse more active interest and sup-
port on behalf of business and industry in solar energy re-
search and its successful application to the problem of
energy utilization . . . the ultimate success or failure (of
solar energy research) ... lies largely with the businessman.
It is he who translates technological advances into practical
accomplishments which benefit mankind, raise the standard
of living and bring about a better understanding among
people.”
Continued on page 38

A flat plate collector and flat mirrors i to provide heat in a closed-type


solor stove. (One stove is already in ion and the other is being ploced in

Editor’s Note: “Turn to the Sun” (R/E, September, 1955)


outlined the current status of solar engineering and pre-
viewed research and development areas. In this article Mr.
Contini describes several solar energy devices demonstrated
at the recent solar energy meetings in Arizona.

January 1956 37
Scientific interest in utilization of solar energy has its devotees and each was ably presented at the World Sym-
existed since early Greek times; only within the latter part posium meetings.
of the last century, however, has solar energy been em-
ployed for utilitarian purposes. Today’s increasing demand Thermal Processes

for energy and anticipated depletion of some of our con- Thermal process devices depend for their operation on *

ventional energy sources combine to focus attention on the collection, concentration or storage of radiant energy.
the sun as an inexhaustible source of energy. They may also utilize a combination of the three. Generally,
Energy from the sun may be utilized in thermal processes, those devices may be divided into two major categories:
photochemical processes and electrical processes. Each has those using flat plate collectors and those using focusing
collectors.
The flat plate collector consists primarily of a flat, black
surface which absorbs incident sunlight; the resulting heat
is transferred to perform some useful work. Research in
this area has concerned itself with selection of black ma-
terials which will absorb a large portion of the light spec-
trum and re-radiate it as heat. Means of trapping this
rears
PPro CETERA.”
a@tee Gar & Citi te’+ OF Arts

energy (i.e., permitting radiation only in the direction de-


.
ae

sired for useful purposes) has also been studied.


In its simplest form, the principle has been applied to
heating of water for household purposes and to agricultural
hot-houses. A more recent application consists of complex
home heating systems. This system usually consists of a
collector and a circulating system to conduct heat from the
collector to a heat storage material or to the area to be
heated. A number of experimental houses have been de-
signed with a solar heating system either as the main or
auxiliary heating unit.

Solar Stills
Application of the flat plate collector to solar stills has
attracted attention in many countries. In the United States
2 P
we. +

research in this area has been supported by the Depart-


ment of the Interior. Emphasis to date is on design and re-
A Novoid engine producing mechanical energy directly from the sun's rays. The
engine itself has only one moving part—a column of fluid which produces a hy-
finement of the glass-house type of simple solar still. In
draulic thrust. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Chamber cf Commerce.) this application the black surface is horizontal and liquid
is trickled over it. The distillate condenses on the still’s slop- sh
ing glass roof and is collected in suitable drains. Us
A more recent development is the tilted solar still con- uc
ceived by M. Telkes at New York University. The black ce
surface collector in this still is sandwiched between two pu
glass surfaces, but separated by a suitable air gap. The en- sti
tire combination tilts to intercept the most incident energy.
The solution trickles over the black surface, water evapo-
rates and distillate condenses on both glass surfaces. The
still may prove more effective and less expensive than other re

types.
on
Focusing Collectors ist
Focusing collectors, as the name implies, reflect light
impinging on a relatively large area in such a manner as
to concentrate it on a much smaller area. As a result, high
energy concentrations or high heats are concentrated on
an area to perform a specific task.
Focusing collectors take many forms. Some (e.g., the
Telkes solar stove) consist of a series of mirrors positioned
to concentrate a large amount of light on a smaller absorb-
ing area. In India a number of mirrors have been arranged
over a large area to concentrate light on a much smaller
area.
C. G. Abbot of the Smithsonian Institute, one of the
pioneers in applying focusing collectors, has used a para-
Model of a proposed solar-heated home. Fict plate collectors on the roof bolic mirror to concentrate solar energy on a tubular boiler
would help in heating both water and the house. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix
Chamber of Commerce.)
located at the focus of the parabola. Others use a parabolic
surface of revolution to concentrate solar energy on a very

38 Research
& Engineering
small area where it is converted directly to performance of
useful work. Several devices employing this principle par-
OTE
agi
°SIME
ticularly solar cookers, were shown at Tucson. Since a fuel
shortage exists in many countries where sunshine is plenti-
ful, this particular application evoked considerable interest.
Solar stoves were displayed by American, Indian, Lebanese
and Japanese scientists.

Solar Batteries
Several semiconductor solar batteries, similar’ to those
now powering a rural telephone system at Americus, Ga.,
were demonstrated at Phoenix. Solar batteries using ger-
manium, silicon or selenium as the active materials are al-
ready being produced by three manufacturers.
Transistor amplifiers are energized by batteries in the
telephone-line test. One electronic manufacturer has an-
nounced an experimental transistor radio powered by a
half-dozen sun batteries. Several manufacturers are work-
ing on portable television sets powered by the sun. These
sun batteries must be coupled to small storage batteries to
provide an even flow of power both when the sun is out
and at night.

Solar Furnaces
Perhaps the most spectacular and useful application of
solar energy—for high temperature furnaces—utilizes the
collector principle. Such a furnace was built by Straubel
and his co-workers at the Zeiss Optical Company in 1921.
In the 1940’s Willi Conn built several high temperature
furnaces with parabolic mirrors having apertures of 60 to
120 inches. The largest furnace, with a 3-foot diameter
mirror, was erected in 1946 under the direction of Felix A setup for comparative testing of vorious solar energy absorbing materials (pyr-
heliometer at left is used to measure the amount of sol=r energy available at that
Trombe at Mont Louis in the Pyrenees. Temperatures in particular location).
excess of 3000°C have been achieved in these furnaces.
Industry’s growing need for high temperature materials
should create an increasing demand for solar furnaces.
Uses of such furnaces include preparation of ceramic prod-
ucts, production of unique metal alloys (combinations of
ceramics and metals) refining of certain metal ores, and
purification of alumina, zirconia, thoria and other sub-
stances.

Photochemical Processes
In photochemical processes chemical change results di-
rectly from the effect of light impinging on a material.
Most papers in this category were concerned with research
on algae culture. Less emphasis was placed on photochem-
istry in the higher plants and in non-biological systems.
In many countries sufficient protein foods, as well as
adequate fuels, are lacking. Much research in these coun-
tries has been directed toward effective culture of algae for
human consumption or for animal feed. The processes and
products of algae growth, nutritional requirements of algae,
photosynthetic nitrogen fixation by certain forms of algae,
various experiments using different types of tanks and pro-
tection of algae cultures from infection or other damage
were presented in various papers.
Since it is believed that plants effectively convert light
into chemical energy through certain pigments (principally
chlorophyll), the method of accomplishment has been get-
A tiltedtype solor still, showing condensate formed on the upper gloss surface of
ting more and more attention. At least four photobiochemi- the still.
cal systems must be worked out before a proper understand-
ing is reached: chlorophyll, carbohyrdate and protein pro-
duction, and cell growth and flowering. x

January 1956
search Administration
anand
aon
i

MERRITT A. WILLIAMSON
With this issue, Dr. Williamson, a past contributor to R/E, launches a
regular monthly column devoted to the day-to-day administrative prob-
lems facing the Research Director. Dr. Williamson, well qualified for
this task, is a research manager who lectures on research administra-
tion at the University of Pennsylvania. What you gain from his col-
umn will depend to a large extent on your response to it. Many of
you asked for something of a similar nature in your letters. Your
remarks on the case presentations will be carefully analyzed by Dr.
Williamson and reported in subsequent issues.

Convinced that research would pay off, several far-sighted 8. The promotion of high standards in the industrial re-
companies established laboratories 50 years ago. Stimulated search field.
by the success of these early research experiments, more The National Conference on Administration of Research,
companies followed their lead. Today most of the nation’s held annually at selected universities, provides a forum for
leading industrialists accept the fact that research is here discussion of increased effectiveness in scientific and en-
to stay. Furthermore they know that the key to industry’s gineering research management, and in utilization of
economic future lies squarely in the hands of their scientific technically trained personnel. At these meetings, informa-
and engineering personnel—the people who provide more tion and tested practices in all phases of research manage-
goods and services at lower costs, thus contributing to’a ment are exchanged.
standard of living without peer anywhere in the world. The Arden House Conferences on Research Management,
No one in management today seriously questions the sponsored by Columbia University, provide an opportunity
advisability of doing research. Companies point up its im- for research administrators to meet and discuss their com-
portance by featuring the contributions of research workers mon problems. Arden House publications are a valuable
in their annual reports to stockholders. In a period of tre- source of information for those unable to attend.
mendous scientific expansion, however, the economy is Special groups have been set up by the American Chem-
hampered by a shortage of these trained men and women. ical Society and the Institute of Radio Engineers for mem-
As research managers, we need to examine our depart- bers who manage research units. The American Manage-
mental organizations to make sure we are operating with ment Association recently sponsored a Conference on Re-
maximum effectiveness with the personnel we have. search Management, followed up by two-day seminars.
Research has been jokingly defined as “a fast incon- Many symposia on research administration have been
spicuous way to lose a dollar.” With today’s huge expendi- sponsored by the Government; military reserve research
tures for research (1% of the gross national product, or units are also active in this area. The Government has also
about $4 billion annually), I wonder how inconspicuous underwritten numerous studies of research organizations
this really is! And I wonder, too, if American industry is and research methods in which sociologists and psycholo-
getting full value for its research dollar. Research execu- gists joined hands with physical scientists to shed light on
tives, simultaneously confronted by greater demands and complex administrative problems.
severely limited staffs, must attempt to analyze and solve New York University, Univ. of Pennsylvania, Univ. of
their administrative problems if they are to survive and Wisconsin, American University, Illinois Institute of Tech-
move forward in the present rough-and-tumble economy. nology and Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, among others,
offer courses in research administration.
An “Idea Exchange’”’
Most of these organizations utilize a speech or lecture
The purpose of this column is to serve as an “idea ex- followed by a question period, as well as round table dis-
change” or “sounding board” in the realm of research cussions of selected subjects. This column will use essen-
management problems—to provide a reservoir of knowl- tially the same techniques—i.e., presentation of the prob-
edge and experience to help guide you in making your lem to be considered followed by reader exchange of ideas
future decisions. Currently, many groups are concerned on it. While we cannot participate in an actual face-to-face
with the daily problems of the research administrator. For seminar, we can discuss (through courtesy of the United
example, the following three goals have been established by States Post Office) many of the administrative problems
the Industrial Research Institute: common to all of us.
1. The development and dissemination of information
on organization, administration and operation of industrial The Case Study Method
research. The case study method is particularly useful in exploring
2. The stimulation and development of an understand- administrative problems. Each month this column will pre- eee
foe
Se.

ing of research as a force in economic, industrial and social sent a case problem in research management. You are en-
activities. couraged to submit your own case—actual or hypothetical.

40 Research
& Engineering Jai
Your comments on each case are needed to bring out its search laboratory. His supervisory methods may be sum-
various aspects. Through the medium of this column you marized as follows:
will be exposed to diverse solutions of many problems bear- 1. Give research personnel complete freedom as to work-
ing directly on your job as well as to the best thinking and ing hours under the assumption that they are intelligent
experience of research managers everywhere. adults and should be treated as such.
2. Assign a general line of problems and allow the in-
No Unique Answers to Administrative Problems dividual worker to decide the special problems he will work
To solve a physical or mathematical problem certain on. However, be willing to consult with members of the
data must be supplied or the answer cannot be found. Once department at any time. (Minimum supervision)
data have been supplied, a unique answer is possible, and 3. Spend most of the time in the office on administrative
the same answer will be found by all competent persons. duties and own pet technical projects.
In the administrative area, however, any one of a number 4. Study a new project carefully before starting it.
of answers is possible in a given situation and each may be Mr. Colt’s research staff often complains that they don’t
quite different depending upon the amount and type of
Ps
ee
Phe
Es
have the professional status of other departments. Severa!
data available, or the circumstances surrounding the situa- men, however, who have worked for both Mr. Colt and Mr.
tion. Excessive or irrelevant information may confuse the Fenn, are unanimous in their opinion that Mr. Colt is the
issue, resulting in a jumble of problems. Too little informa- better man to work for.
tion may also cause difficulties. Therefore, the administrator
Forum
must take into account enough pertinent data to arrive at
a sensible conclusion. Here again no unique solution can be Which method of supervision do you think is better?
found since correctness of the answer is not inherent in Why? Under what conditions would you advocate each
the data (another way of saying that in making administra- type? What about development of personnel in each depart-
tive decisions, one frequently deals with intangibles). ment? Why do the men in Mr. Colt’s department feel that
Whether the answer is right or wrong depends upon their professional status is threatened? What general man-
whether the proposed solution is acceptable and whether agement principles can be applied to this case? Must these
it is acted upon in good faith by the parties concerned. De- research personnel be treated differently from other work-
cisions of this nature, then, are always influenced by chang- ers? If so, why and how? Is there a “middle ground” be-
ing human relationships. tween the two methods of supervision? What other com-
ments do you have to make?
Goal of the Case Method
(Please address your replies to Dr. Merritt A. Williamson,
While the case method is not used extensively in science c/o RESEARCH & ENGINEERING, 77 South St., Stam-
and engineering, other professions (particularly the legal ford, Conn.)
and medical) and business have enthusiastically adopted it.
The goal of the case method is not to teach the “correct”
solution but to give an appreciation of the factors involved
in a solution. A careful study of cases increases the stu-
dent’s versatility in selecting the relevant factors, discard- POLARIZING
3
ing the irrelevant and arriving at a number of alternatives MADE IN WEST GERMANY MICROSCOPES
from which to choose. Thus important data missing from
the case become an asset rather than a liability if the stu-
dent learns what factors are important and how solutions | The famed Zeiss Winkel
will change under different assumptions. Polarizing microscopes are
Here’s a short but not-so-simple case to think about. Dis- now available for research
cuss it with your staff; send us your analysis (stating your ' and laboratory require-
assumptions about anything not in the case). If possible,
mention general management principles which you believe
and monocular
types, both
apply to the questions asked. Your replies will be analyzed
and discussed in a future issue.
Swe, featuring the inclined-tube
system for ease of opera-
Methods of Supervising Research tion.
Mr. Colt and Mr. Fenn
Various equipment and
WT
wwe

Mr. Colt directs one department of a large chemical re-


search laboratory. His supervisory methods are essentially accessories are also avail-
SEE
ky
as follows: able to further broaden
1. All personnel will report for work on time and go the application of these
home on time.
superb instruments.
2. Research personnel must have a good reason for being
absent. They cannot take time off whenever they feel like it.
8. Drop in to see each man in the department every day
ti
SE
ciat
fe6 to discuss work progress, sports or any other topic. Spend
Write for free, detailed literature
a great deal of time in the various labs. (Close supervision)
4. Be skeptical of new projects and difficult to convince.
Once convinced, however, spare nothing in the way of equip- CARL ZEISS, INC. 485 FIFTH AVE., NEW YORK 17, WN. Y.
ment and enthusiasm to make the project succeed. Guaranteed Uninterrupied Repair Service
Mr. Fenn directs another department in the same re-

41
January 1956
Letters
What, No Rorschach? Three of the Finest
ee
RB:
Be!
hes

Woodside, N. Y. San Carlos, Cal. Baltimore, Md.


As a contribution to (Mr. Villalon’s) excel- ... have read first three issues . . . with much . . » have just recently gone over the recent
lent article on how to treat research people, interest. You are to be congratulated on issue . . . believe the three articles “Turn
I submit an example of a particularly wrong recognizing the need for a periodical devoted Your Ideas Into Action”, “Chemical Market
treatment. A medium sized company adver- to the specialized problems of engineering Research” and “Are You Using Government
tised for research personnel. Those replying management... an article concerning schedul- Research?” are three of the finest articles we
to the advertisement received an application ing of development work would be most wel- have seen in any magazine. This is the type
form of five pages containing hundreds of come. of information that has been lacking in the
questions. A small selection of these questions NORMAN N. EPSTEIN entire research field . . . quite sure that if
is reproduced: Project Engineer your magazine . . . continues to have such
“Do you consider your parents rich— LENKURT ELEcTrRIC Co., INC, articles it should prove ... extremely bene-
average—poor?” ficial . . . to all research people.
“What traits did you receive from your MELVIN FULD
mother’s side of the family?” President
“What types of books or articles interest Verona, Pa. FuLp Bros., INC.
you: fiction—biography—scientific, etc?” . we in the Development Dept. feel that
“Have you ever made a speech at a club you are publishing a periodical which will
or in public?” provide much useful information to manage- Bringing Up the Boss
“Do you (or would you) like to make a ment people. You are to be commended for
speech?” the excellent manner in which you are pre- Judging from your September issue, R & E
“Do you feel that you are a natural born senting the various reports. Your magazine should be the source of many widely interest-
leader?” is circulated among all our supervisory per- ing and informative articles. Particularly in-
“Do you consider yourself the ‘go-getter’ sonnel. teresting to me was “How’s Your Staff Effi-
type?” W. E. KEMP ciency?” My work ... would be much more
“Amount of life insurance?” Manager Development Dept. satisfying if the principles numbered 14, 16,
“Does the lack of money restrict your free- Technical Section 17 and 18 were followed by management here
dom?” Koprers Co., INC. above the laboratory director. Then I would
“Have you any financial problems?” have something to look forward to for the
“Do the members of your family get along next five, ten, twenty or more years besides
as well as you would like?” another piece of equipment on which to run
“Do your friends seem to have better times Binghamton, N. Y. a test; or, in the absence of possibilities for
in their homes than you do?” ... to add my two cents to thé comments you a satisfactory career, I would be able to
“In the following series, what two numbers have received . . . one word, “Excellent!” ... intelligently make plans for obtaining em-
should come next? 2468...” have a suggestion ... could different feature ployment and a career elsewhere. Perhaps,
“Does the future look dark and dismal?” articles be separated with an advertisement if tear sheets or reprints of that article were
“Do you brood over your troubles?” or something so that they could be clipped available to me, I would be able to put the
“Do you feel that supervisors really have and more effectively filed? For example, in article in the hands of. the proper people in
the best interest of their employees at heart?” an earlier issue, one article ended on one top management here...
“Do you ever feel you are about to go to page and another began on the reverse side (Name Witheld)
pieces?” of the same page. Obviously, filing the second Development Lab. Test Engineer
“Is the future ever revealed to you in article under its own heading became impossi- Reprints sent. We would be interested in learn- the:
dreams?” ble ... I can sincerely state that I am looking ing what results, if any, were obtained.—Ed.
Should I write an article on this impertinent forward to future copies .. . at
questionnaire, its title would be: Is the future FRANK J. KASZUBA for
ever revealed to you in dreams? It is a little Mgr., Chemical Research Department Shaping Engineering Careers
astonishing that a company sending out such Ansco Co.
nate
literature still gets the engineers it needs. We will gladly supply readers with a free Falls Church, Virginia
tuni
J. J. BIKERMAN copy of any article published in R & E. Simply The influence of professional environment
imp
mail request to our editorial office, Stamford, in shaping an engineering career is sometimes
Conn.—Ed. regarded as “destiny”, with the result that
Helpful many individuals constantly search for the gine
And More Kudos elusive “greener pastures”. What influences
Indianapolis, Ind. the decision to seek a career elsewhere. Per- at s
. very pleased to receive the first issue of Edgewater, N. J. haps financial reasons are responsible; more In
R & E. Still more, I would like to congratulate May I . . . congratulate you on the superb likely, however, the engineer’s appraisal of viro!
you on the continued excellence of the articles coverage of your new publication. The in- his group’s technical reputation as well as a not.
in subsequent issues. I was especially helped formation is interesting, helpful and well consideration of his own personal opportuni- unle
by articles dealing with management and’ presented . . . would appreciate if you . ties are the chief causes.
operating problems which include: “The Ideal place me on your mailing list so that our The question then arises, why hasn’t his grow
Research Executive” and . . . “How’s Your group as well as myself could enjoy reading it. present management provided a more satis- re
ae ing
Staff Efficiency?” RODERICK C. SHEN factory scientific atmosphere? The engineer’s must
Cc. W. PETTINGA Research & Development Dept. compatibility to his technical environment is quire
Head, Biochemical Research Dept. _ BARRETT DIv. much like other human relationships. Obvi- of e
Eut LILLY AND Co. ALLIED CHEMICAL & DYE Corp. ously, there is no pat solution to reducing the RAL

42 Research & Engineering Janu


“career divorce” rate any more than there is Contents Excellent Reprints
to reducing the “marriage divorce” rate. How- Eau Claire, Wis. Fort Worth, Tex.
ever, educators have thought a great deal . » » just finished reading October-November . » » have just finished studying your article
about different rates of intellectual growth, issue . . . find its contents excellent. Would “How’s Your Staff Efficiency?” (R/E, Sep-
devising what is sometimes known as “pro- appreciate being placed on your mailing list tember 1955) . . . would like to compliment
gressive education”. In an engineering organ- if the contents of your October-November you for a most realistic approach to this
ization, progressive education means furnish- issue has been established as a criterion for problem of the matter of technical personnel.
ing increased flexibility in managerial posi- future publications of articles covering the We feel that you have made a distinctive
tions to afford more opportunity for promising various phases in Research and Engineering. contribution in this area of thought... I
young men. How to provide sufficient places The articles “Turn Your Ideas Into Action” would also appreciate your recommendation
on the management ladder for these outstand- and “Research Costs” were of great interest to a request to either reproduce your article
ing men, and at the same time, retain the to me and my associates. (by using our facilities) for distribution to
loyalty of men of greater seniority, is the a limited number of our supervisory people
crux of the problem. Failure to match the A. S. RIES, JR. or the possibility of reprints of your article
man to the job, regardless of years of service, Staff Engineer which you might have available. Several of
frequently results in a “static environment”. Research & Development Div. our people who are regular subscribers to
Perhaps one of our greatest economic and NATIONAL PRESTO INDUSTRIES, INC. your publication have commented on the bene-
man-power wastes arises from the newcomer’s fits they have received by reading it...
OF
ee
TSO
REE
SP
a UY disappointment upon reporting for work. He
H. A. BODLEY
feels that the job to be done differs widely
Don’t Duplicate Engineering Personnel
from the one originally defined. How did this
Corpus Christi, Tex. Technical Employment
come about? In many instances the misunder- CONVAIR
standing occurs because both parties take too . . » congratulations on your excellent maga-
zine which should fill a need felt for some Div. oF GENERAL DYNAMICS CorP.
much for granted. To avoid such difficulties
both prospective employee and department time for publications in the field of research
ee
Ue.
|me
ae
aee
5
i2.

head should interrogate one another fully, management. Let me urge you to concentrate
your coverage on matters concerned with re- Quantity reprints of article are available at
to reach an exact agreement on the nature
SI
a
search management, rather than descriptions a nominal cost, depending on the size of the
of the job.
of new products. We receive more than enough article. Requests for such reprints and for
Fortunate timing undeniably plays a part
publications which provide excellent coverage permission to reproduce articles or portions
in achieving job goals but caution should be
of this latter field and see no reason for of articles should be addressed to our editorial
exercised in throwing out scientific procedures
further duplication. office—Ed.
merely because of exceptions to the rule.
Preparation for leadership is not usually a J. W. MOORE
hit-or-miss affair but a full time job in itself, Director of Research
involving much more than purely technical informative
COLUMBIA-SOUTHERN CHEMICAL CorP. Dayton, Ohio
requirements. It is probably good that most
=
§“t.
oO Thank you for placing us on your mailing list.
organizations have not only the engineer—
Your publication appears to be on a worth-
scientists but also lawyers, accountants, etc.
while level, and we found the first issues very
Thus the top team is balanced and judgment in Focus
Hatboro, Pa. informative.
of an executive’s qualifications is not con-
fined to his own specialization. Ultimately, the . « please add the writer’s name to your A. B. ASCH
potential leader’s performance will be judged circulation list as we find the book of much Chief Engineer
by non-technical people; he must learn to value, and most of the articles are focused at ASCH EQUIPMENT Co.
present his thoughts so clearly that his as- our requirements.
sociates and superiors will “buy” his ideas. CHARLES D. CLOSE
What should management consider in at- President OK... You’re Onl
<
moO
OO
@2
-
SS
Co
tempting to provide a dynamic environment CDC CONTROL SERVICES, INC. Midland, Mich.
satisfactory both to themselves and their (Automation Engineers) The third number of your new publication...
employees? Obviously there are no panaceas recently caught my eye ...I was very favor-
but several rules do apply. ably impressed not czly with the areas of
@ Provide a means of rising to the top subject matter treatec, but also with the
¢
@@<
~
echelon for the truly competent creative minds. Fills Void obviously great technical competence of your
Indianapolis, Ind. contributors . . . would appreciate being in-
@ Provide a periodic means of sounding cluded on your mailing list for future issues.
..» Both my assistant and I are enthusiastic
out the engineering staff to determine what
about your editorial policy and feel that it
they like and dislike about the organization. RICHARD 0. WHIPPLE
fills an existing void; namely, the presenta-
@ Insure close loyalty ties by maintaining Chemist
tion of technical information in such a form
a thoroughly informed organization; provide THE Dow CHEMICAL Co.
that busy people . . . can assimilate new ideas
neg
als
y+ for feedback in the opposite direction. without wading through formulation and
@ Insure a chance to specialize in a desig- theory. The articles on management bid fair
nated field (to many engineers the oppor- to bring forth many of the truisms about Correction
tunity to become a local “expert” is more dealing with personalities which managers are In James Lane’s excellent article on the
POS,
Bint:
important than most other factors.) prone to overlook ... “Economics of Nuclear Power” (R/E, Octo-
ber-November 1955) there seems to be one
@ Encourage scientific expression of en- F. BLAIR small error, probably typographical. On page
gineers’ ideas through seminars and writing. Chief Test Engineer 27 under the heading “Outlook for Low Cost
@ To stimulate new ideas, make attendance Transmission Engineering Dept. Nuclear Power” this statement appears: “The
at scientific meetings a part of the job. ALLISON DIVISION plant would have to operate at a 19% load
In conclusion, a satisfactory scientific en- GENEDAL Motors Corp. factor assuming 15% annual fixed charges on
ES?
ay
EES
Lice vironment resulting from group endeavor will plant and 4% on fuel inventories.” It would
not continuously match individual aspirations seem that a load factor cf 90% would be a
unless both parties make a concerted effort. more reasonable value.
impressive
Economic and technical waste caused by
Waterbury, Conn. (Name withheld on request)
growing incompatibility within our engineer-
. « » We are impressed with your choice of Assistant Director of Research
ing organizations cannot be denied. Careful
subjects for your articles and the general
mustering of our manpower resources re-
tone of them...
quires constant vigilance and encouragement
of engineering competence. R. P. NEVERS You are correct. A check of Dr. Lane’s original
RALPH I. COLE Technical Manager manuscript shows that “ The plant would
MELPAR, INC. THE AMERICAN Brass Co. have to operate at a 90% load factor—Ed.

January 1956 43
Ry *

OE
SG

Reviewed by Israel Katz, Associate Pro-


fessor of Thermal Engineering, Cornell
Thermodynamics and Physics of Matter University and Consultant to the General
Electric Advanced Electronics Center,
VOLUME I OF THE SERIES Ithaca, N. Y. In the March issue of R/E,
High Speed Aerodynamics and Jet Propulsion Professor Katz authors Power: The Key
to Flight Beyond the Thermal Barrier.
FREDERICK D. ROSSINI, ED. The article details projected solutions and
outlines research and development work
necessary to cope with lifting, propelling
The tremendous strides made over the Since the realization that sustained and cooling the hypersonic airplane of the
past 40 years by automotive and mechani- flight at high supersonic and hypersonic future.
cal engineers in the continuous, sustained speeds is confronted seriously by the
and reliable conversion of heat into pro- “thermal barrier” and other related but
pulsive effort, within the confines of light puzzling phenomena, the engineers and comprehensively the areas of “High Speed
and compact machinery, have brought man- aeronautical scientists have been mobiliz- Aerodynamics and Jet Propulsion”. The
kind to the threshold of hitherto unattain- ing their arsenals of knowledge to meet the series will assuredly become to the aircraft
able flight speeds with its related benefits challenge. The great mass of information industry what the incomparable “MIT
as well as sobering social responsibilities. and data is being drawn from the physical Radiation Series’ is to the radar industry,
The achievement of high speed flight has sciences and the various major fields of and in all probability is being written with
been largely a matter of bringing sufficient engineering. In many instances, new knowl- that function in mind. Quoting the editor’s
propulsive power to bear upon the flight edge is being taken from the results of preface to the first volume in part: “The
vehicle. But sustained and safe flight at novel hypotheses substantiated by reliable work (as planned at completion) consists
even higher speeds will require not only experiment. Other information is drawn of twelve volumes treating in sequence
exceptional further advances in powerplant from the very boundaries of knowledge. In elements of the properties of gases, liquids
technology, but also an entirely new and all cases, however, the facts, data and and solids; combustion processes and chemi-
resourceful approach to the solution of the theory are founded upon the sound and cal kinetics; fundamentals of gas dynamics;
intriguing and seemingly enigmatic aero- substantial bedrock of science and tech- viscous phenomena; turbulence; heat trans-
dynamic problems. It has always been quite nology that has served so well in bringing fer; theoretical methods in high speed
clear that the airframe and the engine are the airplane to its present status. Thus, aerodynamics; applications to wings, bodies
critically inter-related, but few persons much that can be used effectively in the and complete aircraft; nonsteady aerody-
even among the well-informed have fully conquest of the thermal barrier has been namics; principles of physical measure-
appreciated how closely integrated these known for some time, but the great task ments; experimental methods in high speed
are destined to be structurally. In the fu- of organizing the knowledge in ready form aerodynamics and combustion; aerodynamic
ture it will be difficult to determine where remajned to be done. problems of turbo-machines; the combina-
the engine ends and airframe begins. The important task of marshalling the tion of aerodynamic and combustion princi-
Aeronautical engineers, who have demon- pertinent knowledge was undertaken as the ples in combustor design; and finally, prob-
strated so brilliantly their abilities to con- result of preliminary discussions held in lems of complete power plants. The intent ee
e
i

ceive and build aircraft that can withstand 1947 and 1948 and, in large measure, by has been to emphasize the fundamental
the intense wracking forces of the elements virtue of the efforts and inspiration of Dr. aspects of jet propulsion and high speed
and move so fast against the crushing re- Theodore von Karman, Dr. Hugh L. Dry- aerodynamics, to develop the theoretical
sistance of the atmosphere, will now, more den, Dean Hugh Taylor, Dr. Martin Sum- tools for attack on these problems and to
than ever before, be concerned with the merfield, Dr. Joseph V. Charyk and the seek to highlight the directions in which
powerplant and the strength degrading numerous scientists and engineers who research may be potentially most fruitful.”
effects of elevated temperatures on the subsequently contributed text material or The first book is divided into ten sepa-
airframe structure. As flight speeds in- who edited it. The final publishing pro- rate sections each subdivided into several
crease, the wings shrink. The engineer gram was in the main, however, made pos- chapters that in turn consist of parts de-
then faces many new problems in the de- sible by the indispensable interest and voted to special, but well integrated, topics.
velopment, design, construction, powering, financial support of all the branches of Each section was written by one or more
control and operation of somewhat dif- the U. S. Department of Defense, Prince- authors giving the book an encyclopedic
ferent, if not grotesque, flight vehicles. ton University and the Princeton Uni- flavor. The editor assures the reader that: ee

It is a foregone conclusion that many of versity Press. “This volume brings together the basic
the new problems bound to arise with flight The book, then, which is the subject of principles of thermodynamics and physics
at very high speeds cannot all be solved this review, is the first volume in a series of matter, presented from the standpoint
by use of existing techniques. of classic books that will cover broadly and of their application to a better understand- a

44 Research & Engineering ©


ing of high speed aerodynamics and jet basis for the postulation of and the deduc- those circles where predictions of aircraft
propulsion”. The material covered consti- tions to be drawn from the Lewis and skin heating during high altitude flight
tutes the essential bases of the gasdynamic, Randall Rule relating to the temperature are of importance.
combustion and metallurgical theory that and partial pressures of gases in mixtures The book closes with a tenth section
will play so important a part in the postu- and in the presence of condensed fractions, devoted to the thermodynamics of irreversi-
lation and development of the high speed the Gibbs-Dalton Law concerning mixed ble processes. It seems that the purpose
aircraft and the vertical gradient aircraft gases, and the transport properties of of this section is to demonstrate how the
of the future. Its contents are consistent gases and gaseous mixtures (that include properties of matter in nonequilibrium
with the subject matter of courses in such considerations as the collision cross systems or during irreversible processes
physical chemistry now being given to sections of molecules, viscosity, thermal may be described quantitatively. It is well
most undergraduate students in engineer- diffusion phenomena, thermal conductivity known that the laws of thermodynamics
ing and physics, although the level is well and the effects of chemical reactions). do not suffice to describe physical effects in
ae
PRTC
0a
beyond that of the usual course. The fifth, sixth and seventh sections of nonequilibrium systems or during irreversi-
The first section of the book bears upon the book deal respectively with critical ble processes other than qualitatively. While
the fundamentals of thermodynamics cover- phenomena (sublimination, etc.) in matter, the treatment here is not new, it is par-
aa
ing among many other things, basic con- the nature and properties of liquids and ticularly clear and concise. This section
ell cepts and definitions, the first and second liquid solutions and the nature and proper- will be helpful to those persons who at
laws of thermodynamics and some of their ties of solids. The purpose here is to demon- present are wrestling with such problems
7,
applications, energy relations pertaining to strate the effects of state and of certain *s microwave transmission through gases
E, thermodynamics processes and chemical special circumstances upon physical con- in the presence of certain transport phe-
Py reactions, thermal equilibrium and associ- ditions of matter and the physical effects nomena and chemical reactions.
Tr.
SETAE
ELD.
Cae ated criteria, the thermodynamic properties of different substances in various states It is evident that a proper and com-
of solutions, equilibrium constants, the upon each other. A great deal of light is plete evaluation of this book can be made
rk thrown upon the structure of matter (espe- only in terms of its merits as a major
bases of generalized thermodynamic calcu-
lations, and numerous sources of thermo- cially upon matter in the solid state) which part of the series. Even a tentative esti-
Le
dynamic data and references. Here the is important to considerations bearing upon mate of value must await the availability
viewpoint is primarily that of the physical the metallurgy of aircraft and their pro- and review of the other volumes.
chemist; it is assumed that the reader is pulsion machinery. While some of the books in the series
well prepared in either classical or en- Those relaxation phenomena in gases that may lend themselves to separate use as
gineering thermodynamics. occur coincident with, and are responsible texts in those areas of the aeronautical
In the second section, which is devoted for, the transmission of energy in the form sciences to which they apply, and thereby
to the fundamental physics of gases, the of waves are discussed with deep under- can be evaluated in terms of their indi-
structures of atoms and molecules are de- standing in the eighth section. Major topics vidual merits as well as their values in the
scribed from the standpoint of quantum covered are: general considerations on re- series, it would be unfair here, even if the
mechanics. A discussion of bonding ener- laxation, propagation of wave and measure- reviewer were qualified to do so, to appraise
gies and kinetic theory of reactions follows. ment of relaxation times, experimental the merits of the first volume as a text
Then after a rather brief but adequate methods in ultrasonics, direct measure- in physical chemistry. It will occur, no
introduction to the principles of statistical ments of relaxation time, heat transfer doubt, that some physical chemists and
mechanics, the kinetic theory of gases is phenomena, molecular excitation, the kin- thermodynamicists will find that the book
treated with breadth and insight. etics of chemical reactions and the effects meets their requirements for particular
Engineers will feel more at home with of electronic excitation of molecules. purposes they have in mind. Such choice,
the content of the third section, which. The ninth section is devoted to a fasci- however, must result from either prior per-
deals with the thermodynamic properties nating consideration of gases at low densi- sonal evaluation of the book or from knowl-
of real gases and mixtures thereof. The ties. It illustrates the limitations of con- edge of its general content.
approach is that of classical thermody- tinuum theory by demonstrating the im- The book, as well as the complete series,
namics and covers, in addition to other portant effects that the theory fails to will meet a critical need as an authorita-
topics, the principal theoretical considera- account for. The section helps to explain tive source of scientific and engineering
tions leading to the equations of state and many unsuspected occurrences in the flow knowledge in those areas of human en-
the Maxwell Relations, the general rela- of low-density gases and in associated deavor devoted to the advance of aero-
tions for the thermodynamic properties of transport phenomena. The chapters on the nautics.
real gases and the compressibility factor, interaction with surfaces and on molecular Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J.,
the thermodynamics of gas mixtures, the beams will be of particular interest in 812 pages, $15.00.

Journal
Of Electronics deed, to some extent in more scientific cir- in understanding the nature of the journal,
cles, the word “electronics” has come to although it is not easy to define its scope
Reviewed by Dr. Hilary Moss be associated with the circuitry involved accurately. The best scientific description
Burroughs Corporation Research Center
RPA
EMS.
ODO.
Wes

in light current engineering and with as- is probably that given in the editorial re-
This is a new British Journal (July sociated instrumentation techniques. This ferred to as “Electron Science .. . in-
1955), born of distinguished parentage, field of interest, however, is definitely ex- terpreted to mean the description of elec-
for it is an offshoot of the famous “Phil- cluded from the present journal which trons in the free state or in states where
MM
PtSal
sits
x,
osophical Magazine” which for many years sets out to deal with what might loosely their binding energy is low”.
has rightly been regarded as one of the be described as the electron sciences and The first issue contains three very in-
world’s leading scientific publications. not with the “electrical engineering” of teresting and important papers on various
In a foreword to the first volume the electrons. The latter field is already covered aspects of magnetron theory by well-known
editors draw attention to the difficulty of adequately by several well-known journals authorities on these matters, including Dr.
accurately defining its scope as they point on both sides of the Atlantic. Dennis Gabor. There are other papers on
out that in popular imagination and, in- No scientist will now have any difficulty such topics as “Brillouin Flow of Elec-

January 1956 45
trons in Powerful Magnetic Fields”, “On candies are manufactured. All references, motion times constitute an additive set?”
the Structure and Magnetic Properties of however, range from 1890 to 1910. Chap- D.M.T. recognizes that many motions
Ferrites”, and also an account of some ters on milk, butter and cheese reflect are affected by their inter-relationship with |
experimental research on a mass spectrom- technology, if one uses the references as a other motions. Hence, the need to group
eter. guide, through 1936. In a more modern certain combinations and assign a single
There is no doubt that this journal will vein synthetic rubber is covered through time value to the group.
fulfill a real need as a forum for advanced 1946, synthetic drugs through 1948 and 2. Adjectives such as: easy, difficult,
papers in this complex and vital field. It the plastics industry through 1950. close, average, etc., are used in many in-
is perhaps relevant to remark that it will The Inorganic Volume (I) contains a stances to describe or define variations of
try to do on a bi-monthly basis, although fairly comprehensive treatment of the fuel conditions for some of the motions. Since
with shorter more specialized papers, what industry. A section on water is thorough these terms: are not precise, it is question-
the well-known American publication “Ad- as it relates to drinking water and sewage able whether two analysts observing the
vances in Electronics” is seeking to do on disposal but barely mentions the modern same operation will come up with the
a yearly basis. This latter work can, in a single and mixed bed synthetic resin ion same time standard. (However, recent re-
sense, be regarded as an integration of the exchangers widely used in American searches indicate more definitive criteria
content of the “Journal of Electronics”, as chemical practice. The remainder of Vol- are being utilized).
we hope and expect it will develop. In the ume I adequately covers the acid, alkali D.M.T. uses blueprint measurements to
meantime, this first issue shows that they and halogen products industries. define the physical relationships of parts
have made a good start. Volume II of the Inorganic texts in- and hence minimizes word judgment. How-
Academic Press, 125 E. 28rd St., New York cludes chapters on fertilizers, artificial ever, it must be emphasized that it would
10, N.Y. gems, the cement industry, clays and be well nigh impossible to define completely
earthenware, ceramics, bricks, glass and and accurately all the possible ways in
asbestos. Also included are chapters deal- which parts could appear together or the
ing principally with the occurrence of the shapes they might assume. Hence, the
industrial Chemistry Inorganic ores and extractive processes, of the less necessity of descriptive terms such as:
MARTIN AND COOKE common metals such as thorium, titanium, jumbled, scattered and irregular.
zirconium, tungsten, uranium and colum- 3. The precise time values allotted to
industrial Chemistry Organic bium and a brief section on atomic power. motions give a false picture of accuracy.
MARTIN AND FRANCIS Philosophical Library, New York, N. Y., D.M.T. recognizes this in that posted
600, 491 and 752 pages respectively, $17.50 dimensions are dimension limits and the
Reviewed by Frank J. Biondi
each or $50 for the complete set. associated time values represent the mid-
Bell Telephone Laboratories
point time of each step or group.
Encyclopedic in nature, these volumes D.M.T. is defined by its author as “a
contain sections and chapters contributed Dimensional Motion Times systematic procedure for work measure-
by experts in each field. As is typical in ment based on precise dimensional factors.”
By H. C. GEPPINGER The text, subdivided into six chapters,
such compendia having had many editions
of continuity for over 30 years, much of Reviewed by George Palken, Professor, covers the areas of: Research and Develop-
the information is historical in ‘nature. Industrial Engineering, Northeastern Uni- ment; Explanation and use of Motion-Time
The terminology is generously sprinkled versity; and M. B. Kaufman, General Tables; Examples—setting time standards
with trade names and technological no- Manager, The Vanta Company, Inc. using D.M.T.
menclature which, in addition to the many The data was accumulated on the basis
old illustrations, may be viewed with im- All systems for predetermining motion of nearly 1000 selected test samples and
patience by the modern chemist. The point times have as their common denominator the analysis of 300 laboratory films plus tl
41
St
U
lt
ls
Cle
CO
lh
—eC

is that these texts are not designed for the the objective approach to work measure- approximately 350,000 test runs over a
professional chemist alone but also for the ment, as opposed to the subjective leveling two year period. Numerous test applica-
chemical technician or others in the chemi- or pace rating procedure by an analyst tions were made to known shop operations
cal industry who are not primarily trained using a stop watch. Thus all synthetic to “check out” the time values. Many time
as chemists. time proponents emphasize that subjective study practitioners may question the wis- :

The editors claim as their audience the judgment has been eliminated and that dom of collecting such data in a laboratory
industrial chemist, manufacturer, patent uniform standards may be achieved be- under artificial conditions rather than “on
workers, chemical engineers, consulting cause a consistent rating concept has been the job”, and the use of test specimens
chemists, technical lecturers, businessmen “built” into the data. Further, such method- which varied “in only one dimension”
interested in chemical processes and fire in- ologies assist the analyst in becoming more rather than standard factory parts. How-
surance inspectors. The time required to observant of “good” work methods in terms ever, the author concedes that the scope
assemble or revise such texts is such that of reduced times for “cheaper” basic mo- of his studies was limited; we can only
on publication date the very newest ma- tions. infer that any determination of standards
terial is at least five years old. The texts The author is, no doubt, entitled to claim beyond the confines of simple manual as-
heave a definite British flavor, covering for his system any virtues which accrue semblies with rigid objects would not be
British chemical practice in the main with to similar systems in vogue. How, then, warranted.
some review of Continental practice. AlI- does D.M.T. differ from its cousins in The work is a scholarly one based on
though the authors claim to embrace terms of the data it offers and application an engineering approach to the problem
American practices, they do so only to a method? These differences can perhaps of predetermining motion times. Although
minor extent. The references on the re- best be observed against the background limited in scope, its narrow range brings
vised chapters include European and of criticisms currently being directed the subjects dealt with into sharper focus.
American journals and texts, but refer- against motion times: It may well be that the future will pro-
ences to the older chapters are preponder- 1. The time value of a therblig (basic duce several similar systems each confined
antly early century European. motion) is a function of the sequence to its own special area of application.
In the Organic Volume there is an in- within which it appears. The question or John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y..,
teresting four page description of how doubt raised here is: “Can fundamental 100 pages, $4.00

46 Research
& Engineering
. -
.
sy

Reports in this section may be obtained

Research Reports
directly from the Office of Technical Serv-
ices, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Washington,
D. C., unless another source is stated.

rle

ce
SLSR
BPM
FL
iE
eS
0 TT
Electrical Research Chemical Research Selectionof a Location For
A series of experiments to extract elec- Three reports. The first describes a new A Petrochemical Plant
trons from the plasma of an arc discharge series of partially fluorinated esters and The future pattern of petrochemical ex-
by a strong electric field in a high-vacuum ethers synthesized in experiments at the pansion is likely to be somewhat less
region close to the plasma are described Naval Research Laboratory. Good viscosity oriented to the natural gas producing areas
in this report. The ultimate goal is to and oxidation stability, high boiling points, than is current production. Studies con-
obtain a high-density electron beam suit- low flammability and good stability to ducted by the Department of City and
able for use in a high-power traveling- hydrolysis of some of the compounds indi- Regional Planning, Massachusetts Insti-
Id wave amplifier or backward-wave oscillator. cate their advantageous use as lubricants, tute of Technology, foresee expansion near
ly Although preliminary, these reports have hydraulic fluids and plasticizers. major metropolitan market points particu-
yielded information affecting the design of Partially Fluorinated Esters and Ethers larly in the Ohio Valley which has an
later arc cathodes for beam-type tubes. As Temperature-Stable Liquids, II, PB advantage in chlorine production.
111684, 26 pages, $.75.
High Voltage Extraction of Electrons A location analysis for each of the vari-
pie a Plasma, PB 111698, 42 pages, A one-step synthesis of N-alkylary-la- ous petrochemicals derived chiefly from
1.25. mines has the advantages of simplicity, methane, ethylene and acetylene is given.
Revision of a military specification (Mil- relatively high yields and freedom from Major factors considered are transport
D-24) for testing dynamotors is recom- significant amounts of tertiary amine by- costs on raw materials, fuel gas and finished
mended in the second report. Research and products. The method is based on the re- products, and the economies and disecono-
testing were performed to develop brush action of an aromatic amine and an ali- mies associated with plant size. For chlori-
life and corona tests. The new brush life phatic alcohol in the presence of Raney nated petrochemicals, cost differentials on
test encompasses al! of the environmental Nickel at atmospheric pressure. chlorine and its derivatives are considered.
factors pertinent to brush life. The corona N-Alkylation of Amines with Alcohols These cost factors vary widely among
test utilizes the lower frequencies of the Catalyzed by Raney Nickel, PB 111686, regions, while costs of plant, maintenance,
corona spectrum and results in measure- 17 pages, $.50. cooling water, interest, and even iabor
ments which are reproducible to a greater and power are not expected to show much
Aromatic fluorine compounds were used variation among regions.
degree than previously. Tests were also
to discover fungicides which will prevent Location Factors in the Petrochemical
performed on various types of lubricants
is and on silicone varnish insulated magnet
deterioration, weakening and rotting of Industry, PB 111640, 105 pages, $3.00.
cloth and other woven fabrics in storage
wire to determine suitability for dyna-
and in use. Four types of fungi of known
motor applications.
Evaluation of Dynamics, PB 111733, 90
resistance to fungicides were exposed to Alloys, Metal Testing
pages, $2.25. nine different fluorine compounds by stand- Techniques
ard dilution plate and cloth square methods.
All of the compounds tested showed good Three reports. The first describes appli-
fungistatic properties, particularly difluoro- cation of X-Ray fluorescence techniques to
New Shop Techniques benzoquinone. elements which do not respond readily to
And Developments Fungistatic Capacities of Aromatic spectrographic and chemical analysis. As
Fluorine Compounds in Relation to little as 0.5 parts per million were detected
Shop techniques and devices originated of hafnium, niobium, tantalum, thorium
Cloth Rotting Fungi, I, PB 111590, 70
and developed by the Air Force Cam- pages, $1.75. and uranium in high purity iron, with an
bridge Research Center to speed comple- error of less than 10% of the amount
tion of research projects include a cylindri- present.
cal cam and follower which permits smooth The Application of X-Ray Fluorescence
operation of sensitive recording devices in
Electroplating, Photochemistry
to Trace Analysis, PB 111685, 5 pages,
both forward and reverse motion; a space- Catalogs $.50.
saving printed circuit for transistor power
Se
,4

Two catalogs, one on electroplating and


Second report describes use of varying
supply and a cable cutting and stripping polishing, the other on photochemistry and
percentages of rare earths to improve me-
tool, convenient for stripping rubber- photoelectricity list applicable reports in
covered coaxial cables without injuring the
chanical properties of a cobalt-base alloy
the OTS collection of over 250,000 docu-
at high temperatures. Strength and duc-
conductors. ments. These documents are primarily re-
tility were increased in both as-cast and
A small metal slot measuring gage ports of research done under Government
aged material at all temperatures, with
which allows accurate readings in measur- sponsorship by either Government or pri-
greatest benefit at 1500°F.
ing slots in waveguides or similar material; vate laboratories; technical papers cap-
Effect of Rare-Earth Additions on the
specially-formed plastic funnels without tured by the Allies in Germany in World High-Temperature of a Co-
ridges on the insi‘ to collect dust; and a War II are also included. balt-Base Alloy, PB 111687, 19 pages,
quick, accurate and inexpensive method for Electroplating and Polishing, CTR-159; $.50.
cutting fine pitch worm gears are included. Photochemistry and Photoelectricity
New Shop Techniques and Develop- (Excluding Photography), C7R-31i, Final report discusses new low-melting
ments, PB 111668, 23 pages, $.75. $0.10 each. alloys applicable as liquid metal heat trans-

January 1956 47
fer media that have been discovered in the from the critical region to +110°F and
pressures to 4000 psia, are presented in
field comprising alloys of bismuth, indium,
plots of compressibility factor vs. pressure.
INDEX TO
lead, tin and thalium. These alloys have
freezing points below 210°F and do not The experimental compressibility fac- ADVERTISERS
expand on freezing and cooling to room tors have been compared with values calcu- Page
temperature. They have a vapor pressure lated with the Benedict-Webb-Rubin equa-
ALL AMERICAN TOOL & MFG. Co. S-4
of less than one-half atmosphere at tem- tion of state, the constants for the mixture Agency—Tri-State Advertising Co.
peratures up to 1500°F and did not cause being obtained by combining the constants
static corrosion of the constructional ma- for ethane and nitrogen. An empirical AUTOCLAVE ENGINEERS, INC..Cover IV
combination rule for the A, term was used Agency—Davies & McKinney
terials tested.
Liquid Metal Heat Transfer Fluid Prob- to adjust the method of combining con-
BAKER & ADAMSON PRODUCTS,
lem No. 256, PB 111662, 14 pages, $.50. stants and improve the agreement with
GEN’L CHEM. DIV., ALLIED
the experimental data. CHEMICAL & DYE CORP....... 23
Research Bulletin 26 available from In- Agency—Atherton & Currier, Inc.
stitute of Gas Technology, Technology
Noise and Human Behavior Center, Chicago 16, Illinois, $5.00. CELANESE CORP. OF AMERICA.... 8
Agency—Ellington & Co.
Man’s mental performance is not signifi-
cantly reduced under conditions of short- COATING PRODUCTS .........02. 9
term high intensity noise stimulation, .ac- ‘Fall Out’? Meter Agency—DuFine-Kaufman, Inc.
cording to a report by Pennsylvania State A simple fall out meter to measure
College for Wright Air Development Cen- COMMERCIAL SOLVENTS CorRP..... 7
gamma rays resulting from nuclear explo- Fp ln oo & Smith & Ross,
ter. While there may be differences in sions has been constructed by the Naval ne,
quality and quantity of responses of per- Research Laboratory. According to the
sons stimulated by random noises, the Navy, the dose rate meter, almost pocket FAIRCHILD ENGINE & AIRPLANE
magnitude of response is of questionable [> 40 0ndut bons) taNaaebee 21
size, uses a battery, cadmium sulphide Agency—Gaynor Colman Prentis
significance. crystal and parallel combination of con- & Varley, Inc.
Further, the report says, the presence denser and neon flash lamp. It uses only
of high intensity noise does not interfere commercially available parts, is sensitive GAERTNER SCIENTIFIC CORP...... 17
with the recall of nonsense syllables and over the range of 0.1 to 1000 Roentgens Agency—Sidney Clayton & Assoc.
meaningful verbal material regardless of per hour, is reasonably energy independent
conditions under which the material was HUGHES RESEARCH & DEVELOP-
and has a flash rate proportional to gamma MENT LABORATORIES ......... 4
originally learned. dose rate. Agency—Foote, Cone & Belding
The data suggest also that a relation- Such a meter would facilitate location
ship exists between intellectual perform- INDIANA STEEL Propucts Co.... 1
of shelter until radiation intensity fol-
ance under noise and a level of activity of lowing a nuclear explosion decreased. Since
Agency—Fensholt Advertising
the autonomic nervous system as measured Agency, Ine.
radiation differences exist even in a single
by certain physiological indices and/or sub- building, the meter could determine when KAYE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.. 33
jective reactions to intense stimulation. the shelter could be abandoned safely. It Agency—Tippett & Company, Inc. Ni
The Effects of Noise on Human Be- would also aid in preventing panic in
havior, PB 111402, 65 pages, $2.00. regions where fall out was non-existent pers Pr S-3
Agency—Admakers
or negligible.
A Simple Meter for Radioactive Fall LINDSAY CHEMICAL CO......... 13
Physical-Chemical Properties of Out, PB 111694, 12 pages, $.50. Agency—C. Franklin Brown, Inc.
Ethane-Nitrogen Mixtures
LITTELFUSE, ING. ...cccccce Cover II
This bulletin presents data on liquid- Agency—Burton Browne
vapor phase equilibria, gas phase pressure-
Phosphating Materials and Advertising
volume-temperature relationships and satu- Process
rated liquid and vapor densities for the LITTLE, ARTHUR D., INC......... 25
A guide for personnel engaged in the Agency—Hilton & Riggio, Inc.
ethane-nitrogen system, The liquid-vapor application of protective phosphate coat-
phase equilibrium data were determined ings on ferrous metals describes the me- PANORAMIC RADIO Propucts... S-5
by study of dew and bubble point pressure- chanical equipment and its installation, Agency—Harold Marshall
temperature relations of ten mixtures of Advertising Co.
cleaning operations, processing solutions
ethane and nitrogen. The critical region of and procedures and chemical control meth- PERKIN-ELMER CORP. .........- 15
the mixture was carefully noted if critical ods required for applying these protective Agency—G. M. Basford Co.
conditions were within operating limits of black finishes to ordnance materials.
the equipment. The range covered was The degreaser plus four-tank phosphat- POTTER INSTRUMENT Co., INC.... 5
from 50 to 1950 psia and —297° to +90°F. Agency—Richard & Gunther, Inc.
ing unit, which represents the simplest
Pressure-temperature, temperature-com- and most complete system possible, was
position and pressure-composition diagrams RADIO CoRP. OF AMERICA ...... 2
found entirely satisfactory. Cleaning meth- Agency—aAl Paul Lefton Co. Inc.
were prepared from dew and bubble point ods other than trichlorethylene vapor de-
data. Equilibrium vaporization ratios were greasing may be used but require addi- STANDARD SCIENTIFIC SUPPLY
determined from these diagrams. Gas— tionai equipment and may introduce Le neoseccceessseeeeetee ee
phase pressure-volume-temperature data Agency—Firestone Advertis- and S-6
troublesome effects on subsequent forma- ing Agency, Inc.
were determined by a study of the pres- tion of phosphate coatings. The volume in-
sure-temperature relations of five mixtures cludes a list of the chemicals and materials WABASH METAL Propucts Co... S-4
of ethane and nitrogen at constant density. required for proper maintenance and oper- Agency—Tri-State Advertising Co.
Seven or eight constant density lines ation of a phosphating system.
(isometrics) were investigated for each TEINS, CARL, INC... cccccccccccce 41 this
Phosphating Materials and Processes,
mixture. The data, covering the range Direct Com:
PB 111726, 88 pages, $2.25.
Harr

48
a

RESEARCH & ENGINEERING

ith this issue RESEARCH & ENGINEERING starts search and development teams can also request in-
a new service to help you request more in- formation. (Note: This Supplement is designed to be
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Reactor Data Portable Transistor Tester 5


booklet lists all significant specifications on every nu- model TR-2, less complex to operate than an ordinary
clear reactor already built or under construction in- tube tester, features 4” meter with two ranges that
cluding six in Russia. Up to 50 characteristics are allow the operator to read Alpha, Beta an I, di-
given in tabular form on nearly 100 installations. rectly for n-p-n or p-n-p transistors.
Multi-color pamphlet available for $.50 by writing C. G. Electronics Corp.,
on company letterhead to the below address. Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Nuclear Power Group, Depr. R-E, Raytheon Manu-
facturing Co., Waltham 54, Mass.
Chem Lab Equipment 6
including humidity apparatus is in the 25th edition of
Low-Output-impedance Pot i
“What’s New for the Laboratory.”
for shaft-rotation-to-voltage transformations in 400cy Scientific Glass Apparatus Co., Inc.
systems. Features high linearity and resolution. Bloomfield, N. J.
Vernistat Div., Perkin-Elmer Corp., Norwalk, Conn.

Dust Collector 7
Variable Speed Transmissions 2
for industrial plants in the form of a multi-tube
infinitely variable and available in a number of torque centrifugal separator. Handles 41,000 cfm of exit
capacities ranging from 10 to 100 in-lb. gases laden with dust at 400°C. Efficiency is 97%.
Revco Inc., 2 East Franklin St., Minneapolis 4, Minn. Hagan Corp., 323 Fourth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Molybdenum Chemicals 3 Fluid Drive 8


applications are comprehensively reviewed in this 29- bulletin 9619 describes class 2F adjustable speed fluid
page illustrated brochure. drive as applied to diesel engine installations. Trade-
Climax Molybdenum Co., 500 Fifth Ave., marked as “Cyrol”.
New York 36, N. Y. American Blower Corp., Detroit 32, Mich.

Receiving Tube Send new product announcements for inclusion in this section
manual RC-17 is a revised and enlarged edition of to RESEARCH & ENGINEERING, Editorial Offices, 77 South St.,
Stamford, Conn. Accepted as controlled circulation publication
this well-known listing of receiving tubes. at Orange, Conn. Copyright, 1956. The Relyea Publishing
Commercial Engineering, RCA Tube Div., Corporation.
Harrison, N. J. Volume 2, No. 1, Section 2, January, 1956.

, January 1956
supplement
Lithium Carbonate 9 Research Reactor 19
pamphlet gives chemical analysis, solubility in water bulletin GEA-6326A describes a swimming pool reac-
at various temperatures and suggested uses. tor, water boiler reactor, heavy-water research reactor
American Potash & Chemical Corp., 3030 W. Sixth St. and nuclear test reactor.
Los Angeles 54, Calif. General Electric Co., Apparatus Sales Div.
Schenectady 5, N. Y.

Supervoltage Radiography 12
bulletin R discusses the importance of radiography Tinker Toy 20
as an inspection and quality control tool and disperses bulletin describes different modulized standard cir-
“old wives tales’ associated with it. cuits available from this fabricating plant.
High Voltage Engineering Corp., 7 University Rd. Aerovox Corp., 1200 Jefferson Davis Hgwy.
Cambridge 38, Mass. Arlington, Va.

Polymerizable Dispersant is Fluidized-Coating Process 21


known as Monomer MG-l, is a new raw material for provides, much faster than spraying, corrosion-re-
use with vinyl! plastisols. sistant coatings of polyethylenes, polyfluorcarbons,
Carbide & Carbon Chemicals Co., 30 E. 42nd St., nylon and other plastics on metallic and dissimilar
New York 17, N.Y. plastic molded targets.
American Agile Corp., 5461 Dunham Road
Maple Heights, Ohio
Financing Industrial Laboratories 14
is the subject of this brochure which details a financ-
ing plan for establishing or expanding industrial labs Kits for Technical Speakers 22
in small and medium size companies.
come equipped with a speaker’s manuscript, visual
Chicago Apparatus Co., 1785 N. Ashland Ave.
aids and up to 25 free copies of the program for
Chicago 22, Ill.
audience distribution. First program available is en-
titled “The Forces in Single Point Tool Metal Cut-
ting.” No charge other than return postage and in-
Printed Circuit Service is surance on slides.
has complete facilities ranging from design through Nat'l. Program Committee, American Society of Tool
manufacture of printed circuits. Engineers, 10700 Puritan Ave., Detroit, Mich.
Cleveland Metal Specialities Co., 1783 E. 21st St.,
Cleveland, Ohio
Stainless Fasteners 23
data book includes thread and size specifications and
Spectral Omnirange Lamp 16 availability in a variety of corrosion resistant metals
using 12 imported interchangeable bulbs in one aux- of 4 basic fastening devices.
iliary operating unit provides a versatile tool where Allmetal Screw Products Co., Inc., 821 Stewart Ave.
line radiation is essential. Garden City, L.J., N.Y.
George W. Gates & Co., Inc. Hempstead Tpke. and
Lucille Ave., Franklin Square, L.J., N.Y.
Rotary Sampling Switch 24
with integral d-c drive motor is designed for airborne
Organo-Silicone Compounds 17 and general instrumentation application.
data sheet describes six new compounds with unusual Applied Science Corp. of Princeton, Box 44
lubricating and solubility properties. Princeton, N.J.
Silicones Dept., Linde Air Products Co.
80 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N.Y.

Photoelectric Analyzer 25
automatically analyzes, records and controls chemical
Printed Circuit Breadboard Chassis i8 processes involving liquids, vapors or gases and checks
allows experimental checking of circuit layouts and and resets itself to compensate for optical error. Use-
designs prior to preparation of scale drawings using ful also in solving monitoring and stream pollution
conventional components. problems.
The Electratomic Company, P. O. Box 827 Manufacturers Engineering and Equipment Corp.
Wheaton, Md. Hatboro, Pa.

S-2 Research & Engineering Janu,


Magnetic Amplifier 26 Ultrasonic Cleaning 30
smaller than a miniature tube can be used at high equipment operating at 40kc is particularly suitable
frequencies and pulse rates. Based on scroll-type tape for cleaning metals. Transducer radiating areas up to
cores of high permeability with permanent-magnet 30 sq. in. The transducer is hermetically sealed.
biasing, has many memory and counting applications Branson Ultrasonic Co., 194 Richmond Hill Ave.
in industrial equipment. Known as the “Ferristor’”. Stamford, Conn.
Berkeley Div., Beckman Instruments Inc.
2200 Wright Ave., Richmond 8, Calif.
Material Testing Machines 31
bulletin RG-14-55 includes descriptions of a “complete
Magnetic Recording 27 package” creep testing machine designed to assure
equipment consisting of multi-channel recorders and axial loading of specimens and a lightweight, port-
a new high-gain d-c amplifier (Type PD-12) for mobile able hardness tester.
testing. The model 800 recorders are available with Riehle Testing Machines Div., American Machine &
from 2 to 14 channels. Metals, Inc., East Moline, JU.
Ampex Corp., 984 Charter St., Redwood City, Calif.

Automatic Programming 32
Agitator 28 of Univac for business data-processing is the subject
bulletin describes an agitator designed for laboratory of booklet EL-280. Techniques might be applicable to
and pilot mixing operations. routine research computations.
Chemineer, Inc., 1044 E. First St., Dayton 2, Ohio Remington Rand Univac Div., Sperry Rand Corp.
315 Fourth Ave., New York 10, N. Y.
industrial Consulting 29
brochure outlines the relationship between independent Aluminum Isotope 33
consulting laboratories and industry. Typical ques- has half life of—10° years. It decays by emission of
tions are answered. positrons. Only a limited amount available.
Evans Research & Development Corp., 250 E. 43rd St. Nuclear Science and Engineering Corp.
New York 17, N. Y. P. O. Box 10901, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Don't Settle For Less...


BUY LABLINE

ALUMALOY CLAMPS

NEW 100 PAGE


CATALOG Available
Write for
Catalog LABLINE, INC.
||| | WATER BATHS TESTING APPARATUS R-56 3070-82 W. GRAND CHICAGO 22, ILL.
For more information circle $-1 on form on page $-7.

ring January 1956


Made-to-Order Metals Services 34
You are in good company booklet describes a special service to the metallurgical
when you choose industries: production and processing of made-to-
| order metals in experimental quantities.
i a= Allied Products Div., Hamilton Watch Co.
as Wiis
SH Lancaster, Pa.

10, OF 7 Because many of the country’s


foremost industries, laboratories,
aR schools and colleges have sot Chart Drive Assembly 35
12 N Wabash presses ... the presses o
1 101 uses. Made in sizes fram 3 to 50 pneumatically operated, is capable of positioning re-
| tos ae acts A elo, corder charts at distances up to 250 feet. Valuable
= extracting,formiag and many other uses. for automatic factory operations.
| ~sescmon sunt. sieenny Mane Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co., Industrial Div.
* ECONOMICALLY PRICED Wayne & Windrim Sts., Philadelphia, Pa.

met NEW 30-Ton, 4-Post


aie , Lab Press Inside—Out Blower Motor 36 )
ona) Exerts full 60,000 Ib. differs from conventional motors in that the rotating
ae pressure. 10 work ° ° ° ° ,
—s opening. 6” stroke. element or rotor is outside revolving around a station. d
ee Gad, oe bored = ary shaft and field coil assembly. i
0.95 | ios:<d‘otehaen, es Iron Fireman Mfg. Co., Electronics Div.
ee movable heating 2838 S.E. 9th Ave., Portland, Ore.
| platens. 144 sq. inch
2 work area. Accurate 4
temperature reg- b
viator. -
gs ve Data Processing Systems 37 Ps
For more | WABASH METAL PRODUCTS co. brochure Alwac III describes an electronic digital E
ALD EE Hydraulic Division 1580 Morris St. computer, punched card coverter, magnetic tape stor-
WABASH, INDIANA age, automatic typewriter, punched paper tape.
For more information circle S-2 on form on page S-7. Logistics Research Inc., 141 S. Pacific Ave. Ti
Redondo Beach, Calif. =

Range Selector Is Highlight ~


. .
po)

a Missile Component Testing 38


of All A merican |0)0) re| A- D under simulated pressure conditions corresponding to
altitudes as high as 350,000 feet. Model 5500 Iono- Ele

Vibration Fatigue Test Machine


. - .
Hudeon Bay Co. Div. of Labline, Ina
Chamber includes an oil diffusion pump.

3070 West Grand Ave., Chicago 22, Ill.


cat
Sun
Neu

Hermetic Relay Header Assembly 39 :


eliminates several operations associated with assembly Bar
techniques. |
Hermetic Seal Products Co., 29-87 So. Siath St. make
Newark 7, N.J. «Ing t
.
Thihisgo subjects Ft or —,
: ‘ up to 100
McKe
Santa
. in weight, to a comprehensive vibration fatigue test. :
It has a 50% overload safety factor. Vibration in simple Printed-Circuit Prototypes 40
harmonic motion is produced horizontally. Displacement , : :
(double amplitude) is adjustable from 0” to 125”. Auto- _— b: produced in 30 to <0 minutes with a unit called Micr:
matic Range Selector controls acceleration and deceleration. the “Protomaka” at a fraction of the cost of purchas- al
From 10 cycles per second frequency may be increased ing the component equipment separately. indica’
uniformly to 60 c.p.s. and then decreased to 10 c.p.s. Any Printed Electronics Corp., 7 North Ave. provid
desired range within the total may be selected. Selector can Natick, Mass. guide »
be switched off and frequency held at any c.p.s. | Sage I
Walt
nnenene for testing electronic, electrical, mechanical '
or
me = One of 7 models. Send for Catalog F, con- Ratio Recorder ai
ee to data,
ALL nomograph
AMERICAN chart TOOLand &listing
MFG. typical
CO.. :
has one scale for normal recording graduated 0 to 100 Fati
8049 Séeile Ave. Shokis, Wlinols. Mekers of All Amer- over the central ten inches and another for ratio
ican Precision Die Filing Machines. recording graduated 0 to 100 over 11”. has a te
Phoenix Precision Instrument Co., Inc. range
For more information circle $-3 on form on page S-7. 8808-05 N. Fifth St., Philadelphia 40, Pa. The Iv,

Research
& Engineering Jan,
Solvent Recovery 42
booklet gives technical data on activated carbon and
describes the economy of recovering solvent vapors in
many industries.
Carbide & Carbon Chemicals Co., 30 E. 42nd St.
New York 17, N.Y.

Neoprene Enclosures 43
for electronic components provides long effective seal
life, have toughness advantages of metal cans and
resin embedment as well as flexibility.
Industrial Accessories, Inc., Matawan, N. J.

Radiation Monitoring Service 44


enables counting of samples containing activities be-
low ambient levels.
Nuclear Science & Engineering Corp.,
P. O. Box 10901, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Solar Cells 46
ie,
PANORAMIC
bulletin SR-115 lists new series of selenium cells.
International Rectifier Corp., 1521 East Grand Ave. : 4 Me

El Segundo, Calif. RADIO PRODUCTS, INC. ic reer 6 mney Aircraft

Vernen, _ = —
8-10 So. Second Ave.,,,Mount
Transistor Battery 47
mercury type delivers four volts. For use in hybrid For more information circle $-4 on form on page 5$-7.
portable equipment using both transistors and tubes.

PROPIPETTES
Tube Div., Radio Corp. of America, Harrison, N.J.

Electronic Components
catalog 56 is a reference guide of parts, manufactur-
48
SAFETY PIPETTE FILLER
ers, specific products and general categories. ELIMINATES THE DANGER OF BURNS AND POISONING OF
Sun Radio & Electronics Co., Inc., 650 Sixth Ave. MOUTH PIPETTING—GIVES SUBTLE AND COMPLETE CONTROL.
HIGH MEASUREMENT PRECISION OF 0.01 cc. DELIVERS LIQUIDS
New York 11, N. Y. QUICKLY—HOLDS LIQUID AT SET LEVEL INDEFINITELY. SIMPLE
TO OPERATE.

These new “Propipettes” eliminate the dangerous


ly Barium Titanate Transducer 49 4 using the mh
~ er t:
to draw liquids into tags
—t * -4
are
80
that the liquids can be oy ESAS precisely and safely.
Measurement precision is instrument
makes possible low-cost ultrasonic processing at boil- has three agate-ball valves te independently and the
ing temperatures. ae San ae Se Se < y with
one hand. “Pro-
pipettes recommended
for
McKenna Laboratories, 2503 Main St.,
* gachanach alk toxic, infectious, ill-smelling liquids
_ Santa Monica, Calif. Sten Ncyuaides, bacteriologica!
excrements, dyes.

¢ Skimming off with precision minute quantities of liquid float-


ing - a sediment without danger of “7 as in serum
Microwave Phase 50 from red corpuscles and micro-analysis.

© Skimming off and measuring the liquid floating above a chem-


indicator attaches to conventional slotted line and ical precipitate.

provides direct readings of relative phase in terms of © Transferring sterile samples of liquids to other tubes and
containers.
guide wavelength.
Sage Laboratories, Inc., 30 Guinan Street, @ TRANSFERRING RADIO-ACTIVE SOLUTIONS.
Waltham, Mass.
Ab
100
atio Fatigue Testing Machine 51 STANDARD SCIENTIFIC SUPPLY CORP
has a total force capacity of 12,000 pounds and a multi- 34 West
4th Street New York 12. N.

range feature. aay All THE yt ye TM peas CHEMICALS AND


REAGENTS NEEDED RUN TODAY'S LABORATORIES
The Ivy Company, Norwalk, Conn.
For more information circle $-5 on form on page 5-7.
ring January 1956 S-5
™~
supplement
Laminations 52 Sealed Storage Battery 57
catalog ML 201 describes the company’s standard line designated Voltabloc, has advantages of high peak
of laminations and laminated cores. discharge rates, long life, no maintenance, durability
Magnetics, Inc., Butler, Pa. and compactness.
Saft Corp. of America, Gregg St., Lodi, N. J.

Ring Type Rheostat 53


data sheet N152-MIL describes rheostats designed Heat Detector Cell
specifically for use in electronic and industrial con- bulletin TDS-HDCA describes components designed to
trol equipment where severe mechanical shock occurs. exploit speed sensitivity, compactness, wide range,
Ward Leonard Electric Co., Mount Vernon, N. Y. flexibility and low noise features of heat detector cells.
Servo Corp. of America, 20 Jericho Turnpike
New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Polyester Film 54
booklet MB-4 gives latest commercial uses and de-
tailed physical and chemical properties of “Mylar”. Electronic Titration 59
E. I. duPont de Nemours & Co., Film Dept. is accomplished by the Model 300 Electrometric Titri-
Wilmington 98, Del. meter replacing slower visual methods. The indicator
is a cathode ray tube.
Deltron Inc., 2905 North Leithgow St.
Ruggedized Synchro Philadelphia 33, Pa.
torque transmitter-receiver for 60 cy operation meets
shock and vibration tests of BuShips Spec 40T9.
John Oster Manufacturing Co., Avionic Div. Miniature Voltage Reference 61
1 Main St., Racine, Wisc. tube operates from 82 to 92v. Current range is from
1.5 to 3.5ma. Type 5651 is very stable and free from
long and short-term drift.
Amperex Electronic Corp., 230 Duffy Ave.,
Hicksville, L.J., N.Y.

POLARIZING
Pilot-Plant 62
MADE IN WEST GERMANY
MICROSCOPES versions of continuous reactor and mixing assemblies
of “Flow-Master” type. Many products and processes
can be tested out on this equipment before a plant is
The famed Zeiss Winkel set up with standard-size equipment.
Polarizing microscopes are Marco Co., Inc., Saginaw, Mich.
now available for research
and laboratory require- Dual Beam Scope 63
~~ ments in both binocular
has complete calibration facilities plus high sensitivity
set , and monocular types, both
and high gain of single-beam instruments.
2 featuring the inclined-tube Allen B. DuMont Labs. Inc., Technical Products Div.
eit system for ease of opera- 760 Bloomfield Ave., Clifton, N.J.
tion.

m= Various equipment and Optical-Type Encoders


“ accessories are also avail- 13-digit and 16-digit provide binary-parallel code
) able to further broaden signals representing various shaft angles of an accur-
” the application of these acy better than +10 seconds of arc.
superb instruments. Encoder Div, Baldwin Piano Company,
sere ob 1837 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati 2, Ohio

Write for free, detailed literature Operational Equations


that speed up analog computer programming are de-
CARL ZEISS, INC. 485 FIFTH AVE., NEW YORK 17, N. Y. scribed in Data File 120; Data File 107 discusses a
Guaranteed Uninterrupted Repair Service digital method for precise phase measurement.
Berkeley Div., Beckman Instruments, Inc.
For more information circle $-6 on form on page S-7. 2200 Wright Ave., Richmond 3, Calif.

Research & Engineering J@nuary


5
infrared Radiation Standard 66 Scintillation Counter 7i
Servotherm IRS-1 is a “perfect black-body radiator” of well type features adequate shielding yet remains
for temperatures in the range of 150° to 600°C. portable by constructing the shield of interlocking cy-
Servo Corp. of America, 20 Jericho Turnpike lindrical sections weighing less than 30 lb each. Very
New Hyde Park, N. Y. low levels of radioactivity can be detected.
The Atomic Center, Inc., 489 Fifth Ave.
Se Se a a a New York 17, N.Y.
Microglass Fiber REESE
eon FS ORE
known as “Tissuglas” is available in the thicknesses
ranging from 0.5 to 13 mils and widths up to 40 inches. Silicone Reference Guide 72
A binder and/or impregnations can be added to it to 1956 edition describes almost 150 of the most gen-
achieve desired electrical, chemical and thermal prop- erally used silicone products, grouping them by physi-
erties. é , reases, d rub-
Commercial Devel. Div., American Machine & Foundry a Se ee —
Co., 261 Madison Ave., N.Y. 16, N.Y. Dow Corning Corp., Midland, Mich.

) Electronic Plant Lo 69
. . Tension and Compression 73
records a plant’s operating data and adds it up at the
end of the day, meanwhile keeping a robot eye on tests can both be performed with a new universal
quality. Ranges in price from $10,000 to $50,000. testing machine. Its capacity is 60,000 lb. Load in-
Industrial Div., Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co., dicator has a stress-strain recorder.
Wayne & Windrim Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton Corp., Philadelphia, Pa.

Coating Process 70 Transistor Test Set 74


suitable for coating metals with nylon or low-pressure Model T-62 features direct reading of small signal
polyethylene. Process and processing equipment avail- parameters. Capacity to 50w for power types. Five
able for license. Firm will also coat products to specifi- current-bias ranges from 50ma to 500ma, full scale.
cation. Trademarked the “Whirlclad” process. Scientific Specialities Corp., Snow & Union Sts.
Polymer Processes, Inc., Reading, Pa. Boston 35, Mass.

ee eee ee 1 ee ee ee 1Po
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:
.¢ January 1956
supplement
Industrial Standardization Seminar Transisxvor and Rectifier 79
ten conferences will be conducted January 23 through brochure ECG-95 contains condensed specification and
27 in the Engineering Societies Bldg., New York City, rating data on semiconductor devices. A quick ref-
by Dr. John Gaillard, Management Counsel. erence guide for electronic engineers.
For information and registration write to Dr. John Semiconductor Products Sec., General Electric Co.,
Gaillard, 400 W. 118th St., New York 27, N. Y. Electronics Park, Syracuse, N. Y.

Keyer-Subcarrier Oscillator 75 Pyridine Derivatives


allows pulse width multi-channel coding on one chan- for research investigation available from stock are:
nel in a standard f-m/f-m telemetering system. Dipheny]-4-Pyridylmethane; Diphenyl-4-Pyridylcarbi-
Applied Science Corp. of Princeton, Box 44 nol; Penyl-4-Pyridelmethane; Pheny]l-4-Pyridylketone.
Princeton, N. J. Various carbinols can be made from the last named.
Reilly Tar & Chemical Corp., 1614 Merchants Bank
Building, Indianopolis 4, Ind.
Self-Supporting Tanks 77
of molded polyethylene are useful in handling electro
plating baths, cleaning solutions and other corrosive
Blast Cleaning Abrasive 81
media. bulletin 89-B describes a cast steel, heat treated, blast
The American Agile Corp., P. O. Box 168 cleaning and peening abrasive and its uses.
Bedford, Ohio Wheelbrator Corp., 1772 So. Byrkit St.,
Mishawaka, Ind.

Chemist’s Photometer 78
of the light-scattering type for measuring absolute Test Equipment
turbidity, dissymmetry, and depolarization of dilute catalog describes standard meters, high voltage meters,
solutions of high molecular weight compounds. Also transformers, phase sequence indicators and other
measures micro-scattering, micro-fluorescence, and special electrical-electronic equipment. Included are
micro-luminescence of dark materials. schematics, performance charts and output tables.
Phoenix Precision Instrument Co., 3803-05 N. Fifth Davenport Manufacturing Co., Dept. REN
St., Philadelphia 40, Pa. 1713 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago 22, Iil.

RESEARCH & ENGINEERING

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HERE’S HELP
for your engineer-recruitment problem
Engineers’ Joint Council and The Advertising
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promoting engineering as a career. Send for this Free campaign guide
Prepared by
The booklet reproduced here was prepared by The Adver-
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THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL
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New York 36, New York
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Gentlemen: Please send me a free copy of |
4. It offers specific suggestions as to what you can “How your company can help promote engineering
do (from present manpower). as a career.” |
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Many advertisers are using this booklet today. They say
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