Research Progress at Research Foundation of Armour Institute of Technology 1 9 3 8 - 1 9 3 9 1
H i g h - t e m p e r a t u r ® f u r n a c e for c o m p a r i n g b e h a v i o r of refractories HREE years have passed since the organisation of the Research Founda tion of Armour Institute of Technology for the exclusive purpose of rendering a research and experimental engineering service to industry on a not-for-profit basis. It was in September, 1936, that the services of this kind were discontinued by the faculty of Armour Institute of Technology as a policy of the institute. Simultaneously, the Research Foundation was established, with its own buildings, specialized staff, laboratories, and facili ties. The foundation operates on a plan which places the responsibility of each roject on a man who is a specialist in his eld and a t the same time directs the attention of the entire staff to the solu tion of the problem. Each industrial research project is guided by an advisory committee which includes sponsor representation. The field of investigation embraced by a proj ect is reserved exclusively for the benefit of the sponsor for the duration of the project. Agreements covering industrial research projects provide for patent rights, monthly and final reports, and the execution of the investigation and treat ment of findings in strict confidence. The interest of industry in research under the foundation plan has been well demonstrated by the constantly increasing number of projects. To date 83 long-term projects have been undertaken in the In dustrial Research Division and 440 companies, individuals, and associations of manufacturers have utilized the serv ices of t h e Experimental Engineering Division o n problems which are generally of a short-term nature. During the past year contributions and funds from sponsors over and above the cost of conducting research have made possible t h e addition of a number of new laboratories to the facilities of the founda tion. These include laboratories for petrography, x-ray, acoustics, electricity,
T
p
1
Abstract of Third Annual Report t o Board of Directors by Harold Vagtborg. Director.
chemistry, spectroscopy, photography, and combustion engineering. Industrial Research Projects Since September 1. 1938, twenty-nine new industrial research projects have been started: abrasion-resisting alloys, air compressors, beater design, building vi bration, coal dustiness, coal pulverization, coal treatment, colloidal fuel, crane girder design, crane motors, drum closures, electric organ, erasers, fire hazards, foun tain pens, golf machine, linoleum, meat processing, pecan shelling, pot burners, refuse treatment, rotogravure, solenoid brake, spotlight design, tire fabrication, tire molds, valves, water treatment de vices, and zein. During the year thirteen projects, continued from the previous year, were completed. These are: antifreeze solu tion, cavitation erosion, clay pipe joints, coal dryers, colloidal fuel, computing machines, concrete slabs, grain storage, heating equipment, manganese, mechani cal brakes, monomolecular films, zinc electroplating. Seven projects carried throughout the year and still under way are: coal stokers, dolomite refractories, laboratory ware, petroleum research, processing of hemp, temperature of catalysts, thermal insula tion. Announceable progress on industrial research projects in operation during the year follows: Ceramics and Nonmetallics DOLOMITE REFRACTORIES.
This project
was undertaken for the Marblehead Lime Co. during 1938. During the first sixmonth period in which it was carried on, a general survey of the field was made and the various phases of the problem were defined and outlined. This work was done by R. C. Kintner. Starting December 1, 1938, H. G. Fiak assumed active direction of the project. He is being assisted by George Bjornstad and
Kenneth Reeo. During the present period of the project it has been carried on chie&y by petrographic and ceramic methods* with pronounced improvements in the properties of the product as the result. There baa been a long-felt need of a practical test for evalu ating dolomite clinkers. Such a test h a s been developed and is being perfected. It should prove to be of benefit to both pro ducers and consumers of dolomite clinker refractories. LABORATORY
WARE.
Starting
in
1937,
the W. M. Welch Manufacturing C o . began work at the Research Foundation on the development of a new method of manu facturing low-cost laboratory ware of extrezne thermal shock resistance. The basic prin ciples were worked out by Thos. C. Poutter with the assistance of A. O. Walker. T h e steps from laboratory experimentation to production methods will be supervised by H. G. Fisk. He will be assisted by Glen Wittekindt. Chemical Engineering COAL DRYERS.
An investigation b y F. "W.
Godwin of the behavior of washed coal during and after heat-drying, together with pei*tinent aspects of dryer design, was completed during the year under the joint sponsorsiup of the Peabody Coal Co. and the Link-Kelt Co. Both laboratory and plant-scale studies were made. COAL DUSTINESS.
In a study made for
The Johnson-March Corp. the permanence of a dust-allaying treatment for coal w a s determined under various storage conditions. Temperature and humidity were controlled in storage, the latter ranging from 10 to 50 per cent in different tests. Samples each amounted to 1200 pounds in 50-pound unite. In one case the coal was stored in a 27-inch vacuum. Results indicated that the dtistallaying action was only slightly affected by the storage conditions. The tests were conducted by L. H. Seabright and G. Witte kindt, with F. W. Godwin as adviser. COAL PULVERIZATION.
New methods of
pulverisation of coal have been the subject of a study by F. W. Godwin and Douglas P.
The AMKHICAN CHKSIICAX SOCIETY assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors to its publications. Published by the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, Publication Office, 20th et Northampton S te., Easton. Penna. Editorial Office, Room 706, Mills BuildJng, Washington, D. C ; Telephone, National 0848; Cable, Jieehem (Washington). Advertising Department, 332 West 42nd St., New York, Ν. Υ. ; Tele phone, Bryant 9-4430. Entered as second-class matter at the Post Office at Easton, Penna., under the Act of March 3, 1879, as 4 8 times a year. Industrial Edition monthly on the first; Analytical Edition monthly o n the 15th; News Edition on the 10th and 20th. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3. 1917, authorized July 13, 1918. , » . RATES FOB CUBBBNT ΝττιΐΒΒΒβ: Annual subscription rates: IMDUSTBXAL AKD ENGINEERING CHKMXBTBY complete $0.00; (a) Industrial Edition 13.00; (o) Analytical Edition 92.60; (c) News Edition 91.50; Co) and (©) together, $5.00. Foreign postage t o countries not in the Pan American Union, $2.40; (a) 81.20; (b) (M 90.60; 80.G0: (e) (c) 90.60. 80.60. Canadian postage ooeteure one third these these rates. 8insle conies: (a) 80.75: (b) 80.50: Ce) 80.10. Special rates t o members.
622
NEWS EDITION
OCTOBER 10, 1939 Meigs. This work, completed during the year, has yielded an entirely new principle of coal pulverisation in which several of the high-power leases caused b y heat liberation are eliminated. Further studies in large-scale operations are contemplated. COAL TREATMENT.
A
project for
The
Johnson-March Corp. on the development of a superior treatment for allaying dust in coal continues into the next fiscal year under F. W. Godwin and D . Pierson. I n order to test new developments, accelerated storage tests, dust measurements, and an imitation mechanical coal-loading boom are employed. Coals from numerous fields of the United States are being studied. COLLOIDAL, FUEL.
The investigation and
development of commercial colloidal fuel, under F. W. Godwin and M. H. fieeren, continues into the new fiscal year. The past year has marked the successful operation of an ordinary stock model automobile on this type of fuel, and various improvements in processing methods. DRUM
CLOSURES.
The
project
of
The
American Flange and Manufacturing Co., Inc., continues from the past year. This study is concerned with the constant improvement of drum closures, gaskets, plugs, seals, and equipment. Among the developments are several new gasket materials, one of which is of a rubberlike substance withstanding the temperature of sine hot-dipping. LINOLEUM. The development of a superior low-cost floor covering carries over into the next year. This project is under the cooperative direction of Ralph H. Mauley and F. W. Godwin and is concerned with both manufacturing methods and materials. PECAN SHELLING.
Several new mecha-
nised operations in the shelling and sorting of pecans were reported in an investigation by L. H. Seabright. Pecans differ from many nuts in the absence of large internal voids and in the continuity of the shell, necessitating special handling processes. TIRE
FABRICATION.
Under
sponsorship
of E. Wittcopp and O. C. Brodhay, a method of fabrication of small diameter solid rubber heavy-duty truck tires has been developed by T. C. Poulter and Ralph H. Mauley. The sponsors' objective was the development of an easily replaceable tire which need not be vulcanised to a steel core. WATER-TREATMENT DEVICE.
An investi-
gation of the efficacy of certain equipment for the treatment of boiler water to prevent scale formation was completed by A. O. Walker. Chemistry ANTIFREEZE
SOLUTION.
varia-
The basic laboratory
work on the development of a special jointing compound for bell and spigot-type vitrified clay pipe has been completed. Sponsored by the Clay Products Association, the objective is to develop a jointing compound comparable in durability and tightness in the joint to the vitrified clay pipe itself, yet easy to apply and simple in composition. Ralph H. Manley, Howard Kindsvater, and Robert Foster are subjecting the material t o extensive field tests. Parallel with the work on jointing compounds, an intensive study has been made of the design of bell and spigottype clay pipe, with the result that a number of modifications of the present design have been tested and recommended t o the industry. MONOMOLECTJLAB
FILMS.
their molecular weights. The measurements were m&de by means of the hydrophil balance, an instrument which had not hitherto been used t o study the compounds investigated. The work was done by G. E. Ziegler in collaboration with E. J. Hoffman and A. W. Ralston of Armour and Co. PETROLEUM
RESEARCH.
The
petroleum
research laboratory, sponsored by the Universal Oil Products Co. of Chicago, was opened in April, 1936. Since that time it has been continuously engaged in a study of the application of modern catalytic methods to oil processing. Such general reactions as hydrogenatioh, dehydrogenation, iaomerisation, cyclisation, and polymerization are being applied to the production of commercially useful petroleum derivatives. Special attention is being given to the simultaneous action of complex catalysts in the production of a wide variety of organic compounds. The laboratory is under the direction of V. I. Komarewsky, with Douglas P. Meigs, J. R. Coley, and L. S. Warchavsky acting as assistants. PROCESSING OF HEMP.
New methods of
processing hemp are being developed by Harry McCormack with the assistance of Robert Levy. Although the work is still under way, a means of producing hemp fiber comparable in many respects t o the best grades of cotton has already been discovered. The necessary steps to make the process commercially feasible are being developed. REFUSE
DISPOSAL.
An investigation of
the disposal of Chicago's garbage and refuse, with special reference to a proposed bacterial treatment was made by the Research Foundation for the Department of Public Works of the City of Chicago. In addition to the laboratory tests, studies were made on the several dumps themselves. This work was completed by F. W. Godwin and D. A. Okun. ZEIN. Prolamine Products, Inc., a jointly owned subsidiary of the American Maize Products Co., Chicago, and the A. E. Staley Co., Decatur, 111., has recently undertaken an intensive study of the physical and chemical properties of zein. A by-product in the production of corn starch, zein has many potential applications in the paper coating, lacquer, and adhesives fields. The work now in progress is of a fundamental nature, but it is expected that the information obtained will be of direct value in developing the commercial usefulness of zein. The investigation is being conducted by Ralph H. Manley and Cyril D . Evans. Metallurgy
Several
tions of a new antifreeze solution for automotive radiators were studied by A. O. Walker in an investigation completed during the year. Mobility, anticorrosive properties, and solvent action were the primary points of study. CLAY PIPE JOINTS.
623
During
the
present year Armour and Co. has sponsored a study of the correlation between the film characteristics of a number of ketones and
ABRASION-RESISTANT METALS.
Directed
toward lowered industrial replacement costs, a study of the application of alloys of high abrasion resistance t o machinery in the coal industry has been in progress since June, 1939. This work is being done by L. R. Harlocker, in collaboration with F. W. Godwin. CAVITATION EROSION.
Work on the first
phase of a broad study of cavitation erosion as evidenced by liquid penetration of metals under high vibrational frequencies was completed by A. W. Sear in collaboration with T. C. Poulter. COAL BEATERS. Swing hammer type coal pulverisers present a difficult problem in wear, particularly on hammers or beaters used. Modern coal pulverisers are usually fed very fine wet coal, and are expected to produce a dry product, at least 80 per cent of which will pass a 200-mesh screen. Consequently, there is a severe wear problem to be overcome if operation is to be economical. The method of attack has been from two sides, design and metallurgy. The life of a set of beaters has been increased approximately two and one-half times, with the expectation of still greater improvement in the near future. Mr. FitzPatrick has been in
charge of this project since its inception and has had the advisory assistance of T. C. Poulter and J. C. Peebles. VALVBS. A study of valve construction, selection of seating materials, and behavior with high-temperature fluids was completed by T. C. Poulter. Max Jakob, and A. O. Walker. This work included large industrial valves and high-pressure conditions. ZINC ELECTROPLATING.
Under the guid-
ance of P. L. Copeland, an investigation of continuous strip sine plating has produced a uniform deposit free from the usual dense plate at the edges. New machines for the operation were developed and put into service.
Physics BUILDING VIBRATION.
A seismic study
of buildings in the Chicago Loop, conducted by H. A. Leedy. was directed toward proper foundation design and sound insulation of buildings affected by the new Chicago subway. GOLF MACHINE.
Under the direction of
T. C. Poulter and C. G. Anderson, the design and construction of a machine to make an accurate classification of golf balls continue for the United States Golf Association. It is intended that all tournament balls in particular meet uniform specifications as to flight, distance, and behavior, i n order that the player's skill alone may determine his game. The machine is capable of delivering tested balls at the rate of 3 0 per second. GRAIN STORAGE.
C. G. Anderson has re-
cently completed an extensive series of studies concerning the effect of temperature and relative humidity on the storage of corn. The temperature range varied from 32° to 120° F. and the relative humidity, O to 100 per cent. Investigations were also made t o determine the loss of moisture in bins of corn of varying depth. Dr. Anderson was assisted by P. FitsPatrick and Irwin Fieldhouse. HEATING EQUIPMENT*. A new type of heat
exchanger surface and its engineering data were the subjects of an investigation by Max Jakob. This study was completed during the year. OFFICE
EQUIPMENT.
Several
manufac-
turers of office equipment have had an investigation under way i n the Acoustics Laboratory, which is equipped t o study noise levels in office machines of all kinds and to redesign such equipment and reduce the noise intensity. SEISMIC MEASUREMENTS.
Using a spe-
cially designed portable seismograph, extensive measurements have been made to determine the magnitude of vibrations produced by heavy manufacturing equipment, such as large power hammers, and by dynamiting operations -where such activities are carried on in close proximity to heavily populated areas. SPOTLIGHT DESIGN.
Development of a
low-cost photographic spotlight is the subject of a study nearing completion in the Optics Laboratory under the direction of W. W. Colvert. A somewhat unconventional system is used to obtain a sharply defined light using inexpensive materials and construction. TEMPERATURE
OF CATALYSTS.
An
in-
tensive study of the true temperature attained by certain catalysts i n promoting specific reactions has continued throughout the past year and carries over into the next fiscal period, under the direction of Max Jakob. Experimental Engineering Many special investigations have been undertaken by the Experimental Engineering Division to determine the merits of apparatus and equipment used in industry or in t h e home. Such investigations have included studies of domestic
views m iQTiRnirs.
Upper Left. Studying s p e c t r a l s h i f t at h i g h pressures. Above. Hightemperature rotary kiln. Right. The liquid coal developmental laboratory.
Above. Experimental cjoal £ recessing unit, eft. Measuring thermal conductivity of semirefractories. Below. Measuring insulating value o£ building materials.
rc?un**auu«& •
NEWS EDITION
OCTOBER 10, 1939 washing machines, space heaters fired with coal or oil, cooking utensils, unit heaters, automobile lieaters, ventilating fans and blowers, door* and windows, roofing materials, etc. The program of this division consists largely in providing an experimental engineering service for industry, and thereby assisting in the development and improvement of engineering equipment a n d apparatus of all kinds. This division has been carrying on a continuous program o f research and testing in the field of heat insulation. Of particular interest h a s been the work on vermiculite insulation in both loose fill and block form. The latter is the most recent development, and is being proposed for many industrial uses. I t consists of molded blocks formed of granular vermiculite with a binder of clay or other suitable material. Experiments show that such blocks can be used at temperatures up to 1500° F. and that the neat conductivity is low a s compared with many materials usually used in this temperature range. In the field of low-temperature insulation, considerable work has been done on quite a variety of cast building units, made from many kinds of aggregate and with Portland cement as a Under. Many of these units show a heat transmission considerably lower tban brick or ordinary concrete. The strength o f such units is such that they can b e used in the construction of load-bearing walls. In the field of combustion some interesting work has been done in the investigation of temperature distribution around oil-fired space heaters. Stove design has an important bearing on such distribution, the studies sbowang that widely varying results can b e obtained through changes in design. Although the Experimental Engineering Division reported o n several hundred investigations during the year, the majority required only a. few hours or days of experimentation. On the other hand, this division has been conducting a number of long-term investigations, some of which have run a year or more, depending upon the problem. Announceable progress on some of the latter type of studies follows: AIR COMPRESSORS.
The W. R. Brown
Corp. has work under way on the development of improved diaphragm materials for air compressors, and has started a series of break-down tests leading to improvements in compressor design. The projeot is being conducted by Robert Foster and N . J. Kotulla. COAL STOKERS. The stoker research for
the Whiting Corp., actives for two years, continues into its third year under the direction of W. A. Pearl. Studies to date have been directed toward the development and improvement of underfeed stokers, both hopper and bin types. These investigations have involved operating tests with coals of the major fields throughout the United States and Canada. Studies completed or in progress include friability., coal-treatment effects, headroom, overfiro draft, controls, corrosion, design, and materials of construction. CONCRETE SLAB. Under L. E. Grinter an
investigation of the mechanical aspects of precast concrete slabs i n building construction has been completed in its first phase. A part of this work has appeared as a technical bulletin dealing with precast concrete floor panels. CRANE MOTORS. This study, carrying over into the new year, concerns the development of speed regulation methods for crane hoists. Collaborating on it are D . E. Richardson and Ernst Sehmirs.
FIRE HAZARDS.
625
A Chicago manufacturer
was sponsor for an investigation of the bensene-recovering processes used in his coal plant. The purpose of the investigation was to prepare recommendations concerning safety to life and property. The survey and report covered operating practice, installation of. new equipment, modification of existing equipment, and inspection and maintenance procedures. The details included fire department organisation, fire alarm system, water supply and distribution, special fire-extinguishing equipment, protection against lightning and electrostatic discharge, and procedure in handling and transferring hazardous liquids. The work was done by T. C Poulter and J. B. Finnegan. MECHANICAL CRANE BRAKES.
Sponsored
by the Whiting Corp., a mechanical crane brake has been designed to eliminate excessive heating under continuous operation of the brake. The work on this project was done by T. C. Poulter and P. J. FitsPatrick, assisted by Irwin Fieldhouse. POT BURNERS. An extensive study of kerosene space heaters of the pot burner type is being sponsored by a stove manufacturer. The objectives are to acquire a more complete understanding of the ideal operating conditions of such burners, and then to make such conditions possible in commercial burners. SOLENOID BRAKES.
A new type of sole-
noid brake, designed by the Whiting Corp. for its own use, is being subjected to a severe life test at the foundation. Operating at the rate of 7000 on and off cycles per day, the brake mechanism will be run unjbil it is completely worn out. The unit will then be redesigned to eliminate the weakness disclosed by the test. F u n d a m e n t a l Research Activities Since its establishment, t h e policy of the Research Foundation has been t o maintain a program of investigation of a fundamental type in numerous fields for the purpose of extending the frontiers of human knowledge in general. This work is ordinarily of a broad nature, as distinguished from the more specifically pointed character of the industrial projects. The so-named fundamental research activities of the foundation may be considered as the development of new tools of research and the sharpening of existing ones. Present fundamental studies include work in high pressures, high-speed photography, x-rays, electronics, and Antarctic exploration units. These will be described briefly.
millionth of a second with apertures as small as 1:8. Further studies are being directed toward a new type of extreme-speed motion picture equipment, and preliminary tests indicate that it will operate at unbelievable speeds. Operating data will be released very soon. X - R A T STUDIES.
Continuing from the
time of establishment of the Research Foundation, the X-Ray Laboratory has been expanding its facilities for handling both organic and inorganic investigations. With the final units soon to be in place this laboratory, under the direction of George E. Ziegler, will be one of the finest and most completely equipped in the United States. Among the current fundamental x-ray studies is an investigation of the grain structures of cast metals. J. A. Sohaad is beginning a study of protein structure, concerned at this time primarily with the addition compounds and derivatives of collagen and elastin. G. E. Ziegler and H. G. Fisk are collaborating in a particularly significant investigation leading to the combination and petrographio microscopic and x-ray methods of analysis in the better understanding of refractories. The two methods serve as complements and yield much new information. VOCAL ELECTRON ORGAN.
E. L. Kent of
the staff has recently completed the basic research work and has finished construction of the first unit of a working model of an electric organ which operates on principles never before used in this field. This instrument involves the use of vacuum tube circuits in a new combination for the production of tones and will be capable of making a single complex wave usable at different frequencies by means of a new frequency changer principle. The single complex wave may originate from a vacuum tube generator, a reed, bar, string, or even from the human voice. In the latter case words spoken into a microphone used with the instrument will be changed in pitch, depending upon what keys are pressed, and will come from the loud speakers as singing if the keys are properly played. If two keys are pressed simultaneously a duet will result; four keys, a quartet; and so forth. The pitch range depends upon the keys, so a man may sing either in a bass voice using the low keys, or a soprano voice using high keys. The musician may produce a chorus of voices on one manual and organ accompaniment on another manual. ANTARCTIC SNOW
CRUISER.
The most
intricate design project undertaken by the Research Foundation, the giant Antarctic Snow Cruiser, is nearing completion. The data necessary for proper design were accumulated by T. C. Poulter during two years HIGH PRESSURE. The work of T. C. Poulter and assistants in studying the be- on the Antarctic Continent as second-inhavior of materials under the highest man- command and senior scientist of the last made pressures ever reached continues into Byrd expedition. Built to travel rapidly the new fiscal year as a fundamental project. over the ice and snow of Antarctica, the Pressures as high as 1,500,000 pounds per Snow Cruiser rides on the largest tires in world, carries a five-passenger plane on square inch are used. Of special note is the the its deck, and is equipped with laboratory, work of Robert Williams, Eli Wichnick dark room, galley, living quarters, machine Fellow. During the past year investiga- shop, storerooms, and control cabin. It will tions of hypoid gear lubricants, molded re- carry a crew of four with supplies for a full fractory products, and the fracture of human year and fuel for a cruising range of 6000 bones have dominated the activities of this miles. During its three-year stay in the laboratory. The spectrograph, viscometer, South Polar Continent it will explore an and other common laboratory appliances area as large as the United States. F. A. have been adapted to use at the extreme Wade, senior scientist of this expedition, is pressures encountered, thus broadening the making his headquarters at the Research scope of studies for the coming year. Foundation in preparation for the trip. HIGH-SPEED PHOTOGRAPHY.
TO meet the
demands of industrial design problems and fundamental studies which call for observation and study of extremely short cycles and physical phenomena, F. W. Godwin has begun a study of methods for making photographs at speeds beyond those heretofore reached. This work, started in March, 1939, has produced a new method and apparatus for taking accurately timed photographic exposures at less than one-
Research Staff A number of changes and additions t o the research staff have been made during the past year. Harold Vagtborg has been appointed director, and Thomas C. Poulter, scientific director. Ralph H. Manley, formerly associate professor of chemistry at Armour Institute, has been made assistant director.
626
INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
The work of the foundation has been divided into the divisions of physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, ceramics and nonmetallics, metallurgy, and experimental engineering. Thomas C. Poulter is in charge of the Divisions of Physics and Metallurgy; Ralph H. Manley is responsible for the Division of Chemistry: Francis W. Godwin heads the Division of Chemical Engineering; H. G. Fisk is in charge of the Division of Ceramics and Nonmetallics; and J. C. Peebles is in charge of the Division of Experimental Engineering. New men who have joined the staff during the year include C. O. Dohrenwend, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Cyril D. Evans, from the University of Minnesota; H. G. Fisk, from The Ohio State University; Cecil E. Hammett, from the Armour Institute of Technology: M. H. Heeren, from the University of Iowa; Howard Kindsvater, from the University of Iowa; Donald E. Richardson, from the University of Chicago; and Ernst Schwarz, from Technische Hochschule of Vienna.
Industrial Alcohol I n s t i t u t e t o Dissolve HB Industrial Alcohol Institute, Inc., 420 Lexington Aire., New York, N. Y., will be dissolved not later than January 15, 1940, according t o a resolution unanimously adopted at a meeting of its Board of Directors September 21, 1939. The institute was organized February 20, 1926, and has cooperated since that date with scientific societies, trade organizations, and others concerned in protecting and promoting the uses of industrial alcohol—ethyl and denatured—under federal and state laws. In the resolution the board praised particularly the services of Miss R. £. Boyce, executive secretary, and Captain James P. McGovern, general counsel. Miss Boyce isfinishingher twelfth year with the institute. Captain AAcGrovern, who has been active in the industry for 39 years and general counsel of the institute since its organization, will continue the general practice of law in the Munsey Building, Washington, D. C.
T
OLLOWING the usual trend, imports into the United States of chemicals, drying F oils, drying oil seeds, and related products
Morris J. Blish, formerly head of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at the University of Nebraska and professor and chairman of the Department of Chemistry of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station, has been appointed chief of the Protein Division, Western Regional Research Laboratory, Albany, Calif., U. S. Bureau of Agricultural Chemistry and Engineering. He will direct research looking toward the development of new industrial uses for the proteins of wheat, alfalfa, seeds, and kernels, and of other commodities to be investigated in the Western Regional Research Laboratory. Dr. Blish will take up his new duties October 16. George O. Ollara has been appointed sales manager of the Electrode Division, Great Lakes Carbon Corp., Niagara Falls, N. Y. Mr. O'Hara was previously connected with the Republic Carbon Co., the National Carbon Co., and the Detroit Electric Furnace Co. as
dustrial alcohol, but to advise and assist those who met unique problems in their effort to carry on legitimate business with the least inconvenience under the laws and regulations. To all such it is gratifying to know that Captain McGovern will continue the general practice of law and there will doubtless be many who will avail themselves of his unique experience. Columbia University C h e m i s t s to Organize HB proposal has been made that an alumni association of Columbia chemists be organized, and a letter has been sent to all chemistry graduates who can be reached. Columbia chemists are urgently requested to send their present addresses to Harold C. Urey, Executive Officer, Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, N. Y.
T
B r i t i s h C o d Liver O i l E x p o r t s to United States SHABP increase in British cod liver oil exports to the United States during the current year as compared with 1938 is reported by the Department of Commerce. Declared shipments to the United States from Huu and Grimsby, the chief centers of the British cod liver oil industry, during the first seven months of 1939 amounted to 592,969 gallons, valued at $443,341, against 306,231 gallons, valued at $196,798, in the corresponding period of 1938. The 1939 exports, however, were appreciably under those for the first seven months of 1937 when shipments to the American market totaled 926,547 gallons, valued at $526,604.
A
August Chemical Imports Low
continued low in August but were still slightly above receipts of such materials in the same months of last year, according to the Chemical Division, Department of Commerce. The aggregate value of such imports was recorded at $11,224,000 during the month, which compared with $11,500,000 in July and $10,480,000 in August, 1938. increases occurred in imports of cod liver oil, beeswax, tankage, gums and resins, crude drugs and other medicinal materials, certain drying oils and waxes, and receipts of industrial chemicals and fertilizer materials declined somewhat. Receipts of tung oil were sharply down from 9,500,000 pounds in August, 1988, to 4,592,000 pounds during the current August, but this decrease was more than offset by heavier imports of other drying oils and drying oil seeds. Imports of perilla oil increased from 2,343,000 pounds in August, 1938, to 5,697,000 pounds during the current August; flaxseed, from 1,288,000 to 1,511,500 bushels during these periods; and oiticica oil, from 385,400 to 3,324,000 pounds.
VOL. 17. NO. 19
James P. McGovern The above paragraphs constitute the official statement released by the office of the executive secretary of the Industrial Alcohol Institute, Inc., and indicate that a long career of service is to cease with the current year. The consuming industries, the scientific societies, and various research centers will regret the passing of an organization which has rendered distinguished service on many an occasion. It is not difficult to remember numerous instances upon which those representing the Industrial Alcohol Institute did everything that could be done within the law to carry out the congressional mandate to "place the nonbeverage alcohol industry and other industries using such alcohol as a chemical raw material or for other lawful purpose, upon the highest possible plane of scientific and commercial efficiency consistent with the interests of the Government and which shall ensure an ample supply of such alcohol and promote its use in scientific research and the development of fuels, dyes, and other lawful products". Many of those concerned know personally the officers of the institute, and the representatives of adhering concerns who supported the institute's activities. A considerably larger number in their work have become acquainted with Miss Boyce, the executive secretary, and particularly with Captain McGovern, who, as the release indicates, has been active on behalf of industrial alcohol for some 39 years. He has frequently gone beyond the reuirements in the discharge of his official uties in giving freely of sound advice and in aiding wherever he could, not only to protect the status of nonbeverage or in-
a
Oiticica Oil I m p o r t s A d v a n c i n g NITED States imports of oiticica oil, a product of Brazil, are increasing rapidly, and if maintained at the present rate should reach approximately 20,000,000 pounds during the current year, according to the Chemical Division. Department of Commerce. Imports during the first eight months of the current year aggregated 12,248,863 pounds, compared with 5,300,899 pounds during the whole of 1938 and 3,631,147 pounds in 1937. Great impetus has been given to the oiticica oil industry by developments in the Orient which have restricted the exportation of tung oil from China and caused its price to rise sharply in world markets.
U
