91SHl$Mffiest Research institute Reports Progress H A R O L D V A G T B O R G , President, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Tex.
The researches of SRI reflect the industrial p o t e n t i a l of the g r e a t Southwest E m p i r e — p e t r o l e u m , fire control, resources of the Gulf of M e x i c o , a n d building construction
This 46-foot schooner is bei n g e q u i p p e d b y Southwest Research Institute as an océanographie laboratory U I N C E its inception two years ago, Southwest Research Institute has made rapid strides in its progress toward fulfillment of its dedicated purpose—to render a broad scientific and technological research service to industry, agriculture, and the public. A review of the past two years' operations discloses that a total of 92 sponsors has been served in conducting 77 major research projects and 140 special investigations of relatively short-term nature. T h e combined staff totals 160 scientists, engineers, technicians, and service people, representing a significant growth during that period. Laboratory facilities have been greatly expanded to accommodate the increase in staff and volume of research. Chemistry, chemical engineering, and biochemistry programs make u p a large portion of t h e total research effort. Southwest Research Institute and its sister organization, the Foundation of Applied Research, are deeply concerned with fundamental research in agriculture and medicine. Projects of t h e latter character are normally conducted under the auspices of the foundation, the staff and facilities of which are closely integrated with those of the institute. This division's work on cancer, biological preparations, leukemia, tracer elements in plant growth, ova transplantation, sheep breeding, a n d cattle sterility, is briefly reported. Organization of the institute follows a n unorthodox p a t t e r n in that the various research departments, chemical engineering, chemistry a n d agriculture, minerals technology, instrumentation and physics, and engineering mechanics, are supplemented by divisions representing specific 3966
fields of endeavor. T h e four divisions are petroleum technology, fire technology, oceanography a n d meteorology, and building construction technology. These have administrative function and maintain contact with research sponsors a n d programs in their several fields. The various research departments prosecute all research activities and maintain the research facilities. This organizational arrangement promotes focusing of attention to specific selected fields in which a significant research contribution may b e made and assures effective utilization of the pooled manpower and facilities of the research departments. The petroleum technology division is concerned with research a n d engineering primarily in exploration a n d production. Although this division is conducting work in other branches of t h e industiy, such as refining a n d new products, it realizes, nevertheless, that in exploration and production it has its best opportunity to work in fields of " c o m m o n denominator" interest to t h e industry. T h e division of fire technology provides a u n i q u e service in technological and scientific studies of fire and fire control. Chemical extinguishants, wetting agents, fire resistive coatings for materials, toxicity h a z a r d s , and spontaneous heating and combustion are typical examples of investigations carried on u n d e r this division. Large land a r e a s available for field operations permit large scale testing installations so that fire resistive properties of materials or effectiveness of extinguishing systems need n o t b e confined to miniature conflagrations and small samples. C H E M I C A L
T h e establishment of the oceanography a n d meteorology division was announced in April of 1949 a n d an excellent sea-going vessel for field operations m a d e available to it. During the year this vessel has been equipped with much instrumentation for the study of problems in marine and physical oceanography in t h e Gulf of Mexico. More specifically, t h e division has undertaken a major program, through t h e sponsorship of a group of oil companies, relating t o t h e development of long range plans t o reduce the cost of offshore production. T h e division is concerned with the development of the Gulf of Mexico as a great natural resource to t h e nation and is equipping itself to h a n d l e t h e variety of problems that t h i s involves. T h e building construction technology division concerns itself with broad objectives in the development of quality and lower costs in building construction. International Interests In keeping with the policy of the Federal Government with respect t o collaboration with foreign governments and agencies who are friendly to this nation, the institute is taking advantage o f the broad experience that a substantial n u m ber of its staff members have had i n foreign service on technological matters. Already two important programs are u n d e r w a y for foreign corporations and several projects for foreign governments are p e n d ing, involving primarily t h e evaluation of agricultural, mineralogical, a n d industrial potentialities in these countries. T h e institute conducts research for a variety of types of sponsorship, including individuals, associations, corporations, as well as municipal, state, a n d federal agencies. Although m u c h of its scientific findings are published in various journals from time to time, it is a policy of t h e inAND
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stitute that the work is conducted in the degree of confidence desired b y the spon soring organization. Announceable prog ress on a n u m b e r of projects under way at t h e institute a n d foundation follows: F u n d a m e n t a l Research Activities C a n c e r : A cancer research program is in progress supported jointly by the American Cancer Society, G. D. Searle & Co., private individuals, and the founda tion. A part of the work is being carried out in cooperation with Gregory Pincus of the Worcester Foundation for Experi mental Biology at Shrewsbury, Mass. The work is concerned mainly with a study of ehemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. Microbiological source mate rials, particularly those from fungi and bacteria, are being tested both against leukemia a n d sarcomas of experimental animals. Various etiological factors con cerned with tumor growth are also being investigated. T h e program is in t h e pre liminary stage a n d a number of encourag ing results h a v e b e e n obtained. O v a Transplantation: A program has been supported through grants from Swift & Co., T o m Slick, a n d others on the gen eral problem of ova transplantation in cattle. T h e techniques have been applied with success in t h e case of rabbits and sheep and a n u m b e r of pregnancies have been obtained in t h e case of cattle. It is expected that t h e first calves will b e pro d u c e d by this technique in the near future. L a n d Utilization: A project is being carried out by Essar Ranch in which the foundation is cooperating, t h e objective of which is to find the best means of re storing land that is covered with various kinds of brush. T h e results so far indi cate that most of t h e brush can be cleared by a n application of kerosene at t h e base of t h e tree and that after standing for a year or better, it can b e knocked down with a bulldozer a n d is brittle enough to be c h o p p e d u p into relatively small pieces by a heavy cylindrical-type cutter which is pulled behind t h e bulldozer. A search is being m a d e for a type of spray that can be applied to t h e leaves of t h e brush in order to bring a b o u t a more effective and more economical method of killing it. P e r m a n e n t R a n g e l a n d Experiments : T h e institute is experimenting with various p a s t u r e grasses a n d legumes to determine which plants will grow best in the South Texas vicinity u n d e r natural conditions. Antibiotic Studies: Several h u n d r e d species a n d strains of molds have been collected a n d studied for antibiotic prop erties. T h e s e molds were collected from
the soil a n d from human and animal exudates. Numerous ones have shown considerable antibiotic activities. T h e s e include some of the airborne types not previously shown to have antibiotic activi ties. Allergenic Studies: Allergenic mold ex tracts have been under investigation. Special emphasis has been placed upon t h e standardization and preservation of their activity by special drying processes. T h e techniques employed in preparing these materials may h a v e considerable practical application in prolonging t h e shelf life of the extracts. Chlorosis: T h e problem of chlorosis, common in this part of t h e state, has r e ceived considerable attention. Plants showing typical chlorotic conditions were tre; ed with various types of fertilizers a p plied to the soil as well as b y spraying onto the leaves. Although results obtained have not always been constant, definite progress and leads have b e e n obtained towards the solution of this problem. Mesquite T h o r n : T h e chemical a n d mechanical properties of t h e mesquite thorn were studied for unusual properties. It was found that t h e thorn was covered with a waxy material containing certain acids t h a t a p p e a r e d to b e particularly irri tating to the eye tissue, leading almost in variably to blindness. In addition, a n u m b e r of fungi w e r e also found to b e common on the mesquite thorn which may further aggravate eye conditions. Agricultural Technology Brush Killers: A study was conducted for Stull Chemicals Inc., the objective of which was t o establish definitely t h e trans location of brush killers applied to t h e leaves or trunks of trees. Radioactive iodine 131 was synthesized w i t h the b r u s h killer a n d applied t o various trees a n d shrubs a n d its movement was then fol lowed with a Geiger counter. It w a s found that the radioactive material a p parently moved d o w n through the phloem and was distributed into t h e root system. B a n a n a W a s t e P r o d u c t s : An investiga tion is u n d e r way for Monterrey Metal a n d Iron Co. to determine possible m e a n s of using banana stalks in industry. A com plete bibliography covering t h e subject was p r e p a r e d and a n u m b e r of recom mendations were m a d e with respect to use of this material in industries that could b e established without a high capital invest ment. U p g r a d i n g Meat Studies: T h e Institute of Inventive Research sponsored a project to determine the possibilities of the p r a c tical application of t h e Schotte process for
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Tex.
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upgrading m e a t . I n these experiments, several calves a n d goats w e r e slaughtered and melted tallow a n d lard w e r e injected into the carcass immediately after slaughter t h r o u g h t h e blood vessels of t h e animal. Prior t o the injection of t h e fats, the blood was washed out of the system by passing a saline solution through the blood vessels. It was observed that the fat entered the capillary system and brought about a proportion of fat a n d lean in the edible parts of the carcass which is some what similar t o that produced in t h e normal fattening process. It was also ob served that the covering of fat on t h e out side of t h e carcass was m u c h greater in the case of t h e injected animals as com pared to noninjected controls. Palatability tests on t h e m e a t from ani mals treated in this manner did not indi cate any striking difference as judged b y a panel of eight tasters. It w a s concluded that this m e t h o d of u p g r a d i n g meat has definite possibilities b u t needs consider ably more investigation before it can b e applied commercially. Chemistry Waste Disposal: Celanese Corp. of America is continuing to sponsor a project concerned with the waste disposal of t h e effluent p r o d u c e d b y its plant at Bishop, Tex. This work is being carried out in close collaboration with similar research in the Celanese plant laboratories. T h e program consists of t w o phases, t h e first of which is concerned with periodic checks of boiler b l o w d o w n a n d cooling tower waters before they are dischargea into a nearby stream and checks o n the stream at various points a b o v e the plant, at t h e point of discharge, and at several points below the p l a n t . T h e second phase of t h e program in volves a research study of methods for re ducing and decomposing t h e process efflu ent water w h i c h is n o w b e i n g disposed of by means of solar evaporation from large lagoons. Another p h a s e of t h e research program is concerned with t h e validity of the bio chemical oxygon d e m a n d ( B . O . D . ) deter mination when applied to industrial wastes of a chemical n a t u r e , since this determina tion was developed in connection with domestic s e w a g e studies. F r o m experi ments on 26 organic compounds it was concluded that the B.O.D. determination could be applied with confidence to chemical w a s t e s containing these products. Compounds tested w e r e acetic acid, formic acid, n-amyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, nbutyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, methyl alco hol, η-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, acetaldehyde, n - b u t y r a l d e h y d e , isobutyraaldehyde, formaldehyde, propionaldehyde, ethyl acetate ethylaceto acetate, sodium acetate, c a l c i u m formate, methyl formate, sodium formate, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, a n d anhydrous glucose. Plastic C o n t a i n e r s : An investigation is under way to study possible use of plastic containers as substitutes for glass, to r e duce cost of p a c k a g i n g a n d transporting such materials and biological substances and milk. A n u m b e r of plastic materials have been fabricated into various shapes. It was found that some of these can b e closed by heat-sealing and the contents removed b y a u n i q u e m e t h o d developed in the laboratory. Food Processing a n d Related Research: A local cc-ivpany w a s interested in furnish ing a service t o mothers that would supply a prepared milk formula for infants on a regular schedule. A considerable a m o u n t of work w a s d o n e ; the process was stand ardized, a n d instructions w e r e provided 3967
Biology T r i d i n e T h e r a p e u t i c U s e : An organic iodine d e v e l o p e d by C l a i m a n t Chemical Co., Inc., is b e i n g studied for its thera p e u t i c use in t h e control of mycotic dis eases. T h i s s t u d y is carried on in co operation with a n u m b e r of local physi cians w h o are administering the drug to specially selected patients. It is also b e ing evaluated as a substitute for iodine in certain a s t h m a t i c cases. T h e informa tion collected will be used in an applica tion to t h e F o o d a n d D r u g Administration to permit the m a n u f a c t u r e and sale of t h e drug. T h e r a p e u t i c Effect of E t h i o t h a n e K: An experiment w a s c o n d u c t e d in cooperation with Kssar Ranch to d e t e r m i n e t h e value of e t h i o t h a n e Κ in the treatment of chronic brucellosis. F i x e cows suffering from this disease w e r e t r e a t e d over a considerable period of t i m e . F r o m the blood aggluti nation tests there was no indication t h a t any benefit w a s obtained from t h e treat ments. W o o l S t u d i e s : A project was conducted for the Institute of Inventive Research on application to loose or sheared wool of the process used i n plasticizing pelts. This s t u d y was carried on in cooperation with a local tannery and woolen mill. T h e wool was treated a n d t h e n processed into cloth and a s t u d y was m a d e on its shrinkage reduction. M i c r o o r g a n i s m s in P e t r o l e u m : A project was sponsored by a local individual rela tive to t h e possible role t h a t microorgan isms might play i n t h e conversion of vari ous petroleum fractions into industrial products. S a m p l e s of m u d and oil w e r e obtained from o n e of t h e d e e p wells m W e s t Texas a n d a test of t h e bacterial flora was m a d e . I n addition, m u d samples w e r e also o b t a i n e d from o n e region in t h e Gulf a n d b a c t e r i a l counts w e r e m a d e from these samples. O n t h e basis of the en couraging results obtained in this project, a literature s u r v e y w a s m a d e a n d plans outlined for continuing t h e s t u d y on a comprehensive basis. Snake V e n o m Studies: A project was Paul Keesee takes s a m p l e of blood from H e r e f o r d initiated for an independent p r e p a r a t o r y to testing for brucellosis (Bang's disease) sponsor on the value of a (preparation for use as a treatment in snake bite. Pooled venom from western diamondback rattlesnakes was obtained and experi ments w e r e conducted to d e termine maximum tolerated dosages in small animals. T h e purpose was t h e even tual application of this m a t e rial in h u m a n medicine if the product showed activity. Citrus Research: The newly established Texas Citrus Commission has named the Southwest R e search Institute as research director a n d scientific co ordinator for all experimental work to be done for the com mission. A n u m b e r of state, federal, and private agencies will b e concerned in t h e effort further to improve a n d standardize the quality of citrus p r o d u c e d in the Rio G r a n d e Valley of Texas. A coordinated program b e i n g worked out b y t h e institute a n d cooperating agencies will not only cover t h e scientific objectives b u t will also p r e vent duplication of effort a n d overlapping of experiments.
which would ensure the highest t y p e m a t e rial from a bacteriological a n d sanitary standpoint. A local food manufacturer m a r k e t i n g jellies, dried milk products, a n d other items of a similar nature experienced diffi culty from the development of molds in their items. A study w a s c o n d u c t e d to determine t h e source of t h e c o n t a m i n a t i o n and r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s w e r e m a d e for its elimination. An investigation was c o n d u c t e d for the institute of Inventive Research which consisted of t h e evaluation of a number of food items of the appetizer t y p e which had been prep ireu using a s p e c i a l extru sion press and a baking oven. A tasting panel was employed to judge t h e value of these food products, which were all found to he of m a r k e t a b l e quality. H o u s e h o l d D e o d o r a n t s : A project was sponsored b y Texstur Corp. of S a n Antonio for t h e d e v e l o p m e n t of a h o u s e h o l d de odorant t h a t would h a v e special applica tion in refrigerators. T h e essential in gredient of t h e deodorant w a s prepared from cedar oil. A highly a b s o r b a n t ce ramic material was impregnated with the active ingredient a n d t h e c e r a m i c material was formed into a n egg c o n t a i n e r w h i c h would fit into a c o m p a r t m e n t o f t h e re frigerator. Tests were r i m u n d e r practical conditions using such a deodorizing egg rack. It w a s found that deodoriziation was accomplished in a satisfactory m a n n e r . Paint a n d L a c q u e r E v a l u a t i o n : For Petroleos Mexicanos t h e i n s t i t u t e evalu ated paints a n d lacquers t o allow the company to continue providing t h e Mexi can market with high g r a d e materials of proved quality. Fluorosis in Cattle: Victor Chemical Works is sponsoring an investigation, the purpose of which is t o obtain more in formation on the physiological role of fluorine in cattle nutrition. T r i e experi m e n t s which w e r e c o n d u c t e d in Tennessee included a clinical examination of cattle and a laboratory study of their "bones and tissues u n d e r various c o n d i t i o n s of fluo rine intake. T h e results of this s t u d y h a v e not been completed.
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Rice Research: A c o m p a n y has a project .inder way at the institute to i m p r o v e t h e color and quality of rice t h a t reaches the consumer. O n e of t h e m a i n problems in this program is t o s e p a r a t e t h e off-color grains of rice from t h e o t h e r grains a n d thereby p r o d u c e a more standardized product. Chemical E n g i n e e r i n g H y d r o g é n a t i o n of E d i b l e Oils: An investigation was c o n d u c t e d for Vegetable Oil Refining Co. t o d e t e r m i n e t h e usability of h y d r o g e n o b t a i n e d from cracked ammonia with respect t o use in h y d r o g é n a tion of oil products. A miniature plant was constructed so that test samples could be p r o d u c e d of oil p r o d u c t s h y d r o g e n a t e d with hvdrogen to which h a d been a d d e d varying a m o u n t s of nitrogen. It was determined that a m m o n i a could b e u s e d as a suitable source of h y d r o g e n for this purpose. A further step in t h e p r o g r a m involved t h e design of an ammonia cracking unit to supply hydrogen for h y d r o genating edible oils. E n g i n e e r i n g data were completed. H y d r o c a r b o n Oxidation Process: T h e manufacture of common organic chemicals from simple hydrocarbons has attractive possibilities. An engineering evaluation of a specific process for this p u r p o s e was conducted a n d a definitive design of a commercial p l a n t and preliminary estimates of operating cost w e r e m a d e . P e c a n M e a t C l e a n i n g : An investigation for II. B. Zachry C o . e m b r a c e d t h e d e velopment of a m e t h o d for removing pecan worms from broken p e c a n meats. A n alcohol-water mixture was satisfactory for separation purposes, but complete separation was not obtained since a sizable percentage of t h e w o r m s fell within the density r a n g e of t h e p e c a n meats. C a l c i u m C a r b o n a t e in Stock F e e d : A comparative study of several commercially available b r a n d s of p o w d e r e d calcium carbonate w a s m a d e to d e t e r m i n e t h e relative advantages a n d disadvantages of each. Chemical a n d biological considerations permitted a complete evaluation of t h e calcium c a r b o n a t e materials. W a t e r p r o o f i n g a n d Separation M a t e rials: A study w a s m a d e of available w a t e r proofing materials for concrete, a n d coating materials t o permit effective slab separation were tested. A complete theory of slab separation was developed, a n d several coating materials w e r e investigated. T h e i r method of application, termination, a n d special features w e r e developed. P o t e n t i a l Uses of Silica: Corona Silica Corp. sponsored an investigation of p h y s ical and chemical properties of finely divided silica material which also i n cluded a use a n d market survey a n d analysis of t h e silica deposits originating i n Arkansas. Silvering Process for Glass: A technical study w a s u n d e r t a k e n for Samuels Glass Co. to improve a n d perfect a t e c h n i q u e developed b y t h e sponsor for spray-silvering mirrors. T h e research p r o g r a m h a s m a d e it possible t o m a k e a high g r a d e mirror b y this m e t h o d . Subsoil Injector for L i q u i d F e r t i l i z e r : Following a preliminary study of p r o b l e m s of injecting a liquid fertilizer b e n e a t h t h e soil surface at a proper rate, a n d p r o p e r l y spaced, a design p r o g r a m for a suitable machine to accomplish this w a s u n d e r taken for C. A. W h e r r y of Modesto, Calif. Continuous a n d automatic operation, w i t h approximately t w o injections p e r second taking place, are basic design r e q u i r e ments. Preliminary work has b e e n d o n e a n d the design is i n process. Pecan C o n d i t i o n i n g : T h e d e v e l o p m e n t of an i m p r o v e d pecan conditioning process
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and a method for prevention of rancidity was undertaken for H. B. Zachry Co. The study embraced an investigation of the effect of various conditioning procedures upon the yield of whole halves in the cracking and shelling process. A useful conditioning process, developed from this investigation, resulted in improved yield. Pecan storage without refrigeration was investigated to determine storage condi tions that retard the development of ran cidity and pecan meat discoloration. A :»torage method was developed which gave satisfactory protection from rancidity without sacrificing pecan meat color. Polymer Application to Wire Screen: The institute developed a process sug gested by a sponsor in which a new method of applying a polymer to wire screen for sign purposes was used. Hydrocarbon Gas Separation Process: The institute developed an ingenious low temperature process for the separation of natural gas into liquefied constituents. The process is characterized by simple, inex pensive equipment combined with low refrigeration and operating costs. Explosibility Limits of Fogged Insecti cides: A sponsor authorized an investiga tion to determine the explosion threshold conditions for insecticide fogs and also the development of a method for fogging in secticide under conditions which would be nonhazardous. Measurements of ex plosibility limits were made. A method for fogging insecticides under the explosionproof conditions was developed and possible potentialities were determined. Carburolith Process: Under the spon sorship of the Gasoline Research, Indus trial and Commercial Co. ( GARICO ) Inc. of Panama and Paris, France, ( Messrs. Jean Pathus-Labour and Pierre Joseph Mat), a project involving the use of the Carburolith process is under way. The Carburolith process is a method of solidi fying certain types of water-insoluble liquids to produce a substance which has the appearance of a solid but actually con tains 95% liquid. The work primarily involves the solidi fication of hydrocarbon liquids and the design, construction, and operation of a two-ton-per-hour pilot plant. In addition, a portable demonstration unit will be built. It is planned in the later stages of the project to investigate other possible com mercial uses to which the Carburolith technique may be applied. Possible ap plications are in the fields of pharma ceutics, insect repellents, domestic clothescleaning preparations, animal feeds, food specialties, atmosphere conditioners, and processes requiring intimate contact with solid reagents or catalysts for a period of time. Tea Concentrate: Texstar Corp. spon sored a method for producing an inexpen sive tea concentrate that would have satis factory shelf life and would not settle or cloud. The chemistry of tea extracts was investigated and general phase picture described. An optimum formula was de termined and manufacturing procedures were detailed. Natural tea flavor was preserved when the concentrate was used for either hot or iced tea beverage. The concentrate is now in commercial pro duction, and its stability is demonstrated by extended storage and widespread do mestic use. Mineral Wool Binder: The Materiales Aislantes, S. Α., is installing equipment to manufacture special mineral wo.ol prod ucts and requires plastic binders for them. The project involves the development of sources or compositions of the materials to be added and techniques of applica tion. Several binders have been selected, V O L U M E
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but the sponsor's cost and specification requirement justifies an extensive study to determine or develop more suitable mate rials. Efflorescence of Asbestos Shingles: Er ratic discoloration of colored asbestos shingles has been the cause for a large ercentage of rejections. The institute has een engaged by the Asbestos Co. of Texas to make a fundamental study of the colloidal phenomena existing within the shingle and has found economical meth ods of stabilizing the colors. Pre-permanent Hair Conditioner: Ini tial phases of a project involving the de velopment of an improved pre-permanent hair conditioner for accomplishing sev eral functions have been completed for the Marengo Industries, Inc. Domestic Water Fluorinator: A pat entable method has been found for fluorinating domestic drinking water. Devel opment of an apparatus utilizing an inex pensive cartridge refill which will provide uniform fluoride concentration at variable flow rates is in progress.
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Mechano-Chemical Engineering Motor Fuels and Lubricants Research: Research and evaluation services for the petroleum, petroleum-chemical, and auto motive industries on motor fuels and lubri cants comprised a major activity of the Engine Research Laboratory and Auto motive Road Test Laboratory. Equipped with special research engines and vehicles, these laboratories have been concerned with motor fuel antidetonation charac teristics; fuel deposit forming tendencies under both high and low temperature operating conditions; lubricating oil oxi dation resistance properties; lubricating oil dispersant and detergent qualities; lubri cant ability to cope with deleterious effects of high-sulfur Diesel fuels; and, perform ance of hypoid lubricants under condi tions of high-torque low-speed loading and high-speed low-torque loading. The automotive road test laboratory functions as a valuable complementary activity and offers a unique service in re search and evaluation with respect to pe troleum products, chemical additives to petroleum products, tires, and automotive auxiliaries. Military Fuel, Lubricant, and Engine Evaluation: The Engineer Research and Development Laboratories at Engineer Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., sponsored an endurance study of six small light-weight two-cycle gasoline engines incorporating several design innovations. Spark plug fouling and exhaust port plugging char acteristic studies were made. Mechanical component durability evaluation was the prime objective. Koad Test of Petroleum Products: A comprehensive road test and evaluation program was conducted for Texas Co. on a new motor oil and several other pe troleum products, including hypoid lubri cants, automatic transmission fluids, and wheel bearing greases. Of particular im portance were engine wear and engine deposit considerations under high-speed, high-temperature driving conditions. Motor Oil: A new motor oil, com pounded with several chemical additives, was given final exhaustive road tests in a program sponsored by the Continental Oil Co. Exceptional performance char acteristics with respect to engine wear and freedom from deposits resulted from the incorporation of a wear-reducing addi tive and suitable detergent. Drilling Mud Mixe? : It is recognized that the function of drilling muds in con trolling the various difficult conditions met
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1950
in present day deep drilling is becoming ever more important. Investigation showed a need for a pro portioning mud mixer to be used in mix ing two dry muds or chemicals at the drilling rig and adding these to the mud supply. It was shown to be especially desirable to develop a mud mixer which would not use a standard jet mixing ac tion, and therefore, would not require an extra mud pump for this purpose. A twohopper magnetic vibrating feed machine was designed, built, and tested. Petroleum Products Evaluation: An ex tensive road test is in progress for Stand ard Oil Co. ( Ind. ) utilizing a fleet of test cars driven under precisely controlled conditions simulating those of the "ave rage" driver. This program, supplemented by extensive operation of engines on dy namometer stands in the sponsor's labo ratory, will require the operation of six to nine cars a distance of over 30,000 miles each. Minerals Technology Asphaltic Limestone as a Soil Condi tioner: Field and laboratory tests to de termine the suitability of asphaltic lime stone as a soil conditioner for various types of crops are cosponoored by White's Uvalde Mines and Uvalde Rock Asphalt Co., San Antonio. The project is also de signed to compare the efficiency of as phaltic lime for this purpose to commer cial "aglime." Radioactive Minerals: The institute has cooperated with prospectors and land owners throughout the Southwest in their search for raaioactive raw materials, with the result that several groups of samples exhibiting high radioactivity have been submitted for examination. Beneficiation of Texas Sandy Kaolin: The sandy kaolin deposits of Central Texas are roughly composed of 70% sand and 30% kaolin. The activation of these deposits would definitely prove a boon to the ceramic industry of the Southwest. To this end, the Morris reflux classifier, an invention submitted to the Institute of Inventive Research, has been successfully employed to separate the kaolin and sand particles by water elutriation. Mexican Nonmetallic Minerals: Under the sponsorship of Andres Zertuche, Mon terrey, Mexico, various nonmetallics of north and central Mexico were studied. The utilization and market potentialities both in Mexico and this country of barite, tripoli, gypsum, soapstone, calcite, and pigments were given special consideration. Minerals of the Southwest: A neverending succession of metallic mineral specimens and samples are submitted by private individuals and companies through out the Southwest. Identification and evaluation through pétrographie and mineralographic examinations, chemical analyses, and firing tests on ceramic raw materials are providing an impetus to the development of the Southwest'? mineral raw materials. Library and Bibliography Services: The library has approximately 10,000 volumes of scientific and technical literature. The collections have grown to such an extent that outside organizations and schools in San Antonio are becoming constant users of the institute's library. Also, the library is the headquarters for the translation project of the Special Libraries Association. This project maintains an index which locates translations of foreign technical articles available in the United States and a directory of people who are competent translators of technical articles written in foreign languages. 3669
