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Overhyping Technology by Britt Storkson Owner, P2FlowLLC There has been a lot of press lately about AI - artificial intelligence. It’s been promoted as something almost magical in nature, but it’s really not. AI’s computer program simply stores information it gathers, and uses it to alter its operation based on directions from the program. In a sense, it “learns” from the inputs it gets. For example, a temperature sensor could detect a high ambient heat condition and turn on a fan to cool the equipment. Its program might direct it to keep the fan on continuously if it senses temperatures over a certain point for a certain time rather than turn it on and off numerous times. When saved in memory, this information can be used to alter how it works (via the computer program) and, if done correct- ly, will benefit the equipment. What makes all of this happen is the microprocessor. Microprocessors are not complicated devices. Simply put, all microprocessors do is respond to volt- age levels on the pins . . . which are little metal “leads” that extend from the plas- tic case and usually are soldered to a printed circuit board (see photo on page 54) and respond to them as directed by its computer program. When I say vol tage, Gypsum is a mineral found in crystal as well as masses called gypsum rock. It’s a soft mineral, which can form colored crystals. Massive gypsum rock forms within layers of sedimentary rock, typically found in thick beds or layers. Gypsum is com- monly associated with rock salt and sulfur deposits. Most of the world’s gypsum is produced by surface mining operations. In the U.S., gypsum is mined in about 19 states. The states producing the most gypsum are Oklahoma, Iowa, Nevada, Texas, and California. These states account for about two-thirds of the total U.S. annual production of gyp- sum. Over 30 million tons of gypsum is consumed in the U.S. annually. More than 90 countries produce gypsum. In most open-pit gypsum operations, benches are drilled and blasted using ammonium nitrate as the explosive. Because gypsum is soft, most drills can drill through it at a rate of roughly 23 feet per minute. Gypsum is processed and used as prefabricated wallboard (sheet rock) or as building plaster, used in cement manufacture, agriculture, etc. All modern homes in North America and other developed countries use a great deal of wall- board for interior walls. The U.S. is the world’s leading consumer of wallboard at over 30 billion square feet per year. Some gypsum is used to make Portland cement. A small amount of very pure gypsum is used in glass making and other spe- cialized industrial applications. It is used as a flux for creating earthenware, and can be used as a fertilizer. The variety “alabaster” is carved for ornamental use, such as artistic sculptures and pottery. Because gypsum is porous, it is easily dyed. It is also used as an additive in turbid water, particularly ponds, to settle dirt and clay particles without injuring aquatic life. Gypsum is recognized as acceptable for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as a dietary source of calcium, to condition water used in brewing beer, to control the tartness and clarity of wine, and as an ingredient in canned vegetables, flour, white bread, ice cream, blue cheese, and other foods. Historically, gypsum has played an important role in the entertainment industry. Before computers and high-tech special effects, film and television producers would drop “showers” of gypsum in front of the cameras to imitate snowstorms. The World of Minerals MIN Storkson cont’d on page 54. 48 MARCH 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®