Document DMmQJ7LDqZQQrpKnkGGVML855

ASARCO AMERICAN SMELTING AND REFINING COMPANY CENTRAL RESEARCH LABORATORIES SOUTH PLAI NFI eLD. N. J.. 07080 'ECEIVEC > TO KU I: RrG EA' CCl A'-S; May 2, 1973 Ra: 2137 Mr. R. P. Gagnon BLACK LAXE Call: By: Date - Talked to: Technical Call Report Capco, Van Buren, Arkansas C. E. Stiafken April 26 - 27, 1973 Davis Weaver, President Sibley Thonas, Manager Paul Cooper, Superintendent Cecil Clark, A-C Superintendent Lin Roberts, Q. C. Supervisor Davis Weaver has again informed me that the following are estimated fiber requirements for both the Ragland and Van Buren plants through 1973: Van Buren Ragland 4T-3 400-4lo"6T/M0 400-430 SR-3 35-40 ST/MO 0 Total, remaining 8 mos. 3200-3400S1 3005T The nev manager, Sib Thomas, is the former short-term plant engineer, and although he has an engineering degree, his knowledge of fiber and cement and his experience in asbestos cement processing is limited at this tine. He is however, .technically oriented, and I have the impression that he ie capable of absorbing tha requirements of the job. flLV 0016384 2 Paul Coopar was the former Plant Accountant at Van Buran and is learning about fiber and cement. Z do not know how much ha understands about asbestos cement production. Cecil Clark, purely a production man, controls the process, but is also only beginning to learn the technical aspects of the job. Lin Roberts is in charge of the laboratory and aside from Davis Weaver, appears to have best chemical background among the staff members. At the time of my visit Z discussed the following major items with the staff: a) The laboratory control Sag Test and its correllatlon with green pipe strength and ultimate pipe strength. b) Cement chemistry 1) oxides 2) phase compounds (C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AP) 3) gypsum 4) loss on ignition c) Importance of cement standardisation and the adhering by cement producers to specifications d) Asbestos fiber 1) grades and classifications 2) crudy and open fibers 3) flberixing and surface area 4) physical testing a) Process problems 1) slurry suspension in the cylinder vats 2) slurry dewatering 3} green pipe strength I expect to make a return visit to both the Van Buren and Ragland plants in about two months. CBS:rg ccj EAFarrell MJMessel C. E. 8tiefken ftv 0016385