Document J3LrZe1oLV1zpXw4V07mK3Mzv

A Major Component of TENNECO INC, v TENNECO PLASTICS DIVISION TENNECO MANUFACTURING CO. P.O Box 2 Piscataway, N. J. 08854 September 13, 1968 Mr. David C. Lee Tenneco Hydrocarbon Chemicals Division Tenneco Chemicals, Inc. P.O. Box 849 Houston, Texas 77501 Dear Cleve: We have completed a review of our process performance and product quality as a function of VCM over the year to date. Changes in level of copolymer color and other indices of product quality have been noted, and some significant variations in rates of polymerization. We think these relate to the level of light end unsaturates in the VCM. While we don't feel we know for sure which substances cause what problems, we do suspect particularly propylene, propadiene, butene-1, and methyl acetylene impurities as particular troublemakers. Acetylene would be another potential hazard, but this one presently seems to be at a low enough level to avoid suspicion. Accordingly, we plan to institute appropriate specifica tion levels on this type of impurity. These specs will be sent to you next week. They will be based on our experience to date plus the data we have accumulated on analyses of recent shipments of VCM from other suppliers. And, I should add, we don't intend to ask for anything that is beyond normal good commercial practice as we have seen it. KEYSTONE OF THE FUTURE COLORITE 006220 2 Realizing that we don't yet have the kind of definition we need in the role of individual impurities, our plan is: 1. We request GC analysis of all identifiable components for each tank car, commencing with shipments of 9/20/8. 2. We need results, at some appropriate frequency per month, of the Dow poly-conversion test. The frequency at which we can do this, and which you decide is feasible, I'd appreciate your advising us. We feel this test item is required because of the large variations we have experienced in dispersion resin production rates. Please advise me as to what reasonable frequency you feel this data can be provided. 3. We are prepared, for an interim period, to accept VCM shipments that are outside our specs -- provided that we receive the G.C. analysis and other data sufficiently in advance that we can divert, hold, or specially handle a car. Information on any car outside of spec should be sent by TWX to our manager of Q.C., Mr. H. B. Carr. 4. We assume that there will be spec changes as experience dictates, and that we will end up with a VCM spec that is a realistic guide to what is both commercially feasible and compatable with Plastics Division requirements. 5. Per my letter of 8/26, please discontinue the standard QC reports we have been receiving on which standard nominal figures are reported. We will require G.C. analysis, poly-conversion data at appropriate frequency, and other spec data related to each car, plus affirmation that, the product was within the today present standard manufacturing tolerances. COLORITE 006221 3 Our most recent shipments of VCM, since your plantturnaround, have been substantially improved from the standpoint of copolymer color --~ however, we have not seen any improvement in production rates. We will send you, on a continuing basis, data on all these items, plus appropriate samples of VCM and recovered VCM for your analysis, with the objective that we'will end up with the best VCM and VCM specs in the business. gm ccs M. G. Caine/ H. B. carr^/ J. C. Fisher C. W. Johnston R. H. Marks F. L. Padgitt G. I. Rozand D. H. Weintranb COLORITE 006222