Document K6ONevBE9qb2EDQbaYKpy0b6x

INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE To: From: Date: Mr. J.F. Murphy Jr,, Lexington Polyfibron Division. October 30, 1980 Subject: Asbestos Replacements. Copies To DMK, PHS, JWP, DLH TAH, DLW, JFK. Paul Stibbe has asked me to answer your October 17, 1980, note to him regarding our program for asbestos replacement. As Lead Project Engineer, Dave Klein had given me this project when I first started with the company eight months ago. Our progress to date has been to change material of seven different standard seals of the racetrack gasket, tadpole tape, rope, and gasket types, from asbestos to kevlar. However, kevlar is not the complete answer to asbestos substitution. It has limitations of a maximum temperature limit of 600 F, low abrasion resistance and high price. We are using fiberglass for some special applications now, and we expect to standardize on fiberglass for many of our 32 total standard seals. The lack of availability of asbestos replacement materials in the form and properties we need for our seals has forced us to continue use of asbestos seals in some areas. However, we are making progress, and even though we may not be free and clear of asbestos usage in 1980, I feel that all 32 seals will be changed by mid 1981. I am attaching two interesting magazine articles on this subject - one on the general problems in industry with asbestos substitutes, and another on a promising new material, PBI, which may be the "asbestos" of the future. / R.S. Potter Lead Project Engineer RSP:ams 10000097