Document QkYdxLzZn0Yrnyv1y563nKg94

V. TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT MONTH: FEBRUARY, 1975 I. PROJECT PROGRESS - HEAOINGS a. Coarse Sand Agqrigates (RM OOE).Additions in Profax formulations 1) Project Status Tests are scheduled for the week of March 24. Initially the 16% addition will be tried (one 100 lb.bag per pulp). It is hoped that this addition will improve dewatering and forming characteristics necessary to maintain productivity. 1) Project Status As of February the 28, all Cleveland Plant was converted to asbestos-free Profax EP 5&72P with the exception of the #685 Copperweld and the #878 Bethlehem-Johnstown. The former is still in a test phase, the #878 needs some minor recipe modifications to make the conversion complete. All of Mt. Braddock has been converted to EP 5672P Profax as well as Chicago on Super G to 5672P with the exception of the #579 Laclede and the #593 Armco-Kansas City, where some problems were encountered on the K-4. Production modifications to the recipe have been recommended and the Chicago Plant is pro ceeding with the modifications. Surveilance of the Quality Control specifications shows previous test data conforms with previous results obtained. March 15 is the target date for all Profax in all manufacturing plants to be converted to asbestos-free. This will allow an aggressive test program on asbestos-free Proflex to complete our conversion. 2) Proposed Action It is the recommendation of the Technical Department that forming pressures be increased immediately as well as tight control of arquad additions. Generally speaking, increased water retention is due mostly to low forming pressures and excess usage of arquad. It is the practice of the Manufacturing Department to use lower forming pressures to eliminate excessive wear and tear on tooling. , c. EP 5686 Low Carbon Ferrux, Armco-Middletown 1) Project Status We are still awaiting metallurgical results on the trials PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT - rwo,yto i 2190 J' \ I I. MAJOR PROJECT PROGRESS A. Asbestos-Free Conversion Program 1. Objectives, Scope, and Potential Impact , To eliminate asbestos and develop the asbestos-free recipes. 2. Project Status The conversion of Profax items to E.P. 5672P continues. #685 Copperweld was approved, but conversion was delayed for one month in view of other problems at this t-ime, and active competition. #598 Atlantic - No further report due to plant shutdown. Sales say test expected w/c VI4/75- #800 etc. Kaiser - No further reports from Cucamonga on the special test pallets. A new asbestos-free ring recipe has shewn very promising results at Gary #685 and at U.S.S.-Lorain #376. Testing continues. We are committed to be asbestos-free at Gary within 60 days. It is hoped that the same ring recipe will be suitable for asbestos-free Proflex boards, and tests are in hand at Inland. A new asbestos-free recipe for corner posts has been developed by the Technical Department and conversion is approved. 3. Proposed Action Continue the follow-up of test programs. B. New Seal-On Programs 1. Objectives, Scope, and Potential Impact To design, plan, and follow-up the various Seal-On programs. 2. Project Status #985 25" sq. U.S.S.-Gary: No major change in this project. ... #737 33"--sq. Bethlehem-Lackawanna: No change in status. , l #287 26" x 29" B & W-Beaver Falls: The proposed layout for encouraging the Seal-On project was favorably received by the mill personnel. G. Fenton has completed the write-up and Saies is now considering this for a presentation. #453 34" sq. Republic-Chicago: The previous order for castings was* completed and sales increased proportionately. An additional 27 castings are on order. 2191