Document X5Rmb66dJzZoYL7NOx410ZD4

iNr- u rre^rrtsi jC,----- GRACT APR 2 C 1984 <r ' j i'^vXrkHMUIBNIiTirt-so|i Zonolile I WRG- Conttmction Product* Division TO: --^mlTTT-ll FROM: J. R. Hindman cc: L. A. Vazquez, W. J. McCaig DATE: April 17, 1904 SUBJECT: Flammability of SBOTreated Vormiculite Concentrates Recently you inquired about the possible hazards associated with SBO-treated Vermiculite concentrates. Refined soybean oil has the following properties: smoke point, 450F.i flash point, 625F; and fire point, 685F. It has been our experience that the oil coating does not ignite in normal assay procedures where the furnace temperatures are about 1750F. Samples of concentrate treated at dosages ranging from 4 to 15 lb/ton have been heated to 500F. and exposed to an open flame with no vis- able effect. As you know, soybean oil is used as a binder for grain dusts. According to the American Soybean Association (Dr. David Erickson), the small amounts of oil which we are applying would pose no hazard as a result of oxidation during bulk storage of treated product. The only noticeable effect from aging of the treated product is development of a rancid odor after six months. J.R.HINDMAN:ch * ,^ NO Queened See (5*** AT A ir? tF-F| ?v -yefc \C IS T'' >' f >-/>. E/dD peo&uc-r u^E \te>. jdevo r *rn r z , 10001542 MAY * 1984 \ TEMfY l^._ aAE-EE. TO 5 VfMoi/Tl GRACE APR 2 C 1984 t Zonoltt* CMihvdlM Product* Diviiivn TO: Hv Av ffim~ahabcb FROM: J. R. Hindman cc: L. A. Vazquez, W. J. McCaig DATE* April 17, 1904 SUBJECT: Flammability of SBO Treated Vermiculite Concentrates Recently you inquired about the possible hazards associated with SBO-treated Vermiculite concentrates. Refined soybean oil has the following properties: smoke point, 450F.; flash point, 625F; and fire point, 685F. It has been our experience that the oil coating does not ignite in normal assay procedures where the furnace temperatures are about 1750F. Samples of concentrate treated at dosages ranging from 4 to 15 lb/ton have been heated to 500F. and exposed to an open flame with no vis- able effect. As you know, soybean oil is used as a binder for grain dusts. According to the American Soybean Association (Dr. David Erickson), the small amounts of oil which we are applying would pose no hazard as a result of oxidation during bulk storage of treated product. The only noticeable effect from aging of the treated product is development of a rancid odor after six months. J.R.HINDMAN:ch 10001344 1. Polystyrene Recycle - Design for modifications to the existing double-bag fines collection system at Fallslngton have been complete. The modifications employ the recycle transfer blower's air velocity to facilitate separation of the fines from the larger size recycle product. Upon completion of fabrication of equipment at Travelers Rest, the system Is planned to be Installed at Fallslngton during April. 2. Zell wood Fusion - Manufacturing management has requested engineer* Ing assistance to determine If Zellwood flexural strength proper ties can be improved. Test plans were completed to evaluate fusion gradients In the Zellwood mold. Testing is scheduled for mid-March and will use the Q.C. flexural strength equipment for timely results. B. VERMICULITE 1. SBO Treated Concentrate - Dallas has reported excessive smoke emissions while expanding SBO treated concentrate in their Model G *4 furnace. Additionally, baghouse bags must be replaced more often with use of SBO treated concentrate. Ostertog has outlined a program to evaluate alternatives to eliminate the smoke. Initially, the location of smoke generation will be determined by air flow and combustion analyzing equipment. Based on locations and amount of smoke, alternatives such as reacting, absorbing, condensing, burning and filtering will be conceptually evaluated. V45' Initial testing will likely be completed by April 6. 2. Vermiculite Expansion - A series of comprehensive tests to determine the effect of oxygen enrichment of the combustion air for vermicu lite expansion is scheduled for the week of March 19. This project has been delayed because of delays In shipment of replace ment oil meters. 3. D-18 Tube - The technique for proper installation of the tube temperature thermocouple was finalized by direct participation with the Travelers Rest fabrication personnel. This technique will eliminate the possibility of damaging the thermocouple wire during shipment and installation of the tube set. 4. Vermiculite Furnace Efficiency - One objective of the Development Group Is to Improve the vermiculite furnace efficiency as a cost saving measure. A useful technique to Implement this objective is computer simulation or modeling of the furnace to determine the important operating parameters. This effort is presently underway. tOOOlS*5