Document jv4veNK74QK4N0KO8e1YDnDk

COPT 2* C. Lindstroa Division Headquarters August 25* 195b H. I. Hcvel lard U.S.S* Saratoga Superex Specification Tha people at Brooklyn Navy lard have had discussions with us and assured of getting dlatomceoua pipe insulation for this carrier of the quali ty of Superax in handbabillty* strength* and general properties* laving had difficulty with a recent dhlpaant of cospetltive diatoeaeeous silica covering* They have written a proposed specification stating that the material oust meet Military Specification MEL-I-278lA*^dndar which our Superax is approved and regularly furnished. In additioii; they propose after investigating the charac teristics of Superex* to the specification anmaendment which they hope would eliminate weaker eatarials. The proposed amendment is ss follows! 1Q5 hy weight of the asbestos flhrs co^xment shall eonaist of long fibre asbestos 3/b" or longer In length* floss# note that the 10 by weight ap plies to the asbestos fibre alone* In other words 10(f of the asbestos fibre in the molded pipe insulation shall be 3/b* or longer* Also* the proposed amendment states that tha finished Insulation material 1# to contain not more than 55f by weight of materials soluble in dilute acid* The percentage by weight of material soluble in dilute acid is to be deter mined by Federal Specification HH-M-61A paragraph F-3C at the time conpoaition is determined in accordance with Military Specification 1CL-I-2781A paragraph b*7*2* The proposed amendment would also state that the shrinkage and volu metric shrinkage of the pipe insulation shall not exceed b end l*b respectively after 2b hours soaking period at 1000 deg* F* The successful bidder wouldhava to furnish a certification that his material would meet these specifications" Tims is very short on this matter* as the Navy Purchasing Office wants to send out invitations to bid ss soon ss possible* They have asked us to advise them whether the proposed amendment is one to which we could comply end also s logical one which would eliminate lass desirable molded pipe insulations* If the aasncbaent as written is not practical* could we propose modifications which voi-ld still accomplish the purpose* This is an unusual situation on a large inquiry and everything that is f ibis should bo done to give them an amendment which they cad"use* ccs 2* R* Wilkinson M* W. Burleson V* L* %itacre R* C. Radsmaksr Mvl. Rea *?. V. / " V\ R^C* Ebrlstt ^ r<5- % / -.-.v!. V*-:/* ' \ \ *0 v'. .* ^ &/ Vo ^