Document n4D6KvZgmwoRk1b0rZMke2k6

2-9t*7 MEETUU: uext TIME! PLACE! GOVERNMENT PRESCTIWG OFFICES: PRESQJT: SIWARY Specification and Tasting Industry Advisory Canmlttee far Afrioan Asbestos Fibres September 2?, I9U2 10100 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. POLICY DOC. TIL* LOO MO. CLASb MO., ^ Boob 3109-A, SoolaL Security Building, Washington, D. C. Trod V. Gardner, Cork and Apbeetoa Branch War Production Board Resprerenting Inrtnwtry (Comalttaa Members^ S. g- rw't'7J Intaraational. Coarp., ;:ov York, V. Y. A. M. Zhrau, Or., Ehret Magneola Manufacturing Co., Inc;, Valley Forge, Penna. Erneat MuehJeok,. Keesbey and Mattlacn Co., Antler, Pcrj.n. J. F. D. Rohrbaclc, Reybeetoe-Monhatton, Inc., Paooaic, ". J. L. J. Silverman, Union Aaboatoa and Rubbor Co., Chicago, 111. Bepreaentlng Government (WFB) Leater.R, Hall, Cork ani Aaboatoa Branch R. Matthea, Conaorvatlon Division R. Nevocsab, Conservation Division Utley W. Smith, Cork and Asbestos Branch Coorge F. Stone, Cork and Asbestos Branch Kal G. Vlnkelhom, Division of Eiduatry Advisory Camlttees Representing Government (Others) Henry A. Behre, Board of Eocnoodo Warfare Karl G. Pearson, Lieutenant, Wavy Department S. D. Strauss, Metals Reserve Company E. Verfleld, Reoonstruotlon Finance Corporation W. S. Vasserman, Board of Eooneodo Warfare R. 0. Wayxond, Lieutenant, Army and Navy Munitions r<onrd a. P. Woofson,. Offioe of Prioe Administration 2-9597 Specification end Testing IAC for Af^loan Asbestos fibres - 2- September 25, 1942 PORPOS1 (9 TBS KEPIUO Tbs ooanlttee met to discuss epeoifloetlcns far African asbestos fibres and a program ocnoemlng tbs procurement of African asbestos fibers to insure an adequate svTppiy for 1943. isuuam APnBcaanf. cowrrrms Industry Advisory Committees colleot Information and fumloh advlci to the War Production Board. Cuataittee members, vhose function la solely ad visory, may not reach an agreement or understanding among thomcelver regarding action to be taken by tho Industry. Policy deoisions are mode :-nd enforced by VFB, a procedure vhlch avoids conflict vith antitrust lavu. POTUKE'POLICY CCBCgRrnJtO PURCHASES ThdaS -the jrasrleiens of M-63, the Board of Socnotcio Warfare will nagatiafce 19^9 contract* for the pwroheee of African aebeetoe fibers. Before entering into such negotlatione, information is needed by that agency an tho quantity and grades of material that should be bought. Bach buyer oiroady has indicated the quantity of material that he vould normally contract far during 1943. 'Added to these figures vill, be an additional amount far a rooorve atock pile, plus an allowance to oover shipping losoos or unexpected charge a in chip ping schedules. It tm --tlwafesA that the evar-ali shipping loeo to the industry daring the smttatt psar JfkdssrigM 1? pereent. So that the Board of Sccnomlo Warfare may be proporly guided in making' contract arrangements, background information on acceptable grades must be furnished. After contracts have been placed, it vill be noceooary to develop a procedure far testing apd inspection of shipments arriving in this oountry. The next step vould be the aUSQa^ld^ of fiber to users, vhioh vill be undertaker by the. Cork and Aebeetoe Srtpoh. The Board of Socncmio Warfare la anxious that Mr. W. S. Wnoscrmm,'' vho vill be sent to London to negotiate tho oontrooto, be acoonqianlcd by some ono rtem tho industry. This vould enahlo Mr. Wasaormon to carry out instruction furnished him by the committee through tho Branch. Tycs'mseio* or the flab fcr sscotiatix contracts Comacnts by tho CTM<ittoo.--In ito provioua buying arrengemont, thi. industry has never propared dotallod specifications far African asbostos flborc, and all shipments have boon received in accordance with samplco offered by the firms vlth vhea transactions hove boon made, Mr, Oronby said. Upon arrival In this oountry, fibers ore run through vhat is Imam as a corparloon teat to determine whether they ore camparablo vith grades previously rocoivod. Th.ro has boon practically no deviation in quality end manufacturers in thlo country have bean able to maintain a simple buying arrangement that hoe worked to the industry's complete satisfaction. Any departure from tho preoent scheme would merely give rise to unnecessary difficultieo. *2-9587 Specification and Testing IAC for African Asbestos Fibres -3- September 25, 19*1 The t aUtf Otft Mkwtai sad Tomer I Hevhsll, hare bean furnishing standard products over a long period of years and full reliance has been placed upon them to ship uniform grades. There are only about 9 tuyere of African asbestos In the industry, all of whom have dealt vith one ar both of these flras for some time. Mr, Crosby did not see the necesalty far aendirg a neater of the Industry to England and suggested that all Important details oould be handled by cable. His sentiment on the plan presented before tho gruup vaa reflected in statements mode by other members of the committee. The general fooling on the part of the Industry representatives vaa that eatabliahment of standard specifications vaa unnecessary, os standards had already been established on a "like sample" basis and that aa long ua the shipments vere like tho grados now being shipped they would moot tholr nooda. They bolloved, however, that comparison tests of each shipment should bo made no soon as received. Thoy did not believe that It vao ncoeeoary far an industry representative to go to London. Crmnnto by Hopresentatlvos from the Coord of Economic Warfare r ' Metals Heservo Company.--Of principal oonosm is the matter of getting ocopanleo to Inorsee production of Afrloan asbestos fibres, a venture vhlch would involve a oubetantlal oapltal lnvoetment. Without the aaournreo that there will be an adequate market, producoro oro not apt to ontor into tho program, Mr. Etruuoo said, ^roblome relating to plant expansion and financial expenditures cannot be eettlod satisfactorily by c&blo, ho added. The Metals Boeerve Company does not vich to otockplle material that oaaanot be used In tho future or to enter a contract tho provlsionc of which might lator meet with industry's dissatisfaction. It is of utmost Importance, therofaro, to determine tho proper quality and grodo of flbor at tho time of negotiating oontracto. For this reason, a representative from tho industry competent to furnish oxpert advice is wonted. The Metals huserve Company nnd the Board feol that, without tho bonofit of tho industry's assistance, it would bo impossible to roach a decision on grade nnd quality. Mr. WosBcrmon told the group he was of tho opinion that, by having some one with liim who could openk authoritatively for V' industry, tho Board of Eoonamio Warfare would be better able to r.-rry .-.ufc negotiations. According to rocont statements made by tho Britiah Erbaooy, suppliers oro urging tho purchaao of oortain fiboro not proocntly boing un.d by : ir-auc cry, cut :h ir. pricuti.ily satisfactory. An oxpandiig productior., it wus polntod out, might roeult in a vorioty of grades. The Hcfiln Becorve Company must rely upon tho kr.owlodgo and oxporionco of tho induatry for ndvicc on whetl.. r nonstandard grades should bo purchased. Tho two intcrostod Covomncr.t ogcnci.o are reluctant to agroo to tho aocoptanoo of materials that might r.ot ndequru ly sorvo the vnr progrom. Furthermore, thore is a dangor in brins.ln/.; lr. -x-.r.'.tinfactory products, of waatlng shipping spaco that oould bo uaod l'or cntunti '.l supples. Fi'yduooru of South African aaboetoo nay bo unwillinr to open vr o rtnin minea without ossuranoo of tho opportunity to dlopooc of their prouuota. ih preoonoo of an industry reprooentativo during tho tine of i'-r.tr;ct <.*otlntle: would lend a feeling of confidence to tho producoro. The fact that duct.- 1. previous rclatlano with the ouppllors havo boon harnonloun would furtli r }.. lb. Bltuatiar.. 2-9587 Specification cad Tooting ZAC for Afrioon Asbostoe Flbroe .k- September 25, 19*`2 iBPOQSlblllty of Roaching on Over-All Poolelcn.--Membera of tho ocBBlttoo explained that, bocauso df tho dutferonoo in"proccoolr.; rmd tooting methods cad tho variation la equipment, It vould not bo forcible for one mm from tho industry to pcao judgment upon vhat flboro vould bo adaptable to lnduatiry-vldo production. Tho noro physical appooronco of a fiber does not determine lta suitability; tooto suit bo run of Individual ocnplcc. Flboro that pIlgichat^tipornovsabmy ooetahpetar hclaomtpoanpierosd. uction In one fine nay not lend themselves to ap With rcforonce to tho availability of credo0 that are not In ourrent uao by tho industry, oocnlttoo members oald they hod no kncwlodgo of other aoooptablo flboru. Scoo ozporlaonts hevo boon node with other cT-odca, but It vaa'found that thoy could not bo usod euoocsafully without, incurring cjr-~t vasto. One of tho moat important problems that mot be Buttled, tho coriittoo troeeed, le tho quantity of grados new In uao that will bo available in 19^3 Industry roproaontativns further said thoy hare been loins everythIns possible to urge upon their euppllore tho nood for expanded production to moot growing de mands. Any Increase in production achieved In 19*0, Mr. Muohleck felt, would be aoccspllshed only through added man-hours, It Is doubtful vhethor merely the Installation of additional equipment vould result In expanded production beforo 19**. Suggested Procedure.-*-A reooemendatlon vas offered that industry prepare a epeeiflo llet of eultable, grads* of African asbestos fibers that are wanted. Negotiation* vould be oonduoted on the basis of that list and Mr. Vasserman vould determine vhat quantities of material can be provided in I9U3. Sample* of other grades offered by the suppliers vould be presented to the Industry for testing. If It should not be possible to match supply against demand, consideration vlll then be given to the use of substitutes or blends, and *n effort vlll be made to adjust requirements In same satisfactory manner. Present Acceptable Grades.--La aooerdanoe with the recommendation outlined above, the following grades of African asbestos fibers wore indicated ns being acceptablet Grade c jTc7T c & 0/2 C L 0/3 c a o/k VRA/2 -- EVL/2 -- hvl/jxx -- B-l Cements This grade might possibly be used in place of C t g/2 tar sowork. The ocoalttss thought it should bn Included 1. the stockpile, but suggested that an allowance in price b< made. The Industry vlll advise cm the suitability of this trade upon the ooopletlon of test rune. Mr. Muehleok lndlo*bed that hie company would bo willing to take a certain quantity of this grade In plaoo of C & O/U. In order to malpe It possible to obtain larger amounts of the mare superior grades, It may bo necessary to acoept sco* HVj^/3XX. B-3 ) EM-1-3)-- D-3 ) The designation far this one grade varies among the different companies. 2-9^7 Specification and Testing IAC far African Asbestos Fibres -5- September 2^* 19** 2 Greds Comoonta (Continued) M-l -- A reccnaondatlcn waa node that Nr. V/nssermir. Inquire about grades a canewhat shorter In length than M-l that r.ir.ht be adaptable to the needs of the Industry. A srodo slightly Infer 1 oi- to M-l Bight be suitable. Cape Bli>a) Theeo two grades are the sane and prlco phould not vary. "S" ) Sodo quantity of "MLS" blue ocruld probably be unod tr. Cape Blue) diluting the better grades of cape blue. The va'. .. lo "MS" ) conelderably lower than that of "S" or "Mr.," but pricco ;a-t i.lihor. Cape Asbestos had Indicated It would be .-.tie to supply only 100 tons monthly, but could probably 1^ encourage to furn.t.ih an additional quantity. "MLS" line could W uacl for blending purpooes but not ps a direct nubr-.titut.. for the other grades. Ponnlhlllt.l-'fl r.f othor Sources of Supply.--With rcfi-ivnc* to nii.-nilon ralBod on whether corsldera"..on--chould be given to oourcor- of ov.-p-.v pi' jtr other than Cape Asbectoo, Nr. Strauss said It Is doubtful whotJu r Mr. '.duKk.i-mx-. will be In a position to negotiate with othor than the two cor:: u i vloun iy mentioned. Ho agreed, hovevor, that it might be voll to cxpl or. ether .lonnibll: - tieo of supply at soc future time. The ccaciitteo brought out t.h it C:n-<- Ash' at.e: Is tho chlof producor of amoelte and the production of otKr co;:: -mi. r scattcrod. The smell mines do not havo the equipment to proper l.v /pi*.:.5* th- flboro. Mr. Crosby roported that his comprny hoc tcuti 1 coca:' : of .".'.-rr from different cuppllers and has found that larger ahipnv.nt:-. do :.c: c.o.r v'th th- original samplos. This oxporlonco is true of other companUo in the industry. In order to maintain tho quality of Its product, tho industry crociot :iiTord to undertake tho risk of receiving haphaicrdly produced gradco of ones!to. Australian bluo, If properly graded, la a good fiber, one of th. cocsilttcc members said. Australian H_. 1 end No. 2 arc excellent an 1 mint, fibers. Mr. Crosby said that tho asbestos lodoo were located the face oi" a cliff about ?50 font above the ground. Bocauso of the coot of lining, only th* very long grades were recovered In such small quantities that tu ir us. could act be. dopendod on. Shipments of asbestos fibers from Russia have not bn .-, :iltor-Lth> r rcliablo, Mr. Crosby said. Toots, howovor, look promicing for certain /rod.c, particularly with respoct to o/j), which holds sarx poociblllty .or. a nubetitut. i,Oev cans from Rusclo. io expected it Gar-. Francisco and will includo thooo gradoo: j/3, J/5, G/1*, g/l, -nd o/j>. Tin combination Is presumably a substitute for C L 0/5 and 1, and could '.k bi nd, d with other fibers or sot aside for stoolqille purpoue.i. CONCLUSION Ropronontatlvnn from tho Metals Pcnn--vn PTM--; "r ' 5 - Warfare rolterated tho Importance of sending an Industry n rn.a-:.t-t:v- t: London with Mr. WassormBn and said they hopod that tho comlttee vii r. cor.r.: d.-. the original proposal. Although one man from tho industry m y uat v ir arrive at an over-ell eolation of tho problem, hlo aaalotar.c. in carry'eut negotiations would be invaluable. Mr. Strauss said he bdlev- th. ir *f 2-9587 8poolfleatlon ad Teaming ZAO for African Asboatoa lbrea -6- September ?.`j, 19^2 discussion at tha seating Indloatod that 0copier: problems arc apt to orloc which will definitely require belpfrcm tha industry. 1 While Mr. Oardnor vaa Inclined to agroe that aooe one should r. company >* Waaaarsan to London, ha pointed out this would not aolvo the whole problon. Industry ropreaentatlrca wero unable to reoesnond ono porocn who would bo fncdll u- with all of tha produota saaufaotured In the Industry. Thoy suggested that a } reproaaotatlTo from the Cork and Asbeatoa Branch, who would be well acquainted with all grades of fiber presently used and the end products Into whloh they itc manufactured, be aent with Mr. Waseeroan. One of the WFB members auggeated that, before negotiations aro ontorod Into, a ooble be a*nt to tho two ouppllers In London to dotermino the quantity of I each grade available in 19^3 of tho grades used, by Industry, end clso tho quantit; of subatltute grades that have already been tried. . 1 1 >3 V wV sh t f if 5 <5