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By John J. Sense

The Mission unit of the American Smelting and Refining Co., located 20 miles south of Tucson, Ariz., is a high-volume, 15,000 tpd operation which utilizes a relatively light equipment fleet. As such, management is very conscious of the mechanical and operational availability of the equipment in use. One of the key items in attaining this efficiency is a complete and reliable record of mechanical and operational machine availability which is an invaluable guide for: 1) Estimating future equipment and personnel requirements of an operating property. 2) Planning an expansion program of an operating property. 3) Estimating equipment and personnel requirements of a new property. 4) Selection of replacement equipment. 5) Comparison of separate operating properties.

Jan 3, 1964

By P G. Self, M D. Raven, R A. Eggleton

Investigation of an abandoned quarry near Rowland Flat in South Australia identified asbestiform antigorite as the fibrous serpentine mineral mined during the 1940s to 1978 for filler applications, not amphibole asbestos or chrysotile as reported in earlier investigations. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) of individual fibres were used to confirm the identification. Chrysotile is widely regarded as the only asbestos mineral in the serpentine group. Further work was done therefore, on the geology and mineralogy of the occurrence, and the health implications were reviewed. A zone of antigorite alteration, with associated talc, is traceable for 750 m along strike of recrystallised dolomitic siltstone within Woolshed Flat Shale of Neoproterozoic age. The antigorite formed, in part, by replacement of prismatic crystals of probable tremolitic amphibole. The deposit is proximal to the Williamstown Fault and the serpentine-talc alteration is possibly due to fluids expelled along the fault during late-stage deformation in the Early Palaeozoic Delamerian Orogeny. The antigorite comprises white to pale green bundles of lath-shaped fibres that occur either as randomly- arranged equant patches after amphibole or as cross-fibre veins, both intimately mixed with calcite. Highly fibrous product was mined from the weathered zone where calcite was leached during weathering. Gentle grinding releases fibres with a high aspect ratio (>10:1) that show a wide range of fibre thickness, including a significant proportion of fibres <0.25 ¦m width. Toxicological studies on fibrous antigorite from Poland and Italy indicate that the carcinogenic potential of this form of serpentine is similar to amphibole asbestos. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) techniques readily distinguish antigorite from chrysotile. Determination of asbestiform habit and confirmation of antigorite mineralogy is most reliably done using electron microscopy, preferably with SAED capability.

Jan 1, 2008

By R. W. Winson

Asbestos is the generic name given to a group of fibrous mineral silicates found in nature. They are all incombustible and can be separated by mechanical means into fibers of various lengths and cross sections, but each differs in chemical composition from the others. The commercial grades of asbestos consist of a spectrum of lengths and sizes and are not definitive as are most organic fibers. It is generally recognized that there are two main groups of asbestos. The first only contains the fibrous serpentine called chrysotile and comprises about 94% of the world production of asbestos. The second group contains five minerals in the amphibole series+rocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. The latter two have no commercial importance. Properties Physical The structures of asbestos fibers have been studied intensively over a number of years. X-ray diffraction patterns have been used as a means of identification and classification. Low angle X-ray scattering techniques have shown that chrysotile fibers are "hexagonally close packed" and parallel to each other, having cross-sectional diameters varying from 18014 to 300A units, while the amphibole fibers are many times larger in cross section. Electron micrographs of the more common types of as- bestos are shown in [Figs. 1-4]. [Fig. 1] illustrates the softness and flexibility of chrysotile which make it suitable for textile-type products. For a number of years there was considerable controversy over the exact nature of chrysotile fiber, but the photographic evidence in [Figs. 5-7] clearly show that it is tubular in structure. The curvature is the result of the mismatch in the dimensions of the silica [Si,O,l and brucite [Mg(OH),] layers which are on the inside and outside, respectively, of a double sheet. This curvature had been predicted by Pauling (1930) years ago based on the molecular dimensions of the two component structures.

Jan 1, 1975

By G. F. Jenkins

The word asbestos is a broad term that has been accepted and applied to a number of fibrous mineral silicates found in nature. They are incombustible and can be separated by mechanical means into fibers of various lengths and thicknesses, but differ in chemical composition and other properties. It is generally recognized that there are six varieties of asbestos; the finely fibrous form of serpentine known as chrysotile, and five minerals of the amphibole group, i.e., amosite (not fully recognized as a mineral species name but accepted in asbestos terminology), anthophyllite, crocidolite, tremolite and actinolite. (Figs 1-4.) Physical and Other Properties The structures of asbestos fibers have been studied intensely in recent years. X-ray diffraction patterns 1 to 15 have been used as a means of identification and classification. The amphibole group structures have been fairly well established while the serpentine group has been the subject of many investigations during the past six years. Low-angle X-ray scattering techniques5 have shown that the chrysotile fibrils are "hexagonally close packed" and parallel to each other, having cross-sectional diameters varying from 180Å* units to 300Å units, while the amphibole fibers are many times larger in cross section. The electron micrographs of chrysotile asbestos (Figs 1-4) have also indicated that the fibrils might be in the form of a hollow tube. This point has been the subject of considerable controversy by a number of investigators.7 to 16 Density measurements17 made on a sample of high quality Arizona fiber did not indicate that the fiber had a hollow tube structure; however, the so-called "sheet structure" of the fibril could be distorted in such a way that it gives the appearance of a hollow tube in the electron microscope. It is of interest to quote one investigator, F. L. Pundsack,17 in this connection: Although the empirical composition of chrysotile is 3MgO.2SiO2.2H20, the true unit cell[#] composition is best represented as Mg12(OH)16Si8O20. This cell has dimensions of a= 5.3Å, b = 9.2 Å, and c = 14.6 Å where the "a" direction is the fiber axis. The calculated density of this unit is 2.56 g/cc, a value in close agreement with experimentally determined density values for chrysotile. The exact manner in which the unit cells of asbestos are stacked together to build up a single fiber of chrysotile is not known, but from various

Jan 1, 1960

By E. L. Mann, Robert L. Virta

Asbestos is a generic name given to six fibrous minerals that have been used widely in commercial products. The six types of asbestos are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite asbestos, tremolite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos (Table 1). Chrysotile is the asbestiform variety of serpentine. Crocidolite, amosite, antho-phyllite asbestos, tremolite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos are the asbestiform analogues of riebeckite, cummingtonite-grunerite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite, respectively. Although amosite is an acronym for the Asbestos Mines of South Africa (AMOSITE) and does not specify a mineral type, it generally is composed of cummingtonite-grunerite asbestos so the terms are assumed to be synonymous.

Jan 1, 1994

By G. F. Jenkins

ASBESTOS is a general term embracing the fibrous varieties of a number of minerals. Of these, the hydrous magnesium silicate, chrysotile (H4Mg3Si209), a variety of serpentine, is the most abundant and useful to industry. All other types of asbestos belong to the amphibole group of minerals and are classified as: crocidolite, NaFe(SiO3), FeSiO3; anthophyllite, (MgFe)SiO3; amosite, also a ferromagnesium silicate but with iron content higher than that of anthophyllite; tremolite, CaMg3(SiO3)4; and, actinolite, Ca (MgFe)3(SiO3)4. PROPERTIES The commercial value of asbestos depends largely on the physical property that permits it to be readily separated into fine filaments of high tensile strength and flexibility, which, coupled with the fact that it has the quality of incombustibility of a mineral-in distinction to vegetable and animal fibers-makes it of unique usefulness for many purposes. To some extent, the value depends upon the length of the fiber, although extreme length is neither necessary nor desirable for most purposes. Chrysotile occurs as cross-fiber veins, in which the asbestos fibers are approximately' at right angles to the vein walls, with vein width- or fiber length-seldom exceeding 2 or 3 in.; also as slip-fiber, in which the fibers 'lie in the same plane as the vein or on slippage planes. A cleanly broken vein of cross-fiber has a pearly luster and may range from a deep green or brown color to light shades of yellowish green or cream. When of good quality, the fiber filaments forming the vein may be easily drawn away from their neighbors and exhibit a fine silkiness and pure white color. They may be twisted into a thread and when flexed between thumb and fingers are found to be strong and pliable. Chrysotile withstands comparatively high temperatures without breaking down completely or fusing but begins to lose water of crystalliza-

Jan 1, 1949

By E. L. Mann

Asbestos is the generic name given to a group of fibrous mineral silicates found in nature. They are all incombustible and can be separated by mechanical means into fibers of various lengths and cross sections, but each differs in chemical composition from the others. The commercial grades of asbestos consist of a spectrum of lengths and sizes and are not definitive as are most organic fibers. It is generally recognized that there are two main groups of asbestos. The first only contains the fibrous serpentine called chrysotile and comprises about 94% of the world production of asbestos. The second group contains five minerals in the amphibole series-crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. The latter two have no commercial importance. Properties Physical The structures of asbestos fibers have been studied intensively over a number of years. X-ray diffraction patterns have been used as a means of identification and classification. Low angle X-ray scattering techniques have shown that chrysotile fibers are "hexagonally close packed" and parallel to each other, having cross-sectional diameters varying from 18Å to 300 Å units, while the amphibole fibers are many times larger in cross section, have considerably smaller surface areas, and the fibers are less symmetrical than those of chrysotile. Electron micrographs of the more common types of asbestos are shown in Figs. 1-4. Fig. 1 illustrates the softness and flexibility of chrysotile which make it suitable for textile-type products. For a number of years there was considerable controversy over the exact nature of chrysotile fiber, but the photographic evidence in Figs. 5-7 clearly show that it is tubular in structure. The curvature is the result of the mismatch in the dimensions of the silica [Si2O5] and brucite [Mg(OH)2] layers which are on the inside and outside, respectively, of a double sheet. This curvature had been predicted by Pauling (1930) years ago based on the molecular dimensions of the two component structures. In contrast to this, the structure of the amphiboles consists of two ribbon chains based on Si4O11 units separated by a band of seven cations with two hydroxyl groups attached to

Jan 1, 1983

By Oliver Bowles

AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORT by highway, which has become indispensable to modern life either in peace or war, involves the use of powerful machines, many of which travel at high speed. To start, accelerate, and stop each motor vehicle demands the use of clutch and brake. Friction is applied intensively to both these mechanisms, and their linings must therefore be of materials that will resist wear and that will not ignite with the heat of friction. Asbestos, that curious fire-resisting: natural fiber that may be woven into unburnable cloth, is eminently suitable for this special' use, and no satisfactory substitute for it has yet been found Because- asbestos is regarded as absolutely essential to all types of motor transport on land, and in addition is indispensable to. many .other kinds of machines and equipment, the situation of the- United State's with respect to supplies of-raw-material-is of special interest: From the standpoint of national self-sufficiency, conditions are far, from satisfactory, for United States mines furnish only three to four percent of the total domestic require-

Jan 1, 1938

By Oliver Bowles

The mineral asbestos, because of its unique fibrous character, is allied to cotton and wool but has the advantage of heat and fire resistance; therefore, it supplies many industrial needs for which no substitutes are yet available. This report covers the essential features of the asbestos industry, including occurrence, production, mining, milling, utilization, international trade, and marketing. The United States leads all countries in the manufacture of asbestos products, but domestic sources furnish only a small fraction of the raw material required. As the United States is dependent to so great an extent on foreign supplies of raw materials, the bulletin deals at length with the asbestos industry in foreign lands. Several reports now available deal with the industry in individual countries. Among them are Chrysotile Asbestos in Canada, by J. G. Ross; Asbestos in the Union of South Africa, by A. L. Hall; and a series of articles on the Russian industry, by Walter A. Ru Keyser. These have been drawn upon freely, and full acknowledgment is hereby made for the helpful information thus secured. The file of the magazine Asbestos also has furnished many valuable data touching all phases of the industry. Many other books and articles listed in the bibliography at the end of this bulletin have been utilized and have been supplemented by the author's intimate acquaintance with the industry for about 20 years. The intent is to present a concise, world-wide, historical, technical, and economic treatment of the asbestos industry.

Jan 1, 1937

By Jas. G. Ross

Introduction Asbestos, a mineral known and used in ancient times, has become an article of commerce only during the life of the older asbestos miners in Quebec. The diversified uses of this adaptable substance are now numbered by the hundreds. Wherever insulation or resistance to heat may be required, asbestos, either by itself or mixed with some other material, may be employed to advantage. Regarded as a curiosity for centuries, it is now in such common use that it is familiar to all. The demand for long fibre for use in the manufacture of textiles and brake-lining, and for shorter fibre for making shingles, paper, and insulation materials, serves to support the industry of mining asbestos-bearing rock and milling the fibre from it in Canada, South Africa, Russia, Cyprus, and the United States. The commercial use of asbestos dates only from 1876, in which year large deposits were discovered in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Prior to that year a small amount of long fibre amphibole asbestos was produced in Italy. Occurrence In Canada In the Eastern Townships of Quebec, along the line of the Quebec Central railway, is an area of serpentine rock. It extends westerly into Vermont and easterly to Gaspe. A part of it, the section from Danville to East Broughton, contains areas in which occur deposits of commercial asbestos fibre of the chrysotile variety. Pits have been opened on some of these deposits at Danville, Coleraine, Black Lake, Thetford Mines, Robertson, and East Broughton. Thetford is distant 68 miles from Quebec city, East Broughton lies 25 miles to the northeast of Thetford, while Danville is 45 miles to the southwest of Thetford.

Jan 1, 1927

By T. Zoltai

Asbestos is a generic term for industrially useful fibers recovered from exploitable deposits of the asbestiform varieties of five silicate minerals: chrysotile, anthophyl-lite, actinolite-tremolite, cummingtorute-grunerite, and rie-beekite. Asbestos and asbestiform fibers of some other minerals are known to be carcinogenic. Minerals crystallized in the asbestiform habit-are characterized by unique properties (morphology, strength and flexibility, physical and chemical durability, and defect-free surface structures). The key to the unusual properties, and health effects, of asbestiform fibers appears to be in their unusual surface structure. In contrast, non-asbestiform crystals of the same minerals, including the five so called asbestos minerals, do not have these properties and are not carcinogenic.

Jan 1, 1989

By R. J. Lee

Asbestos analysis is conceptually simple. The objective, in most environmental analyses, is to determine the number of asbestos fibers per unit area or volume in a sample. The sample may be a consumer product, an ambient air sample, or a water sample. This determination is complicated by several factors: (1) sample collection and preparation, (2) counting techniques, and (3) operational definitions of asbestos in use. Three different definitions have been used in the study of environmental samples and are summarized in Table 1. The analytical procedure and detail required in the analysis vary with the definition of asbestos. Accordingly, this may be the only type of environmental analysis where the definition of a substance dictates the choice of analytical methods, and the rigor demanded of the analysis. Lead, arsenic, or beryllium are sub- stances having a constant definition and the method of analysis chosen depends on the concentration and precision required. However, the meaning of the term asbestos fiber is dependent on the eye of the beholder. Macroscopically, asbestos has certain physical properties that make it highly useful. Rockforming minerals do not display similar characteristics. Now, the question arises as to how three definitions of asbestos came into being. This is a result of two factors: (1) the definition of asbestos on any scale intrinsically involves the morphology or shape of the material, and (2) the advent of the transmission electron microscope permits detection of asbestos fibers and other mineral fragments in a size range where the physical properties of asbestos such as tensile strength, flexibility, or thermal resistance are difficult, if not impossible, to measure. There is a good deal of controversy about which definition is most appropriate for regulatory purposes because of a lack of appropriate health effects data (Cooper, 1978). Most differences of opinion center on the questions surrounding the following: 11 Morphology-Is a 3:l aspect ratio an appropriate medical or physical lower limit for the definition of an asbestos fiber? 2) Length-Are asbestos fibers shorter than some arbitrary length (5 pm) as hazardous as longer fibers? 3) Mineralogy-Is the mineralogical distinction between asbestos and nonasbestos minerals medically significant? While these questions are directly resolvable only with the biological and health effects data, ultimately such data reflects the ability of analytical procedures to fully characterize the materials used in health effects studies on animal models, and to monitor the exposure to particulates with different physical attributes in the workplace or community (Cooper, 1978). The following sections outline the analytical problems involved in distinguishing the asbestos and nonasbestos varieties of the same mineral; the analytical procedures available for identifying asbestos and measuring its concentration in environmental samples; the ability of these methods to distinguish asbestos fibers from nonasbestos particles; and their precision and reproducibility. Finally, we suggest some future directions in terms of definition and procedure that would greatly improve the quality of such analyses. ASBESTOS VS. NONASBESTOS Asbestos that is mined commercially belongs to two mineral families; amphibole and serpentine (Zoltai, 1978, Wylie, and Steel, 1978). The

Jan 1, 1986

By O. B. Hopkins

As prefatory to the body of this paper, a few general statements will be made (1) in regard to the history and importance of the asbestos, (2) as to the principal sources of the raw material, and (3) as to the types and modes of the occurrence of asbestos.

Jan 1, 1915

By Oliver Hopkins

As prefatory to the body of this paper, a few general statements will be made (1) in regard to the history and importance of the asbestos industry, (2) as to the principal sources of the raw material, and (3) as to the types and modes of occurrence of asbestos. While the modern asbestos industry is comparatively new and its growth during the last decade or two has been marvelous, asbestos has been known and used in a small way for probably 2,000 years-at least since the time of the Roman Empire. Pliny refers to it as "the funeral dress of kings" and Plutarch records its use as lamp wicks. In the middle of the 18th century the deposits of the Ural mountains were opened up and the first factory for the manufacture of asbestos goods was established. But, owing to the limited demand for the goods, the industry disappeared and interest lapsed until about 50 years ago. Since 1860, the asbestos industry has made wonderful strides, and each year sees new uses to which the material can be put, and hence an increased demand and an increased output. Of the three great producers of asbestos, Canada, Russia, and the United States, Canada stands pre-eminent, producing from one-half to three-fourths of the world's supply; Russia comes second, producing ,in 1911 about two and one-half times ,is much as the United States. In 1912 the Canadian production,1 including both asbestos and asbestic, was 131,260 short tons, valued at $2,979,384; while during the same year the production of the United States2 was 4,403 tons, valued at $57,959. Canada holds the first place in the production of raw asbestos, while the United States holds the first place in its manufacture.

Jan 9, 1914

By V. P. Petrov, V. S. Znamensky

There are a great number of asbestos deposits in the USSR, and some are quite large. The main deposits of chrysotile asbestos are shown in Fig. 1. The Bazhenovo deposit, which is located in the Sverdlovsk region, is the largest and has been mined since 1889. Systematic studies of asbestos deposits were begun from the very be- ginning of Soviet government and are most often connected with the names K.E. Tarasov, P.M. Tatarinov, B.J. Merenkov, N.D. Sobolev, F.V. Syromjatnikov, V.N. Lodochnikov, V.P. Petrov, V.P. Eremeev, L.A. Sokolova, V.R. Artemov, and V.F. Dybkov. Investigations by these people and others helped the USSR be one of the most important producers of asbestos in the world. In this chapter, the main asbestos deposits of the USSR are explained in a general outline from the point of view of their genesis, common features, and differences that must be taken into account for forecasting, exploration, and the mining of asbestos. All chrysotile asbestos deposits of the USSR were formed from magnesium rock as a result of comparatively low grade temperature, hydrothermal alteration, and free crystallization of fibrous chrysotile in open cavities that served as catalysts. Chrysotile, a widely distributed rock-forming mineral, is not in general an important mineral for industry as it is a long fibrous and main vein variety. However, it must serve for geologists as an important prospecting criteria. And, the geologist should search for the mineral not only in places of possible chrysotile generation, but in places where asbestos may be crystallized in its long fibers. The Soviet geologists distinguish chrysotile asbestos deposits in two groups: (1) ultrabasic rocks and (2) sedimentary dolomite terranes, taking into account how the maternal rock was affected by hydrothermal solutions. The largest deposits are related to ultrabasite. In dolomite, the largest deposits are small and their asbestos contains almost no iron, which makes it a better filler for insulating plastics. There are a few types of asbestos deposits within the limits of the ultrabasic group, the largest being a Bazhenovo type to which the deposits of the Urals are attributed. This Bazhenovo asbestos is characterized by the most complete zonality of disposition for various kinds of asbestization. These types of deposits are, for the most part, the only ones presently working in the USSR. The Bazhenovo deposit is connected to the gabbro-peridotite intrusive belt that is about 180 km long and is broken into a number of fault blocks as shown in Fig. 2. Granitoid veins of intruded rocks are found along the deepest faults, and were sources of hydrothermal solutions that affected the maternal rock. The nearest granitoid vein, ultrabasite, is substituted by listwanite that consists of quartz, talc, carbonate, and some other essentially talcous rock. The next zone of hydrothermal alteration is composed of serpentine. The boundry between serpentinite and unaltered ultrabasite is as irregular, diffuse, and rough as the boundaries between all other zones. Nearer the vein of granitic rock, ultrabasite is entirely serpentinized into massif serpentinization that penetrates through cracks and fissures. There is an unaltered ultrabasite space between fissures, and the biggest block is preserved unaltered in the central part of the massif. The Soviet geologists call this ultrabasic sopka. Preservation of the unchanged blocks is of great importance for deposit formation as volume changes are impossible during the process of asbestization and serpentinization. It may be confidently said that asbestization in Bazhenovo type deposits is possible only when alteration of ultrabasite has not completely occurred. Under conditions of massif volume, a very big mass of substance must be carried out of the ultrabasite for the progressive stage of serpentinization. However, in the regressive stage,

Jan 1, 1986

By V. P. Petrov

There is a great number of asbestos deposits in the USSR. Some of them are quite large ones. The main deposits of chrysotile asbestos can be seen in the sketch map (fig. 1). Bazhenovo deposit situated in Sverdlovsk region is the largest of them. It is on mining operations since year 1889. Systematical studies of asbestos deposits were begun from the first years of Soviet Government and connected with the names of K.E. Tarasov, P. M. Tatarinov, B. J. Merenkov, N.D. Sobolev, F. V. Syromjatnikov, V. N. Lodochnikov, V.P. Petrov, V.P. Eremeev, L.A. Sokolova, V. R. Artemov, V.F. Dybkov and many others. This investigations served the USSR to be one of the most important producers of asbestos in the world. In the limits of the report a characteristic of the main asbestos deposits of the USSR may be done in general outline, from the point of view of their genesis, and in order to show their common features and differences that must be taken into account for forecasting, exploration, and mining of asbestos. All chrysotile asbestos deposits of the USSR were formed of magnesium rock as a result of comparatively lower-grade temperature hydrothermal alteration and free crystallization of fibrous chrysotile in open cavities that served as catalyst As a matter of fact an important mineral for industry is not chrysotile in general, a widely distributed rock-forming mineral, but a long fibrous and mainly vein variety of chrysotile. It must serve for geologists as an important prospecting criteria. A geologist should search for the mineral not only places of possible chrysotile generations, but places where asbestos may be crystallized in its long fibers that could be fiberized well. The Soviet geologists distinguish two groups of chrysotile-asbestos deposits: (1) related to ultrabasic rocks and (2) related to sedimentary dolomite terranes, taking into account what the maternal rock was affected by hydrothermal solutions. The largest deposits related to ultrabasite. The largest deposits in dolomite are small ones but their asbestos contains almost no iron. So much asbestos is a better filler into insulating plastics. There is a few types of asbestos deposits in the limits of the ultrabasic group. The largest of them is a Bazhenovo type which the deposits of Urals are attributed, and Bazhenovo deposits is the first instance. The Bazhenovo type is characterized by the most complete zonality in disposition of various kinds of asbestization. This type of deposits is practically the only one to be in working now in the USSR.

Jan 1, 1978

By M. S. Badollet

"DURING the past five years, production of asbestos fibers has increased in all countries that list asbestos as one of their mineral resources. Despite the many small mines that have been opened in Canada, United States, Mexico, South America, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Yugoslavia, and Rhodesia, the supply still does not meet the demand. It is estimated that total 1952 world production of asbestos fibers of all varieties approximated 1,600,000 tons, with Canada supplying 966,382 tons (I), or 60 per cent of all fiber mined.Asbestos fiber brokers continually are offering odd-lot samples of chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, and anthophyllite fibers to manufacturers, •quoting fantastic prices for tonnages •varying from just a few to 50 or more in a month. In many cases, the samples are not properly graded and contain quantities of rock impurities and finely ground dust.When vendors submit samples of asbestos fibers, the manufacturer should consider• them in terms of price, quality, quantity, and as possible substitutes for fibers currently used in his products.Grading of these odd-lot fibers in most cases has been poorly done, with resultant non-uniform fiber lengths. In some instances, a number of miscellaneous lots of fibers have been .blended for sale. This blending produces a fiber that is difficult for the manufacturer to accept as a substitute for the well-standardized Canadian fibers."

Jan 1, 1953

By George K. Foster

The Jeffrey mine of the Canadian Johns-Manville Co., Limited, is in the town of Asbestos, situated approximately 100 miles northeast of Montreal and about the same distance southwest of Quebec, in Richmond county, Quebec. Mining operations were started in 1881 on outcrops on a hill, as a side-hill cut, followed by a second and third cut. This development was the forerunner of the present large open-pit operations, the mine now ranking as the largest open-pit asbestos mine in the world. Operations were first carried on by hand, then by horsepower and later by stem cableways. By 1914, the derrick spans, 2,000 feet or more long, became unwieldy. To overcome this, and also to eliminate hand labour as much as possible, steam shovels and railway haulage were introduced. The steam shovels were replaced in 1928 by larger electric shovels of the full-revolving type.

Jan 1, 1946

By M. S. Badollet

"IntroductionASBESTOS FLOATS may be defined briefly as blends of air-borne particles of fibrous asbestos and dusts produced during the milling stages and collected by Cottrell precipitators, dust sheds, or bag-houses.The various grades of asbestos floats on the market contain fibrous asbestos particles ranging in length from microscopic to approximately 1/4-inch. The fines or dusts present in the floats are from 40 microns to 2 microns or less in cross-section.Airborne asbestos particles are of diverse length because they are collected at numerous places in the mill. There are: (1) dusts removed from dry rock storage bins, (2) dusts removed from rock and fiber screens, (3) particles from the tops of collectors, and (4) fines removed by suction from the processing equipment. Sometimes the airborne particles are kept segregated, so that there is a partial separation by gravity. This is accomplished by a series of dust chambers enclosed in a long, rectangular building. The longest and heaviest particles fall nearest to the air flow entrance, the smallest at a point farthest away and nearest the exit. Sometimes the air from the dust chamber building is passed through a series of bag-houses or electric :precipitators ,to collect the extremely fine particles which normally escape to the atmosphere."

Jan 1, 1952

By M. Cossette, V. H. Tran

"How can the durability of asphalt pavement be doubled without increasing highway budgets? Asphalt containing asbestos can provide the desired performance with additional costs being made up by longer life. The addition of a low percentage of asbestos to an asphalt mix permits a higher asphalt content without any consequent loss in stability. It is mainly the higher asphalt content that provides improved performance and durability, although the fibrous reinforcement plays a key role in preventing the propagation of micro-fissures. As well, several international studies show that, thanks to the latest production techniques, no environmental hazards need be incurred.RésuméComment doubler la durée des chaussées d'asphalte sans augmenter les budgets de voirie? L’asphalte contenant de l'amiante peut offrir les performances souhaitées et l'augmentation des couts initiaux peut être rapidement compensée par une durée prolongée. L’addition d'une faible teneur en amiante courte il l'enrobe de bitume permet des teneurs en bitume plus élevées sans subir une perte de stabilité en conséquence. C'est principalement la teneur accrue en bitume qui assure un améliorations propriétés physiques et une augmentation des performances mécaniques, ainsi qu'on prolongement de la durée. Cependant, le renforcement fibreux joue un rôle clef en prévenant la propagation éventuelles micro-fissures. Les nouvelles techniques évitent tous risques environnementaux"

Jan 1, 1991