[D0014AAG], Letter from John Vincent Miller, Cloyd Mason Chapman to Thomas Alva Edison, May 9th, 1900
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D0014AAG
Transcription
Dolores, N. M. May 9, 1900. Thomas A. Edison, Orange, N. J. Dear Mr. Edison : - Since our last report of April 16th the construction wort in the mail has been entirely completed and on the 7th inst. a short preliminary test of the screens and separator was made. Mr. Hoyt was present at the tests and seemed much pleased with the results. We are now building the dryer house for the rotary dryer which we found on the grant and which we have tested and think will meet the requirements of the plant. The finishing touches are also being put on the entire plant__ covering the bearings with canvas _ putting in shelving &c _ and by the first of next week we expect to begin regular running. Our first run was very pleasing to us. The belt conveyor worked as well as one could wish. The elevators delivered clean and without loss. The screening was almost perfect, no leakage or clogging of the screens or chutes. The dust was very much less than was expected. As soon as regular running begins we will make preliminary trials with material taken from the excavation for the mill to ascertain the proper adjustments as to rates of food and proportions of coarse and fine for the different sizes of screens. On account of the continual breaking up of the gravel and the production of fines and dust during screening and to save wear on the thin brass screens we have decided to try to change the order of screening and take the large sizes out first. The cone friction pulleys for the regulation of the speed of the separator fan work very satisfactorily. In spite of all precautions taken we can not prevent the work- men damaging the thin brass screens in handling - for this reason we recently ordered fifty more of the seven and nine thousandths brass screens. Hoping to see you out here this Spring before the rainy season open We remain, Very respectfully yours, John V. Miller Cloyd M. Chapman.