PROJECT DETAILS
Blast media are small, sand-sized beads used to remove paint or contaminants on various airplane parts. The blast media can be recycled and used for other purposes such as roads. Trinh finalized procedures for managing spent blast media and her recommendations are being implemented.
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Annual cost to implement and savings are minimal; 27 tons of solid waste is being prevented annually
Alkaline Soap is used to clean airplane parts and the solution/product is considered hazardous by the EPA due to its high pH. The Gresham facility produces about 223 tons of hazardous waste from alkaline soap. Trinh recommended treating the alkaline soap onsite.
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Potential annual savings is 50%; the annual hazardous waste reduction is 201 tons
Vapor degreasing is a common method for cleaning parts and the current chemical used for degreasing is perchloroethylene (perc). Perc is identified as a carcinogenic material and may be restricted for use. Trinh explored alternative chemicals and methods to vapor degreasing and recommended switching to aqueous degreasing which would be more environmentally friendly and safer for operators.
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Potential annual savings high; annual hazardous waste reductions 4-5 tons; air emissions reductions 4.5 tons