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ULTRASONIC CLEANING AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A CHLORO- FLUOROCARBON-BASED SYSTEM
Citation:
Kranz, P. B., T. GarderClayson, K. C. Malinowski, T. D. Schaab, AND J. E. Stadeimaier. ULTRASONIC CLEANING AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A CHLORO- FLUOROCARBON-BASED SYSTEM. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-93/223 (NTIS 94-121696), 1993.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
This report describes the technical and economic evaluation of the replacement of a vapor degreasing system with an ultrasonic cleaning system to clean stainless steel components. Heated inorganic water-based cleaning fluid was utilized in lieu of a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC, freon) resulting in a significant reduction in the generation of fugitive volatile emissions. The objective of this evaluation was to comparatively analyze the technical and economic advantages of employing an ultrasonic cleaning system for reducing both the use and generation of hazardous materials associated with conventional CFC usage. Through the installation of an ultrasonic cleaning system, fugitive emissions have been significantly curtailed. Volatile emissions are estimated to be reduced 68% over the period 1990 to 1992. The technology substitution did not adversely affect product quality, although processing time was increased. No parts have been rejected for cleanliness by customers from either cleaning system, and there have been no consumer complaints. Throughput in terms of parts/cycle for the freon system was comparable to the ultrasonic cleaning system. Raw material cost savings are substantial for the ultrasonic cleaning system. The report was submitted in partial fulfillment of Contract Number CR-816762-02-0, under the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This report covers the period from October, 1991, to September, 1993, and work was completed as of September, 1993.