Excerpts
from Environmental Management News Dated April 18, 2003
“The system captures the water, filters the paint particle
for disposal, and reuses the water for further paint removal.
The only by-product of the operation is the paint and rust. 'After
careful analysis of existing technology, the 46th Maintenance
Squadron decided the water pressure paint stripping operation
was not only the most efficient, cost-saving system, but was the
most environmental sound.”
“In the stripping process the plastic media and garnet-blasting
refuse becomes coated with the metal print. This refuse is hazardous
waste, and base organizations have to pay to dispose of this material.
This
can get expensive.
According
to Sculthrope. It costs $1 per pound to dispose of hazardous waste.
Plastic blast media and sand blasting media can fill up to a 55-gallon
drum in a day and half, weighing in a hefty 850 to 900 lbs.”
“Since November, we have been stripping three to five pieces
of equipment a week and have filled three-fourths of 55-gallon
drum with paint particles.”
“Savings are not only generated from the reduction
of hazardous waste but also in a reduction of man-hours. Dzioknonski
said this system works 25-50 percent faster.”
“The cost saving from reduction in hazardous waste
disposal alone is $140,760.00 the first year. The equipment
including installation and start-up will have paid for itself
in a little over two years. This does not take into consideration
the additional saving in man-hour reduction.” |
