Toxics Use Reduction Case Studies
Smith and Wesson. 1995.
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| Smith and Wesson implemented process changes to reduce the use of l,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA) in its cold degreasing operations. The installation of agitating parts washers and drum top washers which use an aqueous solution has eliminated the use of TCA and saves the firm at least $6,870 annually. Download PDF file (25.02 kB) |
Tubed Products, Inc. 1995.
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| In the early 1970s, Tubed Products, Inc., of Easthampton, Massachusetts, introduced production changes to allow the use of 100 % solids ultraviolet curable inks to decorate plastic squeeze tubes. Approximately five years later the technology to cure epoxy coatings for the tubes became available, enabling the company to convert to ultraviolet curing in all decorating and coating operations. This means that inks and coatings no longer need to be dried by heat-evaporation of solvents, and thus toxic solvents are no longer evaporated off into the surrounding environment. These changes have also resulted in increased line speeds, energy savings and more economical use of floor space. Download PDF file (23.25 kB) |
Cranston Print Works. 1995.
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| Print Works altered their wastewater pH adjustment process to eliminate the use of sulfuric acid. The company installed a jet aeration system with injected liquid carbon dioxide to replace the two 4,300-gallon sumps in which wastewater neutralization had previously taken place. This $115,000 project eliminated the annual use of 2.66 million pounds of sulfuric acid. Although financial profit was not the main goal of the project, the company saved about $80,000 per year in chemical purchase and maintenance costs. Download PDF file (23.29 kB) |
Novacor Chemicals. 1995.
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| The U.S.-based polystyrene division of Novacor Chemicals, Inc. updated the equipment of their monomer storage and handling facility in order to demonstrate the company' s environmental awareness and to reduce overall potential liability. This project eliminated the volatile hydrocarbon emissions that previously emanated from the monomer storage tanks, spelling a 50% reduction in the facility's overall emissions. The change also reduced the risks of fire and groundwater contamination, while eliminating the potential liability associated with collapse of the aged tanks previously in use. Download PDF file (23.83 kB) |
Substitution Case Study: Alternatives to Solvent-based Paints. 1993.
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| TURI Technical Report No. 4. A Massachusetts producer of specialized metal tool cabinets has successfully switched from solvent-based to water-based paints in their coating operations. The painting process involves coating the metal drawers with a primer coat, and then spray painting the cabinets and drawer fronts with the color coat. Originally the components were spray-painted with solvent-based (xylene) paints for both the primer and color coats. In August 1981, the company switched over to a water-based first coat for the metal drawers, which is applied by electrodeposition in a fully automated process line. After the paint is applied, the drawer is low temperature baked at 25Q-2750f' and conveyed to the spray booths for color coating. Although the reasons for implementing the electrodeposition tank were based on the fact that the process provided a better finish and increased production capacity, use of the electrodeposition tank also eliminated the waste produced from the spray paint application of the primer coat. The entire cost for the electrodeposition system was about $500,000 and included purchase and installation of the baking oven, the 2500 gallon tank and the control system. Download PDF file (1.26 MB) |
TUR Case Study Summary Spreadsheet
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| A summary of toxics use reduction case studies from the TURA Program. Includes year of study, sector, chemicals, and TUR techniques. Download file (53.00 kB) |
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