Texas Army National Guard

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Parts Cleaning

Industry: Government Agency-Includes Military

Wastes Reduced: Batteries

Substance: Lead/Acid

Equipment: Trickle Charger, Solargizer

Location: Ten TX

Contact: LTC Don Tryce

Phone: (512) 465-5001 ext 5717

Description:

In August 1995, the Texas Army National Guard purchased ten Smart Washer Parts Cleaning Systems (Chemfree Corporation) for distribution among Organizational Maintenance Shops and Unit Equipment Training Sites. These units eliminate the creation of spent solvents that must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

P2 Application:

The Smart Washer system uses a surfactant degreaser to lift and clean the contaminants away from dirty parts generated from vehicle maintenance. The system employs a nonpathogenic hydrocarbons enzyme that bioremediates the oil and grease. The parts washer is molded from plastic to work with the nonpathogenic enzymes. A built-in heater keeps fluid at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. A 10 micron microbe-impregnated filter traps the larger pieces of grime. The dirty fluid drains to the base where the enzymes digest the petroleum contaminants. The Smart Washer System requires the purchase of bioremediation products and filters from the manufacture.

Environmental Benefits:

The Smart Washer System eliminates the need to haul away contaminated cleaner. The system is nontoxic, nonflammable, noncaustic, and nonhazardous. The system uses no toxic chemicals. In 1996 the unit eliminated the use and disposal of 600 gallons of solvent.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

The units costs approximately $1,400. The system pays for itself after reducing purchase and disposal of as little as 100 gallons of solvent.

Source: TCEQ