Texas Army National Guard

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Parts Cleaning

Industry: Government Agency-Includes Military

Wastes Reduced: Solvent

Equipment: Hot Water Parts Washer

Location: Four TX

Contact: LTC Don Tryce

Phone: (512) 465-5001 ext 5717

Description:

In September of 1995, the Texas Army National Guard purchased nine jet washing systems: three Model F-3000-P's, three Model F-4000-P's, and three Model T-5000-P's. The units are located at Camp Swift in Bastrop, the Mobilization and Training Equipment Site (MATES), in North Fort Hood and the Combined Support Maintenance Shop #1 in Saginaw. The three F-4000-P’s and the three T-5000-P’s are located at MATES, the Combined Support Maintenance Shops # 2 in Austin and #1 in Saginaw. The units are used to clean engine parts and weapons.

P2 Application:

Jet Washing systems are designed for all metal cleaning applications without use of harmful detergents. Parts are loaded into the washers and cleaned for 1-15 minutes with a solute of biodegradable detergent and water at 130-200 degrees F in solution, then filtered and recirculated through the unit. All Models purchased by the Texas Army National Guard incorporate optional "purifier" filtration systems that trap sludge for easy removal and a skimmer to remove free oil.Both the F-3000-P and F-4000-P are front loading washers, while the T-5000-P is a top loading washer. The F-4000-P (1,500 lbs. turnable capacity) handles approximately twice the amount as the F-3000-P (750 lbs. turntable capacity). The top loading model does not have a door that swings out ; therefore, the top loading model utilizes space better than the front loading washer. There is also an increased capacity in turntable diameter, tank size, and horse power in the T-5000-P. Personnel must be trained to operate the equipment properly. All oils are removed.

Environmental Benefits:

No hazardous waste is produced in this process. The units save labor because maintenance personnel can perform other activities as parts are being cleaned. The workers are not exposed to toxic chemicals and protective gloves are not needed for the aqueous cleaner.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

The units costs between $7,500 and $15,000. The units pay for themselves by reducing the purchase of fresh solvent and eliminating the need to dispose of 500 to 1,000 gallons of used solvent as a hazardous waste.

Source: TCEQ