Corpus Christi Army Depot

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Parts Cleaning

Industry: Military

Wastes Reduced: Hazardous Waste

Substance: Inorganic Acid Solvents

Equipment: Water Blasting

Location: Corpus Christi TX

No. of employees: 3500

Contact: Chuck Gawanes

Phone: (512) 939-4170

Description:

A high pressure water jet stripping project was implemented in March of 1995. This project is designed to remove metal spray coatings, flame spray, and corrosion off of metal engine and transmission parts.

P2 Application:

This process replaces inorganic acid solutions, which take more time. The system uses a 55,000 psi at 3 gallons per minute robot-operated water jet in a 3 foot diameter treating area. The water jet is pre-programmable and can clean up to five parts in one operation.

Environmental Benefits:

The new process, which only takes 15 to 20 minutes, is nonhazardous and replaced a chemical stripping process that took 24 hours with metal bearing material as a hazardous waste. The wastewater stream has been reduced by 90% with the internal recycling of media.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

The initial capital cost was $900,000 with yearly savings of $1.3 million. The savings are due to faster stripping rates, lower operating costs, and reduction in hazardous waste regulations and disposal. The payback period is 8 months.

Source: TCEQ