Lucent Technologies

Year Submitted: 2005

Process: Circuit Board Cleaning

Industry: Electronics Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: Isopropyl alcohol, VOC's

Location: Mesquite TX

Contact: Chad Vadness

Phone: (972) 284 2471

Description:

The cleaning of printed circuit boards results in the spilling of small amounts of isopropyl alcohol during the operation. These small amounts are over one-quarter of the sites annual VOC emissions. They are also a large source of hazardous wastes. Lucent will change the operation completely by installing chemical free slim cell systems that will eliminate 100% of VOC's and reduce hazardous waste generation.

P2 Application:

Slim cell technology is a new type of soldering system that is chemical free. It will eliminate hazardous wastes that would normally be generated as a result of cleaning during the soldering process.

Environmental Benefits:

By switching to the new slim cells , Lucent Technologies air emissions for this process are reduced by 20-25% or 3-4 tons/year.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

Cost of equipment $ 200,000 / unit Emissions inventory $ 20,000 Chemical usage $ 6,000 / machine Waste disposal $ 200 / year / unit Cost Savings $26,200 / year This change could result in Lucent being reclassified from a major source of air emissions to a minor source of air emissions. They expect to be exempt from Title V compliance in 2000-2001. As a result they will have lower regulatory burdens and less inspections by state authorities. The cost savings will compensate for the cost of the new equipment. Lucent's main savings will be from the reduction in employee handling time. The company will thus have a quicker turn-around.

Source: TCEQ