Waste-minimization assessment for a manufacturer producing galvanized-steel parts. Environmental research brief

Technical Report · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992

OSTI ID:5009982

Kirsch, F W; Maginn, J C

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded a pilot project to assist small- and medium-size manufacturers who want to minimize their generation of hazardous waste but who lack the expertise to do so. Waste Minimization Assessment Centers (WMACs) were established at selected universities and procedures were adapted from the EPA Waste Minimization Opportunity Assessment Manual (EPA/625/7-88/003, July 1988). The WMAC team at Colorado State University performed an assessment at a plant producing galvanized steel parts - approximately 10,000 tons/yr. The major process operations are degreasing and rinsing, acid pickling and rinsing, prefluxing, and galvanizing. All these operations, except galvanizing, result in the formation of waste streams requiring off-site disposal. Bottom dross from the galvanizing kettle and zinc oxide skimmed from the surface of the molten zinc are sold as usable products. The team's report, detailing findings and recommendations, indicated that most waste was generated in acid pickling and rinsing and that the greatest savings could be obtained by continuous air agitation to extend the life of the pickling acid and rinse by enabling more complete removal of dissolved iron when those solutions are treated.

• Research Organization: University City Science Center, Philadelphia, PA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5009982
• Report Number(s): PB-92-189695/XAB; CNN: EPA-R-814903
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320305* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Industrial Waste Management
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ALLOYS
CONTROL
ELEMENTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
INDUSTRY
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
MANAGEMENT
MANUFACTURING
MATERIALS
METAL INDUSTRY
METALS
MINIMIZATION
POLLUTION CONTROL
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECYCLING
STEELS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
ZINC