Ultrasonic cleaning as a replacement for a chlorofluorocarbon-based system. Technical report

Technical Report · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:5416477

Kranz, P B; Gardner-Clayson, T; Malinowski, K C; Schaab, T D; Stadelmaier, J E

This report describes the technical and economic evaluation of the replacement of a vapor degreasing system with an ultrasonic cleaning system to clean stainless steel components. A heated inorganic water-based cleaning fluid was utilized in lieu of a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC, freon) resulting in a significant reduction in the generation of fugitive volatile emissions. The objective of this evaluation was to comparatively analyze the technical and economic advantages of employing an ultrasonic cleaning system for reducing both the use and generation of hazardous materials associated with conventional CFC usage. Through the installation of an ultrasonic cleaning system, fugitive emissions have been significantly curtailed. Volatile emissions are estimated to be reduced 68% over the period 1990 to 1992. The technology substitution did not adversely affect product quality, although processing time was increased. No parts have been rejected for cleanliness by customers from either cleaning system, and there have been no consumer complaints. Throughput in terms of parts/cycle for the freon system was comparable to the ultrasonic cleaning system. Raw material cost savings are substantial for the ultrasonic cleaning system.

• Research Organization: Erie County Dept. of Environment and Planning, Buffalo, NY (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5416477
• Report Number(s): PB-94-121696/XAB; CNN: EPA-R-816762
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS
CLEANING
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
SOUND WAVES
SURFACE CLEANING
SURFACE FINISHING
ULTRASONIC WAVES