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Title: Changeover to compliance coating formulation bolstered by 1,1,1-trichloroethane solvent

Journal Article · · Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States)
OSTI ID:6848098

At its Whittier, CA plant, Modine Manufacturing Company was obliged to comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) mandates and, in particular, with California Rule 1107, a regulation that had previously been exempted for radiator manufacturers. Regulatory changes in December, 1983 stipulated that volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from Modine's vehicular heat transfer products spray coating line needed to be cut from 600 lb/day (as per California Rule 442 that had been in effect) to 3.5 lb/gal to meet Rule 1107 requirements. The Nordson continuous coater painting operations had been utilizing a naphtha-based paint in a solvent-to-paint ratio of 3:1. The most economical and long term benefits in this application could be provided by compliance coatings, coatings formulations that meet regulatory criteria without the addition of emissions control equipment. Several different paint formulation technologies were evaluated. Coatings utilizing exempt solvents proved viable for the Whittier, CA location. It simultaneously provided low capital and operating costs, minimized chemical hazards, and maintained end product quality (i.e. provided film thickness of 0.6 mil to ensure protection while minimizing detrimental insulating effects). Full-scale production using the exempt solvent 1,1,1-trichloroethane began on April, 1985. Modine has been able to effectively meet the SCAQMD VOC limit of 3.5 lb/gal while providing the same type of coverage achieved with the former naphtha-based paint. The plant was also able to meet the final intended limits of 2.83 lb/gal before the June, 1986 deadline.

OSTI ID:
6848098
Journal Information:
Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English