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Following are a set of P2 options you may wish to implement. No option is perfect for everyone, but sometimes options that have worked at one facility can work at yours. They might also serve as inspiration.

Reviewed Coating-Surface Preparation Options

Options below have reviewed by pollution prevention specialists. They are commonly recommended and implemented for facilities.

 
Nonhazardous parts cleaners
If you are cleaning a part prior to coating it, you might be able to use a nonhazardous parts cleaner. Keep in mind, however, that any parts washing media may ultimately become hazardous due to contaminants picked up from the parts themselves. Whether this happens depends on many factors including: the type of parts being washed, the type of washing medium, and how often the medium is changed. The rate at which material needs to be replaced or becomes hazardous will also depend on whether the parts washers are equipped with self-filtering units that extend the solvent lifetime.
 
Plastic media blasting
If you are using sand or another abrasive blasting media, consider switching to a recyclable media like plastic beads. It is gentler than abrasive sand blast systems and will not damage the underlying metal.
 
Sodium bicarbonate blasting
The system can replace some harsh chemical processes, be used within delicate environments, and be used on some components that have previously been impossible to clean. After all paint particles or other potentially hazardous materials are filtered out, sodium bicarbonate waste can be discharged to a floor drain that is connected to a conventional wastewater treatment system.
 
Dry ice (carbon dioxide) blasting
A dry ice system quickly removes paint and other surface coatings without damaging the item being cleaned and eliminates the use of hazardous solvents. Although it is expensive, dry ice blasting can replace many harsh chemical processes, be used on delicate components, and be used on some equipment that have previously been difficult or impossible to clean.
 
Install a Proportioner
Install a proportioner on the spray equipment for plural component coatings such as epoxies and polyurethanes. The proportioner mixes the paint as it is used; therefore, waste associated with unused paint may be reduced.

Unreviewed Options, Use with CautionUnreviewed Coating-Surface Preparation Options

Options below have not been reviewed by pollution prevention specialists. They are commonly recommended and implemented for facilities.

 
Segregate out parts that are contaminated with Cr
If we could segregate out the parts that come in for blasting that have haz materials on them we could minimize the waste stream.
 
Sanding vs Chemical Stripping
Sanding the surface to remove the coating rather than using chemical strippers.
 
Recycle
Recycle sandblast media for reuse and recycle coating waste for metals.
 
Reclassify as universal waste
Removal of paint coatings using bead blasting creates solid paint wastes.
 
Recycle Washwater
Using new technology, reclaim the washwater, remove contaminants and re-use all water. This would eliminate the need for neutralization and evaporation ponds.
 
Change media to dry ice
Change bead blast media to dry ice pellets. Would reduce waste but increase overall cost.



Find Options for other processes


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