Kelly Air Force Base

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Painting/Coating

Industry: Military

Wastes Reduced: Solvent

Substance: MEK

Equipment: Paint Gun Cleaner

Location: San Antonio TX

No. of employees: 13000

Contact: Greg Vallery

Phone: (210) 925-3100

Description:

The paint shop in Bldg. 329 used a conventional method of hand cleaning paint guns. Wastes were collected in buckets and disposed of as hazardous waste. Totally enclosed paint gun washers were implemented in place of hand cleaning the paint guns.

P2 Application:

Paint guns are connected to wash lines and placed in the washer where MEK is circulated through the gun. MEK is re-used after paint waste is filtered out.

Environmental Benefits:

This project reduced MEK (an EPA 17 ITP chemical) use in the paint shop by more than 500 gallons per year.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

Cost savings realized from this process change is at least $13,000/yr in chemical purchase and waste disposal costs. It also resulted in a savings of 215 man hours in cleaning time.

Source: TCEQ