Corpus Christi Army Depot

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Parts Cleaning

Industry: Military

Wastes Reduced: Wastewater

Substance: Inorganic Acid Solvents

Equipment: Water Blasting

Location: Corpus Christi TX

No. of employees: 3500

Contact: Chuck Gawanes

Phone: (512) 939-4170

Description:

By February of 1996 a new method for removing paint coatings and corrosion off of metal engine and transmission shipping containers was implemented. The new system replaced the inorganic acid solutions which took more time.

P2 Application:

The high pressure water jet system removes paint coatings in 15 to 20 minutes while the chemical stripping took 24 hours with metal bearing material as a hazardous waste. The system uses a 55,000 psi at 3 gallons per minute robot-operated water jet. The waterjet is pre-programmable and can clean up to three parts in one operation.

Environmental Benefits:

Process wastewater is now closed-looped through a purification system with only solid metals as a waste by-product.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

The initial capital costs were $1.5 million with a payback period of less than three years. Savings are generated through the faster stripping rates, lower operating costs, and reduction of hazardous waste.

Source: TCEQ