General Instrument/Jerrold Communications

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Wavesolder

Industry: Electronics Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: Solvent

Substance: TCE

Equipment: Wave Soldering Machine

Location: Matamoros, Mexico MEXICO

No. of employees: 1000

Contact: J. Martinez

Description:

This manufacturing facility produces cable T.V. converters. The manufacturing process consists of a wave soldering machine that generates waste composed of spent thinner and flux. The process used 1,1,1 trichloroethane (TCE) for cold cleaning of P.C. board.

P2 Application:

The 1,1,1 trichloroethane was completely eliminated, thus generated waste was eliminated. The purchase of modern equipment has cut generated waste in half. The new machines have tighter programmable process controls; thus, excessive waste is eliminated.

Environmental Benefits:

By eliminating 1,1,1 trichloroethane and reducing the solvent usage in the process, the facility reduced generated waste. Implementation of this project can only be beneficial to the environment.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

By eliminating 1,1,1 trichloroethane, General Instrument reduced cost by $10,038 per year. The calculated reduction is based on consumption in previous years. The project resulted in an immediate pay-back for the company. General Instrument is also saving an additional $6,600 on disposal costs. The most significant benefit resulting from the elimination of 1,1,1 trichloroethane is environmental health and safety of the employees.

Source: TCEQ