Texas Instruments

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Wastewater Treatment

Industry: Electronics Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: Solids

Equipment: Settling Tank

Location: Stafford TX

Contact: Cherri Paluch, Patrick Williams

Phone: (713) 274-2043, (713) 274-3331

Description:

In the Source Rebuild Shop, contaminated parts are cleaned with a water-based abrasion system. The water is cycled through a settling tank and the clean water is then recirculated through the process. The employees from the manufacturing area decided to address a related solid hazardous waste as a part of the Total Quality Culture Effectiveness Team program. During their research, they discovered several areas for waste minimization improvements. The largest improvement was utilizing the Source Rebuild Shop's hazardous waste compactor to its full potential. By re-educating the area workers and improving access to the compactor, the team projects a 80% reduction in volume. The team is also evaluating improved handling procedures.

P2 Application:

A specialized ionic exchange resin bed was evaluated, at first, to remove the contamination from the wastewater before its disposal. While the resin was reasonably effective, it could not meet the low disposal limits under the site's NPDES permit. The recirculation system and settling tank was developed as a better alternative.

Environmental Benefits:

The water recirculating system has reduced hazardous wastewater generation from the Shop by 2,050 gallons, 97% by volume. The Effectiveness Team projects an 80% reduction in solid hazardous waste volume.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

The direct disposal cost savings are $59,940 for the wastewater and $85,500 for the solid waste.

Source: TCEQ