WEBCO Industries

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Manufacturing

Industry: Metal Fabrication

Wastes Reduced: Wastewater, Chemical Solvents

Substance: Steel Tubing

Location: Sand Springs OK

Description:

Manufacturer of steel tubing. With senior management commitment WEBCO implemented a waste minimization program in 1991. The facility called on the services provided by technical assistance providers (at both the state environmental agency and local university) to assist in achieving program goals.

P2 Application:

Improved process controls, Process changes and modifications, Equipment modification, Raw material substitution, Employee training and awareness, Inventory control.

Environmental Benefits:

Increase sulfuric bath life by 50%. Decrease waste generated (by that process) 57%. Sulfuric acid waste to production ratio reduced from 9.96% in 1993 to 6.67% in 1994. Elimination of deep well injection by recycling. Elimination of solvent-cleaning processes. Reduction in non-hazardous sludge. Increased bath life for sodium stearate lubricant (6 years), reduction in sludge disposal from 600 drums per year to 200 drums at after 6 years.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

Savings of $75,000 in waste disposal costs, $12,000 annual savings from recycling, $8,000 from operational costs, 18 man-hours/week, $18,000 equipment cost, $35,000 annually from sludge reduction, $25,000 project cost.

Source: ODEQ