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Index of Topics in Past Issues

Joslyn Hopeful About New Aqueous Cleaning Process

The cleaning process is critical because any residual oil on the components will seriously affect the performance of the product. Historically, Joslyn used the solvents CFC-113 and trichloroethane (TCA) to remove the oil. A few years ago, the firm converted to the solvent HCFC-141b. All of these solvents are ozone depleting substances recently banned by the United States EPA for cleaning applications.

To replace the banned solvents, Joslyn wanted to find an alternative cleaning process that would be safer for the environment, easier to implement, and less expensive. During a routine inspection at Joslyn’s facility, APCD inspector John Garnett suggested they contact the APCD’s Business Assistance Program for information on aqueous cleaning processes. Our Business Assistance Representative, with help from the APCD’s Innovative Technologies Group (ITG) provided basic information on aqueous cleaning systems and put them in touch with the Institute for Research and Technical Assistance (IRTA). The APCD is a funding partner in IRTA’s Pollution Prevention Center in Santa Monica.

IRTA and the APCD worked with Joslyn to develop and test an alternative, water-based cleaning process that met Joslyn’s specific cleaning needs. Initial tests performed on-site at Joslyn’s facility appeared to meet their strict requirements. After the initial tests, IRTA arranged more extensive testing of 10,000 parts which were examined and judged acceptable by Joslyn. IRTA then arranged for Joslyn to work with Branson, a manufacturer of ultrasonic cleaning systems, to test a full production run. Approximately 25,000 electrodes were cleaned in a side-by-side comparison with solvent cleaned parts. The results showed the parts cleaned with the aqueous cleaner performed as good, if not slightly better, than the traditionally processed parts.

Terry Hite, Joslyn’s Compliance Manager, cautions, “one single production run isn’t quite a statistically valid sample size, but the initial results are certainly encouraging.”

Joslyn has estimated that the aqueous processing will save them over $30,000 each year. Joslyn is awaiting receipt of a new ultrasonic cleaning system manufactured by Branson. According to Terry Hite, “There is absolutely no question that the success of this project is due, in a very large part, to the assistance and guidance of both IRTA and the Santa Barbara County APCD.”

For more information on this or other projects of the APCD’s Innovative Technologies Group, call Jeff Carmody at 961-8884, or call the Business Assistance Line at 805-961-8868.

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On-Line Business Resources

Better World ’Zine
This online magazine features articles on sustainability and its implications for business. It is published every two to three months. The information is designed to help readers make informed, responsible decisions about interacting with the environment and the community.

Financing Recycling
The US EPA’s new publication “A Financing Guide for Recycling Businesses: Investment Forums, Meetings and Networks” may be viewed or downloaded here. The guide is intended to help recycling businesses, especially those that seek to utilize recycled materials to produce new products.

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50 Years of Progress Toward Clean Air

In 1947, Governor Earl Warren signed the Air Pollution Control Act authorizing counties to regulate sources of air pollution. Since then, California state and local agencies like the APCD have worked with businesses and public interest groups to create the most progressive air pollution program in the nation.

Cleaning up California’s air is a challenge. In the past 50 years, the state’s population has tripled, the number of cars and trucks has more than quintupled, and miles driven annually has increased by a factor of seven!

Clean Air Programs That Work

Cleaner Cars, Trucks, and Equipment—Statewide automotive emission standards spurred the introduction of three-way catalytic converters—significantly reducing emissions of smog-forming gases and carbon monoxide. The low-emission vehicle standards adopted in 1990 require even cleaner-running vehicles. Cars today pollute about 90 percent less than those produced in the early 1970s.

Cleaner Fuels—Cleaner-burning gasoline and California diesel reduce emissions of smog-forming gases, particulate matter, and toxics such as benzene, from every vehicle on the road.

Businesses and Products that Pollute Less—Local air pollution agencies have aggressive clean air programs that require businesses to adopt reasonable or, in many cases, the best available air pollution controls. Statewide rules require significant reductions in smog-forming ingredients for many consumer products.

California’s economy has more than doubled in the past 30 years, while smog-forming emissions from business and industry have fallen more than a third.

Public/Private Partnerships—The Air Resources Board and local air districts set the standards and create the strategies needed for clean air. However, partnerships with community groups, businesses, and other agencies are often the key to achieving those standards. Joining forces has provided the added expertise and support necessary to make our clean air programs a success.

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Pollution Prevention Roundtable Hotline

Initially, the hotline will be staffed from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We will keep you posted of any changes to the hotline’s operating hours.