Removal of trichloroethylene in the manufacture of metal parts

Number

011-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Sector

Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
General manufacturing, e.g. machinery, equipment, vehicles, other transport equipment

Function

Cleaning agent

Process

Lubrication at high energy conditions in metal working operations

Product category

washing ad cleaning products

Application

Metal processing

Abstract

The company produces metal parts by high precision cutting. Manufacturing includes the use of cutting fluids as coolants and lubricants that facilitate the process and the subsequent trimming of parts. Metal parts were then washed / degreased with trichloroethylene. The company installed a water-based cleaning machine to substitute trichloroethylene at the end of each trimming process.

Substituted substances

Trichloroethylene

CAS No. 79-01-6 EC No. 201-167-4 Index No. 602-027-00-9

Chemical group

Organochlorid-Verbindung, halogenierte aliphatische Kohlenwasserstoffe

Classification: hazard statements

H350 May cause cancer
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Other adverse effects

Der Stoff ist: ein 2A Karzinogen (IARC); neurotoxisch Kat. 4 (Vela et al.) wie der Datenbank der nach SUBSPORT-Kriterien gefährlichen Stoffe zu entnehmen ist.

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

CMR
other toxic effects
ecotoxicity
physical hazards

Other type of alternative

Water-based cleaning machine. Non-toxic cleaning agent (96% deionised water).

Hazard Assessment

Trichlorethylene is included in the SDSC as a CMR substance. The deionized water fulfills the SUBSPORT criteria.

Description of Substitution

During the manufacture of metal parts raw material is cut in a press. Raw material is covered with a thin layer of lubricant to facilitate the cutting process. In order to smooth the edges caused by cutting, the parts undergo a trimming process in which cutting fluids are used as lubricants/coolants. The subsequent washing and degreasing of parts included the use of trichloroethylene that had to be periodically renovated. As a result trichloroethylene wastes and sludge containing metal powder and oils had to be disposed of by the company. The company’s substitution action included the installation of a cleaning machine at the exit of each deburring device. Description of procedure or technology (including pre-/post-processing) The machines use a water-based, non-toxic cleaning agent (96% de-ionized water). This product can be used as a cleaner and as a lubricant /coolant in deburring processes. This eliminates the use of coolant oils in deburring. The new cleaning machines use a system to separate cutting and deburring fluids from metal powders originated in the deburring process. This extends considerably the life of the cleaning product which is recycled after cleaning to be used as a deburring lubricant. Way of application: e.g. spraying, dipping, open/closed system etc. Risk management measures (technical, organizational and personal) Risk reduction by alternative: Human health: e.g. more/less safety measures e.g. technical/operational/personal protection measures Risk reduction, use of safer products, better compliance with applicable legislation. Risk reduction by alternative: Environment: e.g. waste reduced/increased Risk reduction, cleaner production, recycling of the product and better compliance with applicable legislation.

Case/substitution evaluation

Comments The substitution work completely eliminated the use of halogenated solvents. As a result, it has improved the environmental quality of the company and working conditions without affecting the quality of manufactured products. Advantage or Disadvantage of alternative

Aspect

Advantage/disadvantage to conventional process

Technical requirements

Implementation

Elimination of coolant fluids in the deburring process.

Operational expenses

Elimination of waste disposal costs.

Considerable cost reduction by replacing trichloroethylene and coolants with a new cleaning compound.

Costs evaluation:

Balance

PREVIOUS PROCESS

CURRENT PROCESS

Balance on material



Trichloroethylene consumption

9,600 Kg/year

0 Kg/year

Coolant consumption

6,500 Kg/year

0 Kg/year

Consumption of new cleaning compound

0 l/year

700l/year

Economic balance



Trichloroethylene consumption

6,058 €/year

0 €/year

Coolant consumption

7,813 €/year

0 €/year

Disposal of Trichloroethylene

4,788 €/year

0 €/year

Disposal of Trichloroethylene sludge

847 €/year

0 €/year

Consumption of new cleaning compound

0 €/year

3,142 €/year

Total savings


16,364 €/year

Investment


79,393 €/year

Return on assets


4,85 years

etc.


State of implementation

Full capacity

Date and place of implementation

Spain

Availability ofAlternative

On the market

Producer/Provider

www.cema-sa.org

Type of information supplier

Research

Further information

Only in Spanish: http://www.istas.net/risctox/gestion/estructuras/_3500.pdf

Literature dealing with alternative products: http://www.johnnealeltd.co.uk/trikereplacement.html

Type of publication and availability

Freely avaible

Date, reviewed

February 9, 2022