|
GE Medical Systems
Replacing CFCs with Aqueous Cleaners |
| Standard Industrial Classification
(SIC) |
Medical Diagnostic Imaging Equipment/3679 |
| Process |
Cleaning printed circuit boards with Freon |
| Type of Waste |
Freon fugitive air emissions |
| Strategies |
Material Substitution - Aqueous Cleaner
Process Modification |
| Background |
GE Medical Systems (GEMS), headquartered in
Waukesha, Wisconsin, manufactures medical diagnostic imaging equipment. General Electric
has a well established corporate environmental program known as POWER (Pollution, Waste,
& Emission Reduction). Workers at GE Medical Systems; 3000
North Grandview Plant in Waukesha cleaned circuit boards with the solvent Freon. The Freon
removed solder flux residue left on the circuit boards after manufacturing. |
| Motivation |
GE Medical Systems is phasing out the use
of ozone depleting chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in accordance with the
Montreal Protocol. |
| Changes Implemented |
GE Medical Systems eliminated the Freon
cleaning system at their 3000 North Grandview plant. GE Medical Systems installed an
aqueous cleaning system to clean the solder flux from the circuit boards. |
| Problems Encountered |
None |
| Material/Energy Balance |
Original Process Feedstock
Freon 1500 lbs./year at a cost of $4500 (1989)
Waste
Freon fugitive air emissions
Disposal
Air emissions
Pollution Prevention Approach
Feedstock
Aqueous chemical cleaner
Waste
Wastewater
Disposal
Discharged to Publicly-Owned Treatment Works (POTW) |
| Economics |
Capital Cost
Approximately $21,400 of capital investmentOperating/Maintenance
Cost
Not available
Payback Period
Not available |
| Company Address |
GE Medical Systems
3000 N. Grandview Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188 |
| Contact Person |
Mr. Ted Rydzewski
Phone: 414/544-3057 |
| Additional Publications available
from Pollution Prevention Clearinghouse |
Aqueous Industrial Cleaning Chemicals
DNR Publication #SW-147Aqueous Parts Washing Equipment
DNR Publication #SW-148 |
| Pollution Prevention Resources |
Free, On-site Technical Assistance
University of Wisconsin Extension
Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center
Milwaukee area: 414/475-2845
Remainder of state: 608/262-0385Pollution Prevention
Clearinghouse
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Waste Minimization Program
608/264-8852, 608/267-9523 or 608/267-3763 |
 |
Bureau of Cooperative Environmental Assistance
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
608/267-9700
PUBL-SW-169 95 |
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