Pollution Prevention Case Study

GE Medical Systems

Replacing 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
With Citrus-Based Solvents
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Medical Diagnostic Imaging Equipment/3679
Process Parts Degreasing
Type of Waste 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA)
Strategies Material Substitution - Citrus-based (terpene) solvent
Process Modification
Background GE Medical Systems, 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 degreased parts with the solvent trichloroethane (TCA). Workers sprayed the TCA on to the parts to clean them. Degreasing by this method resulted in fugitive TCA air emissions.
Motivation Reducing fugitive TCA emissions was the primary motivation for GE Medical Systems.
Changes Implemented GE Medical Systems replaced the solvent TCA with a citrus-based (terpene) cleaner. In addition to being non-hazardous, the terpene cleaner can also be recycled.
Problems Encountered None
Material/Energy Balance Original Process

Feedstock
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA) 800 gallons/year

Waste
TCA air emissions

Disposal
Fugitive air emissions

Pollution Prevention Approach

Feedstock
30 gallons virgin citrus-based solvent must be purchased each year. The remainder of citrus-based solvent needed is recycled solvent.

Waste
Spent solvent

Disposal
The citrus-based solvent is recycled.
Economics Capital Cost
None

Operating/Maintenance Cost
No change

Payback Period
Not applicable
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-147

Aqueous Parts Washing Equipment
DNR Publication #SW-148

Northern Precision Casting Case Study
DNR Publication #SW-161
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: 608/262-0385

Pollution Prevention Clearinghouse
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Waste Minimization Program
608/264-8852, 608/267-9523 or 608/267-3763
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Bureau of Cooperative Environmental Assistance
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI   53707
608/267-9700

PUBL-SW-168 95