|
Northern Engraving Corporation
Improving Design and Operation of
Roll Coating Equipment to Reduce Paint and Clean-Up Wastes |
| Standard Industrial Classification
(SIC) |
Metal coating/3479 |
| Type of Waste |
Flammable hydrocarbon solvent coatings and
clean-up solvents |
| Strategy |
Equipment modification/replacement Process
modification |
| Company Background |
Northern Engraving Corporation, La Crosse,
manufactures automotive trim and assemblies and now employs over 2,000 people in
Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. |
| Original Process |
Faceplates are decorated and formed prior
to assembly. As part of this process, a primer and topcoat are applied to aluminum sheets.
The primer and topcoat consist of solvent-based coatings. Several solvent blends are used
to clean equipment during and after use. |
| Motivation |
The company's primary motivation was to
reduce its costs of hazardous waste disposal and inefficient use of raw materials. |
| Pollution Prevention Process |
Northern Engraving modified its existing
roll coater to increase its efficiency. One such modification was to decrease the size of
the solvent pan, which is necessary to keep a roller clean during operation. Northern
Engraving also worked with its suppliers to find ways to reduce roller swelling and thus
reduce coating loss during operation. Realizing that the desired efficiency could not be
achieved with existing equipment, the facility constructed its own, more efficient coater.
In addition, schedules were adjusted to maximize raw material usage and reduce the number
of clean-ups required. Coating operators were trained in proper operation of the new
coater. |
| Material/Energy Balance |
Original Approach
Feedstock
Coating and clean-up solventWaste
2,130 gallons coating waste/year
1,875 gallons solvent waste/year
Disposal
Fuel blending
Pollution Prevention Approach
Feedstock
Using same materials
Waste
1,400 gallons coating waste/year
700 gallons solvent waste/year
Disposal
Fuel blending |
| Economics |
Capital Cost
Costs borne internally; $15,000 annual savings in raw material and waste disposal costsOperating/Maintenance Cost
No significant changes
Payback Period
|
| Benefits |
- Cost reduction
- Less handling of hazardous waste material
- Helped with storage shortage
- Reduce future liabilities
- Reduce environmental emissions
|
| Obstacles |
No major problems encountered. |
| Company Address |
Northern Engraving Corporation
915 Pine Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 |
| Contact Person |
Alan D. Hesselberg
608/269-6911 |
| 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
Information 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-TS-018 94 |
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