Bead Blast Paint Stripping

PACIFIC NW POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER
POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH PROJECTS DATABASE

Project Title: Evaluation of Five Waste Minimization Technologies at the General Dynamics Pomona Division: Bead Blast Paint Stripping

Date Last Updated: 5/96

Project Summary: General Dynamics installed a plastic bead-blast paint stripper in June 1988 to replace methylene chloride stripping. Reuseable plastic beads are used in this mechanical stripping operation, which is similar to sand blasting. Paint is stripped from the hangers used to hold parts being painted in the paint shop and from parts having paint defects. Objectives of evaluation of this equipment included the following: 1) establishment of a material balance around the bead blasting operation, if possible, using plant-supplied data on input and output of plastic beads and paint, 2) an economic analysis of the bead blaster: annual operating costs, which are primarily the cost of incinerating the paint chips versus the cost of disposing of methylene chloride, were to be calculated. Fugitve dust emissions were reported to be negligible during operation, since the system is closed, so no air samling was planned.

Data collected was not sufficient to perform materials balance calculations. Installation costs for the bead-blast paint stripper were $18,000, and the payback period based on reduced waste-disposal costs alone was estimated at 3.6 years. Overall, the technology is relatively inexpensive and easily transferred to other industries and small companies.

Note: See also the other 4 waste minimizing technologies examined at the General Dynamics Pomona Division plant. Use "General Dynamics" as a search term.

Project Keywords: paint stripping, methylene chloride, reuse

Organization Performing Research: PEI, Inc.; California Department of Toxic Substances Control

Primary Research Contact: not reported

Date Research Started/Completed: 1988 - 1991

Publications Based on Research: Evaluation of Five Waste Minimization Technologies at the General Dynamics Pomona Division Plant, by Lisa M. Brown and Robert Ludwig, is available as EPA/600/S2-91/067
Full report and project summary available through either:
* CERI Publications Unit, US EPA
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH, 45268
(513) 569-7582
or
* National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
(703) 487-4650

Approximate Project Budget: not reported

Primary Project Funder: US EPA

Funder Contact:
Ivars Licis
US Environmental Protection Agency
Sustainable Technology Division
26 West Martin Luther King Dr., MS 466
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
phone: (513) 569-7718
fax: (513) 569-7677
e-mail: LICIS.IVARS@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV