Infrared (IR) Curing of Adhesives as a Replacement for Solvent Evaporation

PACIFIC NW POLLUTION PREVENTION RESOURCE CENTER
POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH PROJECTS DATABASE

Project Title: Infrared (IR) Curing of Adhesives as a Replacement for Solvent Evaporation

Date Last Updated: 12/96

Project Summary: Converse owns and operates the All-Star athletic shoe manufacturing production facility in Lumberton, North Carolina. The solvent-based adhesive used in the fabrication process includes a synthetic resin that is immersed in a solvent, n-hexane. This process produces substantial amounts of VOC air emissions. This proposed project will convert the existing solvent-based adhesive curing process to a water-based adhesive manufacturing operation. The process modifications include installation of a steam cleaning system to remove residual oils from the shoe outsoles prior to application of the water based adhesive. The second change is installation of the water-based latex adhesive spray system to replace the existing solvent application operations. The final design modification is the fabrication and installation of an electric resistance-heated IR conveyor oven that would replace the existing steam-heated oven. Expected benefits include: a 90% reduction in VOCs, elimination of bulk underground storage of n-hexane, reduction of $350,000 in operation and maintenance expenses (decreased hazard insurance premiums and hazardous waste disposal), reduced energy consumption, and a 95% reduction in hazardous waste generation.

Project Keywords: infrared curing (IR), adhesives, solvent evaporation, process control

Organization Performing Research: Converse, Inc.

Primary Research Contact:
Frank Koltonski, Engineer Manager
Converse, Inc.
Rt. 4, Box 850
Lumberton, NC 28358
Ph: (910) 671-4200
Fax: (910) 671-4201

Date Research Started: 10/96

Publications Based on Research: None to date

Approximate Project Budget: Total Cost: $217,100.00; PPP funding $15,000.00

Primary Project Funder: Converse, Inc.

State Agency Funder Contact:
Norma Murphy
Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
P.O. Box 29569
Raleigh, NC 27626-9569
Ph: (919) 715-6500
Fax: (919) 715-6794