United States Air and Energy Engineering

Environmental Protection Research Laboratory

Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

E AP Project Summary

Research and Development EPA/600/SR-95/049 May 1995

This guide provides instruction for

the use of the SAGE (Solvent Alternatives GuidE) software system, version

2.1. SAGE recommends solvent replacements in cleaning and degreasing operations. The system leads the user

through a question-and-answer session. The user’s responses allow the

system to develop a list of alternative

chemistries and processes. The user

may then review brief descriptions of

the alternatives on the computer

screen. If any of the alternatives are of

interest, the user may request SAGE to

generate a detailed report for each. The

report includes general information,

safety/environmental concerns, industrial case studies for the selected alternative, and information on state technical assistance programs in the user’s

geographical location that can provide

additional information.

This Project Summary was developed

by EPA’s Air and Energy Engineering

Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, to announce the availability of this manufacturing tool for

the identification of pollution prevention solvent cleaning options. (See

user’s guide ordering information at

back.)

Background

In 1992, EPA initiated a program to

assist in the selection of low-polluting industrial surface cleaning alternatives. The

objective of the program was to make the

identification of cleaning options simple,

yet based on the latest technical and economic feasibility information. This objective could be most easily accomplished,

SAGE 2.1, Solvent Alternatives

GuidE: User’s Guide

Kenneth R. Monroe

using a computer-based logic tree format.

The resulting system, called SAGE (Solvent Alternatives GuidE), uses the speed

and capability of the computer to evaluate

a large number of operating parameters

and conditions to identify the most viable

surface cleaning option for many situations.

The System

SAGE, Version 2.1, is a further enhancement of earlier SAGE versions. It provides

additional substitution options and selection criteria to make the final determination easier. SAGE is not a data base; it is

a personal computer (PC)-based logic tree

system that evaluates the user’s operating scenario, then identifies alternative solvent chemistries and processes that best

suit the defined operating and material

requirements. The system asks a series

of questions concerning the user’s operation (e.g., part size, present processing

chemistry, part cost, production rate, and

contaminants or soils). Based on the answers provided, a limited number of recommended options are shown that represent the most probable alternate cleaning

chemistries and/or processes. A report is

then generated by SAGE, presenting the

recommended options and important technical parameters for implementing the options. The SAGE Version 2.1 system provides information on environmental considerations to be taken into account, regulations that must be addressed when using each alternative, safety requirements,

economic considerations, equipment requirements, and other information that

must be considered before implementing

the recommended alternatives. Finally,
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• •

SAGE includes examples of case studies

with a similar operating scenario and requirements.

SAGE is designed for use by both technical and nontechnical individuals ranging

from shop foremen to government regulatory agency personnel. It requires only a

286-level machine and, if a hard-copy report is required, a printer. The SAGE system is scheduled for continued upgrade

throughout 1995 and 1996, with semiannual release of new versions during this

period. Subsequent versions will incorporate additional substrate cleaning requirements and additional technical data. Further, a process and facility design capability, an economic and cost projection capability, and a summary of regulations by

state will be incorporated and continually

improved as data are acquired.

While the final selection of a process

alternative must ultimately be made by

the user, SAGE can provide the user with

the information needed to make that

choice. For more information on SAGE,

call the EPA Control Technology Center

at (919) 541-0800.

Kenneth R. Monroe is with Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC

27709.

Charles H. Darvin is the EPA Project Officer (see below).

The complete report, entitled “SAGE 2.1, Solvent Alternatives GuidE: User’s

Guide,” (Order No. PB95-503207, includes the diskette; Cost: $90.00, subject to

change) will be available only from:

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

Telephone: 703-487-4650

The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:

Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use $300

EPA/600/SR-95/049

BULK RATE

POSTAGE & FEES PAID

EPA

PERMIT No. G-35

United States

Environmental Protection Agency

Center for Environmental Research Information

Cincinnati, OH 45268