© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell o o

Transitioning from TCE

Reality vs Theory

Taking the Lab to the Streets

Heidi Wilcox

TURI lab

978 934 3249

heidi@turi.org
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 2

TURI Lab UMASS Lowell

• Heard from my colleague/ boss/ friend

– What we do, what we have done

– How we do it

– What tools we use for alt assessment

– Case studies from the lab

• What I want to discuss is Reality vs Theory

– How to work in the field with experimental data 

& different companies cultures & needs
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 3

Theory – Lab or Office Alt Assess

• Heard from Jason

– What the lab has done over the years

– How we do our alt assessments / our tools

– When contacted or connected with a company

• Send a test request form to understand process

• See what is done before and after cleaning

• Email company rep about other info needed

• Do search of database & internet for options
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 4

Reality – Navigating Company Culture

• Meet, find out about company, culture, process

• Make relationships, listen

– Talk about what they have tried, vendors worked 

with

– Find out about goals for project

– Drivers – regulatory, EH&S, management etc

– Money talk, is there capital available

– Talk about fears, client, testing needed etc

– Gauge corporate backing

• Take tour, talk to process people, need them!
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 5

Reality of the Substitution

• TCE 

– Has great solvency, cost is relatively low

– Hazardous but known, many have worked with 

TCE for long time, know how to use it 

• Solvent substitutions – interim step

– We have seen mostly nPB

– Good solvency, cost not out of reach

– Drop in , adjust degreser settings

– Got out of regs then but need to move again

– Have built relationships, trust & partnership
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 6

Reality in its Infancy

• Interim step leads to trust, collaboration

• When new regs knock on door, they are less 

scared & know our process, Trust us

• Move to other process can be involved

– Need to go slow

– Listen to companies & workers concerns 

– Acknowledge they are their process experts

– Im there as another resource, a bridge to

contractors& help oversee / manage project

– Testing issues of clients
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 7

Needs of Process in Reality

• Solvents cleaned well, worry new system wont

• Solvent process known, new unknown

• Solvents, work for clients & their process

– No rinse & dry needed

– Readily evaporative, no heavy residues

– Protect against corrosion, rusting, remove fines 

– Quick process generally

– Forgiving process from training prospective

• Aqueous or Semi process unknown so scary 

to them & clients.
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 8

Lessons Learned in Reality

• Every company is different even 

– Culture

– Set up of process

– Needs of the company for project

– Capital they have to spend

– Space

– Management support

– Workers, clients needs

– How much testing is required for clients

• Depends if FDA, Military & Aerospace
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 9

Generalizations in Reality

• None really – every company is different

• Basics – there can be an alternative

– Depends on how committed; 

• People who hold purse strings are

• Floor management openness

• Worker buy in, makes it easier if they feel involved

• Drop-ins easier for company to deal with

– Low EH&S, high tech adoption /training, low cost

• Aqueous & semi Aqueous harder for company

– High EH&S, harder tech & cost for company

– Slower due to testing needed
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 10

In Reality Always an Alternative

• Solvent to solvent options - easier

• New system

– Aqueous, semi, media blasting, CO2

• There are other options besides substitution

– Change process 

– Work with supply chain have parts or stock come 

in clean

– Ask customer to clean parts instead of you

– Buy high tech, automated machines to reduce 

handling of parts & exposure to chemicals
© Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell 11

Reality Always Wins

Thank you

Heidi Wilcox

Head Field Scientist

TURI Lab/ UMASS

978- 934 3249

Heidi@turi.org