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From: Amy Hambrick, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

To: Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0009

Re: October 28, 2009 Meeting Between the U.S. EPA and Hyperflo, LLC Regarding the 

Halogenated Solvent Cleaning Reconsideration

Date: November 6, 2009

On October 28, 2009, a teleconference meeting was held between the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) and representatives from Hyperflo - a vacuum to vacuum 

manufacturer. The meeting participants are listed below: 

Name Organization

Kim Teal EPA/OAQPS

Amy Hambrick EPA/OAQPS

Dennis Pagano EPA/OAQPS

Chris Sarsony HDR|e2M Inc.

Dr. Donald Gray University of Rhode Island

Joe Schuttert Hyperflo 

Meeting Agenda:

1. Introductions and Meeting Purpose

2. Issues for Discussion

3. Open Discussion

Meeting Summary:

1. Introductions and Meeting Purpose

Ms. Hambrick of the U.S. EPA began the meeting with introductions and by stating the purpose 

for the meeting. The meeting was an informational meeting for EPA to obtain clarification and 

additional details regarding Hyperflo vacuum to vacuum (VTV) Halogenated Solvent cleaning 

machines. Ms. Hambrick indicated that a meeting summary would be developed for the meeting 

and this summary would be made available to the public in the docket. 

2. Issues for Discussion

a. Vacuum to vacuum overview. 

Hyperflo provided a basic overview to EPA of how the VTV cleaners work. Hyperflo 

stated that a machine would be designed to meet a customer’s needs (i.e. size of chamber, 

cycle time, etc.). Hyperflo described the process of how an item is placed into the 

machine, air is removed from the chamber, the parts are cleaned, the solvent is flushed 
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from the machine, and, finally, how the pressure is dropped to then remove the solvent, 

and the item dried ending the cycle. 

b. Are VTV machines top or end loading?

Hyperflo responded that typically the VTV machines used for tube cleaning are end 

loading. For items such as narrow tubes greater than 30 feet, the VTV can have a side 

chamber for loading purposes. Smaller tubes or parts can have a top loading machine. 

Hyperflo explained that the VTV used for longer tubes can be top loading but it is 

typically more expensive. A top loading machine can have a sliding lid opposed to a 

clam shell lid. The 30’top loading sliding lid option would cost an estimated $8,000 

more. The sliding top lid does not have increased fugitive emissions. If the lid does not 

seal properly, it would most likely be the result of a manufacturing defect. 

c. What kind of maintenance do VTV machines require?

The gasket must be replaced every 4-5 years, however if the unit is very long, a double 

seal can be installed. 

d. How much solvent is used? 

Solvent is applied as needed. For many applications, using vaporized solvent is adequate. 

An industry like narrow tube may require tube immersion in the solvent. A sequenced

vapor spray application can be applied for narrow tubes that don’t require immersion. A 

typical cycle time is 20 minutes. The solvent is intended to last indefinitely. When the 

machine removes the air, atmospheric moisture is also removed increasing the longevity 

of the solvent. A conservative solvent usage rate is 0.00253 pounds per cubic foot of 

machine cleaning area. However, if a rate is 0.00506 pounds per cubic foot, it is an 

indication that there is a malfunction. 

e. What types of parts cleaned represent the greatest emissions?

Aluminum honeycomb aerospace parts (e.g. fuselage) represent the highest emissions 

with present degreasing machines (not VTV). Hyperflo provided an example of a facility

that installed a VTV to clean honeycomb parts. The annual emissions dropped from 

175,000 lbs to 500 lbs. Hyperflo indicated that the drying time for these parts is longer, 

about 30 minutes. In this example, the VTV machine was a 300 square foot end loading 

machine. To convey a visual imagine, Hyperflo described it as a large bakery rake on 

wheels. Hyperflo described the business payback to be approximately one year. 

A second example provided discussed a facility that cleans aerospace landing gears. This 

VTV set up is a dual system that can handle six tons of product per hour. 

Hyperflo stated that they have ongoing conversations with the aerospace industry. 

Hyperflo believes that three-quarters of a million dollars capitol investment presents a 

hurdle for the aerospace industry. 
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Hyperflo referenced an independent study done by Texas Instruments (Attachment 1).

f. What size narrow tubes can a VTV machine clean?

VTV machines can adequately clean narrow tubes of a variety of sizes including such as 

capillary tubes for the refrigeration industry. Hyperflo has conducted testing in TCE for 

stainless steal narrow tubes that were 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch in inner diameter and 1,500 

feet long in coils. 

g. How long would it take to get a VTV designed and installed?

18 weeks to 6 months. The machines are built at Hyperflo. Installation could take about 

one week. This typically happens during the summer or the holidays when production 

has slowed. 

h. Do VTV machines take up more floor or building space than a traditional vapor 

degreaser?

The same square footage is required for VTV as for traditional vapor degreasers. The 

VTV machine is installed around existing structures. 

i. Can Hyperflo facilitate an EPA site visit to an aerospace industry that houses a VTV 

machine? 

Hyperflo will attempt to facilitate an EPA site visit to an aerospace industry. 

j. Does Hyperflo have a VTV fact sheet that they can share with EPA?

Yes, they can put something together. Hyperflo also committed to sending EPA a cost 

comparison presentation (Attachment 2 & 3).