Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2002-0009-0190
Agency: epa
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2010-03-05T05:00Z

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:

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.  

Issues for Discussion

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 from the
machine, and, finally, how the pressure is dropped to then remove the
solvent, and the item dried ending the cycle. 

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.   

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.    

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.  

  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.  

Hyperflo referenced an independent study done by Texas Instruments
(Attachment 1).

 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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).  

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