The pilot study will allow this ratio to be confirmed or optimized. Increasing the dilution factor could produce savings. The pilot test will allow the team to optimize the rinse phase and conserve water usage. If the pilot test proves successful, costs will depend upon the outcome of the four points above. Environmental Benefits Aqueous cleaner is a nonhazardous compound requiring no federal or state reporting.
Aqueous cleaners offer increased safety to the company's employees.
Thus, switching to the new, alternate aqueous cleaning process could be responsible for reducing TCE use by 16,000 pounds on a prorated basis. The team is hopeful that the current vapor degreasing machine can be adapted to function as the aqueous cleaning tank because this adaptation would dramatically reduce the cost of the company's conversion to the aqueous cleaning system. The pilot study and the spent aqueous cleaner characterization should be completed by mid-May of 1996. Purdue Research Foundation, 1996.