Case
Study
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND METAL FINISHING
Counter-Flow Rinse System
| Company | Mobile Tool International, Inc. 5600 West 88th Avenue Westminster, CO 80030 |
|---|---|
| Person to Contact | Rich Holston, Manager Environmental Health & Safety Telephone: (303) 657-2177 |
| Product or Service | Aerial Manlifts |
| Number of Employees | 350 |
| Waste Stream Targeted | Waste water discharge |
| Original System | Water was used once and discharged from the rinse tanks to the waste water treatment system. A 5-stage washing and rinsing system used for cleaning workpieces in preparation for paint application has multiple (3) rinsing tanks which discharged all of the rinse water directly to the waste water treatment system. |
| New System (with P2 Modifications) |
Water discharged from the rinse tanks is reused in the previous rinse tank (counter-flow rinsing). Fresh rinse water enters only the final rinse tank. This system significantly reduces water usage and wastewater treatment costs. |
| Cost Savings | |
| Initial Equipment Costs | Less than $500.00 (valves, pipes, installation costs). |
| Operating Cost Savings | Recycling rinsewater saves ~1/4 million gallons/year or $500/yr. |
| Treatment Costs | ~$1,200/year is saved in wastewater treatment costs. |
| Total Cost Savings | ~$1700/yr |
| Payback Period | Payback is less than 4 months. |
| Major Benefits | Saves $1700/yr. Improved business image. |
| Obstacles | None |
| Time Since Implementation | 4 years. |
| Source/Supplier | None. |
| Main Reason Implemented | Reduce water consumption and associated costs. |
| Key to Success in Making this P2 Modification | Management commitment to pollution prevention. |
Created by Lighthouse Communications Group, LLC.
Edited for use on this site by Ronald Lee Still and posted with
permission of CDPHE.