PORTABLE STEAM CLEANING SYSTEM (MINI-MAX)
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| Overview: | A portable, hand-held steam
cleaning system, the Mini-Max system, is a viable alternative to replace
solvent cleaning and degreasing of weapons, automotive parts, electronics,
printed circuit boards, ground support equipment, and other gear. This
technology uses distilled or deionized water mixed with/without a rust
inhibiting solution to generate small amounts of steam at a temperature of
500 degrees Fahrenheit. The rust inhibitor solution can be purchased with
a light detergent for emulsifying oils or without detergent. It is
proprietary but is non-toxic, non-flammable, biodegradable and eliminates
the use of solvents that are currently used in these cleaning processes.
The steam is generated through a nozzle at a pressure of 150 psi - 295
psi, depending on the unit. The steam’s high temperature and low specific
heat allow surfaces to be heated to relatively high temperatures. High
temperature is maintained on the surface long enough for the steam to
vaporize or liquefy the oil, grease, or dirt. The residue can then be
effectively washed away with the steam condensate.
This equipment is available for procurement through the GSA supply system and the Navy’s P2 Equipment Procurement Program (PPEP). No installation is required (110v power only). Units are currently in use at several Navy and DoD installations, including: SUBASE Bangor; Tobyhanna Army Depot; and NAS Patuxent River. This technology has been recommended for use by the Field Activity Support and Technology Transfer (FASTT) team. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compliance Benefit: | A portable steam cleaning
system will decrease the generation of waste solvent from cleaning and
degreasing operations. The decrease in hazardous waste helps facilities
meet the requirements of waste reduction under RCRA, 40 CFR
262, Appendix, and may also help facilities reduce their
generator status and lessen their amount of regulatory burden (i.e.,
recordkeeping, reporting, inspections, transportation, accumulation time,
emergency prevention and preparedness, emergency response) under
RCRA, 40 CFR 262. In addition, since less solvent is used
the possibility that a facility meets any of the reporting thresholds of
SARA Title III for solvents (40 CFR 355, 370, and 372; and EO
12856) is decreased. A steam cleaning system may also decrease
the likelihood of the facility requiring an air permit under 40 CFR 70 and
71 since less volatile and less toxic cleaning solutions are used.
Switching from a halogenated solvent (i.e., methyl chloroform, methylene
chloride, perchloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride or chloroform) may also
decrease the need for a facility to meet the NESHAPs for halogenated
solvent cleaning (40 CFR 63). Moreover, the steam cleaner
may decrease the amount of ODSs used at a facility which will help the
facility meet the requirements under 40 CFR 82, Subpart D and
Executive Order 12843 requiring federal agencies to maximize the
use of safe alternatives to class I and class II ozone depleting
substances, to the maximum extent practicable. A steam cleaner will only
slightly increase water consumption. Under EO 13123,
federal facilities are required to implement water conservation projects.
Some bases have also reduced their oily rag generation rates with this
equipment.
The compliance benefits listed here are only
meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly
interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors
involved, e.g., the amount of workload involved. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Materials Compatibility: | Flash rusting may be a problem for certain types of steel. Preventative measures (such as use of the "Arma-sol" additive to the solution) may be required. Prior to implementing this technology, performing a test case is recommended to ensure that the desired finished product is achieved. Heat generated is minimal (does not affect circuit boards) but should be addressed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Safety and Health: | Gloves and safety goggles
should be worn when operating this equipment. No other personal protective
equipment (PPE) is required. Consult your local industrial health
specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate
MSDS prior to implementing this technology. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits: |
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| Disadvantages: |
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| Economic Analysis: | The capital cost for a mobile
unit and multiple-station steam cleaning units will vary, depending upon
the unit type and its application. Capital costs for these systems can
range from $1,500 to $3,500.
Assumptions:
Steam Cleaning of Weapons
Solvent Cleaning of Weapons
Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Portable Steam Cleaner vs. Solvent Cleaning
Economic Analysis Summary
Click Here to view an Active Spreadsheet for this Economic Analysis and Enter Your Own Values. To return from the Active Spreadsheet, click the reverse arrow in the Tool Bar. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Approving Authority: | Approval is controlled locally
and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been
granted. Major claimant approval is not required.
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| NSN/MSDS: |
*There are multiple MSDSs for most
NSNs. |
| Points of Contact: | Navy: Mr. Robert Vozzella NAVSEA FASTT Team Leader NAVSEA 00T (Portsmouth Naval Shipyard) Building 44/2 Portsmouth, NH 03804-5000 Phone: (207) 438-1610 FAX: (207) 438-1535 Email: vozzellarc@mail.ports.navy.mil |
| Vendors: | PDQ Precision, Inc. P.O. Box 99838 San Diego, CA 92169 Phone: (858) 581-6370 FAX: (858) 474-1300 Service: Mini-Max Cleaner GSA# GS-07F-5805A URL: http://www.minimaxcleaner.com/ |
| Sources: | Mr. Robert Vozella, FASTT
Leader, November 1999.
Mr. Charles Tittle, FASTT Director, Code SEA 00TB, (703) 602-3594 |
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