| 12 - Photo/Engraving |
Photo Developing/Silver Recovery
There were 8 opportunities identified by FASTT for better use of Photo Developing and Silver Recovery technologies. 2 examples follow:
Several activities provide photographic services. Although ion exchange resin pails are currently used at some facilities, silver recovery is not being conducted effectively. A precious metals recovery program should be implemented to recover silver. The ion exchange resins, which are disposed of as hazardous waste, should be eliminated. FASTT recommends replacing the ion exchange resin pails with two electrolytic silver recovery units and polishing resin, if required. Monitoring silver concentrations in effluent to determine compliance with discharge standards can be performed to determine if the use of a polishing resin is required. It is estimated that approximately $2,400 per year can be generated from recovered silver.
Current photographic capabilities include processing small quantities of black and white photographs. Color film is developed off-site and usually requires a 3 week turn around. The photography lab is scheduled to receive a custom color machine, however, this machine cannot handle large quantities. Purchase or lease of a minilab with digital processing capabilities would increase process turn-around time, handle large quantities of work, and would be capable of developing both color and black and white film. A significant decrease in the amount of waste generated would also be realized. Annual savings from leasing a minilab are estimated to be $18,876 for the first year, and $94,380 in 5 years.
Process Change/BMP
NDT lab uses a two part developer manufactured by Kodak. Periodic replenishment of developer solution is accomplished with only part A of the developer, leaving part B to be discarded as an HW. Telcon with Kodak established that both parts should be used in replenishment solution. Action would eliminate HW disposal and reduce new materials purchase.
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