|
|
 Reducing solvent emissions (VOCs)
30/8/2007
Companies that use solvents have had to abide by the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) since it was introduced into UK legislation in March 2002. The Directive was introduced with the intent of preventing or reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their resultant impacts upon human health and the environment.
Envirocare is a Yorkshire based environmental consultancy that can assist organisations to reduce their VOCs released into the environment. Envirocare’s technical expertise has been applied to various branches of the solvents usage sector, using innovative techniques to help to reduce client’s environmental impact.
How Envirocare helped a Coating process company in Yorkshire
A well established coating process company required Envirocare’s expertise and experience in Solvent emissions management to reduce their environmental and human impact.
Reduce fugitive emissions
Envirocare carried out analysis of all the fugitive emissions and advised on the suitable abatement techniques available.
Some of the specific advice given:
• Efficient use of solvents in a process e.g. What are the optimal temperatures to operate the degreasing tank
• Advice on efficient use of extraction systems and VOC abatement techniques for specific processes
• Advice on monitoring spillages, leaks and building maintenance to minimise fugitive releases
Lower solvent coatings
Envirocare investigated the coating process and advised on how to reduce VOC emission without compromising quality. It was recommended that the current coatings were replaced with higher solid coatings, which in turn would reduce their VOC emissions without affecting the quality of the finished product.
Recycle and reuse solvents
Envirocare advised on how to enhance and improve a process to make it more efficient use of materials and energy usage. It was common practice for paint mixing vessels to be cleaned using solvent xylene and then the xylene was discarded. The process was enhanced by distilling the liquid mix of ‘dirty’ xylene to form ‘clean’ xylene to be re-used in the cleaning process.
Envirocare successfully completed the project with significantly increased process efficiency, and reduced energy wastage which in turn reduced environmental impact. For further information regarding how Envirocare can assist you please contact Craig Batty on 01274 738668 or email craig@envirocare.org.
|
Email: 
