Clean Break

On October 29th and 30th the lab presented on two topics at the ASM Heat Treat Symposium focused on cleaning. First, the lab talked about how the lab's provides technical service to companies looking to find a safer cleaning process. On the second day, an over view of the lab's database, CleanerSolutions, was presented to the attendees.

About 50 people were there from various heat treating companies and academic groups.

Alternative Cleaning Testing
We have run 50 trials for 11 companies. These include Machine Construction Company; Machining Company; Tool Manufacturer; 4 Chemical Companies; Nano manufacturing (boron); Electronics Mfr.

We were lucky enough to be able to conduct some testing off site at Dawson-MacDonald for laser ablation evaluation. The testing was conducted by Adapt Laser Mid Atlantic. This process was successful cleaning method for the ceramic parts coated with carbon deposits in wafer manufacturing process.
We are nearly half way to our goal of working with 25 companies in FY 09.

Case Studies for 5 companies are in the works. Three of these are currently being reviewed by the companies.

DIY Household Cleaners
We have completed preliminary EHS profile of various components that can be used to make your own cleaning products. We are working on “What Does This Mean” section to help you understand what the material safety data sheet information is trying to tell you about the chemicals. We reworked layout of EHS web pages. Our plans are to conduct more lab performance testing of the formulations.

Outreach
We recently sent out a lab newsletter. Are you interested in signing up to receive this? Let us know

The lab will be at the Cleaning Requirements for Heat Treatment: Developments & Applications sponsored by ASM Heat Treating Society on October 29-30, 2008 at WPI. We will be presenting on the lab's assistance process and the on-line cleaning results database, CleanerSolutions.


Database
We are currently in the process of adding updates and new features to the database as well. Stay tuned.

The new lab training videos on how to use the database search features are now on the CleanerSolutions website. Check them out...

Alternative Cleaning Testing
We have conducted 36 trials for 8 companies. The general types of companies we have worked with this month include: Machine Construction Company; Machining Company; Tool Manufacturer; 3 Chemical Companies; Nano manufacturing
5 Case Studies in the works.

DIY Household cleaners
Completed preliminary EHS profile of components. Now working on “What Does This Mean” section to help with interpreting data.
We will be conducting more lab testing for performance soon. We also will be having volunteers test these formulations in their homes.

Contract Testing
Conducted follow up testing for product trying to pass Green Seal GS37 and GS 8 standards

Outreach
Cleaning Requirements for Heat Treatment: Developments & Applications
ASM Heat Treating Society
October 29-30, 2008
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

TURI Continuing Education Conference
Framingham, MA
November 20, 2008

Visit by EPA Region 1 to lab to discuss work on TCE grant in Rhode Island
Summary of work: 12 companies
26,000 pounds of TCE being used before working with us
Now less than 7,000 pounds
Read more on this project

Database - CleanerSolutions
Contract in place to begin work on adding new features

At the end of October, the lab will be presenting at the ASM Heat Treating Society's
Cleaning Requirements for Heat Treatment: Development & Applications at WPI, Worcester, MA.

Learn the latest developments in cleaning requirements, technologies and evaluation methods from the experts in heat treating. Go to their site to learn more.


In November the lab will be doing a session at the TURI Continuing Education Conference in Framingham, MA. The materials covered will focus on the high hazard chemicals, specifically TCE. More information...

Some of the information from the lab's second year working with the EPA Region 1 to reduce the use of TCE in RI companies has been made available on our TURI web pages.

So far in the two years the TURI Lab has been working with companies in RI, we have been able to reduce TCE usage by 57%. Of the 41,000 lbs of TCE being used by the companies we have worked with, in two years we have helped eliminate 23,600 lbs.

Second Year TCE work in RI

Information now available on our website about facility maintenance using biobased materials for floor finish stripping and hard surface cleaning. Read more on this topic...