Surface Solutions Laboratory
| Organization(s) |
Toxics Use Reduction Institute
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| Project Description |
In the fall of 2001, TURI's Surface Cleaning Lab was renamed the "Surface Solutions Laboratory" (SSL). This is in response to the Lab's activity on research projects closely related to surface cleaning, like conformal coatings at Raytheon's Lexington plant. In addition, the SSL has expanded testing capabilities to include non-aqueous cleaning alternatives, such as media blasting with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and dry-ice/CO2 (carbon dioxide). The Laboratory continues to handle routine industrial cleaning applications, as well as respond to institutional (i.e., maintenance and janitorial) cleaning processes that also need to become "safer and greener." This last category encompasses manual cleaning performed at schools, hospitals, hotels and other facilities.
As the only university-based facility of its kind, SSL has assisted over 200 companies in the search for safer, greener alternatives to hazardous materials. The Lab conducts tests for companies that are seeking to replace organic and chlorinated solvents used for cleaning and degreasing. Partially funded graduate students can be provided to help companies complete the scale-up version of their cleaning processes in-house. The Lab also works with vendors to facilitate the development of new and better products for surface cleaning, drying and rinsing. More recently, the Lab's testing and technical support services have been requested by municipalities and non-profit organizations.
TURI's Surface Solutions Laboratory (SSL) reports that, as of spring 2002, its no-chemical parts-cleaning apparatus is ready for testing. While water-only technology has been used by the electronics and computer industries for some time, general parts cleaning is dependent on detergents. In addition, the Lab's vendor survey database (Technical Report No. 15) is being replaced with a new publication that documents the actual test results of various cleaning products at the Institute. |
| More Info |
www.cleanersolutions.org |
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| Project Contact |
| Name |
Janet Clark |
| Phone |
978-934-3346 |
| E-mail |
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| Project Keywords |
| Processes |
Cleaning |
| Industrial Sectors |
Educational Institutions, Electronics, Metal Fabrication, Metal Finishing and Electroplating, Municipal Garages, Primary Metals/Foundries |
| Activity Keywords |
New publication, Research and development |
| |
| Source |
| Newsletter |
Northeast States Pollution Prevention News - Vol. 12 No. 1, Spring 2002 [PDF] |
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