Top Tips for Pollution Prevention for Metal Fabrication Facilities

Washington State Department of Ecology

Top Tips for Pollution Prevention for Metal Fabrication Facilities

The following ideas have been used in metal fabrication shops around the state to prevent pollution.

Extend machine coolant life to reduce waste.
Keep contaminants out of coolant sumps.
Use biocides such as silver to reduce bacteria.
Remove oils and metal chips from coolant periodically.
Sanitize sumps and equipment periodically.
Drain metal chips completely and recycle chips and coolant.
Use countercurrent rinses and multiple rinse stages.
Reduce bath drag-out by slowing withdrawal of parts from bath.
Optimize orientation of parts on racks.
Maximize drip time (at least 20 seconds).
Use drain boards between tanks.
Use fog spray rinsing.
Use air knives or squeegees to wipe bath solutions off part.
Use minimum bath concentrations.
Reduce wastes from cleaning operations.
Reduce the need to clean.
Extend cleaner life.
Maximize the efficiency of the cleaning system.
Use less toxic cleaners.
Reduce painting wastes.
Reduce plating wastes.
Reclaim solvent for reuse.

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