The Weyerhaeuser Corporation

Target Solvent: Mineral Spirits

Issue

Weyerhaeuser was using an old style partswashing technology that involved the use of mineral spirits. This cleaning solvent was hazardous waste when disposed of and also contained Benzene, a known carcinogen. Monthly disposal of the spent partswasher solvent was generating huge amounts of hazardous waste from each site and was creating a major cost center for the client.

Action

Inland’s research scientists created a nonhazardous cleaning solution called Breakthrough® that passes all hazardous waste tests, contains no Benzene, and cleans parts just as effectively as the old mineral spirits. In order to reduce costs of operation they created a micro filtration system for online closed loop reclamation that constantly removes the oils and greases that are dissolved into the Breakthrough® cleaning solution. 

Breakthrough® Results:

• Weyerhaeuser’s beta test was operated for 2 ½ years at Weyerhaeuser’s log truck repair facility without changing out the original Breakthrough®. This reduces waste generation by 90% and reduced cost by 72%. 
• Inland’s Breakthrough® Edge Tek™ parts washing system was tested and validated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• American Airlines wins Texas Governor’s Award for waste minimization and cost reduction by using Inland Technology’s Breakthrough® partswashing system.

Additional

The original Breakthrough®Edge Tek™ partswashing system has grown to a whole family of standard and special design partswashing systems like the self-recycling IT-30™ and IT-80™ that have demonstrably reduced the recurring costs, hazardous waste generation and the carbon emission footprint associated with the old style partswasher rental service.