CLEAN AND GREEN

RathGibson, Inc., a manufacturer of highly engineered welded, welded and drawn, and seamless stainless steel, nickel, and titanium tubing for diverse industries such as chemical, petrochemical, power generation, oil and gas, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical, biotechnology, and general commercial applications, recently completed a large capital project in their Clarksville (Arkansas) facility. The equipment, which is used for in-process cleaning of seamless tubing, was chosen for its economic and environmental benefits.

The manufacture of seamless stainless tubing involves significant lubrication during the forming process. To remove the lubrication after the tube has been formed, conventional degreasing or cleaning systems utilize a blanket of cool air as a means to prevent solvent emissions. This type of open system can result in VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions. In contrast to industry-standard systems, RathGibson installed a $1.7 million closed cleaning system utilizing vacuum technology to prevent solvent release into the atmosphere. In addition to the reduction of emissions, the closed system also cleans or recovers the solvent to increase its cleaning and drying properties.

"This degreaser is one of the world's largest systems of its kind," says Dave O'Donnell, director of Process and Product Development. "We project that the system will decrease solvent emissions by a factor of 10. Superior cleaning performance and superior environmental benefits reflect our commitment to manufacturing efficiency and corporate responsibility."