POC: Brian Greene, NASA TEERM Principal Center (321-453-3838)
brian.e.greene@nasa.gov
Project Summary
Current ink and paint formulations used for identification marking contain solvents that
provide desirable properties, such as reduced viscosity for easier application.
Some of the solvents, as well as liquid and solid wastes generated as a result
of using these formulations, are considered to be hazardous and are subject to
increasing environmental regulation. In addition to the increased operating
costs imposed by these regulations (e.g., hazardous waste disposal),
stenciling, stamping, and silk screening with current ink and paint
formulations are very labor intensive, have the potential to produce illegible
results, allow for possible operator error in entering number strings, and may
be associated with potential operator health issues.
The Low-VOC Identification Marking project aimed to address these issues. Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs), such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and toluene as found in
paint and epoxy resin-based inks, were identified as the target hazardous
materials to be eliminated or reduced. An abundance of parts were addressed,
including mechanical hardware and electronic components and alternatives tested
included alternative ink stenciling and self-adhesive labeling.
The financial impact of implementing the alternatives was measured at two commercial
facilities and four Department of Defense (DoD) sustainment facilities. The
results of the preliminary cost analysis showed a potential cost avoidance of
approximately $1 million per year at the six facilities and an $11 million net
present value over the 15-year study period. This project has the potential to
eliminate 1,300 lb/yr of VOC emissions and 9,800 lb/yr of hazardous waste at
these facilities alone, with additional technology migration possible.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) participated
in a limited role by aiding in the development of the
Joint Test Protocol
(JTP). Some NASA substrates were incorporated into the JTP. The Space Shuttle Orbiter
program conducted further tests on inks identified in this project, but none of
the alternatives met all of their specifications. Further investigation of
reformulated inks may provide solutions that better meet the specifications.
+ Reports
Link to JG-PP web site for more information
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