Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By GavinR
Hi folks,
We have had a request to clean the sludge residue from the bottom of a heated water wash tank (size of a fridge freezer) where parts are placed after brazing/welding ops to clean/loosen the flux and flux blanket materials that have stuck to it during the process. Licenced waste contractor will pump out and dispose of the water but i'm unsure of how to deal with the sludge residue and how to safely collect it fromthe base of the tank. From the MSDS's for 4 potential substance residues they mainly state that they are a respiratory irritate when heated or in dust form and irritant to skin and eyes. One is stated as a potential cancer from inhalation. My assessment would be to ensure employees wear FFP2 respirator while removing the wet/damp sludge and chemical gloves, apron and goggles while transferring this to waste receptacle. There shouldn't be a great deal of sludge here but just wanted an extra opinion on this from you guys out there.
Much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Mitch
Gavin,
Once upon a time I had responsibility for a Water jet Cutting machine, copper, brass, glass, ceramic tiles, aluminium, you name it. We used to agitate the water and sludge during drainage resulting in most of it going into the tanker with the rest of the contaminated water. It was too big a tank 4m X 2m to fit a weir basket which is something I would suggest fitting while you are carrying out this planned maintenance.
Mitch
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By D H
Agree with Mitch. The residue is going to be classed as Hazardous waste - so let the waste company deal with it.
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By GavinR
Thanks guys for your help. Do you mean let waste contractors actually clean the tank out themselves or you simply refering to the removal of the residues after?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Mitch
Both, agitate the sludge to mix with the water while the tank is being pumped out and you will find very little left when the operation is complete. Once cleaned fit a basket in the bottom of the tank, the height will be dictated by the frequency of cleaning/solid waste generated. Ensure the basket is fitted with lifting points for removal (have them proof tested if you like, just pre-empting it is Friday!!).
Mitch
PS if still unsure contact me off forum to discuss in detail
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Chris Packham
How solid is the sludge? This will influence how it can be removed safely. If it is reasonably low viscosity, then it can be vacuumed out using a compressed air operated system with no moving parts and transferred into a suitable drum for subsequent disposal as hazardous waste. It may be that by leaving a small amount of water in the tank and agitating this the vacuum system can be applied.
If you need more get in touch direct.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.