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#1 Posted : 30 August 2006 08:19:00(UTC)
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Posted By danny28
Hi again,

I'm in search of a tool to depressuresaition aerosol can. A website address would be great since I plan to order some for our workshop. So that any pressurise can be depressurise before dispose.

Thanks in advance : )
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#2 Posted : 30 August 2006 08:57:00(UTC)
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Posted By steve_r
Not sure about a tool or equipment, but why do you want to depressurise them before disposal?
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#3 Posted : 31 August 2006 09:41:00(UTC)
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Posted By danny28
Well,

Our HSE planner observed it as a best practice in dispose the aerosol cans in the workshop.
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#4 Posted : 31 August 2006 10:18:00(UTC)
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Posted By ian milne
I dont wish to be cheeky or condone this but I have seen many waste companies use a converted device that involves a hand press with a tool bit sticking out to puncture the tins. The tin is held in position by either pre-made blocks or chain/straps. Remember, the HSE and environmental regulators inspect these places.

The main risk is the ejection of chemicals which is small if the tool bit is angled correctly, wearing goggles, apron and safety glasses while using a barrier (plastic usually). Noise is neglible.

Speak to your local waste disposers and ask them (may not tell you though).
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#5 Posted : 31 August 2006 10:33:00(UTC)
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Posted By Steve Holliday
Having worked in an aerosol development lab for 10 years I have certainly depressurised a few cans in my life. Having seen reports of a few horror stories I can safely say this operation is not without significant risk if not done correctly.

There are a few precautions that must be made before completing this task using a specific tool.

You should contact the British Aerosol Manufacturers Association (www.bama.co.uk) for further clarification.

However to sum up the basic requirements:
• Pierce in a fume cupboard to contain and extract LPG and dissolved solvents etc that are liberated when can is pierced
• Earth bond the can. Some tinplate cans and all aluminium cans have a protective coating that will create a static charge when the LPG and solvents are discharged through the small hole in the can (this is not a problem when discharging normally as the valve on the can does not generate a static charge).
• Use a square section BRASS piercing tool. This serves two functions. The square section allows the hole to be sealed and the gas/contents to be released slowly. The brass does not create a spark when piercing the can.
• Release the contents slowly at first until most of the pressure has been dissipated. Rapid depressurisation may result in the can literally exploding causing significant injury to the person holding the can (incidentally cans containing LPG only are referred to as ‘bombs’ in the industry)
• Always wear high spec Kevlar gloves and a face shield as minimum PPE.

In short contact a specialist waste contractor to collect any waste aerosols and let them dispose of them correctly.

Steve
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#6 Posted : 31 August 2006 10:34:00(UTC)
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Posted By steve_r
Presumably the aerosols you are talking about are used, with just residual pressure left.

There is no need to depressurise them, best practice is to send them for recycling where the contents will be recovered safely and the metal reused.

Aerosols generally use an extremely flammable propellant and even when 'empty' will retain some propellant; some new types of aerosol retain all the propellant - it's not wise to be puncturing them.

Contact the British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association (www.bama.co.uk) and I'm sure they will be able to advise.
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#7 Posted : 01 September 2006 16:19:00(UTC)
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Posted By Alex Ryding
I know of one company who sells the device you seek:

www.pressingsolutions.co.uk

I don't know how effective it is, but they do sell the equipment.
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#8 Posted : 02 September 2006 17:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Webster
I find the index finger of the dominant hand is an effective tool. Use it to depress the button until the pressure has gone :-)
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#9 Posted : 03 September 2006 05:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By GT
SUPPLIERS OF CAN CRUSHING AND SHREDDING EQUIPMENT

There are machines available for puncturing and emptying aerosol cans, on varying scales of operation. The list of equipment suppliers known to BAMA below is non-exhaustive. We have not tested any of the equipment so cannot endorse it in terms of safety and suitability, but the list may be helpful to you. Also enclosed is a list of some of the types of questions that should be asked when purchasing such equipment.


Milldale Engineering
Huddersfield
tel: 01924 422822
www.meltog.com

J McIntyre Machinery Ltd
Unit G, Acorn Park Industrial Estate
Harrimans Lane
Dunkirk
Nottingham
NG7 2TR
tel: 0115 900 3600
www.jmacintyre.co.uk

KP Aerofill
Clayton Road
Hayes
Middlesex
UB31RU
tel: 020 8848 4501
www.kpaerofill.com
(Large scale in line machine to depressurise and recover contents)

Rolatek Ltd
15-20 Gresley Road
Castleham Industrial Estate
St Leonards on Sea
East Sussex
TN38 9PL
tel: 01424 892894
fax: 01424 851245

Churchdale Engineering Services Ltd.
41 Westwood Road
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands B&3 6UP
tel: 0121 353 0488
fax 0121 352 0362


Ulster Engineering Ltd
Cogry Mill
Ballyclare
County Antrim
BT39 0PU
tel: 01960 352526
www.ulsterengineering.com

Envirocare Corporation
Technology Business Park
180 Columbia St. W.
Suite 204
Waterloo
ON N2L 3L3
tel: 00 1 519 725 9285
or 01343 821326
www.kruncher.com
(Kruncher for full aerosol and paint cans depressurises and recovers content)

Aervoe Pacific
1198 Sawmill Road
Gardnerville
NV 89410
USA
tel: 001 702 782 0100
www.aerove.com
(pierces can; recovers contents)


Beacon Engineering Company Inc
PO Box 129
Jasper
GA 30143
USA
tel: 001 706 692 6411
www.bizshare.com/beacon
(pierces can; recovers contents)

Hemco & Co
27 Cleve Avenue
Toton
Nottingham
NG9 6JH
tel: 0115 972 6628
(pierces can; recovers contents)

WSDE Ltd
Unit D3
Longford Trading Estate
Thomas Street
Stretford
Manchester
M32 OJT
tel 0161 8655211
(Larger scale; Shreds cans and recovers contents)

Aerosol Can Recycling (Europe)
PO Box 65
6800 AB Arnhem
The Netherlands
tel: 00 31 26 38 30156
www.aerosolv.com
(pierces can; recovers contents, small scale hand operated machine)

Pressing Solutions
3 Queens Close
Oswestry
Shropshire
SY11 2JA
tel: 01691 670891
fax: 01691 656209
www.pressingsolutions.co.uk
(pierces can; recovers contents, one at a time hand operated machine)



THE SPECIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT


The following are some questions to consider when specifying equipment to crush or shred aerosol cans.

How many cans does the unit handle at a time?

Does the unit crush or shred the cans?
If the cans are crushed, are they punctured first?
Is the puncturing spike made of brass?
Is the unit explosion proof?

Is the product residue collected?
What happens to any liquid contents of the aerosols once it is punctured or crushed?
How is the product residue removed from the unit?
Can the unit be cleaned easily?

What happens to any propellant?
If propellant is collected how is it stored for disposal?





September 2004
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#10 Posted : 03 September 2006 20:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By Saracen11
Hi danny28, I was told when I was a lad... that when the can appeared empty, there was always some residual gas left inside. The only true way to empty the can of the aerosol gas is to (take it outside) invert it and press the 'button' until nothing else comes out...

Before I get an education on why this would no longer be accepted, I know this isn't ok to do now... but applying this technique in the right situation (did someone mention a fume cupboard) it may work quite well.

Regards
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#11 Posted : 04 September 2006 03:29:00(UTC)
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Posted By danny28
Thanks Guys,

It really help me with the check-list before commence the tasks. It seem simple, however there a lot to take into consideration.

How does fume cupboard works?
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#12 Posted : 04 September 2006 11:11:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
why not consider replacing pressurised aerosol products with pump action sprays filled from bulk product? Just as effective in use,& significant savings to be had. Perhaps a more accurate 'best practice' in dealing with pressurised containers - eliminate the hazard!!!
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