PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is an integrated part of the manufacturing process for high-quality products in the automotive, nuclear and aeronautical industries. NDT techniques include magnetic particle examination (MPE) and dye penetrant testing (DPT). Both of these procedures possess environmental and health risks from noise, chemical and magnetic pollution, soil contamination and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Other environmental impacts associated with NDT include energy and water consumption, as well as the use of organic chemicals and the production of large volumes of effluents.
OBJECTIVES
The project aims at demonstrating new eco-friendly practices and technologies for surface NDT in production and service applications. Emissions into air, water and soils, as well as the amount of waste produced will be reduced significantly. The energy and water consumption issue and health & safety risks (associated with electromagnetic fields exposure and hazardous chemicals) will be addressed. New (versatile and modular) demonstration devices will be developed and tested in a large range of applications. Technologies considered will include acoustic resonance, IR thermal testing technique and surface-guided US wave.
Indirect results will include improved working conditions by limiting employee exposure to noise, magnetic fields and chemical agents. The project will also contribute to consolidating legislation linked with the IPPC (Integrated Pollution, Prevention and Control) Directive 2004/40/EC.
RESULTS
The achieved environmental benefits of GREEN TESTING are as follows: • Energy savings compared to classic techniques reach up to 30% (for DPT) and 45% (for MPE); • 30% global waste reduction (both chemicals and cleaning supplies) by application of the waste reduction plan of action 3; • 50 to 70% reduction of hazardous chemicals by enhanced spray techniques (compressed air propulsion, spray mist collectors coupled with extraction systems to reuse the products); • 50 to 200% reduction of effluents by water recycling (active carbon filters of a 45 l/h capacity) and substitution of organic-based with water-based products. The achieved environmental benefits of GREEN TESTING are as follows: • Energy savings compared to classic techniques reach up to 30% (for DPT) and 45% (for MPE); • 30% global waste reduction (both chemicals and cleaning supplies) by application of the waste reduction plan of action 3; • 50 to 70% reduction of hazardous chemicals by enhanced spray techniques (compressed air propulsion, spray mist collectors coupled with extraction systems to reuse the products); • 50 to 200% reduction of effluents by water recycling (active carbon filters of a 45 l/h capacity) and substitution of organic-based with water-based products.
