MX2 Benefits:

	70 - 80% Sealant Recovery & Recycling
	Reduced Operating Costs
	Reduced Water Costs
	Reduced Effluent Disposal
	Satisfies ISO 14000 Environmental Demands for Waste Reduction
	Recycling Pays!

 

'Recycling Of The Impregnation Sealant From The Wash Water'

The Problem

More than 80% of sealant consumed during the impregnation process is washed from the surface of the parts and goes to waste. This results in high sealant consumption, high water consumption and high operating costs. In addition, the sealant contaminated wash water may be subject to disposal regulations that require off site treatment, a further inconvenience and cost.

High sealant usage also requires the constant re-ordering of chemicals with the consequent transport, storage and administration costs, as well as the handling and labour required to add the chemicals to the impregnation system on a daily basis.

The Solution

MX2 Sealant was the first impregnation process to offer sealant recovery and recycling, thereby answering the above problems and satisfying the latest ISO14000 environmental legislation, and demands for lower costs and waste reduction.

At the heart of the MX2 process is the Sealant Recovery System (SRS). MX2 sealant is a low density, hydrophobic liquid that will simply float to the surface of the wash solution, where it is continuously removed and passed through the SRS system. The SRS system filters the solution, completes the separation of the sealant from the wash water and returns the sealant back to the impregnation vessel for re-use, and the water back to the wash tank.

The SRS system is simple and requires no special skills or control on behalf of the user other than periodic maintenance. There are also no procedural changes in the application of the impregnation process, washing or curing. Conversion to MX2 sealant is relatively straight forward (subject to a site survey).

Recycled MX2 sealant does not deteriorate with use and the sealing performance and other properties are maintained regardless of the contact time with water.

The Sealant

MX2 sealant also has the distinction of being US MIL-I-17563 approved and out performs most other sealants in the market place. MX2 is a low viscosity, low surface tension sealant that achieves deep penetration into micro porosity, offering a tough and flexible seal that will withstand temperatures up to 200°C and excellent chemical resistance.

The Application

The SRS System will fit onto most standard impregnation systems. The installation involves the connection of a weir box to the side of the wash tank to collect the floating sealant emulsion and the siting of the SRS system itself. The system requires the services of compressed air, water and electricity - there are no drain connections.

The Chemistry

An initial fill of the MX2 sealant (pre-catalysed sealant can be supplied) to the autoclave and an addition of wash water conditioner into the wash tank will be required. The conditioned wash water provides the correct chemistry for sealant separation and should never be disposed. All drain pipes should therefore be disconnected or capped to avoid accidental loss of the wash solution from the tank. Mains water connections to the wash tank should also be disconnected and re-piped to the SRS system.

Periodic Maintenance

Daily:	The SRS is automatic in operation and only requires daily inspection to ensure the system is working and that the flow of liquid to and from the system is observed.
Weekly:	Carry out a gel test on the sealant and check and clean the strainer in the weir box. Replace the in-line bag filter.
Monthly:	Without turning off the SRS unit, open the drain valve and drain out liquid. When empty, close the valve and allow the SRS to re-fill. Add wash water conditioner to the wash tank as recommended.

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