Evaluation of Methylene Chloride Emission Control Technologies at Anniston Army Depot

Abstract

Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) is responsible for the refurbishment of battlefield U.S. Army tanks and small armaments. One of the processes used during refurbishment is for paint stripping and repainting. The stripping process uses a methylene chloride-based solution that contains methylene chloride, formic acid, surfactants, aromatic hydrocarbons, and wax. The goal of ANAD is to reduce its methylene chloride emissions by 80 percent; therefore, MSE Technology Applications, Inc. examined the Depot's stripping system and identified a number of process modifications that should significantly reduce methylene chloride emissions. Before implementing any changes to the existing stripping system, it is recommended that offgas emissions be sampled and quantified to establish a baseline. This baseline will allow ANAD to determine the effectiveness of each modification toward meeting the overall emissions reduction goal.