User:Says Simple Simon/Bio-Circle

The Bio-Circle is a solvent-free parts washing system for use in industrial manufacturing and maintenance operations.

Overview[edit]

Introduced in 2004 by WALTER Surface Technologies, the Bio-Circle parts washing system drastically reduces the hazardous waste typically associated with solvent, semi-aqueous, and aqueous parts washers by utilizing specialized microorganisms cultured for bioremediation properties. The system is the combination of a custom parts washer and the proprietary Bio-Circle L cleaning solution. The surfactant cleaning solution lifts oils and greases from part surfaces and flushes contaminants into the basin, where microbes break down any hydrocarbons into H20 and CO2. As it produces very little chemical waste, the Bio-Circle is a "cradle to cradle" alternative to traditional "cradle to grave" cleaning processes.

Parts Washer[edit]

The Bio-Circle parts washer consists of five parts; A basin, an aerator that provides oxygen to the microbes, a heater that maintains the Bio-Circle L cleaning solution at a constant temperature of 105 degree F, a pump, and a filtration system to remove heavy metals and sediments. The parts washer is available in multiple sizes and volumes.

Bio-Circle L Cleaning Solution[edit]

The Bio-Circle parts washing system uses a proprietary cleaning solution Bio-Circle L. The ph-neutral cleaner is a combination of selected surfactants that lifts oil, grease, and carbon buildup by breaking surface tension. With a pleasant apple scent, Bio-Circle L is quick drying, non-flammable, leaves no residues, and contains additives to prevent corrosion. It is safe to use with all metals including aluminum and will not degrade plastics. Unlike solvents and semi-aqueous cleaners, Bio-Circle L contains no volatile organic compounds and subsequently causes no health concerns typically associated with solvents.^[1]. On its MSDS, the SFPA rating is 0-0-0 signifying that it poses no health, flammable, or reactivity risk. When coupled with the Bio-Circle parts washer, the solution is maintained at a constant temperature of 105 degree F. By increasing the solution temperature, the effectiveness for removing contaminants is improved and the surfactants split globules of hyrdocarbons into smaller micelles faster. The heated solution creates a more hospitable environment for the microbes to feed and reproduce, allowing them to maintain a constant population. As long as the microbes have a warm, oxygenated environment, the cleaning solution renews itself by processing hydrocarbon contaminants and never requires disposal as chemical waste. Bio-Circle L is considered "cradle to cradle" technology as it transforms potential effluent into biological nutrients.

Big Dog Garage[edit]

In March 2006, Jay Leno, a strong advocate for green technology, installed two Bio-Circle parts washers in his Big Dog Garage. His staff are very enthusiastic about the unit and consistently point out that they have no regrets about switching to a Bio-Circle. They believe that loving cars and being green don't have to be mutually exclusive. ^[2] Jay jokes that "the microbes are having sex while they clean".

Government[edit]

Several American government operations have switched to the Bio-Circle parts washer to meet the requirements set forth by Executive Orders such as EO 12873 “Federal Acquisition, Recycling and Waste Prevention” and EO 13101 mandated by the Clean Air Act. Government organizations have turned to the Bio-Circle as an alternative because it causes no health problems and is still an effective cleaner. For example, weapons cleaning operations that required soldiers to use caustic solvents such as acetone and mineral spirits have switched to the Bio-Circle because it eliminates a signifcant source of multiple health concerns. According to the EPA, the fumes release by volatile organic compounds in traditional cleaning operations cause damage to the upper respiratory system, kidney, liver, central nervous system, and is a suspected known cause for cancer in humans.^[3] The caustic nature of solvents damages the skin and frequently causes dermatitis leading to skin bacterial and fungal infections.

Environment Canada has approved the Bio-Circle and it is currently being used by various units within the Canadian Armed Forces. ^[4]