Category: News & insights

Find out how you can manage your industrial waste safely and worry-free

The disposal of industrial waste is an operation that every company should consider thoughtfully, looking for the best solutions to carry it out safely and with the most negligible impact possible on the environment. The ALIT Technologies team met with Alberto Panozzo, the owner of LTA – La Triveneta Ambiente, a company specializing in the disposal and recovery of waste of all types, to discuss every detail of this critical phase in the production cycle.

Why is industrial waste disposal so important?

The industrial waste disposal phase is a complex and delicate process that is simply essential for protecting the environment and human health. The waste generated by industrial activities, often containing toxic, chemical and hazardous substances, calls for specific management and treatment techniques. Companies specializing in this area can play a crucial role by offering advanced solutions for the safe treatment and disposal of waste, using cutting-edge technologies to minimize environmental impact and promoting best practices to recycle and reuse materials. Strict standards and government controls also play a key role in ensuring disposal operations comply with environmental regulations, encouraging the industry to adopt suitable solutions.

At ALIT Technologies, the issue of chemical waste disposal, particularly when it comes to sludge, contaminated water and spent baths, has always received scrupulous attention. That is why we rely on LTA – La Triveneta Ambiente, an expert company in the recycling and waste disposal fields. After collaborating for many years and in light of this issue’s importance in the industrial world, we decided to interview LTA’s owner, Alberto Panozzo, and ask him to illustrate what steps need to be performed and how hazardous waste, including laboratory chemicals, is disposed of.

Waste disposal steps and processes explained by Alberto Panozzo, the owner of LTA – La Triveneta Ambiente

LTA – La Triveneta Ambiente, headquartered in San Bonifacio, Verona, has been dealing with the disposal and recovery of industrial waste and offering consultancy services throughout Italy since 2006. It can handle any type of waste, with a focus on hazardous and difficult-to-dispose waste, such as sludge and acids. This company’s strength lies in its ability to meet even the micro waste collection needs of enterprises that generate small quantities of waste. “Often, companies turn to us to dispose of small amounts of waste, such as a couple of drums of sludge or a small tank. As we also specialize in this service, we can respond readily,” explained Alberto Panozzo, the owner of LTA. LTA’s highly trained staff visit these companies’ premises to affix labels and check the waste to be managed; its drivers who then perform the pickups specialize in micro waste collection and offer precise and dedicated service.

“At the same time, customers also choose us because of our record-keeping service via online software for efficient and fully digital log management. With this system, our customers can easily print out the necessary documents from their computers without having to fill them up manually,” added Panozzo. LTA offers a comprehensive package that includes preparation, inventory monitoring, and management of any new waste type with a variable monthly fee based on the recorded movements. More specifically, this service includes signing the papers, filling up and printing the loading and unloading logs, validating them, paying administrative fees, and delivering the logs to individual production units.

“By relying on us, customers can count on professional and error-free management, constant monitoring, and ongoing support,” said Panozzo. Online management of waste loading and unloading logs is particularly useful for small and large businesses needing to handle special waste. This service does not require the installation of any new computer program: all you need is a PC, an Internet connection and a printer. LTA’s customers can thus save time and avoid errors, with the peace of mind of always having up-to-date records ready for possible audits, as well as Environmental Declaration Forms (MUD) filled up correctly and submitted to the relevant Chamber of Commerce within the legal deadlines.

What are the disposal process’ steps?

LTA’s steps to dispose of industrial waste begin with an inspection at the customer’s site. During this visit, it briefly checks the production process and the raw materials used. Then, waste is sampled and analyzed, a critical step in identifying the right EWC code. The European Waste Codes (EWC) list is a classification system that uniquely identifies different types of waste. The first two digits of the code indicate the sector from which it originated (e.g. 01 for mining, 02 for agriculture, etc.), the next two the subsector (e.g., smoke abatement) and the last two the specific type of waste.

Once the most appropriate EWC code has been identified by analyzing the production process, LTA draws up a business proposal. After this is accepted, it prepares all necessary documents, including the approval form. Before pickup, it also verifies that the containers are suitable for transport, as it is sometimes necessary to repackage the waste to ensure safe handling. Once this verification is completed, LTA makes arrangements for the collection of waste. If its amount is small, it is picked up with that of some other local customers to optimize costs, whereas a dedicated pickup is organized if it requires a full load. All these steps ensure effective and safe waste management under current regulations, guaranteeing that waste is classified, documented and disposed of properly.

How does the disposal process take place in practice?

Industrial waste is disposed of through several steps and with different methods, each specific to the type of waste and its environmental impact. In general, waste is collected from industrial production sites and taken to licensed disposal facilities. Proper classification and separation are crucial in this phase to avoid contamination and ensure appropriate treatment. Before final disposal, waste may undergo a pre-treatment process to reduce its volume or stabilize it, for instance through crushing, compaction, inerting, or chemical neutralization processes.

The actual treatment varies depending on the type of waste and may call for different technologies. Waste is often burned at high temperatures to reduce its volume and destroy hazardous substances; this method, called incineration, can generate energy but requires plants with emission filtering systems to reduce air pollution. Another technique is landfilling: waste with an inert/inorganic matrix is sent for disposal in controlled sites equipped with sealing and leachate collection systems to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. Waste can also be treated with chemical agents to neutralize hazardous substances or with biological processes that use microorganisms to degrade organic contaminants. In addition, many industrial materials, such as metals, plastics and paper, can be recycled or recovered for new uses, thus reducing the amount of waste to be disposed of and saving natural resources. Finally, some types of waste, particularly radioactive ones, require safe temporary storage until final disposal solutions can be adopted.

Disposal facilities must be constantly monitored to ensure there are no leaks or environmental contamination: emission controls are carried out in the air, water and soil, and compliance with current environmental regulations is verified. Companies specializing in waste disposal do implement advanced technologies to ensure that this process takes place safely and efficiently, minimizing environmental impact and complying with relevant laws and regulations.

What about liquid disposal? How is this done?

The waste produced by ALIT Technologies and its customers primarily consists of liquids, namely sludge, contaminated water and spent baths. That is why we were glad to take a closer look at how these are disposed of. Liquid waste disposal occurs mainly in two ways: purification through chemical-physical plants and thermal destruction.

Liquids that contain metals, other difficult-to-dispose inorganic compounds such as ammonia, or high levels of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) are treated in purification plants. These systems use chemical and physical processes to remove harmful substances and make water safer for the environment. However, there are situations where the liquids contain solvents or other substances that cannot be effectively treated through purification. In these cases, liquid waste is sent for thermal destruction, which subjects it to high temperatures in incinerators specifically designed to handle both liquid and solid waste. Thermal destruction is a more expensive solution than chemical-physical purification, but it is necessary to treat materials that are particularly difficult to dispose of – and it is, in any case, a guarantee of maximum waste reduction. It also ensures very high energy recovery rates, which companies are increasingly demanding. “In the specific case of ALIT Technologies, for example, a type of liquid waste such as spent paint strippers, which cannot be purified due to their chemical composition, is destined for thermal destruction. That ensures hazardous substances are completely eliminated,” indicated Alberto Panozzo.

Why rely on a specialized company for industrial waste disposal?

Relying on an industrial waste disposal expert offers many advantages, especially for small/medium-sized companies that do not have an in-house HSE manager. Industrial waste requires precise management in compliance with current regulations, and DIY can lead to costly and dangerous mistakes. Regulations are complex, and the risk of incurring penalties for incorrect waste management is high. A company like LTA can offer comprehensive technical assistance, from waste classification to preparing the necessary documentation for transport and disposal, ensuring that each step is performed correctly and in accordance with the law. For companies that choose to manage waste in-house, the main problem is often the lack of specific skills and dedicated staff. And, even when they have the technical expertise to handle a part of the process, they are not authorized to transport waste, so they still have to turn to a specialized company at some point. Finally, training and retaining in-house staff responsible for waste management entails high costs and using resources that could be better deployed.

In brief: rely on LTA to safely dispose of your chemical waste!

A well-functioning production cycle needs all its stages to receive the attention they deserve, which is why activating cooperation networks that include companies involved in different supply chain steps is essential: only together can we do more and better!

Therefore, we would like to thank Alberto Panozzo for accurately illustrating all the details of this part of the industrial journey: waste disposal. By relying on LTA, you too can be sure that managing your chemical waste will no longer be a problem or a source of worry.

Contact us to learn all about our chemical paint strippers and to understand how to dispose of them: it’s easier than you think!

At the heart of the dynamic Portuguese company Extrusal S.A., a big change is revolutionising the extrusion die cleaning process. Through the introduction of Claris 9346MB, an innovative product, Extrusal has achieved relevant results that are changing the landscape of the dies cleaning plant managing. Let’s find out how this winning partnership has not only optimised Extrusal’s operational efficiency but also contributed to a more sustainable management of the environment.

Before we dive into the wonderful technicalities of Claris and its effects, it is only right to introduce you to Extrusal, who it is and what it does!

EXTRUSAL S.A. is a Portuguese company operating in the metallurgical sector, specializing in the extrusion of aluminium components and profiles for the construction industry (window and door systems, shading and cladding solutions, railings, and facade systems), general industry (transportation, engineering, energy, among others), and the automotive industry. Founded in March 1972, Extrusal has consistently remained at the forefront of technology, with a primary focus on the quality of its products and services to ensure maximum satisfaction for both direct and indirect clients.

Extrusal S.A. headquarters in Aveiro, Portugal.

Currently, the industry represents approximately 74% of the company’s turnover (26% automotive industry and 43% general industry), with direct exports accounting for 37%. Architectural sector exports primarily target PALOP countries, while the Industry sector exports to Europe.

Extrusal’s production process consists of:

• Engineering and Development Department: Equipped with the latest CAD/CAM systems, it plays a crucial role in internal R&D. Collaborating with the Product Marketing Department and the Prototyping Center, this department develops technical solutions for the Construction sector;
• Die Factory: Extrusal has an autonomous die factory that produces the majority of the dies used in the extrusion process. It is equipped with milling machines, machining centers, non-conventional lathes, turning CNC machines and EDM. The increasing complexity of products makes die manufacturing an increasingly important step in Extrusal’s production process;
• Extrusion: Extrusal currently operates two extrusion lines (17MN and 20MN) with an annual extrusion capacity of approximately 13,000 tons (depending on productivity and profile type). The company has a dedicated Extrusion support laboratory for R&D of extrusion profiles and their control, conducting tests such as tensile tests, Brinell hardness, Webster hardness measurement, and roughness tests;
• Machining: The machining section is equipped with saws, presses, milling machines, balancers, bending machines, and various dedicated equipment. Extrusal’s machining process complies with the NP EN ISO 9001 standard;
• Thermal Cutting: Extrusal was the first company in Portugal to produce thermal cutting systems for architecture, with a dedicated production line;
• Surface Treatments (powder coating, anodizing, and wood effect decoration): Extrusal has three sections dedicated to each type of in-house surface treatment. For anodizing, an electrolytic process, Extrusal has held Qualanod certification (no. 1405) since 1983. Powder coating, a Thermosetting coating process, has also been certified by Qualicoat since 1995. An internal laboratory ensures the quality control of processes and products.

Extrusal was the first Portuguese company, and one of the few in Europe, to obtain certification for the global quality management system – NP EN ISO 9002 – in the areas of die manufacturing, extrusion, anodizing, and .Thermosetting powder coating. Additionally, in 1997, Extrusal was the first Portuguese company, and one of the few in Europe, to obtain certification for the global quality management system – NP EN ISO 9002 – in the areas of die manufacturing, extrusion, anodizing, and powder coating.

A pioneer in environmental defense and preservation, Extrusal built a wastewater treatment plant in 1982. Environmental awareness has driven the acquisition of new equipment and technologies, leading to the implementation of an Environmental Management System and obtaining ISO 14001 environmental certification in 2002. Process optimization and a focus on reuse/recycling have been fundamental at Extrusal. The company has embraced an ecological organizational culture with all stakeholders, promoting sustainable practices throughout the organization.

In the architectural sector, the focus is on developing solutions using recyclable or recycled materials, energy-efficient, and durable. Extrusal’s portfolio includes hinged and sliding systems, cladding systems, shading solutions, facade systems, balustrading solution, shutters, and aluminium systems for indoor use. Window and door solutions undergo tests for thermal, acoustic, and AEV (air permeability, water tightness, and wind resistance) performance. Extrusal is one of the pioneering companies in adopting the Class+ labeling system promoted by ADENE.

Extrusal offers a wide range of solutions for the Industry sector, leveraging aluminium’s characteristics such as lightness, conductivity, durability, malleability, recyclability, and non-toxicity across various industries (from food to aerospace). For the automotive sector, Extrusal develops structural and decorative components with high-quality finishing. The company also contributes to the solar industry through its “Pro-Solar” solutions, designing and developing innovative aluminium structures for mounting solar panels or collectors.

Last but not least, alongside offering pre-conceived profiles, Extrusal provides clients with the opportunity to present their own projects.

Now that we have laid the groundwork for the case history of Extrusal S.A., it is time to dive into the practical part that will capture the attention of the industry’s technicians. We will explore how the use of the Claris 9346MB in the mould cleaning department has brought observable benefits and revolutionised the way Extrusal approaches this crucial operational aspect.

Dimensional Quality control of dies by Extrusal S.A.

The die cleaning tank used in Extrusal has a nominal volume of 1000 litre. Before the introduction of CLARIS in this plant the customer was using the dye cleaning solution, consisting in sodium hydroxide 30% w/w, for 24hours. As described by our colleague Pedro Oliveira “After this time has elapsed the alkaline solution was regularly dismissed because it was exhaust, no longer useful for cleaning of new extrusion dies. Practically there was a consumption of about 1000 litre of NaOH 30% every 24h work, and during this time the average amount of cleaned materials was about 6 baskets of extrusion dies”. Pedro continues by telling us that “After a visit to the die cleaning plant, and after collection of the preliminary technical date, it was organized a first test with Claris 9346MB. It was prepared the 1000 litre of NaOH 30% as usual, and it was added 25 g/l of CLARIS 9346MB, namely 25 Kg. Then the operators started the cleaning of extrusion dies as usual. After  24 hours, the operators realized that the bath was still effective, i.e still able to clean the extrusion dies, so a new cleaning cycle was started without changing the alkaline solution and without adding again CLARIS 9346MB. The cleaning of materials in this second cycle of 24h was perfectly efficient and after a total of 48 hours of use, the die cleaning bath was disposed of”. Pedro tells us that “with great customer satisfaction, the lifetime of the alkaline solution was doubled, without compromising its efficiency and productivity in any way“. The thermographic profiles collected against time are shown in Fig 1.

Pedro explains to us that “The blue colour profile refers to the test conducted WITHOUT Claris 9346MB, while the orange colour profile refers to the test conducted WITH 25g/l of Claris 9346MB dissolved in the alkaline cleaning solution. It can be observed that in the presence of CLARIS 9346MB, after about 24 hours, it was possible to insert a new load of baskets into the die cleaning tank, the temperature of the bath rose (also thanks to the exothermic reaction of aluminium dissolution) up to around 90°C, and then gradually dropped to at approximately 80°C over the next 24 hours. The thermographic profile was similar to that of the solution (blue line) without CLARIS, but the lifetime of the alkaline solution was double: An addition of 25 Kg of CLARIS 9346MB permit to the cleaning solution to treat double quantity of parts: truly fantastic!”

Fig 1: Thermographic profile of the alkaline cleaning solution without (blue) and with CLARIS 9346MB

We asked Pedro to explain  us why the presence of Claris prolongs so much the lifetime of the extrusion die cleaning bath. And he replied that ” Cleaning an extrusion die means first removing the solidified aluminium that remains in the holes of the die. If Claris 9346MB is present in the alkaline solution, the dissolution process of the solid aluminium is modified, and thanks to Claris 9346MB it becomes in practice possible to mechanically extract the aluminium block from the matrix without dissolving too much of it in the liquid solution. In this way the process bath is not enriched too much with aluminium, and therefore remains much more active. To the point that, in the presence of a correct dosage of Claris 9346MB, the quantity of treatable dies can be doubled”.

An example of aluminium residues that can be extracted from extrusion dies without dissolving  too much aluminium in the alkaline solution is visible in Fig. 2.

Fig 2: residual aluminium blocks extracted from extrusion dies using 25g/l of CLARIS 9346MB in the alkaline solution.

Pedro confirms that “The use of Claris 9346MB at Extrusal S.A. it is now a consolidated practice, and the customer declares himself fully satisfied with the benefits deriving from its introduction in the dies cleaning process. The consumption of alkaline solution has been significantly reduced and with it the disposal of used alkaline solutions. From the environmental point of view, much more aluminium can be recycled and thanks to the controlled reaction, less gas is expelled into the atmosphere. This die cleaning process reduces smells in the working area, ensuring better working conditions to the operators”.

CONCLUSION:

Claris 9346MB is an innovative additive for aluminum extrusion die cleaning, offering enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and extended bath life. It significantly improves the cleaning process, ensuring better performance and sustainability. Want to learn more? Visit our product page and contact us through our form. Follow ALIT Technologies on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest advancements. Our commercial and technical staff are ready to assist you with any inquiries!

ALIT Technologies S.p.A has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the ISO 14001:2015 certification, complementing its existing ISO 9001:2015 certification and reaffirming the company’s commitment in maintaining exceptionally high-quality standards.

Both the ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards provide a framework for improving quality management practices and environmental protection, showcasing an integrated dedication to operational excellence and sustainability.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification, previously awarded by the certification body SGS ITALIA s.p.a., has already validated the implementation of a quality management system aligned with customer needs, bolstering ALIT Technologies’ reputation as a reliable partner and advocate for continuous improvement. Now, with the new ISO 14001:2015 certification, the company further distinguishes itself for its commitment to sustainable practices, minimising environmental impact and aligning with global standards.

ISO 9001:2015 specifically emphasises customer focus and active involvement of leadership and staff, promoting an approach that treats activities as processes within a coherent system. Attaining this certification also requires that company decisions be based on evidence provided by data analysis. In contrast, ISO 14001:2015 needs the formulation of environmental policies and strategic planning to continually enhance sustainable performance, while adhering to legal requirements and established objectives. Additionally, it encourages employee and stakeholder engagement, as well as effective communication of information on environmental matters.

These certifications represent the ongoing growth journey of ALIT Technologies, which will undoubtedly continue to pursue new objectives.