The Cost of Process Conversion

摘要

Cleaning processes, from general metals cleaning and surface finishing to high precision cleaning of critical high-value components for military or biomedical uses are undergoing constant modification. Factors typically considered by components and parts manufacturers in changing the cleaning process include: Performance Success in removing soil Speed Process costs Initial capital outlay Solvent/cleaning agent costs Response to regulatory requirements, primarily environmental Safety/liability concerns Company and customer policy changes However, considering the increasingly competitive costs and performance requirements, companies would be well-advised to also consider such factors as: Energy and utilities costs/usage Heat for solvent or aqueous cleaning agent or rinse water or rinse solution Heat for drying components Water Auxiliary equipment Cost of disposables (filters) Facilities costs Waste stream treatment, handling, and/or disposal Employee training Labor Energy efficiency, process efficiency, cost of ownership - these are all terms bandied about by cleaning agent manufacturers and formulators, cleaning equipment vendors, regulatory agencies, and end-users. Often, the terms are used to justify sweeping policy changes, costly paridigm shifts in industry, and intensive capital outlay. Actual studies are rare, and where estimates are made, diametrically opposed conclusions can be obtained, depending on the assumptions being made. This study outlines the current status: providing an overview of current understanding of the full costs of process change and suggesting additional approaches, primarily observational, to expand our understanding of this issue.