Life Cycle Assessment of PC Blend 2 Aircraft Radome Depainter

摘要

This report describes a multi-year effort to test and evaluate a solvent blendalternative for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) in aircraft radome depainting operations. The study was conducted at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (OC-ALC) at Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB). TAFB currently uses MEK to depaint B-52 and KC-135 aircraft randomes in a ventilated booth. Because MEK is highly volatile, many gallons vaporize in the atmosphere during each depainting session. Supported by SERDP and EPA's WREAPS program, this study began with a preliminary testing by Huntsman Chemical Company to determine the optimal formulation of the chemical stripper. We then conducted a demonstration of a formulation designated PC Blend 2, which was shown to have performance characteristics comparable to MEK. This report expands upon the completed technology evaluation through a life cycle evaluation of PC Blend 2 to determine the environmental, energy and economic impacts of each chemical and the formulation.