(23 Reviews)
Post a Review
Submit press release Submit review

Latest news from Wheelabrator Group Ltd

Technical Forum will allow Industry to Tap Expert Advice

13 June 2007

UK companies are to receive free independent advice and cost effective solutions on flushing out environmentally sensitive and hazardous surface preparation processes at a technical forum hosted by Wheelabrator Group on June 27.

The half-day event, running from 10am to 2pm, will take place at the world market leading surface preparation specialist’s Surface Technology Centre in Birmingham.

Companies wishing to secure places at the event, which will advise on current UK legislation regarding surface preparation and finishing processes, and consider machine effluent disposal and aqueous alternatives to carcinogenic chemical Trichloroethylene, should contact Kirsty Mellor on 0161 928 6388 or email kirsty.mellor@wheelabratorgroup.co.uk

Industry specialist Malcolm Griffiths, a fellow of the Institute of Metal Finishing and a chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, will open proceedings, setting the scene and offering impartial advice on areas where improvements can be made. His company, Ad Qual Castech, is an independent coatings advisory service and frequently handles enquiries relating to the environmental impact of surface preparation processes and compliance with UK legislation, as well as general health and safety issues.


Following this, delegates will be given details of aqueous degreasing equipment which is seen as an environmentally responsible alternative to Trichloroethylene, more commonly known as trike.

With its use being curtailed by the Solvents Emissions Directive (SED) which now affects all countries in the EU, the Health and Safety Executive suggests trike (or replacement solvents) should no longer be considered in light of aqueous processes – which use the safest solvent of all – water – in degreasing all types of engineered components.

Turning to machine effluent disposal, delegates will have the opportunity to learn about how centrifugal filters, which can easily be fitted to machines, are capable of removing up to 99 per cent of solids from process water, enabling full recycling. Wheelabrator believes a staggering 60 per cent of affected organisations are failing to comply with UK rules governing the disposal of effluent from vibratory mass finishing processes, leaving them open to prosecution and heavy fines.

Rob Goodwin, UK field sales manager at Wheelabrator Group, said: “We’ve devised this informal technical forum to give UK companies the opportunity to learn about how everyday surface preparation practices we take for granted are impacting on the environment around us.

“Compliance with the SED and effluent regulations isn’t an insurmountable hurdle, nor is it a costly process, simple, easy-to-use techniques are readily available and can help promote employee health and safety at the same time.”

Delegates will have the opportunity to view demonstrations of machinery and talk to the Wheelabrator team on a one-to-one basis.

Wheelabrator Group owns, designs, manufactures and provides wheelblast, airblast and vibratory mass finishing equipment for surface preparation and cleaning, and serves a variety of sectors, including the aerospace and automotive industries. Further information can be found at www.wheelabratorgroup.com

For further media information, please contact Kirsty Mellor, marketing manager, Wheelabrator Group, on 0161 928 6388 (kirsty.mellor@wheelabratorgroup.co.uk) or Clare Cockroft/Carly Pattison, Ptarmigan Consultants, on 0113 242 1155 or clare@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / carly@ptarmiganpr.co.uk

Other Press Releases By This Company

Released By

Wheelabrator Group Ltd

Related Categories