250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-120-05-36.11

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-120-05-36.11 - Requirements for In-Line Cleaning Machine Operations

A. Cleaning machines must be equipped with covers that completely cover machine openings. Covers must be in place at all times when the conveyors and exhausts are not being operated. If the cleaning machine is equipped with a lip exhaust, the cover must be located below the lip exhaust.

B. Each in-line vapor cleaning machine shall have a primary condenser.

C. The automated parts handling system shall move parts at a speed of no more than two inches (2") per second (ten feet (10') per minute).

D. The following safety switches must be installed and operated:

1. A condenser flow switch to shut off the heat if the condenser coolant is not circulating; and

2. A vapor level control thermostat to shut off the heat when the vapor level rises above the height of the primary cooling coils; and

3. If the cleaning machine is equipped with a spray apparatus, a spray safety switch to shut off the spray pump or conveyor if the vapor level drops more than four inches (4") (ten (10) cm) from the bottom of the primary condenser coil and to prevent spraying outside the vapor level; and

4. A low solvent level safety switch to shut off the heating element if it should become exposed.

E. Each in-line cleaning machine shall have a freeboard ratio of at least seventy-five one hundredths (0.75).

F. Each in-line cleaning machine must be equipped with a drying tunnel, a rotating (tumbling) basket, or another device that prevents cleaned pieces from carrying solvent liquid or vapor out of the unit.

G. Any in-line cleaning machine installed before November 29, 1993, must be equipped with one (1) of the following control combinations:

1. Refrigerated freeboard chiller and freeboard ratio of at least one (1.0); or

2. Refrigerated freeboard chiller and dwell; or

3. Carbon adsorber and dwell; or

4. Another system of equivalent control system that is approved by the Director and the EPA. Requests shall include the following information:

a. A complete description of process and control equipment;

b. Testing procedures that will be used to demonstrate equivalency; and

c. The date, time, and location of the equivalency test.

H. Any in-line cleaning machine installed on or after November 29, 1993, must be equipped with and operate one (1) of the following control combinations:

1. Refrigerated freeboard chiller and a superheated vapor system; or

2. Refrigerated freeboard chiller and carbon adsorber; or

3. Another system of equivalent control that is approved by the Director and the EPA. Requests for equivalency determinations for control of cleaning machines installed on or after November 29, 1993 must be submitted and approved prior to startup of the cleaning machine. Requests shall include the following information:

a. A complete description of process and control equipment;

b. Testing procedures that will be used to demonstrate equivalency; and

c. The date, time, and location of the equivalency test.

I. The size of entrance and exit openings shall be minimized so that there is a clearance of no more than four inches (4") on each side between the largest piece cleaned and the edges of the opening of the cleaning machine.

J. Each in-line cleaning machine that uses a lip exhaust shall be designed and operated to route all collected solvent vapors through a properly operated and maintained carbon adsorber that meets the requirements of § 36.13(A)(5) of this Part.

K. The exhaust ventilation rate shall not exceed twenty (20) m³/min per m² (sixty-five (65) cfm per ft²) of solvent/air interface, unless necessary to meet OSHA requirements. If a carbon adsorber is used to meet the requirements of §§ 36.11(G) or (H) of this Part, the exhaust ventilation rate shall be at least fifteen (15) m³/min per m² (fifty (50) cfm per ft²) of solvent/air interface.

L. The cleaning machine shall be operated so that water cannot be visually detected in the solvent exiting the water separator.

M. During startup of each vapor in-line cleaning machine, the primary condenser shall be turned on before the sump heater.

N. During shutdown of each vapor in-line cleaning machine, the sump heater shall be turned off and the solvent vapor layer allowed to collapse before the primary condenser is turned off.

O. Any spraying operations shall be done only within the vapor zone or within a section of the in-line cleaning machine that is not directly exposed to the room air.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-120-05-36.11

Adopted effective 1/13/2019
Amended effective 6/13/2022