LEAD ABATEMENT UHP PROJECT, AIRCRAFT HANGAR # 431 ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLORIDA
In 1999, United Coatings was contracted to perform a de-leading project, for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). The Hangar was a U.S Air Force B-52 aircraft hangar, built in the early 1950’s. The hangar was unusable because of the high concentration of deteriorating lead based paint (LBP) on the hangars interior steel structures; in excess of 15% by weight of lead in paint.
Hangar Description: 101,000 sq. /ft. of floor space, 3 individual block buildings located interior of the hangar, 1 million linear feet of steel structure to be de-leaded.
Lead removal process for the steel structure: Ultra High Pressure water blast technology was chosen utilizing hand held UHP water jetting lances capable of producing 40,000 PSI water blast pressure at 6.5 gallons per minute. An 8 man rotating crew, water-jetted from 80 foot man-lifts to remove the existing lead based coating from the steel structured, down to bear metal to an SSPC WJ-2 L standard.
Steel structure re-coating: All de-leaded steel surfaces were inspected by a NACE 3rd. party inspector, and then coated with three coats of high solid epoxy paint.
Filtration system for lead in suspension UHP waste water:
A high capacity ionic Exchange System was utilized to remove the waste water lead in suspension from a average of 2.0 mg/L to a required level of < 0.4 mg/L for disposal through the local sanitary sewage system. Each 21,000 gallon batch of filtered waste water was laboratory tested, results sent to the Orlando city Environmental department for disposal approval. 510,000 gallons for filtered (<0.4 mg/L) water was approved and disposed of through the city’s Sanitary Sewage System. Estimated cost for disposal of 510,000 gallons of filtered water: $1,650. Cost of city water supply: $1,200.
Hangar floor cleaning: The hangar floor was cleaned down to bear concrete utilizing 2 -UHP Hydrocat robotic units. These units operate electrically and produce 40,000 PSI water pressure, in a close loop cut and vacuum system, drawing 17 inches of mercury vacuum pressure.
Containment System: Both a ridged and flexible sealed containment system was utilized to prevent emissions and waste water from escaping into the outside environment.
Personal protective equipment and Decontamination System: water jetters were provided impermeable sealed outer garments and air supplied hooded breathing apparatus. . Eagle Decontamination unit was utilized.
OSHA Lead Worker Standards: SSPC C-3 Supervisor/ Competent Person ensured standard, personnel protection, air and medical monitoring was followed There was a negative rise in Blood lead levels or ZPP, in any on site worker throughout the 6 month duration of the de-leading project.
United Coatings followed the OSHA, SSPC De-leading standards and its Best Management Practices.
Before and After images:
