Replacement of Chromium Electroplating on Helicopter Dynamic Components Using HVOF Thermal Spray Technology
Abstract
Electrolytic hard chrome (EHC) plating is a technique that has been in commercial production for over 50 years. It is a critical process that is used both for applying hard coatings to a variety of aircraft components in manufacturing operations and for general rebuild of worn or corroded components that have been removed from aircraft during overhaul. Chromium plating baths contain chromic acid, in which the chromium is in the hexavalent state, with hexavalent chromium (hex-Cr) being a known carcinogen. During operation, chrome plating tanks emit a hex-Cr mist into the air, which must be ducted away and removed by scrubbers. Wastes generated from plating operations must be disposed of as hazardous waste, and plating operations must abide by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL). In February 2006, OSHA reduced the PEL for worker exposure to Cr(6+) from 52 micrograms/m(3) of Cr(6+) to 5 micrograms/m(3). However, at the time of writing this PEL is still in litigation, and the PEL may be further reduced in the next few years. A Navy/industry task group has concluded that the cost of compliance for all Navy operations that utilize hex-Cr (i.e., not just plating) would be in excess of $10 million if the PEL were reduced to less than 5 micrograms/m(3).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA520680
Entities
People
- Aaron Nardi
- Andrew Schwartz
- Anne Kaltenhauser
- Bruce D. Sartwell
- Greg Haataja
- Keith O. Legg
- Phil Betz
- Robert A Mason
- Robert Guillemette
- Robert Kestler
- Robert Luchenta
Organizations
- Environmental Security Technology Certification Program