At VODEX, we believe in providing our customers with the best possible extraction solutions, no matter what their needs. This is why we went above and beyond for our newest customer.
The Problem
OQEMA came to us looking for a solution for their very unique dilemma. The company works with Naphthoquinone, a highly toxic chemical, in powder form. Specifically, they get 25kg bags of the powder which they need to repack into 100gm bags.
Up until now, the work had been sub-contracted, but the company wanted to bring it in-house.
The problem, as we said, is that Naphthoquinone powder is extremely toxic, and fatal when inhaled. Also, it is very fine, much like flour, so it gets airborne quite easily.
While the workers still wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), which includes a chemical suit, gloves, and boots, with an air-fed hood, at all times while handling it, OQEMA also wanted to contain the chemical dust, so the area had to be isolated from the rest of the factory, for which they used a converted shipping container.
Additionally, due to its toxicity and environmental impact, the emptied sacks needed to be disposed of in accordance with the rules for hazardous material disposal.
Our Solution
The problem was a very serious one, given the toxicity, so after much deliberation and discussion, we approached our specialist supplier CTS for a custom dust enclosure cabinet.
In collaboration with CTS, we helped OQEMA with a solution that would help their operations become COSHH-compliant.
CTS created a custom dust control booth prototype that has a roller conveyor entry flap from where the sacks enter. Once inside, the sacks can be split open in the booth, which is equipped with negative airflow and two H14 HEPA-filtered dust extraction units fitted below.
The contents can be packed and sealed in 100gm bags, and the empty sack is transferred to a sealed bag at the opposite end for safe disposal.
The Result
The comprehensive solution designed by CTS allows OQEMA workers to safely repack Naphthoquinone without any risk to their health. Mark McVeigh, Regulatory Affairs Manager at OQEMA, and Glenn Castle, Operational Manager, were extremely happy with the final ‘COSHH-compliant result’ and have given the go-ahead for production to start soon.
