SOUTHLAND ELECTRIC MOTOR REBUILDER CONVERTS TO WATER-BASED CLEANING

Brithinee Electric was started in 1963 in San Bernardino by Wallace Brithinee. Today the firm, with 41 employees, is located in Colton, California. Since the early 1980s, the company has been operated by Wallace P. Brithinee, Wallace Brithinee's son.

Brithinee Electric rebuilds electric motors, drives and controls. Electric motors that no longer function or that require servicing are brought to the facility and are dismantled. The motors are rewound and sent back to the field. It is less costly to rebuild the electric motors than to buy new ones.

In the early 1980s, the firm used a large steam cleaner to do the cleaning required for rebuilding the highly contaminated motors from the field. This system generated a large amount of wastewater . Later when Brithinee could no longer discharge this wastewater, the firm purchased a huge spray cabinet with a 1,500 gallon capacity. With this spray cabinet, which utilizes an oil skimmer, the water cleaning formulation is used for several months before it needs to be changed out. It effectively minimized the generation of spent wastewater.

Brithinee Electric had two mineral spirits parts cleaners that were serviced by a large service provider. IRTA began working with Brithinee to test alternative systems the firm could use to comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1171. This rule requires firms to use cleaners with 50 grams per liter or less VOC in repair and maintenance cleaning by January 1, 1999. IRTA arranged for Brithinee to test a smaller spray cabinet which they ended up buying. Lynda Butek, the facility manager who is responsible for environmental activities at Brithinee, is a big fan of water-based cleaners. "We are a progressive company and we want to minimize the exposure of our workers and the community to hazardous chemicals. The use of water-based cleaners allows us to clean our parts effectively and to be a responsible company, "she says.

Brithinee wanted another system that would be capable of cleaning smaller parts which sometimes have crevices and blind holes. Brithinee purchased a small 18 inch cubed ultrasonic system that was displayed at IRTA's Expo held at the Disneyland Hotel on July 28. The new system has been operating for a few months and is very effective. According to Wally Brithinee, "the ultrasonic cleaning system minimizes our parts cleaning labor." Mr. Brithinee is very happy with the new water-based cleaning systems. "We want to be out in front in our industry. We are active in the Electrical Apparatus Service Association and want to serve as an example for other electric motor rebuilders in the country."