**A Case Study: Intertek’s Sustainable Lab Transformation**
In today’s world, many organizations go beyond legal requirements to showcase their commitment to sustainability. By investing in eco-friendly practices, they not only support the environment but also protect their business from risks like fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage. However, one automotive R&D lab found a sustainable solution that not only helped them meet their environmental goals but also saved money right away and improved efficiency.
Intertek is a global leader in third-party testing and research services, offering specialized support to companies across various industries. Their Automotive Research Lab in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the largest independent facilities in the U.S., providing engine, transmission, and emission testing for fuels, lubricants, and other fluids. To ensure accurate results, Intertek builds engines according to ASTM standards, allowing precise control over temperature and humidity during fluid testing.
Before testing, each component is carefully measured and weighed. After testing, the process is repeated to analyze any changes in the parts, which helps evaluate the performance of the fluid being tested. To prepare the parts for inspection, lab technicians must clean them using chemical solvents such as N-pentane, N-hexane, Toluene, Tri-solv, and Acetone.
Handling large drums of these chemicals was a major challenge. Technicians had to manually tip 55-gallon drums to dispense solvents through spigots, which was time-consuming, messy, and risky. The gravity-fed system often led to leaks, clogs, and poor flow control, increasing the risk of spills, waste, and exposure to harmful fumes. Additionally, draining the drums completely was difficult, leaving residual chemicals behind and requiring extra labor to meet EPA regulations.
Bob Tome, Intertek’s Manager of Environmental, Safety, and Health (ES&H), recognized the need for a better solution. Attending an industry seminar by TCEQ’s Pollution Prevention Group, he discovered a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to handle chemical transfers. He implemented a pumping system that allowed safe and controlled dispensing directly from upright drums at a rate of four gallons per minute.
This change made the cleaning process faster, safer, and more accurate. Instead of tipping drums, lab staff could now transfer chemicals into smaller containers using a spring-activated nozzle. The pumps also enabled full drainage of the drums, meeting RCRA compliance with less than half an inch of residue left at the bottom. This eliminated the need for costly disposal services and reduced chemical waste.
The new system also proved to be more durable. While spigots needed frequent replacement, the pumps lasted up to ten years, cutting long-term costs. "I’m really impressed with the savings," said Tome. "Not only did we save on the initial investment—pumps cost about $300 less than spigots—but they also last much longer. Over time, the savings add up."
Beyond the financial benefits, the system improved worker safety, reduced environmental impact, and helped Intertek achieve its sustainability goals. It's a great example of how smart, eco-conscious choices can lead to real, measurable improvements in both operations and the environment.
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