Middleboro Implements New Greener Passivation Process

Sep 6, 2022 by IDEX Health & Science

“There must be a better way to do this.” This was the start of a conversation that led to the implementation of a new greener and environmentally friendly passivation process at our Middleboro, MA site that is part of IDEX Health & Science’s commitment Sustainability.

Passivation is a process widely used in metal finishing to prevent corrosion. Historically, the site has used a nitric acid passivation process for their metal finishing needs. Nitric acid is a harsh, and highly corrosive substance.

The team at the Middleboro site decided to create a new environmentally conscious process—citric acid passivation. “Citric acid is far less toxic. It’s like lemon juice,” said Larry Burdge, Facilities and Maintenance Manager at Middleboro. This new process eliminated a hazardous waste stream and eliminated risks to our environment and our employees.

The team worked directly with a customer who purchases products from IDEX Health & Science that require passivation to see that all quality standards were maintained. “We worked closely with our customer to ensure it would be a flawless transition to the new process,” added Larry. In the end, it was a win-win for everyone involved. Our customer was happy, and we were happy to implement a process that was both environmentally friendly and safer for everyone.

Learn more about recent environment impact projects IDEX Health & Science has implemented.