Organization background
Boston Scientific is an internationally recognized medical device researcher and manufacturer. The Maple Grove, Minnesota, site is focused on interventional cardiology devices and surgical equipment, including drug-coated stents, balloon catheters, and Watchman, a device that reduces the risk of stroke.
Project background
The site in Maple Grove consumes 40 million gallons of water annually for production, domestic, and operational needs. This water is purchased from the City of Maple Grove; discharges are regulated by the Met Council. A major goal of the internship was to identify gaps in knowledge related to the use and discharge of water. A life-cycle analysis and water balance were performed to determine gaps and find opportunities for water conservation. The project was divided into two stages: first, the intern identified and quantified major water-consuming areas in the facility; second, the intern evaluated opportunities for water and/or energy and material conservation.
Incentives to change
Anticipated audits and a reapplication period for an industrial wastewater discharge permit spurred the desire for a better understanding of water usage at the Maple Grove site. A MnTAP intern could help the site find new ways to conserve resources, support their ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, and reduce costs.
Intern
Heather Levy
Chemistry
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
“Boston Scientific welcomed me with open arms. Throughout my entire internship, I had full access to specialists, technicians, engineers, and the campus. Everyone was extremely interested in my ideas and brought their own, too! Some of the best ideas were discussed right on the production floor. I am incredibly grateful for my supportive co-workers, thank you for the fantastic opportunity and the amazing friendships!”
- Heather Levy
“Boston Scientific has a long history providing summer intern opportunities for students — this was the Maple Grove site’s first experience with a MnTAP Intern and it was a great experience. The work on water life-cycle and water conservation that Heather did this summer was of the highest quality. The projects that Heather completed and the ideas that she has generated fit exactly with Boston Scientific’s Global EHS policy to protect ‘the planet, our people and our property.’ By the completion of the summer Heather had saved the company many times the small fee that it cost to have her here. So, would we recommend the MnTAP summer intern program — Yes most definitely, these students are carefully selected and do a really great job.”
~ Sonia James
Environmental, Health & Safety Manager
Boston Scientific
Solutions
Reduce corrosive rinse tank dump frequency
Corrosive rinse tanks account for most of the water consumed by the site’s industrial processes. By switching a configuration setting in several tanks from one rack per dump to five racks per dump, a considerable amount of water and money could be saved with immediate payback.
Add faucet aerators
Several faucets in high-use coffee station sinks did not have faucet aerators. The installation of these aerators could allow for a reduction in domestic water usage.
Self-report evaporative losses to the utility
The site in Maple Grove pays sewer charges on water lost to evaporation. By reporting evaporative loss calculations and meter readings to the utility for relevant cooling tower and boiler systems, the facility could reduce their water bill costs.
Reclaim Building 2 water softener brine discharge
Brine discharge during water softener regeneration can be rerouted back into a salt tank for a 30% salt savings. This could reduce chlorides released into the environment and facility salt costs.
Fix steam valve leak
The facility loses energy due to a small steam valve leak. Fixing this leak during planned production shutdown time could save future energy loss and fixture damage.
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Recommendation
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Annual Reduction
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Annual Savings
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Status
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| Reduce Corrosive Rinse Tank Dump Frequency |
3,800,000 gallons water |
$15,000 |
Implemented |
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Add Faucet Aerators
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177,000 gallons water
|
$700
|
Implemented
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|
Self-Report Evaporative Losses to Utility
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N/A
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$18,000
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Recommended
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Reclaim Building 2 Water Softener Brine Discharge
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96,000 lbs salt
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$8,000
|
Recommended
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Fix Steam Leak
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2,000 therms
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$900
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Recommended
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