Bureau of Engraving and Printing

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) produces currency on Intaglio water wipe presses. The term “water wipe” refers to the aqueous wiping solution used in removing ink from the printing plate’s surface. Wiping solution is mixed onsite, used at press, pretreated, and discharged to the sanitary sewer.

CMTA led the engineering design team to implement a new wiping solution recycling process enabling reuse of wiping solution at each press. This project included design and installation of an area housing new processes, ancillary wiping solution systems as well as partial removal and demolition of existing wiping solution equipment and processes as required to install the new plant. CMTA provided mechanical and electrical design services, as well as site utility design services.

The project also entailed replacement of HVAC systems serving the entire “D” Wing as the location for the new wiping solution recycling plant, and involved construction of a new control room, laboratory, maintenance area, restrooms, and pantry space.