Evaluation of Reverse Osmosis for Electroplating Wastes.
Abstract
The purpose of this research effort was to evaluate Reverse Osmosis (RO) as a process to reduce pollution and increase materials conservation in large Air Force chrome plating operations. In these studies simulated chrome plating solutions were processed by an RO unit built to Air Force specifications by Envirex, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, using three types of commercial RO modules. In particular, this study was aimed at determining the degree of separation and membrane damage/deterioration when RO is applied to hexavalent chromium in an acidic medium (pH 6.5). Initial tests were made on a tubular, spiral wound, and Permasep (manufactured by duPont) membrane to determine which type membrane might be applicable to the chrome waste stream. Based on these initial studies, the Permasep membrane was chosen for further study. The Permasep membrane demonstrated a high salt rejection rate (0.96 to 0.99 reject ratio) and a high product recovery rate (0.59 to 0.70 recovery ratio). A closed system resulting in zero discharge of chromium from water emissions was designed based on the results of the Permasep membrane. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA040213
Entities
People
- Dale H. Allen
- Emil C. Frein