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DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF A SPRAY RINSING SYSTEM FOR RECYCLE OF PROCESS WATERS
Citation:
Apel, M., P. Fair, AND J. Adams. DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF A SPRAY RINSING SYSTEM FOR RECYCLE OF PROCESS WATERS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-84/246 (NTIS PB85106722), 1984.
Description:
This research demonstrates the effectiveness of an innovative application of a multiple spray rinsing system in an electroplating process. A joint study was conducted by NCR and the U.S. EPA at NCR's printed circuit board facility in Cambridge, Ohio. Engineering evaluations were performed to assess and compare the water usage requirement, chemical needs, material recycle capabilities, and the effluent treatment and disposal requirements of the spray rinse system to those of the Napco shuttle dip rinse system previously used. An economic analysis was also performed to determine the annual differential costs of the old and new rinse systems with respect to reductions in water and sewer, chemical, effluent treatment, and sludge disposal costs. The results of this study indicated that utilization of the spray rinsing system in place of the previously used dip rinsing operation reduced operating costs without sacrificing rinse efficiency. Water usage was decreased by approximately 90 percent and 94 percent of the nickel metal was recovered and returned to the plating bath. A substantial savings in treatment and disposal costs was also realized through the isolation and concentration of the nickel metal and subsequent reduction in sludge volume of hazardous materials. Joint participation in this research effort has proven to be successful for government and industry's quest for a better environment while producing substantial cost savings.