Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Environmentally Conscious Electrochemical Machining for Zero Discharge and Metal Recycling
EPA Contract Number: EPD13040Title: Environmentally Conscious Electrochemical Machining for Zero Discharge and Metal Recycling
Investigators: Lee, Katherine
Small Business: Faraday Technology, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: May 22, 2013 through November 21, 2013
Project Amount: $80,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2013) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Innovation in Manufacturing
Description:
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Conclusions:
Based on the results of the Phase I effort, significant benefits compared to standard ECM practice have been demonstrated, namely, the ability to recover the value of the metals retained within the electrolyte, and to permit zero-discharge use of the electrolyte, reducing environmental impact and lowering manufacturing costs. The compact, solid, metallic powders obtained are considerably less hazardous than the sludges generated by conventional ECM and are easily collected and handled. Comparable performance to existing FARADAYIC® ECM processes has been demonstrated with the electrowinning-capable (R)ECM electrolyte, ensuring seamless insertion of the (R)ECM technology into the operations of Faraday's existing customers. During the Phase I program, Faraday engaged several potential commercial partners for the FARADAYIC® (R)ECM technology, including Swagelok Company, Boeing Research and Technology, Abel Metal Processing, Pulse Technologies, PEM Technologies and ECM Technologies. The first four companies are potential end-users of the FARADAYIC® (R)ECM technology, while PEM Technologies and ECM Technologies are manufacturers of ECM systems and hardware with a potential interest in incorporating (R)ECM into their product lines. Per a Commercialization Assessment Report prepared by Dr. S. Ludmerer (Foresight Science & Technology), "There is an important need for the technology, as environmental issues associated with ECM have restricted its market penetration and, in turn, volume growth in sales and installation of ECM machines." Faraday Technology, Inc. anticipates ready market acceptance of the (R)ECM technology as its capabilities and advantages become recognized.
Supplemental Keywords:
electrochemical machining, electrowinning, recycling, electrolyte, waste reduction, electropolishing, sludge, water conservation, metalsThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.