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Q&As since 1989


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Want system to recover and purify phosphoric acid from aluminum bright dipping

1996

We presently use large quantities of phosphoric acid in our bright dip process. We recover much of the acid dragged out of the process tanks in recovery rinses, and sell the recovered dilute acid to other firms. We are interested in a system to purify and re-concentrate the phosphoric acid so that we can reuse it ourselves. Can anyone recommend a manufacturer or lend some advice as?

Thank you

Bob B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]

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Way back in the good old days (1971?) I worked as a lab tech in an Aluminum finishing shop. The bright dip rinses were run through a vacuum evaporator, the condensed distilled water was reused to rinse and the recovered phosphoric/nitric concentrate went back into the bright dip. Running the evaporator was quite an experience for a college junior who had to climb a 20 foot tower to set up the vacuum, cooling, and heating valves and controls. I assume if you talk to any of the four or five vacuum evaporator manufacturers out there that they have probably automated the process quite a bit.

Bill Vins
microwave & cable assemblies - Mesa (what a place-a), Arizona
1996