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-----Does pickling inhibitor affect pH of wastewater?
In my business I do acid chloride zinc and I use inhibitors in my hydrochloric acid pickle.Could these inhibitors have an effect on the pH in my waste treatment system? I have seen the pH fluctuate from 10 1/2 to 7. If the inhibitors do cause a problem, how can I treat them so they don't affect the pH?
Gary Follmar- Houston, Texas
1999
1999
Short answer - no. Those additives are surfactants, they're added in small quantities, and aren't going to have much acidity or alkalinity. However, they have been known to precipitate and leave slimy gunkola on things. This may include pH probes. I'd suggest taking a good look at the pH sensor next time you have the problem. An intermittent blinding of the sensor by precipitated surfactant could account for your problem. Check with your pH probe vendor first, but you may find a little acetone ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] Flammable! wash will take it right off if this is the problem.
Dave Wichern
Consultant - The Bronx, New York
My experience hasn't seen the inhibitor cause the pH to vary that much. It may be more of the strength of the acid at the time of dumping. The metal present and drag in of rinse water can affect the strength more than the inhibitor. I've used the Henkel Rodine brand in the past and haven't seen it cause pH problems. I would think a normal reducing agent like Sodium Metabisulfite should help. The inhibitor supplier should be able to give you some tips.
Jim Conner
Mabank, Texas USA
1999
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