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Sodium Nitrite & Potassium Nitrate bath accidentally contaminated with Sodium metabisulfite

We use a 50/50 Na nitrite & K nitrate solution in our process. Inadvertantly, Sodium meta-bi-sulfite was used instead of the Na nitrite. Now the paint will not stick to our samples. Any ideas of how to remove the Sodium meta-bi-sulfite?

Audrey B
Casting Industry - Wixom, Michigan, USA
February 11, 2011

February 14, 2011

Hi, Audrey. I would dispose of the bath and start over for two reasons. First, because it will probably prove impractical to get the metabisulfite out of it. Secondly, because it should be company policy to pay the penalty of replacing a solution if a rogue material has inadvertently been added to it, as a matter of self-discipline. A good sized add of sodium metabisulphite to the wrong bath can release lethal quantities of sulfur dioxide gas. Good luck.

Regards,
Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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