Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

-----

High amount of Zinc in Anodizing waste water

February 22, 2014

Q. I work for a small metal finishing company in Michigan and we are having an issue with elevated amounts of zinc going out in our waste water. I have looked online and have seen many sites say that waste zinc is normal when anodizing, but it doesn't say what it comes from and how to minimize it. There are many water treatments that can be done to reduce / eliminate the zinc going out, but is that our only option?

Scott Czarnik
Plating shop employee - Jackson, Michigan, USA

February 24, 2014

A. Scott

If you run a lot of the 7xxx series aluminum, you could expect to have elevated levels of zinc in your wastewater discharge. Your anodize solution might have levels that preclude simple pH adjustment as the sole treatment prior to discharge.

Treatment options will likely depend on what other processes and treatments you have in place.

Minimizing dragout is on the top of the list of things to do.

Willie Alexander
- Colorado Springs, Colorado

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: