Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Zinc phosphate sludge

I would like to know how to calculate how much sludge is produced in a nitrite-accelerated Zinc phosphate Pretreatment system with the introduction of aluminum alloys(specifically, 6111 & 6022).

Any advice that could be given would be much appreciated! I would also be interested in any pertinent research that has been conducted.

Thanks,

Douglas Cauvet
Troy, MI, USA
2001

If the solution used is specifically for aluminum parts, The Canning Handbook [on eBay, Amazon, AbeBooks] says that, in this case, the bath can contain alkali metal cations which precipitate aluminum fluo-aluminates.

You will need to find out the chemical reaction taking place in your particular solution, and calculate the weight of the precipitate based on the amount of aluminum reacted (a surface area and weight removal/conversion question). You can estimate the weight, add some for side reactions (such as with oxygen from the air), then figure out how this stuff settles during treatment to find sludge volume in the wastewater.

Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania
2001

(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: