TRW
Pontypool

Zinc-Nickel Effluent treatment at TRW Pontypool

In 2012, TRW Pontypool (Now ZF) acquired a large acid Zinc Nickel plating plant which required its associated effluent treatment system.

The Challenge

Zinc Nickel Chemistry is traditionally difficult to treat : it contains a significant amount of amine based complexes. A conventional physico-chemical process would not be able to achieve values below the required 2ppm on each metal. Those metals remain in solution after a metal hydroxide precipitation.

Puretech Solution

We developed a decomplexation reactor, in order to “free up” the zinc and nickel prior to entering the traditional physico-chemical treatment. Fruit of a collaborative work with the chemical manufacturer (MacDermid Enthone), lab scale tests and protocols were developed to identify the optimum parameters.

Whilst the decomplexation is using the conventional sodium hypochlorite (other oxidising agents can be used) the operating conditions are key.

As an added process safety, the system is completed by a bivalent metals ion exchanger, with on site mono-sodium regeneration.

With a capability of 1m3/h of zinc nickel effluent and 3m3/h overall, the plant has been commissioned in March 2013. For the past 8 years TRW-ZF has enjoyed 100% compliance (at less than 1ppm on each metal) under the watchful eye of the E.A. (Environment Agency).

The effluent has demonstrated a 97%+ up-keep time since its commissioning, thanks to the quality of the TRW-ZF operators supported by our specific maintenance contract.

 

TRW - ZF Zinc-Nickel Effluent Treatment

A very compact, yet easily maintainable installation

ZF Automotive – Pontypool, manufactures 3 million plated brake parts per year.
The process plating plants and effluent treatment plant are critical to the site production.

Puretech Environmental Ltd’s expertise in design, supply and installation of a new effluent treatment plant improved site productivity, maintained legal compliance and generated savings.
They have an excellent site maintenance program and a remote support team - supplying technical operational advice, spares and fault rectification to reduce downtime.

Neil James | ZF Pontypool - Site Facilities Engineer
What makes
Puretech
different?

Pollution

THE PURETECH DIFFERENCE...:
... by the range of industrial pollutions we can address : pH, heavy metals, cyanides, hexavalent chromium, BOD, "Hard" COD, Fat Oil & Grease, suspended solids, sulphates, phosphorous, nitrates, Ammonia, and anything you can think of to challenge us.

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Technologies

THE PURETECH DIFFERENCE...:
... by picking the right technology for the right problem to provide the client with a guarantee of performance. Here are some of the processes we cover : Coagulation, Neutralisation, Flocculation, Oxidation, Reduction, Flotation, Settlement, Filter press, Screw press, Centrifuge, Ion exchange resin, Membranes technologies etc.

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Case studies

THE PURETECH DIFFERENCE...:
... Solving tricky problems for our customers is what gives us the edge and the enjoyment - We relish a challenge. Explore our case studies of previous projects

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