Acid recycling using the Atec-x process

Processes for the treatment of various acids

Atec offers solutions for electroplating, galvanizing plants, electropolishing and surface technology for acid treatment with the following objectives:

  • Service life extension
  • Metal removal
  • Removal of entrained contaminants
  • extreme reduction of acid consumption
  • extreme reduction of acidic wastewater

Acidic pickling solutions, e.g., based on hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and mixed acids, are used in many areas such as electropolishing, galvanizing, electroplating, metal processing, and surface technology. In the past, these pickling solutions or acids could be procured and disposed of relatively cheaply and easily. Due to steadily increasing chemical costs and growing hurdles in procurement and disposal, regeneration or service life extension is becoming economically highly attractive for more and more customers.

The lifespan or service life of pickling baths is primarily limited by the following 3 factors:

  1. Introduction of dissolved metals (iron, zinc, etc.)
  2. Introduction of dirt (e.g., oxide particles, scale) and grease/oil
  3. Dilution due to drag-out

Factor No. 3 depends on the system, operating method, and component geometry and must be optimized by the customer. For factors 1 and 2, Atec offers various solutions in its portfolio.

Atec-x – a novel membrane filtration + x process for pickling bath maintenance

Atec-x in combination with ceramic membranes for micro-, ultra-, and nanofiltration:

  • Reduction of entrained contaminants, oils, surfactants
  • Reduction of dissolved metals (e.g., iron/zinc reduction) through the new Atec-x process

Through Atec-x filtration systems, the service life of pickling baths can be extended by continuously removing both dissolved metals and entrained surfactants, particles, and grease/oil. This ensures consistently high bath quality and stable process quality. Acid-resistant materials and special ceramic membranes allow use in pickling solutions of varying strengths. Furthermore, a wide selection of pore sizes allows for the choice of a membrane that minimizes the loss of any existing additives.

Special ceramic membranes in the boundary region of ultra- and nanofiltration allow the removal of high-molecular-weight compounds and, to a limited extent, the retention of dissolved metals.

Atec Neu-Ulm provides the necessary support for a successful implementation:

  • Laboratory tests or on-site piloting
  • System technology consisting of filtration unit, possibly tanks, dosing technology, and automation
  • Delivery of additives
  • Commissioning
  • Continuous process support and optimization