Copper removal from Industrial Effluent
Brimac Environmental Services were approached by a company operating two electroless copper process lines. Over 100 m3/day of effluent was being produced and the client was concerned about meeting discharge consent levels without incurring high costs in the process.
Scope
To assess the processing systems and identify appropriate ways by which to minimise discharge levels in order to meet environmental requirements and keep costs under control.
Program
A site survey and laboratory characterisation were carried out which determined Copper at an average of 9.2 mg/l, peaking at 17.8 mg/l, was present in the waste process stream. An automated process line was proposed and Brimac Environmental Services were awarded the contract to provide a turn key solution. As well as reducing Copper levels, the system reduced levels of other dissolved heavy metals that were present and captured solids larger than 10 micron.
Outcome
The very high levels of Copper from the process lines were treated to <1mg/l, comfortably meeting existing and proposed consent levels and thereby avoiding the possibility of increased waste charges or legal action for exceeding statutory limits.
