Waste Minimization in Electroplating

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality recommended the following procedures for waste minimization in the electroplating industry23  

Slow line to an 8 s count for removal from baths, which drastically reduces the dragout and in turn reduces waste in rinsewater. Rinsewater flow can now be reduced and ultimately the amount of sludge generated can be reduced. 

Hold the rack for a 10 s count over the bath, during which time the majority of drips will fall. By doing this you will reduce waste in rinsewater. 

Put drip catchers between the baths to catch and return any solution to the bath. This will also eliminate most of the buildup between the baths and ultimately reduce the cleanup time and waste generated. 

Use the rinse bath water again in a different area. For example, if there is a line with a chromic acid etch bath followed by counter-flow rinse baths and a neutralizer bath followed by counter-flow rinse baths, use the dirtiest rinse after the neutralizer bath and pipe it to the rinse baths after the chromic acid tank. This saves water and reduces sludge. 

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Luo K, Huang Y. Intelligent decision support for waste minimization in electroplating plants. Eng Appl Artif InteU 1997 10(4) 321-33. 

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