The Feasibility of Ion Exchange as an Appropriate Self-Contained Waste Minimization Process for the Electroplating Industry

This research report documents the performance, evaluates the cost effectiveness , and investigates the system designer's preferred method of plating-out of metal contaminants from the mixed spent regenerant for an ion exchange system installed at a plating job shop in the Chicago area. On-site measurements, laboratory modeling of certain processes, and an overall evaluation of the effectiveness of the system as a waste treatment and minimization process were performed. The installed ion exchange system was well within the recommended criteria. The system was not functioning as designed because of exhausted resins caused by negligence and lack of maintenance. Savings in water use and waste disposal would justify the system, if the system was functioning, economically over a conventional treatment system. Plating- out of metal contaminants from the mixed regenerant, although possible under very controlled conditions , was bound to be unsuitable for rendering the mixed regenerant nonhazardous under field conditions .