Development and Testing of a Low Waste Nickel Plating Process

摘要

A description is given of a nickel-plating feed plant which allows the separation of organic substances or pollutants from the electrolytical treatment baths with simultaneous recovery of nickel. The principle of this method is to neutralize the bath solution and precipitate the nickel as hydroxide. The disturbing substances are removed with the clarified liquid, while the precipitated nickel hydroxide undergoes redissolution and is fed again to the treatment bath. The unit was connected to an existing automatic nickel-chrome plating line and tested for a period of 11 months. Test results proved the functioning of the process and show comprehensive reductions in waste (sludge disposal, waste water) as well as savings in nickel recovery, chemicals, and water. According to a profit calculation, investment system is recovered in two to three years.