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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Disposal of copper ion

 

What is the most effective and cost effective way of getting rid of a huge amount (400 liters a month) of copper ion solution, while keeping the water supply safe too?

Sean Pelusi
CU Plater - Butler, Pennsylvania, USA

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You didn't specify the copper concentration or what the other solution constituents, but two things come to mind.

First, if the copper is relatively pure, you could ship to a recycler. There are several that accept copper for processing into chemicals and animal feed supplements. Another approach is to install an electrowinning system to convert the copper to a recyclable, metallic form, however, this assumes that the electrolyte is something like sulfuric acid that would make a good plating solution.

Lyle Kirman
consultant - Cleveland Heights, Ohio