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Neutralization of fluoboric acid?
Hi!!!
I am trying to find a method/procedure to dump fluoboric acid.
What do I need to do to treat and neutralize the acid and dispose of it so it doesn't harm the environment?
I am under the impression that one could use lime to neutralize fluoboric acid, although after this has been done - is there another step before it can be dumped?
thanks for the help!!!
chemical supplier - South Africa
November 1, 2011
That would depend on what else is in the solution and what the laws of your country are.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
First of two simultaneous responses -- November 2, 2011
Second of two simultaneous responses -- November 3, 2011
Fluoboric acid can be treated with lime, however, the breakdown of the BF4- ion is slow for the last two F- ions.
The first F- is released very quickly, and the second one in less than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, while the last two F- ions will eventually be released, the third one takes a matter of days at room temperature.
Ultimately you will be left with boric acid, or an
H2B(OH)2F- ion. If you have a boron limit, it will be very difficult to reach, except by dilution.
Lyle Kirman
consultant - Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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