Efficient Removal of Dissolved Heavy Metals from Industrial Waste Streams with Puromet™ MTS9300
Wastech Controls & Engineering, a waste water equipment manufacturer based in California was approached by an aerospace manufacturer for a solution to enable the removal of dissolved metals from their plant’s waste water stream. The aerospace manufacturer had high concentrations of lead, copper, and cadmium in their discharge—each well above the recommended regulatory limits of 0 mg/L, 1.3 mg/L, and 0.005 mg/L respectively.
If ingested, lead can cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems or impaired formation and function of blood cells in infants and fetuses. Adults are susceptible at higher concentrations than the young and can experience kidney problems or high blood pressure. Copper can cause gastrointestinal disturbance in short term exposure, but chronic exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage. Finally, cadmium, which is toxic if ingested over a lifetime in high concentrations, can cause damage to the kidneys, and in some cases, the skeletal system.
Wastech had worked with Purolite on various water projects and knew Purolite would be able to recommend a solution for the aerospace manufacturer. After looking at the manufacturer’s current waste water system, Purolite proposed a new system design that would incorporate pre-filtration, an adjustment in pH, the introduction of lead and lag vessels, and water quality monitors on the effluent stream. Finally, Puromet™ MTS9300, a chelating resin for metals recovery and removal, was selected as the most effective media.
Shortly after the new system was brought online, it was discovered the effluent stream was still not compliant with standards, producing high lead content and total dissolved solids. Purolite and Wastech Controls & Engineering reviewed the process design, influent and effluent water chemistry, and regeneration process. It was discovered that the regeneration process needed modification for the MTS9300 resin to work at full capacity. A change in rinse speed and duration as well as lowering the pH level substantially reduced the contaminant levels to meet compliance. In the end, the client was able to treat the waste water stream and reduce toxic dissolved solid metals before reuse and discharging. Another benefit was that there was a reduction of waste generated in the manufacturing process, which helped to lower operating costs.
Purolite’s relentless customer service, knowledge, and high capacity resins proved to be a success. Wastech Controls & Engineering has indicated that there has been no further disruption to system.
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