Reducing Nickel Salt Consumption Yields Outstanding Results
The Challenge
A German metal processing manufacturer aimed to enhance sustainability by reducing nickel salt consumption and minimizing its wastewater impact. This initiative promised significant environmental benefits while lowering operating costs.
The MacDermid Envio Solution
The manufacturer operates two Copper, Nickel, and Chrome plating facilities with separate wastewater streams. To tackle nickel salt consumption, they chose MacDermid’s nickel recovery system, NiCycle. However, high calcium levels in the water supply hindered optimal performance. Drawing on experience with similar cases, MacDermid recommended installing a water softener to resolve the issue.
Results
The NiCycle system delivers impressive outcomes:
- Over 1.5 tons of nickel sulfate recovered monthly
- Consistently excellent plating quality
- Minimal labor required for operation
- Algae formation eliminated
- Rinse dump frequency reduced from weekly to monthly, increasing nickel rinse concentrations and improving NiCycle efficiency
This innovative solution combines sustainability with cost savings, showcasing the impact of effective nickel recovery.