C2764 - Universal Electroplaters Ltd - Auckland
Region
Summary
The company is currently trialing and implementing CP options listed below.
Their benefits have not yet been quantified.
Business Profile
Universal Electroplaters is involved in the electroplating of plastic products
for clients, such as shower heads, hooks, and shoe tacks. Processes include
metal cleaning and electroplating.
Type of Project
Insulating covers on cleaning baths, installing flow valves in cleaning baths,
foam depressant liquid for cleaning baths to reduce evaporation, use of air
knives rather than evaporators to dry products, ion exchange to recover gold
from electroplating baths.
Reasons for Project
The company participated in the project because it wanted to reduce costs and
environmental impact. It was particularly keen to reduce trade waste discharges
and metal consumption.
The Project
METAL FINISHING PROCESSES
Insulating covers on plating baths
| Details |
Six covers were
purchased for covering plating baths at night to reduce temperature
loss. |
| Economics |
Six covers cost
$50 in total. Approximately $200 is saved on energy a year. |
| Benefits |
Reduced energy consumption.
Reduced contamination of baths with dust. |
Air knives rather than evaporators to dry products
| Details |
Air knives are currently
being trialed to replace heating elements for surface drying
of the products. Air knives provide a faster and more uniform
drying and use less power compared to heating elements. |
| Economics |
Savings will be
determined following the trial. |
| Benefits |
Reduced energy consumption
and costs. Improved product quality. |
Fume and mist depressants to reduce emissions
| Details |
Fume and mist suppressants
are used in process baths to prevent formation of fumes.
Chemical emissions and consumption are reduced as a result. |
| Economics |
Each year $600 is
spent on fume suppressants. This is a slight increase in
operating costs, but the benefits of health and safety due
to minimal emissions outweigh the costs. |
| Benefits |
Reduced chemical
consumption. Reduced emissions. Improved staff health and
safety conditions. |
Metal recovery through electrolysis
| Details |
The recovery of
gold, copper and zinc from wastewater through electrolysis
is currently under investigation. The wastewater is pumped
into an electrolytic unit containing inert ceramic beads.
A fluidised bed is formed. Two electrodes are placed in the
unit and as an electric current is applied, metal deposits
on the cathode. The metal can be reused while the wastewater
is discharged into the sewer. |
| Economics |
Costs associated
with the purchasing and running of the electrolytic unit
and potential savings on metals are still being determined. |
| Benefits |
Reduced gold, copper
and zinc consumption. Reduced trade waste contamination with
metals. |
For additional information contact:
Brian Featherston,
Universal Electroplaters Ltd,
8 Lovegrove Crescent,
Otara,
Auckland
Ph 09-2747496
Fax 09-2741621
For further information about Cleaner Production in the
Metal Industry see:
Opus International Consultants (September 1997): Cleaner
Production Guide for the Metal Industry- Minimising waste,
reducing costs and caring for the environment.
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