WAYS TO REDUCE WATER CONSUMPTION IN ELECTROPLATING

Abstract

The issue of excessive water consumption in galvanic industry is closely related to the low accuracy of determining the water consumption, the inefficient use of existing methods of its economy, the reluctance and inability to introduce advanced washing technologies. The numerous electroplating technologies do not allow establishing the common standards of water consumption for each type of coating. In order to optimize the water consumption in a particular galvanic production, water consumption analysis should be implemented taking into account all factors. Excessive water consumption is unacceptable due to the high water prices and significant cost of wastewater treatment. Therefore, the problem of reducing water consumption is extremely relevant. The current work aims at analyze of traditional method of the water consumption calculating for washing operations and justify the proposals on improving the technology of washing operations. The rate of flushing water calculated according to the traditional method is overestimated due to the inaccurate determination of several factors. The recommended amount of solution which is supposed be removed from the surface of parts is unjustifiably overstated. It has been recommended to increase the drainage time of the solution in order to significantly reduce the specific removal of solutions. The line performance must be determined taking into account the surface area of the fixture. The experimental determination of the total removal of the solution by surface of the parts is the optimal solution. The range of criteria values for catching baths should be substantially expanded. The numerical values of the coefficients taking into account the presence of catching baths cannot be constant values. Their values should be calculated as a function of the washing criteria of the relevant catching baths. The accuracy of the calculations will increase significantly if the wash water consumption is determined using a formula which takes into account the change in the concentration of components in the relevant washing bath. If the water consumption is insignificant, it is necessary to renounce the setting of a minimum water flow of 50 dm3/h, and to recommend the use of periodical non-rational washing mode. The given recommendations for changing technological schemes of washing will reduce the consumption of washing water and energy.