The challenge: chromium removal
Chromium is a heavy metal used in a variety of processes. It is highly toxic to humans and to the environment. Chromium is often present as a trace contaminant with other metals. In water, the predominant oxidation state is Cr(VI). Chromium disposal can add a series of costly steps to an organization's operation, and to its bottom line.
Electroless plating and metal finishing operations worldwide as well as environmental engineering consulting firms who are asked by their clients to provide cost-effective, targeted solutions to their chromium removal concerns…
- To comply with increasingly stricter state, federal, and international legislation regulating water use and discharge.
- To meet global standards for responsible, industrial process water use and discharge.
- To avoid costly Superfund litigation.
- To eliminate or greatly reduce costly after-the-fact cleanups.
- To recycle and reuse chromium whenever possible.
- To retain or acquire a business competitive advantage.
- To contribute to humankind's well-being.
SolmeteX® has developed MetallX™ - ™a unique, proven approach to the chromium removal challenge, based on the company's proprietary system for binding and capturing heavy metals present in water.
SolmeteX® manufactures MetallX™ from a non-toxic inorganic metal oxide, which contains charged molecular cavities that will very selectively - and irreversibly - bind chromium. Standard treatment requires pH adjustment and the addition of a reducing agent to convert the chromium to Cr(III) which is then removed by precipitation. MetallX™ directly removes Cr(VI) without the need for reducing and precipitation steps.
MetallX™ rate of metal adsorption is extremely fast, allowing the application of the product to use much less space than conventional technologies. A smaller system requires less equipment, which requires less space, and results in less cost.
MetallX™ offers the following benefits:
- Besides chromium, it also directly adsorbs silver thiosulfate, arsenic and other metal complexes such as EDTA and citrate.
- It treats to very low discharge levels.
- It requires a minimal capital expense and very low operational costs.
- The treatment material is non-toxic and it's fully contained
- MetallX™ is totally maintenance-free.