“IMC’s relationship with Hubbard-Hall is based on their technical competence, responsiveness, and integrity… it’s an absolute pleasure to know there are still chemical suppliers who value their customers enough to workday in and day out to earn their customer’s complete trust.” – Steve Leonetti, IMC EVP
It may not be a precious metal but copper is still valuable. When a leading manufacturer of anodes was struggling to get copper below discharge limits Hubbard-Hall helped turn problem into profit.
Keeping Copper Out of Wastewater
The discharge limit on copper in wastewater is 2.5 ppm. It was labor intense to remain in compliance using IMC’s previous wastewater treatment system. In addition, wastewater additives being used were based on outdated technology. Simultaneously, IMC learned Hubbard Hall, a trusted supplier, had a wastewater division headed by Robin Deal.
Robin from Hubbard-Hall immediately recognized the ferric coagulant being used was an inefficient means to remove copper. With liberal usage, maintaining discharge levels was unnecessarily difficult. Meanwhile, high iron levels reduced recycler’s interest. A new wastewater treatment system was in the plans, but was that the answer?
Switch the Coagulant
Sometimes you need to spend a little to save a lot. Robin understood that ferric coagulant was a low-cost treatment chemical, but it wasn’t helping. She proposed switching to AquaPure Cal40. When combined with a new polymer flocculant, this calcium coagulant did a far superior job of pulling copper from the wastewater.
Staying in Business and Saving Money
Today, a new treatment system, switching chemicals and educating the IMC team regarding best practices using the new additives, Hubbard-Hall helped ensured discharge levels are well below maximum acceptable limits. In addition, AquaPure Cal40 and the new flocculant raised the copper content of the sludge by eliminating iron. Sludge recycling was now a viable option.
About IMC
IMC produce oxygen-free copper anodes for the electroplating industry. They’re proud of their highly automated, environmentally friendly facility in North Carolina, and committed to maintaining their position as global industry leaders. We’re pleased we can help.
