Zero Discharge Spray Washer Process

Common problems facing the finishing industry today are significant water usage and the subsequent discharge of the process water into the effluent. Manufacturers are recognizing the high cost of water and the issues related to the disposal of the used process water, including concerns regarding permitting and possible violations with local municipalities. In Booth B-5351, Houghton International Inc. (Valley Forge, PA) has developed the Zero Discharge Spray Washer Process that enables manufacturers to eliminate all process water discharge from their spray washers, resulting in the elimination of waste water permitting, notice of effluent violations, and all costs related to excessive water usage. This process combines innovative chemistry, advanced equipment and customer partnerships:

• Chemistry. Product technology is the key component of the process, which provides extremely low conductivity in the processing baths. This combination of low bath solids is the cornerstone of reducing the volume of incoming water normally associated with traditional conversion coating processes. All chemistry is also designed for maximum oil rejection in order to facilitate longer bath life and easier removal of accumulating soil.
• Equipment. The Zero Discharge process also includes customized equipment to remove oil and other organic/inorganic soil, counter-flow both water and process chemicals, economically heat the process, and evaporate the small amount of residual process water potentially leaving the system.
• Process knowledge. Houghton worked closely with customers to analyze the current process, implement the chemistry, and plan and install the process equipment. The closely collaborative implementation process has provided optimum results in the shortest time frame. “We have implemented this process at more than 12 Houghto-Prep ZP Technology customers,” said Tony Pavesich, the surface finishing industry leader at Houghton. “The process consistently provides significant benefits and cost savings, some exceeding $100,000 annually.”

Houghton International Inc., Madison & Van Buren Avenues, PO Box 930, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0930, 610-666-4000, www.houghtonintl.com.