Acid chromic recycling from rinse water in galvanic plants by electro-electrodialasis (RECY-CHROM)

Objective

90% of chromium-plating facilities in Europe are SMEs, with all resources allocated to the daily work. The social and environmental concern related to the toxicity of the chromic acid used in the baths is leading the sector to a difficult decision; the investment in very complex and expensive systems to control and reduce the emissions could lead them to a non-competitive position. The basic objective of RECY-CHORM is to develop and validate a new system to recover chromium from the rinsing bath, using a clean technology such as electro-electrodialisis (EED) with 3 compartments, which does not need either water or chemical products to work. This system will be modular, portable and cheap to be affordable and valuable for SMEs. For this to be achieved, the consortium has been formed with partners skilled in different technologies involved (membranes, electrodialisis, raw material recovery and surface treatments), as well as planting industries to validate the results.

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-1. - Key Action Innovative Products, Processes and Organisation

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (6)