One of the main innovations of the SPECTRUM Project refers to the development of an ECM electrolyte regeneration and recycling module, which will allow the re-use of the electrolyte by removing all unwanted components, specially metal ions and hydroxides. The system will also include the processing of the separated components to reusable materials or, if not feasible, to reduce their harm.
Philips has found that even metal concentrations in the order of magnitude of 100 ppb cause severe electrode contamination. Research is being done in order to identify and develop the best available technology for purifying and recycling of process waste. The recycling module will combine different separation technologies. Cidetec and Lamik have been focusing on the development of a flocculation + precipitation combined procedure. Moreover, a further purification method for the electrolyte based on electrowinning techniques was tried. A complete experimental work was performed with the aim of attaining the optimum working variables for the both the flocculation + precipitation and the electrowinning processes. On the other hand, Bosch has cantered his research on the development of a separation procedure based on ion selective membrane technology, mainly electrodialysis. Bosch is also trying electroflotation and electrolysis methods. By using the best operation conditions, the following results have been obtained, expressed in terms of metal concentrations in the electrolyte after treatment: Ni = 0.025mg/l = 25ppb, Cu = 0.060mg/l = 60ppb, Cr(VI) = 0.003mg/l = 3ppb, Cr(III) = No detected, Fe = No detected.
Lamik and Cidetec are also considering possible methods to monitor and control the electrolyte quality. In this sense, it is very difficult to measure the exact concentration of metal ions (lower than 50ppb in the cleaned electrolyte) in the high concentration (26%w/w) of the supporting electrolyte (NaNO3). The developed system should be implemented in the regeneration module.
The results will be used by Lamik to design and build up the ECM electrolyte regeneration and recycling module.