Processing of Metal Waste—Sludge from the Galvanizing Plants

Abstract

This paper deals with the possibility of obtaining zinc from waste galvanic sludge, which is formed during galvanic plating. The aim of the experimental and practical part was to obtain zinc after the leaching of galvanic sludge. Leaching was performed in sulfuric acid, nitric acid and hydrochloric acid at different temperatures and time intervals with the addition of oxidizing agents as hydrogen peroxide or ozone. A separation of the leach and filtrate using filtration followed. The leach was further processed by a precipitation of iron and other metals using various agents. After a further filtration, the electrolysis was performed in order to obtain pure zinc on the cathode at the electrical voltage of approximately 3.5 V. Leaching using a solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide was also performed when the prior dissolving of a major part of zinc into the leach occurred, while iron and non-ferrous metals remained in the leaching residue. After the filtration of the leach, the electrolysis with a high zinc yield of a purity of more than 99% followed. This way seems to be an optimal one for building a semi-industrial line for galvanic sludge recycling. All the partial products, i.e., the leach, the leaching residue, the filtrate, the solid precipitate and the separated metal on the cathode were subjected to chemical analyses. The analyses results are presented in tables and graphs.

Keywords

• metals
• galvanic sludge
• leaching
• zinc
• sodium hydroxide
• electrolysis