Process for removing heavy metals from water
US5266210A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 1992 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S210/912
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Wastewater contaminated with heavy metals is treated in a multi-stage process. In a first stage, wastewater is treated with an effective amount of calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide in the form of lime to adjust the pH so that various metals in the water become insoluble. Gypsum formation may also occur if sulfate ions are present in the wastewater. In a second stage, an effective amount of sodium carbonate is added in the form of soda ash to allow formation of calcium carbonate. In a third stage, a coagulant, preferably a polymer, is added to facilitate the formation of a sludge comprising heavy metals, gypsum and calcium carbonate. In a final stage, the pH of the resulting effluent may be adjusted with a suitable acid, such as hydrochloric acid, to attain acceptable discharge requirements. The sludge formed is substantially stable and dewatered and has low toxic metal leaching characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.