Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Wastewater Treatment

Industry: Metal Fabrication

Wastes Reduced: Hazardous Waste

Substance: Acid Neutralization

Equipment: Mg(OH)2, Neutralize

Location: Fort Worth TX

No. of employees: 4000

Contact: Debra L. Rodriguez

Phone: (817) 280-8729

Description:

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P2 Application:

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Environmental Benefits:

Slower reaction time of magnesium hydroxide produces denser solid particles of metal hydroxides than with lime or caustic soda. Magnesium hydroxide is a weak base and forms solutions that are buffered or resistant to changes in pH. Therefore, acids neutralized with magnesium hydroxide form solutions that are buffered within a pH range of 9.0 to 9.4. This means that adding too much magnesium hydroxide will not push the pH above the limits allowed for discharge to most sanitary sewers. The by-products produced when magnesium hydroxide neutralizes sulfuric acid is magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) and is soluble and may be discharged safely to the sanitary sewer. Bell Helicopter's operators found magnesium hydroxide was much easier to use and more predictable than lime. Besides saving time while neutralizing tanks, the lessened volume of hazardous waste greatly reduced the time required to condition and dry the sludge. The only disadvantage noted was a slight increase in the amount of flocculating polymer required.

Video: 1

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

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Source: TCEQ