ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE GALVANIC RESIDUAL TREATMENT PROCESS IN A METALWORKING COMPANY

Abstract

The increase in the concentration of heavy metals in surface and groundwater is a global problem that requires actions aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of waste treatment processes in companies that generate these toxins. The objective of this research was to analyze the factors that improved the efficacy and efficiency of the galvanic waste treatment in a metalworking company, for the adoption of improvement actions. A methodology was applied for the generation of cleaner technologies through performance evaluation with the use of indicators. The most prevalent metal in the wastewater was hexavalent chromium; and the company complied with the requirements regarding its dumping. It was concluded that, in the process, no factors were found that affected the efficacy; however, the overconsumption of sodium metabisulfite and sulfuric acid reagents were factors that affected the efficiency of the hexavalent Chromium reduction process. A graphic tool was developed to monitor the consumption of chemical reagents, to improve the efficiency of the process.