Treatment of Carbide Sludge from an Acetylene Production Plant by Flocculation

• Main Authors: Agamuthu, Pariatamby, Ibrahim, Shaliza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SIRIM Berhad 2001
• Subjects: QH301 Biology; TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/17422/1/Shaliza_Ibrahim._Treatment_of_Carbide_Sludge.pdf; http://eprints.um.edu.my/17422/; https://jit.sirim.my/SitePages/Journals.aspx
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

The treatment of carbide sludge by the flocculation is a relatively new technique, which is considered more environmentally and economically favourable compared to a pond system commonly practiced in local industries. Tests were carried out in a 15,000 litre vessel using 200 or 400 ppm solid or liquid flocculent, with the slurry/flocculant mixture fed either from the top or bottom. The targeted sludge concentration or "alkalinity" of 25% solid, which is the value desired for commercial purposes, was most optimally achieved with 200 ppm liquid flocculant, fed from the bottom. The sludge thus formed, with a pH of 12.9 is readily purchased by other countries for neutralizing acidic wastes. In addition to the sale of sludge, implementation of the flocculation system eliminates land-filling costs and reduces water usage through the possibility of water recyling.