Steel wheel manufacturing: Optimization of wastewater treatment
Customer Application and Activity
Hayes Lemmerz International is a world leader in the production of steel and aluminium wheels for the automotive industry. Its site in Königswinter, Germany, specializes in the manufacture of steel wheels and has a daily discharge of 150m3 of effluents containing zinc, iron and nickel, as well as phosphates.
Problem to be solved
The on-site treatment station was regularly disrupted by an excess of solids in suspension. Moreover, downtime in the plant resulted in unpleasant odours being produced. A solution was sought to:
Optimize the elimination of phosphates and heavy metals in the effluents
Avoid solids forming in suspension
Eliminate odors
Key Achievements
Switching over to Neutralac® SLS45 has led to several benefits for Hayes Lemmerz:
Faster removal and superior elimination of zinc, iron and nickel
Optimum elimination of the solids held in suspension thanks to better sedimentation after neutralization
A lower consumption of flocculants (FeCl3).
A filter cake which is more easily detachable from the filter press
A major increase in the percentage of dry matter in the sludges
Elimination of phosphate build-up through the precipitation of an easily removable calcium phosphate
A reduction in the frequency of reagent deliveries and associated transport costs
Conclusion
Since its switch to Neutralac® SLS45 several years ago, Hayes Lemmerz has been treating its effluents successfully. The use of Neutralac® SLS45 has targeted major requirements including:
Optimized elimination of phosphates and heavy metals
Improved filter cake quality
Enhanced effluent treatment at a reduced cost through lower reagent consumption
