Hydrochloric Acid Recovery System

PACIFIC NW POLLUTION PREVENTION RESOURCE CENTER
POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH PROJECTS DATABASE

Project Title: Hydrochloric Acid Recovery System

Date Last Updated: 9/99

Project Summary:
Historically, hydrochloric acid (HCl) recovery technology has only been applied to large scale installations costing more than $2 million or more. There is currently no cost-effective method available for the closed loop, on-site recovery needs of smaller plants in the industry. This project is dedicated to developing a small-scale successful HCl recovery system ($200,000 range for the smallest unit). This system will be a closed-loop, cost-effective method available for on-site recovery needs of galvanizers and small to medium-sized steel manufacturers.

Installation of an HCl recovery system offers waste recovery at the source, improved final product quality, elimination of process tank downtime, and saved disposal costs and the associated cradle- to-grave liability. Further, a non-hazardous saleable by-product, ferrous chloride, is generated through the recycling process. This by-product has applications in fertilizer, animal feed, waste treatment and as an etchment.

The research company will complete the development and testing phases of this new, pilot HCl recovery system and introduce it into the marketplace. This system is based on the research company's proprietary design and engineering techniques, incorporating recent advancements in materials technology and automated controls. A system has been installed in a galvanizing plant in California and is functioning successfully. Four units have been sold in the U.S. and abroad, and the systems are performing successfully.

Project Keywords: animal feeding, automatic control, closed-loop systems, etching, ferrous chloride, fertilizers, galvinizing, hydrochloric acid, manufacturing processes, materials testing, recycling (waste, etc.), steel industry and trade, waste treatment

Organization Performing Research: Beta Control Systems, Inc.

Primary Research Contact:
Bryan Cullivan
Beta Control Systems, Inc.
6950 SW 111th Ave.
Beaverton, Oregon 97005
phone: 503-646-3399
fax: 503-627-0888

Date Research Started/Completed: 10/93 - 7/96

Publications Based on Research: no information available

Approximate Project Budget: $245,000

Primary Project Funder: US Dept. of Energy, Asst. Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Industrial Technologies

Funder Contact:

Lisa Barnett
Invention Coordinator
DOE/HQ, Office of Industrial Technologies
EE-22, 1000 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20585
phone: 202-586-2212
e-mail: lisa.barnett@hq.doe.gov
web: http://www.oit.doe.gov/iplocator.shtml