Acidic or basic waste liquids from labs, industrial sources and rinsing operations can cause chemical attack on sewage pipes and operating problems in municipal waste treatment plants. Therefore regulations specify that waste liquids must be near neutral pH before they can be released into any public sewer.
The pH value of a neutral liquid is 7, and regulations generally specify an acceptable discharge pH range of 6 to 9. This often requires on-site neutralizing prior to discharge to sewer.
However, pH control around the neutral point (pH 7) is notoriously difficult due to the logarithmic nature of the pH scale. Many facilities that generate acidic or basic waste liquids turn to ChemIndustrial Systems Inc for specialized process equipment and controls required for successful neutralization.
ChemIndustrial’s Chemical Theory section contains a technical discussion of acid-base theory.
A ChemIndustrial neutralizer receives, samples, measures and controls the pH of liquid discharged from a facility, then discharges successfully treated liquid to sewer or a downstream process.
The ChemIndustrial neutralizer circulates a stream of liquid from a tank past a pH sensor, which automatically meters and mixes a neutralizing chemical into the circulating liquid by means of a venturi injector. Typically the neutralizer’s control system is configured to release liquid to sewer once pH is within the acceptable range.
A complete list of neutralizer features is found here..
ChemIndustrial System’s Neutralizers are built in two basic configurations:
ChemIndustrial neutralizers use reliable pumped venturi injection technology for chemical feed. Sophisticated control algorithms intelligently adjust the amount of neutralizing chemical added to the process as the system’s pH approaches the neutralization point. Neutralizer controls are optimized for operation within the 6 to 9 pH range. For operation outside this pH range, ChemIndustrial’s pH control systems are recommended instead.
A complete and detailed description of a typical skid-mounted neutralizer configuration is found here.
ChemIndustrial skid-mounted neutralizers are sized for easy integration into many customer facilities, but a standard skid may not be large enough for high volume waste flows. When the flow of liquid for treatment exceeds the practical capacity of a skid, we turn to other strategies:
ChemIndustrial’s neutralizing systems are ideal for a wide range of applications, including integration with a pre-existing sump or use in a ready-mix concrete facility. See examples of typical applications of ChemIndustrial’s neutralizers, including detailed drawings and flowsheets.