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Carbide sludge management in acetylene producing plants by using vacuum filtration

Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Agamuthu Periathamby

Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research, University of Malaya, 50603 Kula Lumpur, Malaysia

Shaliza Ibbrahim

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Carbide sludge (10.4-11.5 tonnes day-1) is generated from the reaction of calcium carbide (900 kg) and water (6,000 L) in the production of acetylene (2400 m3), in three selected acetylene manufacturing plants. The sludge (of pH 12.2 and containing Cu, Pb, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn ions whose concentrations exceed the Department of Environment limits for industrial wastewater) was treated by vacuum filtration as a substitute for the ponding system, which is environmentally less acceptable. A similar system by flocculation was also developed. The filtration system represents an improvement over the ponding method, as shown by a pH of 7 for the clear filtrate; the solid cake, which contains 98% of the metals, can be conveniently disposed at an integrated scheduled waste treatment centre.

Key Words: Carbide sludge • vacuum filtration • waste audit • metal • water reuse • wmr 363-4.

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