Reduction of Radiator Sludge to Commercial Lead Bullion
1993-04-26
Loading...
View/Download File
Persistent link to this item
Statistics
View StatisticsJournal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Title
Reduction of Radiator Sludge to Commercial Lead Bullion
Authors
Published Date
1993-04-26
Publisher
University of Minnesota Duluth
Type
Technical Report
Abstract
The shop survey, conducted as part of this project, indicated a number of industry trends
and concerns. Through our work in this project, there is an apparent growth in concern and
industry efforts to try to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
standards. Numerous shops continue to inquire about the project's progress and any new
developments in a recycling program with Gopher Smelting and Refining Company. Many
shops are now properly storing their sludge in hope of a workable disJX>sal/recycling program.
When reviewing the results of the chemical analysis of radiator boil-out/ultrasonic sludge,
the range of lead in the radiator sludge runs from near 0 to about 20 % on a dry basis. In
discussions with shop owners, most commented that they would add their solder droppings to
their sludge to raise lead levels, increasing Gopher Smelting and Refining Company's interest
in developing a recycling program.
Although there is an apparent increasing trend in not using a boil-out or ultrasonic
cleaner, owners stated their main reason for shutting off the cleaning devices was concern about
sludge disJX>sal. With some type of recycling program, it can be concluded that these shops will
be using their machines again. ยท
There is a very strong interest in participating in some type of sludge disposal/recycling
program. Two issues need to be addressed before any recycling program can work: 1) the
program must be user friendly--it must not be difficult to work with; and 2) it must be cost
effective for a shop owner to participate. Over the past year, interest in waste
reduction/recycling and compliance with the law has increased. If some type of program can
be developed and continued, the state will see a definite surge in shop participation, which of
course will result in less waste being dumped illegally.
In addition to the mail and interview survey, there were a number of bench-scale studies
on various parts of the radiator preparation process and a full-scale factory experiment to smelt
and convert a 1,000 lb. lot of radiator boil-out tank sludge to bullion lead. Most of the benchscale
experimentation did not seem adequately effective for adoption by the industry. However,
the mist water wash down may be adapted to help minimize drag-out of caustic boil-out solution.
There should be an additional benefit to maintain the caustic boil-out tank solution and minimize
dilution of boil-out bath.
The full-scale factory experiment to smelt down a 1,000 lb. lot of radiator boil-out sludge
went well. The shipment was made by a hazardous material truck and received at the smelter.
The material was processed through Gopher Smelting and Refining Company without disrupting
operations, and the product lead did not vary from the nonnal analysis range. Based on
favorable results of the surveys, sample analyses, and full-scale factory test, the smelter is
proceeding with an internal, proprietary detennination of a fee schedule to process the boil-out
sludge at various levels of lead content.
Description
This project was funded through a Pollution Prevention Grant from Minnesota Office of Waste Management.
Related to
Replaces
License
Collections
Series/Report Number
Funding information
Minnesota Office of Waste Management, 1350 Energy Lane, St. Paul, MN 55108
Isbn identifier
Doi identifier
Previously Published Citation
Suggested citation
Debele, Arlin; Leak, Vance G. (1993). Reduction of Radiator Sludge to Commercial Lead Bullion. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/188426.
Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.