Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 15:06:58 –0400
Hi All:
I have a company that has asked me to find some information on disposal
issues for nitric acid based solder strip. The TSDF to which they ship
has found that the particular solder strip formulation they use contains
ammonia, which is problematic for them to treat. The company would like
to know if anyone else has run into this situation, and if so, what was
the best treatment or disposal option.
Thanks,
Chris Ford
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 14:57:08 +0000
The treatment facility that we use explained to me that ammonia is a
by-product produced in the stripping process when using nitric acid
based stripper. I think they said it was normal for up to around
1000 parts per million to be formed, although I do not remember the
exactly what it was.
The level of ammonia in our spent stripper though is not enough to
cause the treatment facility any difficulty.
Brad Hoium
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 18:11:23 –0400
Chris,
As far as I know, there are two types of solder strippers -
either nitric acid based, or ammonium bifluoride (ABF) based. We use
both types in different divisions. Both types are treated on-site.
Nitric can be simply pH adjusted but ABF requires treatment for
chelated metals. If you have a tight lead limit and don't have a good
chelate treatment, Pb in your WW discharge can be an issue.
One of our divisions which used to use ABF recycled it off-site
at Metal Recovery Industries,Inc (MRII) in Hamiltion, Ontario. Yes we
had to obtain prior approval from regional EPA office, and then dual
manifest each shipment. Switch to nitric based stripper allowed both
on-site neutralization and eliminated recycling paperwork.
I'm confused by your inquiry saying that he's using a nitric
stripper and TSDF saying they have problem treating ammonia? To my
knowledge, nitric and ABF are not mixed.
Lee Wilmot
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 09:07:56 –0400
Hi Lee:
Thanks for your answer. We are confused as to the presence of ammonia in the
nitric-based solder strip as well. After some pointed inquiries, the manufacturer
has told us that there is a complexed ammonia salt in the solder strip. Apparently,
when the pH is raised at the TSDF, there is enough free ammonia to cause a problem
with their system (the company has had several tests performed, and ammonia
concentration results range from 1,000 ppm to 5,000 ppm).
So, if anyone else has seen this situation at their TSDF, we would appreciate any
additional information regarding how it was handled with them, or if another TSDF
was found for which the ammonia did not represent a problem.
Again, thanks.
Chris
From: "Christopher J. Ford"
Organization: Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute
Subject: Nitric Acid based Solder Strip
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Subject: Re: Nitric Acid based Solder Strip
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Advanced Flex, Inc.
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HADCO Corp
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