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This paper will introduce an advanced alternative to Pb and Cd-free electroless nickel processes, which is completely free of toxic heavy metal (THM) stabilizers. The process and deposit characteristics will be discussed and compared to the traditionally Pb stabilized electroless nickel.

The NASF Research Board has funded a research grant at Wayne State University on sustainability in the surface finishing industry, under the direction of Professor Yinlun Huang.  The objective of the work is to create a surface-finishing-specific sustainability metrics system to measure economic, environmental and social sustainability.  In this report, he describes how such a tool can work to benefit our industry.  The reader is invited to contact Dr. Huang in identifying plating shops willing to participate in this program; it is not too late.

My concern centers around the alkaline cleaner stage. Current practice has been to dump this stage as is. Just before the last dump, I checked the pH and found it to be 12.7. I checked our wastewater discharge permit and the only pH limitation it has is that it prohibits pH less than 5.5. In other words, it has no upper pH limit. At my two other jobs, we were told discharging a wastewater of that high pH was “illegal according to EPA.” Since my discharge permit gives me no upper pH limit, am I OK?

I would like more information on the organic sulfide precipitant described in the November 2006 column, “Reactive Waste or Not." Does it really work better than conventional neutralization/precipitation using acid/caustic and a flocculant?

Dayton shop says it is first worldwide to be approved for BAC 5680 spec for low hydrogen embrittlement zinc nickel, for replacement of cadmium in the aerospace and defense markets.

The other day during our annual inspection by the sewer district, they expressed concern over our "boneyard" behind the plant where we store used equipment, tanks, and scrap building materials, mainly metals. The inspectors then finished their typical tour and review of our records without saying anything more about this issue. This is the first time we have heard anything about the city's concern regarding our storm water. Do you have any input to help us prepare for what will surely be a future inspection?

What should I do if an OSHA compliance officer comes to my plant?

Q. My cleaners are not lasting nearly as long as they should. What can I do to lengthen the life of my cleaner bath?

President, CAI Resources Inc.

KCH Engineered Systems says tank covers reduce overall exhaust requirements, fugitive emissions, heat loss and evaporation rates, energy consumption and calculated surface area for exhaust rates.