Ultrafiltration provides solution to unwanted heavy metals
15 Jan 2000
An innovative filtration system is helping a Glaswegian packaging manufacturer reduce pollution in local water supplies. The system, supplied by Kock Membrane Filtration, removes heavy metal compounds from ink-laden water before it enters the local sewers.
SCA Packaging makes corrugated packaging containers, many of which are printed on-site using water-based inks. Every time the product run is changed, the flexographic printing machines have to be flushed out. Previously, the flush water, carrying ink residues, was discharged into the sewers, but high levels of heavy metals in the ink forced a rethink.
The company decided to treat the water on-site to strip out the metals before discharging the water, and opted for an ultrafiltration process to achieve this. The permeate is free from metal and pigment residues and is discharged directly to the drain.
