Operation
A pump forces the spent hydrochloric acid through a Pre-filter and into the evaporator loop, comprised of the Evaporator exchanger and the Separator tank.
In the evaporator loop, the spent acid begins to vaporize at approximately 102°C. As the solution increases in temperature, the concentration increases in the loop. When the proper solution temperature/concentration is reached, a ferrous chloride concentrate is withdrawn slowly from the loop and transferred to a storage tank for sale as a solution or for conversion into a solid crystal.
Forced by expansion, the hydrochloric acid and water vapors are driven from the Separator and into the Rectifier. The concentration of hydrochloric acid is controlled in this step to return excellent quality acid.
The remaining water vapor, stripped of hydrochloric acid, continues its journey into the Condenser where it is sub-cooled and condensed to nearly pure water. This water can be reused as rinse water or returned to the process tank with the concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Block Flow Diagrams
Below are two examples of the recovery system: one in a galvanizing plant and the other in a wire/rod cleaning plant.
Galvanizing Plant
Wire/Rod Cleaning Plant
HCl + Rinse Recovery Flow Diagram
Using waste rinse water instead of fresh water for cooling the Condenser will evaporate approximately six cubic meters of rinse water per day.
Benefits
- Recycles spent pickle liquor
- Reduces pickling times
- Recovers HCl & water for reuse
- Concentrates iron chloride co-product for potential sale
Mixed Acid Recovery
Our HCl Recovery System design provides a solid foundation for the recovery of mixed acids. Changes in materials and several components allow the recovery of other acids while protecting the system against corrosion. Our software easily accomodates the differences in evaporation temperatures and solubility.
If you have a mixed acid recovery application, please contact us for a custom quote.
Awards
Achievement Award
from the US Dept. of Energy
This award recognized Beta Control Systems for its outstanding leadership in developing and commercializing the hydrochloric acid recovery system for the steel industry.
Certificate of Accomplishment from the US Dept. of Energy
This certificate recognized Beta Control Systems for its contribution to advance energy efficiency and pollution prevention technologies.
Governor's Award
Our customer, Charter Steel, won the Governor's Award for their acid waste reduction efforts. They recieved this award following the purchase of our Hydrochloric Acid Recovery System and our Sulfuric Acid Recovery System.
While we cannot promise your company an award, we can promise your company award winning technology and service.
