Technological breakthroughs

Recovering residual sludge containing active ingredients from PAC solution drums enables Viet Tri Chemicals Joint Stock Company to make better use of raw materials, reduce the amount of waste requiring collection and treatment, and lower production costs.

During the production and storage of PAC (Poly Aluminium Chloride) solution, a quantity of sludge containing active ingredients typically accumulates at the bottom of the company’s storage drums. Previously, this sludge was mainly sent for disposal, despite containing recoverable value.

Recognising this, the authors Nguyễn Mạnh Hà and Nguyễn Quang Huy developed the initiative “Recovery of Residual Sludge from PAC Solution Drums”, aiming to reclaim solution containing active substances and return it to the production process.

From Waste Generation to Recovery Solution

PAC is a widely used chemical for water treatment and in many industrial applications. During storage, especially during cleaning and maintenance of equipment, a sludge containing active ingredients accumulates at the bottom of PAC solution drums.

Upon investigation and analysis, the authors identified that this sludge still contains valuable components. Disposing of all the sludge meant the business wasted usable raw material and incurred additional costs for collection and treatment.

Responding to production requirements, the authors devised a method to recover the solution containing active ingredients from the sludge, ensuring it meets the technical demands of PAC solution production.

Recovery and Reintroduction into Production

Under this solution, sludge generated in the storage drums is processed through appropriate technical stages to recover the valuable solution. The recovered material is then reintroduced into production at a suitable ratio.

The reintroduction of recovered material into the production line is controlled according to technical requirements, ensuring it does not compromise the quality of the PAC solution.
The solution is also implemented alongside routine cleaning and maintenance of the drums. This approach makes use of valuable residual raw materials without disrupting overall production.

Reducing Costs and Waste for Disposal

Following implementation, the initiative has yielded tangible benefits in PAC solution production.

Firstly, the company is able to recover valuable PAC rather than disposing of it, reducing the need for new raw materials. At the same time, the volume of sludge requiring collection and treatment is decreased, resulting in cost savings.

The solution does not require significant investment in new equipment and can be incorporated into regular operation, cleaning, and maintenance. This allows for the initiative’s regular application in the PAC solution production process.

From what was essentially a waste product, the team has found a way to reclaim valuable material and return it to the production line. The “Recovery of Residual Sludge from PAC Solution Drums” initiative contributes to efficient raw material use, reduces waste for treatment, and aligns with the circular economy model now being pursued at Viet Tri Chemicals Joint Stock Company.