Plasma smelting studies of solid waste effluent from dichromate plant

Abstract

The large quantity of solid waste generated by dichromate plants contains amongst other constituents about 10% to 15% chromium which includes about 1% hexavalent chromium. Thus the problem associated with the effluent disposal of such plants is not simple, as hexavalent chromium is toxic and water-soluble. In course of the present investigation a methodology and process using thermal plasma in the transferred are mode has been used for handling such solid waste. This paper deals with the three major aspects viz. (a) recovery of the chromium metal (b) conversion of the toxic hexavalent chromium and (c) a process to improve the economics. The metal values are recovered as ferrochromium and the slag obtained is non-toxic. A detailed analysis of the raw materials, products and effect of processing parameters will be presented by the author who is leading a project team on the above work funded by M/s. ORICHEM LTD., ORISSA, INDIA.