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Project title

The optimisation of electroplating activities

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Irish Finishing Technologies Ltd.

Lead Applicant

Oliver Bergin

Project Abstract

Irish Finishing Technologies Ltd (IFT) is a sub-contract treatment facility located in the west of Ireland. Founded in 1998 the premises consist of a custom built 17000 square ft facility. The following services are provided; anodizing rack cyanide zinc plating barrel acid zinc plating chromate conversion coating and stainless steel passivation. Formed in 1991 Waterford Plating Company Ltd (WPL) is one of the leading sub-contract surface treatment facilities in Ireland. Waterford Plating Company Ltd consists of an 8000 square ft. facility in the heart of the cityis industrial area.The project involved achieving reduced zinc and cyanide concentrations in the electroplating baths without impacting on the quality of the product produced at the Galway site of Irish Finishing Technologies Ltd. and its sister site Waterford Plating Ltd. The key benefits were a reduction in metal hydroxide sludge generation and a reduction in water use. The generation of the hydroxide sludge which is a hazardous waste has been reduced by 40% at the Galway site. Water use has been reduced by 40% saving over 200 litres per round produced or approx. 2800m3 per annum for IFT (comparing the first quarter of 2005 and 2006).An additional bonus of the lower bath concentration is reduced metal usage with the same product performance.

Grant Approved

�45,331.01

Research Hub

Cleaner Production - Green Enterprise - Innovation and Demonstration

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

n/a

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a