Griffin L.L.P

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: reclamation

Industry: Manufacturer

Wastes Reduced: copper sludge

Substance: Sulfuric acid

Location: Houston TX

No. of employees: 35

Contact: Tim Brooks

Phone: (713) 443-6404

Description:

Griffin L.L.P produces cupric hydroxide which is known as a fungicide. Copper is reacted with sulfuric acid to form copper sulfate which is in turn reacted with caustic soda to form cupric oxide. The copper containing water then was released to a pond to precipitate the sludge. Over the years around 240,000 cubic foot of copper rich sludge has been accumulated. Currently, the sludge is treated in situ with sulfuric acid to leach out the copper and the solution ( with 40,000 mg/l of copper) is rerouted to the process.

Environmental Benefits:

The copper rich sludge poses a threat to the environment by leaching copper into the ground and eventually to the Sims Bayou. The copper recovery will permanently remove the chance of copper leak into the state waters.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

Approximately one to two million dollars worth of copper will be recovered from the sludge.

Source: TCEQ