Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine March/April 2022 - 35

PLATING AND ANODIZING: IN-PLANT AIR QUALITY
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AGAINST
CLIMATE CHANGE
BY ALYSSA KERSLAKE
T
he Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) of the United Nations issued a study recently
that showed the impacts now being felt and the
catastrophic harm that will occur if the regulation of
emissions into the atmosphere is not improved. According to the
report, since the late nineteenth century, humanity has released
more than a trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air, as a
consequence causing an average global temperature rise of more
than one degree Celsius relative to preindustrial levels.
The IPCC report serves as a wake-up call to a world on the
verge of catastrophe. As per the report, the urgency of climate
change and the mounting toll of its effects have become more
apparent. Continuing to procrastinate will result in humanity
missing the chance to ensure a livable and sustainable future for
all.
In a thorough analysis that draws on many academic studies
conducted all around the globe, the researchers discovered
that climate change is already causing severe and extensive
disturbance to the natural world and billions of people. Failure
to reduce air pollution caused by fossil fuels and other human
activities would doom the planet to a future that is invariably
harmful.
Since the initial attempts at filtering pollutants, our
knowledge of air pollution has progressed significantly. The
challenges associated with harmful gases and particulates
are well understood by anybody involved in constructing an
industrial plant these days. In general, manufacturers in the
plating and anodizing industries are more conscious of the
repercussions of air pollution within a plant than pollution
created by external emissions. Manufacturers alike recognize
that the procedures they must employ inevitably generate
emissions. They are constantly developing new techniques for
regulating and reducing such.
To be effective, any air pollution management system must
eliminate odours in addition to more harmful pollutants such
as nitrogen oxide or volatile organic compounds. Chemicals
known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by
manufacturing facilities as part of their processes. They are also
known as solvent fumes, hazardous air pollutants, hydrocarbons,
halogenated hydrocarbons, and other
odorous
emissions,
among other things. Naturally, there is a symbiotic relationship
between the two, and even if there isn't, employers are required
to maintain working conditions for their employees at tolerable
levels under occupational regulations.
The use of demisters, such as those used in anodizing systems,
is frequently employed because the anodizing tank emits a mist
containing sulfuric acid, a by-product of electrolysis. Water
washdowns or the use of a scrubber regularly can help with
this. There are various occasions in which factories employ
secondary containment, which comprises a protective layer
surrounding the anodizing operation. It will protect against
leaks and other equipment problems if the enclosure is
completely closed off. This can be accomplished through the
process of high-temperature thermal oxidation, which employs
the proper combination of temperature, residence
time,
turbulence, and oxygen to convert pollutants into carbon dioxide
and water vapour. This reduces the operating costs and energy
consumption of the machine. A large proportion of air pollution
control systems must be tailored because every facility is unique
in terms of its layout, its equipment size, and its age. A buyer will
have the opportunity to engage closely with a supplier to keep
installation costs within a specified budget while also allowing
for future growth of the capacity of the installation.
PKG Equipment Inc. industrial ventilation systems are
manufactured with little need for maintenance and can operate
in corrosive situations without failure. Depending on the
chemical characteristics of the exhaust fumes, the temperature
of the air, and general shop conditions, ducting, exhaust hoods,
fans, and blowers are designed, as are scrubbers and other
filtration components. In some cases, UL 508 A certification may
be required for control panels used to automate electrical tasks
of scrubber systems, such as pH management and freshwater
input, conductivity monitoring, static pressure monitoring,
and other applications. Additionally, PKG Equipment provides
complete installation services and design and manufacturing
services. In short, PKG Equipment develops ventilation
solutions based on the tank chemistry and temperature.
PKG Equipment Inc considers a wide range of criteria when
developing custom-based applications. Even though PKG
does not consider air extraction from all production locations
equally, they focus primarily on which is harmful. They must
be removed from the air and where it is situated. The company
develops the ventilation system depending on the area that
requires ventilation. PKG is constantly looking for methods to
enhance operations and expand its capabilities as a company.
Additionally, the firm provides design, installation, and field
repair services in addition to its manufacturing capabilities.
As is always the case, excellent pollution control system
design results from a careful assessment of a plant's demands
and capabilities, as well as transparent communication about
costs and available funding. Choosing the correct system is never
simple, so exercise caution while selecting. Proper planning is
essential for a successful installation and hope for a sustainable
future for the rest of the world.
Source: https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg2/pdf/IPCC_AR6_WGII_FinalDraft_FullReport.pdf
March/April 2022
35
https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg2/pdf/IPCC_AR6_WGII_FinalDraft_FullReport.pdf
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine March/April 2022

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