Nickel Salt Recovery Using Recoflo Short Bed Ion Exchange

Since its commercialization over thirty years ago, the Recoflo® short bed ion exchange process has been extensively utilized for recovery of a wide variety of acids and metal salts. The process has a number of unique features such as utilization of fine mesh resins in a compressed bed, typically 12 – 24 inches in height, which together make it ideal for these types of applications. With current prices in effect for nickel, considerable interest in recovering nickel salts from duplex nickel electroplating operations exists.

This paper outlines the specific aspects for effective nickel salt recovery from rinse water, outlines critical design features, and reviews a specific installation in place at Amory, Mississippi. Field performance data, operating experience, and an economic evaluation will be provided.