Outotec

Ferric arsenate process

The Outotec Ferric arsenate process is a solution for

managing toxic arsenic in process and effluent streams.
The process consists of a ferric arsenate precipitation
stage followed by neutralization using lime milk. The
process is based on easy, robust and understandable
precipitation. The treatment of toxic arsenic requires a
high level process reliability. This can be guaranteed using
the cost-effective Outotec Ferric arsenate process.
After the ferric arsenate process the treated water has
a low arsenic concentration, typically containing 1-3
mg/L arsenic. If an even lower arsenic concentration is
required, a polishing step with enhanced arsenic removal
can be included. The process comprises the neutralization of acidic streams and the advanced removal of metal
impurities, including Ni, Cd, Cu, Sb and Zn. The final
product of the ferric arsenate treatment process is treated
water that can be safely discharged to the environment or
recycled back for process use. The selection of the arsenic
treatment process is governed by residual stability. The
residue of the Outotec Ferric arsenate process is a stable
solid precipitate, which will pass the EU CEN and US EPA
TCLP leaching tests for hazardous, arsenic containing
solid waste.

Benefits
High process reliability
Improved environmental quality and
stable residues
Safe working conditions
Process generates water that meets
environmental regulations
Process guarantees and tailoring via
client water testing

Finland, April, 2014

Iron sulfate
Lime milk

Flocculant
Arsenic stream

Ferric arsenate slurry

Treated water for discharge and re-use
Air
Air
Air

Outotec Larox PF
Ferric arsenate filter cake
Filtrate water

Our offering

Tailored and optimized arsenic water treatment solution to improve environmental quality and produce
stable residue
Based on globally available, economical iron and
calcium chemicals and low-cost oxidants, including air
One-stop-shop concept from testing up to EPC
Reliable process operation for the treatment of toxic
arsenic
Safe working conditions and controlled arsenic exposure via efficient dust control
High automation rate, minimizing operation costs
High-quality treated water
Process guarantees and tailoring via client water testing
Environmental benefits:
Optimized chemical consumption
Water recycling
Control of arsenic discharge to environment

Process solution examples

Control of arsenic in acid plant condensate: ferric

arsenate treatment plant to manage arsenic concentration in acid plant effluent waters. Heavy metals are
removed in the lime milk neutralization stage along
with sulfate, which precipitates as gypsum.
Efficient water recycling: water from the arsenic treatment process can be recycled back to the process for
reuse and the fresh water intake can be decreased.
Total arsenic discharge and effluent volumes can be
optimized by efficient overall plant water management.

Most typical industrial areas for the application:

Non-ferrous smelters and roasters
Sulfuric acid plants
Gold plants

Key offering

Tailored arsenic treatment solutions with safe and

stable ferric arsenate precipitate
Optimization of the entire plants water recycling
in order to minimize production of arseniccontaining discharge water
Engineering and implementation
Research and development (e.g. conceptual and
feasibility studies)
Plant engineering
Project implementation (up to EPC)
Life cycle services

Reference plants

Boliden Harjavalta Finland, Condensate Treatment

process
Plant design for Nicico Sarcheshmeh and Khatoon
Abad acid plant effluent treatment

Outotec provides leading technologies and services for the sustainable use of Earths natural resources. As the global leader in minerals
and metals processing technology, we have developed many breakthrough technologies over the decades for our customers in metals
and mining industry. We also provide innovative solutions for industrial water treatment, the utilization of alternative energy sources and
the chemical industry. Outotec shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.outotec.com

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