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Project Code [2004-CP2-G]

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Project title

Closed Loop regeneration and recycling of copper etchant used in printed circuit board manufacture

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

MICAM Ltd.

Lead Applicant

Ciaran Culligan

Project Abstract

Micam Ltd was established in 1966 and commenced operations in Mallow Co. Cork in 1967 producing industrial laminates copper clad materials and woven glass products. In 1994 Micam commenced the production of printed circuit boards and in 1995 the product range was extended to include laminated tubes. This project sought to prevent the generation of waste etchant at Micam by utilising the Elo-Chem closed loop copper etchant regeneration system which allows continous regeneration of etchant and the subsequent recovery of high purity copper for sale.The successful implementation of the project has resulted in the following environmental and cost savings:i 99.6% reduction in hazardous waste etchant produced i 82% reduction in Ammonia discharge to sewer i 31.5% reduction in Ammonia emission to air i 25.5% reduction in Copper discharge to sewer i 30% reduction in etching operation process costs after sale of recovered copper

Grant Approved

�17,590.01

Research Hub

Cleaner Production - Green Enterprise - Innovation and Demonstration

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

20/12/2004

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a