What are the waste disposal issues with different electrolytes?
Electrolyte is sold as a dry powder and is mixed with water. Once mixed it becomes a waste that can not usually be disposed of in the sewer because of the high salt levels. When electrolyte is used for cutting the fluid gets contaminated with grinding sludge (metal particles, abrasives and metal hydroxides). Electrolytes with chelating agents will absorb metal into the solution and will produce less sludge. Eventually the electrolyte becomes saturated and must be changed. Non-chelated electrolytes will not absorb metals and will stay clean longer, but require more advanced filtration to handle the increased amount to sludge. In almost all cases used electrolyte must be treated as a hazardous waste and handled in accordance with the relevant environmental regulations.
