sulfamic acid
Sulphamic acid has increasingly come under the spotlight in environmental and water management as a relevant trace substance. Due to its high water solubility, mobility and persistence, it is detected in wastewater streams, surface waters, and in raw and drinking water. A particularly critical issue is that sulphamic acid can hardly be removed using currently established wastewater and drinking water treatment processes. Consequently, these inputs largely remain in the water cycle, which is why measures to reduce them at source play a central role.
This development is of particular significance for electroplating companies, as sulphamido acid is used here specifically and in process-relevant quantities. In particular, in nickel sulphamate electrolytes used in strip electroplating, it is an indispensable component for ensuring high deposition rates, uniform coating thicknesses and defined material properties. At the same time, sulfamides are used in many plants to eliminate nitrites in processes and/or wastewater. The rapid and reliable reaction required for this often leads to overdosing in practice, as dosing is frequently based on simplified measurement methods.
It is precisely these process-related applications that allow sulphamidic acid to enter the water cycle via rinse water and wastewater streams. In wastewater and process plants with high throughput, this results in significant substance loads. Against this background, concrete measures to reduce these inputs were developed as part of the Sulphamic Acid Round Table, with the participation of industry, associations, the water sector, authorities, and environmental and consumer protection organisations. The focus is particularly on conscious and economical use, the evaluation of alternatives, the optimisation of dosing and process control, and – where necessary – targeted measures for wastewater treatment.
The following documents present the key findings of this process and provide practical guidance for affected companies. They serve as a basis for assessing one’s own exposure and evaluating suitable measures within the company. Companies that use or place sulphamidic acid on the market should actively engage with the content and contribute to reducing the environmental impact. In concrete terms, this means the following for affected companies: if you operate nickel sulphamate processes, use sulphamic acid for nitrite removal or treat corresponding wastewater, there is a need for review and optimisation. Key areas for action include, in particular, more precise dosing, the minimisation of overdosing, and targeted measures for wastewater or partial-stream treatment.
Information document: Reduction of sulphamidic acid discharge