AMALGAM-60

Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is a safe, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to the use of Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda, NaOH) for wastewater pH and alkalinity control.  Inland Environmental Resources, Inc. (IER) is the Pacific Northwest manufacturer of this chemistry in a 60% Mg(OH)₂ product called AMALGAM-60, with plant locations in Pasco and Centralia.

Cost:  Every 1.0 lb of 50% NaOH can be replaced with 0.60 lbs of 60% Mg(OH)₂ to provide the same number of moles of hydroxide (OH-).  This 40% reduction in daily usage rate translates into a dramatic cost savings – for something that is “green” and safe!

Safety:  Though Mg(OH)₂ is much stronger for supplying OH- buffering, it is dramatically safer for operators to handle and for treating wastewater microorganisms.  Mg(OH)₂ dissolves only when it encounters acidity, unlike NaOH which immediately releases OH- to burn operator’s skin and eyes.  This is why the pH can rapidly spike to > 12 if Caustic is overfed, while the overfeed of Mg(OH)₂ will safely buffer the pH up to 8 or 9.  This controlled release” trait of Mg(OH)₂ is a primary driver for its acceptance as an ideal buffering agent for nitrification and anaerobic digestion processes.

“Green”:  Magnesium is the core element of chlorophyll (what makes plants green), while salinity from Sodium is detrimental, especially for land reuse applications.

Freezing:  50% NaOH freezes at 60oF, so in winter 25% NaOH is commonly used.  60% Mg(OH)₂ freezes at 32oF, just like water, greatly minimizing freeze concerns.

Solids Settling:  Mg(OH)₂ can provide improved solids settling and sludge compaction benefits that NaOH does not.  When Mg(OH)₂ dissolves, the Mg²⁺ cation can coagulate suspended solids to improve both microorganism activity and solids removal efficiency – often reducing polymer usage.

Trial Equipment:  IER supplies agitated storage tanks (from 100 to 1500 gallons) to allow real-time measurement of cost savings while confirming performance, safety, and feed reliability – allowing a clear understanding about how Mg(OH)₂ will improve your overall system before deciding to make a permanent transition.  IER supplies AMALGAM-60 in full tanker or small volume quantities using dedicated, in-house delivery specialists and equipment.

Please call if you would like to learn more about IER’s safe, “green”, and cost-effective Magnesium Hydroxide product for your operation.