Fluorides

The metals industry uses a large variety of HF solutions and inorganic fluorides for refining white metals such as titanium, for pickling stainless steel, and in aluminum brazing flux and abrasive compounds. All processes would be nearly impossible without fluorides’ unique properties.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Interox® Hydrogen Peroxide is a convenient reagent for use in the metals and mining industries with applications in areas such as metals extraction, metals recovery and surface treatment. Hydrogen peroxide is particularly valued for the cleaning, engraving, brightening or passivation of numerous metals and alloys. For example, it avoids the formation of nitrous vapors when pickling stainless steel. In an acid environment, its effectiveness is strengthened and its action prolonged by special stabilizers specific to each type of metal.

Soda Ash

Soda ash is used to neutralize acidic mine runoff, and acid waste in ponds or streams. Soda ash is used in calciners that roast ore to prevent sulfur dioxide emission or formation of sulfuric acid gas. It can also be used to react with ore itself to turn sulfates to carbonates. Other specific mine applications depend on the type of ore or rock that is being processed.

Sodium Metabisulfite

Sodium metabisulfite is used in the destruction of cyanide in gold recovery processes.

Trona

Solvay Chemicals’ trona products are used in metals refining to control acid gas emission, prevent sulfur build up, and prevent corrosion in duct work. Trona can also be used in treatment ponds where its pH buffering is very desirable.