On December 31st 2000 the Vlarem II (the Flemisch environmental legislation) was implemented. This legislation imposes new standards on companies in the metal surface industry. These standards are very strict for heavy metals in particular, i.e. 0,5 mg/l for copper, lead, chromium, zinc and nickel. Under specific circumstances only, these can be diminished to 2 mg/l. Even with these values it is impossible in most cases to meet those draining standards for zinc and nickel. Especially galvanising, nickeling, stainless steel pickling, or electropolishing companies will have problems in this respect.

The best method to meet these new standards, is the use of a selective ion exchanger, which removes the heavy metals from your water purification system effluent.