Acid polishing of crystal glass generates hazardous wastes containing lead and fluoride to
which very strict discharge limits are applied in Korea. However, with conventional end-ofpipe
technology it is very difficult to meet the enforced effluent standards. The object of this
study was to develop a zero-discharge system in the crystal glass industry in which The new clean technology has been developed for the
crystal glass industry. It has been applied to one of
these industries and has been successfully operating,
leading to several improvements in the production of
crystal glass: reduction in wastewater treatment facilities
and water consumption, and the establishment of
a zero-discharge system. The improvements concern
not only the environmental aspects but also technoeconomical
aspects such as reduction in treatment
facilities and economic benefits. The capital cost for
10 m3/day of wastewater generated is $137 000, and
the pay-back period is less than 2 years.