From Waste Stream to Resource: Our New Silver Recovery System
Industrial radiography remains one of the most trusted and effective methods in the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry. Radiographic inspection plays an essential role in verifying safety, quality, and reliability in aerospace components and structural brazes and welds.
As part of our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and environmental responsibility, we recently installed a new silver recovery system for our radiographic film processing operations.
The installation of this system represents a major environmental and operational achievement for our company. With this upgrade, our business no longer generates hazardous waste streams, supporting safer operations, simplified waste management, and continued environmental responsibility.
Why Silver Recovery Matters in Radiographic NDT
Traditional X-ray film processing uses chemical solutions that contain dissolved silver. During the film development process, used fixer solution accumulates silver that must be properly managed and treated before disposal.
Silver is classified as a regulated heavy metal, making responsible wastewater handling and recovery an important part of maintaining environmental compliance within industrial radiography operations.
Without proper recovery systems in place, companies may face:
Increased waste disposal costs
Greater environmental impact
Compliance risks with local and federal regulations
Loss of recoverable valuable materials
Supporting Sustainability & Compliance
Our newly installed silver reclamation system allows us to significantly improve the management of silver-bearing waste generated through our radiographic processes.
Benefits of the upgraded system include:
Improved Environmental Compliance
The system helps reduce silver concentrations in wastewater streams, supporting compliance with environmental discharge requirements and industry best practices.
Recovery of Valuable Materials
Rather than treating silver solely as waste, the reclamation process allows recovery of reusable silver material, helping reduce unnecessary loss of valuable resources.
Eliminating Our Final Hazardous Waste Stream
One of the most significant benefits of this new silver recovery system is that it has allowed us to eliminate the only remaining hazardous waste stream within our operations. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to environmental responsibility, safer operational practices, and long-term sustainability while simplifying waste handling and regulatory management across the company.
Increased Operational Efficiency
Modern automated recovery systems require minimal operator intervention, improving consistency while allowing technicians to remain focused on inspection quality and production demands.
Investing in Better NDT Operations
At the core of every inspection we perform is a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Investing in upgraded processing and recovery technology helps ensure that our radiographic operations remain efficient, compliant, and environmentally responsible.
As industrial requirements continue evolving, we believe responsible wastewater management and sustainable operational practices are an important part of the future of NDT.
We’re proud to continue investing in systems and processes that support both our customers and the industries we serve.
Partnering with Industry Leaders
This upgrade was made possible with the support of MPM Products, who supplied the new system, and Metafix, a leader in silver recovery and wastewater treatment technology for radiographic and photographic processing applications.
Their expertise and technology help support efficient silver recovery, environmental compliance, and sustainable wastewater management practices within the NDT industry.
We appreciate the opportunity to work with companies that share our commitment to quality, innovation, and responsible operations.