I have a small bottle of ferric chloride and want to start making boards but being a harsh chemical, I wanted to know how to get rid of it when I need to (thinking ahead). I have looked around and asked around but no one speaks of such a thing. Also, if there was something easier to use I might opt for that considering the bottle is still unopened. Now, my volume would be really low so I expect it to last practically forever, I just try to be responsible when I can plan ahead.
Radios + Tubes + Scopes + Cars= Nothing better!
I am no expert on this subject but the internet has a lot of good info on it. And after reading it is why I use other methods for my etchant. Example:
https://www.candorind.com/blog/how-to-dispose-of-ferric-chloride-from-pcbs/
I have a small bottle of ferric chloride and want to start making boards but being a harsh chemical, I wanted to know how to get rid of it when I need to (thinking ahead). I have looked around and asked around but no one speaks of such a thing. Also, if there was something easier to use I might opt for that considering the bottle is still unopened. Now, my volume would be really low so I expect it to last practically forever, I just try to be responsible when I can plan ahead.
You’re welcome. Just a note, the article mentions to use “washing water” where I think they actually mean “washing soda” that can be purchased locally and stores like WalMart etc. It’s the same stuff I use when removing rust from metal stuff like fuel tanks for example, with the electrolysis method.
@voltage Very good and to the point info. Thank you for sharing the link. 👍
@voltage Thanks, I would say that was published after I researched or just missed it. Last time I looked, there was nothing that clear about disposal. Now I need to get some supplies. I will also print out that page and add it with the FC data sheet to put in a folder. My plan is to make a little station for etching so I don’t have to move anything around, it can just stay in place and not worry about anything happening. Will be really nice being able to make boards!
Radios + Tubes + Scopes + Cars= Nothing better!
@voltage Thanks, I would say that was published after I researched or just missed it. Last time I looked, there was nothing that clear about disposal. Now I need to get some supplies. I will also print out that page and add it with the FC data sheet to put in a folder. My plan is to make a little station for etching so I don’t have to move anything around, it can just stay in place and not worry about anything happening. Will be really nice being able to make boards!
No problem. You may want to look up using ferric chloride with a sponge so it uses way less and still gets the job done, and possibly quicker too. It isn’t that hard to be safe if you use common sense and some gloves and safety glasses and try not to breath it in or spill it. When I try my Sodium Persulfate I will report my thoughts as it was mentioned in this thread that it is one of the safest chemicals based on the other we discussed. Of course you can even use vinegar or citric acid and salt and peroxide in some of the likely safest formulas. Google it and you will see those ingredients used for etching too.
@voltage Yes that was my plan, a big bath seems unnecessary to me. I also thought about a shallow/small bath and use a light brush to gently assist. The folder and data sheets is more for other people in the event something happens to myself to prevent it from going down the drain or something like that. I have a lot of metal pipe that would not appreciate FC. Like I said, trying to think ahead.
Radios + Tubes + Scopes + Cars= Nothing better!