plekieemaldust

Plekieemaldust is a term used in metal finishing and recycling to describe both the process of removing electroplated coatings from metal surfaces and the fine particulate matter produced during stripping, cleaning, and related surface-treatment operations. The word is constructed from Estonian roots, with plek meaning plating or sheet metal and eemaldust meaning removal or extraction. In practice, the term covers techniques that strip or dissolve coatings such as chromium, nickel, copper, or zinc, as well as the airborne and settled dust generated as a byproduct of those procedures.

Processes associated with plekieemaldust include chemical stripping using acids or alkaline solutions, chelation-based stripping, mechanical methods such as blasting or deburring, and thermal or solvent-based cleaning. Often these methods are used in sequence or combined with containment systems and filtration to manage dust and chemical vapors. The resulting material can include metal fragments, intermetallic compounds, and dissolved plating constituents, and requires appropriate handling as a potentially hazardous waste stream.

Health and environmental considerations are central to plekieemaldust management. Occupational exposure to metal dusts and fumes can pose respiratory and dermal risks, so facilities typically employ local exhaust ventilation, enclosed work areas, respirators, and continuous air monitoring. Waste streams are subject to hazardous waste regulations, with efforts made to recover valuable metals when feasible and to minimize environmental impact through proper treatment and disposal.

See also: plating, stripping, surface finishing, occupational safety, hazardous waste management.