AN invention to remove potentially harmful chemical waste from manufacturing processes has been developed by a North-East company.

The process, developed by Integrated Effluent Solutions (IES), of Spennymoor, County Durham, has taken 18 months to develop, and uses hypersonic vibrations to separate sulphate from waste water.

One of the company’s first deals is with the Royal Mint.

IES will use the process to remove sulphates in its drainage system created during the finishing of copper and nickel-plated coins.

IES managing director Andy Dargue said: “This chemical process helps companies meet ever-tighter environmental controls, as well as negating the impact potentially harmful sulphates can have if they leak into the drainage system.

“It also has the added benefit of producing a waste product that can be recycled into building materials, such as cement and concrete, so not only will the waste water be made safer, the businesses will save on transport and landfill costs and also significantly reduce their impact on the environment.”

The process cost £140,000 to develop. It has been backed by a £74,000 grant from regional development agency One NorthEast.