Abstract: A method and apparatus for enriching the chromium concentration in an operating chrome plating from a spent chrome plating solution containing hexavalent chromium, trivalent chromium and extraneous metal ions is dislosed. A spent platining solution vessel is divided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by a porous container. A hollow primary anode is provided in the anode chamber and a plurality of cathodes are provided in the cathode chamber. A circularly shaped secondary anode is provided in the cathode chamber surrounding the cathodes and porous container. The primary anode and cathodes are connected to a primary electric circuit and the secondary anode and the cathodes are connected to a secondary electric. Operating solution from an operating plating vessel containing hexavalent chromium at a pre-enriched concentration is pumped to the anode compartment and hexavalent chromium enriched anolyte is flowed from the anode compartment to the operating plating vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for plating nickel onto metal substrates. The method broadly comprises the steps of passing the metal substrate to be plated through a dilute organic acid bath solution to remove contaminants and other deleterious materials, agitating the bath solution as the metal substrate passes therethrough, and thereafter electrolessly plating nickel on the surfaces of the metal substrate. The method of the present invention may be used to nickel plate substrates formed from steel, copper and aluminum.