Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of impact plating selected metal powders onto metallic articles. The powders are non-spherical and are characterized by an elongated, irregular surface which may contain at least one concave portion. Such metal powders are plated onto metallic articles having a Rockwell hardness of at least B-40. The method results in metallic articles having a substantially uniform coating composed of the impact plated metal powders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of insoluble powders, such as metal powders, to a processing station, such as a rotatable drum for impact plating of the powder onto articles. The method includes providing separate supplies of water and a slurry of the metal powder. Water is delivered from the water supply through a fluid network to the rotatable drum in a pre-flushing operation for a first predetermined length of time. Upon stoppage of the pre-flush with water, the slurry is delivered to the drum through the fluid network for a second predetermined length of time sufficient to deliver a desired quantity of the powder to the drum. Upon stoppage of the slurry delivery, a post-flush with water supplied through the fluid network is undertaken for a third predetermined length of time to remove any residual slurry within the fluid network.

Abstract: Apparatus to inhibit water pollution in surface treatment of metals, e.g., in coating base metal parts with an adherent coating of zinc, cadmium or similar protective metal by means of wet impact plating or electroplating, or in chromating or phosphating metal surfaces. A preferred embodiment relates to a wet impact plating process wherein the several solutions used in preparing the work, in plating it and in rinsing it are individually segregated after use and re-used in consecutive plating cycles so that release of ecologically objectionable effluent is eliminated and chemical and metal components fed into the process are conserved instead of being discarded after each plating cycle.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved system for preventing water pollution in surface treatment of metals, e.g., in coating base metal parts with an adherent coating of zinc, cadmium or similar protective metal by means of wet impact plating or electroplating, or in chromating or phosphating metal surfaces. A preferred embodiment relates to a wet impact plating process wherein the several solutions used in cleaning or otherwise preparing the work, in plating it and in rinsing it are individually segregated after use and re-used in consecutive plating cycles in a special manner such that release of ecologically objectionable effluent is eliminated and chemical and metal components fed into the process are conserved instead of being discarded after each plating cycle.

Abstract: Heat treating salt used as a bath in heat treating metal articles is reclaimed from the rinsing tank in a closed cycle by removing a portion of the salt-contaminated rinse water from the rinsing tank to an enclosed portion of the heat treating tank which serves as a water evaporation zone. There the salt-contaminated rinse water is evaporated by direct contact with the hot molten salt bath and the resulting steam, either as such or after condensation, is conducted back to the rinse tank where it serves to replenish the rinse water. The salt content of the contaminated rinse water which is left behind in the water evaporation zone becomes commingled there with the molten salt bath and is thus reclaimed.