Abstract: The invention relates to a method machining a particularly planar component by means of electrochemical machining, wherein the component has internal stresses resulting particularly from preceding manufacturing steps. In a first step a) of the method, the component to be machined is provided. Subsequently, in step b), at least two tools are provided in the form of electrodes and, in step c), an electrolyte is provided between the component and the at least two electrodes. In step d), a positive voltage is applied to the component and a negative voltage is applied to the at least two electrodes. Thus, in step e), by moving the at least two electrodes along their respective movement paths with respect to the component, electrochemical machining can take place; in the process, the gap between each electrode and the component is flushed with the electrolyte at least intermittently.

Abstract: An electrolysis system for electrochemically breaking down water to form hydrogen and oxygen, having at least one electrolyser for electrochemically breaking down water to form hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis system also has a housing device for receiving the electrolyser, wherein the electrolyser is at least partially arranged in the housing device and the housing device is sealed relative to a first fluid surrounding the housing device. In the electrolyser, water is broken down to form hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and the oxygen are directed out of the housing device.

Abstract: An electrochemical treatment system includes a treatment fluid supply manifold, a fluid return manifold, and an electrode section connected to the treatment fluid supply manifold. A plurality of treatment fluid supply ports feed fluid through or across the electrode and a plurality of fluid return ports proximate the treatment fluid supply ports are connected to the fluid return manifold. A porous pad is coupled to the electrode section for contacting a substrate to be treated and receives the treatment fluid via the plurality of treatment fluid supply ports. The plurality of fluid return ports remove spent and excess treatment fluid and gases from the substrate, the surrounding air, and the porous pad.

Abstract: A method for catalytic synthesis of ammonia under normal pressures, including: performing a reaction of hydrogen and nitrogen to synthesize ammonia under normal pressures by taking a liquid alloy as a catalyst in a reactor, where the reactor contains a molten salt, the density of the molten salt is smaller than that of the liquid alloy, and the molten salt is used for providing a reaction interface and isolating the liquid alloy from being introduced impurities. The first metal reacts with the nitrogen to produce the metal nitride, and the molten salt provides a new reaction interface for the metal nitride to react with the hydrogen to synthesize ammonia, so that ammonia is produced continuously. In addition, the molten salt prevents the liquid alloy from contacting with the oxygen and the water vapor, which prevents the liquid alloy from being oxidized, thus prolonging its service life.

Abstract: One object of the present disclosure is to improve the accuracy of detection of an abnormality of various devices, and/or to advance the timing of detection of an abnormality. There is provided an apparatus for plating a substrate, comprising: an anode placed to be opposed to the substrate; an electric field regulating member placed between the substrate and the anode, provided with an opening, and equipped with an opening adjustment member configured to change a dimension of the opening; a motor configured to drive the opening adjustment member; and a control device configured to obtain an electric current value or a load factor of the motor, to calculate an amount of change in the load factor of the motor per unit time from the obtained electric current value or the obtained load factor of the motor, and to detect an abnormality of the electric field regulating member when it is detected that the amount of change in the load factor of the motor per unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An example method for connectorizing a superconducting cable is described herein. The method can include depositing an oxide layer on a surface of a superconducting cable using a first electrolytic cell, electroplating a metal layer on the surface of the oxide layer of the superconducting cable using a second electrolytic cell, and soldering a connector to the metal layer coated on the surface of the superconducting cable. The oxide layer allows the metal layer to adhere to the surface of the superconducting cable.

Abstract: An electrolysis unit and to a method for electrochemically decomposing water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis unit has at least two electrolysis modules. The electrolysis unit also has exactly one first gas separation device for a first product gas including oxygen and exactly one second gas separation device for a second product gas including hydrogen. The first gas separation device is connected to the at least two electrolysis modules by respective first lines. The second gas separation device is connected to the at least two electrolysis modules by respective second lines. The at least two first lines have the same first length. The at least two second lines likewise have the same second length.

Abstract: An electrolytic system for an internal combustion engine includes an electrolyte tank for receiving an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolytic fluid therein for communication with the anode and cathode. A power source applies an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode to generate a current through the electrolytic fluid and produce an electrolytic reaction in the electrolyte tank which produces combustible gases. A gas outlet communicates the combustible gases from the electrolyte tank to the internal combustion engine. At least one of the electrodes A hollow passage which does not communicate with the electrolytic fluid in the electrolyte tank extends through one of the electrodes to receive a heat exchange fluid circulated therethrough so as to be arranged to exchange heat with said at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for extracting metals (e.g. precious metals or dangerous metals) from a substrate material such as sludge from a lake bed or sewage treatment facility includes processing the substrate material and metals by exposing the substrate material and metals to the plasma of an electric arc. Then, the exposed substrate material and metals are passed through an electrically charged collection grid in which the metals, now electrically charged, are attracted to the collection grid and hold to the collection grid and the substrate material exits the collection grid with less concentrations (or none) of the metals. In some embodiments, in addition to recovering the metals (e.g. precious metals, dangerous metals, etc.), a flammable gas is produced.

Abstract: An electrochemical method for ammonia synthesis including the steps of: preparing a single-crystalline metal thin film; and synthesizing ammonia by using the single-crystalline metal thin film electrode. More particularly, it relates to improvement of the production yield and synthesis rate of ammonia trough the method for preparing ammonia by using an electrochemical reactor which includes a cathode including a single-crystalline metal thin film on the surface thereof, an anode and an electrolyte, wherein the method includes the steps of: supplying nitrogen to the cathode; supplying aqueous electrolyte solution to the anode; and applying an electric voltage between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: Provided is an unique, efficient and cost-effective process for the recovery of acid from acid-rich solutions. The process of the subject matter utilizes a strong oxidizer, such as Caro's acid, to disintegrate or render insoluble organic or inorganic materials such as carbohydrates and complexes thereof contained in acid-rich solutions, to make efficient and simple the separation and recovery of the acid solution. The acid recovered thus obtained is free of organic matter, and containing nearly all of the acid originally contained in the acid-rich solution.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas generator with a cooling system and comprises an outer tank, an inner tank, and an electrolytic tank module. The outer tank is accommodated a coolant for cooling the electrolytic tank module and inner tank configured in the outer tank, whereby the temperature of the gas generator will be decreased to prevent the hydrogen explosion. Furthermore, in the present invention, the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by the electrolytic tank module will be inputted to the inner tank, and the temperature of the hydrogen-oxygen gas will be further decreased through the liquid water in the inner tank to decrease the probability of the hydrogen explosion.

Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus, an electric component, and a casing. The electric component is to operate the water electrolysis apparatus. The casing includes a housing chamber, an electric component chamber, and a buffering chamber. The housing chamber has a first ventilation air inlet to introduce external air into the housing chamber and houses the water electrolysis apparatus. The electric component chamber has a second ventilation air inlet to introduce the external air into the electric component chamber and houses the electric component. The first ventilation air inlet and the second ventilation air inlet are separate from each other. The buffering chamber is in communication with the first ventilation air inlet and the second ventilation air inlet. An air pressure in the buffering chamber is to be maintained at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Individuals who suffer from certain kinds of medical conditions, particularly conditions that only sporadically exhibit measurable symptoms, can feel helpless in their attempts to secure access to medical care because, at least in part, they are left to the mercy of their condition to present symptoms at the right time to allow diagnosis and treatment. Providing these individuals with ambulatory extended-wear health monitors that record ECG and physiology, preferably available over-the-counter and without health insurance preauthorization, is a first step towards addressing their needs. In addition, these individuals need a way to gain entry into the health care system once a medically-actionable medical condition has been identified. Here, the ECG and physiology is downloaded and evaluated post-monitoring against medical diagnostic criteria.

Abstract: A device for high temperature electrolysis of water, including: at least one elementary electrolysis cell formed from a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte intermediate between the cathode and the anode; a first device forming an electric and fluid interconnector including a metallic part delimited by at least one plane, the metallic part including two internal chambers, superposed one on the other, and a plurality of holes distributed around the surface, approximately perpendicular to the plane and divided into two groups, one of the groups of holes opens up onto the plane and directly into the adjacent chamber and the other group of holes opens up onto the plane and also in a furthest chamber through channels, the plane of the first interconnector being in mechanical contact with the plane of the cathode.

Abstract: In a method for reduction of a solid feedstock, such as a solid metal compound, in an electrolytic apparatus a portion of the feedstock is arranged in each of two or more electrolytic cells (50, 60, 70, 80). A molten salt is provided as an electrolyte in each cell. The molten salt is circulated from a molten salt reservoir (10) such that salt flows through each of the cells. Feedstock is reduced in each cell by applying a potential across electrodes in each cell, the potential being sufficient to cause reduction of the feedstock. The invention also provides an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for adjusting pH and replenishing nickel in a nickel plating solution of a nickel plating bath and a method of using the same is disclosed. The electrolytic cell comprises an inlet for receiving nickel plating solution from the nickel plating bath; a cooled cathode connected to a first bus bar connected to a negative terminal of a power supply; a plurality of nickel anodes capable of creating hydrogen gas on the cooled cathode when current is applied, connected to at least a second bus bar, the at least the second bus bar connected to a positive terminal of the power supply; and an outlet for returning nickel plating solution in the electrolytic cell to the nickel plating bath.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, system and equipment for the elaboration of electrolytic chlorine oxidants, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite substances, using elements that result in an ecological process and confers a high efficiency in the production of these substances, permitting the generation of a product of very high performance and efficiency.

Abstract: An electrolysis device removes a scale component contained in water that is fed to a water heat exchanger. The electrolysis device has a container having a water inlet port and a water outlet port; a plurality of electrodes provided inside the container; and agitation means for agitating water, between adjacent electrodes, that flows from the water inlet port towards the water outlet port.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for chlorine generation and distribution for the treatment of a pool, spa, body of water, or other water system.

Abstract: Provided is a processing unit including a condenser, which is capable of condensing, during a plate-making process to be performed by the processing unit in a fully automatic gravure plate-making processing system, a processing solution vaporized into the form of mist so as to reuse the resultant as the processing solution, and to provide a fully automatic gravure plate-making processing system using the processing unit including a condenser. The processing unit includes a condenser, which is to be used for a fully automatic gravure plate-making processing system for manufacturing a plate-making roll by performing a series of processes on an unprocessed plate-making roll.

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus comprises an electrolysis cell to electrolyze a first fluid to generate a product fluid. The electrolysis apparatus also comprises a fuel cell to electrolyze an electrolytic fluid and to heat a second fluid. The electrolysis apparatus also includes a fluid transfer arrangement to transfer the heated second fluid from the fuel cell to the electrolysis cell to provide heat to drive the electrolysis of the first fluid in the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical system and method are disclosed for On Site Generation (OSG) of oxidants, such as free available chlorine, mixed oxidants and persulfate. Operation at high current density, using at least a diamond anode, provides for higher current efficiency, extended lifetime operation, and improved cost efficiency. High current density operation, in either a single pass or recycle mode, provides for rapid generation of oxidants, with high current efficiency, which potentially allows for more compact systems. Beneficially, operation in reverse polarity for a short cleaning cycle manages scaling, provides for improved efficiency and electrode lifetime and allows for use of impure feedstocks without requiring water softeners. Systems have application for generation of chlorine or other oxidants, including mixed oxidants providing high disinfection rate per unit of oxidant, e.g. for water treatment to remove microorganisms or for degradation of organics in industrial waste water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Fuel Augmentation Support System (“FASS”). The disclosed FASS herein is useful to support a multitude of electrolysis cell composition and designs. It provides a system which supports an uncontaminated electrolysis process via the prohibition of other elements from intermingling with the electrolytic fluid, without creating excess positive or negative pressures in a FASS operations, an example of producing gas using the electrolysis of distilled water combined with a catalyst of potassium Hydroxide will be used since it is a method to generate a combustible gas used to enhance the combustion of practically any fuel. The FASS exploits an efficient utilization of electrons generated between the electrolysis electrodes in order to produce gas and achieve it's goals.

Abstract: Disclosing is a preparation apparatus of a porous alumina plate, including an electrolytic tank, an aluminum substrate, a negative electrode, a thermostatic apparatus, a circulation apparatus, and a power supply. The electrolytic tank includes an accommodating space and connects to a first opening and a second opening of the accommodating space, respectively, and a slot wall of the electrolytic tank is installed with an input tube and an output tube. The accommodating space is used to accommodate an electrolyte. The aluminum substrate and the negative electrode are installed on the first opening and the second opening, respectively, to contact the electrolyte. The thermostatic apparatus is used to maintain a temperature of the electrolyte, and the circulation apparatus is connected to the thermostatic apparatus and the electrolytic tank to circularly transport the electrolyte in the thermostatic apparatus and the electrolytic tank.

Abstract: A sulfuric acid electrolyte is produced efficiently as a functional solution and persulfuric acid produced by electrolysis is supplied efficiently to a use side while suppressing self-decomposition thereof.

Abstract: An evaporative recirculation cooling water system, the system having a recirculation loop to recirculate water through the system, a space to cool the water in the recirculation loop by evaporation, and an ion removal apparatus to remove ions. The ion removal apparatus has a flow through capacitor to remove hardness ions while leaving silica ions in the water. The flow through capacitor has an inlet connected to a water inlet and an outlet having a regulator to direct the flow of water to the recirculation loop or to a waste water output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-presion photo/electrochemical planarization and polishing method and an apparatus therefor. The method comprises through electrochemical, photochemical or photoelectrochemical means, an etchant being generated on a surface of a tool electrode which has a nanometer-sized planeness; the generated etchant reacting with a scavenger contained in an working electrolyte solution, or decaying itself in the working electrolyte solution, such that a confined etchant liquid layer is generated on the tool electrode surface and having a confined thickness of nanoscale; and by a chemical reaction between the etchant contained in the confined etchant liquid layer and a surface of a workpiece, the surface of the workpiece being polished or planarized to a nanometer scaled profile precision and surface roughness, thereby, realizing the planarization and polishing in nano-precision for the workpiece.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for recovery of valuable metals. The apparatus includes an electrolytic chlorine producing bath, a dissolution bath disposed at a rear side of the electrolytic chlorine producing bath to perform leaching of a valuable metal content, a gas supplier connected to the dissolution bath to supply a carrier gas, a collection bath disposed at the rear side of the dissolution bath to collect a volatile material, a separation bath separating and purifying a leaching reactant generated in the dissolution bath, and chlorine and sodium hydroxide recirculation lines connecting the electrolytic chlorine producing bath, the dissolution bath and the separation bath. The apparatus permits recovery of valuable metals according to characteristics of the valuable metal, and the chlorine and sodium hydroxide recirculation lines of the apparatus provides optimized recovery rate and efficiency, thereby realizing economic feasibility.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells modules made up of couples of catalytic multilayer porous electrodes forming the anodes and the cathodes and delimitating external gaseous areas and internal areas containing the electrolyte wherein the pressure modulators, generating two pressure cycles independently synchronized but of opposite phase, act at the inlet and at the outlet of the electrolyte and the multilayer porous electrodes are weeping on the gas side. According to a preferred embodiment the multilayer porous electrodes are hydrophobic and conductive on the gas side, the conductive and catalytic middle layers are hydrophobic and hydrophilic, the non-conductive and non-catalytic layer on the electrolyte side is hydrophilic.

Abstract: A system for providing hydrogen gas is provided. The system includes a hydrogen generator that produces gas from water. One or more heat generation devices are arranged to provide heating of the enclosure during different modes of operation to prevent freezing of components. A plurality of temperature sensors are arranged and coupled to a controller to selectively activate a heat source if the temperature of the component is less than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system includes (a) a processing unit having a first flow system configured to convey a flow of a first processing fluid to a microfeature workpiece, (b) an electrode unit having an electrode and a second flow system configured to convey a flow of a second processing fluid at least proximate to the electrode, (c) a barrier between the processing unit and the electrode unit to separate the first and second processing fluids, and (d) a water balance unit for maintaining the concentration of water in the first processing fluid within a desired range.

Abstract: This invention provides a membrane-mediated electropolishing apparatus for polishing and/or planarizing metal work-pieces. The work-piece is wetted with a low-conductivity fluid. The wetted work-piece is contacted with a first side of a charge-selective ion-conducting membrane, wherein the second side contacts a conductive electrolyte solution in electrical contact with a electrode. Current flow between the electrode and the work-piece electropolishes metal from the work-piece.

Abstract: A plating solution recovery apparatus for electroplating, the apparatus comprises a circulation tank; a sludge removing device; a concentrating device; an iron compound crystallizing device; an iron compound separating device; an iron compound redissolving device; an iron ion removing device; pipelines sequentially connecting the circulation tank, the sludge removing device, the concentrating device, the iron compound crystallizing device, the iron compound separating device, the iron compound redissolving device, and then the iron ion removing device in a downstream direction from a base point coincident with the circulation tank; a pipeline connecting from the iron ion removing device to the circulation tank; a pipeline connecting from the iron compound separating device to the circulation tank; and a flow path changing device connecting to the circulation tank and provided in at least one portion selected from a group of portions, respectively, between the sludge removing device and the concentrating devic

Abstract: A method and device for regenerating an ion exchanger can regenerate an ion exchanger easily and quickly, and can minimize a load upon cleaning of the regenerated ion exchanger and disposal of waste liquid. A method for regenerating a contaminated ion exchanger includes: providing a pair of a regeneration electrode and a counter electrode, a partition disposed between the electrodes, and an ion exchanger to be regenerated disposed between the counter electrode and the partition; and applying a voltage between the regeneration electrode and the counter electrode while supplying a liquid between the partition and the regeneration electrode and also supplying a liquid between the partition and the counter electrode.

Abstract: A method of operating an integrated hydrogen production and processing system is provided. The method includes operating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water and utilizing heat generated from the electrolyzer to increase a temperature of an electrolyte in a first mode of operation. The method also includes heating the electrolyte in a second mode of operation by extracting heat from a hydrogen compressor to increase or maintain the temperature of the electrolyte during periods when electrolysis is not performed in the electrolyzer or during startup of the electrolyzer.

Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

Abstract: A process for forming oxide based dense ceramic composite coatings on reactive metal and allow bodies involves suspension of at least two reactive metal or alloy bodies in a non-metallic, non-conducting, non-reactive chamber in such a way that it causes either partial or full immersion of the bodies in a continuously circulating electrolyte. Thyristor controlled, modified shaped wave multiphase alternating current power supply is applied across the bodies where in each body is connected to an electrode. Electric current supplied to the bodies is slowly increased to a particular value till the required current density is achieved and the maintained at the same level throughout the process. Visible arcing at the surface of the immersed regions of the bodies is identified when the applied electric potential crosses 60V. Electric potential is further increased gradually to compensate the increasing resistance of the coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an aqueous electroplating bath solution. The method comprises continuously agitating the solution; adjusting the pH of the solution, adjusting the temperature of the solution while adding an amount of hydrogen peroxide sufficient to promote dissolution of the hydrogen peroxide and generation of hydroxyl radicals; and adding an amount of an iron-containing compound so as to increase the rate of dissolution of the hydrogen peroxide to hydroxyl radicals so as to oxidize the organic compounds; whereby the total amount of organic carbon compounds in the solution is reduced. The apparatus comprises a treatment vessel, a pump for transferring a portion of the solution from the vessel to a mixing tank and for transferring a second portion of the solution to a heat exchanger for heating or cooling the second portion of the solution and a pump for transferring hydrogen peroxide to the vessel.

Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for material removal and planarization of a substrate includes formation of a weak passivating film on overburden to be removed in the presence of an electrolyte bath and an applied electric potential. An engineered polishing substrate is brought into compliance with the weak passivating film, and using low pressure to minimize shear stress realized at the surface of the substrate, material removal is controlled by mechanical contact between the polishing substrate and the weak passivating film. The weak passivating film is periodically reformed, and mechanical contact continued until desired material removal and substrate planarization is achieved.

Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor is connected to a voltage source to charge some of the plates positive and some negative, with uncharged plates between the positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor to enter a defoam tank for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank as foam. From the defoam tank, waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier. The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press where most of the water is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a mixture of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas is provided with an electrolytic cell in which electrolysis of electrolyte therein is performed to generate the mixture of the oxygen and the hydrogen gas by electricity being applied from an electrical conversion device and having a plurality of electrode plates arranged with separation, a insulating materials attached to inner wall surfaces of the electrolytic cell and having at least one surface grooves formed thereon into which the electrode plates are inserted, a water supply device for supplementing the water into the electrolytic cell, the water supply device connected to the electrolytic cell, a gas reservoir for restoring the mixture generated in the electrolytic cell, the gas reservoir connected to the electrolytic cell, and a cooling unit for maintaining temperature inside the electrolytic cell constant connected to the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electropolishing a workpiece without immersing the workpiece in a bath of electrolytic solution. The workpiece is held in an atmospheric environment, while electrolytic solution is discharged from a reservoir in the form of a plurality of jet streams onto the surface of the workpiece. A voltage difference is applied across the workpiece and the jet streams, thereby inducing a current to flow, between the workpiece acting as anode and the jet streams acting as cathode. The workpiece may be rotated about an axis and moved linearly along the same axis while the jet streams of electrolytic solution are discharged onto the workpiece. Anodic dissolution causes polishing of the workpiece surface. The electrolytic solution may be collected after discharge and recycled back into the reservoir, after being filtered and cooled.

Abstract: A process for cleaning an electrically conducting surface (3) by arranging for the surface to form the cathode of an electrolytic cell in which the anode (1) is maintained at a DC voltage in excess of 30V and an electrical arc discharge (electro-plasma) is established at the surface of the workpiece by suitable adjustment of the operating parameters, characterized in that the working gap between the anode and the cathode is filled with an electrically conductive medium consisting of a foam (9) comprising a gas/vapor phase and a liquid phase. The process can be adapted for simultaneously coating the metal surface by including ions of the species required to form the coating in the electrically conductive medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating and deplating an object out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the object and to contain a plating solution so that the object is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable conductor at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable conductor and to the object. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulating pump and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.