Abstract: This invention provides a cost-effective hot-dip galvanization process for ferrous metals, which is regardful to the environment and to the health of the personnel.

Abstract: Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and an anode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, an anode, a second processing fluid, and a cation permeable barrier layer. The cation permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain cationic species to transfer between the two fluids. The described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit deposit properties (e.g., resistivity) within desired ranges.

Abstract: A substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solution that includes at least one sulfate salt. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and at least one sulfate salt. The at least one sulfate salt can act as a source of sulfate ions to replenish sulfate ions consumed in the electropolishing process. Anhydrous sulfate salts can also act as water scavengers by reacting with water to form sulfate salt hydrates. Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: Substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and at least one water sequestering agent. Suitable examples of water sequestering agent include, but are not limited to, polyfunctional alcohols. Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: Substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and phosphorous pentoxide (“P2O5”). Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a support for a planographic printing plate including at least an alkaline etching step of dissolving an aluminum surface layer of an aluminum web with an alkaline solution during a surface roughening treatment on a surface of the aluminum web continuously traveling, the manufacturing method comprising: a circulating step of cyclically using the alkaline solution between a treatment tank for the etching and an alkaline solution reservoir during adjusting composition concentration of the alkaline solution; and a filtering step of filtering the alkaline solution cyclically used so as to remove solid matter in the alkaline solution.

Abstract: Substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and phosphorous pentoxide (“P2O5”). Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and an anode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, an anode, a second processing fluid, and a cation permeable barrier layer. The cation permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain cationic species to transfer between the two fluids. The described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit deposit properties (e.g., resistivity) within desired ranges.

Abstract: Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and an anode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, an anode, a second processing fluid, and an anion permeable barrier layer. The anion permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain anionic species to transfer between the two fluids. The described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit resistivity values within desired ranges.

Abstract: An electrodialysis method for the treatment of silicate-containing potassium hydroxide etching waste solution is provided. The method comprises: providing a reaction tank including a cathode, an anode, and two cation dialysis membranes, wherein the reaction tank is divided by the cation dialysis membranes into a cathode chamber, an anode chamber and a waste solution disposing chamber located therebetween; filling a sulfuric acid solution into the anode chamber; filling a potassium hydroxide solution into the cathode chamber; introducing a silicate-containing potassium hydroxide etching waste solution into the waste solution disposing chamber; and applying a voltage and a current density to each of the chambers to render potassium ions to transport from the waste solution chamber through the cation dialysis membrane to the cathode chamber.

Abstract: A machine for electrochemically polishing indentations within the wall of an aluminum workpiece, such as a wheel, has a cathode attached to an upper platen. The workpiece is mounted upon a lower platen which acts as an anode. Electrolyte is passed between the cathode and the anode while simultaneously a current is applied which passes through the cathode and the anode. The current is selectively pulsed to maximize polishing but at the same time to permit the flushing away of residual material and to cool the cathode and the workpiece.

Abstract: A process for regenerating electrolytes containing high sodium chloride concentrations for reuse in the production of an electrochemical polishing process of aluminum surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a fluid dynamic pressure groove in a fluid dynamic pressure bearing is provided. The method is accomplished by initially positioning and securing multiple workpieces to be machined to their respective machining devices. An electrochemical dissolving effect is imparted to each target surface of the multiple workpieces and then at least one fluid dynamic pressure groove is formed on each target surface of the multiple workpieces. Each groove may have a specified shape, dimension and surface condition. An electrolyte is directed from a common electrolyte tank to each of the machining devices used on the multiple workpieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which uses a plating electrode in an electrolyte bath. The plating electrode works to purify an electrolyte polishing solution during the electro-polishing process. Preferably, the plating electrode is employed in a closed loop feedback system. The plating electrode may be powered by a power supply which is controlled by a controller. A sensor may be connected to the controller and the sensor may be configured to sense a characteristic (for example, but not limited to: resistance, conductance or optical transmission, absorption of light, etc.) of the electrolyte bath, which tends to indicate the level of saturation. Preferably, the plating electrode is easily replaceable.

Abstract: The invention deals with the technical problem to devise a process for the extended use of electrolytes which economically ensures a high electrolyte quality without having to accept production interruptions for regeneration. Especially, it is envisaged to conduct the process for the precipitation of non-glaring metal coatings in such a manner that work can proceed in three shifts for five days per week, without encountering production interruptions due to coagulation of the fine dispersal phase, respectively, and without the additional operating cost of a heating/cooling circuit. The invention solves the problem in that during the extended use of an electrolyte a partial flow is split off which is filtered and, if applicable, regenerated by the addition of active substances and reintegrated in the operating cycle.

Abstract: A method for production of a rotor for centrifugal compressor, wherein the said rotor is produced from a monolithic disc, which is provided with a central hole. The method consists of use, within an isolating medium, of at least one first electrode which has polarity opposite the polarity of the rotor, wherein the said first electrode operates starting from the outer diameter of the monolithic disc, in order to produce the blades and the cavities of the said rotor, and wherein the processing takes place with a continuous path, consisting of a first step of roughing, followed by a second step of finishing with a tool which has a shape similar to that of the electrode used for the first roughing step, in order to produce an accurate geometry of the blades.

Abstract: A temperature handling subsystem (12) for a pipe electrochemical polishing system (10) has a chiller (46) and associated heat exchanger (44) for cooling the acid electrolyte (24) circulating through a pipe (28) while a cathode (14) is drawn therethrough for the purpose of electropolishing the interior of the pipe (24). A temperature control method (48) has a temperature low enough decision operation (58) wherein a temperature indicating control (38) is used to determine if the chiller (46) should be activated. The electrolyte (24) is pumped by an electrolyte pump from an electrolyte reservoir (22) containing a temperature indicating controller (38) for determining the temperature of the electrolyte (24) and further containing an electric heater (36) for heating the electrolyte (24), as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feedback controlled stripping system with integrated water management and acid recycling system. The system comprises a stripping tank containing an electrolyte bath stripping solution for removing a coating from at least one workpiece immersed in the stripping solution while a controlled absolute electrical potential is maintained on the at least one workpiece with respect to a reference electrode also immersed in the stripping solution, a rinse tank for rinsing the workpiece(s) after removal of the workpiece(s) from the stripping tank, and a distillation unit for receiving electrolyte containing dissolved metals from the stripping tank, for purifying the electrolyte received from the stripping tank, and for returning the purified electrolyte to the stripping tank. In a preferred embodiment, the stripping tank, the rinse tank, and the distillation unit are mounted to a skid. The system further includes a control module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feedback controlled stripping system with integrated water management and acid recycling system. The system comprises a stripping tank containing an electrolyte bath stripping solution for removing a coating from at least one workpiece immersed in the stripping solution while a controlled absolute electrical potential is maintained on the at least one workpiece with respect to a reference electrode also immersed in the stripping solution, a rinse tank for rinsing the workpiece(s) after removal of the workpiece(s) from the stripping tank, and a distillation unit for receiving electrolyte containing dissolved metals from the stripping tank, for purifying the electrolyte received from the stripping tank, and for returning the purified electrolyte to the stripping tank. In a preferred embodiment, the stripping tank, the rinse tank, and the distillation unit are mounted to a skid. The system further includes a control module.

Abstract: A sacrificial cores in castings of metallic or non-metallic materials is made from a metal that can be electrolytically dissolved, and is removed from the casting by electrochemical machining. The sacrificial core may be a hollow shell incorporating an integral electrode within the shell and electrically insulated from the shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining constant concentrations of substances contained in an electrolytic treatment bath, preferably in baths with aqueous solutions. In order to regenerate the continual depletion of chemicals, substance concentrates are added to the baths according to known methods. The rapid increase in concentrations of damaging substances in the processing solution is disadvantageous. In order to reduce this build-up, a further metering method is known, namely the continuous replacement of bath solution by creating a bath overflow. The addition of bath solution with the bath concentration is balanced out by the overflow. As a consequence of evaporation and entrainment this method also leads to the fact that the operating concentration cannot be maintained for a long period of time in chemically critical baths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the demetallization of highly acidic baths based on phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid, and also to a process for the electropolishing of stainless-steel surfaces, in which a regeneration of, in particular, spent electrolyte compositions for electropolishing can be achieved by separate electrolytic reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and subsequent removal of precipitates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing iron compounds and chromium compounds from an aqueous electrolytic solution. Said method is characterized by the following succession of steps:a) adding hydrogen peroxide to the solution and, if necessary, adapting the acidity of the solution so that the pH value of the solution is .gtoreq.7;b) separating the iron hydroxide formed;c) adapting the acidity of the solution so that the pH value of the solution is <4;d) adapting the acidity of the solution so that the pH value of the solution is .gtoreq.7;e) separating the chromium hydroxide formed.The above-described method provides a simple manner of selectively removing chromium compounds and iron compounds from an aqueous electrolytic solution which preferably contains sodium nitrate. The necessary redox reactions take place via oxidation and reduction of C ions by means of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The treatment of an electrolyte volume arriving from an electrochemical machining process and contaminated with hydroxide sludge is performed in a treatment basin (18) such that the contaminated electrolyte volume is supplied virtually horizontally to the surface of the clear electrolyte storage volume (30) contained in said treatment basin (18), and from this surface (28) electrolyte liquid is pumped away via one or several extraction points (32) for supply to a chamber filter press or centrifuge from whence the cleaned electrolyte is fed back into the treatment basin (18). The extraction of cleaned electrolyte from the treatment basin (18) takes place at a clearance distance from the bottom of said treatment basin (18), in the lower half of the basin or in the center third of the basin (18) height and is pumped from the extraction point there to the electrochemical machining device (10).

Abstract: A tool and process for electroetching metal films or layers on a substrate employs a linear electrode and a linear jet of electrolyte squirted from the electrode. The electrode is slowly scanned over the film by a drive mechanism. The current is preferably intermittent. In one embodiment a single wafer surface (substrate) is inverted and the jet is scanned underneath. In another embodiment wafers are held vertically on opposite sides of a holder and two linear electrodes, oriented horizontally and on opposite sides of the holder, are scanned vertically upward at a rate such that the metal layers are completely removed in one pass. The process is especially adapted for fabricating C4 solder balls with triple seed layers of Ti--W (titanium-tungsten alloy) on a substrate, phased Cr--Cu consisting of 50% chromium (Cr) and 50% copper (Cu), and substantially pure Cu. Solder alloys are through-mask electrodeposited on the Cu layer. The seed layers conduct the plating current.