Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Does Small Chrome Plating Tank Need Push-Air & Agitation?
Q. I plan to set-up a chrome plating shop soon. The main tank is 2' x 1' wide x 3' deep. The workpiece is typically 1" x 2" x 6" length plate 1 at a time.
Two questions:-
1) Do I need a push-pull exhaust system? If so, what volumetric rate of exhaust? What push and pull air velocity?
2) Do I really need tank agitation? Does it really improve plating quality? If so, in what respects.
Syed SalimPlating Shop - Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia
2004
A. A chrome plating tank needs a lip-mounted exhaust system. Although I am very much an advocate of push-pull exhaust, I'm not sure a push-air system is worth the added complication for a one foot wide tank. 2-sided pull would be ideal, and single sided probably okay. 300-400 CFM would be required.
Air agitation is probably not necessary in this case. In chrome plating its main function is to avoid temperature stratification o deep tanks.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004
2004
A. Hi Syed,
Yes, Ted is right. Airflow? Probably 300 CFM should be OK ... using a lip exhaust hood. Slot design @ 2,000 fpm.
You most certainly don't need push-pull .... that's normally only for very wide tanks.
Please go the finishing.com library for a report on Chrome Ventilation systems' materials. This might help you. Happy Chroming !
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
A. Dear /Syed Salim
For chromium plating tank due to this process many gases are evaporated so you must add a very good exhaust system on the tank' you can use polypropylene balls. Add it on the surface of chrome solution; it reduces the rate of vapor about 90% and you can add some chemical compounds to chrome solution to reduce the vapor rate too. About your second point, the chrome tank does not need any agitation. It may need heating or cooling system according to the degree of solution during the work day.
Aly Gomaa- Cairo, Egypt
2004
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