Summary for anodizing tank algae Discussion
Slime/algae on surface of anodizing tank is discussed as a likely contamination issue tied to water quality and possibly the glycolic-acid additive. Joanna Gawarecka says she found algae in the rinse tank after anodizing and suspects the demineralized water station may already be contaminated; after using the additive, sealing solutions became short-lived, conductivity rose quickly, and parts turned dull. She reports that Acticide MV was used in processing baths and rinses, and that potassium permanganate helped disinfect the rinse and sealing tanks, but she still wants the root cause. In the related older question, Teri Andrews described a dark, slimy surface film in an anodizing tank and asked about biocide options, while Robert H. Probert asked whether the glycolic acid and glycerin anodizing additive was feeding algae. The thread points to contamination control and source-water investigation rather than a simple tank-side fix.
Q. Dear Mr. Probert,
I see it’s an old thread, but I’m currently struggling with it.
We’re testing an anodizing additive based on glycolic acid and I observed algae in water rinse tank after anodizing step. This helped me to find that we have bigger problem with algae, which are probably present in demineralised water station.
Since we used this additive, our sealing solutions are short-lived. Conductivity increases very fast and details are dull.
I think the line was contaminated with algae after the anodizing stage, because of additive.
I would be grateful for any advice on how to get rid of the problem.
PS. I hope you understand my English. ;)
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Joanna Gawarecka
Lab technician – Smigiel, Poland
November 22, 2024
A. Hi Joanna. We’ll advise Mr. Probert of your posting, and hopefully he’ll reply.
Meanwhile if you search the site for “algae DI” you will read suggestions for addressing that source, and if you search the site for “algae dye” you can read about algae problems in anodizing.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
Q. Dear Mr Mooney,
Thank you for your answer.
I have already read these topics and found this one ;)
However I used Acticide MV at all processing bath and rinses after anodizing stage. We also used potassium permanganate to disinfect the rinsing tank before sealing and the sealing tanks and it helped.
I need to find the root cause of the problem.
Joanna Gawarecka [returning]
Lab technician – Smigiel, Poland
November 27, 2024
⇩ Similar, related, Q&As — oldest first ⇩
Q. I am having problems with dark, slimy (maybe oily?) feeling substance on the top of my anodizing tank. I think it may be a type of fungus and believe it may be the cause of some very small pinhole sized voids in a black coating. Isn’t there some type of biocide for acid? I hate to put anything in my tanks without knowing for sure. If anyone has any info on this, I would really appreciate you help.
Teri Andrews
anodizing plant owner – Albany, Oregon
October 15, 2009
? Are you using the glycolic acid and glycerin anodizing additive which feed algae?
Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services
Garner, North Carolina
October 16, 2009
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