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Fun guys in the bath!

I have a boric/sulfuric anodize bath that has turned green. I am pretty sure it is fungus so I added Sodium Benzoate to the bath. I just seemed to get greener and now it is producing a bubbly foam. I have it tested once a week for H2SO4, Al, and H3BO3 levels and twice a week for Cu, Cl and Cr. It has all came out great. What can it be and what can I do?

Orlena Puckett
Chemist - Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
June 6, 2011

A. www.finishing.com/21/07.shtml

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
June 8, 2011

A. Good day Orlena.
I have no idea. Perhaps you can help me with letter #57199 as I have not received a response as yet.By the way, there is an EXCELLENT book authored by R.H. Probert "Aluminum How To" which gives a brilliant insight regarding anodizing.

Eric Bogner
- Toronto Ontario Canada
June 9, 2011

A. Carbon filtration will fix you right up. I have used a portable set up with hoses, so that I could do the filtration on a batch basis as needed. It doesn't need it very often.

Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company

Independence, Missouri

June 9, 2011

Q. Will the dead algae affect the bath or the anodizing process? Also, I've tried many filters but no luck on getting the bath clear again. It is staying a murky green color. Any suggestions?

Orlena Puckett [returning]
- Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
July 19, 2011

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