Summary for boric sulfuric anodizing algae Discussion
Boric/sulfuric anodizing algae control is the central issue in this BSAA thread. Jon Barrows asks how to stop algae not just in the anodizing tank, where Boeing recommends a benzoate algicide, but also in the wet scrubber recirculation system, which still grows algae and needs periodic, time-consuming media cleanout. He suggests possibly adding a benzoate feed pump to the scrubber loop and asks whether others have a better solution. The excerpt provided does not include any replies or alternate methods, so there is no documented consensus or conflicting advice in the source. The practical takeaway from the question itself is that the tank treatment alone may be insufficient if the scrubber loop is left untreated, and any effective fix would need to address the recirculating scrubber water as well as the anodizing bath.
Q. Not many people run Boeing’s Boric-Sulfuric Anodizing process (BSAA), but I am hoping that someone who does may be able to offer advice…
The BSAA is known for producing algae. Boeing recommends a benzoate additive as an algicide, but that only works in the tank. The wet scrubber recirculation system still develops the algae and it eventually requires periodic and time-consuming clean out to remove the algae from the media. I thought of adding a benzoate feed pump to the scrubber recirculation system, but I was wondering if anyone else has a different solution for this algae problem in the scrubber.
Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
Independence MO
September 15, 2025
Q. I am hoping that someone has solved this issue specifically for BSAA. Benzoate feed at the scrubber sump does not appear to be helpful in preliminary tests that were run, but perhaps I need to make adjustments.
Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
Independence MO
September 25, 2025