GB1203645A - Process for the galvanic treatment of pieces in bulk and apparatus required for this process - Google Patents

Abstract

1,203,645. Galvanic treatment of pieces in bulk. SEL-REX CORP. Sept. 6, 1967 [Sept. 10, 1966], No.40791/67. Headings C7B and C7F. In a process for the galvanic treatment of pieces in bulk, the pieces are immersed in an electrolyte and subjected to a flurry or flow of fluid of sufficient force to move them and thereby change their respective positions, whereby the pieces are uniformly treated on all their surfaces. The process is applicable to electro-plating, electro-forming, electro-polishing and to the deposition of metal from solutions by electroless displacement by means of galvanic electricity within the electrolyte. Fig. 1 shows a basket 8, 8a which supports pieces to be treated (not shown) and rotates above a radially positioned pipe having jets 13. Electrolyte from within the tank 1 is pumped at 12 through the jets 13 so as to move the pieces as they are brought by rotation of the basket above the radial pipe. A current connection is made to the bottom of the basket via a rotating shaft 3 and basket-support stirrup 7 and another currant connection is made via a conductor 10 to a wire cage 9, 9a, 9b. The basket 8 may be of metal insulated with plastic except for the interior of its bottom 8a or may be of perforated plastic with the interior of its bottom metallized. The electrolyte forced through the jets 13 may be filtered and re-circulated. Instead of re-circulated electrolyte, fresh electrolyte may be used. In another variation, the jets may be supplied with a fluid other than the electrolyte, e.g. a gaseous fluid. Figs. 2 and 3 (not shown) illustrate baskets which are respectively oscillated about a horizontal axis (17) (Fig. 2), and moved to and fro along a horizontal slideway (28) (Fig. 3) over a supply of re-circulated electrolyte from jet tubes. In the Fig. 3 embodiment, the jet tubes may rotate about a vertical axis. Fig. 4 shows pieces 41 supported on metallic netting 40 and moved by a flow of electrolyte indicated by arrows. Current conductors 42 and 44 connect with the netting 40 and a metallic grid 43.