GB835594A - Improved method and means for the treatment of wire - Google Patents

Abstract

835,594. Polishing iron wire electrolytically. FOX & CO. Ltd., S. June 13, 1958 [March 15, 1957], No. 8605/57. Class 41. Ferrous wire is electrolytically " machined " to give it a polished surface, by passing the wire in a straight path through an electrolytic bath or series of baths F, Fig. 1, and through an electrical contact D outside the bath. The contacts D comprise a series of grooved wheels 1 ... 5 of phosphor bronze, adjustably mounted on axes through screws 6 carrying a spring, so that the wire follows a sinuous path between the wheels, and is connected to the anode. Between the tanks is mounted a washing zone G, to remove from the wire electrolyte before entering the next electrical contact member preceding the following bath. The cathode comprises a perforated copper tube immersed in the electrolyte and through which the wire passes. The electrolyte is preferably a mixture of diluted phosphoric and sulphuric acids. In operation, the wire is fed through a tungsten carbide die B to the contact device and then through the electrolytic tank maintained at 90‹ to 100‹ C. and washing zone G, to a further similar series of steps. The tanks are made of molybdenum steel lined with glass or plastic. The electrolyte flows through the series of tanks in counter current to the wire, and then passes to a settling tank containing cooling coils, where ferrous salts are precipitated and the iron content of the solution is reduced preferably to about 2 to 3%.