WO1990004050A1 - Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects - Google Patents

Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1990004050A1
WO1990004050A1 PCT/EP1989/001093 EP8901093W WO9004050A1 WO 1990004050 A1 WO1990004050 A1 WO 1990004050A1 EP 8901093 W EP8901093 W EP 8901093W WO 9004050 A1 WO9004050 A1 WO 9004050A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrodes
accordance
objects
anodes
bath
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP1989/001093
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mario Catteeuw
Pierre Cosaert
Original Assignee
N.V. Bekaert S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by N.V. Bekaert S.A. filed Critical N.V. Bekaert S.A.
Priority to BR898907111A priority Critical patent/BR8907111A/en
Priority to KR1019900701208A priority patent/KR0174269B1/en
Publication of WO1990004050A1 publication Critical patent/WO1990004050A1/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D7/00—Electroplating characterised by the article coated
    • C25D7/06—Wires; Strips; Foils
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D7/00—Electroplating characterised by the article coated
    • C25D7/06—Wires; Strips; Foils
    • C25D7/0607—Wires
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC REMOVAL OF MATERIALS FROM OBJECTS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F1/00—Electrolytic cleaning, degreasing, pickling or descaling
    • C25F1/02—Pickling; Descaling
    • C25F1/04—Pickling; Descaling in solution
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC REMOVAL OF MATERIALS FROM OBJECTS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic removal of material from objects; Servicing or operating

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects such as e.g. filaments, yarns, cables or strip-shaped bands or ribbons.
  • This treatment can be either a coating treatment or a pickling treatment.
  • this set-up has the added advantage that the immersed cathode can cool down more easily. Indeed, as the wires have a relatively high running speed through the installation, high current densities are to be used which can cause the cathodes to heat up considerably. Cooling in liquid and circulating electrolyte is much more effective than air cooling such as for contact fingers or contact rollers placed above the bath or at the bath entry and exit, respectively.
  • the accessibility of the bath surface that is markedly improved in accordance with the invention is particularly advantageous upon starting the apparatus when a new series of wires is to be pulled through from entry (pay-off) to exit (take-up unit). It also improves the surveyability of the installation, which makes process control easier for the operator.
  • the objects follow a zigzag path of travel in sliding contact with the successive current-transmitting electrodes connected to one and the same pole of the power source.
  • the electrodes i.e. their parts assuring the sliding-contact, and the elements supporting them are immersed in the electrolyte bath.
  • the application of the zigzag path of travel over the sliding contacts of said electrodes precludes the tendency to sparking which occurs with state-of-the-art electrode fingers.
  • the considerable transport tension on the wires between pay-off and take-up unit guarantees a constant and even contact of the wire with the electrodes at the peaks and valleys of the zigzag path of travel. It follows that operational reliability and the assurance of a constant process quality are obtained via a strong simplification of the prior art apparatuses.
  • the treatment apparatus is an electroplating line
  • said electrodes with sliding contacts will be connected as cathodes.
  • the wires conducted against the sliding contacts then constitute the cathode in the coating line and the positive ions of the metal (e.g. zinc) to be applied will precipitate on them from the electrolyte in the path of travel at the anodes located opposite the wires.
  • the metal e.g. zinc
  • said electrodes will be connected as anodes.
  • the metal coating to be removed from the passing wires then dissolves in the electrolyte and deposits on the stationary cathodes at the path of travel of the wire near these cathodes.
  • Figure 1 is a vertical section through the set-up of successive electrodes in the electrolyte bath of the coating line
  • Figure 2 represents a view from above of the apparatus with a zigzag path of travel for the series of wires.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-section through an inert anode plate of the apparatus as electroplating line.
  • Figure 4 shows a vertical section through another electrode set-up for a zigzag path of travel.
  • the electrolysis apparatus in accordance with figure 1 basically comprises an elongate tank or channel 1 as electrolyte bath.
  • This bath 1 is filled with a suitable electrolyte up to level 3 so that both the anodes 4 and the cathodes 5 are immersed in it.
  • the cathode pins 5 are fixed on successive supporting arms 6, 7, 8 (e.g. of copper).
  • the successive anode sections 9, 10 are mounted between said supporting arms. Said sections comprise the supporting arms 11 (e.g. of copper) for the anode plates 4, 12. These are e.g. inert lead anodes.
  • the respective supporting arms for cathodes and anodes are connected to the current-supply bars 13 and 14.
  • the electrode-supporting parts (6, 7, 8) of these arms are immersed with the electrodes 5 in bath 1 under the bath surface 3.
  • the electrolyte can be continuously circulated by means of pumps (not shown) and through the bores 16 in the anode plates towards the surface level 3 of the bath 1.
  • the circulation increases the turbulence in the bath, which increases the electrolysis efficiency.
  • the wire-shaped objects 2 to be coated are now continuously conducted past a succession of anodes 4, 12 and cathode supports 6, 7, 8 below the electrolyte surface 3.
  • the wires drag against the pins 5 fixed on the respective current-carrying supporting arms 6, 7, 8 as a result of which they are connected as cathode, tracing a horizontal zigzag path of travel as shown in figure 2. So, the successive peaks and valleys of the zigzag path of travel are located at these pins 5.
  • the electrodes themselves comprise a highly conductive but preferably also wear-resistant metal alloy, e.g. tungsten carbide at the sliding contacts at the zigzag peak/valley positions.
  • the wires come in the vicinity of the inert anode plates 4, 12 where the desired metal deposition from the bath 1 takes place.
  • the anode plates 4, 12 can be designed flat but will preferably comprise channel-shaped recesses 15 (as sketched in figure 3) at the path of travel of the wires 2 between two consecutive cathode pins 5. This way, a more even metal deposition is obtained over the whole wire circumference.
  • Figure 4 schematically shows another nearly horizontal zigzag path of travel for the wires 2.
  • An insulated (ceramic) counterpressure bar 17 or 18 is mounted near each cathode-supporting arm 6 or 7 respectively. These can e.g. be tilted upwards out of and away from the bath for the purpose of making the bath surface easily accessible when starting the apparatus for a new series of wires.
  • the cathode-supporting arms 6, 7 are each coated with a wear-resistant layer 19 as sliding contact for the transmission of current to the wires.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
  • Coating With Molten Metal (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects (2) comprising an electrolyte bath (1) and means for conducting the objects (2) predominantly horizontally through the bath (1) past a succession of anodes and cathodes, wherein the objects (2) follow a zigzag path of travel in sliding contact with the successive current-transmitting electrodes (5, 6, 7, 8) that are immersed in the electrolyte and connected to one and the same pole (14) of the power source.

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS ELECTROLYTIC TREATMENT OF WIRE-SHAPED OBJECTS
The invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects such as e.g. filaments, yarns, cables or strip-shaped bands or ribbons. This treatment can be either a coating treatment or a pickling treatment.
The continuous electrolytic galvanizing of wire-shaped objects in a continuous apparatus whereby the wires are conducted nearly horizontally past a succession of cathodes and inert anodes is known from U.S. patent 2.695.169. The current-transmitting sliding-contact points of the cathodes are located just below the electrolyte bath surface. The anode plates are completely immersed in the electrolyte. This apparatus makes a relatively fast electrodeposition possible. However, this set-up of the cathodic supporting arms with downwardly extending contact fingers above the bath is rather cumbrous and not very practical. Indeed, this set-up hinders an easy accessibility of the upper bath surface. Moreover, in the course of time, salt crystals from the bath precipitate on the supporting arms and the cathode fingers above the bath, which entails frequent cleaning and maintenance. Besides, the requirement of an even and constant sliding contact between the cathode fingers and the wires is hard to fulfil. The cathode fingers have as it were the tendency to vibrate or dance up and down on the wires as a result of which there are frequent contact interruptions which result in sparking and consequently in an irregular deposition quality. The object of the invention is now to to overcome these drawbacks by immersing the supporting and current-carrying arms of the successive cathodes in the electrolyte. This precludes the formation of salt crystals and the maintenance that it entails. Besides, this set-up has the added advantage that the immersed cathode can cool down more easily. Indeed, as the wires have a relatively high running speed through the installation, high current densities are to be used which can cause the cathodes to heat up considerably. Cooling in liquid and circulating electrolyte is much more effective than air cooling such as for contact fingers or contact rollers placed above the bath or at the bath entry and exit, respectively. The accessibility of the bath surface that is markedly improved in accordance with the invention is particularly advantageous upon starting the apparatus when a new series of wires is to be pulled through from entry (pay-off) to exit (take-up unit). It also improves the surveyability of the installation, which makes process control easier for the operator.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects, the latter being conducted predominantly horizontally via suitable transport means through an electrolyte bath past a succession of anodes and cathodes. In the apparatus, the objects follow a zigzag path of travel in sliding contact with the successive current-transmitting electrodes connected to one and the same pole of the power source. The electrodes, i.e. their parts assuring the sliding-contact, and the elements supporting them are immersed in the electrolyte bath.
In addition to the aforementioned advantages, the application of the zigzag path of travel over the sliding contacts of said electrodes precludes the tendency to sparking which occurs with state-of-the-art electrode fingers. Indeed, the considerable transport tension on the wires between pay-off and take-up unit guarantees a constant and even contact of the wire with the electrodes at the peaks and valleys of the zigzag path of travel. It follows that operational reliability and the assurance of a constant process quality are obtained via a strong simplification of the prior art apparatuses.
If the treatment apparatus is an electroplating line, said electrodes with sliding contacts will be connected as cathodes. The wires conducted against the sliding contacts then constitute the cathode in the coating line and the positive ions of the metal (e.g. zinc) to be applied will precipitate on them from the electrolyte in the path of travel at the anodes located opposite the wires.
For a treatment apparatus in the form of a pickling apparatus, said electrodes will be connected as anodes. The metal coating to be removed from the passing wires then dissolves in the electrolyte and deposits on the stationary cathodes at the path of travel of the wire near these cathodes.
A coating apparatus as embodiment of the invention will hereinafter be illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.
Figure 1 is a vertical section through the set-up of successive electrodes in the electrolyte bath of the coating line, Figure 2 represents a view from above of the apparatus with a zigzag path of travel for the series of wires. Figure 3 is a cross-section through an inert anode plate of the apparatus as electroplating line.
Figure 4 shows a vertical section through another electrode set-up for a zigzag path of travel.
The electrolysis apparatus in accordance with figure 1 basically comprises an elongate tank or channel 1 as electrolyte bath. This bath 1 is filled with a suitable electrolyte up to level 3 so that both the anodes 4 and the cathodes 5 are immersed in it. The cathode pins 5 are fixed on successive supporting arms 6, 7, 8 (e.g. of copper). The successive anode sections 9, 10 are mounted between said supporting arms. Said sections comprise the supporting arms 11 (e.g. of copper) for the anode plates 4, 12. These are e.g. inert lead anodes. The respective supporting arms for cathodes and anodes are connected to the current-supply bars 13 and 14. The electrode-supporting parts (6, 7, 8) of these arms are immersed with the electrodes 5 in bath 1 under the bath surface 3.
In order to realize a good electrolysis efficiency, the electrolyte can be continuously circulated by means of pumps (not shown) and through the bores 16 in the anode plates towards the surface level 3 of the bath 1. The circulation increases the turbulence in the bath, which increases the electrolysis efficiency.
The wire-shaped objects 2 to be coated are now continuously conducted past a succession of anodes 4, 12 and cathode supports 6, 7, 8 below the electrolyte surface 3. In the process, the wires drag against the pins 5 fixed on the respective current-carrying supporting arms 6, 7, 8 as a result of which they are connected as cathode, tracing a horizontal zigzag path of travel as shown in figure 2. So, the successive peaks and valleys of the zigzag path of travel are located at these pins 5. The electrodes themselves comprise a highly conductive but preferably also wear-resistant metal alloy, e.g. tungsten carbide at the sliding contacts at the zigzag peak/valley positions.
In each space between two consecutive peak/valley positions, the wires come in the vicinity of the inert anode plates 4, 12 where the desired metal deposition from the bath 1 takes place. The anode plates 4, 12 can be designed flat but will preferably comprise channel-shaped recesses 15 (as sketched in figure 3) at the path of travel of the wires 2 between two consecutive cathode pins 5. This way, a more even metal deposition is obtained over the whole wire circumference.
Figure 4 schematically shows another nearly horizontal zigzag path of travel for the wires 2. An insulated (ceramic) counterpressure bar 17 or 18 is mounted near each cathode-supporting arm 6 or 7 respectively. These can e.g. be tilted upwards out of and away from the bath for the purpose of making the bath surface easily accessible when starting the apparatus for a new series of wires. The cathode-supporting arms 6, 7 are each coated with a wear-resistant layer 19 as sliding contact for the transmission of current to the wires.

Claims

1. Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects (2) comprising an electrolyte bath (1) and means for conducting the objects (2) predominantly horizontally through the bath (1) past a succession of anodes and cathodes, wherein the objects (2) follow a zigzag path of travel in sliding contact with the successive current-trans- mitting electrodes (5, 19) that are immersed in the electro- lyte and connected to one and the same pole (14) of the power source characterized in that the supporting arms (6, 7, 8) for said electrodes are also immersed in the electrolyte bath.
2. Electroplating apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said electrodes (5, 19) are connected as cathodes.
3. Electrolytic pickling apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the electrodes (5, 19) are connected as anodes.
4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the electrodes (5, 19) comprise a wear-resistant metal alloy at the s iding contacts.
5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that each electrode comprises a number of sliding-contact pins (5) fixed on a current-carrying supporting arm (6, 7, 8).
6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the successive anodes (4, 12) between each pair of cathodes (6, 7, 8) comprise channel-shaped recesses (15) at the paths of travel of the objects.
7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the anodes are inert.
PCT/EP1989/001093 1988-10-06 1989-09-21 Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects WO1990004050A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR898907111A BR8907111A (en) 1988-10-06 1989-09-21 APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS ELECTRIC TREATMENT OF WIRE-SHAPED OBJECTS
KR1019900701208A KR0174269B1 (en) 1988-10-06 1989-09-21 Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE8801152A BE1001859A3 (en) 1988-10-06 1988-10-06 Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-SHAPED OBJECTS.
BE8801152 1988-10-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1990004050A1 true WO1990004050A1 (en) 1990-04-19

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ID=3883667

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP1989/001093 WO1990004050A1 (en) 1988-10-06 1989-09-21 Apparatus for the continuous electrolytic treatment of wire-shaped objects

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0362924B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2859672B2 (en)
KR (1) KR0174269B1 (en)
AU (1) AU610759B2 (en)
BE (1) BE1001859A3 (en)
BR (1) BR8907111A (en)
DE (1) DE68915236T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2056196T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1990004050A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9309521D0 (en) * 1993-05-08 1993-06-23 United Wire Ltd Improved method
IT201700065757A1 (en) * 2017-06-14 2018-12-14 Assembling S R L METAL, ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROCHEMICAL WIRE TREATMENT APPLIANCE AND ELECTROLYTIC CELL USED

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2229423A (en) * 1937-05-18 1941-01-21 Purdue Research Foundation Electroplating apparatus for wire or the like
US2708181A (en) * 1951-05-17 1955-05-10 Indiana Steel & Wire Company I Electroplating process

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2609292B1 (en) * 1987-01-06 1989-03-24 Pechiney Aluminium METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ELECTROLYTICALLY DEPOSITED NICKEL CONTINUOUS FILM ON METALLIC WIRE FOR ELECTRICAL USE

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2229423A (en) * 1937-05-18 1941-01-21 Purdue Research Foundation Electroplating apparatus for wire or the like
US2708181A (en) * 1951-05-17 1955-05-10 Indiana Steel & Wire Company I Electroplating process

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE1001859A3 (en) 1990-03-20
KR0174269B1 (en) 1999-02-18
DE68915236D1 (en) 1994-06-16
EP0362924A1 (en) 1990-04-11
AU610759B2 (en) 1991-05-23
AU4213589A (en) 1990-05-01
DE68915236T2 (en) 1994-08-18
BR8907111A (en) 1991-02-05
EP0362924B1 (en) 1994-05-11
KR920700311A (en) 1992-02-19
JPH03502715A (en) 1991-06-20
JP2859672B2 (en) 1999-02-17
ES2056196T3 (en) 1994-10-01

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