Aging of electrolyte bath used for electropolishing

[BVKrish]

I was gathering some information on the ageing of electrolyte bath used for EP in industry.
Would someone please let me know if there is a standard value for the amount of charge that has to be maintained per unit volume to in order to achieve a quality controlled approach for EP?

 

[EdStainless]

What are you measuring?
We used to track S.G., a number of metals, and the acid concentration.
We also tracked the amount of area that polished and every so many square feet we would make small adjustments.
This way we wouldn't see major changes in performance.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[BVKrish]

Hello,

Thanks for your reply.

I am performing a study on how the electrolyte ageing affects the quality of electropolishing.
I was wondering if the industry has a standard value for the amount of charge that has to be maintained for a unit volume of electrolyte for perfect electropolishing, and below which the electrolyte will no longer deliver desirable results and thus, it had to be replaced fully or decanted.

Also, would you please let me know the methods by which you measured the numbers of metals, it must be the metal concentration in the electrolyte after the prolonged process if electropolishing right?

Thanks.

 

[EdStainless]

We used a combination of ion specific probes and titration.
The setup was provided by our chemical supplier.
We had a very tight range of current density and voltage drop that we worked in.
If the solution is far enough off that it changes your V and A then it has thrown your process out of control.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[BVKrish]

Hello,
Thanks for the reply.
Would it be possible to share the name of the chemical supplier?
Would you please share me the range of current density or voltage drop that you work?
Thanks,
BV Krish

 

[EdStainless]

BVK, If I could remember I would gladly share, but it has been over 10 years since I was doing that work and the details are not coming to mind. I'll look to see if I kept any files and if so I'll let you know, but I doubt it.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[BVKrish]

Hello,
Thanks, that's OK, no problem. I understand.

Regards.