GB309056A - Improvements in apparatus for use in the electrolytic deposition of metal on metal tubes - Google Patents

Abstract

309,056. Stone & Co., Ltd., J., Pike, F. J., and Lyth, C. J. Nov. 30, 1927. Chromium and other metals, depositing; cells; electrodes; electrolytes, heating and cooling. - Tubes to be electroplated internally with chromium or other metal, particularly long condenser tubes, are mounted on an elongated frame into which they are inserted by a lateral movement. The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 comprises a cylinder d provided with annular ribs e having spaced notches in which are fixed segments f, Fig. 2, to receive the tubes g each pair of which is retained in position by a strip k mounted on a stud h by a wing-nut j. The tubes are protected by ribs l. At the top of the cylinder d there are secured a ring m, a cap n, a cathode ring ,s provided with a terminal y, and brackets r adapted to rest on a ring t at the top of the cell b. Above these an anode ring u provided with a terminal x is secured by insulated bolts v. At the bottom of the cylinder is secured a ring m<1> to which an anode disc o and insulating discs q are secured by insulated bolts p. The disc o is connected to the disc u by a bolt 5 provided with an ebonite sheath 8. Flexible internal anodes 1, which may be of copper sheathed with lead, are provided with nipples 2 for engagement with the disc o and screwed ends 3 engaging tensioning nuts 4 engaging the disc u. A suspension loop z is secured to the disc u or elsewhere. The cell b rests on shoulders on a jacketing vessel a, preferably sunk into the ground, filled with a cooling or heating fluid. The cell is surmounted by a casing 9 provided with a lid 11 and a fume exhaust connection 10. In a modification the cylinder d is replaced by a set of rings mounted on long bolts. In this modification, the casing 9 is provided with baffles for intercepting spray. The loaded frame after removal from the plating pit is transferred to a tall washing cabinet provided with sprays and with hose connections for external and internal washing. The tubes g may be fitted with extensions 29, Fig. 14, to ensure even plating up to the ends, and these may have lateral spigots 35 for the connection of hoses 36 during washing. Split coned plugs 37 may be mounted on the anodes 1 to close the tubes during washing, these being raised as shown during plating. When the tubes are to be mounted in metal walls or end plates they are coated externally at the ends. For this purpose the tubes are mounted by clips 41, Fig. 10, against seatings 42 in a counterbalanced frame 38, having a limited range of vertical movement permitting the tubes g to be dipped into a shallow cell 45 provided with a heating or cooling jacket. The anode consists of a troughed and flanged lead plate 46 resting on insulation 47. An additional anode plate 46<a> having an upstanding boss 46b is provided for plating the end faces of the tubes. Specification 299,071 is referred to.