Product category:
Liquid Analysis: Titration, HPLC, IC
News Release from: Applikon Analytical | Subject: At-line analysis system
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 November 2007
Phosphatising metal surfaces with
at-line analysis
Metrohm UK are able to monitor a complete process line for the phosphatising of metal surfaces using an at-line analysis system
With an estimated worldwide turnover of more than 500 million US dollars, phosphatising is the most important metal pretreatment process The phosphatising process produces a hard, electrically non-conducting surface coating that adheres tightly to the underlying metal
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 6 Dec 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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This layer protects the metal from corrosion and improves the adhesion of paints and organic finishes to be subsequently applied.
The basic phosphatising process consists of the etching reaction and the formation of the surface coating.
After thoroughly degreasing and rinsing the metal workpieces, the phosphoric acid removes interfering surface-bound metal oxides and increases the surface roughness.
Subsequently the alkali phosphates react with the previously generated metal ions forming a layer of insoluble tertiary metal phosphates.
Addition of metal cations such as Zn2+, Mn2+, Ca2+ or Ni2+ to the phosphatising bath improves the quality of the coating.
At the industrial scale the phosphate coatings are applied to the metal surface of the workpieces using strictly defined process steps in different cleaning, degreasing, rinsing, activation and phosphatizing baths.
The various bath parameters have to be closely monitored as they determine to a large extend the quality of the coating produced.
The parameters determined in the cleaning, degreasing and rinsing baths are pH value, conductivity plus free and total alkalinity, while the phosphatising bath is analysed for free and total acids, nitrite or hydrogen peroxide, zinc and fluoride.
The described ProcessLab at-line analysis system monitors, records and documents the important analytical parameters of the entire phosphatising process.
The combination of the analytical methods involved as well as the straightforward and error-free handling via the well-organized user interface allow for complete process control.
The analytical functions are supplemented by the integrated operation software that offers numerous possibilities for data processing and documentation of the measured values.
Additionally a barcode reader guarantees an unambiguous sample identification.
The at-line analysis system meets all requirements of modern phosphatising plants regarding process monitoring and documentation. Request a free brochure from Applikon Analytical ...
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