Process and apparatus for preparing and replenishing an electrolyte in an electrolyte bath
AssigneeAndritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
InventorsGerald Maresch, Herbert Track, Lutz Wieser
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Abstract
A process and apparatus for supplying a soluble metal compound to an electrolyte solution uses a powder wetting device in a loop from a working tank. The powder wetting machine supplies the powdered metal compound directly into the electrolyte solution which rapidly dissolves to replenish the electrolyte compound during the treating process. The process and apparatus are particularly suitable for replenishing the metal salts consumed during an electroplating process.
Claims35
A process of supplying a soluble metal compound to an electrolyte solution comprising:
- providing an electrolyte solution and directing said electrolyte solution through a powder wetting device, said powder wetting device having a rotating impeller for producing a vacuum in said powder wetting device;
- and
- supplying a soluble metal compound to said vacuum and drawing said soluble metal compound into said device and dispersing said soluble metal compound in said electrolyte solution passing through said powder wetting device.
A process for electrochemically treating a metal substrate comprising the steps of:
- supplying an electrolyte solution to an electrolytic tank;
- contacting a metal substrate with said electrolyte solution in said electrolytic tank;
- applying an electric current through said electrolyte solution to treat said metal substrate;
- continuously directing said electrolyte solution from said electrolytic tank to a powder wetting device, said powder wetting device having a rotating impeller for producing a vacuum zone in said powder wetting device;
- supplying a soluble metal compound to said vacuum zone in said powder wetting device and drawing said metal compound into said powder wetting device and dispersing said compound in said electrolyte solution;
- and
- directing said electrolyte solution from said powder wetting device to said electrolytic tank.
An apparatus for treating a metal substrate with an electrolyte solution, said apparatus comprising:
- a treating tank for containing an electrolyte solution and for treating said metal substrate;
- a powder wetting device connected to said treating tank for receiving the electrolyte solution, said powder wetting device having a rotating impeller for forming a vacuum zone in said powder wetting device;
- a conduit for directing said electrolyte solution from said powder wetting machine to said treating tank;
- and
- a supply for supplying a metal compound to said vacuum zone in said powder wetting machine for dispersing said metal compound in said electrolyte solution.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.