Method and apparatus for controlling the quality of electrolytes
US4324621A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 1980 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/4161
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling a process for the electrodeposition of metals using electrolyte containing concentrations of impurities and addition agents that affect polarization. The method and apparatus include a test circuit comprising a test cell, a sample of electrolyte, a moving cathode, an anode and a reference electrode immersed in said sample, a constant current source and measuring means electrically connected to the electrodes. A controlled low current is applied to the electrodes in the test cell to measure the activation overpotential between the cathode and the reference electrode. The activation overpotential is measured at the point of inchoate deposition of the metal and is related to the concentration of impurities and polarization affecting agents in the sample. The processes for the purification of electrolyte and the electrodeposition of metals are subsequently adjusted in relation to the measured value of the activation overpotential to obtain optimum metal deposition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.