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Hard
Chrome Plating Consultants, Inc., 2196 West 59 Street, Cleveland
Ohio 44102 |
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Hard Facts about Hard Chrome |
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Volume 3, Issue |
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Hard Chrome Plating Consultants Inc.,
Phone: 216 631 9090 Fax: 216
631 9060 |
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Clarence H. Peger / D. Ward E-mail: |
OSHA Proposed Personal Exposure Limit
for Hexavalent Chrome
The Occupational and Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been sued in the Federal Third Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals by the Public Citizens Health Research an activist group and The Oil and Atomic Workers Union. Public Citizen won an appeal in 1997 to force OSHA to write new rules to lower the current personal exposure limit (PEL) of hexavalent chrome. OSHA has been dragging its feet and the Court of appeals ruled that OSHA is required collect data and write a new standard to lower the PEL by 2006. The current PEL is 100 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour, time-weighted average. The new proposed PEL is 1 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour, time-weighted average. If this new PEL is implemented, you will be required to perform periodic air quality test in your shop if over .5 micrograms/meter square. The air quality test requires employees to wear personal exposure monitors. For more information on the new proposed rules, go to the OSHA web site, www.osha.gov/FedReg_osha_pdfFED20041004.pdf
OSHA is also looking for comments by
Many shops will not be able to meet the new proposed PEL. In fact, if you have a lot of dusty dried chromic acid stains from drips on the floor, used equipment, and used anodes in storage areas, you will have a tough time passing the proposed PEL tests. If any chromic acid dust is disturbed when someone walks on the floor or by a wire brushing dry anodes you will not pass PEL test the in shop even if you are not doing any chrome plating at the time of the PEL test. When the plater and other shop employees are wearing a monitor around their neck and waist during a PEL test, your shop will have to be clean and free from chromic acid dust everywhere your employees work or enter your shop. You need to start good shop cleaning and hygiene practices now to be able to pass this proposed PEL test.
Some of the products you can use to clean the shop are described in the following paragraphs.
D-CHROMIC SOAP
This soap is a sodium carbonate based powder that when mixed with water will remove chrome stains. You can add D-Chromic powder to a spray bottle of water and use it as a spray surface cleaner or add D-Chromic to a bucket of water and mop floors with it. D-Chromic will convert hexavalent chrome to trivalent chrome on shop surfaces. D-Chromic rinses off easily. DO NOT use caustic soda or sodium metabisulfite to remove chrome from shop surfaces because these chemicals do not rinse off very easily and you will create new set of problems.
Cyclonic Vacuum
Cleaners
There are Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaners available that can be plumbed to the vacuum cleaner exhaust port into the inlet of a fume scrubber to vacuum up the chromic acid dust and not spread chromic acid dust through out the shop like an ordinary vacuum cleaner. Since this cyclonic vacuum does not use a filter bag so there is no need to dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag as hazardous waste. A HEPA filter vacuum will not filter the extremely fine chromic acid dust to the proposed PEL level and should not ever be used. The water curtain in a wet scrubber will filter out the fine dust that the vacuum does not cyclonically remove and you can use a porous pot to treat the scrubber water and return and reclaim chromic acid back into the plating tank.
In Tank Filter Pump
We also sell an in tank filter pump for the scrubber water recirculation tank. The solid particulate filter pump will filter out normal airborne dirt as well as buffing and grinding compound that a scrubber collects just from the shop air. DO NOT run the porous pot in the scrubber recirculation tank until you filter out the suspended solids and the accumulated dirt sludge collected on the bottom of the scrubber tank that the fume scrubber pulled out of the shop air. This filter pump will clean scrubber water and keep the dirty scrubber water with suspended solids from clogging the mesh pad thus saving you money on replacing clogged scrubber mesh pads. To order a custom built particulate filter pump, FAX a tank drawing to 216-631-9060 with the dimension of the recirculation tank (width X length X Height and rim dimensions) including the high and low scrubber solution levels.
Recycling and Reusing
the Filtered Scrubber Water
You need to transfer the filtered scrubber water to another vented tank before running the porous pot in the scrubber water. It will have iron, and trivalent chrome and other shop contaminate that the porous pot can remove so you can reclaim the chromic acid instead hauling it off to EPA approved hazardous waste site. If you try to run the porous pot without filtering the scrubber water first you will clog the one half micron pores and ruin the porous pot.
Use Care When
Cleaning Your Shop
When cleaning your shop make sure you are wearing gloves, a breathing respirator, eye protection, and protective clothing since a high level of dried chromic acid can be created just moving equipment around and make the problem worse all over the shop. If you have a very old shop with a large quantity of dry chromic acid build up, I recommend that you hire a professional hazardous waste clean up company to evaluate the situation and perform the cleanup for you. Doing the cleaning yourself in an old shop exposes you and your employees to needless high level of chromic acid dust.
Care and Feeding of
Conforming Anodes
After use, conforming anodes must be rinsed to remove all of the chromic acid solution after their last use before storage. If you use conforming lead mat anodes in our reversible rack system, do not let them stay in the tank with the power supply turned off because they will form lead chromate and yellow lead sulfate. We also sell anode cleaner that you use as a dip to clean your anodes without brushing them. You should never brush off the anodes when they are dry because they will spread chromic acid dust and lead dust. You should store conforming anode in clear closed container with a small amount of water so you do not dry it out completely. This storage method will eliminate the lead dust problem when you open the sealed container.
Replace Push/Pull
Exhaust Systems
Shops with push/pull exhaust systems will not meet the new proposed PEL. Especially if you chrome plate flat plates the length of the tank or use a plating tank with lots of obstructions from the plating racks, anodes, and parts held above the solution level in the path of the exhaust fumes. We have never recommended this type of exhaust system for hard chrome plating tank for good reason. They never remove the chromic acid fume properly under all conditions. The push/pull exhaust system only works correctly when there are no plating racks and anodes in the plating tanks. Needless to say you cannot chrome plate in an empty tank. As soon as you put racked parts into a tank with a push/pull hood you create air turbulences. The push air pipe blows air across the tank and onto the obstruction caused by the plating racks, parts and anodes. This disturbs the push air flow across the surface of the plating solution and the push air will blow onto the plating racks then the chromic acid mist shoots up and out into the shop never reaching the pull hood air slots. The more racks you put into the tank, the more turbulence you create and the pull hood will never be able to capture all of the chromic acid mist.
Dual Lateral and Quad
Slotted Hoods
The type of exhaust hood you should use on hard chrome
plating tank is a dual lateral hood that pulls the chromic acid mist from pull slots
on both sides of the tank. On large
square tanks that are bigger than 6 X 6, you may need to change the hood that
pulls the mist from slots on all four sides to meet the proposed PEL. The tip to use four-sided hood slots on a tank
was provided by Frank Altmayer, MSF from Scientific Control Lab based in
Make Sure You Only
Use Low-foam Mist Suppressants in Hard Chrome Tanks
There are many kinds of mist suppressants on the market. There are high-foam mist suppressants that were developed for low-temperature bright chrome. The low-foam, fluro-based, mist suppressant is the only type of mist suppressant that should be used in a hard chrome tank. High-foam mist suppressants should never be used in a hard chrome tank. These high-foam mist suppressants trap a lot of hydrogen gas and can explode violently and splash the plater with hot chromic acid. They also break down in the 140 Degree F hard chrome tank and you have to keep adding large amount of high-foam mist suppressant to keep the surface tension at 35 dynes. If you run closed loop and return all the rinse water to the plating tank the high-foam mist suppressant break-down byproducts will build up. The break down byproducts of the mist suppressant are caused by the high temperature (140 digress F.) that hard chrome tanks operate with. This build up of spent mist suppressant will cause the anode to form a dead scale and slow down the plating rate. This slow plating rate is what causes the pitting problem on thick chrome deposits when using the wrong type of mist suppressant that does not hold up in high temperature plating hard chrome tanks. Too much mist suppressant or adding a large quantity mist suppressant to the tank at a time will also cause pit and peeling problems.
Low-foam, fluor-based fume suppressant DOES NOT have any above problems. The product I having been selling for the past five years is called CANCEL 45 and everyone using this product is very happy with this mist suppressant. It does not break down and the platers that switch to Cancel 45 from a high foam based suppressant report they drastically cut down on the number of additions they have to make to the plating tank. This makes Cancel 45 less expensive to use.
If you start using mist suppressant you have to notify your local EPA so they can add to your records that you are now running mist suppressant and record this EPA air permit. Dont worry, the EPA and OSHA will be happy that you are running mist suppressant and will be happy to file the paperwork. You will need to buy a stalagmometer or tensionmometer to run the EPA required surface tension test every 4-hours to make sure you have the right concentration of mist suppressant in the tank. It is very important that you run the surface tension tests and record the result into a written record per EPA regulations. Also record how much Cancel 45 you have added to make any adjustment necessary to keep the surface tension at 35 dynes.
Merlin Hood
There is another type of hood, originally called the Merlin Hood that covers the tank while the rectifier is on. It does not use an exhaust fan while plating; but, has a membrane that lets out the hydrogen and oxygen gasses but not the chromic acid fume water vapor into the shop. If you switch to this type of hood, you will probable have to cool the tank with a heat exchanger and buy a rinse water evaporator because there is no heat loss or water evaporation during plating cycle. Since the Merlin hood covers the top of the tank completely, you cannot have an extremely large part hanging from a chain hoist of have a large part sticking above the solution beyond the height of the hood. There is advantage to the Merlin hood as you do not need much make-up air. This saves shop heating and Air conditioning costs. For more information on a Merlin hood or new dual and quad slot lateral hoods please call with the size of tank and we can quote you a new hood.
PLATERS
PUTTY IS BACK!!!
Im sure that many of you remember
.
APPEARANCE: Thick, light orange colored material.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Take a small amount of the putty and
work until pliable and place the putty in holes, keyway, slots and dove
tails. Platers Putty can be used when
painting stop-off lacquer and it would be too time consuming or too difficult
of a job to remove the stop-off lacquer.
For easy removal DO NOT BAKE or put part Platters Putty in a
hydrogen embrittlement relief oven. Remove all putty and stop-off before
baking. Heat cured Platers Putty will harden
and it will be difficult to remove the putty from the part.
Use a heat gun if you need to seal just the top of the hole.
Make sure the heat gun is set low enough so that scorching or burning of the
putty does not occur. Depending upon the size of the hole and amount of mass
the part is 1 to 2 minutes of applied heat for small parts should be sufficient
to cure just the top surface of the putty.
KEEP CONTAINER CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE. WEAR LATEX GLOVES WHEN HANDLING THIS PRODUCT AND AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. ALWAYS READ MSDS BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. KEEP AWAY FROM EXTREME HEAT AND DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
DISCLAIMER: This is an experimental product and has not
been thoroughly field tested in all the different types plating baths. Any feedback
good or bad on suitability of this product would be greatly appreciated. User assumes all liability for use of this
product. We make no warrant either express of implied as to the fitness of this
product for any use or application.
USED PLATING EQUIPMENT FOR
Two complete hard chrome plating systems are for sale in
USED
PLATING EQUIPMENT FOR
The following plating equipment is in good condition and can be bought separately. The price does not included shipping and
crating costs. E-mail me info@hard-chromesystems.com
for pictures of equipment here in
DARRAH ELECTRIC 9
VOLT 3000 AMP DC, 220 VOLT AC THREE PHASE INPUT AIR COOLED
Tap switch controlled was rebuilt back in 1996 by Darrah Electric. Price is $3750.00 shipping weight 2500 Lbs.
DARRAH ELECTRIC 9 VOLT 1500 AMP DC 220 VOLT AC THREE PHASE INPUT AIR COOLED
Tap switch controlled was used for back up since rebuilt. Price is $1875.00 shipping weight 1000 Lbs.
ALDONEX 9 VOLT 250
AMP DC, 220 VOLT SINGLE PHASE AC
INPUT AIR COOLED BENCH TOP
With new variable Powerstat control and amp meter. In PVC cabinet Price is $1500.00 Shipping weight 200 Lbs.
POWER TEN 7.5 VOLT
250 AMP DC 220 VOLT AC SINGLE PHASE AIR
COOLED 19 RACK MOUNT
Constant voltage and current regulated DC output. Digital LCD meters Price $1400.00 Shipping weight 50 Lbs.
POWERTEC 5 VOLT 300
AMP DC 220 VOLT AC SINGLE PHASE, NEW SURPLUS
AIR COOLED
Constant Voltage regulated only. NEW wired remote control analog meters Price is $975.00 Shipping weight 50 Lbs.
MOTOROLA 40 VOLT 30
AMP DC 110 VOLT AC. LAB GRADE power
supply GOOD FOR BRUSH PLATING
Constant voltage and current transistor regulated DC output. Analog meters Price is $500.00 shipping weight 70 Lbs.
5 HORSE POWER DUAL
BUFFING WHEEL POLISHING JACK. 220 and
440 V AC THREE PHASE
with many Spiral sewn 12 -14" buffing wheels. New Motor Starter contactor and control button Price $1400.00
STAINLESS STEEL TANK WITH LID 31 X 24 X 48 INCHES DEEP. Price is $450.00
COPPER RECTANGULAR BUS BARS 1-1/2 X 2 X 12 FOOT LONG 2 PCS Price $275.00 shipping weight 300 lbs.
PVC SECONDARY CONTAINMENT FLOOR LINERS 12 X 12 AND 12 X 27 FOOT. Price is $3200.00
4 DRUM 55 GALLONS SECONDARY CONTAINMENT PLASTIC PALLETS. Price is $278.00 or $350.00/pair
ROLLING 55 GALLON
DRUM STAND. Price is $95.00 each or
$150.00 for the pair.
BUDGET TROLLEY INC. 1/2 TON ELECTRIC CHAIN HOIST 220 VOLT AC Price $400.00
MANDERSHCHEID SEMI-AUTOMATIC FEED THRU SMALL SHAFT POLISHING STAND Price 450.00
TEFLON DUAL DIAPHRAGM 1/2 AIR OPERATED CHEMICAL PUMP. Price $200.00
JET FLOOR MOUNTED
DRILL PRESS. $250.00
BAKER ELECTRIC TOW MOTOR. 3000 POUND CAPACITY WITH CHARGER. Price $2500.00
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Hard Facts about Hard Chrome |
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Volume 3, Issue 003 |
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Hard Chrome Plating Consultants Inc., 2196 West 59th Street
and Walworth Ave., Phone: 216 631 9090 Fax: 216 631 9060 |
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Clarence H. Peger / D. Ward e-mail: |
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Huge Savings on Used Plating Lines
All reasonable offers will be accepted.
Two (2) Hard Chrome Plating Systems are
available at a tremendous savings for the right buyer. These systems are located in
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System Number 1 |
System Number 2 |
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Tank
size |
4 x 10 x 4 deep |
10 x 10 x 10 deep |
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Rectifier |
5000 Amp Rapid water cooled |
10000 Amp Rapid water cooled, like
new |
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Tank
Bussing |
two 3 x 3 on edge |
four 3 x 3 laid flat |
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Cooling
Tower |
Marley, with tank |
Delta, with tank |
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NOTE: The cooling systems service
both the plating bath as well as the rectifier |
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System Number 1 |
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Item |
Description |
Value |
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Plating Tank |
48 x 120 x 48 inches deep, Koroseal
tm lined |
5,320.00 |
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Auxiliary Tank |
Rinse Tank, 48 X 96 X 48 inches deep
Koroseal tm lined |
4,480.00 |
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Rectifier |
Rapid SCR, 5000 Amp. @ 12 Volts,
480/3/60 AC, water cooled with air purge in cabinet |
15,000.00 |
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Reversing Switch |
None (Reversible racks used) |
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Rectifier Bussing |
Set up for 5,000 Amps, approximately
5 away from tank |
3,000.00 |
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Tank Top Bussing |
Two 3 x 3 on edge Sold |
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Fixtures |
17 Reversible Chrome Plating racks
and bottoms |
4,250.00 |
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Anodes |
Numerous |
1,000.00 |
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Cooling Coil
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Two titanium coils |
1,500.00 |
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Cooling Tower |
Marley cooling tower and
recirculation tank, for both rectifier and bath |
2,500.00 |
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Two triple tube titanium |
4,200.00 |
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Air Agitation |
PVC air sparger with blower |
1,400.00 |
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Ventilation |
Lined steel hoods on two long sides,
Viron BS-5000 vertical 10,000 CFM scrubber, set-up for 4,800 CFM @ 3.5 SP,
PVC, bought in 1986 with 30 gpm. Pump, 0.5 gpm fresh water make-up |
19,000.00 |
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Stands & Floor Grating |
Steel catwalk around tank, elevated
22 |
950.00 |
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Containment |
Lined steel pan under tank and
scrubber |
725.00 |
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Total
Value When purchased
New |
$66,525.00 |
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System Number 2 |
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Item |
Description |
Value |
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Plating Tank |
10 x 10 x 10 feet deep, Koroseal
lined approximately 7000 gallons |
17,500.00 |
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Auxiliary Tank |
48 X 96 X 48 inches deep, evaporator
tank, unlined with three tube heaters |
4,980.00 |
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Rectifier |
Rapid (like new) 10,000 Amp. @ 12
Volts, 480/3/60 AC Water cooled |
30,000.00 |
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Reversing Switch |
Clinton 10,000 Amp, manual |
8,160.00 |
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Rectifier Bussing |
Set up for 10,000 Amps, approx. 5
away from tank |
6,000.00 |
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Tank Top Bussing |
Four 3 x 3 copper bars, two
cells Sold |
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Fixtures |
Numerous end holders for plating the
OD of various diameter rolls |
2,900.00 |
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Anodes |
Conforming, see below: |
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Cooling Coil
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Titanium |
3,200.00 |
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Cooling Tower |
Delta cooling tower and recirculation
tank, for both rectifier and bath |
3,400.00 |
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12 titanium heater tubs |
21,000.00 |
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Air Agitation |
PVC sparger and air pump |
2,800.00 |
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Ventilation |
Three sided hood, fiberglass scrubber
on heavy duty steel stand, rectifier is housed underneath, CFM is unknown,
PVC ducting |
24,500.00 |
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Stands & Floor Grating |
Steel floor grating around pit,
measurers approx. 14 x 14 |
850.00 |
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Containment |
Lined concrete pit used |
N/A |
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Total
Value When purchased New |
$130,690.00 |
13 assorted
large conforming tank anodes: 8, 12, and
16-inch ID x 106-inches high ---- 5, 6.5, 8, 10,
12, 14, 15,
and 17-inch ID x 46-inches high. Total value when purchased new = $33,900.00
CALL today to receive
detailed information about the components available
or to schedule an inspection
visit.
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System Number 1 |
System Number 2 |
