Metrohm has developed a method for analysing fluoride and nitrate in plating-bath solutions.
The method requires a simple dilution followed by injection into an intelligent ion chromatograph using a low-volume sample loop to minimise any dilution errors.
Analysis times are usually less than 15 minutes and the intuitive nature of the Magic Net controlling software means a few mouse clicks are all that is needed to run the instrument.
Plating baths are often used in many industrial processes as a final cleaning stage prior to plating.
They remove the scale (surface oxides) and other contaminants such as dirt and films from chemical immersion.
Another reason for plating is that the metal surface is activated ready for plating and a light etch is achieved that helps provide a better adhesion to the substrate material.
Historically the plating-bath analysis was performed using a manual wet titration to determine the acid content.
IC is a robust technique that allows more accurate and tighter control over this figure.
It usually results in considerable cost savings from an operational viewpoint as the acid content is carefully controlled and necessary additions are made only when required.
Plating-bath solutions usually contain huge amounts of concentrated acids as major components as well as many minor components in the form of heavy metals.
Control charts within the software mean the acid content can easily be profiled over a period of time and should the acid content be outside of a defined tolerance, the user is notified through the software.
All Intelligent ICs from Metrohm come with a three-year instrument warranty as standard and a ten-year suppressor warranty.
