Inno Cell® - Chromic Acid Recycling Unit

Most common metallic impurities, such as Ni, Zn, Fe and Cu ions found in decorative (bright) or functional (hard) hexavalent chromium plating solutions can be effectively removed with the InnoCell® while the trivalent chromic acid will be re-oxidized to hexavalent chrome ions. The metallic impurities will be concentrated by electrolytic coagulation as a sludge in a porous ceramic pot and as a deposit on the cathode. This method works as well in fluoride or other high-speed baths.

Through the use of InnoCell®, the composition of chromic acid is maintained within an accurate range. The chromic acid can be used continuously without replacement. We have carried out extensive experiments with the InnoCell®. The results show that the conductivity of the acid was substantially improved. And that the metallic impurities were effectively removed.

• The InnoCell® effectively removes metallic impurities.
• Trivalent chromic acid will be re-oxidized to hexavalent chrome ions.
• Through the use of the InnoCell®, the plating efficiency will be improved.
• The chromic acid can be used continuously without replacement, thus saving money.
• The InnoCell® reduces operation costs.
• A minimum amount of space is needed for the InnoCell®.
• The InnoCell® can operate independently and batch wise.
• Disposal of spent chromium plating solutions is greatly reduced.

The principle.

The InnoCell® incorporates the use of four ceramic membranes together with a set af anodes and cathodes. The ceramic diaphragm allows selective separation of metal ions from the chromic acid.

There are three inherent advantages to using a ceramic barrier in the form of a membrane for removal of metal impurities from plating solutions.

The first advantage is simplicity. Disposal of spent chromium plating solutions is greatly reduced by accumulation of concentrated metallic impurities inside the ceramic container. It is well known that in chromium plating baths, metallic impurities will impair quality and reduce cathode current efficiency. The PPT-method is claimed to be the most efficient process to separate impurities from the plating solution.

The second advantage is economy. The ceramicmembrane is a simple and relatively inexpensive inorganic diaphragm compared to ion exchange resins,
electrodialytic membranes and semipermeable polymer membranes. The membranes and resins are usually not infinitely resistant to hot chromic acid, and
they can mostly be used only with dilute solutions.

The third advantage is compactness. Because of the dimensions of the ceramic container; 2’ x 1’ x 3”, it requires very few tank space.

InnoCell General information

The InnoCell comes as a complete plug-and-play system and can be installed in any existing hard chrome plating line, either as a stand-alone system or as a proces integrated system. The InnoCell includes :

• especially designed high quality PVDF tank with integrated buffer tank and exhaust inlet. Complete with anodes and cathode bars.
• sump pump unit
• Teflon heating element with overheat protection
• High quality air-cooled rectifier including control unit
• Titanium container baskets
• Ceramic membranes

The InnoCell can be built according to your specifications and capacity needs. Pricing starts from € 20.000,- for a complete 800 liter system. Ask us for a quotation and start saving money ! Send an e-mail to our sales department.