Plating plant in the selection of filter, need to be based on the composition of the liquid, the characteristics and process requirements to determine the appropriate filtration equipment. The composition of the liquid directly affects the choice of material, filtration accuracy, corrosion resistance and operational efficiency of the filter. The following are the key factors to be considered when
How to choose the right filter for electroplating plant according to the composition of the solution
Author: Robby
Plating plant in the selection of filter, need to be based on the composition of the liquid, the characteristics and process requirements to determine the appropriate filtration equipment. The composition of the liquid directly affects the choice of material, filtration accuracy, corrosion resistance and operational efficiency of the filter. The following are the key factors to be considered when selecting the filter:
1. Chemical composition of the liquid
The composition of the liquid determines the material and corrosion resistance requirements of the filter:
Acidic liquid (such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, etc.):
Filter materials need to be acid-resistant, such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or stainless steel (need to choose acid-resistant models, such as 316L stainless steel).
Alkaline liquid (e.g. sodium hydroxide, cyanide, etc.):
Filter material needs to be alkali resistant, such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or stainless steel.
Organic solvents or additives:
Organic solvent-resistant materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or PVDF, should be selected.
Pharmaceutical fluids containing solid particles:
Need to choose wear-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or ceramic.
2. The temperature of the liquid
The temperature of the liquid will affect the choice of material and sealing performance of the filter:
High-temperature liquid (such as high-temperature chrome plating liquid):
Filter materials need to be high temperature resistant, such as PVDF, PTFE or stainless steel.
Seals need to be high temperature resistant, such as fluorine rubber or silicone rubber.
Normal or low temperature liquid:
Can choose ordinary materials, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
3. Viscosity of the liquid
The viscosity of the liquid will affect the flow rate and filtration efficiency of the filter:
High viscosity liquid:
Need to choose a large flow, high power filter to ensure that the liquid can pass through the filter media.
Low viscosity liquid:
Ordinary filter can meet the needs.
4. The characteristics of solid particles in the drug solution
The size, concentration and nature of solid particles in the drug solution determines the filtration accuracy of the filter and filter media type:
Particle size:
Large particles (such as >10μm): can choose the filter bag or cartridge filter, the filtration precision is lower.
Small particles (e.g. <10μm): high precision filters such as cartridge or ceramic filters are required.
Particle concentration:
High concentration of particles: need to choose large capacity filters or filters with automatic dregs removal function.
Particle nature:
Hard particles (such as metal shavings): need to choose wear-resistant filter media.
Soft particles (such as organic matter): can choose ordinary filtration media.
5. Filtration precision requirements
Filtration precision is the key parameter for selecting filter, which should be determined according to the requirements of electroplating process:
Coarse filtration (>10μm): used to remove large particles, to protect the pump and pipeline.
Fine filtration (1-10μm): used to improve the quality of plating, reduce plating defects.
Ultra-fine filtration (<1μm): for high-precision plating processes, such as electronic plating.
6 Types of filters
Select the appropriate type of filter according to the characteristics of the chemical solution and process requirements:
Bag filter:
Suitable for large flow rate and low precision filtration, commonly used in pretreatment or coarse filtration.
Cartridge filter:
Suitable for high-precision filtration, commonly used in fine filtration or ultra-fine filtration.
Cartridge filter:
Suitable for medium-precision filtration, easy to maintain and replace the filter element.
Plate and frame filter:
Suitable for high viscosity or high solid content of the drug solution.
Ceramic filter:
Suitable for occasions with high precision and high corrosion resistance requirements.
7. Operation and maintenance cost
Energy consumption: choose the filter with high efficiency and low energy consumption to reduce the running cost.
Maintenance: choose the filter that is easy to clean and replace the filter element or bag to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
8. Corrosiveness of the liquid
For strong corrosive liquid, you need to choose a strong corrosion-resistant materials (such as PVDF, PTFE or ceramic).
For weak corrosive liquid, you can choose ordinary materials (such as PP or PVC).
Summarise
Electroplating plant in the choice of filter, need to consider the chemical composition of the liquid, temperature, viscosity, solid particle characteristics, filtration accuracy requirements and operation and maintenance costs. The following are the basic steps for selecting a filter:
Analyse the composition and characteristics of the liquid.
Determine the filtration accuracy and flow rate requirements.
Select the appropriate filter type and material.
Consider operation and maintenance costs.
By choosing a filter appropriately, you can ensure the cleanliness of the plating solution, improve the quality of the plating layer, extend the service life of the equipment, and reduce production costs.