Electro-Plating, also known as Electro-deposition or simply Plating, is a process in which a thin metal layer is deposited from a metal solution onto a conductive surface. This additional outer layer is applied to protect the underlying material against corrosion, prevent leakage, reduce friction and/or enhance wear features. Sometimes the process is simply to make a robust object more attractive and easier to clean, for example chrome plating of brass taps.
Surface Finishing is a similar kind of process where the intent is to alter the surface of a manufactured item to achieve a certain property. The aim here is to improve resistance, adhesion, appearance, conductivity, etc. Good examples of this is Aluminium Anodizing, which provides an attractive and resistant outer surface and Parkerizing which is used to improve the corrosion resistance of steel.
Both surface finishing and electro-plating use sophisticated technologies and can be expensive to operate involving high ongoing maintenance costs. As with virtually all chemical processes, heat increases the speed of the process. From pre-cleaning of the materials being treated through deposition to final drying, a robust and reliable source of heat is essential. Babcock Wanson offers a wide range of equipment that is well suited for this industry, keeping the reliability up and the operating costs down.
Product Recommendations
A Steam Generator or Thermal Fluid Heater are the best options for process heating applications in the plating or surface finishing industry.
Steam from a quick-response once through steam generator, via protected immersed steam tubes, is an efficient way of heating metal finishing tanks. A modern Steam Generator from Babcock Wanson is very responsive and can deliver steam within seconds from hot standby, or in as little as three minutes from cold. Total costs for a steam generator installation are low, because, unlike traditional steam plants, no special foundations, large boiler house or extensive manning are required. The latest steam generators require few of the traditional skills of the boilerman and are easily maintained with regular checks on water condition. At the same time, Babcock Wanson’s high efficiency low NOx technology makes it possible to reduce both site emissions and your energy bill.
Thermal fluid heating is a simple, very cost-effective and reliable option for the plating or surface finishing industry that should be top of the list for any new or refurbished installations. The cost of a thermal fluid system does not increase significantly with higher operating temperatures. In a thermal fluid system, therefore significant advantages can be had in the sizing and cost of heat exchangers, particularly when they are made from expensive or exotic materials. The compact and straightforward nature of a thermal fluid system also means it needs no special site work and can usually be sited close to where the heat is needed, often in an otherwise underutilised corner of the factory. Since the thermal fluid system is a closed-circuit, no loss, no blow down system, the heat losses are minimal, making the overall efficiency the highest possible. The lack of water treatment requirements with a thermal fluid system and operation without the need for pressurisation also means that the maintenance and inspection requirements are minimal.
Babcock Wanson equipment allows you to increase productivity, reduce maintenance costs, improve production flow and operational quality management and achieve a high ROI (Return of Investment).
Services Available
To ensure high operational availability of the equipment, Babcock Wanson is committed to offering service and technical aid which can be customised according to the client needs.
- Telephone support and rapid response times: Implementing a rigorous scheduled service and maintenance plan will provide you greater equipment reliability and efficiency.
- Availability commitment: Babcock Wanson’s extensive network of Service Engineers are fully qualified and trained to respond to any service needs related to your heater or boiler.
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