The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Nickel contamination in brass bath

We electroplate steel with brass, with previous nickel coating. We have nickel contamination problems in the brass bath, reaching 2300 ppm Ni. Rinsing waters between nickel and brass and electric contacts have been tested and discarded as a cause for the contamination. Could anybody suggest any idea for identifying the cause of contamination?

Thanks a lot,

Eduardo Alzola
- Bilbao, Spain
2002

The nickel contamination may be coming from parts that have fallen to the bottom of the tank (previously plated with nickel) that are gradually dissolving in the brass solution.

Mary Puzemis
- Waterbury, Connecticut, USA
2002

Thank you Mary for your answer, We had discarded the possibility of fallen pieces, since we have not observed their presence in the tank. It is a problem which is really puzzling us.

Eduardo Alzola
- Bilbao, Spain
2002

Have you checked the anode baskets in the brass tank to see if someone accidentally put some nickel anodes in them?

Bill Hemp
tech svc. w/ chemical supplier - Grand Rapids, Michigan
2002