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Extending the sq. ft. of an iron phosphate tank

Hello,

I am a phosphate operator who supplies bonded piston seals to the big three auto makers. My question is how do I extend the life of my iron phos tank that is 650 gallons. I use the chemical Cryscoat 2187..........35 gal are used to charge the tank and 11,000 ml of adjust 6 to balance the ph of the tank. This tank is prone to flash rust if the adjust 6 is added to fast..........I have found out that if 1000ml of adjust 6 is added every 10 to 15 min the flash rust will not happen. The spec limits on this tank are as follows 16.0-18.3 cont. level and a ph of 4.0- 4.4 under 15,000 sq ft...... above 15,000 the cont. level is 18.3 19.3 and the same limit for the pH of 4.0 to 4.4 ........ this tank is changed between 55,000 ans 68,000 sq. ft.

D.A. Nickolay
plating shop - Clifton Forge, Virginia
2005

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I would consider using a dosing pump where you can set how many mL per minute that you add. This has a very beneficial effect of maintaining a consistent chemistry versus peaks and valleys with the additions.

They are not terribly expensive and are available from a number of sources, particularly laboratory supply houses.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2005