The Use of Immersed Electrochemical Modules (IEMs) in Plating Industry

摘要

IEM is a half-cell with an ion-exchange membrane and an internal cathode or anode. IEM is installed directly in plating tanks with process solutions in order to keep them in operation without periodic dumping (etchants, passivating, stripping solutions, etc.). Proper choice of combinations of cathodic or anodic reactions and ionic transport through the membranes allows to remove impurities, reaction products, regenerate reactants and maintain desirable pH value. Another application of IEM is the removal of ions from reclaim tanks either by cathodic deposition (copper, zinc, nickel, etc.) or by migration through membranes (chromic acid). Over 100 IEMs are now in operation in Russia.