Electroplating method and apparatus

Patent · 20 June 1978

OSTI ID:863117

Looney, Robert B ^[1]; Smith, William E. L. ^[2]

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1. Aiken, SC
2. North Augusta, SC

An apparatus for high speed electroplating or anodizing tubular members such as nuclear reactor fuel elements. A loading arm positions the member on a base for subsequent support by one of two sets of electrical contacts. A carriage assembly positions electrodes into and around the member. Electrolyte is pumped between the electrodes and the member while electric current is applied. Programmed controls sequentially employ each of the two sets of contacts to expose all surfaces of the member to the electrolyte. The member is removed from the apparatus by an unloading arm.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4096042
• Application Number: 04/814,894
• OSTI ID: 863117
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/205/204/
anodizing
apparatus
applied
arm
assembly
base
carriage
contacts
controls
current
electric
electric current
electrical
electrical contact
electrical contacts
electrodes
electrolyte
electroplating
electroplating method
elements
employ
expose
fuel
fuel element
fuel elements
loading
method
nuclear
nuclear reactor
positions
programmed
pumped
reactor
reactor fuel
removed
sequentially
sets
speed
subsequent
support
surfaces
tubular
unloading