Electrolyte filtering

Filtering Electrolyte for Optimal Results

During electroplating or electroforming, impurities can form in the electrolyte over time. These impurities can negatively affect the process and result. To prevent this, it is important to clean the electrolyte if it becomes contaminated. Electrolyte filtering can be done easily using filters such as coffee filters or anode filters. If this doesn’t work, then with activated carbon.

Step-by-Step Plan for Filtering Electrolyte

1. Preparation

• If you leave contaminated electrolyte for a few days, most of the dirt will sink to the bottom. It is then useful to first drain the “clean” electrolyte to pass the dirty remaining electrolyte through filters. If this is a bit cleaner, you can then filter everything at once.
• Take a funnel or similar tool and place it in a suitable bottle, bucket or other container.
• In the funnel, place a coffee filter or another fine filter, such as an anode filter. The purpose of this is to remove visible particles and impurities from the electrolyte .

1. Electrolyte Filtering

• Pour the electrolyte slowly and carefully through the filter. This process will ensure that larger particles are stopped.
• When you notice that the filter is clogging or not working as well, it’s time to use a new filter.
• It may be necessary to filter the electrolyte several times in this way.

1. Use of Activated Carbon to filter electrolyte

• Activated carbon is very good for removing very fine pollution, such as organic impurities, from the electrolyte. There are several ways to use activated carbon:
  1. Activated Carbon Cartridge: You can use an activated carbon cartridge (such as the one for aquariums). Pour the electrolyte through the cartridge so that the carbon absorbs the impurities.
  2. Aquarium pump: Another method is to use an aquarium pump. Put activated carbon in the housing of the pump where the filter sponge normally is. Put the pump in the electrolyte and circulate the electrolyte through the activated carbon. This ensures good circulation and easy filtering. Check the electrolyte after an hour or 2. If necessary, let the pump circulate longer.
  3. Circulating Carbon: An alternative method is to put an amount of activated carbon directly into the electrolyte. Then, use a pump to circulate the electrolyte. This spreads the carbon throughout the bath, maximizing contact with contaminants. Let this process run for 1 to 2 hours.
• Important: After using activated carbon, it is crucial that the electrolyte is re-poured through a very fine filter to remove any remaining carbon particles. It is very important that no activated carbon particles remain in the electrolyte, as this can interfere with the process.
• Please note: In case of very contaminated electrolyte, it may be necessary to replace the carbon in the meantime. When it is saturated, it will no longer absorb anything.

1. Add brightener

• Depending on the type of electrolyte, you will need to add brightener again after filtering with activated carbon. This is because it is also filtered out. brightener for electrolyte is available in our webshop.
• Perform a test by electroplating a small piece to see if the result is to your liking. Add more brightener as needed until the desired result is achieved.

1. Checking the Balance of the Electrolyte

• It is also possible to check the chemical composition of the electrolyte by titration, as described in the supplied manual. This is an accurate method to check that all components are back in balance. By measuring the electrolyte, you can see exactly how many additives such as glazing agent are needed to achieve the optimal results.