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Safety

Think and act in a safe manner. Always disconnect power and use a lockout before you work on the E-coat system, or any of the related subsystems. Observe any confined space conditions. Use the appropriate safety equipment and clothing for the task. Please carefully read all the instructions listed below to familiarize yourself with the project before attempting to perform any of the work.

BEFORE YOU START:

Please keep in mind that Precious Metal Electrodes are quite fragile and susceptible to scratching. Even small scratches and nicks in a Precious Metal Electrode can cause extremely rapid erosion.

Unpack the Electrodes carefully! Avoid scratching the anode surface. Do not use metal tools or any sharp instruments (i.e. knives) to open the crate.

Remove any exposed nails or screws, which might cause damage.

Use caution when handling. Wear cotton gloves. Remove all jewelry that might come into contact with the Electrode, including rings and watches. Establish a protected area where the parts may be placed as they are uncrated. UFS Corporation recommends an 8’ long table that is swept free of any debris. Leave the protective foam and cardboard packing material between individual electrodes until just prior to installation. Do not allow grease, oil or other substances to come into contact with the electrode, as they may adhere to the surface.

Refer to Durr Industries installation layout drawings for proper placement.

INSPECTIONS

UFS Corporation recommends routine inspections of the Electrodes to ensure optimal performance and to look for early signs of trouble. This visual inspection process will provide input into the maintenance of the Cells to help determine spare parts reordering strategies. The following are some typical visual clues that an E-Coat operator can look for when inspecting Precious Metal Electrodes:

1. Light gray color - The Precious Metal coating has worn away and will not transmit current (the anode is said to have “gone dead”). This is a normal occurrence over time due to the sacrificial nature of the anode.

Suggestion: In order to maintain a desired film thickness, it may be necessary to lower the voltage at the DC Power source and increase the amount of Precious Metal Electrodes in the tank. However, it may be time to simply replace worn Precious Metal anodes in the tank

1. Pitting – This is generally a corrosion problem caused by a biological chemical film buildup, which causes a voltage drop across the electrode. The Precious Metal coating breaks down where the titanium substrate is being oxidized and will become perforated, eventually dissolving the entire anode over time.

Suggestion: Cover areas that appear pitted with a two-part epoxy at each pit. This reduces the corrosion process by diverting the current elsewhere on the anode and not at the pitted “edges”. Current will flow to the path of least resistance.

1. "Powdery” to the touch – The general appearance of the Precious Metal Electrode is a lamp black or carbon on your hand if you touch the electrode. This is called a “spalling” process whereby the Precious Metal is attacked, which breaks down the coating during the wearout process. This can be due to poor surface preparation.

Suggestion: The first course of action should be to wipe the anode with a clean cloth. If there still appears to be residue, then clean with an Acetone cleaner.