Controlling Dragout Loss from Process Baths Using Conductivity Measurements

摘要

Dragout of process chemistries continues to be a significant cause of material loss and waste generatioin in metal finshing operations. A common barrier to controlling dragout is the ability to accurately quantify dragout losses. Dragout can be quantified and monitored using inexpensive, hand-held conductivity meters to measure dragout accumulation in rinses. This talk describes (1) the technical basis and approach for dragout measurement using conductivity, (2) case studies of the use of this measurement technique to reduce dragout, and (3) a spreadsheet application developed by the U. S. Environmntal Protection Agency, Region IX to train facility staff and monitor dragout impacts and improvements. The presentation includes a demonstration of the spreadsheet used at metal finishing facilities to quantify dragout and associated costs and to measure improvements resulting from increased process control.