(57) A system for the automatic, on-line analysis and control of additives in chemical
processing solutions in manufacturing processes is disclosed.
The automatic control system embodiment includes a sensing system such as measuring
a cell (10) in which appropriate sensors are located. For electrochemical measurements,
a three electrode cell with a rotating disk sensor is employed to control agitation
of the sample solution. Other sensors on electrodes are used to measure pH and a thermometer
is provided to monitor temperature. The sensing process, like the sampling process,
is automatically controlled by a controller (18).
The system, in addition to the sensing means and controller, further includes a plating
tank (20), a mixing tank (22), a pump or control valve (24) and a reservoir (26).
The measuring cell (10) may be disposed in the bath in a standard plating tank in
which the plating bath solution is contained. Alternatively, a flow through tank may
be used in which the plating solution may flow into and from as desired.
When the sensing means so determines, a replenishment bath from the reservoir can
be pumped into the mixing tank by means of the pump or control valve means under the
command of signals from the controller which in turn receives output signals from
the measuring cell.
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