Studies and Perspectives on the Types of Corrosion Occurring in Continuous Chromium Plating Plants

Corrosion damage to metal materials is often related not only to metal loss but also to the decommissioning of components from the installations, the replacement and installation of which costs about 3% per year of the cost of the material from which they are made.

The effects of galvanic corrosion on the operation of plants and equipment can be anticipated, observed and controlled. Following an economic analysis and the works to be carried out, a balance can be struck between the impact of corrosion of the mechanical elements in the chrome plating bath and the costs for its prevention. The prevention of corrosion at the design stage can lead to lower annual corrosion-related costs, which are much lower than the costs of remedying the causes when the construction of equipment and plants has already been completed.

The aim of this study is based on an analysis of the effect of electrochemical processes in the chromium plating solution on the copper anode bar in continuous chromium plating plants. Initially the forms of corrosion damage to the metal material were identified and then attempts were made to develop methods to reduce and avoid their destruction.