automatic analyzer / nickel / concentration

The Ronalyser ENS is an automatic analyser/controller designed for use with electroless nickel processes, to maintain the plating conditions at their optimum. The ENS samples the solution and when the nickel concentration falls below a pre-set value, replenish-ment of nickel and hypophosphite is made in an precise ratio by a volumetric dosing system. When the pH exceeds pre-set values, addition of either acid or ammonia is made via metering pumps to maintain optimum pH.

The nickel concentration, pH and temperature are measured and displayed every second, they are also averaged over 64 seconds and these average values are used for data logging and to compute the output for control of the dosing system. At the start of each 64 second period additions of acid or ammonia are initiated if required, the volumetric dosing system is also initiated by a 5 second pulse. The 3 outputs for these addition systems also have manual override switches to set automatic, off, or on. The time that each pump is on is used to compute the additions of each of the concentrates. The Ronalyser EN5 requires a volumetric dosing unit for nickel and hypophosphite and two metering pumps, for the addition of acid and ammonium hydroxide. The ENS can be adjusted to operate over wide ranges of nickel concentration and pH.