Maintain Chemical Baths
The performance and usable life of a chemical bath depend on the chemical composition, contamination, and material compatibility. Appropriate chemical bath maintenance can extend the usable life of a chemical bath, providing many tangible benefits including a reduction in chemical costs, reduced environmental impact, reduced labor costs, and increased productivity due to less down-time changing chemicals. The following steps can be taken to maintain chemical baths:
- Regularly check the pH and conductivity of the bath
- Install a reusable, high-efficiency filter to remove particulates and other contaminants
- Cover the chemical bath when not in use to avoid inadvertent contamination
- Remove any dropped parts at least daily.
- Opt for deionized water instead of tap water to lessen sludge production
Additionally, training employees on proper chemical bath use and maintenance can help reduce contamination, spills, and leaks.