Develop a Drag-out Management Plan
Drag-out occurs when chemicals remain on the part after a dipping process, such as electroplating. Poor control of drag-out can lead to contamination of subsequent chemical or rinse baths, changing the chemical composition and potentially affecting performance of the contaminated bath. Additionally, when drag-out occurs, the baths must be replenished more frequently. Managing drag-out with a robust drag-out plan can reduce costs, increase productivity, conserve water, and reduce environmental impact.
Some of the measures that can be taken in a drag-out plan are:
- Increasing the time taken in drag-out: Extending drag-out time enables more of the chemicals to return to the process tank, reducing the amount of chemicals that are discharged in the rinse water or a subsequent chemical bath.
- Placing drain boards or drip guard: Drain boards or drip guards catch the drag-out fluids and returns them back to the process tank, reducing spillage and contamination of subsequent tanks and saving chemicals.
- Using drip bars: Drip bars allow the parts time to drain while not taking up space in or above the process tank. This can allow reduced waste from drag-out without sacrificing additional time.
- Mechanization of drag-out: Mechanization of the drag-out process will keep it consistent, allowing better control of the process and less chance of waste.
- Modification of the product: Eliminating areas within the dipped product where chemicals can accumulate can prevent excess waste of product.
With the help of these measures, a drag-out plan can contribute to increased productivity, decreased contamination, and environmentally friendly production.