Platinized Titanium & Niobium Anode Dimensionally Stable Anode

Platinum is widely used as electrodes in metal finishing industries due its advantage of having special chemical & physical properties like high corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity and catalytic nature.  Being a very expensive metal, instead of using solid form, platinum is deposited on the surface of titanium or niobium, occasionally on molybdenum by micron level layer.  Electrodes [Anodes or Cathodes] are available with hanging hook, frame or band in the form of sheet, mesh, pipe, wire, rod and custom built.  Platinised titanium anode is used in electrolytes having no fluoride. Platinised niobium anodes are used in electrolytes having fluoride, where we need better conduction (its conductivity is three times of titanium)  and also it is suitable for Sulphuric acid chromium plating bath operated at current density greater than 75A / dm².  Platinised titanium / niobium anodes are having the advantages of Low weight - good current resistance; Long life operation - maintenance free;      Economical - due to low platinum requirements; High dimensional stability and low resistance; Highly suitable as auxiliary anodes of complex geometrical shapes.

Platinum Features:-

Platinum is a lustrous silvery-white, malleable, ductile metal and a member of group 10 of the periodic table of the elements. It has the third highest density, behind osmium and iridium. Platinum is unaffected by air and water, but will dissolve in hot aqua regia, in hot concentrated phosphoric and sulphuric acids, and in molten alkali. It is as resistant as gold to corrosion and tarnishing. Indeed, platinum will not oxidize in air no matter how strongly it is heated.

Gains of Platinized Anode:-

Energy saving potential

Low weight (in particular expanded metal anodes)

Long service time even at high current density

Dimensional stability, long durability of base material

Replating possible

Higher quality of end product

Application-specific design

Tiaano manufacturing different sizes and Shapes of platinum Electrodes for Alkaline water or water ionizers. The essential components of the ionization chamber are its two collecting electrodes, (the anode and cathode) the anode is positively charged with respect to the cathode.

A water ionizer works on the simple principle of electrolysis. Any type of water ionizer has two electrodes put into a container having two chambers separated by a semi-permeable membrane. The two electrodes – positive electrode and negative electrode, are put into two separate chambers and the current is passed through them. Ionisation process takes place on passing of the current through the electrodes. The dissolved minerals get attracted either to the positive electrode or negative electrode, therefore one of the chambers will have acidic water while the other will have alkaline water. The alkaline water is for drinking purpose, whereas the acidic water is for disinfecting or sterilizing purposes.

Most good ionizers on the market use electrodes made of platinum plated titanium. Titanium will not dissolve in your ionised water as the cheaper metals like stainless steel does. The ionizer uses grade 1 titanium (as per ASTM Standard) electrodes to be plated with a good electrical conductor. Stainless steel was used for Water Ionizer electrodes in the late 1980's and was found not be a suitable material because they did not last more than a  few years.

Tiaano offer Platinum plated Copper Anode, Platinum Plated Titanium anodes & Niobium Anodes (Platinum Plated Electrodes) for various research and developments. Many article provides a history of platinised anodes by reviewing innovations in the, electroplating, electro galvanizing, electro winning, chlor-alkali industry etc.... These anodes are attractive for numerous reasons (e.g., long life and educed energy consumption), but they must still overcome the hurdle of cost to gain wider acceptance for applications in the various process industries.

Chemical Behavior of Platinum and Titanium:-

Platinum is preferred on an anode's outer surface because it is highly resistant to corrosion and can ensure current flow in most electrolyte media without leading to the formation of an insulating layer on itself. Because it doesn’t corrode, it doesn’t produce corrosion products and hence the consumption rate is very low.

Titanium shows reasonably good resistance to a marine environment (seawater in particular). It does not react with concentrated (80%) solutions of metallic chlorides. However, it is susceptible to attack by hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hot hydrochloric acid (HCl) of higher concentrations. Even hydrogen peroxide and hot nitric acid can attack titanium. Oxidizing agents normally do not attack titanium because it readily forms a protective oxide coating. However, non-oxidizing substances such as sulfuric acid (above 5% concentration) and phosphoric acid (above 30%) can attack titanium. From a hydrogen embrittlement point of view, titanium fares better than tantalum as an anode material.

Chemical Behavior of Copper:-

Copper is a reddish metal with a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. It reflects red and orange light and absorbs other frequencies in the visible spectrum, due to its band structure, so it as a nice reddish color. It is malleable, ductile, and an extremely good conductor of both heat and electricity. Copper has low chemical reactivity. So people are using platinum plating on copper, this coating / plating protects the metal from further attack.

Tiaano Platinised Titanium Rod Anode for used to make Marine Growth Prevention System (MGPS).  The Marine Growth Prevention System (MGPS) was conceptualized and created with the sole purpose of defeating Marine Growth right at its very root, preventing even the most minute trace of marine organism from depositing itself along the ship’s interior altogether.

What is MGPS? (Marine Growth Prevention System) Electro Chlorinators:-

Seawater contains both macro and micro marine organisms which enter the ship along with the seawater and deposit and flourish on the parts of the ship’s system.  If preventive measures are not taken, the marine growth can cause damage to the particular part in the long run.

To avoid formation of marine growth marine growth preventive system (MGPS) is used onboard ship or platforms.

Key Benefits for Structures (Marine, Offshore & Industrial) protected by Anti-fouling Systems:-

Reduce maintenance costs , Lower costs on using high standards coatings, Increases life of the structures, Only solution to corrosion of inaccessible areas of steel such as the base of storage tanks, Reduces likelihood of leakage from buried and submarine pipeline caused by corrosion, Reduce repair bills for vessels, Longer intervals between dry dockings, Higher resale value, Prevent fouling built-up, Protect pipeline against corrosion, Kills Sculpture Reducing Bacteria (SRB), Full Automatic control and Lowers maintenance costs.

Advantages of Marine Growth Preventive system (MGPS)

Easy installation during new building

Little maintenance, corrosion reduction and low cost

No hazardous materials such as with chemical dosing systems

Lower energy consumption

Efficient functioning of the cooling water systems and firefighting system

Titanium has the mechanical stability and uniform current distribution character, Tiaano India design, manufacturing and supplying Platinized or MMO coated titanium electrodes for MGPS (Marine Growth Prevention System) Electrolyzer or seawater chlorination.

Tiaano offer various type of Electrodes Assembly for MGPS system:-

Parallel Plate Electrodes:-

MMO Titanium Anode & Steel Cathode

MMO Titanium Anode & Hastelloy C or Titanium Cathode

Concentric Tube Electrode:-

Platinized Titanium Anode & Titanium Cathode

MMO Titanium Anode & Titanium Cathode

MMO Titanium Anode & Steel Cathode

MMO Titanium Anode & SS Cathode

Parallel Plate and Mesh Electrodes:-

MMO Titanium Anode & Hastelloy C or Titanium Cathode

Concentric Rod Electrode:-

Platinised Titanium Rod Anode & Steel Cathode Assembly

Anti-fouling (MGPS) process is based on the electrolysis of part of the sodium chlorides (NaCl) contained in seawater. The electrolysis is obtained by passing the seawater through a generating chamber containing electrode (Pt Ti Anode).

Tiaano designed this system to prevent the marine growth to the internal pipe line of ships through the chemical reaction of chlorine compounds which are produced through the electrolysis of seawater.

Seawater contains both micro and macro marine organisms such as sea worm, molluscs, barnacles, algae, hard shells like acorn barnades etc. These organisms stick to the surfaces of the ship and flourish over there, resulting in marine growth.

First, the seawater taken out of the outlet of one of the common seawater pumps, or the pump for exclusive use in MGPS is led into the Generating chamber, in which the seawater is electrolyzed with specially designed electrodes. Then the seawater containing chlorine compounds is injected into scoop or sea chests through the nozzles to mix with the sea water sucked in from outside of the ship, thus preventing marine growths from adhering to the interior of the ship’s sea water line including sea chest, piping and heat exchanger.

Effects of Marine Growth:-

In the most dangerous cases, complete seawater lines can become blocked, affecting the safety and operational capability of the ship, in other instances, the gradual restriction in the flow of seawater through cooling systems can damage engine efficiency, leading to increased fuel usage.

As the marine organisms flourish they block and narrow the passage of cooling water in the ship’s system resulting in the following issues.

Impairing the heat transfer system

Overheating of several water cooled machineries

Increase in the rate corrosion and thinning of pipes.

Reduced efficiency which can lead to loss of vessel speed, increase fuel uses and loss of time.

Advantages / Benefits of using MGPS

Based on the electrolytic principle, providing continues and reliable protection from marine growth without the use of chemicals.

A dual system combining pipework anti fouling and corrosion suppression

Environmentally safe, meets all environmental protection standards

Reduces energy consumption

Maintains plant and equipment at high efficiency

Tiaano designed this system to prevent the marine growth to the internal pipe line of ships through the chemical reaction of chlorine compounds which are produced through the electrolysis of seawater.

Effects of Marine Growth:-

The fouling problem arises when barnacles, mussels and other lower forms of marine life as larvae enter pipework systems and settle on the internal surface of pipes where they rapidly grow and multiply.

In the most extreme cases, complete seawater lines can become blocked, affecting the safety and operational capability of the ship, in other instances, the gradual restriction in the flow of seawater through cooling systems can impair engine efficiency, leading to increased fuel usage.

Effect of Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite):-

Chlorine is a well-known toxicant. It has been shown that 0.2 to 0.5 ppm of continues electro chlorination will prevent all marine fouling in time. Higher than 0.5 ppm might produce the corrosion of the metallic piping, and other metallic equipment.

A trace residual discharge will insure the killing of all fouling organisms in a seawater system when constant chlorination is employed. It should be emphasized that constant chlorination is the best method for safe and efficient fouling and bacteria control.

Alongside these principal reactions which bring about the production of sodium hypochlorite, secondary reactions occur due to the actions which are present in seawater such as calcium and magnesium, forming hydrates and carbonates.

Sodium hypochlorite solution leaving the generating chamber is piped to the chlorine injection pinots situated on the sea chests to be mixed with the incoming sea water flow.

Then the chlorine active contained in the solution oxidizes the organic substances found in sea water.

The adult organisms, for example mussels, are able to resist the effects of chlorine active by closing themselves inside their shells. However unable to feed they will not settle in an environment where chlorine active is present.

 Advantages of using MGPS:-

1.         Based on the electrolytic principle, providing continues and reliable protection from marine growth without the use of chemicals.

2.         A dual system combining pipework anti fouling and corrosion suppression

3.         Environmentally safe, meets all environmental protection standards

4.         Reduces energy consumption

5.         Maintains plant and equipment at high efficiency

6.         Reduces cleaning cost of pumps, pipes, valves, sea chests, gratings, heat exchangers, etc

7.         Improved Heat transfer in heat exchangers

8.         Increase life span of plant and equipment

9.         Provides continues maintenance free protection for years

10.       Lower capacity and operating costs than any competing technology.      

Tiaano offer Platinum plated Anode and cathodes (Electrodes) for various research and developments. Many article provides a history of platinized anodes by reviewing innovations in the chlor-alkali industry, electroplating, electro galvanizing, electro winning etc.... These anodes are attractive for numerous reasons (e.g., long life and educed energy consumption), but they must still overcome the hurdle of cost to gain wider acceptance for applications in the various process industries.

Chemical Behavior of Platinum Plated and Titanium:-

Platinum is preferred on an anode's outer surface because it is highly resistant to corrosion and can ensure current flow in most electrolyte media without leading to the formation of an insulating layer on itself. Because it doesn’t corrode, it doesn’t produce corrosion products and hence the consumption rate is very low.

Platinum is inert in fused salts and acids, whereas it is dissolved in aqua regia. There is no risk of hydrogen embrittlement. It is one of the few rare metals that perfectly resist chlorides of seawater.

Titanium shows reasonably good resistance to a marine environment (seawater in particular). It does not react with concentrated (80%) solutions of metallic chlorides. However, it is susceptible to attack by hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hot hydrochloric acid (HCl) of higher concentrations. Even hydrogen peroxide and hot nitric acid can attack titanium. Oxidizing agents normally do not attack titanium because it readily forms a protective oxide coating. However, non-oxidizing substances such as sulfuric acid (above 5% concentration) and phosphoric acid (above 30%) can attack titanium. From a hydrogen embrittlement point of view, titanium fares better than tantalum as an anode material.

Benefits of Platinised Titanium Electrode:-

Platinum has the advantages of electrochemical inertness, mechanical strength, workability and favorable electrical conductivity. However, it is prohibitively expensive. Development of platinum on titanium and platinum on tantalum (plated) materials has opened up the feasibility of using these for anode materials for Electro Plating, metal finishing and cathodic protection systems in critical applications.

Tiaano manufacturing various dimensions and Shapes of platinum plated or platinised electrode for water ionizers. The essential parts of the ionization chamber are its two collecting electrodes, (the anode and cathode) the anode is positively charged with respect to the cathode. Water Ionizer Electrodes [Anodes or Cathodes] are available with hanging hook, frame or band in the form of sheet, expanded mesh, pipe, wire, rod and custom built. 

The best water to drink is alkalized or ionized water, which is produced by running normal tap water over a positive (platinized anode) and a negative (platinised cathode) electrode. This creates positive and negative ions in the water that are then separated creating two different waters, one that is alkaline and one that is acidic.

Alkaline water is for flushing out internal toxins, scavenging free radicals, and oxygenating the body. Acid water, which is really a by-product of ionizing water, can be used externally for cleansing the skin, cleaning any surface and feeding your plants.

Most good ionizers on the market use electrodes made of platinum plated titanium. Titanium will not dissolve in your ionized water as the cheaper metals like stainless steel does. The ionizer uses grade 1 titanium (as per ASTM Standard) electrodes to be plated with a good electrical conductor. Stainless steel was used for Water Ionizer electrodes in the late 1980's and was found not be a suitable material because they did not last more than a  few years.

Advantages of platinized Titanium Electrode (Anode and cathode):-

Long operating life

Maintenance-free.

Economical due to low platinum requirements.

High dimensional stability and load resistance.

Good current distribution

Good current Conduction

High corrosion resistance

Low weight.

Tiaano manufacturing different sizes and Shapes of platinum or platinised anode for Hard Chrome Plating process. Electro plating Electrodes [Anodes or Cathodes] are available with hanging hook, frame or band in the form of sheet, expanded mesh, pipe, rod and custom built. 

Platinised titanium Platinised Niobium anodes provide a cost effective replacement for lead anodes in hard chromium plating. They provide superior quality deposition and consistency resulting in increased productivity and throughput. Cost benefit analysis demonstrates that the higher initial investment in this technology can be recouped within a short period of time.

Benefits of Platinised Titanium Anodes for Hard Chromium Plating:

Long life, dimensionally stable and easily fabricated into any shape:  Whereas titanium anodes are dimensionally stable throughout their operating life and can easily be manufactured, even in complex shapes and lengths, up to 4m. Consequently, shaped anodes can be manufactured very accurately to allow consistent plating to small tolerances, often making a further honing step unnecessary.

Homogeneous and long-lasting active surface: Platinised titanium anodes operated correctly, remain deposit free and therefore perform constantly well throughout the whole anode life.

Energy savings with shaped anodes and small anode/cathode distances: platinised titanium anodes can provide energy savings both in heating and cooling which, in turn, allows the plating chemistry to be easier to manage and maintain.

Mesh anodes provide excellent throwing and can be used at high current densities: In electrolysis, corners and edges are preferred reaction sites; an expanded mesh has edges evenly distributed across the anode surface, thus producing uniform current density and excellent plating results.

Easier handling and recoating: Positioning of lead anodes for optimising chrome plating is often awkward due to their weight, whereas spot welded or bolted mesh anodes are very light by comparison and allow safer and easier handling. Furthermore, they can be easily removed and / or replaced whenever necessary. This often allows a re-use of expensive anode materials and designs, and reduces operational costs.