The Atotech CMA Closed-Loop System for alkaline zinc nickel plating reduces water consumption and waste generation.
MKS Instruments has recently announced that the company launched the new Atotech Compact Membrane Aanode (CMA) Closed-Loop System specifically developed to help the alkaline zinc nickel plating to improve the sustainability of its operations and decrease the carbon footprint, as it drastically reduces water consumption and waste generation.
The new technology is an all-encompassing solution, covering every aspect of the alkaline zinc nickel plating process, including rinsing. It features compact membrane anodes, custom chemical additives, a vacuum evaporator and a freezing unit, resulting in a significantly reduced environmental impact, enhanced product quality and a longer lifespan for the electroplating line.
As a matter of fact, it prevents the formation of organic breakdown products such as cyanide, leading to a substantial reduction in sludge formation. The integrated freezing unit also plays a crucial role in purifying the electrolyte by eliminating accumulated carbonate, ensuring exceptional quality and improved performance throughout the plating process. Moreover, the evaporation system separates the zinc nickel electrolyte from water, recycling them back to the plating tank and rinsing stations. As a result, the disposal and treatment of zinc nickel wastewater is reduced by 90% – as well as NaOH, chemical and metal consumption.
Furthermore, the system enables a higher cathodic current efficiency of 20 to 30%, with rack plating reaching 65% and barrel plating achieving 80% cathodic current efficiency. In addition, the energy consumption associated with the compact membrane anode technology can be reduced by 32%.
“We are excited to introduce the Atotech CMA Closed-Loop System, a game-changer for the zinc nickel plating industry. Rather than relying on the expensive and unsustainable wastewater treatment methods that are currently in use, this system eliminates waste generation from the very beginning. With its exceptional performance and environmental benefits, this system sets a new standard for sustainable zinc nickel plating,” has stated Sabine Sengl, Global Product Director CP, MSD at MKS.
The Atotech Compact Membrane Aanode (CMA) Closed-Loop technology has been certified by TÜV Rheinland, a globally recognised independent testing service provider, as part of the evaluation of electroplating lines from MKS customers.