In the cathodic electrolytic cleaning media the parts are connected to the cathodic part of a current rectifier and are negatively charged. A flux of continuous current pass through an alkali electrolyte, which serves as conducting medium and the electrolysis of water takes place:
4H2O + 4e- —> 4OH + 2H2
The hydrogen formed during the reaction produce a scrubbing effect on the surface of the part and carries out the contaminants, cleaning the parts, in the same way as the oxygen does it in the anodic process. In the cathodic process double quantity of hydrogen is produced with respect to the quantity of oxygen produced in the anodic process.
This process offers a good cleaning but there should be taken precautions for two main reasons: first is related to the fragility of materials due to absorption of the hydrogen generated in the process, and secondly, is related to the risk associated to the plating on the surface of the metals that can be found in solution as impurities.
Our experience with this process drive us to develop a robust process, safety and efficient for different types of parts and materials. We have different working tanks with a maximum capacity of 1200 L.