Larger tank

[hurricaneracing]

After running several batches I am starting to relize my 6 gallon bucket just isnt cutting it. I have several holes drilled in it for hangers arriation and now I need a chiller. I seem to be running out of room for product. If I upgrade to a fair sized cooler, is there a recommended lead plate size and location? Will I need to look at a larger power supply?

Thank you

[acidrain]

There should be no problem upgrading to a larger tank... no additional power is required. The cathode should be at least as big as the largest parts you run, but larger will not hurt. I use lead, and it starts about 6" wide as it goes down one side of the tank, then splits into two 2" wide stripes that run accross the bottom of the tank, then 6" wide up the other side. I have heard that twisting strips of cathode is good so the flat parts are not facing any single direction, but I never did that.
Agitation will be something to think about... I have PVC pipe formed into a manifold with 1/16in holes drilled every 3". The lead cathode sits on top of it so it doesn't float.
You should be able to control your temperature much more exactly with a larger tank.

[hurricaneracing]

Sounds good to me. I hate to keep asking questions but where would I find lead sheets that large and what are you using for agitation. If I buy the chiller would it create enough agitation running it through the PVC. Also how often do you clean the lead plates?

[acidrain]

You can get lead sheet from a hardware store that caries roofing products, (or an actual roofing store).
That's the beauty of it... you'll never have to clean the lead. Mine looks the same as the day I installed it. If you wrap it up and over the edge of the tank, you can fasten the negative lead away from the acid to avoid corrosion.
For an air supply, I use filtered air from my main air compresser, and regulate it down with a small in-line reg. Not sure if your chiller will have enough flow to agitate well. I use a pretty large little giant HC pump, and I'm not comfortable using just that for agitation. I tend to over agitate... too much is better than too little? One thing using air for agitation... it creates a lot of fumes.

[sswee]

hurricaneracing,
Check these pics out. They are of the tanks I have gone through from 3 gal to 60 gal. Maybe see something that will help. Any questions about something, just ask.
SS

http://forum.caswellplating.com/phot...ry.php/cat/510

[hurricaneracing]

WOW I like the 60 gallon. I can see I have a ways to go. But with the amount of people wanting anodizing here from rc race car parts to golf club heads I need todo something. Do you have the manufacture info on the pump you are using? I asume thats for the agitation. I agree with acid rain air seems to cause alot of fumes.

[destroyer125]

the pump looks like a little giant.... www.lgpc.com get a Highly corrosive magnetic drive one

[sswee]

The pump is a Little Giant 3-MD-HC. It's used for agitation and flow through the chiller. It does 720 GPH and I think 21 psi @ 1' head. I used the same pump on the 20 gal. setup.
SS

[hurricaneracing]

OK I have some plans put together for the new tank. And of course more questions. I want a better hanger set up. I wanted to use 1/2 auminum square stock across the tank but having a problem finding it. Could steel be used been it will not be in the tank or do I need to stick with aluminum for everything?

[sswee]

Aluminum or stainless. I used 1/2" x 3/4" 6061.
SS