Surface Treatment

Durable and reliable solutions designed for optimal performance.

Efficient Chemical Operations

The wet chemical industry is critical in various industrial processes but faces multifaceted challenges that require best-in-class solutions to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations. With our chemical competence and broad portfolio of corrosion-free piping systems, valves, and measurement solutions, we can ensure operational safety due to the often hazardous nature of chemicals involved, comply with stringent regulatory frameworks governing chemical handling and disposal, and maintain environmental sustainability. Our solutions for Process Automation are meticulously engineered to meet the unique needs of the most demanding applications. For example, by installing the respective sensors from our portfolio, controlling the chemical feed lines during electroplating is no longer a problem. Our experts support you during every phase of your design and installation process. 

Applications

Surface Treatment

In surface treatment  the process is subjected to stringent control to avoid cont. To convey chemical media, high-quality system solutions and components made of plastics are, therefore, the perfect choice. GF Piping Systems has numerous measurement and control technology devices on offer, from simple pressure sensors to fully automated and networked control systems, enabling our customers to optimize their processes. Using dedicated jointing technology, system life can be improved.

Dosing and Dilution

Dosing and diluting chemicals requires highly specialized and reliable workflows, especially with aggressive chemicals. Concentrated chemicals in small amounts are dosed inline or through a static mixer that ensures correct dilution.

Distribution of Chemicals

Transporting chemicals in the highest quality, different concentrations, and exact dosing are mandatory. Choosing the appropriate piping system, including automation, offers many advantages, such as increased productivity, decreased production and maintenance costs, and improved product quality.

Mechanical Pressure Control

Dosing and diluting chemicals requires highly specialized and reliable workflows, especially with aggressive chemicals. Concentrated chemicals in small mounts are dosed in-line or through a static mixer that ensures correct dilution.

Fume Scrubber

Properly designed fume scrubbers are very effective in removing particles, dust, aerosols, and oxides that are smaller than 10 microns. To effectively remove particles, proper contact time between the gas or liquid is very important. Precise measurement is key in this application.

Success Story

two men discussing, one of them pointing at a plan

Cutting-edge surface treatment solution

Galvabau,  Switzerland

Surface coating is an important step in producing components for demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical technology, or the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs). During the electroless plating process, a surface layer of metal is applied to a non-conductive base material to prevent corrosion, improve hardness and solderability or reduce friction. GALVABAU AG, a Swiss OEM based near Lucerne, specializes in turnkey coating systems and offers services ranging from planning and engineering to construction and maintenance. As part of a close collaboration, GF Piping Systems provides its process automation portfolio as standard equipment.

    FAQs

    How to increase the yield of the plating bath?

    Increasing the yield of a plating bath involves optimizing various parameters and conditions to enhance the efficiency and quality of the electroplating process. One strategy is to optimize the bath composition, maintaining the correct concentrations of the main plating metal ions, additives, and pH levels. Precise pH control reduces the need for chemicals like additives, acids, and alkalis, maximizing profit.  GF Piping systems pH sensors feature Drylock connectors with corrosion-resistant gold-plated contacts and materials that withstand corrosive environments while protecting against chemical vapor and humidity ingress. The PPS body ensures broad chemical compatibility, and the HF-resistant glass is designed for challenging wet chemical applications. These features provide unmatched accuracy and durability, making our pH sensors ideal for process optimization. Read more here about the liquid analysis ( link) solutions available. 

    How to choose the right conductivity sensor for the electroplating process?

    A conductivity sensor is an essential tool in the electroplating process. It ensures the correct concentration of ions in the plating bath, optimizes process efficiency, enhances coating quality, ensures environmental compliance, extends bath life, enables real-time monitoring, and helps manage costs effectively. By providing accurate and continuous monitoring, conductivity sensors play a pivotal role in maintaining the reliability and quality of electroplating operations. At GF Piping Systems, we offer conductivity sensors with a wide range of applications, from high-purity water in upstream processes to chemically polluted water in downstream processes. With process connections made from chemically resistant materials, our sensors ensure longevity and reliable performance in aggressive environments. This durability reduces maintenance needs and saves costs by minimizing sensor replacements due to corrosion.  We provide an online tool for the fast and precise selection of your neeed sensor.  ( link to the tool) 

    What are 5 things to know when choosing your surface treatment process?

    When designing a surface treatment process, consider these five key aspects for effectiveness, efficiency, and safety:

    1. Material Compatibility

    Select the appropriate surface treatment method based on the substrate material's properties. Ensure chemical compatibility to prevent unwanted reactions or damage. Focus on adhesion properties to ensure the coating bonds properly, providing desired protection and aesthetics.

    2. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

    Adhere to local, national, and international environmental regulations regarding emissions, waste disposal, and hazardous substances. Ensure compliance with occupational safety standards to protect workers. Develop a waste management plan, including recycling and disposal methods, to manage process by-products effectively.

    3. Process Control and Quality Assurance

    Define and control critical process parameters like temperature, pH, current density, and treatment time. Use real-time monitoring and measurement systems to maintain process stability and quality. Establish rigorous quality control procedures, including regular inspections and testing of treated surfaces.

    4. Surface Preparation

    Properly clean and prepare surfaces to remove contaminants that can affect treatment quality. Additional conditioning steps like etching, blasting, or polishing may be required. Inspect substrates thoroughly before treatment to address any defects or irregularities.

    5. Cost and Efficiency Considerations

    Evaluate material and chemical costs, seeking optimization. Reduce energy consumption through efficient equipment and process parameter optimization. Design with automation and scalability in mind to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and meet production demands. Plan regular maintenance to minimize downtime.

    At GF Piping Systems, we offer engineering support and the best in class pipings, valves and measurement instrumentation portfolio to help you make the right design choice. 

    Georg Fischer Piping Systems Pvt. Ltd

    96 Lal Bahadur Shastri Road

    400083 Mumbai

    India

    GF logo on the headquarters building