Experimentos integrados: utilización de sensores en plantas de la galvanotecnia

Trying to integrate knowledge sometimes is very difficult in the experimental sciences, however, the electroplating industry gives us a great opportunity because it allows integrating the knowledge of electrochemistry with the analytical chemistry and hence the use of instruments of varied sophistication in the determination of analytes. The colours of different electrolytes in the bath of electrolysis, in the cited plants, allow using the colorimetric sensor to help plant operator to quantify the degree of electrodeposition of metal of the colored electrolyte. The nickel baths are of extraordinary importance in a electroplating plant, or those requiring to deposit hard copper for the printing roller or small workshops of artisans or jewelers, because nickel coating allows deposit on it, other metals as gold or silver, of greater value, improving the aesthetics value of the obtained piece part and raising their resistance to corrosion and wear. The plant experienced operator, is capable of determining the degree of depletion of electrolyte observing the intensity of the colour to be sent to quantitative analysis, with the aim of adding exactly the amount of nickel salts that need the bath. Using the colorimetric sensor allows this operation efficiently enough, allowing solving quickly, in-situ, the analytical problem.