Resonating electroplating anode and process

Abstract

A resonating electroplating anode electrode for electroplating the inside surfaces of steam generator tubing. The resonating electroplating anode electrode is formed from a plurality of tubular ceramic resonating material pieces glued to the inside and/or to one end of an anode tube to create a single resonating volume. In operation, an electrolyte solution is fed to the outside of the electrode in an annulus formed between the steam generator tube and the anode and returns through a hollow center in the anode. During use, the resonating materials resonate within the electrolyte solution during the electroplating process, thus creating an ultrasound enhanced-electroplating process. As a result, the resonating electroplating anode electrode and the resulting process reduce the amount of time required for electroplating, increase the production rate, reduce the residual internal stress resulting from electroplating, improves ductility and reduce brittleness of electrode-deposited nickel, produce a less porous deposited plating layer which improves corrosion resistance, and improve the uniformity of the electroplating coating grains. The resulting plated generator tubing is of superior quality and extended durability relative to currently known techniques.