Tube inner surface electropolishing device with electrolyte dam

Abstract

The tube inner surface electropolishing device includes an electrolyte delivery system to cause electrolyte to flow through the tube whose inner surface must be electropolished. An electrical cable having an electrode engaged to its distal end is slowly moved through the tube while an electrical current from a power supply passes through the electrode and the tube wall and the electrolyte flowing therebetween. Several electrode embodiments are disclosed including electrodes that include a chain of elements having alternating insulator and electrode elements, an electrode including a quantity of metallic wool enclosed in a permeable insulating member, and a flexible insulating member formed from a cylindrical tubular section which is axially compressible to produce a series of projecting flexible arms, so that many one section can be compressed to enter a smaller opening than the tube to be polished. An electrolyte dam is coupled to the electrode and controls the flow rate of electrolyte through the tube. The electrolyte dam includes a body, a channel formed in a top portion of the body, and ballast disposed in a bottom portion of the body. The channel facilitates the flow of electrolyte past the dam and the escape of gasses that are evolved during the electropolishing process. The ballast maintains the dam in an upright position as it is drawn through the tube.