Surface World March 2019 SW_March_2019_LR | Page 80

PRODUCTS & PROCESSES
SFE provide an automatically controlled
transporter operated system to process
aluminium/aluminium alloy aerospace
components in a Tartaric Sulphuric solution
Surface Finishing
Engineering have completed
a momentous project with
a highly reputable and
recognised fi rst tier supplier
to the global aviation
industry. The extensive scope
of supply has encompassed
an array of bespoke features
including considerably large
process tanks whilst having
minimal environmental
impact and being a “turnkey”
solution for the client, both
robust and reliable.
SFE have provided an automatically
controlled transporter operated system
for the client to process aluminium/
aluminium alloy aerospace components
in a Tartaric Sulphuric solution. The parts
are then anodised to achieve the desired thin
oxide layer (TSA). The numerous tanks on
the process line have all been fabricated
from 316 grade stainless steel with an
approximate size of 6m x 2m x 3m. The
gigantic structure also has a fully operational
heating and cooling system, a control and
data acquisition system that monitors and
records all aspects of the process and stores
the information for historical reference and
traceability and a highly technical transporter
with motorised hoist and traverse facilities.
The complete design and installation of the
plant has specifically incorporated strict EU
regulations in terms of Health and Safety and
all products were manufactured to meet CE
approvals under ISO 9001 quality control
certification. All elements of the project were
complaint with REACH regulations and is
completely Chrome free.
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Energy saving has been a key element of the
project. A concerted drive from both parties
for the plant to be cost, energy and space
efficient has resulted in a remarkable
engineering feat. The tanks have been
positioned and designed to reduce wind chill
which saves approximately 30% of the tank
heating running load. Reduced fan sizes
require less energy to run, reducing electrical
costs by 75%. Also, the dimensional impact
of the plant has been kept to a minimal. corrosion. It is also an ideal pre-treatment for
further coating processes. Also, SFE have
incorporated elements such as UV filtration
and a biocide dosing system to keep the
chemistry in optimal condition. Post rinses
have heating elements to eradicate any
bacteria caused by the tartaric solution. After
being heated, the cooling brings the
temperature down within the parameters to
specification, reducing downtime.
The sophisticated scrubber system ensures
clean fumes are omitted to the atmosphere
and includes for various types of filtration
and dosing. The impressive scrubber stack
is supported independently from the building
and stands at an astonishing 25 metres tall;
all fabricated in a GRP material for longevity. SFE faced many challenges in the completion
of this project. The size of the components
being processed were daunting, the
complexity of the biocide requirements
of TSA processing had to be carefully
considered and the customer required
installation to be carried out adjacent to
an existing chrome anodising facility where
production commitments could not be
interfered with in any way. Coupled with
the common constraints of time, budget,
and resource, it is highly commendable
that SFE were able to complete the project
in time and within budget and avoided
any interruption to the client’s existing
commitments. SFE have showcased the
ability to take on unique projects and
welcome challenges alongside delivering
a technically remarkable and aesthetically
pleasing process line.
Additional features of this notable project
include the technically challenging cross
transfer system which interfaces with the
client’s existing anodise line and the fully
turnkey effluent treatment plant which ensures
waste solution is treated to local authority’s
standards. The control system has a highly
developed transporter random sequencing
ability, optimising plant throughput.
Tartaric Sulphuric Anodising has many
features, especially when treating aluminium
parts. With this process, we are able to
achieve a thin oxide layer, optimal adhesion
to the part as well as being highly resistant to
MARCH 2019
Visit: www.sfeuk.com
read online: www.surfaceworld.com