About Platewise

This tool enables you to calculate the costs and investment for various surface treatment systems and processes and thus enables you to optimise productivity, quality, materials efficiency and environmental performance. As such, it represents a significant advance on its predecessor (IT265) in terms of flexibility, the range of surface treatment processes covered and the level of supporting information.

Whilst the tool is principally designed for the general and technical management of surface treatment sub-contractors and in-house shops, it will also have value for the technical staff of proprietary chemicals supply companies and process plant and equipment contractors.

Since the publication of the Electroplaters’ Performance Optimisation Tool (IT 265) in 2000, there have been several developments affecting the surface treatment industry in the UK. The most notable are:

• impact of the PPC Regulations 2000 and the resulting emphasis on Best Available Techniques (BATs) and environmental management.
• Increased concern expressed by the Health and Safety Executive on the use of hexavalent chromium systems.
• Implications of the ELV and WEEE Directives.
• Tightening of the regulations pertaining to the disposal of hazardous waste.

1. Decorative chromium plating options, such as Best Available Techniques for multi-stage drag-out tanks and closed loop evaporative techniques for hexavalent chromium systems.
2. Comparative operational cost data for hexavalent and trivalent chromium plating, and the chrome-like, but chromium free, tin-cobalt alloys.
3. Trivalent colour passivation (chromiting) for zinc plated work as an environmentally friendly option to the traditional hexavalent process.
4. Cost comparison for alkaline non-cyanide and acid zinc plating processes.
5. The closed loop nickel plating process.
6. Hydraulic turbulence for plating electrolytes and how it compares with traditional air agitation.
7. Biological cleaning, in place of conventional hot alkaline systems.
8. Anodising processes.
9. The importance of drainage time on drag-out reduction.
10. Rinse water economy.
11. Closed loop operation for conventional aqueous cleaners.
12. Stable acid pickling for the plating line.

The tool is easily adapted for other surface treatment processes (e.g. cadmium, copper and silver plating).

Guidance is given on the classification of filter cakes and other liquid and solid wastes in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Regulations.