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Phosphate Bath Fluid Filtration

A phosphate bath fluid is commonly composed of either iron, manganese or zinc, along with phosphoric acid, water and an etching compound. These phosphate baths are used for applying a conversion coating to metal parts (often aluminum and steel parts). The base material combines with phosphoric acid and the surface metal of the part to form a layer of insoluble crystalline phosphates, which prevents galling and provides excellent wear protection. For paint and powder coatings, a phosphate coating has two main functions. First, the coating provides improved paint and powder coating adhesion since the phosphate crystals act as an organic coating anchoring site. Second, the phosphate layer acts as a corrosion barrier if the organic coating gets scratched.

See our video of the Dump Cycle from cleaning a 6,000 gallon Zinc Phosphate Tank.
We replaced a Pressure Filter, which had been in place for many years. The customer stated, “The CentraSep® centrifuge took out more solids in one day than our other system would do in a week!”

Phosphate solids

The phosphate solution is either sprayed on the part, or more commonly, the part is immersed in a phosphate bath. In these baths, the temperature, time and chemical composition of the phosphate fluid must be carefully controlled to produce high quality and consistent results. A by-product of this coating process is a sludge that forms and settles to the bottom of the immersion tank. As more of this phosphate sludge accumulates in the tank, the coating process becomes less efficient. Thus, the tanks require periodic cleaning to remove this sludge.

Trucent offers a highly effective way to keep the phosphate bath fluid clean and sludge-free. The phosphate bath fluid continually circulates through the centrifuge filtration system, where the centrifugal force is more than 2,000 times the force of gravity. Even the smallest micro-particles of phosphate are removed from the phosphate bath fluid. The resulting clean fluid is then continually recycled and reused in the phosphate coating process. By properly and continually filtering and separating the phosphate particles out of the bath fluid, the coater is ensured of a smooth, efficient process, where perfect chemical balances and temperatures are maintained, and downtime is virtually eliminated.

While the phosphate coating industry continues to become more competitive, it is important for a coater to establish any and all competitive advantages available. The coaters implementing CentraSep phosphate bath fluid filtration systems are seeing increased production, decreased costs and higher profits. Our ultra-efficient and effective phosphate bath filtration systems can dramatically and positively impact a coater’s bottom line. We have an experienced and dedicated team of Filtration Engineers, technicians and manufacturing personnel that truly understand the phosphate coating industry, and they are ready to work with your team to develop a centrifuge based filtration and separation solution that not only works extremely well, but one that requires virtually no maintenance.

The CentraSep centrifuge is the proven leader in phosphate bath fluid filtration. Since 1981, CentraSep centrifuges have been used in solving filtration and separation problems through advanced science and application engineering. This problem-solving approach is showcased in our phosphate bath fluid filtration systems, where we listened to coater’s needs, studied their problems and developed the most effective process possible. CentraSep centrifuges can offer you savings by reducing labor, filter media expenses, inventory, disposal fees and water replacement costs. Contact us today to see how a CentraSep centrifuge can help you with your phosphate bath fluid application.

Benefits of the CentraSep Phosphate Bath Fluid Filtration System:

  • Eliminates tedious and expensive “pump and shovel” tank cleaning operations.
  • Improves heat transfer in the coating process.
  • Eliminates the need for media paper and its disposal fees.
  • It is a fully automatic system requiring very little monitoring.
  • Offers the lowest maintenance in the Industry.
  • Maximizes your phosphate fluid life.
  • Reduces your waste stream / recyclable waste.
  • Constructed of 316 stainless steel (standard).
  • Reduces pollution and environmental impact.
  • Capable of separating solids to the single micron.
  • Has an optional LIFETIME WARRANTY available.
  • Incorporates the experience of numerous domestic and international installations.

CentraSep is more than a centrifuge. It represents the experience, innovation, and commitment of a comprehensive Filtration Engineering Solutions Company.

Talk to one of our Trucent Engineers today to see how we can help with your phosphate filtration and separation needs.


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