Using The Hydrometer With
SIFCO Process® Solutions
Purpose
Of This Presentation
• To understand how the hydrometer works
• To understand how to read the hydrometer
• To understand how to use the hydrometer
to monitor and adjust the specific gravity of
the AeroNikl® and Nickel Acid Solutions
What Is
A Hydrometer?
• A measuring
instrument for
determining the
specific gravity of a
liquid or a solid
Why Do I Need
A Hydrometer?
• Maintaining the specific gravity of certain
plating solutions is key to getting the
proper deposit quality.
Which Solutions Do I
Need To Worry About?
•
•
•
•
AeroNikl 250
AeroNikl 400
AeroNikl 575
Nickel Acid Code 2080/5600
What Is The Proper
Specific Gravity?
• AeroNikl Solutions
– 1.320 to 1.340 at room
temperature
• 68F
– 1.300 to 1.320 at
operating temperature
• 130F
• Nickel Acid Solution
– 1.275 to 1.300 at room
temperature
• 68F
– 1.270 to 1.275 at
operating temperature
• 130F
When Do I Check
Specific Gravity?
• At operating temperature, BEFORE you
start to plate
• At least every 10 ampere-hours for each
gallon in use.
When Do I Check
Specific Gravity?
• More frequently if:
– High solution flow rates
– Large plating area
– Large catch pan surface area
– Fan blowing on work area
– Solution level drops
How Do I Check It?
• With a hydrometer
How Do I Check It?
• Need a picture showing the tube filled
with solution and the hydrometer
floating
How Do I Read
The Hydrometer?
• Need a
closeup of
a
hydrometer
scale that’s
easy to
read