Distribution plate in electrolyte bath

Abstract

An installation ( 20 ) for continuously electroplating a plurality of elongated metal elements ( 21, 21′, 21″ ) with another metal comprises a bath ( 22 ) of an electrolyte wherein the elongated metal elements ( 21, 21′, 21″ ) are travelling. The bath ( 22 ) comprises a collector space ( 24 ) positioned under the elongated metal elements ( 21, 21′, 21″ ) and the bath further comprises a distribution plate ( 26 ) between the collector space ( 24 ) and the elongated metal elements ( 21, 21′, 21″ ). The installation ( 20 ) further comprises a pump ( 25 ) for circulating the electrolyte in the bath ( 22 ) from the collector space ( 24 ) through the distribution plate ( 26 ). The collector space ( 24 ) causes first flow losses to the flow of the electrolyte. The distribution plate ( 26 ) has a multiplicity of openings for allowing the flow of the electrolyte and these openings cause second flow losses to the flow of the electrolyte. Each of the second flow losses is at least five times greater than the first flow losses.

1 .- 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . An installation for continuously electroplating a plurality of elongated metal elements with another metal,
 said installation comprising:
 a plurality of elongated metal elements to be plated, said plurality of elongated metal elements functioning as cathodes; 
 a bath of an electrolyte wherein said elongated metal elements are immersed and are travelling along a rectilinear path;
 said bath comprising a collector space positioned under said elongated metal elements; 
 said bath comprising an anode; 
 said bath further comprising a distribution plate between said collector space and said elongated metal elements;
 said distribution plate having a multiplicity of openings for allowing flow of an electrolyte; 
 
 
 a pump for circulating said electrolyte in said bath from said collector space through said distribution plate. 
   
     
     
         10 . An installation according to  claim 9 ,
 said collector space causing first flow losses to the flow of said electrolyte;   said openings in said distribution plate causing second flow losses to the flow of said electrolyte,   
       each of said second flow losses being at least five times greater than said first flow losses. 
     
     
         11 . An installation according to  claim 10 ,
 wherein said collector space has a first average cross-section for allowing the flow of said electrolyte,   wherein said openings of said distribution plate have a second cross-section, said second cross-section being at least one three times smaller than said first cross-section.   
     
     
         12 . An installation according to  claim 11 ,
 wherein said elongated metal elements are steel wires or steel cords and   wherein said another metal is selected of the group consisting of zinc, tin, nickel, copper, or alloys thereof   
     
     
         13 . An installation according to  claim 9 ,
 wherein said distribution plate is different from said anode.   
     
     
         14 . An installation according to  claim 9 ,
 wherein said distribution plate is a flat plate.   
     
     
         15 . An installation according to  claim 9 ,
 wherein there are more than forty elongated metal elements running parallel to each other.   
     
     
         16 . An installation according to  claim 9 ,
 wherein said pump is located at one side of said plurality of elongated elements.