Solution Control, Inc.

The CSRS Advantage!

From the Service Technician's Point of View

The CSRS electrolytic recovery systems are controlled by a micro- processor which employs sophisticated (patent pending) software to recover silver at the most efficient rates while minimizing chemical destruction from the electrolysis process.

Brief Background

Electrolyzing fixer generally lowers sulfite levels by predictable amounts. Sulfite is a standard component of fixer (preservative) and is present in the form of a salt, such as sodium-sulfite or potassium-sulfite. Sulfite is consumed by electrolysis (oxidation) in a predictable manner proportional to the amount of current and time (Amp-hours).
Silver is also reduced to a metallic state in a predictable manner proportional to the number of amp-hours used. Under ideal (theoretical) conditions, it is possible to recover just slightly more than 4.0 grams of silver per amp hr. Unfortunately, fixer working tanks are not exactly ideal plating conditions and the number of grams of silver recovered is dependent on the silver concentration and the current density (amps/cm2). The higher the concentration, the closer the grams/amp hr of silver recovered approach the theoretical values. Conversely, low silver concentrations result in lower grams of silver recovered per amp hour.
The significance of these facts is that at low silver conditions (<500mg/l), sulfite levels are lowered at significantly greater levels relative to the amount of silver recovered than at higher silver levels. In other words, for every gram of silver recovered at low silver concentrations, the chemistry is destroyed 2- 3 times faster than at higher silver conditions.

Since a properly sized recovery unit will spend a majority of the time at silver levels below 500mg/l, A system that protects the chemistry at these levels will have a distinct advantage.

Protecting the Chemistry

CSRS Systems minimize chemical destruction while in the plating mode two ways:
First, the micro-processor carefully controls the plating potential (voltage) to maintain a low plating density when silver levels are low or approaching the plating cut off point. When silver levels rise, the micro-processor raises the potential thus increasing the rate at which silver is collected. The on-board computer continually matches the plating potential to the amount of silver in solution.
The second way that CSRS systems minimize oxidation of sulfite is by creating an extremely high amount of agitation within the plating cell. The agitation is created by the on-board circulation pump and a special (patent pending) circulation booster. The high amount of agitation actually increases the proportion of silver recovered relative to the sulfite destruction. As a side benefit, the agitation also increases the silver plate quality resulting in a higher percent of purity and the circulation through the processor is significantly reduced. Too much circulation in the processor can lead to film jamming, splashing of fixer and foaming.
Protecting the chemistry while achieving maximum plating efficiency is the primary design consideration of CSRS systems. besides protecting the chemistry while in plating mode, CSRS systems have another unique feature to protect the chemistry while in the Standby mode. When CSRS systems are in standby mode, the micro-processor switches on a low sensing voltage for a few seconds. When on, the current is measured so that the system can determines if enough silver present to switch to plating mode. When low levels are detected, the system switches off the sensing voltage or a couple of minutes before repeating the process. This very low duty rate and low sensing voltage effectively reduces chemical destruction to negligible levels.

Since the CSRS systems do not have a "gain point" (fixed initial plating amps), adjustment is much simpler. The CSRS systems essentially have only one operating parameter (Ahi) that is adjustable. Raising this parameter will raise the silver concentration at the cut off point and lowering it will lower the concentration. All other parameters, such as plating voltage and the "turn on" point are controlled and automatically adjusted by the on-board computer. This simplified operating system also protects the chemistry from misadjustments caused by complex operating parameters.

The CSRS Advantage

From the Users Point of View





From the Service Technician's Point of View: Dependable Electronics. The dependability of CSRS products comes from a quality design, quality components, quality suppliers and most importantly of all, quality employees who really care!
: Modular Electronics design. CSRS products are designed with service in mind, screw drivers are all that are generally required to change a part.
: Reliable long lasting Pumps. CSRS utilizes magnetically driven seal-less March pumps. All impellers are fully encapsulated for long life.
: Simple Installation . Because of the on-board pump and circulation booster, installation is simple, as special modifications to the processor are not generally required. Simply splice into the fixer circulation loop of the processor using the assorted adapters and fittings supplied with the recovery units.
: Simple to Adjust. In most cases, no adjustments to the recovery unit are required since the system basically adjusts itself. When adjustments are required, only one parameter need be changed. This parameter simply controls the silver level when the system reaches "Standby" mode. All other parameters are then automatically adjusted by the on board computer using the (patent pending) self calibrating software.

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Last revised: 8/10/06