We’re excited about shipping our first NEW GENERATION ANODE MONITOR to an industrial end-user.  Our new design is networkable, expandable, and uses the latest in PLC technology to capture both current and voltage from individual cells — as often as two times per second.  Data can be translated into different languages at the touch of a button as well, making it great for overseas customers.  Visit www.ufsc.com, and type 995417 in the search box to find out more.

UPS?  US Steel?  USF trucking?  We sometimes get asked about the origin of our company name, UFS Corporation.  It goes back more than 30 years ago when H.F. Hess started manufacturing ultrafilter elements in the basement of his house in Wheaton, Illinois.  The first company name was Ultrafilter Systems.  When he started to manufacture and sell TECTRON Tubular Anode Cells, he shortened the name to UFS to reflect the broader product offering.  As a side note, we got out of the ultrafilter end of the business for about fifteen years but jumped back in around 2001 making UF systems and distributing UF elements.

Over time, E-coat tenders will gradually increase voltage settings on the rectifier to maintain the required film build. This gradual increase in the rectifier voltage compensates for the gradual increase in the resistively of the Membrane. At times, conditions arise where an increase in the voltage setting on the rectifier will not correct low film builds.  This could be due to a number of factors, including the age of the Membrane Shells.  While we won’t go into detail here, if you are experiencing increased voltages, visit www.ufsc.com and type 990166 in the search box for information on possible causes.

Whoa!  You just took a sample of the anolyte in your e-coat system and it looks like coffee.  What is going on?   Anolyte color is a valuable preventive maintenance tool in an e-coat system. Anolyte flows through each Cell and the anolyte system itself, so its color is often an early indication of a problem.  Anolyte color can range from a clear, light yellow color (“normal”) to a dark color, similar to coffee. Any changes in color can indicate iron particles in your anolyte system, which is an early warning sign of rapid anode deterioration. Visit www.ufsc.com and type 990165 in the search box for more information.

Anode vs. Electrode

Sometimes terminology can be confusing.  UFS’ use of the term “electrode” rather than anode” is an excellent example.  Believe it or not, electrode is the generic term – electrodes are used in both anodic and cathodic paint systems.  While anodes are most prevalent in e-coat paint systems, cathodes are used as well, depending on the desired direction of electrical current flow

UF Elements can last anywhere from three months to one year in an E-Coat Ultrafiltration System, depending on tank conditions and operating hours.  If you have to install a new element, but are unsure how to do it, UFSc has some valuable information to share with you.   Visit www.ufsc.com and type TruFlux UF Machine in the search box, then select TruFlux UF Operator Checklists ver. 2F and scroll to page 11 for more information.   You can also click on our U-Tube Channel button for a short demo video on installing elements in a UF system.

UFS now offers a Replenishment Paint Feeder System.  The system regulates the addition of resin and paste to the e-coat paint bath, in an amount determined by the e-coat operator.  Usually based on hourly throughput, the desired ratio of resin and paste in the paint bath is maintained.  The result is more controlled variable costs. In addition, the Replenishment Paint Feeder System allows for manpower-cost savings by automating the addition of replenishment paint.  Visit www.ufsc.com and type 995416 in the search box for more information.